ISBN online: 978-80-7701-104-4 | DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026
Proceedings of Reviewed Scientific Papers NutriNet|2026
- Eva Mrkvicová (ed.)
ORCID..., Ondřej Šťastník (ed.) ORCID..., Miroslav Juráček (ed.) ORCID..., Ondrej Hanušovský (ed.) ORCID...
Sborník shrnuje vědecké práce z oblasti výživy zvířat, výroby a hodnocení kvality krmiv.
Klíčová slova: nutrition, forage, silage, animals, nutrients
1. vydání, online: 2026, vydavatel: Mendel University in Brno
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Obsah
THE USE OF LUPIN IN LAYING HEN NUTRITION: A REVIEW OF ITS EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE, EGG QUALITY AND HEALTH STATUS
Marie Bělocká, Eva Straková
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_001
The aim of this review was to evaluate the potential of narrow-leafed (Lupinus angustifolius), yellow (Lupinus luteus) and white lupin (Lupinus albus) as alternative protein sources in laying hen nutrition and to summarize their effects on productive performance, egg quality and health status. Relevant studies published during the last 10–15 years were identified through searches of scientific databases using keywords related to lupin, laying hens, poultry nutrition, and legumes. Available studies show that lupin can partially replace soybean meal in the nutrition of laying hens without a negative effect on performance, when included at appropriate levels. Narrow-leafed lupin is the most extensively studied species, with recommended inclusion levels of 15–20 %. Yellow lupin shows comparable effects on egg quality, although recommended inclusion levels vary among studies. White lupin has been studied less frequently, with dietary concentrations up to 15–20 % generally considered safe. Across species, the most consistently reported benefits include improved yolk pigmentation and a more favourable fatty acid profile. Several studies have also described positive effects on gut environment and intestinal fermentation. In contrast, excessive lupin inclusion may impair performance and egg quality, likely due to antinutritional factors and reduced nutrient digestibility. Overall, lupin represents a promising alternative protein source for laying hens; however, its successful use depends on lupin species, inclusion level, feed formulation, and seed processing methods.
EFFECT OF PEA PROTEIN ON BROILER PERFORMANCE
Lukáš Čumplík, Jakub Novotný, Dana Zálešáková, Izabela Helena Neradová, Lenka Kudlová1, Ondřej Šťastník1
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_002
The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of incorporating pea protein into broiler diets on growth, feed intake, feed conversion, yield, and the parameters of the main meat cuts. Pea protein was incorporated into the diets as a substitute for soybean meal. The cultivation of soybeans and their import into Europe currently appear problematic from an environmental perspective; therefore, alternative protein sources are being sought to reduce the use of soybeans in animal diets. The experiment included 128 Ross 308 broilers, which were fattened for 36 days. Four groups were formed—a control group (K) and three experimental groups, which were fed a diet containing pea protein that replaced soybean meal at levels of 25 % (H25), 50 % (H50), and 100 % (H100). The highest slaughter weight was recorded in the H50 group, at 2,179 g, while the lowest slaughter weight of 1,715 g was found in the H100 group (P < 0.05). Likewise, the highest average weight gain was observed in the H50 group, and the lowest average weight gain in the H100 group (P < 0.05). Neither feed intake nor feed conversion was affected by the inclusion of pea protein in the broiler diets (P > 0.05). In the H100 group, there was a decrease in yield compared to the other groups (P < 0.05) as well as a reduction in breast weight, which was also reflected in the breast percentage of slaughter weight (P < 0.05). Conversely, the lowest proportion of thighs in broiler body weight was measured in the H50 group and the highest in the H100 group (P < 0.05). The results indicate that incorporating pea protein into broiler feed formulations is feasible and may even have a positive effect on certain production parameters. However, replacing soybean meal with pea protein in the diets may impair growth and broiler carcass quality parameters.
LIVER HEALTH IN THE PERIPARTURIENT PERIOD AND ITS EFFECT ON MILK PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION IN DAIRY COWS
Beáta Fraňová, Iveta Maskaľová, Petra Timkovičová Lacková
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_003
The periparturient period is a critical phase in dairy cows because negative energy balance and lipid mobilization may impair liver function, milk production, and reproductive performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between energy balance, liver health indicators, milk production, and pregnancy success after the first insemination in multiparous dairy cows from a commercial herd with high milk production. Forty cows were assessed using production records, reproductive data, biochemical blood parameters, and calculated liver indices, including the liver functionality index (LFI) and liver health index (LHI). The results indicate that cows with more favorable liver health indicators showed better metabolic adaptation after calving and more favorable production and reproductive outcomes. The findings support the practical use of LHI as a simple tool for early identification of cows at risk of impaired transition performance.
