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This study aimed to determine the potential of Wallachian sheep in quantitative and qualitative indicators of milk production under extensive conditions of the Western Beskids mountains. Milk samples were collected from the group of 38 non-dairying sheep selected from the basic 120-head flock. Ewes were monitored during four control days (from 27^th April, the average 42^nd day of lactation to 4^th August, the average 142^nd day of lactation) to cover the whole lactation period. Ewes were investigated for their milk production and for milk quantity parameter. Milk quality indicators included percentage estimation of milk components (fat, protein, casein, lactose, dry matter), somatic cell count (10³ cells/ml), vitamin A and E content (mg/kg), and K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu (mg/kg) content. Milk production ranged from 1 017.37 g (early stage of lactation) to 416.87 g (late stage of lactation period). The milk contained high fat (6.06–8.44%) and protein (4.68–5.68%) percentages, low somatic cell count and favourable distribution of minerals and vitamins. In general, results of this study indicate a possibility for low-productive traditional grazing system with extensive sheep breeds not only for cultivating the area but also for the purpose of high nutritional food with beneficial aspect on human health.

To better explore the effects of adding phytosterol (PS) microcapsules to feed on pig growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum biochemical indicators, 200 healthy ternary hybrid Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets with an average initial weight of 7.53 ± 0.57 kg) were used as experimental subjects, and randomly divided into five groups with four replicates in each group. The control group of pigs was fed the basic diet, while the experimental group received diets supplemented with different PS levels. They were divided into experimental groups 1 to 4 (100 mg/kg to 5 502 mg/kg) according to different dosage added components. The duration of the experiment was 54 days. The results showed that the total triglyceride (TG) index and diarrhoea status in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The increase in PS addition levels was more significant in the change of pig average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and the difference in average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio between PS-400 and PS-550 was significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant differences in crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), average digestible energy (ADE), metabolizable energy, xylan, and calcium (P < 0.05), with a maximum increase of 7.02% in calcium content. The addition of PS can be effective in making the experimental and control groups show a significant difference in value changes in high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) indicators (P < 0.05), while no significant changes were revealed in the other indicators (P > 0.05). From the above, plant sterol microcapsules can effectively improve pig growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility, and improve their blood lipid status.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of feeding regime (FR) and the combination of FR with pasture on the carcass composition and meat quality parameters of fast-growing chickens. Ross 308 chickens were split into three groups: Group 1 was fed ad libitum, and Groups 2 and 3 had a restricted diet. The chickens were feed-restricted at a rate of 70% ad libitum from 8 to 14 days of age. In Group 3, after restriction at the age of 21 days, chickens were kept on a pasture until the end of the experiment at 35 days of age. The chickens were fed ad libitum prior to and following restriction. Feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction and pasture significantly reduced final body weight, but the dressing out percentage was not affected. The breast percentage was the highest (P = 0.005) in the ad libitum group (30.5%), followed by the restricted group (28.2%) and the lowest in the group with a combination of feed restriction and pasture (27.4%). Breast pH and colour measured 24 h post mortem were not affected, whereas texture expressed as F_max was the lowest in the group with the combination of feed restriction and pasture (P = 0.05). There was no effect of the group on meat dry matter, crude protein, cholesterol, and fatty acid content, but ether extract was the highest, and significantly so, in the ad libitum-fed group. In summary, feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction and pasture negatively affected final body weight and breast and abdominal fat percentages, which might be related to a short realimentation period for compensatory growth. However, these conditions negligibly affected carcass composition and the physical and chemical parameters of the meat.

Dairy cows enter the negative energy balance in the early post-partum period, which negatively affects milk yield, health status and reproduction. This study aimed to determine if milk yield (MY) and fat/protein (F/P) ratio could be used as reliable indicators for predicting the quality of aspirated oocytes and their further use for in vitro fertilisation. A secondary goal was to compare different periods before oocyte aspiration to determine which period had the most significant impact on the oocyte development in donor cows. All tested Holstein cows were at their first lactation (n = 68). The first ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration in donor cows was done on average at 58.7 days in milk (DIM). Usually, a second aspiration followed a week later if no problems were detected. In total, 102 aspirations were performed. Three model equations with different F/P ratio distributions and variants of MY production were tested in statistical evaluation. On average, 3.6 oocytes were retrieved per donor per aspiration, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12. The maturation rate was 62.2%, with a high probability of reaching metaphase II (90.45%). The highest number of oocytes was obtained from low-yielding cows with a low F/P ratio in all evaluated periods (P < 0.01). The quality and expansion of cumulus-oocyte complexes were unaffected by the metabolic status. However, a tendency for better quality oocytes in donors with lower MY and F/P ratios was observed in all models. Our preliminary results showed that the prediction of oocyte quality in a homogeneous group of the first-lactation cows was related to the chosen data acquisition model. Data about milk yield and F/P ratio obtained from on-farm systems provide a valuable source of information for the selection of oocyte donors.

