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Using the tests of methanogenic activity (TMA) changes in methane yield (Y_CH4) and anaerobic degradability (D_c) of organic matter of feeds and excrements were studied in an experimental group of six horses while complete analytical methods were applied (N-compound matters, proteins, non-protein N-compound matters, fat, nitrogen-free extract, ash, crude fibre, organic matter, NDF, ADF, hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin and chemical oxygen demand COD) and the material balance was determined. The horses utilised 48.8% of organic matter of feeds in dry matter while the daily weight of droppings was 21 kg with 5.20% of dry matter and 4 kg of urine with 7% of organic matters. It is important that the theoretical methane yield per 24 hours corresponding to the organic matter of ingested feeds which was transferred to excrements is 1.771 m³ CH₄ at 0°C and 1 013.25 hPa while the actual daily methane yield of droppings is 1.739 m³ CH₄ at 0°C and 1 013.25 hPa, i.e. practically identical, because the yield from urine organic matters was not included in the actual daily methane yield. Because the anaerobic degradability of the used feed mixture and horse droppings is practically identical, it is obvious that besides the enteric fermentation according to the reaction CO₂ + 4 H₂ → CH₄ + 2 H₂O by hydrogenotrophic methanogens no classical anaerobic digestion takes place in the digestive tract of horses; it means that the horse breeding sector is not a factor contaminating the atmosphere by methane.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes with fatness traits in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs. The polymorphisms of genes were investigated, which included beta-3-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3), heart fatty acid-binding protein gene (FABP3), and hormone-sensitive lipase gene (LIPE) as well as lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition contents in Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were measured. Results showed that ADRB3, LIPE, and LPL SNPs were associated with IMF content (P < 0.05). ADRB3 AG heterozygotes exhibited higher IMF content. LIPE A allele was associated with greater IMF content. LPL CT heterozygotes exhibited the lowest IMF content. ADRB3 c.1192G>A had highly significant association with the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (P < 0.01) and the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (P < 0.01). LIPE c.442G>A was significantly associated with the contents of C12:0 and C14:0 (P < 0.05). LPL c.624C>T was significantly associated with the percentage of C16:1 (P < 0.05) and the percentage of total saturated fatty acid (SFA) (P < 0.05). The pigs with ADRB3 G allele had more MUFA, and the pigs with LPL T allele had less SFA, implying that the ADRB3 G and LPL T in pigs may be beneficial to human health. In conclusion, the results suggest that these genetic markers are important sources of the variations for the pork selection to obtain favourable meat with higher IMF levels and appropriate fatty acid composition.

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral for animal development and function. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing FeSO₄ with iron glycine chelate (Fe-Gly) in the equal Fe level in diets on broiler chickens. The broilers were randomly allotted to 6 dietary treatments with 5 replicate pens and 10 birds per pen. The treatments consisted of: Control group (100 mg Fe from FeSO₄/kg diet), Experimental group 1 (80 mg Fe from FeSO₄ + 20 mg Fe from Fe-Gly/kg diet), Experimental group 2 (60 mg Fe from FeSO₄ + 40 mg Fe from Fe-Gly/kg diet), Experimental group 3 (40 mg Fe from FeSO₄ + 60 mg Fe from Fe-Gly/kg diet), Experimental group 4 (20 mg Fe from FeSO₄ + 80 mg Fe from Fe-Gly/kg diet), and Experimental group 5 (100 mg Fe from Fe-Gly/kg diet). The results showed that replacing FeSO₄ with Fe-Gly in the diets did not significantly improve broiler growth performance (P > 0.05). But it significantly (P < 0.05) improved the blood biochemical parameters. Xanthione oxidase activity in blood serum showed no significant difference between all treatments at day 21 except for Experimental group 5 (P > 0.05). In addition, catalase activity in blood serum and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity in liver were increased with the increasing replacement level of Fe-Gly (P < 0.05). But for all of the above indicators, the observed values of Experimental groups 3, 4, and 5 did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). This study indicates that replacing FeSO₄ with Fe-Gly in the equal Fe level in the diets cannot improve the growth performance of broilers. But it can effectively improve the blood biochemical parameters and antioxidative enzyme activity. The least substitution ratio for low feeding cost and beneficial effect on the broilers was 60%.

Intensive tilapia egg incubation techniques create favourable conditions for microbial proliferation which often leads to massive mortalities of fish larvae. The effects of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) eggs exposure to bronopol on decontamination of their bacterial surface and survival of larvae were observed. Immersion treatments of fertilized eggs were applied at 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 mg/l of bronopol for 10, 20, and 30 min. This treatment substantially reduced the number of bacteria on Nile tilapia eggs. The greatest reduction in bacterial numbers (1.58 × 10³ colony forming units/g of egg) was observed at the maximum treatment dosage, i.e. 250 mg/l for 30 min, but this was not significant when compared with treatments of 100-250 mg/l bronopol for 10-30 min. Treatments of 50-250 mg/l bronopol provided better larval survival (89.33-94.67%) than those of < 50 mg/l (P < 0.05). The larval survival obtained from the Nile tilapia eggs disinfected with 10 and 25 mg/l bronopol for 10-30 min was similar to that of negative controls (79.33-80.97%). Additional in vitro test was performed to determine the inhibitory potency of bronopol against bacteria cultured from fertilized Nile tilapia eggs. Twenty-two bacterial isolates (Aeromonas hydrophila (n = 12), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 6), Escherichia coli (n = 2), and Micrococcus spp. (n = 2)) responded to minimum inhibitory concentrations of bronopol ranging from 64 to 128 µg/ml. The study demonstrates that the immersion treatment of Nile tilapia fertilized eggs with 250 mg/l for 10-30 min, the concentration proven effective against bacteria cultured from fertilized eggs, significantly reduced bacterial load and improved larval survival.

