THE EFFECT OF WATER QUALITY ON INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK BREEDING AND ECOLOGY
Main researcher
: VINKOVIĆ, BARA (66413) Assistants
MUNK, MIROSLAVA (32775)
Type of research: applied Duration from: 04/30/91. to 12/15/95. Papers on project (total): 0
Institution name: Veterinarski institut, Zagreb (48) Department/Institute: DEPARTMENT OF ANIMALHYGIENE Address: ZAGREB, SAVSKA 143 City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)1 535-011
Fax: 385 (0)1 537-140
E-mail: mavi.veinst.hr
Summary: In the period between April 30, 1991. and Decembar,31.
1993. in total 127 samples of drinking water were taken on several large
farms and rural husbandries. Collected samples were analysed for the main
bacteriological, physical and chemical parameters in compliance with the
Regulations for hygienic correctens of drinking water (Act on the taking
over of federal bills inn the field of public health, NN 53/91. Obtained
results of analyses showed that 14.8 % of analysed samples did not meet the
criterium for total bacteria count, 31.5 % for the most probable coliform
bacteria count respectively. The principal chemical parameters of organic
impurities exceeded the permitted level in 3.1 % of cases for ammoniac,
22.8 % for nitrite content and 35.4 % for potassium permanganate
respectively. Both the nitrate and chloride content in all analysed samples
was below the permitted level. From the ecological point of view, it is
encouraging that organic impurities were not found in water sources.
Moreover, if we take into consideration the deficiency of conditional heads
per hectare in Croatia (Vinković, 1993) and favourable epizootiological
situation with respect to specially hazardous contagious diseases compared
to that in numerous European countries (Pauković, 1993), these parameters
should be used in the promotion of our animal production. By monitoring the
effects of livestock production on the environment, the veterinary
profession may offer valuable arguments by means of which it would be
possible to change to one's advantage the present lagging behind the world
achivements in livestock production and also to produce ecologically
acceptable foods of animal origin.
Research goals: The aim of proposed study was to determine presumed
sources of environment contamination with respect to the numerousness of
animals in exploatation and the mode of their menagement. For that
purposes, we have analysed the samples of water taken from the wells which
were located at the distance of min. 20 m and 500 m from the deposits of
fecal matter. According to the Regulations for the hygienic correctness of
drinking water (Act on the taking oveer federal bills in the field of
public health, NN 53/91), 14.8 % of analysed samples did not meet the
criterium for total bacteria count, 31.5 % for the most probable coliform
bacteria count respectively. Excessive nitrite content was found in 22.8 %,
ammoniac content in 3.1 % and potassium permanganate utilization in 35.4 %
of analysed samples. On the other hand, the content of nitrates and
chlorides was below the permitted level. Biological study was not performed
because significant nitrate-nitrite concentrations which could affect
animal health and perfomance have not be found. These results have an
indirect importance in the evaluation of environment health. In the course
of investigations, however, a question of timely intervention aimed at the
reduction of environmental pollution has arisen. Thus, the possibility of
use of zeoolites in intensive pig-breeding for achivement of ecologically
acceptable production, has been investigated as one of the alternative
solutions (Vinković at all., 1993). Other information about the project.