The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genotype (Isa Brown and New Hampshire) on egg quality in a floor rearing system. Fifteen eggs per group were collected at 32 weeks of age and analyzed for external and internal quality parameters (egg weight, shape index, albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color, and shell breaking strength), as well as for chemical composition (dry matter, minerals, protein, and lipids). Eggs from Isa Brown hens exhibited greater egg weight, higher shape index, and superior shell breaking strength, whereas New Hampshire eggs had more intensely pigmented yolks. No significant differences were observed in albumen height or Haugh units between the genotypes. Regarding chemical composition, significant differences were found only in lipid content, which was higher in New Hampshire eggs. No significant differences were detected in dry matter, mineral, or protein content.
There is a large number of available literature data in scientific papers that explain the harmfulness and costs of weedy, harmful and invasive plants, and significantly less that reveal their potential for application for various useful purposes. Invasive plant species are often a good source of bioactive ingredients applicable for medical or various technological purposes, due to their valuable pharmacological powers. This review will address the limitations and opportunities for the beneficial use of ragweed (in the circular economy), which is highly detrimental to human health and the environment.
Dry-fermented sausages are meat products with a long production tradition, and well-known and valued sensory properties. However, their high total fat and saturated fat content posess a health risk. The intoduction of oils with a more favourable fatty acid profile into fermented sausage formulation could increase their nutritional quality. Several oils – olive, flaxseed, soy, canola, fish, algae, etc., as well as their mixtures – were used for partial (or even total) replacement of adipose tissue. A cautious approach is needed, however, as this could alter the well-known sensory properties of fermented sausages. A combination of different oils, smaller amounts of fatty tissue replacement and proper choice of oil immobilization should provide as little change in sensory properties as possible, while having a significant impact on nutritional quality.
Abstract Thermal processing ensures the microbial safety of insect-derived feed ingredients but may alter elemental bioavailability through matrix modifications. We investigated the effect of autoclaving on element bioavailability in yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ) flour using a controlled honey bee ( Apis mellifera ) feeding model. Newly emerged workers received either non-autoclaved mealworm flour for the first 8 days followed by autoclaved flour for the subsequent 10 days, or autoclaved flour throughout the entire 18-day experiment. Whole-body and gut element concentrations were quantified to assess tissue accumulation. Early dietary exposure resulted in persistent differences in element profiles throughout the experimental period. Bees fed autoclaved flour throughout the experiment had higher body concentrations of Li, B, Sb, Ba, Co, Ag and Pb, whereas Cr, Mo, Fe, Ni, Se and Sn were higher in bees exposed to non-autoclaved flour during the first 8 days. These findings demonstrate that thermal processing reshapes mineral bioavailability and long-term accumulation, with implications for chemical risk assessment of insect-based feed ingredients.
ABSTRACT Due to the increasing emergence of herbicide‐resistant weeds and the pesticide reduction targets of the European Union, new solutions for effective and sustainable chemical weed management are required. Herbicide adjuvants used in combination with reduced herbicide rates may improve herbicide efficacy and facilitate the use of lower‐than‐recommended rates. To investigate the impact of two adjuvants on herbicide efficacy, two herbicides commonly used for weed control in maize, mesotrione and foramsulfuron, were evaluated under field conditions in a two‐year trial. Herbicides were applied solo and as an herbicide mixture without and tank‐mixed with adjuvants (nonionic surfactant and methylated seed oil adjuvant) at a herbicide rate of ¼× and ½×, where 1× represents the recommended field rate. As a comparison, the 1× herbicide and mixture rate was tested without addition of an adjuvant. The majority (90%) of the total weed population was represented by three species. In 2023, Chenopodium album L. and Chenopodium hybridum L. were the predominant weed species, whereas in 2024, C. album and Sorghum halepense [L.] Pers. predominated. Our results showed an increased weed biomass reduction with the addition of an adjuvant to the reduced herbicide rates, especially for the ½× rate of both herbicides. For those treatments, herbicide efficacy was increased by 20%–30% with adjuvant addition. Benefits of adding adjuvants were also noticed at the ¼× dose of both herbicides, although maximum biomass reduction was only up to 45%. The results indicate that lower herbicide rates of mesotrione and foramsulfuron may be sufficiently effective when combined with an adjuvant.
