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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.

The influence of inbreeding depression on phenotypic traits of the Lizard canary from an Italian breeder was evaluated. The following traits were studied: birds' life span, number of surviving offspring, and morphological traits (type of plumage, spangles, feather quality, breast, cap, ground colour, wings and tail, eyelashes, covert feathers, beak, legs and feet, habits, and size). The effects of inbreeding on genetic diseases and on the health of the breed were also considered. The inbreeding coefficient of each bird was computed by genealogical data. The distribution of inbreeding in the whole population was analyzed and eleven different inbreeding level classes were considered. Birds were also divided into healthy and unhealthy animals (animals with genetic abnormalities such as blindness, splay legs and cataracts, or genetic predispositions, such as feather cysts (lumps), or animals with slow growth and/or a slender structure). Despite the high levels of inbreeding in the population, the results showed that 80.47% of the birds were healthy and no significant differences were observed between healthy and unhealthy animals in terms of the degree of inbreeding. Evidence of inbreeding depression was observed in the number of surviving offspring and the life span, whereas phenotypic characters did not show any evidence of inbreeding depression.

Breeding of hybrids between wild boars and domestic pigs is in the consumer interest because of the need to ensure food security and diversification via widening the genetic basis of animals reared for meat. To expand the knowledge about their nutritional requirements, this study aimed to investigate hindgut fermentation in these animals. Caecal and colon cultures were incubated for 12 h in vitro with or without wheat bran as a supplementary substrate. Short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, methane, and total gas production were determined. The total concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in unincubated caecal and colon samples were 93.1 and 115 mmol/kg, respectively. The short-chain fatty acid profile in fresh hindgut contents was characterized by a high molar proportion of acetate (74.8-75.0 mol%), followed by propionate (18.2-18.5 mol%) and butyrate (5.4-5.5 mol%). The presence of wheat bran lowered acetate and increased butyrate, propionate, and valerate molar proportions. The ammonia level remained low (1.3-2.43 mmol/kg) regardless of the addition of the substrate. The relatively low pH and ammonia concentration in wild boar/pig hybrids may be caused by the low level of crude protein in diet of these animals. The rate of methanogenesis increased during the fermentation simultaneously with an increase in the production of gases after wheat bran addition. Methane production in the caecal and colon samples incubated with the substrate reached 15.6 and 16.1 mmol/kg, respectively. The hindgut fermentation pattern in wild boar/pig hybrids generally resembled that described earlier in domestic pigs, although some observed dissimilarities may be caused by distinct microbial activity.

Eggshell quality is one of the most significant factors affecting poultry industry; it economically influences egg production and hatchability. Eggshell consists of shell membranes and the true shell that includes mammillary layer, palisade layer, and cuticle. Measurements of eggshell quality include eggshell weight, shell percentage, breaking strength, thickness, and density. Mainly eggshell thickness and strength are affected by the time of egg components passage through the shell gland (uterus), eggshell ultra-structure (deposition of major units), and micro-structure (crystals size and orientation). Shell quality is affected by several internal and external factors. Major factors determining the quality or structure of eggshell are oviposition time, age, genotype, and housing system. Eggshell quality can be improved through optimization of genotype, housing system, and mineral nutrition.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of four anaesthetics on haematological and biochemical blood profiles in burbot Lota lota L. Blood profiles of burbot were evaluated 10 min and 24 h after anaesthesia with tricaine methanesulfonate (MS 222) (100 mg/l), clove oil (33 mg/l), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.3 ml/l), Propiscin (1 ml/l) and compared to non-anaesthetized control. The tested anaesthetics had no effect on haematological profile of burbot. The exposure to clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin significantly (P < 0.01) influenced the level of ammonia and glucose. The level of lactate was significantly (P < 0.01) increased following anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol and Propiscin. The levels of total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and calcium were higher (P < 0.01) with clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin compared to control. The use of MS 222 showed the lowest effect on haematological and biochemical blood profile and is recommended as a suitable anaesthetic for burbot.