Regular replacement of old and problematic queen bees is necessary to maintain the strength and productivity of bee colonies. Beekeepers replace queen bees using queen cells, virgin queens, or mated laying queens. In this study, we explored factors influencing the acceptance of the virgin queens. A comprehensive field study was conducted in the summer of 2023, involving the introduction of 754 virgin queens of different age and 194 queen cells into mating nuclei of various states using three different methods. The article aims to provide recommendations to beekeepers for introducing virgin queens, thereby increasing the frequency of successful requeening. The duration of the colony being queenless has a significant impact on the acceptance of queens. If the colony is prepared in advance, at least five days prior, immature and mature virgin queens will be accepted equally well (60‒77%). Conversely, suppose queen replacement is done without preparation for a colony that has been queenless for one day only. In that case, the result will be significantly lower due to the short queenless period (41%), and the age factor of queen bees will come into play. If queen replacement is done with preparation, the chosen timing within the season will play a significant role, as weather conditions can influence acceptance and mating, varying from 48% to 89%. Suppose a bee colony has long lost its queen and has developed laying worker bees. In that case, there is still a 55% chance of successfully introducing a virgin queen into such a colony without using time-consuming methods.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of selected vegetable oils on the representation of dietary fatty acids in the muscle of broiler cockerels. The experiment included three groups of one-day-old cockerels of ROSS 308 genotype, 15 individuals each. The feed mixture and drinking water were fed to the cockerels, ad libitum. In accordance with the technological instructions for the hybrid combination ROSS 308, BR1 was fed to chickens up to 9 days of age with the same nutrient and oil (soybean) composition for all three groups. From day 10 to day 28 of fattening the chicks were fed BR2 and from day 29 to day 35 BR3. The components and composition of the BR2 and BR3 feeds were identical; feed mixtures differed only in oil, soybean oil was added to Group 1 (SBO), rapeseed oil to Group 2 (RSO) and sunflower oil to Group 3 (SFO). Cockerels were fed until 35 days of age and then slaughtered. Breast and thigh muscles were collected from 10 individuals from each group to determine total fat in which individual fatty acid (FA) analysis was performed. Based on the obtained results, rapeseed oil can be clearly recommended for broiler chickens in feed mixtures, for the reasons that the cockerels from the RSO group showed the highest live weight (35 days of fattening), had the lowest feed conversion ratio, had an increased n-3 FAs content in the intramuscular fat (breast and thigh), and the narrowest n-3 : n-6 FAs ratio in the intramuscular fat (breast and thigh).

Reproductive performance in pig production has gained genetic momentum resulting in large litters. Several strategies have been used to raise the number of piglets to address the challenge of a large litter size. This review provides a rationale for employing the nurse sow system as a biological way of handling large litters, exploring its step-by-step processes and its selected impacts. By exposing these steps, pig farmers will use the information to pinpoint their weak points in the chain and customize the procedures to meet their farm-specific goals for improved productivity. The nurse sow system helps to maximize pre-weaning survival by boosting the overall worth of low birth weight piglets. When piglets weaned per sow/year are used as a performance benchmark, nurse sows weaning double litters become economically advantageous. Extended time in lactation for nurse sows gives them an ample time for their uterus to involute before the next pregnancy. However, nurse sows lose their body reserves reflected in backfat thickness from high milk production. Prolonged confinement in lactation deteriorates the physical condition of nurse sows, resulting in leg ulcers and teat damage. Additionally, piglets are more distressed when taken away from their biological sow to a new sow.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan administration to total mixed ration (TMR) silage on ruminal fermentation characteristics and degradability by using both in vitro and in sacco methods. The completely randomized design (CRD) used in this study included five treatments and six replications. The treatments consisted of TMR silage with distilled water as control (SA), TMR with 1% acetic acid (SB), 0.5% chitosan in 1% acetic acid diluent (SC), 1% chitosan in 1% acetic acid diluent (SD), and 1.5% chitosan in 1% acetic acid diluent (SE). The variables observed were ruminal fermentation parameters, methane production and in sacco nutrient degradability. Results revealed that adding 1–1.5% chitosan (SD and SE treatments) reduced (P < 0.05) total protozoa, total gas production, methane production, the percentage of acetic acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid, while it increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of propionic acid. The addition of chitosan (SE treatment) decreased (P < 0.05) the degradation of dry matter, but it increased (P < 0.05) the degradability of organic matter and crude protein, as determined by in sacco analysis.

