Summary Experiments were conducted to examine selenium (Se) metabolism in tissues of lambs following Se supplementation at varying doses. For three months four groups of lambs were fed either a basal diet (group A) containing 0.082 mg Se per kg dry matter (ppm) or the same diet plus mineral mixture with Se (as selenite) so that the total diet contained 0.25, 0.41 and 0.58 ppm Se (groups B, C and D, respectively). After three months six lambs of each group were slaughtered and tissues were removed for Se level and GSH‐Px activity determinations. Among the tissues of lambs fed the basal diet the highest Se concentration was found in the kidney (1.32 μg/g wet weight), and the lowest in the skeletal muscle (0.030 μg/g wet weight). In the liver, heart, lung and spleen Se concentrations were almost at the same level and varied in the range of 0.14 to 0.18 μg/g wet weight tissue. No increase in Se concentration was found in the kidneys of Se‐supplemented animals. Se concentration in the liver and lung increased linearly with the Se level in the diet. In the spleen, heart and skeletal muscle the highest Se concentrations were found in lambs fed 0.41 ppm Se. Tissue GSH‐Px activities (calculated on the per g protein basis) increased significantly in Se‐treated animals. In the tissues of lambs fed 0.25 ppm Se the enzyme activities were higher in a range of 1.8 to 3.5 as compared to the group fed the basal diet. Higher doses of dietary Se had much smaller effect on the tissues GSH‐Px activity. Basing on the results obtained it can be ascertained that a plateau level of GSH‐Px activity was reached at a dietary Se level of 0.25 ppm for the kidney, liver, spleen and skeletal muscle, and at 0.41 ppm for the lung and heart. In unsupplemented and Se‐supplemented lambs tissue GSH‐Px activities were in the order: spleen > heart > lung > kidney > liver > muscle.

the objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties of breast and thigh muscles and fatty acid composition of abdominal fat of geese reared at a distance of 50 metres from the wind turbine compared to those reared 460 metres from the wind turbine. the study was carried out on 40 Kołuda White ® geese (Anser anser f. domestica) divided into two groups: treatment 1 -reared at a distance of 50 metres and treatment 2 -reared at a distance of 460 metres from the wind turbine (Vestas V90 wind turbine). the muscles were analysed for ph, thermal loss, shear force, tbars values and colour parameters (l* a* b*). the fatty acids composition of abdominal fat was also analysed. the results of the present study suggest that noise generated by the wind turbine affected the quality of muscles and the fatty acid profile of abdominal fat of geese. The results showed that the muscles of geese reared at a distance of 50 metres from the wind turbine were characterized by higher ph and tbars values compared to those reared at a longer distance from the wind turbine. The significantly lower content of C 18:3 n-3 fatty acid in abdominal fat was observed for geese reared 50 metres from the wind turbine. further studies should be undertaken to establish the safe distance of a wind turbine from livestock buildings.

Wind farms produce electricity without causing air pollution and environmental degradation. Unfortunately, wind turbines are a source of infrasound, which may cause a number of physiological effects, such as an increase in cortisol and catecholamine secretion. The impact of infrasound noise, emitted by wind turbines, on the health of geese and other farm animals has not previously been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of noise, generated by wind turbines, on the stress parameters (cortisol) and the weight gain of geese kept in surrounding areas. The study consisted of 40 individuals of 5-week-old domestic geese Anser anser f domestica, divided into 2 equal groups. The first experimental gaggle (I) remained within 50 m from turbine and the second one (II) within 500 m. During the 12 weeks of the study, noise measurements were also taken. Weight gain and the concentration of cortisol in blood were assessed and significant differences in both cases were found. Geese from gaggle I gained less weight and had a higher concentration of cortisol in blood, compared to individuals from gaggle II. Lower activity and some disturbing changes in behavior of animals from group I were noted. Results of the study suggest a negative effect of the immediate vicinity of a wind turbine on the stress parameters of geese and their productivity.

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This study was conducted to assess the effect of rearing pigs at three different distances from a wind turbine (50, 500 and 1000 m) on the physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of loin and neck muscles. The experiment was carried out on 30 growing-finishing pigs, derived from polish landrace × polish large white sows mated to a duroc × pietrain boar. The results obtained during the noise measurement showed that the highest level of noise in the audible and infrasound range was recorded 50 m from the wind turbine. rearing pigs in close proximity to the wind turbine (50 m) resulted in decreased muscle ph, total heme pigments and heme iron as well as reduced content of c18:3n-3 fatty acid in the loin muscle. loins of pigs reared 50 m from the wind turbine were characterized by significantly lower iron content (6.7 ppm g -1 ) compared to the loins of pigs reared 500 and 1000 m from the wind turbine (10.0-10.5 ppm g -1 ). The concentration of α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) in loin and neck muscles decreased as the distance from the wind turbine increased. Avoiding noise-induced stress is important not only for maintaining meat quality but also for improving animal welfare.