Knowledge of genetic relationship is an important control mechanism for animal performance-testing schemes. Genetic relationship between and within pig herds was calculated for two dam breeds, Czech Large White (CLW) and Czech Landrace (CLA). The impacts of different field data types (production and reproduction) and various numbers of generations within the pedigrees on genetic relationship were studied. The degree of genetic relationship between analyzed herds was generally low. It ranged from 1.01% (for CLW based on reproduction data and considering three generations of ancestors within the pedigree) to 2.57% (for CLA based on production data with seven generations of ancestors in the pedigree). In contrast, relationship within herds was high and ranged from 16.62% to 44.69% (when three and seven generations within the pedigree were taken into account, respectively), both for production data of the CLA breed. When considering the type of data, an impact on the observed genetic relationship between and within herds was found. Slightly higher genetic relationship between herds was determined in both breeds when using production data (1.64%) compared to reproduction data (1.40%). In contrast, a negligible influence between herds on genetic relationship was found from the number of ancestors' generations included into the calculations. That was especially so after five or six generations. Our results show that the relationship between herds is population specific and, consequently, must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Knowledge of genetic relationship between and within herds should be taken into account in regard to the complexity of genetic evaluation.

Two experiments conducted on laying hens, aged 50 and 52 weeks, were carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary Mg and its relationship to the Ca : NPP (non-phytate phosphorus) ratio using a various grain-size of limestone. The Ca : NPP ratio in each experiment was 12.8 and 18, respectively. Two Mg levels were evaluated in the first (1.56 and 4.0 g/kg) and the second experiment (1.52 and 4.0 g/kg). A fine-grained limestone (< 0.5 mm; FL) or a coarse-grained limestone (0.8-2 mm; CL) was used in the first experiment. In the second experiment, a mixture of both the aforementioned limestone forms (FCL) was used as the third alternative. The main parameters estimated in this study were egg production and egg shell breaking strength. In the first experiment, CL significantly increased hen-day egg production (P = 0.043) and Mg (in dietary concentration up to 4 g/kg) increased egg weight (P < 0.001). The addition of Mg to the mixed feed, together with CL, decreased yolk percentage (P = 0.008), increased egg shell percentage (P = 0.044), increased egg shell thickness (P = 0.014), and egg shell breaking strength (P = 0.003). Higher dietary Mg, together with a wider Ca : NPP ratio in the second experiment, increased egg production and egg weight (P < 0.001), but it did not influence egg shell breaking strength. CL increased egg shell breaking strength compared to the addition of FL, as well as FCL (P < 0.05), regardless of the Mg levels. Lower level of Mg with FL decreased ash content of shells (P = 0.004).

Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) play important antioxidant role during the transition period of dairy cattle. However, there is limited information about their blood fluctuations during the entire transition period, especially in heifers. Furthermore, it is questionable whether the use of clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, affects the availability of these trace elements during this period. The objective of the present study was to monitor the blood concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn during the transition period of dairy heifers and to investigate whether the dietary inclusion of clinoptilolite has any effect on them. Forty clinically healthy Holstein heifers were used in the experiment. They were randomly allocated in two equal groups (n = 20) formed according to their body condition score. The control group was fed only the basal ration whereas the daily feed of treatment group was supplemented with 200 g clinoptilolite. The experiment started 28 days before the expected day of calving and lasted until day 21 after parturition. Blood samples were taken at the onset of the experiment and then at weekly intervals until parturition, at the day of calving, and on days 7, 14, and 21. All samples were analyzed for blood Se and plasma Cu and Zn concentrations. The results indicate that the levels of Se, Cu, and Zn in blood change significantly (P < 0.05) throughout the transition period in dairy heifers and increase significantly (P < 0.05) immediately after calving. Furthermore, the dietary administration of clinoptilolite does not significantly affect their blood concentration (P > 0.05). Blood levels of Se, Cu, and Zn, although undergoing significant changes throughout the transition period in dairy heifers, remain practically stable until parturition and increase significantly immediately after calving. Clinoptilolite does not impair the dietary availability of the trace elements evaluated when added in heifers' rations during this period.