This research investigates the high prevalence of morphological defects in the sperm of a particular rabbit breed, namely the Zemplin rabbit (ZR). We tried to uncover the possible causes and consequences of the observed abnormalities. Ejaculate samples from ten adult males were divided into two qualitative groups according to the motility parameters revealed by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis). Group A contained samples with total motility (TM) above 50% and progressive motility (PM) above 30%. Group B contained samples with TM and PM below these values. Viability (SYBR-14/DRAQ5^TM and SYTOX^TM Green/DRAQ5^TM staining) and apoptosis (YO-PRO ^TM-1/DRAQ5 ^TM stainig) analyses through flow cytometry served as an additional insight into the characteristics of the qualitative groups. In both cases, we noted significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups which corresponded to motility values. Both groups showed an increased incidence of abnormal spermatozoa, and we did not observe any significant differences between them. Simultaneously, we assessed the practical implications of these sperm defects on artificial insemination (AI), and also, we did not notice any significant differences in these parameters. The use of transmission electron microscopy enhanced our understanding of the morphological defects at the ultrastructural level. In summary, the study provides an understanding of the qualitative differences in rabbit semen, highlighting variations in quality parameters. While these differences exist, they may not necessarily translate into significant variations in AI outcomes. Our study shows higher values of cytoplasmic droplets in ZR semen, but it also shows that these conditions do not necessarily mean a fundamental obstacle to fertility in the case of AI.

The study assessed the relationship between rib fat thickness and carcass price among different carcass weight groups in Korean native cattle (Hanwoo), taking into account changes in the beef grading system. Data from 8 926 Hanwoo steers, with an average age of 30.6 ± 1.88 months and slaughtered between 2017 and 2019, were analysed. The variables considered included rib fat thickness, carcass weight, eye muscle area, marbling score, and carcass price. Steers were categorised into eight carcass weight groups ranging from 250 kg to 650 kg in the original system, rib fat thickness consistently had a negative impact on carcass price, with partial coefficients of rib fat thickness on carcass price ranging from –1.96 to –46.5 depending on the carcass weight groups. Conversely, in the revised system, the impact of rib fat thickness varied from negative to positive, turning positive at the 450 kg carcass weight group. These findings may guide decision-making in beef cattle production and feeding strategies under the revised grading system.

Sheep milk production is a complex process that is influenced by various factors. This study aims to investigate how the litter size (single vs. twins), birth type (male vs. female), age of the ewes and body weight affect the milk composition and fatty acid profile of milk fat. Milk samples were collected from 119 Najdi ewes that were the subject of this study. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MASS) was used to quantify the fatty acids (FAs). The results showed that the twins birth type (female/female) has a significant influence (P < 0.05) on the concentration of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), behenic acid (C22:0) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). On the other hand, saturated fatty acids (SFA), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:4; DHA), and odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA), such as C15:0-antiso and C19:1-cis 10, increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increasing age and body weight of the ewes, while the ALA and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a positive association between the age and the OCFA, ALA and small-chain fatty acids (C6:0 and C8:0). In addition, the type of birth showed a positive association with the fat, lactose and palmitoleic acid C16:1 cis9. Conversely, there is a negative association between the UFA, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and PUFA. In addition, the body weight (BW) and litter size were negatively associated with the protein, SFA and medium-chain fatty acids (C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0). The physiological factors generally suggested that the milk quality and essential FA, such as ALA, were influenced by the type of the lamb’s birth and the age of the ewes.

The high plasticity, or the ability to differentiate into various cell types, and capacity to become both gametes of early-stage germ cells (eGCs) allows them to be used for the long-term storage and recovery of genetic information. In this study, species-specific protocols (isolation period, enzymatic separation solution, incubation period, appropriate cryoprotectant, and cryopreservation protocol) were established for the isolation and long-term preservation of Black Sea trout eGCs. In addition, the difference between the application of cryopreservation to the whole gonad tissue and to the enzymatically separated cells has been shown in terms of viability and the number of cells obtained. According to the cell count made from the histological sections of the testicular tissue throughout the year, the period with the highest concentration of eGCs in the tissue is between May and June. To identify the optimal enzymatic dissociation solution, we subjected testicular tissues to digestion using various combinations of trypsin (T) and collagenase (C) (0.3–0.5% T and 0.1–0.3% C). Our findings revealed that the 0.3% C provided the highest yield of viable cells (90.9%). We cryopreserved the enzymatically dissociated cells (EDCs) using six different cryoprotectants (Dimethyl sulfoxide, Glycerol, and CryoSOfree™, in both L-15 and phosphate-buffered saline – PBS mediums). Additionally, whole tissue exclusively with CryoSOfree™. After storing the samples at –152 °C for two years, the group of EDCs cryopreserved in L15+Glycerol exhibited the highest viability at 93.3%. Meanwhile, the whole tissue group yielded the greatest number of cells per ml after thawing, with a count of 33 210 000 cells. When considering both the viability (91.11%) and the number of cells obtained (33 210 000 cells/ml), the whole tissue cryopreservation group outperformed all the other methods.