The transition period is the most critical time of the cow's lactation cycle that is associated with the onset of mastitis. In this study, changes of plasma proteins in cows (n = 12) with or without subclinical mastitis after calving were determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), which detected 18 spots with variations in protein spots abundance. These spots were identified by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The changes in protein profile from day 21 before calving to day 1 after calving were similar in cows with or without subclinical mastitis. Abundance of α1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin was dramatically increased at parturition, while transthyretin was down-regulated at parturition, and apolipoprotein E and immunoglobulin gamma 1 were up-regulated at postpartum compared with prepartum in periparturient dairy cows. In cows infected with subclinical mastitis, AGP, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A were dramatically increased and continued to be elevated in plasma from day 1 to day 21 after calving compared with cows free of mastitis. Changes of protein in plasma at parturition may serve as an immune system response to parturition and lactation process at the protein level and suggest that these altered proteins would not serve as a potential marker for predicting if the periparturient dairy cows are susceptible to subclinical mastitis.

Hepatic lipidosis and ketosis are frequent metabolic disorders in dairy cows during the transition period. The 2-methyl-2-phenoxy propionic acid (MFPA) is an activator of energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of MFPA 10 days prepartum to day 36 postpartum on serum lipid profile, ovarian reactivity, and milk yield. Fifty seven multiparous Holstein cows were divided into four groups. The groups 1 (n = 14) and 2 (n = 14) had body condition score (BCS) above 4; BCS of the groups 3 (n = 15) and 4 (n = 14) was between 3.25 and 3.75 at calving. The solution containing 10 mg/kg MFPA was injected intramuscularly (IM) to cows of groups 1 and 3, 10-7 days prepartum and 6 h postpartum. The groups 2 and 4 received 50 ml of 0.9% NaCl as placebo in the same way. Blood samples for serum lipid profile were collected from all cows 10 days before calving without treatment, 2 days after the first administration of MFPA and postpartum at days 2, 10, and 21 after the second administration of MFPA. At days 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36 postpartum, blood samples were obtained for plasma progesterone determination. Milk yield was registered daily during 60 days postpartum. Prepartum free fatty acids (FFA) were mildly increased without difference among all the groups (P > 0.05). b-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was increased only at day 10 after calving in cows of group 1 treated with MFPA (P < 0.05) due to higher number of postpartum diseases. In cows from groups 3 and 4 (BCS normal), BHB was mildly increased, not indicating subclinical ketosis. The serum concentrations of triacylgycerols, cholesterol, albumin, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase were within the limits of reference values, indicating adequate liver integrity and function. Cows of normal BCS treated with MFPA presented better milk production but without significant difference among four groups (P > 0.05). Ovarian reactivity was present at day 21 in all groups of cows without difference (P > 0.05). The administration of MFPA had no effect on serum lipid profile and ovarian activity in this study.

The CD9 cell surface molecule has been found to be important for the fertilization process of mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether the molecule CD9 is expressed on bull sperm during the spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatozoa as well as in bull reproductive organs and their secreta. The expression of bovine CD9 was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. The histochemical studies using an anti-CD9 monoclonal antibody showed strong staining in the myeloid and collagenous tissue layer of testis and epididymis. Strong reaction was observed in the lumen of epididymal duct (the fluid of the duct) but the clumped spermatozoa in the lumen of the duct remained unstained. Intensive tissue staining was observed in the range of epithelial microvilli of epididymis (body and tail) and in the fluid content of tubules. The Western blot analysis showed the 24kDa molecule in sperm protein extracts of ejaculated sperm and also in the protein extracts of the sperm obtained from the head, body, and tail of epididymis but the localization of CD9 on the sperm was not directly confirmed. However, the obtained data could be considered in the interpretation of the role of CD9 in spermatogenesis and sperm-oocyte interactions.