Supplementation of bovine colostrum (BC) has shown to improve growth performance, intestinal development, and immune response in early-weaned pigs. Little is known about whether BC may have similar effects in neonatal piglets. In the present study, the effect of BC supplementation on mortality, growth performance, and blood parameters (plasma proteins and white blood count) of suckling piglets in the first 10 days of life was investigated under practical conditions with special emphasis on low birth weight piglets. In total, 258 newborn piglets from 30 multiparous sows in a commercial breeding unit were randomly assigned to two different treatment groups. Piglets received either 1 ml of BC orally on days 1-3 of life (group BC, n = 128) or 1 ml of saline (0.9%) (control (CON) group; n = 130). Body weight was measured on days 1, 4, and 10 of life. Blood was collected on days 1 and 4 from 60 piglets per group. No differences in mortality, body weight, and average daily weight gain were observed between treatment groups in days 1-10. However, compared to CON, particularly in low birth weight piglets the administration of BC supported (P < 0.01) their survival. Group BC exhibited lower plasma total protein (P = 0.03) and beta-globulin (P = 0.02) concentrations compared to group CON. In conclusion, BC improved low and normal birth weight piglets' survival during their first 10 days of life. Further research is needed to clarify whether the survival rate is related to earlier gut closure indicated by lower plasma protein levels, which might be beneficial due to a lower uptake of potential antigenic substances.

Optimum standardized ileal digestible (SID) tryptophan (Trp) to lysine (Lys) ratio was estimated for 67-96 kg barrows fed low protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids (AA). One hundred and fifty Yorkshire × Landrace barrows, with an average initial body weight (BW) of 67.3 ± 3.2 kg, were used in a 28-day feeding trial. All dietary treatments were based on corn, wheat bran, and soybean meal and were formulated to provide 10.5% crude protein and 12.6 MJ/kg metabolizable energy. The dietary SID Lys was set at 0.61% ensuring that Lys was marginally deficient for barrows of this weight range. Graded levels of crystalline l-Trp were added to the basal diet to produce diets providing SID Trp to Lys ratios of 0.131, 0.164, 0.197, 0.230, and 0.262. There were improvements in weight gain (linear and quadratic effect P < 0.01) and feed intake (linear effect P = 0.04) with increasing dietary SID Trp to Lys ratio. Increased SID Trp to Lys ratio resulted in a decrease in the serum urea nitrogen (SUN) content (linear and quadratic effect P < 0.01). The serum concentration of Trp increased with increasing dietary SID Trp to Lys ratio (linear effect P = 0.03, quadratic effect P = 0.08). Estimates of the optimum SID Trp to Lys ratios were 0.203, 0.197, and 0.214 for weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and SUN, respectively, using a broken-line model while a quadratic model produced optimum SID Trp to Lys ratios of 0.251, 0.224, and 0.249 for the same parameters. The results of this experiment indicate that the SID Trp to Lys ratio for finishing barrows is at least 0.203, which is higher than the SID ratio of Trp to Lys currently recommended by the National Research Council (NRC, 2012).

