Czech Journal of Animal Science, 2026 (vol. 71), issue 9
The effect of maturation and aging on the quality of mammalian oocytesReview
Andrea Nesvadbova, Jiri Bezdicek, Alexander Makarevich, Ludek Stadnik
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(9):397-405 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2026-CJAS 
The aim of this review was to summarise current knowledge regarding the effects of maturation, activation and aging on oocyte quality. Two main forms of aging were distinguished: (i) postovulatory aging, which occurs after ovulation due to a prolonged period before fertilisation and (ii) age-related aging, which is associated with a gradual decline in ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. Proper embryo development strongly depends on oocyte quality, which is most often assessed according to morphology. Numerous observations have demonstrated the influence of oocyte maturation, during which controlled cytoplasmic and nuclear modifications...
Effects of fresh olive cake inclusion in ensiledtotal mixed rations on in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics and methane productionOriginal Paper
Murat Er, Kanber Kara, Eren Kuter, Hulusi Akçay, Sena Yılmaz Öztaş
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(9):406-416 | DOI: 10.17221/48/2026-CJAS
This study evaluated the effects of replacing maize silage with increasing levels of olive cake (OC) in ensiled total mixed rations (ETMR) on microbial quality, in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics, methane production, and estimated energy parameters. Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 0% (Control), 10% (OC10), and 20% (OC20) olive cake on a dry matter basis and were ensiled for 60 days. On day 60, ETMRs were opened, microbial composition was assessed, and in vitro ruminal fermentation was conducted for 24 h using the gas production technique. No significant differences were observed among treatments in bacterial...
Associations of TERB2 and LRP6 polymorphisms with cashmere, growth, lactation and reproductive traits in Liaoning Cashmere goatsOriginal Paper
Qiying Zhan, Ran Duan, Qingyu Yuan, Yanqin Meng, Shuaitong Li, Hao Lin, Weihang Hong, Hua Ma, Lingchao Kong, Wangshu Li, Haoran Wang, Xiaochen Kou, Dakun Lyu, Yunlong Guo, Jiamei Liang, Zeying Wang
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(9):417-427 | DOI: 10.17221/167/2025-CJAS
This study evaluated associations of TERB2 and LRP6 polymorphisms with economically important traits in 1 181 Liaoning Cashmere goats (Capra hircus). Two exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), G841C in TERB2 and C98161A in LRP6, were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bidirectional sequencing. Genotype–trait associations for cashmere production, body size, lactation, reproductive, slaughter, and meat-quality traits were analysed separately by sex where appropriate, with Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate correction applied to overall genotype effects. The G841C locus showed...
Associations of SLC45A2 variation and MC1R/cAMP-related molecular characteristics with the “cloudy feather” phenotype in Qiangshan Cloud chickensOriginal Paper
Ronghong Li, Min Xiao, Yuzhen Zhou, Xilamu Yi, Sang Mu
Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2026, 71(9):428-442 | DOI: 10.17221/9/2026-CJAS
Qiangshan Cloud chicken is a local chicken breed unique to Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, characterised by its distinctive “cloudy feather” phenotype, where black feathers form the base with attached cloud-like white feathers. This study aimed to evaluate genetic associations with this phenotype and to explore whether MC1R expression, cAMP concentration, melanogenesis-related transcript patterns, and qualitative histology were consistent with a multi-gene working model. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase I involved 220 adult chickens (110 Qiangshan Cloud chickens and 110 Fengwei chickens) for SLC45A2...