This study was conducted to determine apparent ileal amino acids digestibility (AIAAD) of diets with different levels of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and to determine AIAAD of corn DDGS by difference and regression methods in broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty 30-day-old male broiler chickens were used in the experiment. The corn DDGS were incorporated into basal diets at graded levels (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16%). All birds were killed at the age of 35 days and the contents of the lower half of the ileum were collected. AIAAD was calculated using chromic oxide as the indigestible marker. For AIAAD of DDGS determination, difference and regression methods were used. AIAAD of Lys (78.6%) and Met (91.3%) were the significantly highest in the diet without DDGS in comparison with other diets (P < 0.01). AIAAD of the rest of essential and nonessential amino acids were the lowest in the diet with 8% of DDGS in comparison with the diets with 0 or 16% of DDGS (P < 0.01). The apparent ileal crude protein digestibility was also the lowest in the diet with 8% (61.8%) of DDGS (P < 0.01). The highest differences in AIAAD of DDGS determined by the difference method and in the diet without DDGS (basal diet) determined by the regression methods were found in Lys and Met. There were very low differences between DDGS and basal diet in AIAAD of nonessential amino acids, except Ala and Asp. These results show that higher levels of DDGS decrease AIAAD.

A comparative analysis of reproduction parameters and hatchability results of pheasants raised under two different housing systems (cages and aviaries) was performed. In the first system the pheasants were housed in 420 cages, 3780 from the total were females. In the second housing system, 3200 pheasant hens were placed in eight aviaries, where 50 cocks and 400 hens were kept in each. The following parameters were calculated: laying rate, the percentage of hatching, small and cracked eggs, hatchability from set and fertilized eggs, dead embryos up to day 8 of incubation and, finally, dead embryos after day 8 of incubation as well as unhatched, crippled, and weak chicks. The laying rate for the whole period of reproduction in pheasants kept in cages was significantly higher in comparison with aviaries (59.6 vs 27.2%). A higher (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of small and damaged eggs ( = 13.6) was recorded in aviaries. The percentage of dead embryos for eggs derived from aviaries, up to day 8 of incubation, was also significantly higher (-x = 4.7%). There were no significant differences between the housing systems with respect to the remaining features. The results of the investigation made it possible to conclude that pheasants kept in cages were characterized by a higher laying performance with fewer eggs unsuitable for incubation. A lower mortality of embryos during the incubation process was found in eggs derived from pheasants reared in cages. Although there were no significant differences between the analyzed housing systems in terms of hatchability, a higher laying rate for pheasants kept in cages implies that more chicks could be obtained from every female.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible action of the "female effect" by evaluating if exposure to estrogenized females would affect sexual behaviour and testosterone concentrations while affecting the length of the reproductive season of Alpine bucks in northern Mexico (26°N). In January, two experimental groups were formed: (i) treated males (MH; n = 8) kept in a pen aside to another pen with four estrogenized females during four weeks; pens were separated by a metal mesh, and (ii) control males (GC; n = 8) which had no contact with any female during the same period. At the end of the study, an appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviour test was performed by exposing males from both groups to estrogenized females. Besides, serum concentrations of testosterone were quantified in each male on days 0 and 28. On day 0 the serum levels of testosterone were similar in both groups (217 ± 86 vs 320 ± 89 ng/dl in MH and GC respectively; P > 0.05). However, on day 28, serum testosterone levels favoured to the MH group (164 ± 56 vs 49 ± 18 ng/dl; P = 0.06). With respect to the consummatory (80%) and appetitive (62%) sexual behaviour, the best reproductive performance was depicted by the MH group with respect to the GC group (P < 0.05). Results obtained confirm a positive action of the "female effect" upon behavioural, reproductive, and endocrinological outcomes, while extending the breeding season of Alpine male goats. These findings should be relevant in the design of clean, green, and ethical reproductive management strategies in goat production systems and potentially important to the animal industry.

The objective of this study was to compare the performance, egg quality, and microbial contamination of egg shells from hens maintained in different housing systems, such as conventional and enriched cages, litter, and aviaries. The housing system significantly (P < 0.001) influenced the performance characteristics. The highest egg production, lowest daily feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were measured in conventional cages compared to litter and aviaries. Higher egg shell and albumen qualities were observed in conventional cages, whereas hens housed in enriched cages and aviaries laid eggs with a higher yolk index (P < 0.001). The housing system significantly (P < 0.001) influenced the total count of bacteria on the egg surface and the microbial contamination of Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. The lowest values for the total count of bacterial contamination (P < 0.001) were found in eggs from conventional cages (4.05 log colony-forming units (CFU)/egg) and enriched cages (3.98 log CFU/egg). Eggs from aviaries had 5.49 log CFU per egg, and the highest level of contamination was observed in eggs that were laid on litter (6.24 log CFU/egg). The level of the microbial contamination of egg shells from litter and aviaries was by 2 log CFU higher than in eggs from cages. It could be concluded, from the viewpoint of egg safety, a more suitable substitute for conventional cages are enriched cages and aviaries than litter.

The sucrose monoesters of capric and lauric acid were tested for their antibacterial activity towards two foodborne enteropathogenic bacteria - Escherichia coli (CCM 3954 - serotype O6 and E22 - serotype O103) and Clostridium perfringens (CNCTC 5459 and CIP 105178). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the plating technique. Sucrose monocaprate significantly decreased the number of viable cells of E. coli at all tested concentrations (0.1-5 mg/ml). The overnight incubation of C. perfringens with the sucrose ester of lauric acid at 0.1-5 mg/ml reduced the number of viable cells below the detection limit (2 log₁₀ CFU/ml). Incubating E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with monoesters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) did not influence the K⁺ permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane in cells during a 2.5-minute treatment. A 30-minute incubation of E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with esters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) revealed damage to cytoplasmic structures, as observed by transmission electron microscopy.