Ejaculates and blood plasma were sampled from cocks of three laying lines: Barred Plymouth Rock (BPR), Sussex Light (SU), and Rhode Island Red (RIR). Ejaculates and blood plasma were sampled four times during the laying period of hens. The following ejaculate parameters were determined: sperm motility, concentrations of sperm cells, ejaculate volume. Sperm morphology was examined. In the blood samples, concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were analysed. The motility of spermatozoa of the cocks was 47.0% (BPR), 47.7% (RIR), and 48.3% (SU), respectively. The highest volume of ejaculate was found in BPR line (0.66 cm³), the lowest one in SU line (0.46 cm³, P ≤ 0.01); the highest sperm concentration was in SU line (2.46 × 10⁶/mm³), the lowest one in RIR line (1.96 × 10⁶/mm³, P ≤ 0.01). The number of morphologically abnormal sperm cells was similar in all lines - 47.0% BPR, 47.7% RIR, and 48.3% SU, respectively. In general, the occurrence of defective spermatozoa was high in all three lines; the most frequent were tail defects (from 20.3 to 29.7%), while sperm cells with developmental anomalies were less frequent (only 0.3 to 0.4%). Calculated phenotypic correlation between sperm motility on the one hand and the occurrence of defective sperm cells on the other was negative (r_p = -0.28, P ≤ 0.01), as well as the correlation between sperm motility and sperm numbers, and between sperm motility and ejaculate volume (r_p = -0.28, P ≤ 0.01 and r_p = -0.31, P ≤ 0.01, respectively). Negative correlations were found between the level of magnesium in blood plasma and numbers of morphologically defective spermatozoa in the ejaculate, defective heads and defective connecting pieces (r_p = -0.33, P ≤ 0.01; r_p = -0.23, P ≤ 0.05; and r_p = -0.26, P ≤ 0.05). Level of magnesium was positively correlated to sperm motility (r_p = 0.26, P ≤ 0.05). However, positive correlations existed between concentration of glucose in blood plasma of cocks and numbers of morphologically defective spermatozoa in sampled ejaculates (r_p = 0.27, P ≤ 0.01). Our finding is in accordance with the results found in mammals and other animals, and it shows an important role of magnesium as a key contributor to the quality of ejaculate in aviary species, in our case in laying lines of domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

The purpose of this study was to analyse the microbial diversity in the caecum of geese using a 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA) clone library approach. A total of 160 clones and 124 clones were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed from the contents and mucosa of the caecum of Yang Zhou geese, respectively. The result indicated that there was a rich variety of bacteria in the caecum contents. Forty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on a 98% similarity criterion were classified in the contents of goose caecum, as compared to 29 OTUs based on a 97% similarity criterion in the mucosa of goose caecum. The sequences were assigned to 7 and 5 groups in the contents and mucosa of goose caecum, respectively. Contents of goose caecum were dominantly occupied by Clostridia-related species (58.7%) with other abundant sequences being related to Bacteroidetes (26.9%) and Erysipelotrichi (11.2%). Gammaproteobacteria (59.6%) and Clostridia (20.1%) were predominant in the mucosa of goose caecum.

Differentially expressed transcript derived fragments (TDFs) of bovine pituitary gland tissue at different developmental ages of Limousine and Hereford bulls were identified by cDNA-AFLP technique. Study revealed comparatively higher differentially expressed transcripts in 6-month Limousine bulls and 12-month Hereford bulls. The BLASTn/p analysis identified 3 and 21 predicted genes which gave significant e-values for Limousine and Hereford respectively, in assembled Bos taurus genome. The identified predicted genes expressed in bovine pituitary gland showed their mapped positions on bovine chromosomes: BTA2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15-23, 26, and 28, respectively. Results based on TDF annotation identified 10 sequences that have BLAST hits to known annotated bovine genes and 14 sequences to unannotated contig regions in the latest gene Ensembl database Btau_4.0. Two breed specific predicted target genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Within and between breeds, qRT-PCR results revealed highly significant differences in the expression levels of bovine euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and NCK adaptor protein 2 (NCK2) predicted genes. Obtained results conclude that cDNA-AFLP is a reliable technique for studying within breed age dependent gene expression patterns.

Polymorphic SNPs were identified using BovineSNP50 BeadChip in three groups of cervids: farmed Red deer (n = 3), and free range Red deer (n = 5) and Fallow deer (n = 2). From the total of 54 609 SNPs, 53.85% could be genotyped. Out of 28 502 successfully genotyped autosomal SNPs only 5.3% were polymorphic. The average minor allele frequency within cervids was 0.23 (number of polymorphic SNPs ranged from 467 to 686). Results of the molecular variance analysis showed that 67.38% of variation occurred within individuals and the rest was explained by a species difference (F_ST = 0.32). The value of F_IT (0.33) indicated a higher proportion of homozygote genotypes in the analyzed dataset. Pairwise F_ST values showed very clearly the genetic differentiation between Red and Fallow deer which ranged from 0.06 (farmed and free range deer) to 0.74 (farmed Red and Fallow deer). A similar result was found for Nei's genetic distances that ranged from 0.01 (among Fallow deer) to 0.79 (among farmed Red and Fallow deer). The genetic differentiation of the analyzed cervid species was evaluated also by the principal component analysis with the involvement of 6 other species from the family Cervidae, which showed a division of the Cervidae cluster into 7 subpopulations. The panels of SNPs primarily produced for a model species are becoming the marker of choice for the application in other species, but the best methods of their discovery, validation, and genotyping in non-model species need further investigations.

