Effect of buckwheat germ meal on the natural resistance and growth rate of laboratory animals

In recent years, scientific research has shown growing interest in natural vitamin preparations, particularly those containing carotenoids. These biologically active compounds play a crucial role in antioxidant defense, support immune function, contribute to metabolic normalization, and reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases. Significant scientific and practical interest in these compounds stems from the fact that some of them exhibit high biological activity, the ability to significantly modulate metabolic processes, prevent damage to cell membranes, and enhance the resistance of animals to adverse environmental factors. The aim of the study was to conduct a sanitary and hygienic assessment of the effect of the preparation “Buckwheat Germ Meal” on natural resistance and growth intensity of laboratory animals. The studies were conducted during 2022–2023 at the Department of Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise, Hygiene of Animal Products and Pathological Anatomy named after Y. S. Zahaievskyi, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University; at the State Enterprise LLC “Bilotserkivkhliboprodukt” (Laboratory for Food Safety and Quality Control), Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region; and at the Fastiv District State Laboratory of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Kyiv region. Zoohygienic, zootechnical, morphological, biochemical, organoleptic, physicochemical, biochemical, and variation-statistical research methods were applied. The research substantiated the feasibility of using a new domestic biologically active preparation, “Buckwheat Germ Meal”, as a preventive agent. Its positive effect on morphological, biochemical, and immunological blood parameters, enhancement of natural resistance, and increased growth intensity of laboratory animals was experimentally confirmed. The use of “Buckwheat Germ Meal” contributed to moderate activation of erythropoiesis in the peripheral blood of white mice: hemoglobin levels increased by 3.7 %, erythrocyte count by 10.0 % (P < 0.05), and hematocrit by 6.2 % (P < 0.05). Feeding “Buckwheat Germ Meal” at a dose of 2.0 g per animal for 30 days moderately activated metabolic processes in white mice: total protein content increased by 6.4 % (P < 0.05), total globulins by 16.6 % (P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase activity by 8.6 %, and aspartate aminotransferase by 5.8 % (P < 0.05). No changes in serum cholesterol activity were detected. Administration of the preparation at a dose of 2.5 g per animal did not cause any adverse effects or negative changes in the clinical condition of white mice, such as increased body temperature or delayed growth and development; therefore, it can be recommended for use in farm animals. It was established that the growth energy of white mice in the experimental group increased dynamically, and by the end of the experiment (day 60), this parameter was 14.2 % higher compared to the control group. A preparation is considered active if the difference in average daily body weight gain between groups is at least 10 %. The economic efficiency of using “Buckwheat Germ Meal” is achieved through reduced morbidity of animals and poultry, increased survival rates, higher average daily weight gain, additional live weight gain, reduced costs per unit of production, and lower production costs of livestock products.