In the present study the effect of preventive application of Enterococcus faecium EF 55 on the intestinal mucosa was evaluated in experimentally infected chickens with Salmonella enterica subsp. Enteritidis. A total of 120, one-day-old Salmonella-free chickens of Isa Brown hybrid were divided into 4 groups. The chickens in groups E and ES were perorally inoculated with E. faecium EF55 in a dose of 1 × 109 CFU/ml for 7 consecutive days. Placebo was applied to birds in control group C and group S during the first 7 days of life. At the age of 8 days chickens in groups ES and S were perorally infected with S. enterica subsp. Enteritidis phage type 4 in a dose of 1 × 108 CFU/ml. In birds treated with E. faecium EF 55 (group ES) a decreased number of Salmonella spp. positive individuals was recorded from 28.5% 2 days post infection (p.i.) to 10% 14 days p.i. when the difference between group ES and group with the application of Salmonella Enteritidis alone (group S) was significant (P < 0.01). On the contrary, in birds of group S the percentage of Salmonella spp. positive animals showed no constant changes. It increased from 12.5% 2 days p.i. to 37.5% 4 days p.i. The maximum of positive samples 83.3% was found 14 days p.i. The application of E. faecium EF55 reduced colonisation of caeca and minimized translocation of salmonellae into the liver and spleen. Two days p.i. the shortest villi in the jejunum were observed in group S - 1 266.2 µm, when compared to group E with the highest jejunal villi - 1 605 µm (P < 0.05). The growth of the villi was observed 14 days p.i. in all groups except group S. The early exposition of chickens to E. faecium EF55 led to more rapid development of intestinal villi when compared to the untreated control (P < 0.05). Reduced colonisation of the intestinal tract by salmonellae in birds treated with E. faecium EF 55 also preserved the microenvironment of the intestine from harmful effects of the pathogen.

A new method for the quantification of underivatized conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers and CLA-metabolites by silver ion liquid chromatography (Ag⁺-HPLC) with photodiode array detection (DAD) is described. Conjugated fatty acids (CFA) and sorbic acid as the internal standard (IS) were separated on two 5 μm Chrompac ChromSpher Lipids columns (250 × 4.6 mm). Biological samples were hydrolyzed with 1M KOH in methanol and 2M KOH in water at room temperature for 12 h. Hydrolyzates were acidified and the free fatty acids were extracted with dichloromethane. The organic solvent was removed and then the residue was re-dissolved in hexane and centrifuged. The supernatant was injected onto the columns. The mobile phase of 1.6% acetic acid and 0.0125% acetonitrile in hexane was chosen as the optimum mobile phase for fractionation of IS, CLA isomers and CLA-metabolites in all assayed biological samples. The use of two silver ion-exchange columns with direct UV detection (Ag⁺-HPLC-DAD) offers satisfactory precision of the IS quantification and low limits of detection of IS and CLA isomers (0.60 and 0.21-0.35 ng, respectively). The presented simple Ag⁺-HPLC-DAD method with sorbic acid as the IS can be used for direct determination of underivatized CLA isomers in specimens of animal origin.

Thymol's antimicrobial properties urged researchers to study its effect on animal performance and intestinal health in pigs. However, thymol has the characteristic sharp odor of thyme and a bitter, aromatic, and sometimes burning sensation which may elicit feeding aversions. The objectives in the current study were: (1) to determine the effect of dose of thymol and camphor on palatability and (2) to test the hypothesis that supplemental flavours or camphor, the latter as a known Transient Receptor Potential A1 blocker, could mitigate feed avoidance caused by thymol. Two analogous choice-feeding trials were conducted. Feed intake of the test diet was expressed as proportion of the total intake and tested by means of a one-sample Student's t-test against a set value of 50%. The preference for feed supplemented with 125, 500, 1250 and 2000 mg/kg thymol was 53.7 ± 6.0% (P > 0.05), 47.5 ± 5.1% (P > 0.05), 36.8 ± 4.9% (P = 0.022), and 3.9 ± 7.9% (P = 0.005) respectively. When feed containing 2000 mg/kg thymol with either flavour A (containing intense sweeteners) or flavour B (containing the same intense sweeteners and a caramel aroma) was opposed against a control diet, the relative intake of the test diets was 19.9 ± 5.8% and 14.0 ± 4.9% (both P < 0.05) respectively. When animals were offered one of these test diets and a reference diet with 2000 mg/kg thymol, animals exhibited a preference for the feed with 2000 mg/kg thymol + flavour A, but not for the feed with 2000 mg/kg thymol + flavour B. Thus, supplemental flavours containing intense sweeteners partially overcame feed avoidance caused by thymol which was less pronounced when the caramel aroma was present. Exposure to camphor (50 and 200 mg/kg) did not improve feed preference for a diet containing 1250 mg/kg thymol. Thymol's bitter taste might be largely responsible for the recorded feed refusal at high inclusion rates.