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.

Toxicity is a major limitation to successful spermatozoa cryopreservation of fish. Due to this problem, it is critical to find potential cryoprotectants which are more environmental-friendly, non-toxic, easily prepared, and available at affordable prices. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate several natural cryoprotectants for optimal cryopreservation of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822 (Pisces: Clariidae) spermatozoa. Three natural cryoprotectants were tested - egg yolk, glucose, and honey, while DMSO was used as a control at different concentrations (5, 10, and 15%). Sperms were diluted with coconut water at a dilution level of 1 : 20 sperm to extender (v/v). Diluted sperms were kept at 4°C for 5 min, then at 0, -4, and -79°C for 5 min respectively, and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for 45 days. The cryopreserved sperms were thawed in a water bath (37°C) for 5 min and evaluated for fertilization and hatching rates. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by comparison of means using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The fertilization and hatching rates of African catfish in all cryoprotectants improved with concentration increasing from 5 to 10% but then decreased when concentration was increased to 15%. The ANOVA test showed that the differences in cryoprotectants used significantly affected fertilization and hatching rates of African catfish. Overall, the fertilization and hatching rates were higher in DMSO for all concentrations compared to other cryoprotectants. However, 10% egg yolk resulted in higher fertilization and hatching rates compared to other natural cryoprotectants. It was concluded that 10% egg yolk was the most suitable concentration for African catfish spermatozoa cryopreservation compared to other natural cryoprotectants tested.

The role of orexin-A in the regulation of prolactin secretion in lambs born in different photoperiods was determined. The experiment was conducted with 30 female lambs. Pituitary glands were collected from 40-day-old lambs in three different seasons (n = 10 per each season) and photoperiods (light (L) hours to darkness (D) hours): long (May - L 14 : D 10), intermediate (August - L 13 : D 11), and short (December - L 10 : D 14). At 40 days of age, the lambs were decapitated, and their pituitaries were dissected and cut in half along the longitudinal fissure so that each half contained both glandular and nervous parts. The in vitro incubation of the glands was performed for 3 h in Parker's medium at 37°C. In each season, the control pituitary glands (K1, K2, K3) were incubated in Parker's medium, while the experimental pituitary glands (Ox1, Ox2, Ox3) were incubated in medium containing 1000 ng/ml of exogenous orexin. The administration of orexin-A during the long photoperiod (May) caused a significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in prolactin secretion during the first hour of incubation (Ox1: 47.56 ± 8.4 ng/ml vs K1: 36.08 ± 7.8 ng/ml). During the intermediate photoperiod (August), a significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher concentration of prolactin was observed in the first hour of incubation in the Ox2 group than in the control group (K2). During the first hour of incubation in December, the prolactin concentrations were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in the Ox3 group than in the K3 group. Orexin-A increased prolactin secretion from pituitary explants collected from lambs born under all investigated time-points. The study results indicate that orexin-A is a stimulatory factor of prolactin secretion in sheep.

The aim of the study was to evaluate egg shell quality characteristics, mineral content in the egg shell, and serum mineral concentration during the egg formation process as influenced by oviposition time and ambient temperature at the beginning and end of the laying cycle in laying hens and broiler breeders. Egg shell quality deteriorated significantly at the higher temperature and was lower in broiler breeders than in laying hens. The Ca (P = 0.047) and P (P = 0.018) contents of the egg shell were significantly higher at the higher temperature. The highest (P = 0.028) shell Ca content (352 g/kg) was in eggs laid in the morning, but the highest P (P = 0.030; 1.43 g/kg) and Mg (P = 0.001; 3.88 g/kg) contents were in eggs laid in the afternoon. Broiler breeder egg shells contained significantly more P (P = 0.004) and Mg (P = 0.001) than did those from laying hens. Serum Ca and P levels remained constant throughout the day whereas serum Mg and Zn levels decreased, the rate of decrease in Zn content being the same in all treatments, but with the amounts being greater in laying hens than broiler breeders. The results demonstrate that shell quality characteristics are more severely affected by different factors implemented in this trial compared to the shell mineral composition and especially compared to the serum mineral content.

