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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.

A 2 × 2 factorial design experiment examined the effect of dietary non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) (1.3 and 4.0 g/kg) and 3-phytase (F) (0 and 150 FTU/kg) on the performance indicators of hens, physical parameters of eggs, phosphorus (P) content of the eggshells, and the pH of the digestive tract of laying hens. Two hundred and forty hens (ISA Brown) were housed in enriched cages and fed a wheat-maize-based diet. A significant effect of both NPP and F was found for the yolk colour (P = 0.016) and shell thickness (P = 0.038). The F supplement or higher level of NPP alone and in combination increased the value of the yolk colour and shell thickness. The supplementation of the basal diet with F significantly increased the laying performance, especially with regard to the egg weight and feed conversion ratio. The higher dose of NPP had a negative effect on the egg production, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The lower level of NPP (1.3 g/kg) decreased the internal egg quality and shell quality, except for the shell strength. In contrast, the addition of 3-phytase to the diet increased the shell thickness and shell weight. The P content in the eggshells was not influenced by the dietary treatment. The higher level of NPP or F increased the pH in the gizzard to a value suitable for F activity. The hens fed a diet containing 1.3 g/kg NPP achieved a higher performance; moreover, the F supplement at 150 FTU/kg increased the external quality of the eggs.

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the length of calf sucking milk from its own mother on calf growth at the age of 3 months and milk yield of mothers. We tested a hypothesis that the nursing of calves by their own mothers increases the body weight of calves and decreases the milk production. 50 Holstein primiparous cows and their calves were divided into three groups according to the sucking length of calves: 7 days (A), 14 days (B) and 21 days (C). All calves suckled mother's colostrum and milk while mothers were milked twice per day. After weaning from mother calves were kept in individual hutches until 56 days of life, and then in group housing pens. In the period from birth to weaning the calves of group A reached the lowest and the calves of group C the highest daily gains (0.35 kg, 0.46 kg, 0.54 kg; P < 0.01). The lowest gain was recorded in animals of group A (0.55 kg) and the highest gain was reached by calves of group C (0.74 kg) for the period from birth to three months of age. For the first 305 days of lactation cows of group A produced insignificantly more milk than group C (7356.5 kg, 6779.2 kg, 6663.9 kg). A significant difference in milk production was recorded only during the first seven months of lactation (5494.5 kg, 5041.9 kg, and 4872.3 kg; P < 0.05). The long stay of calves with their mothers influences the growth of calves positively, but the milk production of mothers may decrease. Therefore, the stay of calves with the dam within 21 days after birth is not recommended for high-yielding dairy cows.

A two-factorial experiment was carried out on 6 groups (10 animals each) of Polish Black and White Holstein-Friesian cows in the transition period to determine the effect of glucogenic additive (GA) to the diets containing grains of varied ruminal starch degradation on cow performance. The animals from 3 control groups (C-groups) were fed the diets without any additive, whereas 3 other, experimental ones (A-groups) received the diets with additive of glucogenic preparation (450 g per head/day) comprising calcium propionate and loose propylene glycol (1 : 1). In the control groups as well as in the experimental ones, three analogical treatments, differing in concentrate composed of grain species of varying ruminal degradability of starch, i.e. maize (M) - low ruminal degradability, barley and wheat (BW) - high ruminal degradability and marriage of them (MBW) were conducted. Finally, the treatments were: C-M, C-BW, C-MBW, A-M, A-BW, and A-MBW. The rations of all groups based on maize silage, haylage, and meadow hay were mixed at 69 : 19 : 12 ratio (dry matter (DM) basis) and given ad libitum. Besides, all the animals received adequate concentrate rations to satisfy their nutritional requirements. The experiment started two weeks before the expected parturition and lasted till the 6^th lactation week. Neither GA nor a type of grain in the diets showed significant negative influence on DM intake. A glucogenic additive has positively affected some basal nutrient digestibility, elevating significantly DM and crude protein (CP) coefficients of the apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD), by about 3 percentage points. The GA × grain interactions (P ≤ 0.05) in CATTD of CP and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were stated, with the peak values reported in the A-BW treatment. GA increased (P ≤ 0.05) daily milk yield by nearly 5% in comparison with the control treatments. GA × grain interaction was noted with the best effect in the treatment where GA was given along with maize-barley-wheat-based concentrate. Besides, the glucogenic additive decreased (P ≤ 0.05) protein (PDI) expenditure per 1 kg of fat-corrected milk (FCM) by ca. 6% and raised (by 0.15 percentage point in week 6) protein content, while lowered the urea milk level in weeks 3 and 6 of lactation by approximately 15%. It showed beneficial effect on cow reproductive indicators reducing the time interval from calving to successful insemination and improving insemination index.

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.

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.

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.

An experiment with laying hens and broiler breeders of two ages (young 22 vs. 36 weeks, old 83 vs. 64 weeks) and at temperatures of 20 and 28°C was carried out to evaluate the interactions between oviposition time (7:30; 11:30, and 15:30 h), age, and temperature on the one hand and egg quality on the other. A significant interaction (P ≤ 0.011) was determined in oviposition time. The highest number (25.8%) of eggs was laid at 7:30 h by young laying hens kept at 20°C and the lowest (3.7%) by young layers at 15:30 h kept in the same temperature. Time of oviposition was delayed by age and a higher temperature. Egg weight was significantly influenced by production type (P ≤ 0.001; 60.5 vs. 68.1 g), age (P ≤ 0.001; 59.4 vs. 69.3 g), oviposition (P ≤ 0.001; 66.5, 63.7, 62.8 g), and temperature (P ≤ 0.022; 65.1 vs. 63.6 g). The significant three-way interaction of age, oviposition, and temperature in Haugh unit score (P ≤ 0.013) and four-way interaction of production type, age, oviposition, and temperature (P ≤ 0.05) in specific gravity show that rather than by a single factor the valuable characteristics of egg quality are considerably affected by a combination of factors.