Livestock farming is vital to a country's economy, and technological innovations in animal genetics and reproductive biotechnologies are key for environmental and socioeconomic development. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Coffea arabica grounds (CAG) extract on the semen parameters of Fleckvieh cattle. CAG was processed, and its antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and total phenols assays. Semen was collected from a pedigree bull and analysed macroscopically and microscopically. Different concentrations of CAG (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/ml) were tested at 4, 12, 24, and 36 h post-refrigeration. The study used a completely randomised design with ten replications, and variables such as motility, kinetic parameters, membrane functionality, and acrosomal integrity were analysed. The normal distribution of the variables – motility, kinetic parameters, membrane functionality, and acrosomal integrity – was analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk statistical test (P > 0.05). An analysis of variance was then performed with a significance level of P < 0.05 to compare the means, using InfoStat software. Results showed that 1 mg of CAG significantly improved total motility and progressive motility at 4 h, along with kinetic parameters and membrane integrity. Overall, CAG exhibits antioxidant properties that enhance sperm characteristics, particularly at 1 mg/ml concentration after 4 h of refrigeration. However, further studies are needed to understand better the mechanisms of action and the overall efficacy of CAG as an antioxidant agent in this specific context.

This study determined the effect of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on the protein abundance of intestinal tight junction and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in weaned pigs. Ninety-six White × Landrace × Duroc piglets (5.31 ± 0.54 kg) were selected in a growth trial and the experiment lasted for 30 days. The basal diet based on corn and soybean contained Trp at 2.4 g/kg. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet or a basal diet + 500 mg/kg Trp. On the 31^st day, 12 pigs (1 pig per pen) were randomly selected and slaughtered in order to collect samples for subsequent analysis. Dietary supplementation with Trp improved the villus height and protein abundance of Zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) in the duodenum and the jejunum (P < 0.05), increased the protein abundance of Claudin-1 in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and IDO expression in the ileum (P < 0.05), and reduced the urea nitrogen concentration in the serum and the ZO-1 protein abundance of the ileum in weaned pigs (P < 0.05).

Industrial dairy farms boast highly advanced health monitoring and disease diagnosis systems. But without easily accessible, user-friendly web platforms for real-time decision-making, most dairy farmers cannot proactively manage herd health management and optimize treatments based on disease prediction and prevention. To bridge this gap, we have developed a web application of a Decision support system (DSS) for dairy health management based on machine learning. The system architecture combines a Flask backend with a React frontend and scalable cloud data storage and includes preprocessing, data integration, predictive modelling, and cost analysis. DSS forecasts herd diseases with an accuracy 6.66 mean absolute error and 2.35 median absolute deviation across predictions. Its core predictive capabilities rely on long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks to forecast disease progression from historical records and on a linear trend model to project cuts in treatment costs. The system calculates medication dosages and cost per disease, streamlines supplier selection, and simulates various treatment scenarios, thereby identifying high-cost diseases with potential savings. In other words, this DSS application processes disease and treatment data by incorporating veterinary records into advanced data analytics and neural networks, thereby predicting diseases, optimizing disease prevention and treatment strategies, and reducing costs. As such, this DSS application provides dairy farmers with a tool for strategic decision-making, veterinary treatment planning, and cost-effective disease management towards improving animal welfare and increasing milk yield.

The aim of the study was to prepare and test the effect of diets with 50% and 100% replacement of soybean meal with dehulled seeds of white lupin (Lupinus albus) variety Zulika. One hundred and eighty Cherry Valley duckling were divided to control group (C) and two experimental groups E₅₀ (50% replacement of soybean meal with dehulled white lupin meal) and E₁₀₀ (100% replacement of soybean meal with dehulled white lupin meal). There were evaluated the production parameters and the amino acid spectrum of breast and thigh muscles up to 42 days of age. The effect of diets containing lupin meal had no negative effect on the yield of duckling. In particular, positively can be evaluated higher growth rate in the experimental groups compared to the control (C 3.22 ± 0.28 kg, E₅₀ 3.40 ± 0.27 kg, E₁₀₀ 3.48 ± 0.28 kg), at the same time significantly lower mortality in the experimental groups compared to the control (C 5.88%, E₅₀ 1.47%, E₁₀₀ 1.49%) and, except for E₁₀₀, minimal differences in feed conversion ratio (C 2.33 kg/kg, E₅₀ 2.27 kg/kg, E₁₀₀ 2.71 kg/kg). Feeding diets based on lupin meal resulted in the reduction of most essential and non-essential amino acids (P ≤ 0.05) in the dry matter content of both breast and thigh muscle (E₅₀, E₁₀₀). Lupine meal-based diets positively influenced ducks’ health, which was reflected by lower mortality rate in the experimental groups. Therefore, the results show that diets based on lupin meal had a positive effect on the health and welfare of intensively fattened ducks and that they affected positively the economic aspect of breeding.