The interactions between probiotic bacteria and the immune system in animals are known, but particularly in rabbits have not been sufficiently documented. Therefore the present study deals with the effect of the enterocin-producing probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium CCM7420 on the growth performance and jejunal morphometry in rabbits. Forty-eight weaned rabbits of male sex (NZB breed) at 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into experimental (EF) and control group (CG) with 24 rabbits in each group. Each day of the treatment period (21 days), the rabbits in the EF group were administered a fresh culture of the E. faecium CCM7420 strain (5.0 × 10⁸ CFU/animal/day in their drinking water); for the next 21 days after probiotic cessation the rabbits had untreated drinking water (the whole experiment lasted for 42 days). All animals had access to water ad libitum. Three animals from each group were randomly selected for slaughter at days 21 and 42 of the experiment to measure morphological parameters (villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH : CD ratio) of the intestinal tissue in the proximal jejunum. The average daily gain was higher in EF group (39.49 g) than in CG (39.04 g). The jejunum VH, surface area, and VH : CD ratio increased, while CD decreased in EF group compared to CG. Inferring from these results, we conclude that administration of E. faecium CCM7420 strain to rabbits may improve weight gain due to better utilization of feed and larger absorption surface in the gut and also may positively influence the health status via enhancing the gut health in rabbits.

The impact of low temperatures combined with higher velocity of ventilated air in winter during severe frost in a free stall barn on the development of cold stress in Holstein-Friesian breed dairy cattle was studied. The study included measurements of outside and inside air parameters and cows' milk yield. Cold stress was evaluated in three technological groups (TG) using the WCT (Wind Chill Temperature) index. During the research, significant temperature and wind velocity differences (by up to 5°C and 0.5 m/s) were recorded in three zones of the barn occupied by the individual TG. All this resulted in different values of WCT. During most severe frosts lasting for 9 days, the average air temperature in the barn was -8.9°C (the lowest value was -17.3°C). The calculated average operative temperature for cows from all TG was as follows: -7.0°C for TG1, -11.1°C for TG2, and -12.3°C for TG3. It was also observed that animals from TG2 suffered from mild cold stress, which resulted in milk yield reduction by approximately 2 kg. It was concluded that there is a strong correlation (r = 0.72-0.89 with P < 0.05) between milk production and the WCT index. The measurements of most important microclimate parameters in the barn were conducted during winter seasons over the period of 2 years. They led to the conclusion that cattle kept in free stall barns are not vulnerable to the combination of low temperature and increased air movements. Research results of the present as well as of other authors were the basis for developing a table determining operative temperature for cows depending on the temperature of the environment and air movement velocity. Yet, the calculations and analysis of results show that there is a need to improve the applied calculation formula for operative temperature during cold weather.

