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Effects of dietary inclusion of condensed tannins from Schinopsis lorentzii and age on the physicochemical properties, and the content of minerals and amino acids content of meat in Eimeria-challenged broilers

Vlastimil Šimek, Radka Dobšíková, Martina Kosťuková, Lenka Rozsypalová, František Ježek, Josef Kameník, David Zapletal

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(6):281-297 | DOI: 10.17221/64/2026-CJAS  

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dietary effect of condensed tannins (CT) from red quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) and broiler age on the physicochemical properties, mineral composition, and amino acid content in the meat of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. Broilers were randomly assigned to four dietary groups: CT1 and CT2 received 10 and 20 g CT/kg, respectively; the control (C) group received a basal diet; and the R group received a basal diet with a coccidiostat. Meat quality indicators were assessed at 35 and 42 days of age. Supplementation with the higher CT level (2%) reduced carcass weight, particularly at...

A review on the antimicrobial activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum metabolites

Yuanyuan Kong, Peiying Li, Tong Liu, Kunliang Han, Panpan Zhao, Junhong Wang, Yangan Xiao, Chaoning He

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(6):237-259 | DOI: 10.17221/44/2026-CJAS  

The increasing demand for natural alternatives to chemical preservatives and antibiotics has intensified interest in probiotic microorganisms with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a well-characterised species within the family Lactobacillaceae, is widely recognised for its broad‑spectrum antibacterial activity and its long history of safe use in fermented foods. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent advances in the antimicrobial functionality of L. plantarum, covering its taxonomic classification, genomic features, and the diverse array of antimicrobial metabolites...

Characterisation of testicular perfusion dynamics using digital pulse wave Doppler ultrasonography in indigenous cattle reared under coastal tropical climate

Gokuldas PP, Amiya Ranjan Sahu, Vedika Kudalkar, Mahak Singh, Shirish Dadarao Narnaware, Sanjaykumar Udharwar

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(6):260-267 | DOI: 10.17221/42/2026-CJAS  

Testicular blood flow and haemodynamics play a critical role in maintaining spermatogenesis and thermoregulation in bulls. The assessment of the testicular blood flow provides detailed insights into the reproductive function in male animals. This study aimed to characterise the testicular perfusion pattern using pulse wave Doppler ultrasonography in the Shweta Kapila breed of indigenous cattle reared in their native habitat on the Indian west coast. Healthy Shweta Kapila bulls (n = 8) maintained under semi-intensive systems were examined. A digital Pulse Wave Doppler ultrasound system equipped with a linear array probe was used to assess...

Drinking warm water in a cold environment impairs growth performance and alters the gastrointestinal microbiota in growing calves

Zhanhe Zhang, Xintong Li, Donglin Wu, Ming Xu

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(6):268-280  

This study aimed to investigate the effects of drinking water temperature on growth performance and gastrointestinal microbiota in growing calves. Forty-five weaned male calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups (n = 15 per group). The groups were provided with drinking water at different temperatures: 5–10 °C (FC), 20–25 °C (FM), or 35–40 °C (FW). The experiment lasted for 30 days, during which all calves were housed in individual hutches. Body weight and jugular blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, and 30; body measurements were taken on days 0 and 30. On day 30, rumen fluid and faecal...

Effect of cattle breed on muscle protein quality

Eva Straková, Natalie Klessy

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(5):220-226 | DOI: 10.17221/55/2026-CJAS  

The aim of the study was to compare the muscle protein quality in the m. longissimus, pars thoracis of bulls of the Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Czech Fleckvieh (CF) breeds reared under identical conditions within an extensive pasture-based system. The CF breed exhibited a higher crude protein content (887 ± 87.4 g/kg of dry matter) compared to AA (812 ± 59.3 g/kg of dry matter); P ≤ 0.05. A higher content of non-essential amino acids was recorded in CF (390 ± 37.9 g/kg of dry matter) compared to AA (364 ± 44.5 g/kg of dry matter); P ≤ 0.05, as well as higher contents of essential amino...

