Projects / Programmes
Higiena živil, nutricijska patologija, higiena živali z varstvom okolja (Slovene)
January 1, 1999
- December 31, 2003
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.04.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Veterinarian medicine |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B750 |
Biomedical sciences |
Veterinary medicine: surgery, physiology, pathology, clinical studies |
Researchers (25)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The main purpose of veterinary research in the area of control over food products of animal origin, animal feed hygiene and pathologies and animal and environmental hygiene is the identification and appropriate application of the main factors which assure effective protection of not only animals but also, indirectly, humans from biological and other contaminants. These problems most directly relate to hygienic control of food products of animal origin. Investigations into the hygiene and pathologies of animal feed, the objective of which is not only the sanitary production of foodstuffs of animal origin but also the identification of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and implementation of appropriate measures to prevent nutritional deficiencies in domestic animals, an area in which little is known, have a similar focus. This is also true of animal and environmental hygiene research, where the assurance of appropriate penning and health conditions for animals, as well as the protection of animals and the environment from excessive contamination by various biological agents and other harmful substances, is carried out with the use of technology. New problems in this area which need to be investigated so that appropriate solutions can be identified continue to appear. Other areas of research which have increasingly taken up a great deal of time both in Slovenia and throughout the world are the diagnosis, frequency and, most importantly, prevention of poorly understood toxic infections and organic and inorganic contamination of food products of animal origin which can threaten human health.
The specific conditions which pertain to these problems differ greatly from region to region and country to country. That is why, from both an economic and health safeguards perspective, it is important to investigate the specific nature of these problems in order to find appropriate solutions. In these cases, special attention is paid to the investigation of levels of cleanliness in feed, which, if unsatisfactory, could threaten breeding production levels and be an important source of contamination in foodstuffs of animal origin. In recent years, most research in this area has focused upon microtoxins, especially those with carcinogenic, teratogenic or immunosuppressive effects. These problems are currently present in the Slovenian ecological context as well. Research into the effects of natural substrate microtoxins upon experimental animals will undoubtedly make a contribution to basal studies in this area. Another current area of interest is research into the influence of breeders upon the environment in terms of uses of animal waste that do not harm the environment, especially those which carry the risk of contaminating the environment with pathogenic microorganisms, veterinary medicine or other contaminants, or the area surrounding them with an unpleasant smell. Even though we are currently putting together a research program for a working group from three Departments of the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, this program will only be complete when it is based on appropriate objectives and when deficiencies, especially in the methodologies and the amount of equipment used, are taken care of.
Significance for science
In countries where animal breeding and related food processing industries are important economic resources, increasing attention is being paid to research in animal and environmental hygiene and nutritional pathology. As traffic in consumer goods becomes more globalized, the interests of the international scientific and professional community are focused upon ways to decrease the potential risk caused by hazardous foodstuffs of animal origin. Current research into breeding technology adapted to the physiology of today's animals, such as a comfortable environment and living space, is also being carried out. The findings of some of these investigations, especially those which are concerned with the effects of toxic materials, such as microtoxins, upon animal health, will be of fundamental significance. Such research will be carried out upon experimental animals using substances which have been isolated from the natural substrata, and will study the effect of these substances upon animal health and the presence of residues in food products of animal origins. Basic knowledge in this area will benifit from the greater familiarity with these problems that this research will provide. Much of this applied research will look for specific evidence in contamination levels of food products of animal origin and feed taken from Slovenian environmental conditions, and at problems related to environmentally friendly, nondestructive use of animal waste. Both basic and applied research in these areas is relevant and important to the international professional and scientific community.
Significance for the country
Research into the hygiene of food products of animal origin and animal environments, as well as the hygiene and pathology of animal feed, is essential to Slovenia. Any country that has not adequately developed its level of knowledge in this area will not be an equal footing in the international trade of animals and food products of animal origin or the level of protection it provides to domestic consumers. While it is true that certain measures to protect animal health and its effect on the sanitation levels of food products of animal origin and animal feed have been incorporated into current regulations, problems resulting from new scientific findings, especially those concerning microtoxins, health additives to feed, natural toxins, pesticides, and other contaminants, continue to bring about changes and improvements in current conditions. Current research in Slovenia has focused upon improvements in current conditions. Current research in Slovenia has focused upon modern technology and its contribution to improving animal welfareand the safe use of animal waste and other environmental hazards related to large breeding installations. Breeding animals in large conglomerates has become necessary for economic reasons, and this trend will continue to expand throughout Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