China’s local chicken breeds, especially those in the Zhejiang Province, are rich in genetic diversity owing to environmental heterogeneity and complex ecosystems. Distinctive local breeds have emerged through long-term natural selection and domestication. We investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of local chickens in southern Zhejiang and surrounding areas using whole-genome resequencing of 129 chickens from seven populations. A total of 1.8 terabytes of raw data was obtained, and 4 802 728 single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The Xianju chicken population exhibited the highest genetic diversity, while Yandang Partridge chickens were genetically distant from other chicken breeds. This study provides valuable information for conserving poultry genetic diversity and informs about breeding programmes of local Chinese chicken breeds.

Monitoring the genetic diversity in livestock is a critical component for sustainable management of small and endangered breeds. In this paper we follow up the two most often used metrics of genetic diversity, the average inbreeding coefficients (F) and the effective population (N_e) size in 16 sheep breeds from four countries. The analysis was based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, with about 35 to 49 thousand SNPs and 19 to 98 individuals after quality control. The runs of homozygosity (ROH) method with the cgaTOH software was used to estimate F_ROH, for three different time points in the past (3, 6 and 12 generations before present). Three methods were implemented to estimate N_e, using the NeEstimator v2, GONE and CurrentNe software for different time spans in the past. The average F_ROH ranged between 0.001 and 0.035 for 3 generations, 0.003 and 0.059 for 6 generations, 0.005 and 0.074 for 12 generations in the past. The wide range of inbreeding coefficients might be a consequence of different population sizes and breed management strategies in the respective countries. The results for N_e ranged from 7 to 352 for NeEstimator, 25 to 303 for GONE, and 15 to 542 for CurrentNe. Overall, the software showed comparable results for 10 out of 16 breeds, and significantly different results for at least one software for at least one of the methods for 6 out of 16 breeds. These differences show a degree of uncertainty in N_e estimations for certain breeds. Overall, we suggest the continued monitoring of sheep breeds, ideally by routine genotyping in all populations. This monitoring is especially important for small breeds with a greater decline in genetic diversity.

In the Czech Republic, the pig carcass classification is mandatory in slaughterhouses processing over 200 pigs weekly. As breeding practices evolve to enhance lean meat yield, it is essential to update regression equations used in classification systems. This study presents new regression models for the Fat-O-Meater II (FOM II) device, using computed tomography (CT) as the reference method. Separate equations were developed for barrows, gilts, and boars to improve the accuracy of lean meat percentage (LMC) estimation. To calibrate the CT method, 24 carcasses were selected across a range of backfat thicknesses and sexes. CT scans were performed on chilled left carcass halves, followed by manual dissection to determine the true LMC. A correction model was applied to align the CT-derived LMC with dissection results. Subsequently, 128 carcasses were measured using FOM II and CT to develop sex-specific regression equations using ordinary least squares. The models revealed sex-specific differences in prediction accuracy. Gilts achieved an R² of 0.66 and RMSEP of 1.35; barrows had higher R² (0.759) and greater RMSEP (1.46); boars showed the most consistent composition (R² = 0.734, RMSEP = 1.14). Compared to the standard method, gilts and boars had slightly higher LMC (+0.03% and +0.82%), while barrows had lower LMC (–0.14%). These differences translated into economic impacts, with gains of CZK 1.23 and CZK 4.33 per gilt and boar carcass, respectively, and a loss of CZK 5.55 per barrow carcass. These results support the formulated hypotheses, and the fact that sex-specific calibration enhances classification accuracy and economic efficiency.

Recently, consumers have paid an attention to animal-friendly meat. The aim of the study was to evaluate the meat quality of breast muscles in indoor and free-range chickens with respect to the stocking density of outdoor chickens (8.3 or 4.15 birds per m²) fed feed with rapeseed oil. The free-range chickens reached 96 and 97% of the final live weight of the indoor chickens and their feed : gain ratio was by 7 and 9% higher. The pasture intake had a small effect on the breast meat quality and was presumably associated with rapeseed oil in the basal diet which strongly influenced meat monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid content and reduced the effect of pasture. The free-range system and lower stocking density led to an increase in muscle fibre cross-sectional area and diameter and a higher meat shear force (P = 0.003). Concerning the meat sensory properties, the total acceptability of the meat of free-range chickens with a lower stocking density was found to be lower compared with the other groups.esults indicate a minor effect of the rearing system and free-range stocking density on chicken meat quality, and also that meat quality in experiments with free-range housing can be affected by a fat source in basal diet.