Detection of milk manipulation for the purpose of targeted reduction of somatic cell count using the MALDI-TOF MS method

Veronika Legarová, Sona Formankova Herman, Lucie Kejdova Rysova, Zbynek Formanek, Oto Hanus, Katerina Bozikova, Hana Nejeschlebova, Jaromir Duchacek, Matej Bozik

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(5):227-235 | DOI: 10.17221/52/2026-CJAS  

This study examines methods for detecting illegal manipulation of raw cow’s milk aimed at artificially reducing the somatic cell count (SCC) through centrifugation. This practice, motivated by economic gain, compromises the authenticity of the raw material and masks the true health status of the mammary gland. An experimental analysis of 68 samples demonstrated that centrifugation reduces somatic cell count by an average of 45.9 ± 11.6%. The MALDI-TOF MS method was used to identify changes in the peptide profile in the 500–4 000 Da range. Although no unique peaks specific to adulterated samples were detected, Pearson’s...

Decision Support Systems in dairy cows farming: A 20-year scoping review of characteristics, applications, and future challenges

Jan Saro, Jaromír Ducháček, Luděk Stádník, Helena Brožová

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(5):191-207 | DOI: 10.17221/40/2026-CJAS  

Decision Support Systems (DSS) streamline dairy farm management by addressing challenges in productivity, animal welfare, sustainability, and economics. Yet, their precise impact on dairy cattle farm operations remains unclear. This scoping review systematically analyses DSS applications in dairy farming using studies from Scopus and Web of Science published between 2005 and June 2025, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. From 1 112 identified records, 84 studies were included, after deduplication and screening, and classified into four mutually exclusive primary categories, namely data-, model- and knowledge-driven and other specialised DSS. The...

Evaluation of the feeding value of microbially fermented cottonseed meal by in vitro method

Yutong Liu, Jiaming Luan, Xin Feng, Jinying Zhou, Chunyin Geng

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(5):208-219 | DOI: 10.17221/6/2025-CJAS  

In this study, different strains were used to ferment single/mixed cottonseed meal (cottonseed meal, corn flour, bran ratio of 7 : 2 : 1) substrates, and their feeding value was evaluated by an in vitro fermentation trial, to select suitable fermentation strains for cottonseed meal. For this purpose, two experiments (Exp.) were conducted. Exp. 1: Evaluation of the effect of fermentation of single cottonseed meal by different strains, which consisted of ten treatment groups: control (CON), Saccharomyces No. 1 (T1), Saccharomyces Fubon (T2), Saccharomyces Lallemand (T3), Lactobacillus (T4), Bacillus...

Energy balance and its relationship to body weight and body condition in grazing horses

Eva Mlyneková, Stanislav Zaťko, Marko Halo, Ivan Imrich, Marko Halo Jr

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(4):159-169 | DOI: 10.17221/54/2026-CJAS  

Equine obesity currently represents a significant welfare concern, with its development influenced by seasonal changes in the nutritional value of pasture, which substantially affect the animals’ energy balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of pasture nutritional composition, assess the balance between energy requirements and actual intake of horses during the grazing season, and determine the impact of these factors on body weight and body condition. Pasture was analysed across three seasonal periods: T1 (May), T2 (July), and T3 (September). The highest concentration of digestible energy in pasture was recorded...

The effect of cattle breed on the quality of intramuscular fat

Natalie Klessy, Eva Straková

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(4):170-179 | DOI: 10.17221/29/2026-CJAS  

The aim of the study was to verify whether differences in intramuscular fat quality, evaluation based on fatty acid profile and ratios, occur between cattle genotypes – the combined performance cattle breed Czech Fleckvieh and the beef breed Aberdeen Angus – under identical rearing conditions (same pasture location and nutritional management) with extensive grazing. The results of observation show the difference in the quality of intramuscular fat of bulls with combined performance and bulls with meat performance in extensive pastoral farming. Breed differences were reflected by a statistically significantly higher mean intramuscular...