The objective of the present study was to refine a previously developed method to isolate primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (pBMEC) from fresh milk. Using this method, it was tested whether the number of pBMEC and the relation of recovered pBMEC to total somatic cell count vary within the individual lactation stages. Furthermore, the expression levels of the milk protein genes during the first twenty weeks of lactation were determined by quantitative PCR method. A total number of 152 morning milk samples were obtained from twenty-four Holstein-Friesian cows during the first 20 weeks of lactation (day 8, 15, 26, 43, 57, 113, and 141 postpartum). Numbers of extracted pBMEC were consistent at all time-points (1.1 ± 0.06 to 1.4 ± 0.03 ×10³/ml) and an average value of RNA integrity number (RIN) was 6.3 ± 0.3. Percentage of pBMEC in relation to total milk cells (2.0 ± 0.2 to 6.7 ± 1.0%) correlated with milk yield. Expression patterns of the casein genes alpha (α)_S1, (α)_S2, beta (β), and kappa (κ) (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN2, CSN3, respectively) and the whey protein genes α-lactalbumin (LALBA) and progestagen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP; known as β-lactoglobulin) were shown to be comparable, i.e. transcripts of all six milk protein genes were found to peak during the first two weeks of lactation and to decline continuously towards mid lactation. However, mRNA levels were different among genes with CSN3 showing the highest and LALBA the lowest abundance. We hypothesized that milk protein gene expression has a pivotal effect on milk protein composition with no influence on milk protein concentration. This paper is the first to describe milk protein gene expression during lactation in pBMEC collected in milk. Future studies will be needed to understand molecular mechanisms in pBMEC including regulation of expression and translation throughout lactation.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for female fertility and production traits in first-parity Czech Holstein cows and to quantify the effect of using this information on the accuracy of a selection index in seven different scenarios. In order to estimate genetic (co)variance components, the DMU software running an AI-REML algorithm was used. The analyses were made using a series of bivariate animal models. The pedigree included 164 125 animals and it was set up using a pruned animal model design. The present study included the following female fertility traits for the first lactations: calving to the first insemination (CF), days open (DO), calving from the first to the last insemination (FL), and milk production traits: milk production (MLK), kg of fat (FAT), and kg of protein (PROT). The heritability for all the investigated fertility traits was low and close to 0. Moderate heritabilities for production traits ranging from 0.20 (MLK) to 0.23 (PROT) were estimated. The strongest unfavourable correlation was found between PROT and DO (0.49). Other estimated correlations between fertility traits and production traits were moderate, ranging from 0.26 to 0.41. The results of this study evidence that cows with the poorest genetic potential for reproductive performance are those having high genetic potential for milk production and milk components. The results also show that the number of days from calving to new pregnancy depends on the production level. Seven investigated scenarios using selection index theory show a clear trend for increasing accuracy when more fertility traits were added as well as when higher numbers of daughters with information on reproduction traits per sire were available.

The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of genetic diversity in four endangered horse populations bred in Slovakia, describing parameters on the probability of identity by descent and gene origin. The analysed populations consisted of (reference populations in brackets) 656 (158) Hucul horses, 2052 (162) Lipizzan horses, 1951 (171) Shagya Arabian horses, and 220 (42) Slovak Sport Ponies. The equivalent complete generations ranged from 4.93 for the Slovak Sport Pony to 10.25 for the Lipizzan horses. The average value of inbreeding ranged from 2.67% for the Slovak Sport Pony to 6.26% for the Hucul. The mean average relationship coefficients varied from 3.08% for the Shagya Arabian to 9.34% for the Hucul. Individual increases in inbreeding ranged from 0.43% for the Lipizzan to 1.06% for the Hucul, while the realized effective sizes were from 117.14 to 47.67 animals. The evaluated populations were derived from 80 to 499 founders. The effective number of founders ranged from 26 to 160, while the effective number of ancestors from 7 to 32.

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.

Statistical methods of imputation allow predicting genotypes of markers (which were not genotyped in the whole population) based on known linkage disequilibrium relationships between the flanking polymorphisms and the information obtained from reference datasets used as a pattern. In this study we attempted to predict genotypes of two bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) susceptibility associated indel polymorphisms located in the promoter region of PRNP gene relying on the data obtained from middle density SNPs arrays in a sample of the population of Holstein cattle. The two SNPs panels spanning PRNP locus were tested in terms of imputation efficiency. Both panels gave satisfactory imputation results showing high accuracy and high probabilities of imputed genotypes. Our results suggest that the approach applied can be used to evaluate the frequency of the disease associated polymorphisms in large populations of animals genotyped with whole-genome SNPs panels based on a limited-size reference population and small financial outlays.

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.