The paper deals with the genomic evaluation of retained placenta (RP), metritis/endometritis (MET), and cystic ovarian disease (CYS) and their involvement in the selection programme of Holstein cattle. A procedure for the estimation of genetic parameters and genomic breeding values was proposed. The dataset included farmers’ records of 127 000 lactations from 109 farms for RP, 185 000 lactations from 131 farms for MET and 115 000 lactations from 87 farms for CYS. The lactational incidence was 6.9% (RP), 12.8% (MET) and 9.2% (CYS). The single-trait animal model equation included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving and parity of the cow, random direct additive genetic effect, random permanent environmental effect and residual effect. The single-step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP) was based on more than 50 000 SNP-genotyped individuals. Heritability for all traits did not exceed 2%. Favourable correlations were found between reproductive disorders resistance, fertility and longevity traits. The correlation between CYS and milk protein yield indicated a genetic predisposition to cystic ovarian disease in high-producing cows. All significant correlations between health traits (clinical mastitis, claw and feet disorders, reproductive disorders) were positive, indicating that the selection for improvement of one health trait would induce a favourable selection response in the others.

Camelina sativa can be identified as a promising oilseed crop due to its short growth cycle, tolerance to drought and frost, low-input requirements, resistance to pests and diseases, feed, and non-feed applications. Compared to other Brassicaceae family plants, camelina is mainly distinguished by high levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant content. However, camelina contains secondary plant metabolites, such as glucosinolates, phytic acid, sinapine, etc., and their presence limits the use of camelina by-products (oil, seed or cake) in poultry feeding. The breakdown of these compounds forms complexes that can inhibit digestive enzymes, reduce the absorption of nutrients, and ultimately modify product quality. The content of these anti-nutritional compounds and plant seed quality can be modified by various techniques: hybridisation, mutation induction, gene engineering, etc. Moreover, methods such as infrared irradiation, multi-enzyme and copper supplementation, etc., can counter or mitigate the effect of plant secondary metabolites present in camelina seed or cake. In general, dietary inclusion of camelina seed or cake at high inclusion levels (> 10%) worsened the nutrient digestibility and thus reduced growth performances. However, carcass traits and meat proximate composition were comparable in birds-fed diets containing camelina by-products. The fatty acid profile of meat cuts and abdominal fat was significantly higher in alpha-linolenic acid and lower n-6/n-3 ratio, thus promoting the healthiness of products for human consumption. Also, the dietary inclusion of camelina did not modify the sensory profile of the products. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out to improve the quality of camelina and its by-products to be used in broiler poultry feeding. This review gives information on the feeding value of camelina by-products, as well as a survey of the literature on their use in poultry diets to evaluate digestibility, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

Nutraceuticals are food ingredients that provide extra health advantages that expand above their nutritional value. Nutraceuticals comprise amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, enzymes, organic acids, fatty acids, medicinal plants, etc. Recently, nutraceuticals have acquired much attention in poultry industry by reason of their potential effects on establishing the normal physiological status, supporting the immune system, and disease prevention, which consequently enhances productivity. The technique of in ovo feeding (IOF) of nutraceuticals holds several promises in poultry industry. The vital benefits of IOF of nutraceuticals are enhancement of intestinal development, establishment of a balanced microbial population in the gut, support of intestinal physiology and health. Interestingly, IOF of nutraceuticals participates in improving the antioxidative properties and energizing the immune system, which thereby translated into greater performance and bigger resistance to diseases, especially in early life challenges. The current review attempts to throw more light on the fresh results associated with the profits of IOF of nutraceuticals on intestinal histomorphology, intestinal microbiota, antioxidative properties, immune responsiveness, hatchability, chick quality, and growth performance in poultry.