A systematic review on the modulation of heat shock protein 70 in broilers at different stages of growth under thermal stress

Hudu Ramalan Abdullahi, Abubakar Abubakar Ahmed, Suriya Kumari Ramiah, Hasliza Abu Hassim, Yong Meng Goh

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(4):141-158 | DOI: 10.17221/1/2026-CJAS  

This systematic review synthesises evidence from published articles investigating nutritional strategies to modulate heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). A total of 1 616 records were identified from four databases and snowballing. After screening and eligibility assessment, 25 studies comprising 29 reports published between 2004 and 2025 were included. The analysis shows that targeted interventions particularly antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and selenium), amino acids and their derivatives (methionine, betaine), and phytogenic compounds effectively downregulate HSP70 expression in a dose or tissue-dependent manner. This modulation is associated with...

Dietary yeast culture supplementation improves meat quality and fat metabolism-related gene expression in lambs

Jun Xiao, Xue Han, Wei Zhao, Xin Li, Zhiwen Xuan, Zhibao Wang, Qing He, Yang Gao, Tingwei Wang, Songze Li, Yuanhong Xia, Tao Wang, Zhe Sun, Yuguo Zhen, Xuefeng Zhang, Xue Chen

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(4):180-189 | DOI: 10.17221/96/2025-CJAS  

This study evaluated the effects of dietary yeast culture (YC) supplementation on lamb growth performance and meat quality. After 14 days of acclimation, 20 three-month-old lambs (30.46 ± 1.77 kg) were randomly assigned to the control (CON, basal diet) or YC-supplemented group (0.625 g/kg DM) for 50 days. While YC induced no significant improvements in growth parameters (average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed to gain ratio; P > 0.05), it enhanced the longissimus thoracis (LT) meat quality by elevating the L* (lightness) and a* (redness) values (P < 0.05), reducing shear force (P < 0.05),...

Evaluation of changes in dry matter and nutrient content during the growth dynamics of silage maize

Andrej Mitrík, Tomáš Mitrík, Iveta Maskaľová

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(3):129-139 | DOI: 10.17221/172/2025-CJAS  

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the relationships between the nutrient content and the DM (dry matter) content of various maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in the dynamics of vegetative maturity and various soil-climatic growing conditions. Over the course of 7 growing seasons (years), a set of 1 972 samples of whole silage maize plants consisting of 206 different hybrids grown in two contrasting regions (lowland and foothill areas) was analysed. The focus was on DM content and the content of key energy nutrients (WSC – water soluble carbohydrates, starch, NDF – neutral detergent fibre) and their interactions. Results...

Effects of papaya peel addition on fermentation quality, nutritional value and in vitro ruminal digestion of napier grass silage

Li Liang, Jingzhen Li, Huade Xie, Xianqing Luo, Fanquan Zeng, Qian Deng, Chengjian Yang

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(3):109-117 | DOI: 10.17221/163/2025-CJAS  

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of papaya peel addition on the quality and in vitro ruminal digestion of napier grass silage. Fresh napier grass was mixed with papaya peel at 0% (control), 15%, 30%, and 45% of fresh weight and ensiled under anaerobic conditions. After fermentation, silages were analysed for pH, organic acids, ammonia-N, and nutrient composition. In vitro ruminal fermentation was conducted using the rumen fluid collected from buffaloes to assess gas production, volatile fatty acid profiles, and hydrogen release. The results showed that papaya peel addition significantly...

On the origin of Bohemian cattle according to mitochondrial DNA

Karel Novák, Vojtěch Janák, René Kyselý

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(3):118-128 | DOI: 10.17221/127/2025-CJAS  

The genomic structure of extant cattle populations can contribute to the reconstruction of the history of particular breeds or their subpopulations. Genome-wide population resequencing of extant populations of Czech Red Pied (CRP) cattle, its conserved nucleus herd, and Czech Red (CR) cattle detected a T106C polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA shared by the conserved CRP herd with a geographical belt of Anatolian, Illyrian and Eastern Alpine breeds. On the other hand, this SNP is practically absent in the historical cattle breeds associated with Northern Germany, including German Black Pied cattle, Holstein-Friesian and German Red Mountain cattle (GRM)....

