The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the eggshell color parameters and its mineral composition as well as the internal quality of eggs derived from various breeds of hens, varied by eggshell color: seledine from Araucana, brown from Marans, and white from Leghorn. The sample consisted of 180 eggs (60/group) The eggshell color was measured using CIE L*a*b* system. The quality evaluation included traits of whole egg (weight, specific gravity, proportions of elements, shape index), yolk (weight, color, index, pH), albumen (weight, height, pH), and shell (color, strength, weight, thickness, density). The mineral composition of eggshells was analyzed. The eggs origin affected the quality characteristics of particular egg elements (p < 0.001). However, the impact of analyzed colors on the egg quality traits varied, and in the case of whole egg and albumen traits the most favorable was the white color (p ≤ 0.05), while in the case of the strength of shell or its thickness it was the dark brown color (p ≤ 0.05). The eggshell color influenced variations in its mineral composition (p < 0.001) except potassium and sodium content, while the proportion of particular mineral elements in shell was correlated with the L*a*b* color space coordinates (p ≤ 0.05).

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Abstract. The aim of study was to assess the growth performance, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat-type guinea fowl fed balanced commercial diets under two different feeding programs, similar to those for slaughter turkeys and broiler chickens, respectively. A total of 80 4-week-old meat-type guinea fowl divided into two groups (four replicates per group; 10 birds in each replicate) were raised for 14 weeks. One group received commercially available diets in a three-phased program (TM group), whereas the other group was fed commercial diets in a two-phased program (CM group). Growth-performance-related traits were recorded. At the end of rearing (14 weeks of age), eight birds from each group were slaughtered. Carcass yield and technological traits of meat (pH, color, water-holding capacity, natural and thermal loss, tenderness, fatty acid profile) were analyzed. Groups did not differ in terms of body weight as well as carcass yield and characteristics. There was no difference in meat quality and the fatty acid profile of breast and thigh meat of guinea fowl from TM and CM groups. The findings of this study suggest that both commercial diets (for broiler chickens and turkeys) can be used in meat-type guinea fowl rearing. Due to the lower price of diets fed to the CM group and the lack of significant variation in meat quality traits, its use seems to be more justified from an economic point of view.

Introduction. Dental caries is considered to be a modern civilization disease;however, the state of oral health negatively influences psychological and sociological relations in children which leads to feelings of discomfort from early age. Objective. The aim of study was evaluation of the association between incidence of dental caries (d 3 ft index) in preschool children from urban and rural areas, and determining the relationship between dental caries intensity and hygienic habits. Materials and Method. 844 children aged 3-6 years from the city and the countryside were examined. The survey was conducted among parents/care givers regarding dental care of children. With parents' consent, the children had a dental examination. Results. The incidence of caries was recorded at the level of 52.61%, with an average value of 4.31 on the d 3 ft index; however, for the children from the urban area this ratio amounted to 4.15, and in the countryside it reached the value of 4.7. A correlation was found between age and area of residence of the children and various components of hygienic behavior model. Conclusions. More than a half of the children had dental caries in combination with a high frequency of unsatisfactory hygiene needs. There is a relationship between oral hygiene habits and age of the children, depending on the place of residence.

Abstract. The results of this study constitute a part of a project aiming at developing a cross-breed suitable for an extensive rearing system, utilising local biodiversity. Hybrids from mating a commercial broiler's male component (C) with Green-legged Partridgenous (GP) or Sussex (Sx) hens were compared with Cobb broilers. The study included 720 chickens of 3 genetic groups. Up to the third week of age, all birds were fed with balanced mixtures recommended for broiler chickens. From the fourth week, the mixture was weekly reduced by 10 % for the birds kept extensively (E). The deducted part was replaced with wheat bran, and from the seventh week with wheat. E groups had access to runs and received green fodder. Birds were slaughtered in 12th week of life. Carcass yield, giblets and proportion of carcass elements were estimated along with meat traits. The body weight at the 6th, 9th, 12th week of rearing and dissection results indicated a good suitability of Cobb chickens for an extensive rearing system. Hybrids were characterised by a considerably smaller proportion of breast muscle and slightly bigger of thighs and drumsticks, compared with Cobb, which could result from their greater motor activity. Results obtained by C × Sx and C × GP chickens, such as final body weight, proportions of abdominal fat and carcass elements, and appropriate value of meat traits, point at the usefulness of these hybrids as a meat-type chicken under extensive housing conditions. Darker colour of chicken meat, derived from C cocks and Sx or GP hens crossbred, can constitute an indicator for their carcasses' identification on the market.