A 4 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation levels (0, 5 and 10 g/kg) of chamomile flower powder and a level (60 mg/kg) of salinomycin on performance and gut health of broiler chickens under coccidiosis challenge. A total of 320-day-old Ross 308 broilers were assigned to eight treatments of four replicates with 10 birds. Oral inoculation of the challenged groups with Eimeria tenella occurred on day 8. On day 10, disease challenge and additive level significantly (P = 0.003) interacted, decreasing the feed intake. Feed intake significantly (P ≤ 0.001) decreased in birds supplemented with 10 g/kg of chamomile. At 35 days, birds fed chamomile and anticoccidial significantly (P = 0.001) increased body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG). Disease challenge adversely influenced (P = 0.001) BW and WG. Additive level and disease challenge significantly (P = 0.001) interacted on feed conversion ratio (FCR). Anticoccidial and chamomile improved (P = 0.001) FCR of birds regardless of the rearing conditions. Significantly (P = 0.001) better FCR was observed in the unchallenged birds. The interaction of experimental factors was significant (P ≤ 0.04) on the relative weight of bursa. Disease challenge significantly (P = 0.005) increased the relative weight of liver whereas that of bursa decreased. Cholesterol (P = 0.002), albumin/globulin (P = 0.009), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.002) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = 0.001) significantly increased in challenged birds. The interaction of experimental factors was significant (P = 0.002) on villus length, crypt depth and villus height/crypt depth ratio (P = 0.001). Longer (P = 0.001) villi were found in anticoccidial and chamomile supplemented birds. Coccidiosis adversely (P = 0.001) influenced the jejunum morphology. Crypt depth decreased and villus height/crypt depth increased in chamomile offered birds (P = 0.001) regardless of the challenge conditions. Bursal morphology was significantly influenced by experimental factors. Dietary supplementation of chamomile had positive effects on broiler performance, immunity and intestinal morphology during exposure to the E. tenella parasite. Chamomile could be used as a potential natural anticoccidial in broiler nutrition.

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of biochar as a feed additive on nutrient utilization and livestock performance by employing a meta-analysis method. Various in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the effects of biochar on rumen fermentation, nutrient disappearance, total gas, methane production, microbial population, feed intake, growth performance, blood constituents, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention were tabulated in a database. Data were analysed using the mixed model method in which the different studies were considered as random effects while the biochar addition was treated as a fixed effect. The addition of biochar reduced methane production (quadratic pattern; P < 0.05), but increased the total gas production (P < 0.001). Addition of biochar decreased (quadratic pattern; P < 0.05) volatile fatty acids and acetic acid in the in vitro rumen fermentation data. In the in vivo data, a reduction in feed conversion ratio (quadratic pattern; P < 0.05), as well as a reduction (P < 0.05) in the feed intake parameters of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fibre were observed with biochar addition. Ammonia production and propionic acid tended to increase linearly (P < 0.05) with the biochar supplementation. The biochar supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre) and nitrogen retention. In conclusion, biochar supplementation of ruminant diet modulates rumen fermentation by increasing propionic acid but decreasing methane emissions, and enhances livestock performance by increasing nutrient digestibility, growth performance as well as nitrogen retention.

This study investigated the effects of Lycium chinense Miller stem (LCM) and Origanum vulgare Linn (oregano) essential oil on growth, blood biochemistry, and caecal microorganisms in White Roman goose. A total of 96-day-old White Roman geese were randomly allocated to a control group and three treatment groups. The G 0.05 diet was enriched with 0.05% LCM extract, the G 0.5 diet was enriched with 0.5% LCM extract, and the O 0.05 diet was enriched with 0.05% oregano essential oil. Each treatment was allotted to three pens, with four males and four females per pen. Geese were fed for 83 days. Geese in group O 0.05 had greater body weight gain than those in groups G 0.05 and G 0.5 in the first 28 days (P < 0.05), whereas the geese in group O 0.05 also showed greater body weight gain than those in control and G 0.05 groups in total 83 days (P < 0.05). No significant differences in serum creatinine, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or high-density lipoprotein were observed. Serum glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly higher for geese in group G 0.5 (P < 0.05) than for the control group at 83 days of age. At 87days of age, one male and one female per pen were slaughtered, and the caecum contents were collected for gene sequencing by 16S ribosomes. No significant differences in microbial alpha diversity were observed. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.05% oregano essential oil increased body weight gain for 83 days. In addition, supplementation with 0.5% LCM extract increased glutathione peroxidase activity at 83 days of age (P < 0.05). In summary, our study showed that phytogenic feed additives improve growth and have antioxidant and immune properties in geese.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of yeast cell wall parts (YCW) in reducing the severity of coccidiosis in broiler chickens. One-day-old Ross 308 chicks (n = 320) were randomly allocated to 32 floor pens in two rooms with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were (1) challenge: negative or positive by room, (2) feed additive: control (none), anticoccidial (salinomycin at 60 mg/kg), YCW 0.1% or 0.2%. On day 8, none-challenged room was inoculated with saline, and challenged room was inoculated with 5 000 Eimeria tenella oocysts. Performance results showed that in challenged birds, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and weight gain (WG) were poorer than in unchallenged birds on day 24 and 35. Birds given anticoccidial and YCW had improved FCR and WG (P = 0.01) over the control group. Challenge and additive interactions were observed on day 24 and day 35 for FCR and WG (P = 0.01) and for feed intake on day 24 (P = 0.01). Challenged birds fed YCW on days 24 and 35 had higher WG and better FCR compared with both challenged and non-challenged controls and anticoccidial treatment. Coccidial challenge increased crypt depth (CD), villous tip and base width, and villous surface area and decreased villous height to crypt depth ratio (VH : CD) and villous height (VH). Birds fed YCW exhibited significantly decreased CD, villous tip width, villous base width, villous surface area and increased VH, VH : CD in comparison to the control group. Challenged birds fed YCW had significantly lower bursa of Fabricius follicle length compared to birds fed the control diet. Challenged birds had significantly increased serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations than non-challenged birds. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the yeast cell wall has the ability to control coccidiosis.