The study aimed at an evaluation of fattening and slaughter performance as well as meat quality of the native Złotnicka Spotted (ZS) pigs and its crosses with Duroc pigs. The experimental material comprised 60 fatteners, divided into three genetic groups of 20 animals (100% ZS, 75% ZS and 50% ZS). The specific character of conservative breeding results in low values of fattening and slaughter performance traits observed in ZS breed. Among the analysed groups, animals with 100% share of ZS genes in their genotype were characterised by low daily weight gains (0.59 kg), considerable backfat thickness (34.96 mm), slight muscle thickness (48.05 mm), and low leanness (41.83%). These parameters were higher in both groups of crosses. Differences between the 100% ZS group and the 50% ZS group were significant for backfat thickness and highly significant for leanness. Acidity and colour parameters analysis showed that meat from all the genetic groups analysed was characterised by a good quality. The highest pH₄₅ values were in the 75% ZS group, and meat from this group had the darkest colour (L* = 49.73) and the highest red colour share (a* = 5.11). Statistical analyses showed that ZS breed retained its original traits through the years of breeding. It was confirmed that meat of Złotnicka Spotted breed is characterised by excellent quality. The results indicate that ZS and Duroc breeds crossing improves fattening and slaughter performance, while maintaining good meat quality in their crosses. Results of this study may also be used by breeders. They indicate that crosses of both the breeds kept in extensive breeding may be successfully used in high quality meat production. Pork from such animals may be a raw material for market niche production, such as regional products. The use of meat from crosses in meat processing may improve both quality of the processed products and efficiency of production based on the native Złotnicka Spotted breed.

The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between age of the goat and faecal egg counts, liver enzymes, and minerals in the wet and dry seasons in male and female Nguni goats of South Africa. Fifty-six female and forty male Nguni goats were used for the study. Faecal and blood samples were collected once in the dry (August) and wet (January) season. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined by the modified McMaster technique while trematodes were determined by the sedimentation method. Blood was analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. Faecal egg counts were significantly higher in the wet compared with the dry season. Most (P < 0.05) of the goats were within the reference values for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in both seasons. Phosphorus concentrations were significantly affected by age with higher levels in the young (2.1 ± 0.06) compared to the adult (2.0 ± 0.03) goats. Alkaline phosphate was significantly affected by age with higher levels in young than in mature goats. Higher AST, CK, and GGT concentrations were recorded in the wet compared to the dry season (P < 0.05). Higher CK and AST were recorded in male than in female goats while for ALP, the values were higher in female than in male goats. Linear negative relationships (P < 0.05) existed between age and ALP, phosphorus, and FEC, while quadratic relationships existed between age and strongyles and Strongyloides egg counts. Calcium was linearly related (P < 0.05) to FEC, while CK was related to FEC in a quadratic fashion. Age of the Nguni goats can be used to predict faecal egg counts, phosphorus, and ALP levels.

A bacteriocin-like substance (BLS) producing Enterococcus faecium CE5-1 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Thai indigenous chickens. Investigations of its probiotic potential were carried out. The competition between the BLS probiotic strain and antibiotic-resistant enterococci was also studied. Ent. faecium CE5-1 exhibited a good tolerance to pH 3.0 after 2 h and in 7% fresh chicken bile after 6 h, but the viability of Ent. faecium CE5-1 decreased by about 2-3 log CFU/ml after 2 h incubation in pH 2.5. It was susceptible to the antibiotics tested (tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin G, and vancomycin). The maximum BLS production from Ent. faecium CE5-1 was observed at 15 h of cultivation. It showed activity against Listeria monocytogenes DMST17303, Pediococcus pentosaceus 3CE27, Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei JCM1157, and antibiotic-resistant enterococci. The detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the enterocin structural gene determined the presence of enterocin A gene in Ent. faecium CE5-1 only. Ent. faecium CE5-1 showed the highest inhibitory activity against two antibiotic-resistant Ent. faecalis VanB (from 6.68 to 4.29 log CFU/ml) and Ent. gallinarum VanC (from 6.76 to 4.31 log CFU/ml) after 12 h of co-cultivation. The results show the future possible use of Ent. faecium CE5-1 as a probiotic strain for livestock to control antibiotic-resistant enterococci.

