Presence of natural radionuclides and toxic elements in monocalcium phosphate, complete feed and pig manure.

Naturally occurring radionuclides and toxic elements are ubiquitous in the environment and can pose a great risk to animals' health. Control of these toxic substances in animal diet is essential for animal's welfare, human nutrition risk management as well as environmental protection. Our study addresses these issues by determining a content of natural radionuclides (K, U and Ra), and toxic elements (Cd, Cr, As) in total of 108 samples: 36 monocalcium phosphate, 36 complete feed and 36 pig manure samples that were collected from 6 different commercial farms in the Republic of Serbia.

Efficiency of sepiolite in broilers diet as uranium adsorbent.

The use of phosphate mineral products in animal nutrition, as a major source of phosphor and calcium, can lead to uranium entering the food chain. The aim of the present study was to determine the protective effect of natural sepiolite and sepiolite treated with acid for broilers after oral intake of uranium. The broilers were contaminated for 7 days with 25 mg/uranyl nitrate per day.

137Cs and 40K in some traditional herbal teas collected in the mountain regions of Serbia.

Herbal teas are an important part of traditional medicine in Serbia. The objective of the present study was to determine the activity concentrations of (40)K and (137)Cs in herbal tea, using the gamma spectroscopy method. The samples were collected during the period 2011-2012 in three mountain regions in Western and Central Serbia.

Comparative study of (137)Cs distribution in broilers and pheasants and possibilities for protection.

The aim of the present study was to investigate distribution of (137)Cs in leg and breast meat of broilers and pheasants following single alimentary contamination and administration of two protectors (AFCF and clinoptilolite). The birds were administered a single dose of (137)CsCl, with an activity of 750 Bq. Protectors were given via gastric tube or mixed in the forage pellets.