Latest Articles from BioRisk Latest 4 Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:55:59 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://biorisk.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Comparative study of metal concentration determination in albumen of hen eggs originating from industrial poultry farms, backyard and free-range hens using ICP-OES technique https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/97322/ BioRisk 20: 129-138

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.20.97322

Authors: Plamen M. Kirov, Metody Karadjov, Hristo K. Hristov, Radostina Alexandrova

Abstract: There have been multiple types of research focusing on the relationship between feed ingredients and metal content in the egg white due to their role in human nutrition. The aim of the present study is to determine the metal concentration in hens’ eggs and, in particular, to compare the metal concentration in egg albumen originating from industrial poultry farms with that of backyard and free-range hens. All samples were collected in Romania from five separate counties and 10 different farms, over a period of two weeks and, as a result, a total of 50 were collected, 10 from each housing system (batteries/cages, litter/soil, free-range, organic and backyard). The measurements of the metals were taken by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), with a wide range of elements reported. For the essential elements, we measured Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn; Al, Cd, Ni and Pb for the heavy metals and, in addition, we measured B, Ba, Sr, Ca and Mg. The present study revealed that the metals in eggs from free-range hens are richer in essential elements with mean concentrations as follows: 1.528 mg/kg for Fe, 3.278 mg/kg for Zn, 0.058 mg/kg for Mn and 1.362 mg/kg for Cu. We concluded that the egg quality is closely connected with the housing system and nutrition. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that eggs from backyard housing are no better than those from free-range hens in terms of essential metal composition. The heavy and non-essential metal contents, present in the albumen of all the examined eggs, were much lower than the maximum allowed concentration and, therefore, egg consumption does not pose any risk to human health.

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Research Article Mon, 15 May 2023 20:00:10 +0300
Evaluation of viral infection levels in intensive and organic poultry farming https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/77398/ BioRisk 17: 287-296

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.17.77398

Authors: Plamen M. Kirov, Radostina I. Alexandrova

Abstract: Whereas early organic farming was mainly focused on plant production, in the last decade, the number of organically-managed poultry farms within the European Union has increased significantly. Similar to organic crop production, organic animal farming is based on the same principles: welfare-friendly, sustainable production and resource utilisation without or with very little addition of synthetic substances, such as antibiotics and antiparasitic treatments. These practices, as well as the access to wild animals, make the free-range poultry production systems predisposed to different viral diseases and, thus, associated with potentially higher public health risks or reduction in production quality. On the other hand, intensive farming amplifies the impact of viral diseases due to high density, low genetic diversity and elevated immunodeficiency. The aim of this analytical study is to compare free-range with intensive poultry systems and the occurrence of different viral diseases in these types of farms in the EU over the past decade. The research is based on official data from the statistical office of the European Union, as well as official data from the Member countries. The results were similar in each country and demonstrate that free-range production has a higher incidence of viral diseases with high zoonotical potential. This makes year-round surveillance absolutely necessary, as well as the need for implementation of additional criteria and requirements towards free-range systems.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Apr 2022 19:00:26 +0300
A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005–-2008 https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1840/ BioRisk 3: 205-219

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.14

Authors: Mudhafar Salim, Richard Porter, Clayton Rubec

Abstract: The marshlands of Lower Mesopotamia witnessed severe draining programs during late 1980s and early 2000s, which turned vast areas of the former water body into desert areas. New field surveys of birds and their habitats in the marshes of southern Iraq were launched in 2005 through a national and international partnership of non-government organizations, ministries and donor agencies. This has resulted in the collection and collation of new data on the status, distribution and habitat requirements of birds and other biota in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Iraq from 2005 to 2008. This paper summarizes the bird data obtained in these surveys in the southern marshes, during which 159 species of birds were recorded; of these 34 are considered to be of conservation concern, including eight that are globally threatened.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of birds in Kurdistan, northern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1839/ BioRisk 3: 187-203

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.21

Authors: Korsh Ararat

Abstract: Bird surveys to help identify and assess Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) were undertaken in Kurdistan in the winter and summer of 2008. The winter survey was from 19 January to 8 February and the summer survey from 7 May to 16 June, a total of 45 days. During these periods a total of 34 sites were surveyed in the North Iraq governorates of Sulaimani, Erbil, and Dohuk and 185 species of birds recorded. Of these, according to IUCN criteria, one species was globally endangered, three vulnerable and two near threat- ened. In addition, 32 species were considered to be of conservation concern in Iraq, based on a system developed by Richard Porter. Of the species observed, 124 were confirmed or probable breeding, whilst 59 were winter visitors. The KBA selection process used the Middle East Important Bird Areas (IBAs) criteria, which considers seven species-based categories.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200