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on fresh bull semen quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Jabulani Ngcobo, Thobela Louis Tyasi

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(3):97-108 | DOI: 10.17221/6/2026-CJAS  

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3, are known to yield health benefits to mammals, including bulls and human beings. This meta-analysis was done to determine the influence of omega-3 fatty acids (OMFA) on bull semen quality. The research question formulated for this meta-analysis was centred on the Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome (PICO) framework. To determine the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on semen quality, a meta-analysis was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The different effects were analysed using a random effects model. The variations...

Obituary Notice – Prof. Ing. Antonín Stratil, DrSc. (1941–2025)

Petr Kotlík

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(2):94-95 | DOI: 10.17221/15/2026-CJAS  

Professor Antonín Stratil (1941–2025) was a respected animal geneticist whose six-decade career made lasting contributions to biochemical, molecular and genomic research, education, and service to the scientific community.

Effect of dietary administration of Mentha piperita alone and in combination with Artemisia abrotanum on growth performance, body composition, physicochemical properties and amino acid composition of meat in Eimeria-challenged broilers

David Zapletal, Martina Kosťuková, Lenka Rozsypalová, Vlastimil Šimek, František Ježek, Josef Kameník, Radka Dobšíková

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(2):67-78 | DOI: 10.17221/173/2025-CJAS  

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary administration of peppermint (Mentha piperita) alone and in combination with southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) on performance, body and carcass composition, physicochemical characteristics, and amino acid composition of breast meat in broilers under Eimeria challenge. A total of 160 14-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four dietary groups: the control (C) group was fed a basal diet; the CC group received a grower diet containing the coccidiostat robenidine; the M group was fed the diets with the addition of 20 g peppermint/kg of diet; the MS group...

Performance and physiological responses of E. coli-challenged broiler chickens to dietary Moringa oleifera

Ari Hameed Omer, Sherzad Mustafa Hussein

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(2):79-93 | DOI: 10.17221/153/2025-CJAS  

This study was conducted to examine the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed powder on the performance and gut health of broilers challenged with E. coli. A total of 720 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 72 pens across two separate rooms, following a 2 × 6 factorial design. The factors per room included (i) challenge: no or yes, and (ii) feed additive: control (none), antibiotic [oxytetracycline (OTC) at 0.5 g/kg], MO 0.1%, MO 0.2%, MO 0.4%, and MO 0.8%. At 9 days old, birds in both challenged and non-challenged rooms were inoculated with 1.5 ml of E. coli-O157:H7...

Genetic and genomic parameters of piglet birth-weight traits and litter size in Czech Large White and Landrace sows

Eliška Žáková, Emil Krupa, Zuzana Krupová

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(2):59-66 | DOI: 10.17221/135/2025-CJAS  

This study aimed to estimate heritabilities of piglet birth-weight traits and to investigate the relationships between piglet birth-weight and litter-size traits using field data from Czech Large White and Landrace sows. Data including 86 241 piglets from 5 536 litters were analysed using repeatability, genetic, and genomic models. The investigated piglet-weight traits included arithmetic mean birth weight (MBW), within-litter standard deviation (SDBW), coefficient of variation in birth weight (CVBW), and the proportion of small piglets in the litter (SMALL). Heritability rates of piglet-weight traits were low, with the highest estimates for...

Mitigating methane in dairy cattle: Integrated strategies and the evolving role of precision livestock farming

Eva Mixtajová, Joana Nery, Radovan Kasarda, Muzaffer Denlí, Achille Schiavone, Alkan Çağlı, José Francisco Pérez, Hasan Hüseyin İpçak, José Luis Repetto, Stanislava Drotárová, Cecilia Cajarville

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(2):41-58 | DOI: 10.17221/116/2025-CJAS  

Modern dairy farming faces the dual challenge of meeting global food demands while mitigating its environmental impact, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as methane (CH4), a potent contributor to climate change. This review explores the role of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies in monitoring and reducing CH4 emissions from dairy cattle. We evaluate state-of-the-art methods, including direct monitoring (e.g. respiratory chambers, GreenFeed systems) and indirect approaches (e.g. infrared milk spectroscopy, AI-driven analytics), alongside mitigation strategies such as nutritional optimisation, genetic...