The objective of the study was to estimate the heterozygosity and phylogenetic relationship between horse breeds in Poland, according to erythrocyte antigens and protein polymorphisms. The study included 15 434 horses: Polish Coldblood, Małopolski, Wielkopolski, Hucul, Polish Konik, Biłgorajski, Felin Pony, and ponies of Shetland origin. A total of 14 loci were studied: seven blood groups and seven protein polymorphism systems. Phylogenetic trees obtained for the erythrocyte antigens and protein variants were mostly alike which suggests that both kinds of markers may be equally used in estimating the similarity of animal populations. The lower polymorphism of the structural and enzymatic proteins, as compared with the erythrocyte antigen, resulted in a lower number of alleles per locus, lower heterozygosity, and closer genetic distances. The level of heterozygosity and phylogenetic trees of the breeds turned out to be mostly concordant with the known history of the populations. Małopolski and Wielkopolski horses are the most homozygous, the Huculs, Polish Koniks, and Biłgorajskis have a middle position, while the Polish Coldbloods and the ponies are the most heterozygous. The Polish Koniks are the most related to other breeds which shows that all the breeds studied, Polish Coldbloods included, have many indigenous ancestors. The Huculs, Polish Koniks, and Biłgorajskis are closely related. In spite of different histories, the Małopolski and Wielkopolski horses have the closest relationship. The Felin Ponies cluster together with the Shetlands. According to the blood groups and protein variation, the genetic diversity of the studied horse breeds is low and mainly due to individual differences. The low genetic variability of the breeds suggests reconsidering the long-term strategies of horse breeding in Poland, particularly of the conserved breeds.

Genetic parameters for total number of piglets born per litter, number of piglets weaned per litter, lean meat content, and average daily gain from birth till the end of the field test were estimated for Czech Large White (445 589 records) and Czech Landrace (149 057 records) pigs using a four-trait animal model. The following heritabilities were estimated (first number: Large White, second number: Landrace): 0.10 ± 0.004 and 0.09 ± 0.007 for total number born; 0.09 ± 0.005 and 0.07 ± 0.008 for number weaned; 0.39 ± 0.004 and 0.36 ± 0.009 for lean meat content; 0.21 ± 0.004 and 0.18 ± 0.006 for daily gain. The highest genetic correlation (approximately 0.85 in both breeds) was estimated between both litter size traits. In Czech Landrace, all remaining genetic correlations were < 0.20 in their absolute value. Negative correlations of approximately ‑0.25 were estimated in Czech Large White between daily gain and both reproduction traits. All remaining correlations in Czech Large White were also < 0.20 in their absolute value. The estimated non-zero correlations between production and reproduction traits are, besides of other arguments, one reason to recommend a joint genetic evaluation of production and reproduction traits. If more than one litter trait is included in the genetic evaluation, repeatability models should be used instead of separate treating the first and the second and subsequent litters; this is because of the high correlations among litter size traits which are expected to cause numerical problems if multi-parity models are used.

A practical technique for isolation and cryopreservation of tench (Tinca tinca) (Cyprinidae, Teleostei) early stages of germ cells (GC), including spermatogonia and spermatocytes, is reported for the first time. The germ-line cells possess the ability to differentiate into functional gametes of both sexes. These early stages of germ cells are small enough to be well-suited to cryopreservation, which, together with their high level of plasticity, makes their preservation a promising tool for maintaining genetic resources. Testicular cells were distinguished and separated by Percoll gradient, with the highest proportion of GC (62.2%) obtained from the 30% layer. The concentration and viability of GC were determined, and specific staining (DDX4) for germ cells was used to distinguish GC from somatic cells. Early stages of germ cells were cryopreserved in an extender composed of phosphate buffered saline (pH 8) with 0.5% BSA, 50mM d-glucose, and containing 1.5M cryoprotectant in the pre-programmed PLANER Kryo10 series III using a cooling protocol from +10°C to -80°C at a rate of 1°C/min. The effect of six cryoprotectants - methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl sulfoxide + propanediol (1 : 1), glycerol, ethylene glycol, and dimethylacetamid was assessed, and the results were evaluated by comparing the percentage of viable frozen/thawed GC by ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test (P < 0.05). Almost the same viability rates were obtained with no significant differences among tested cryoprotectants, indicating high stability of GC in cryoprotectants. Nevertheless, glycerol at a concentration of 1.5M was associated with the highest survival rate of thawed tench GC (57.69 ± 16.85%).