The study investigated the consequences of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on hormonal status and metabolic changes in neonatal lambs. Four ewes out of twenty-eight multiparous ewes mated at a synchronized oestrus were slaughtered at day 90 of pregnancy to collect fetal blood to serve as an initial comparison group. Twenty-four animals were divided into three groups and offered 0.18 MJ ME.kg^-0.75per day (restricted group 1, RG1), 0.33 MJ ME.kg^-0.75per day (restricted group 2, RG2), and control group (ad libitum CG) during late pregnancy, respectively. Immediately after parturition, blood was collected from the neonatal lambs in each group and analyzed for growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II, insulin (INS), thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), glucose (GLU), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total amino acid (TAA), respectively. The results indicated that the maternal undernutrition during late gestation decreased the average lamb birth weight in both RG1 (P < 0.01) and RG2 (P < 0.05) compared to CG. During the late fetal development period, the concentrations of T4, INS, and IGF-I of neonatal lambs in CG were increased (P < 0.05) compared to those at day 90 of pregnancy; the secretions of T₄, INS, and IGF-I in RG1 and RG2 during restriction were suppressed. The neonatal INS concentrations in RG1 and RG2 were decreased (P < 0.05), but the neonatal GH concentration in RG1 was greater than that of CG (P < 0.05). The GLU concentrations of neonatal lambs in RG1 were lower than those of CG (P < 0.05). However, the neonatal NEFA (P < 0.05) and TAA (P < 0.01) concentrations in RG1 were greater than those of CG. Thus, maternal undernutrition can change the hormonal and metabolic status of neonatal lambs, which may have significant implications on postnatal growth and adult health.

The objective of the present study was to examine if luteal blood flow (LBF) monitoring could be used as an additional prognostic tool for early pregnancy diagnosis, and we particularly focused on the differences in LBF between pregnant and nonpregnant mares. Furthermore, other possible developmental differences of corpus luteum (CL) between pregnant and nonpregnant mares were evaluated. The CL (n = 119) of 27 mares were monitored once daily in B- and Power-Doppler Mode on days 1, 2, 9, 12, and 16 after ovulation (day 0 = ovulation). The data were evaluated using the MIXED Linear Model with repeated measures, and parameters were estimated by the REML method. The course of LBF, area of CL, and pixel intensity differed in nonpregnant mares on a day-to-day basis in contrast to more stable values in pregnant mares. Further, the profiles of the courses were identical until day 9, but since day 12 the differences between pregnant and nonpregnant mares started to be prominent. The LBF, pixel intensity, and level of progesterone (P4) were similar in all mares until day 16, when smaller LBF, lower pixel intensity, and lower levels of P4 were found in nonpregnant mares (P = 0.04, P = 0.02, P < 0.05, respectively). In pregnant and nonpregnant mares the LBF was weakly (r = 0.29 in both) and pixel intensity strongly (r = 0.48 and 0.59, respectively) correlated to the levels of P4. LBF was strongly correlated to the area of CL in pregnant as well as nonpregnant mares (r = 0.72 and 0.64, respectively). In accordance with the results presented in our study we can state that LBF monitoring is not a suitable tool for early pregnancy diagnosis or prognosis as the differences between pregnant and nonpregnant mares are notable - similarly to other indicators of CL status - just after the onset of luteolysis (day 16) when embryo itself is detectable.

The effect of polymorphisms at PRKAG3 (R200Q and I199V) and RYR1 (R615C) genes on carcass traits and meat quality was examined in a sample of 257 commercial pigs, crosses of Landrace × Large White as maternal line and Pietrain (N = 96), Pietrain × Landrace (N = 42) or Pietrain × Hampshire (N = 119) as paternal line. Pigs were genotyped (PCR-RFLP) and traits of interest were measured (which included carcass and ham weight, measurements of fatness, meatiness, ultimate pH, colour parameters and drip loss). The observed genotype frequencies at PRKAG3 gene were 9.7%, 38.9%, 32.7%, 6.2% and 12.5% for R/R-I/I, R/R-I/V, R/R-V/V, Q/R-I/V and Q/R-V/V genotype, respectively. RYR1 genotype frequencies were 57.2% for N/N and 42.8% for N/n genotype. Studied polymorphisms exhibited a significant effect on meat quality, but mainly an insignificant effect on carcass traits. No significant interaction between PRKAG3 and RYR1 was found. Carriers of RYR1 mutant allele "n" had less intense longissimus dorsi muscle colour (subjective score, Minolta L* and b*) and higher drip loss. Regarding PRKAG3, the ultimate pH decreased and Minolta L*, a*, b* and drip loss increased in the following order: R/R-I/I, R/R-I/V, R/R-V/V, Q/R-I/V and Q/R-V/V, according to the presence of 199I and absence of 200Q alleles. The study shows that the I199V polymorphism is an important source of variation in pigs free of 200Q. In particular the 199I proves beneficial for meat quality. The results of combining the RYR1 and PRKAG3 genotypes indicate that R/R-I/I genotype could be used in counterbalancing the negative effects of "n" allele on meat quality.

In association mapping, haplotype-based methods are generally regarded to provide higher power and increased precision than methods based on single markers. For haplotype-based association mapping most studies use a fixed haplotype effect in the model. However, an increase in haplotype length raises the number of parameters in the model, resulting in low accuracy of the estimates especially for the low-frequency haplotypes. Modeling of haplotype effects can be improved if they are assumed to be random effects, as only one parameter, i.e. haplotype variance, needs to be estimated compared to estimating the effects of all different haplotypes in a fixed haplotype model. Using simulated data, we investigated statistical models where haplotypes were fitted either as a fixed or random effect and we compared them for the power, precision, and type I error. We investigated five haplotype lengths of 2, 4, 6, 10 and 20. The simulated data resembled the Danish Holstein cattle pedigree representing a complex relationship structure and QTL effects of different sizes were simulated. We observed that the random haplotype models had high power and very low type I error rates (after the Bonferroni correction), while the fixed haplotype models had lower power and excessively high type I errors. Haplotype length of 4 to 6 gave the best results for random model in the present study. Though the present study was conducted on data structure more frequent in livestock, our findings on random vs. fixed haplotype effects in association mapping models are applicable to data from other species with a similar pedigree structure.