Amino acids have positive regulatory effects on the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), but in the field of animal nutrition, research on the regulatory effects of amino acids on IEC is still in the initial stages. This study aims to explore the effects of Gly, Gly-Gly, and Gly-Leu on IEC proliferation and their possible mechanisms. Chicken small intestinal epithelial cells were separated using the tissue block method, and other miscellaneous cells were removed for digestion and passage culture. The IEC were cultured in the medium containing 20 nmol/l Gly, Gly-Gly and Gly-Leu for 24 h, and the expression of enterokinase and cytokeratin in cells, the growth curve and activity of IEC, cell cycle, differentially expressed genes, mRNA expression, and protein expression levels of p-mTOR and p-S6K1 in IEC were detected. Enterokinase and cytokeratin were expressed specifically in IEC. The results of growth curve and MTT revealed that the cell viability of IEC was significantly increased after treatment with Gly, Gly-Gly and Gly-Leu. The cell cycle results showed that compared with the control group, Gly, Gly-Gly and Gly-Leu intervention could increase the proportion of IEC in G1 phase, and the proportion in S phase of IEC was decreased. Transcriptome sequencing showed that compared with the control group, there were 54, 28 and 30 differential genes in Gly group, Gly-Gly group and Gly-Leu group, respectively. These genes were mainly enriched in nitric oxide synthesis and protein kinase B signalling, PI3K signal and cellular amino acid biosynthesis and transport signal pathways. RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of PCYT2, SPP1, EMC6, GRIA2 and PKD2 were consistent with the sequencing results. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expression of p-mTOR and p-S6K1 in Gly group, Gly-Gly group and Gly-Leu group was significantly increased. Gly-Leu can promote the protein synthesis in IEC by activating protein synthesis of mTOR signalling pathway in chicken IEC.

Lipid-rich bovine serum albumin (LR-BSA) has been reported to increase the survival rate of blastocysts after freezing and thawing. However studies on the early development of in vitro fertilised (IVF) embryos are still insufficient in cattle. This study investigated the blastocyst productivity of in vitro culture (IVC) medium (synthetic oviductal fluid medium with amino acids, mSOFaa) supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Control) or LR-BSA (1, 2.5, 5 mg/ml dosages, respectively) and the qualitative characteristics of produced blastocysts. Cleavage rates on day 2 were similar between all groups. Significant differences were obtained in the blastocyst rate in the 2.5LR-BSA group compared with the control (23.5% vs 35.7%, P < 0.05). Hatching rates were significantly higher in all treatment groups than in control (P < 0.05). The cell number in blastocysts did not differ among groups, but the apoptotic index in the 5.0LR-BSA group was higher than the control (P < 0.05). The expression of embryo quality-related markers was affected. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), placenta associated 8 (Plac8), and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2) genes expression in the 2.5LR-BSA group were significantly up-regulated compared to the control (P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic lipid contents and the lipid droplet formation-related gene, sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), were significantly increased in the 5.0LR-BSA group (P < 0.05). Therefore, the LR-BSA supplementation (2.5 mg/ml) to mSOFaa medium could contribute to the early development of bovine IVF embryos and the qualitative improvement of the resulting blastocysts.

Indigenous chickens play a significant role in food security, income growth and socio-cultural life of rural households in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity as well as the phylogenetic relationships of Vietnamese indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus) to support the conservation of their genetic resources for sustainable rural farming.  In this study, the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of 10 Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds were analyzed using complete sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement-loop (D-loop) region. The average nucleotide and haplotype diversities of Vietnamese chickens were 0.006 3 ± 0.000 22 and 0.918 ± 0.010, respectively. A total of 39 polymorphic sites and 29 haplotypes were identified. The maximum likelihood tree classified these haplotypes into seven haplogroups (A, B, C, D, E, G and V), with haplogroups A and B being the two predominant maternal lineages of Vietnamese indigenous chickens, while haplogroups C, D, E, G and V were found in the remaining chickens. Several haplotypes from different haplogroups were shared among some chicken breeds. These results suggested that Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds have multiple maternal origins, mainly from Chinese, Southeast Asian and Indian chickens, and that these breeds share common maternal lineages. The high level of genetic diversity in Vietnamese chickens demonstrates significance of conservation for future use.