Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Their Importance in Animal Nutrition

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic compounds. It contains compounds that cause toxic, teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic damage, such as heterocyclic aromatic amines, benzene and formaldehyde. PAHs can be found in industrial wastes, garbage, cigarette smoke, pesticides and flue gases and can contaminate air, water, soil and food. Although more than 100 PAH compounds are detected in nature, it is accepted that 16 PAH compounds have more harmful effects. It is important to determine the PAH exposure levels of feeds used in animal nutrition, since the contamination of feed plants and factory feeds with PAH compounds will indirectly affect human health. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of PAHs and their effects on animal production and indirectly on human health were compiled.

Analysis of feed in terms of the presence of genetically modified oilseed rape

The labeling of products containing GMOs above 0.9% results from the provisions of the law in force in the European Union. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of genetically modified rape in feed used in feeding farm animals in Poland. The research was based on the real-time PCR technique, using primers and event-specific probes. A total of 900 samples were analyzed. The research identified canola line GT73, resistant to glyphosate. Only in 12 samples did the content of this oilseed rape exceed the threshold above which the product must be labeled as containing GMOs. Conducting such controls is extremely important because of the possibility of contamination of feed free from genetically modified organisms, which are increasingly used in animal nutrition.

Approaches to the analysis of enterprise’s financial state on the example of Cargill Animal Nutrition LLC

The article analyzes the financial statements of Cargill Animal Nutrition LLC, which aims to become a leader in feed production. The urgency of the need to find optimal ways to assess the financial state of enterprises to take the necessary measures in case of instability of the firm is substantiated. The main methods of analysis of financial statements of companies have been identified and substantiated, which will allow agricultural enterprises to analyze their financial state and take measures to optimize their activities. Various approaches have been applied to the analysis of the company's financial position, including horizontal analysis of balance sheet indicators and statement of financial performance, vertical analysis of the balance sheet structure, and coefficient analysis of profitability, liquidity and solvency of the company, with a comprehensive assessment of bankruptcy. Vertical analysis is used to track the structure of a company's assets and liabilities over a period. This analysis makes it possible to draw conclusions about the liquidity and solvency of the company. Horizontal analysis helps to analyze the growth rates of various indicators presented in the financial statements. Finally, the ratio analysis is a system of ratios that allows you to analyze the liquidity, profitability, solvency and investment attractiveness of the company compared to other companies. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the financial state of Cargill EN LLC has improved. In particular, the net profit margin of Cargill EN LLC improved from 3.1 % in 2018 to 10 % in 2020. According to the value of Altman's Z-score, the probability of bankruptcy is very low. Perspective directions of researches in a part of an estimation of the generalized indicator of instability of the company taking into account features of an agro-industrial complex of Ukraine are substantiated.

Nanoparticle sterilization methods for biomedical applications in animals

Objective: To review different nanoparticle sterilization methods for their use in biomedical applications in animals. Approach: Sterilization is used to obtain a microorganism-free product without altering its physicochemical characteristics during its preparation, storage, or administration route. This review explores different sterilization methods and their advantages and disadvantages on the nanoparticle level. Study limitations/implications: Nanoparticles are used in animal production, including their parenteral administration. Therefore, establishing the characteristics of different technologies applied to sterilize nanoparticles is essential to ensure the delivery of sterile products preventing health risks. Conclusions: The use of nanotechnology in livestock production offers several advantages for animal nutrition, reproduction, and health, among other things. When nanoparticles must be sterilized, choosing the most suitable method is essential. This depends on the amount of product and its compound type because each technique has specific requirements that must be taken into account to be ready for potential changes in the structure and availability of the final product.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Animal Nutrition: A Review

Selenium still represents a matter of debate in the scientific community. Bionanotechnology has introduced a whole new perspective on selenium use in animal nutrition. In recent years, attention has been focused on selenium nanoparticles prepared by chemical synthesis. Societal pressure directs research in a “greenway” that is more eco-friendly. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles thus represent a new space for research in the use of this new form of selenium in animal nutrition. Recent research shows that biogenic selenium nanoparticles have low toxicity, improve antioxidant status, and increase the body’s immune response. However, their benefits may be much greater, as numerous in vitro studies have shown. In addition, biogenic selenium nanoparticles possess antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Further research should answer questions on the use of biogenic selenium nanoparticles as a feed supplement in individual categories of livestock, and their safety in terms of long-term supplementation.