Mongolian × Versicolor and common pheasants were investigated. Birds were kept in a confined, environmentally controlled facility without outdoor access and fed ad libitum commercial diets for slaughter pheasants. Body weight was determined at the end of 6, 10 and 13 weeks of rearing, and body weight and body measurements were determined in 16-week-old pheasants. At 16 weeks, 20 pheasants were taken from each genetic group for slaughter. After slaughter, pH₁₅ of muscles was determined and carcasses were dissected. Samples of breast and leg muscles were collected to determine water holding capacity, colour, and sensory properties of meat. Compared to common pheasants, Mongolian × Versicolor hybrids were characterized by similar body weight and body measurements except for length of trunk with neck in females. The carcasses of Mongolian × Versicolor pheasants of both sexes contained more breast muscles, leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat. Differences in the values of these traits were not significant. Significant differences in the composition of carcasses from the groups under comparison were only found for the content of skin with subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat content in females, which were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in Mongolian × Versicolor females. The leg muscles had significantly higher pH₁₅ in Mongolian × Versicolor females and significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) redness (a*) in males. Compared to the common pheasants, the breast muscles of Mongolian × Versicolor pheasants received lower scores for aroma and tenderness and higher scores for taste, whereas leg muscles had higher scores for intensity of aroma and taste, and lower scores for taste and tenderness.

The breeding value (EBV) of Holstein cattle milk performance from the first lactation was evaluated using a regular Animal Model or by Single-Step Prediction of the genomic breeding value (GEBV). A total of 838 bulls were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 Beadchip V2. Two overlapping sets of milk performances were evaluated: calving years 1991-2004, with 729 341 lactations and 1 394 487 animals in the pedigree and calving years 1996-2009, with 808 436 lactations and 1 487 608 animals in the pedigree. The older data set included 526 genotyped bulls, in which the daughters' milk performance was known for 210 individuals. All of the genotyped animals were included in the newer data set. Of the young genotyped bulls from the older set, 279 had more than 50 daughters with performance records in the newer set. Genomic relationship matrices (G) were constructed from the allele frequencies of the current genotyped population or by assuming a constant value of 0.5 for all loci. Using current allele frequencies, the correlation of G with the pedigree relationship (A) was 0.74, while it was 0.77 when the constant value was used. G was blended with A with weights of 80 or 99%. The average EBV of the genotyped bulls exceeded the mean EBV of the entire population by 3 SD. Although the number of reference bulls was small, genotyping resulted in an increase of approximately 0.05 in the correlation of the GEBV of young bulls with their results after progeny testing. Only small differences in correlations were found in dependency on the methods used for the determination of G and in dependency on the weight used in blending G with A. Both EBV and GEBV in the older set showed higher correlations with the GEBV of the newer set than the EBV of the newer set.

The present factorial experiment tested the thawed rumen fluid from frozen rumen contents against fresh rumen fluid from the same slaughtered cattle to estimate in vitro degradation of rapeseed meal (RSM) and grass nuts (GN) as two contrasting feeds at various times. Fresh rumen fluid showed higher (P < 0.05) in vitro dry matter (DMD) and crude protein (CPD) degradation than the thawed rumen fluid at most incubation times. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between fresh and differently prepared thawed rumen fluids for mean degradation constants (a, b, c) and effective degradability (P_0.02) of feeds. While the thawed rumen fluids had lower (P < 0.01) degradation than the fresh rumen fluid, their degradation values correlated very well (R² ≥ 0.95) with those for the fresh rumen fluid. It appeared that the thawed rumen fluid can be used to predict in vitro degradation of the selected feeds when frequent access to slaughtered or fistulated animals is restricted. Nevertheless it would be vital to improve the activity of thawed rumen fluid prior to testing its suitability for numerous feeds before recommending its routine use to estimate degradation of ruminant feeds.

The study was conducted to evaluate the potential cryoprotective effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) through post-thaw evaluation of canine semen and its optimal inclusion level. Ejaculated canine semen was extended in TRIS-glucose egg yolk extender containing various concentrations of BHT (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5mM). Semen was frozen at -196°C using 200 × 10⁶ spermatozoa per 0.5 ml straws and post-thaw evaluation was carried out in terms of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosomal integrity through phase-contrast microscope, supravital staining, hypo-osmotic swelling test, and normal acrosomal ridge, respectively. BHT was found to improve (P > 0.005) all post-thawed semen quality parameters at an inclusion level of 1.0mM in the extended semen. However, higher concentrations than this were found to have detrimental effects.