Effects of Corn Distillers Dried Grains and Corn Gluten in the Diet of Dairy Cows: A Comparative Analysis of Their Impact on Milk Yield
Dominika Friessová, Alena Pechová, Lenka Kudělková, Petr Doležal, Leoš Pavlata
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_004
The experiment compared the effect of wet distillers’ grains with solubles (WDGS) and enriched corn gluten (CG) on the milk production and milk composition of 86 Holstein dairy cows. The experiment group received 4 kg of WDGS per cow in their daily total mixed ration (TMR), while the control group received 4 kg of CG per cow. The results demonstrated that the CG group achieved a significantly higher milk yield at week 7 of the trial (April) compared to the WDGS group (40.63 kg vs. 37.21 kg, p ≤ 0.01). In contrast, the WDGS group showed a significantly higher milk protein content from week 3 to week 11 of the trial (p ≤ 0.01) and higher fat content at week 11 (4.21 vs. 3.96 %; p ≤ 0.05). Higher levels of milk urea were also observed in the WDGS group (p ≤ 0.01) during multiple sampling periods. Both by-products proved to be effective subsites for concentrate mixtures. While CG promoted a higher milk volume, WDGS improve milk quality parameters (protein and fat concentrations). However, the use of WDGS requires more precise balancing of nitrogenous fractions and energy in the rumen due to its higher acidogenity and nutritional variability.
SELECTED BIOMARKERS OF ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN HORSES
Tamara Hoppejová, František Zigo, Andrej Récky, Alica Tvrdá, Stanislav Hreško
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_005
Oxidative stress represents an important factor affecting health status, reproductive performance, physical performance, and adaptive mechanisms in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected biomarkers of antioxidant status in clinically healthy American Quarter Horses and to assess their usefulness in the evaluation of oxidative balance. The study included 13 clinically healthy horses consisting of seven mares and six geldings aged between 4 and 15 years, used for breeding and recreational purposes. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis. Serum samples were used for the determination of total antioxidant status and malondialdehyde concentration, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity was determined from heparinized whole blood. The mean total antioxidant status reached 2.42 ± 0.53 mmol/L, glutathione peroxidase activity 862 ± 265 U/L, and the mean malondialdehyde concentration 0.131 ± 0.022 μmol/L. The obtained results indicated a favorable antioxidant profile in the evaluated horses. The results suggest that clinically healthy American Quarter Horses maintained under the conditions of the studied farm in eastern Slovakia do not exhibit signs of increased oxidative stress. The obtained data provide preliminary information on the antioxidant status of this breed and may serve as a basis for further studies focused on the influence of age, reproductive status, nutrition, and physical activity on the oxidative balance of the equine organism.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MAIZE CULTIVATION SYSTEMS AND MICROBIAL INOCULATION ON THE AEROBIC STABILITY OF MAIZE SILAGE
Lucie Hronová, Petr Doležal, Jakub Novotný, Michal Řiháček, Dominika Friessová, Šarlota-Anna Životská, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_006
Freshly chopped whole-plant maize cultivated under narrow-row spacing (0.375 m) and conventional row spacing (0.75 m) was ensiled in laboratory-scale mini silos with or without a microbial inoculant containing Lactococcus lactis and Lentilactobacillus buchneri. The aim of the study was to compare the fermentation characteristics and quality parameters of silages produced under the two cultivation systems after six days of aerobic exposure. In addition, the effect of microbial inoculation on the aerobic stability of maize silage was evaluated. Silages produced from maize grown under narrow-row cultivation had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) dry matter content than silages produced under the conventional cultivation system. The untreated narrow-row silage also contained significantly less (p < 0,05), crude fibre (205.48 ± 0.59 g/kg DM) than the untreated conventional-row silage (218.46 ± 1.08 g/kg DM). In both inoculated silages, the proportion of lactic acid in total fermentation acids was significantly lower (51.59 % and 52.04 %; p < 0.05), whereas the proportion of acetic acid was significantly higher (45.90 % and 45.08 %; p < 0.05) than in the untreated controls. After six days of aerobic exposure, the untreated narrow-row silage exhibited the highest pH (5.82; p < 0.05). In contrast, silages treated with the microbial inoculant maintained a stable pH of approximately 4.0 throughout the aerobic exposure period. The untreated narrow-row silage also reached the highest temperature (38 °C), indicating intensive aerobic deterioration. Inoculation with a microbial inoculant containing L. lactis and L. buchneri significantly improved the aerobic stability of maize silage by reducing both silage heating and pH increase during aerobic exposure.