The impact of pre-dry-off weather patterns on subsequent lactation udder health in dairy cows, and their comparison with milkability, milk quality and udder health parameters – A pilot study

Matúš Gašparík, Jaromír Ducháček, Luděk Stádník, Radim Codl, Iveta Szencziová, Kateřina Cihlářová, Nikola Marešová

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(1):21-29 | DOI: 10.17221/169/2025-CJAS  

Environmental conditions are known to influence the dairy cow health, with most research focusing on the detrimental effects of heat stress. However, the impact of non-summer weather patterns in temperate climates on udder health carry-over between lactations is not well understood. This pilot study evaluated the effect of various weather factors (temperature, humidity, precipitation, sunshine) during 1-day to 90-day periods before dry-off on udder health in the first month post-calving (represented by somatic cell count, conductivity, lactose, and mastitis incidence) in 199 Holstein cows in Central Europe. The scope of the experiment was limited...

Genetic parameters for foot and claw disorders in Czech Holstein cattle

Ludmila Zavadilová, Eva Kašná, Zuzana Krupová, Miloslava Štípková, Michaela Brzáková

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(1):11-20 | DOI: 10.17221/140/2025-CJAS  

Our study investigated the genetic variability of specific foot and claw disorders, namely dermatitis digitalis, sole ulcer, and three broader categories (infectious diseases, claw horn lesions, and general claw disorder) in Czech Holstein cows. We also examined their genetic relationships with clinical mastitis and key fertility traits. Using both linear and threshold animal models, we concluded that heritability estimates for foot and claw disorders were consistently higher when employing the threshold model. A significant finding was the genetic correlation between sole ulcer and dermatitis digitalis, which ranged from 0.21 (calving...

Population structure, genetic diversity, and reproductive efficiency in the autochthonous Busha cattle breed

Aneta Piplica, Mato Čačić, Anamaria Ekert Kabalin, Maja Maurić Maljković, Ivan Vlahek, Velimir Sušić, Sven Menčik

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(1):1-10 | DOI: 10.17221/138/2025-CJAS  

Autochthonous cattle breeds represent important resources of genetic diversity. The Busha cattle breed is reared in the Balkan Peninsula and is characterised by high adaptability, resilience, longevity, small body size, and low maintenance and production requirements. During the 36-year observation period, the total population of the autochthonous Busha cattle breed in the Republic of Croatia amounted to 10 411 animals. Pedigree completeness for the total population, considering the first parental generation, was 97.1%. The average inbreeding coefficient was 2.44%, ranging from zero to 42.6%, while the average relatedness coefficient was 3.56%...

The impact of domestication process on eggshell microstructure in Gallus gallus, Anser anser and Anas platyrhynchos

Joanna Rosenberger, Łukasz Pawelec, Regina Grugel

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(1):30-40 | DOI: 10.17221/112/2024-CJAS  

The domestication process has had a substantial and varied impact on animals in terms of anatomy, physiology, and behaviour. Poultry species are particularly important for humans, with the most significant being chickens, geese, and ducks. However, it is not well understood whether, or to what extent selection influences the eggshell structure compared to wild ancestors. In the present study, we compared eggshells from three species: Red junglefowl and its four domesticated forms: Green-legged partridge, Lohmann Brown, Ko-Shamo, meat type breeder (Cobb 500); Greylag goose, and two domesticated breeds: Bilgoraj goose and White Koluda goose, as well...