The aim of this study was to determine the nutrient and energy levels of red clover and lucerne forage. Investigation of forage at different maturity stages of three growths was carried out by chemical analysis, in vitro and in vivo digestibility methods. Generally, maturation caused a significant increase in fibre fractions. With the increasing maturity of forage samples the in vivo, in vitro, and calculated in vivo (in vivo_calcul) digestibilities of organic matter (OM) linearly decreased. The in vitro and in vivo_calcul digestibilities of OM averaged 0.754 and 0.708 for red clover and 0.717 and 0.667 for lucerne, respectively. The in vivo OM digestibility averaged 0.710 for red clover and 0.666 for lucerne. Gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy for lactation (NEL), and net energy for growth (NEG) averaged 18.12, 12.41, 9.60, 5.67, 5.50 and 18.09, 11.56, 9.01, 5.26, 4.99 MJ/kg of dry matter for red clover and lucerne, respectively. The effect of a vegetative stage on energy values of both forages was diverged for various growth times. When data were pooled across the estimated season, seven cutting-specific equations for descriptions of GE, DE, ME, NEL, NEG, in vitro, and in vivo OM digestibilities were obtained for red clover and lucerne, separately. The red clover model expression gave similar prediction equations for lucerne. It was possible to predict cutting-specific equations with coefficients of determination R² > 0.719 for red clover and R² > 0.400 for lucerne of the variation in GE, DE, ME, NEL, and NEG. The in vitro and in vivo OM digestibility equations were predicted with R² being 0.840 (in vitro) and 0.707 (in vivo) for red clover, and 0.979 (in vitro) and 0.937 (in vivo) for lucerne. The parameters of these specific equations were statistically preferable than the general model expression which included both forages together.

Relationships between sensory variables, species, feeding systems, and panelists were examined by Procrustes Analysis. Six meat groups considering species and feeding type combinations were evaluated by ten panelists for five sensory characteristics (colour, texture, odour, taste, and acceptability). These characteristics were assessed using a nine-point hedonic scale (9 = extremely enjoy, 1 = extremely dislike). Generalized Procrustes Analysis was performed and 61.11% of the total variability was explained by the first two dimensions that correspond to Factor 1 and Factor 2. The first one accounted for 33.99% and the second for 27.12%. Results showed that pasture conditions were reflected in all sensory characteristics of meat of Hair goat as well as Karakas sheep. This study concluded that meat of sheep and goats reared in pasture conditions was more preferable as concerns sensory characteristics than that of fattening animals or those reared in intensive conditions.

Allometric growth of body macrominerals was examined in slow-growing laying-type cockerels (SG) and in fast-growing male broiler hybrids (FG) during the growing period from hatch to day 22. Allometric coefficients for dry matter, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in relation to body weight were 1.091, 1.427, 1.383, 1.284, 0.843, and 1.097 for SG chickens and 1.075, 1.276, 1.233, 1.216, 0.943, and 1.144 for FG chickens, respectively. Allometric coefficients describing the relationships of Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K with dry matter weight were 1.302, 1.260, 1.172, 0.772, and 0.998 for SG chickens and 1.185, 1.143, 1.127, 0.878, and 1.059 for FG chickens, respectively. High allometric coefficients for Ca, P, and Mg in both genotypes likely indicate a rapid growth of skeletal tissues which requires an adequate mineral nutrition during this period of growth. The deposition of Ca and P relative to dry matter was higher (P < 0.05) and that of Na lower (P < 0.01) in SG chickens thus suggesting that the relative growth of these minerals may be affected by genotype.

The indicators of follicle development with regard to the growth wave order, the first ovulation, animal parity, and also with regard to the simultaneous presence or absence of a follicular cyst were determined in cows in the course of 60 days postpartum. Follicular dynamics were monitored daily by ultrasonography. The animals were assigned to three groups based on the time of the 1^st ovulation: G1 (n = 9) - the 1^st dominant follicle (DF) ovulated, G2 (n = 10) - ovulation occurred on the 2^nd or later follicular waves, and G3 (n = 5) - no ovulation occurred during the experimental period. G1 animals showed better fertility later (no cyst, less days open, P = 0.07, less hormonal treatment, P = 0.008). The rhythm of follicular wave development was generally similar in all the animals (based on emergence of the first follicular wave, the interval from emergence to deviation, and the number of all follicular waves). Nevertheless, emergence of follicular waves and deviation occurred by 0.5-0.9 day earlier in primiparous than in multiparous cows and in G1 vs. G2, or G3, respectively (in all P < 0.05). DF development was independent of parity as well as group effects, but the maximum size and growth rate (1.2 vs. 0.8 cm/day, P < 0.05) were higher in ovulatory follicles (OF) than in regressive ones (rDF). The presence of a growing cyst decreased the probability of rDF as well as OF development (P < 0.0001). The OF growth rate was faster in the milieu of a stagnating cyst than without any cyst (P < 0.04). Therefore, the development of follicles was dramatically suppressed beyond, but nor before, deviation in the milieu of a growing cyst. Cessation of the cyst growth accelerated the development of OFs. On the contrary, a cystic structure without any significant growth can persist for weeks with no effect on successful follicular development.