EFFECT OF CATTLE BREED ON MUSCLE PROTEIN
Natalie Klessy, Eva Straková, Pavel Suchý
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_007
The study evaluated differences in muscle protein quality in the m. longissimus, pars thoracis of bulls from the Aberdeen Angus and Czech Fleckvieh breeds reared under identical extensive pasture-based conditions. A significantly higher crude protein content (P ≤ 0.05) was found in Czech Fleckvieh bulls (886.96 ± 87.36 g/kg of dry matter) compared to Aberdeen Angus bulls (812.48 ± 59.31 g/kg of dry matter). The Czech Fleckvieh breed also exhibited greater concentrations of non-essential amino acids (389.79 ± 37.92 vs. 363.91 ± 44.48 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05), essential amino acids (405.95 ± 38.95 vs. 382.25 ± 41.00 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05), and total analysed amino acids (795.74 ± 74.85 vs. 746.16 ± 82.71 g/kg of dry matter; P ≤ 0.05) than Aberdeen Angus. Breed significantly affected the content of most analysed amino acids (P ≤ 0.05), whereas no breed differences were detected for tyrosine and phenylalanine (P > 0.05). Lysine was the most abundant essential amino acid, with contents of 73.43 ± 8.23 g/kg of dry matter in Aberdeen Angus and 76.57 ± 8.87 g/kg of dry matter in Czech Fleckvieh (P ≤ 0.05). Among non-essential amino acids, glutamic acid was the most abundant, reaching 108.97 ± 14.35 g/kg of dry matter in Aberdeen Angus and 119.42 ± 12.47 g/kg of dry matter in Czech Fleckvieh (P ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that breed influences crude protein concentration and the amino acid profile of muscle tissue.
FROM LARVAE TO MEAL: INSECTS UNDER PROCESSING PRESSURE
Kristína Kolbaská, Ester Vargová, Branislav Gálik, Michal Rolinec, Miroslav Juráček, Milan Šimko, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_008
The industrial conversion of insects into high-value protein meals is a cornerstone of the modern circular bioeconomy, where minimizing processing losses is critical for economic viability. This study analyzed the processing losses and mass balance of two economically important insect species – yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and adult house crickets (Acheta domesticus) – during post-harvest technological processing, including freezing, lyophilization (freeze-drying), and homogenization (mechanical milling). For crickets, three dietary regimens were compared using five replicates each: a traditional plant-protein diet (PP), an insect-protein diet (IP), and a combined-protein diet (CP). For mealworms, two dietary groups were evaluated using five replicates each, specifically a control group (CG) and an insect-protein group (IG). The results showed that losses during freezing and milling did not differ significantly among groups CG and IG (p > 0.05). In contrast, losses during lyophilization differed significantly among groups CG and IP (p < 0.05). Significant within-species variations in lyophilization losses were also observed, both in Acheta domesticus and Tenebrio molitor (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that dietary composition does not affect mechanical processing losses but significantly influences moisture retention and subsequent drying efficiency. Understanding these mass balance parameters allows for the optimization of industrial post-harvest processing of insect biomass.
INSECT MEAL IN THE BROILER CHICKEN DIETS
Lenka Kudlová, Jakub Novotný, Lukáš Čumplík, Dana Zálešáková, Leoš Pavlata, Ondřej Šťastník, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_009
Insects are increasingly being investigated as a promising source of protein with high nutritional value. The aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen retention coefficient in chickens fed insect meal. Chickens were divided into four groups: Control group (without insect meal), three groups receiving diets containing 5%, 15%, 30% inclusion of black soldier larvae meal. The 30% inclusion of insect meal in diets showed negative effects on all monitored parameters (body weight, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, thigh yields and nitrogen retention coefficient).