Endogenous inhibitory compounds in bovine milk, their significance and methods of detection

Marcela Klimesova, Ludmila Krizova, Hana Nejeschlebova, Oto Hanus, Lenka Vorlova

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2025, 70(12):499-517 | DOI: 10.17221/146/2025-CJAS  

Raw cow’s milk is one of the most strictly controlled commodities in the food industry. Besides basic hygienic and nutritional parameters, the presence of inhibitory and contaminant substances plays a critical role in technological quality and safety. While the vast majority of inhibitory residues are represented by antibiotics originating from mastitis prevention and therapy, milk also contains a broad spectrum of naturally occurring native antimicrobial compounds. These include immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, phosphatases, lipases, and proteases acting as integral elements of the innate immune system within the...

Lactoferrin – The protective component of goat colostrum and milk

Pavlína Navrátilová, Klára Bartáková, Jan Pospíšil, Lenka Vorlová, Tomáš Kopec, Oto Hanuš, Hana Nejeschlebová, Eva Samková, Josef Kučera, Radoslava Jedelská

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2025, 70(12):538-553 | DOI: 10.17221/123/2025-CJAS  

Lactoferrin (LF) is an important bioactive component of colostrum, is critical for the development of immunity in the newborns, and it is an important component of the mammary gland defence system. LF is also an important biomolecule in terms of promoting and restoring the human health. The aim of our study was to monitor the dynamics of changes in lactoferrin concentration in goat milk at varying stages of lactation and its correlation with selected components and physicochemical parameters. Colostrum (n = 24) and milk (n = 120) samples were obtained from 12 goats by hand milking. Lactoferrin was determined using reversed-phase...

Impact of puerperal disorders on early culling and milk production in Slovak Spotted dairy cows

Karolína Pálešová, Jozef Bujko, Nina Moravčíková, Hana Vostrá-Vydrová, Adrián Halvoník, Luboš Vostrý, Radovan Kasarda

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2025, 70(12):528-537 | DOI: 10.17221/122/2025-CJAS  

Puerperal diseases are major postpartum complications in dairy cattle and may compromise both survival and production performance. This study evaluated how specific puerperal diseases influence early culling risk and standardised 305-day milk traits in Slovak Spotted cows. A total of 792 animals were clinically assessed during early postpartum and classified as healthy or affected by ketosis, metritis, retained foetal membranes, parturient paresis, or by comorbid diseases, defined as the concurrent occurrence of two or more disorders. Logistic regression models indicated that ketosis was associated with the highest odds of culling compared with...

Effect of extruded flaxseed supplementation during the indoor fattening of yearling bulls on beef carcass, meat composition, and fatty acid profile

Emir Mujić, Javier Mateo, Mahsa Dehnavi, Halil Omanović, Aida Džaferović, Munevera Begić, Selma Čorbo

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2025, 70(12):518-527 | DOI: 10.17221/5/2025-CJAS  

This study investigates the impact of supplementing extruded flaxseed to the diet of yearling bulls during the indoor fattening on beef carcass quality, meat composition, and fatty acid profile. Twenty male crossbred calves (Holstein × Simmental) were divided into two groups: control group and flaxseed-supplemented group, each with 10 calves. The control group received a conventional diet, while the flaxseed group was fed the same diet enriched with 5% extruded flaxseed on a dry-matter basis. The study revealed no significant differences in growth performance, carcass weight, or yield between the two groups. However, the flaxseed-supplemented...

Lactoferrin content determined in bovine milk by HPLC and mid-infrared spectrometry – Relation to udder health and potential for detection of milk adulteration

Hana Nejeschlebová, Oto Hanuš, Klára Bartáková, Craig Parsons, Eva Samková, Lenka Vorlová, Gavin Thompson, Lucie Hasoňová, Roman Konečný, Pavlína Navrátilová, Marcela Klimešová

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2025, 70(11):467-479 | DOI: 10.17221/114/2025-CJAS  

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein linked to udder health in dairy cows. This study aimed to develop a calibration model for LF quantification using mid-infrared spectrometry (MIR-FT), with ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the reference method. Two sets of individual milk samples (A: n = 120; B: n = 91) were collected from five dairy farms in the Czech Republic. Set A included a higher proportion of samples with somatic cell count (SCC) above 300 000 cells/ml to ensure broad LF variability. After merging both sets and removing six outliers, a final calibration set C (n =...