Czech Journal of Animal Science - Latest articles
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Comparison of carcass traits between mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
Eva Straková, Anna Brázdilová, Natalie Klessy, Pavel Suchý
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(8):371-379 | DOI: 10.17221/81/2026-CJAS 
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of domestication and the associated rearing system and rearing conditions on the carcass traits of ducks, assessed on the basis of weight and yield parameters, including skinless carcass weight, skinless breast muscle weight, skinless thigh weight, skinless thigh muscle weight, and the corresponding yield parameters. The study included 20 wild mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) living under natural conditions and 20 domesticated Cherry Valley ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) reared under intensive indoor production conditions with controlled lighting, temperature, and feeding...
Herd management practices associated with bulk tank somatic cell count on dairy farms in Western Türkiye
Tarık Ayyılmaz, Can Uzmay
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(8):343-360 | DOI: 10.17221/62/2026-CJAS
The objective of this study was to determine the associations between bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) and herd management practices on dairy farms in Western Türkiye. The material of the study consisted of 81 registered dairy farms. The farms were visited at approximately one-month intervals. Somatic cell count was determined electronically in the milk samples. According to the average BTSCC values of the farms, two different BTSCC categories were created (low: ≤400 103 cells/ml with 40 farms and high: >400 103 cells/ml with 41 farms). A questionnaire form was created to determine the herd management practices. The...
Gompertz – Pütter – Gompertz: Resolving two centuries of debate on laws of biological growth
Gerald Charles Emmans, Robert Gous
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(8):380-395 | DOI: 10.17221/56/2026-CJAS
The function of Gompertz (1825) can be derived from the growth equation of Pütter (1920), using the modified form proposed by Kühleitner et al. (2019). The genetic relative growth rate is derived as RG = dlnW/dt = BG.ln(AG/W). The genetic characteristics are AG, mature weight, and BG, the rate parameter; the state variable is weight, W. The integrated form is W = AG.exp[–exp–(G0 + BG.t)], where G0 = –ln[–ln(W0/AG)]...
In vitro proliferative capacity of satellite cells derived from Brown Vietnamese cattle (Bos indicus)
Minh Thai Nguyen, Chung Chinh Doan, Son Nghia Hoang, Thi Anh Linh Dinh, Han Thai Minh Nguyen, Nhung Thi Nguyen, Hanh Van Nguyen, Loan Thi Tung Dang, Nhan Lu Chinh Phan, Long Thanh Le1, Chi Nguyen Quynh Ho1
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(8):361-370 | DOI: 10.17221/38/2026-CJAS
Finding suitable animal cell sources for cultured meat production remains a major challenge and continues to attract significant scientific interest, particularly in the development of bovine cultured meat. These cells must demonstrate robust proliferative capacity and the ability to maintain stemness. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the proliferation capacity and morphological alterations of bovine satellite cells (bSCs) derived from the Brown Vietnamese cattle during long-term in vitro expansion. The results showed that bSCs possessed a high proliferative potential, sustaining over 20 passages. These cells retained the expression...
Rumen-protected gambir catechins encapsulated using CaO-PFAD: Their effects on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and methane production in vitro
Roni Pazla, Asmuddin Natsir, Dewi Febrina, Mardiati Zain, Arief Arief, Antonius Antonius, Zaitul Ikhlas, Yolani Utami, Ezi Masdia Putri, Gusri Yanti, Yanuar Achadri, Sharli Asmairicen, Ida Andriani
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(7):308-318 | DOI: 10.17221/68/2026-CJAS
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rumen-protected gambir catechins encapsulated using calcium oxide (CaO) and palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) on rumen fermentation profiles, microbial activity, nutrient digestibility, and methane production in vitro. A randomised block design was used, consisting of four treatments and five replicates. The treatments were assigned based on different levels of gambir catechin-CaO-PFAD encapsulate supplementation, namely 0% (A), 5% (B), 10% (C), and 15% (D) in the diet. The results indicated that the treatments significantly affected NH3 concentration, partial VFA profiles,...
Improved cryotolerance of bovine blastocysts by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation during in vitro culture and post-thaw recovery
HakKyo Lee, Do-Hyun Kim, DaeJin Kwon
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(7):319-329 | DOI: 10.17221/61/2026-CJAS
In vitro embryo production (IVP) is a valuable technique for advancing cattle breeding and reproductive biotechnology. Nevertheless, embryos produced in vitro often display reduced developmental competence and cryotolerance compared with their in vivo counterparts. Vitamin D is known to regulate many cellular functions, including growth and antioxidant defence. This study evaluated the impact of vitamin D supplementation during in vitro culture on bovine embryo development and post-thaw recovery. Oocytes were matured and fertilised in vitro and presumptive zygotes were cultured with 0 (control), 25, or 50 ng/ml...
The impact of folic acid on genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in the liver of broilers
Yuting Pang, Yujie Zhang, Yunheng Liu, Xiuling Li, Jinyi Xing
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(7):330-341 | DOI: 10.17221/102/2025-CJAS
Folic acid (FA) plays an important role as a cofactor and coenzyme in animal growth and development, and in the regulation of gene expression and methylation. However, the epigenetic mechanism by which dietary FA supplementation regulates lipid metabolism in broilers remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of FA on genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in broiler liver and to identify differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and pathways associated with lipid metabolism. Reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) was performed to analyse genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in liver tissues of broilers...
The mechanism of N-carbamylglutamate promoting arginine synthesis and its application in pig production: A review
Pei Mao, MengMeng Gao, Naizhi Hu, XiaoLi Zhang, ChengGang Yan, ChengSheng Song, WenFeng Ma
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(7):299-307 | DOI: 10.17221/87/2025-CJAS
Arginine (Arg) is an essential amino acid that can improve the reproductive capacity, intestinal development, and growth performance of pigs. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and N-acetylglutamate (NAG) can activate carbamyl phosphate synthetase I and the Δ1 pyrrolin 5 carboxylate synthetase in mitochondria, promoting the synthesis of citrulline from glutamine and proline, citrulline is the main precursors for the synthesis of Arg, and subsequently increasing the endogenous synthesis of Arg to produce nitric oxide (NO) and polyamines. Compared with Arg, NCG has a longer half-life and does not inhibit the absorption of basic amino...
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...