THE EFFECT OF (QUEBRACHO) TANNINS ON METABOLICAL PROCESSES IN THE RUMEN DURING SIMULATED DIGESTION IN BIOREACTOR (IN VITRO)
Filip Kupča, Ludmila Křížová, Kateřina Dadáková, Tomáš Kašparovský
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_010
The present study investigated the effect of dietary tannins on ruminal fermentation parameters using a continuous in vitro bioreactor system (Sartorius Biostat A plus Bioreactor System). The experiment was carried out in the form of a cross-over design and compared a control diet with a tannin-enriched diet supplemented with 5 % of quebracho tannins. The incubation lasted 16 days, during which each diet was fed for 8 days, consisting of 5 days of adaptation followed by 3 days of sampling. The incubations were repeated three times. The results demonstrated that tannin supplementation increased pH, altered redox potential, and significantly reduced dry matter digestibility. Furthermore, a marked decrease in volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations was observed, although the acetate-to-propionate ratio remained unaffected. These findings indicate that tannins primarily suppress rumen fermentation by limiting substrate degradation and microbial activity, thereby influencing overall fermentation efficiency.
EFFECT OF PARTIAL SORGHUM INCLUSION IN FEED RATION OF DAIRY COWS ON MILK FATTY ACID PROFILE
Petr Malý, Ludmila Křížová, Tomáš Kašparovský
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_011
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the inclusion of approximately 5 kg of sorghum silage into the feed ration of dairy cows instead of the same amount of legume-grass silages on the fatty acid (FA) profile of milk. The on-farm experiment was conducted on 120 mid-lactating Czech Fleckvieh cows (Agrospol a.d. Knínice, farm Vanovice) and was divided into two consecutive periods of 3 months each. In the first period, cows were fed a total mixed ration based on maize silage and legume-grass silage (Control), while in the second period, legume-grass silage was partially replaced by sorghum silage (Sorghum). In each period, samples of evening and morning milk were taken from ten cows and were analysed for the FA profile, which was determined using gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. After the sorghum inclusion, the content of palmitic acid (C16) lowered (P < 0.05), and the content of pentadecenoic (C15:1), stearic (C18), arachidic (C20) and behenic acid (C22) increased (P < 0.05). The diet change also tended to decrease the content of eicosapentaenoic (C20:5n3) and tricosanoic acid (C23) (0.05 ≤ P < 0.1).
IN OVO FEEDING OF CINNAMON EXTRACT IN BROILER CHICKENS
Izabela Helena Neradová, Lukáš Čumplík, Lenka Kudlová, Dana Zálešáková, Ondřej Šťastník, Leoš Pavlata, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_012
The study investigated the effect of in ovo application of cinnamon extract on the hatchability and performance parameters of broiler chickens. The primary objective was to evaluate the impacts of this early developmental programming on growth performance. Hatching eggs of the Ross 308 were divided into two groups: a control group (without application) and an experimental group supplemented with cinnamon extract. The cinnamon extract, prepared by hydroalcoholic extraction, was injected into the amnion on day 17.5 of incubation as a 0.2 mL solution, delivering a dose of 1.8 mg per egg. The subsequent 35 day feeding trial involved 144 male broiler chickens distributed into the two groups with 6 replicates each (12 birds per replicate). At the end of the fattening period, growth performance parameters (live body weight, carcass yield, and feed conversion ratio), were evaluated. The in ovo delivery of cinnamon extract did not significantly affect hatchability (p > 0.05) and showed no adverse effects on the growth performance of the broiler chickens (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that the in ovo application of cinnamon extract is safe and does not impair growth performance, thereby providing a solid foundation for future research into chicken health status, digestive tract development, and immune system response.
THE POTENTIAL OF HEMP BIOMASS AS A SOURCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCAL AND STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS IN ANIMALS
Paulová Tereza, Lucie Malíková, Davide Lanzoni, Tomáš Taubner, Matěj Malík, Markéta Houdková, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_013
Bacterial infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci pose a serious burden on animal production. The growing antimicrobial resistance of these pathogens significantly limits treatment options and underscores the need to search for alternative antimicrobial agents. In this context, Cannabis sativa L. is one of the most intensively studied plants due to its high content of secondary metabolites, particularly cannabinoids and terpenoids. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts from five industrial hemp cultivars (Bialobrzeskie, Felina 32, Futura 75, mixed, and Santhica 27) against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae, including both antibiotic-resistant and susceptible forms. Antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method and expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All five tested extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against all tested strains, with MIC values ranging from 128 to 2048 µg/ml. The most effective was the extract from the Santhica 27 variety (MIC 128 µg/ml against Str. agalactiae and clinical isolates of S. aureus), followed by the Bialobrzeskie and mixed varieties. Extracts from the Felina 32 and Futura 75 varieties exhibited only weak activity. The highest total cannabinoid content was determined in the extract from the Bialobrzeskie variety (21,740.94 µg/g), and the lowest in the Futura 75 extract (4,713.11 µg/g). Higher antibacterial efficacy correlated with higher cannabinoid content, and the observed effect likely results from the synergistic action of the entire complex of active compounds. The Santhica 27, Bialobrzeskie, and mixed varieties appear to be the most promising for further research. Follow-up in vivo experiments are necessary to verify their therapeutic potential.
THE EFFECT OF DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH PHYTOADDITIVES ON SELECTED GROWTH PERFORMANCE TRAITS IN FATTENED RABBITS
Klára Poláková, Vlastimil Šimek, Radka Dobšíková
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_014
This study assessed the effect of complete diets supplemented with selected phytogenic additives on chosen growth performance traits in fattened rabbits. A total of forty-eight 42-day old weaned HYLA rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary groups. housed in loose group pens. The feeding trial lasted until 97 days of age. Four complete diets without coccidiostats were formulated: a control diet (C) without additives, and three experimental diets supplemented with 2.0 % Artemisia abrotanum (E1), a combination of 1.5 % Arthrospira platensis and 0.5 % Sencha green tea (E2), and a combination of 1.5 % Chlorella vulgaris and 0.5 % Matcha green tea (E3). Live weights weights and feed intake were recorded throughout the experimental period, thereafter feed concersion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG) were calculated. No statistically significant differences in the monitored growth performance traits were found. The results indicate that the inclusion of Artemisia abrotanum, microalgae, and green tea combinations at the tested levels does not negatively affect growth performance, feed palatability, or feed efficiency in growing rabbits. These findings can be used for further updating and optimizing of rabbit diets enriched with bioactive compounds with regard to metabolism and health evaluation of the rabbits.
INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SELENIUM FORMS ON CARCASS TRAITS AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN QUAILS
Andrej Récky, František Zigo, Tamara Hoppejová, Anna Reitznerová, Ľudmila Balážová
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_015
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of different forms of selenium, including selenium nanoparticles, administered as dietary supplements in feed mixtures, on carcass characteristics and the sensory properties of quail meat. A total of 200 Japanese quails were included in the experiment and randomly allocated into four experimental groups (n = 50 per group). The results demonstrated that selenium supplementation, particularly in organic and inorganic forms, exerted beneficial effects on meat quality, especially with regard to oxidative stability, fat content, and protein content. Moreover, the observed effects appeared to be dependent on the specific form of selenium administered, suggesting distinct physiological and metabolic responses associated with different selenium sources.
EFFECT OF REPLACING RAPESEED MEAL WITH CALCIUM NITRATE ON RUMEN FERMENTATION AND RUMEN MICROBIOME IN DAIRY COWS
Veronika Stejskalová, Kristýna Králová, Mariana Vadroňová, Alena Výborná, Michaela Beranová, Miroslav Joch, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_016
Cattle farming is a major agricultural source of methane emissions originating from rumen fermentation. Methane has a high global warming potential, and its production represents an energy loss for ruminants. Nitrate supplementation is a promising mitigation strategy, as nitrates act as alternative hydrogen acceptors in the rumen, reducing methanogenesis and producing ammonia that can serve as a source of non-protein nitrogen. This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing rapeseed meal with calcium nitrate on rumen fermentation and the composition of the rumen microbiome in dairy cows under in vivo conditions. We hypothesized that calcium nitrate would alter the ratio of volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid, increase the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen in rumen fluid, and influence the structure of the rumen microbial community. Eight Holstein dairy cows were fed two diets in a crossover design for two 21-day periods (14 days of adaptation and 7 days of sampling). The treatments were: 1) silage-based basal diet + rapeseed meal (40 g/kg TMR) (CONTROL) and 2) silage-based basal diet + 100 g nitrate per cow/d (Bolifor CNF 1%) (NITRATE). Nitrate supplementation did not affect dry matter intake (P = 0.521) or any fermentation parameters: VFA (P = 0.342); pH (P = 0.421); NH3-N (P = 0.761). Nitrate supplementation affected alpha diversity in the Chao1 richness index (P = 0.0164), and the number of ASVs (P = 0.0153); other indices (Shannon and Simpson diversity indices and Pielou evenness index) were not statistically significant. At the phylum level, Firmicutes (P = 0.844) and Bacteroidota (P = 0.945) were dominant with no significant changes in their relative abundances. No significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of any major bacterial families, including Methanobacteriaceae (Control 6.2 %, Nitrate 3.9 %, P= 0.039). In conclusion, calcium nitrate supplementation affected bacterial diversity and the Methanobacteriaceae family.
NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE EGG QUALITY: THE ROLE OF HEMP AND FLAX SEED SUPPLEMENTATION IN LAYING HENS
Jan Szmek, Michaela Englmaierová, Tomáš Taubner, Eva Pěchoučková, Věra Skřivanová
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_017
This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with hemp seed and flax seed on laying hen performance, egg quality traits, yolk nutritional composition, and oxidative stability. A total of 240 Lohmann Brown laying hens were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with two levels of non-psychoactive hemp seed (Futura variety; 0 and 40 g/kg) and two levels of non-extruded flax seed (Floral variety; 0 and 40 g/kg). The experiment lasted 12 weeks. The inclusion of flax seed significantly increased both hen-day egg production (p < 0.001) and egg mass (p < 0.001), while the addition of hemp seed resulted in a higher total egg mass (p < 0.001). Laying hens fed the flax seed-enriched diet exhibited a lower feed conversion ratio. The combined hemp seed and flax seed supplementation significantly increased egg weight (p = 0.002) and shell percentage (p = 0.036). The inclusion of hemp seed significantly elevated yolk γ-tocopherol concentrations (p < 0.001) and reduced total cholesterol (p = 0.042) and malondialdehyde levels in fresh yolks (p = 0.003), indicating improved oxidative stability. Both seed supplements and their combination increased the content of n-6 (p = 0.022) and n-3 (p < 0.001) polyunsaturated fatty acids. In particular, the levels of α-linolenic (p < 0.001) and eicosapentaenoic (p < 0.001) acids were elevated. These changes resulted in a more favorable n-6/n-3 ratio, which was significantly affected by both hemp seed and flax seed supplementation (p < 0.001). In addition, all dietary treatments significantly affected the nutritional lipid quality indices, namely the index of atherogenicity and the index of thrombogenicity (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the potential of combined hemp seed and flax seed supplementation as a novel nutritional strategy for producing eggs enriched with health-promoting bioactive compounds and improved nutritional quality.
BLOOD ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN COCCIDIOSIS-INFECTED BROILER CHICKENS FED ALLIUM SPP.-BASED SUPPLEMENTS
Jana Uřičářová, Vlastimil Šimek, Radka Dobšíková
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_018
This study aimed to evaluate the dietary effect of dried onion (Allium cepa) and Garlicon, a product rich in propylpropanthiosulfinate (PTS) and propylpropanthiosulfonate (PTSO), on antioxidant indicators in the blood plasma of broiler chickens challenged to Eimeria spp. infection. Chickens were divided into four dietary groups with specific treatment (CP, control positive group receiving a control diet with synthetic coccidiostat; CN, control negative group receiving a control diet without supplements; ON1, experimental group receiving a diet supplemented with 7,5 g/kg onion meal; ON2, experimental group receiving a diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg Garlicon). At 21 and 42 days of age, no statistically significant differences were found in catalase and glutathion-S-transferase activity, or malondialdehyde level, indicating no significant effect on lipid peroxidation in blood plasma. A significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was observed at 21 days of age in the ON1 group (1329.97 ± 62.217 nmol NADPH/min/ml; P < 0.01), and in ON2 group (1225.12 ± 96.029 nmol NADPH/min/ml; P < 0.05) compared with the CP group (915.42 ± 86.754 nmol NADPH/min/ml). At 42 days, GPx activity remained significantly higher in the ON1 group (1485.07 ± 78.595 nmol NADPH/min/ml; P < 0.05) while a highly significant increase was also detected in the CN group (1681.29 ± 58.741 nmol NADPH/min/ml; P < 0.01) compared with the CP group (1120.80 ± 102.672 nmol NADPH/min/ml). The results suggest that supplementation with dried onion meal, and Garlicon did not reduce lipid peroxidation in plasma, but it positively affected antioxidant enzyme activity, especially GPx. Further studies dealing the effect of Allium spp.-based phytogenic additives on chickens’ health and metabolism are needed to evaluate with regards to growth rate dynamics.
BLACK SOLDIER FLY FAT AS AN ALTERNATIVE LIPID SOURCE IN ANIMAL NUTRITION: COMPARATIVE FATTY ACID PROFILING AGAINST CONVENTIONAL FEED OILS AND FATS
Ester Vargová, Kristína Kolbaská, Michal Rolinec, Branislav Gálik, Miroslav Juráček, Milan Šimko, ...
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_019
Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) fat has recently gained attention as a potential alternative lipid source in animal nutrition because of its distinctive fatty acid profile and sustainable production potential. The present study compared the fatty acid composition and selected lipid quality indices of black soldier fly (BSF) fat with representative conventional feed and edible lipid sources, including soybean oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, chicken fat, pig fat/lard, and marine and freshwater fish-derived lipids. Four BSF fat samples were analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID), while comparative literature-derived datasets were harmonised for calculation of the atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H). BSF fat was characterised by elevated proportions of saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric acid (C12:0), while still retaining moderate levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Among the evaluated lipid sources, BSF fat showed the greatest similarity to coconut oil with respect to its medium-chain saturated fatty acid profile; however, its AI and TI values remained lower because of the higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, soybean and rapeseed oils exhibited the most favourable lipid quality indices, whereas marine and freshwater fish-derived lipids were distinguished by higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content and lower n-6/n-3 ratios. Overall, the obtained results indicate that BSF fat occupies a unique compositional position among the evaluated lipid sources. Although its fatty acid profile is most similar to coconut oil because of the high proportion of saturated fatty acids, its lipid quality indices suggest an intermediate nutritional position between highly saturated tropical oils and more unsaturated lipid sources. These findings further support the growing interest in BSF-derived lipids as nutritionally relevant alternative lipid sources.
GRASS STRAW AS FEED
Dominik Vlk, Stanislav Hejduk
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_020
Grass straw is produced as a byproduct when growing grasses for seed. Its yields vary and, depending on the grass species, the intensity of inputs into the stand, and weather conditions, range from 2.0 to 12.1 t·ha⁻¹. Grass straw has a wide range of uses, including as a source of thermal energy, a raw material for compost production, a substrate for growing edible mushrooms, shredded and spread over the field, and, finally, as an animal feed. When straw is utilized appropriately, it increases the revenue and profitability of grass seed growers. In terms of nutrient composition, it is a higher-quality feed than cereal straw. Compared to meadow hay, it has a higher fiber content (usually more than 650 g·kg⁻¹ NDF) and a lower crude protein content (26–92 g·kg⁻¹ DM).
COURSE OF OOCYST SHEDDING IN FAECES OF BROILERS EXPERIMENTALLY CHALLENGED WITH EIMERIA IN RELATION TO DIETARY ADMINISTRATION WITH WORMWOOD
David Zapletal, Martina Kosťuková, Vlastimil Šimek, Lenka Rozsypalová, Radka Dobšíková
DOI: 10.11118/nutrinet2026_021
The aim of this work was to assess the effect of feed supplementation with Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) meal on the course of Eimeria spp. oocyst shedding in broilers following their targeted infection using area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Broilers in the control (C) group were fed basal diets without coccidiostat or wormwood herb. Broilers of the CC group were fed starter and grower basal diets supplemented with coccidiostat. Broilers in the P3 and P6 groups were fed diets containing 3 and 6% of meal from whole aerial parts of wormwood in feed, respectively. Collective faeces per pen base were gathered on days 0, 6, 13, 20 and 27 post infection to obtain the final number of oocysts per one gram of faeces (OPG). Then, the AUC analysis of OPG values was carried out. Dietary administration of the coccidiostat robenidine resulted in lower AUC values (P < 0.05) during the main phase of infection and confirmed its high anticoccidial efficacy. Dietary supplementation with wormwood meal did not lead to effective suppression of oocyst shedding (P > 0.05). However, a lower total AUC value was observed in the P6 group compared to the P3 group (P > 0.05); it suggests a dose-dependent effect of the tested plant-based additive on the intrinsic dynamics of the Eimeria infection.