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.

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 objective of this paper is to evaluate the contents of CF, NDF, ADF and ergosterol in the forage of Fistulolium, Dactylis glomerata and Arrhenatherum elatius from stands harvested at the end of the growing season. The contents of CF, NDF and ADF were analysed using the ANKOM Fibre Analyzer instrument. The ergosterol content was analysed by the HPLC method. The lowest CF content was in the Festulolium forage matter (26.8%). Conversely, the highest content was in the Arrhenatherum elatius forage (30.2%). The CF content gradually increased during autumn from 28.0% to 29.4%. Likewise, the NDF and ADF contents were lowest in Festulolium (58.3% and 32.3%, respectively). The highest NDF content was in Arrhenatherum elatius (60.5%). The ADF contents in Arrhenatherum elatius and Dactylis glomerata were comparable (35.9% and 35.1%, respectively). The NDF content increased during autumn from 56.4% to 62.0% and ADF content from 32.8% to 36.4%. The ergosterol content suggests a lower infestation of the Festulolium forage by fungi. While this content in the Festulolium forage was 94.9 mg/kg of dry matter (DM), in the Dactylis glomerata forage it was 136.7 mg/kg DM and in the Arrhenatherum elatius forage 139.9 mg/kg DM. Forage samples taken in December contained ergosterol on a level of 248.6 mg/kg DM. The species under study and the time of use in autumn exhibited a statistically highly significant effect (P < 0.01) on the contents of CF, NDF, ADF and ergosterol in the forage matter.

The efficiency of embryo recovery in a superovulatory treatment was studied by perfusing the oviduct or the uterine horn in 3.5 and 7 days after sponge withdrawal, respectively. Eighty-four and seventy ewes of Aragonesa breed were used as embryo donors and receptors, respectively. The donors were distributed in 3 replications. The oestrus was synchronized with the insertion of FGA intravaginal sponges (30 mg) for 13 days. Six intramuscular injections of 18 mg pFSH were applied in decreasing doses at 12 hour intervals starting 48 hours after sponge withdrawal. The recovery rate (RR) (83.2 vs. 75.8%), the viability rate (VR) (73.5 vs. 47.2%) and the number of viable embryos (VE) per donor ewe (5.9 ± 0.79 vs. 3.0 ± 0.37) were higher (P < 0.01) in ewes whose perfusion was done directly in oviducts. The interval from sponge withdrawal to oestrus had no influence on RR in any groups; however it had an effect on the VR in 3.5 and 7 days old embryos. Embryos from ewes showing the oestrus within 20 hours after sponge withdrawal had a higher viability. On the other hand, using morphologic criteria, 26.5% and 52.7% of 3.5 and 7 days old embryos, respectively, were discarded before transfer. The percentage of ewes in each group that became pregnant was similar in both groups. We conclude that in superovulated ewes the embryo recovery rate, viability and number of viable embryos are higher in embryos recovered from the oviduct compared to those recovered from the uterus, without decreasing the conception rate and the viability rate is higher in ewes that show the oestrus 20 hours before sponge withdrawal.

The first part of the study concerns the effect of the stage of maturity on nutrient content and leaf percentage of lucerne (Medicago sativa). The plants of lucerne were harvested and analysed at several stages of growth. The crop yield and changes in the concentration of nutrients were determined. The leaf percentage from whole herbage and leaf yield were determined as well. The leaf percentage at the growth stage of small buds was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than at the growth stage of bloom in all three cuts (1^st cut 52.7% vs. 46.62%; 2^nd cut 52.03% vs. 44.70%; 3^rd cut 50.58% vs. 46.26%). Crude protein content of lucerne was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from the large bud growth stage (small buds 219.6 g/kg DM and large buds 203.1 g/kg DM vs. bloom 173.5 and after bloom 154.2). In the second part of the study, the effect of silage additives on fermentation characteristics of lucerne was investigated. The bacterial inoculant (containing homo- and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria), chemical additive (containing formic acid, propionic acid, ammonium formate and benzoic acid) and the bacterial inoculant with benzoic acid were used for the improvement of fermentation process.The addition of the inoculant with L. buchneri increased acetic acid (P < 0.05) concentration compared to the silage with chemical additive (group I with inoculant - 1.22%; group Ch with chemical additive - 0.84%; group ICh with chemical additive and inoculant - 1.43). Control silage (C) without additive contained 1.14% acetic acid in dry matter.

Genetic variation in three Croatian coldblood horse populations was analysed using a sequence analysis of the proximal part (nt 15 498-15 821) of the D-loop region of mtDNA. Twenty unrelated horses were chosen from the Posavina horse and the Croatian Coldblood breeds and fifteen horses from the Murinsulaner horse population. Sequencing of the proximal part of the mtDNA D-loop region revealed 26 polymorphic sites representing thirty haplotypes which were clustered into eight haplogroups. A wide variety of mitochondrial haplotypes of the analysed horse breeds were clustered into eight different haplogroups. Two haplogroups (D and F) were specific to Posavina horse, five haplogroups were shared among the Croatian Coldblood and Murinsulaner horse, the fact that can be explained by selection strategy at the beginning of the 20^th century and possible gene flow between the two populations. These results indicate the presence of many ancient maternal lineages with high diversity in mtDNA. The genetic information based on mtDNA typing has a great importance for the future breed conservation strategy, especially for the critically endangered breed such as Murinsulaner horse.

The effect of wheat gluten or extracted soybean meal (300 g of crude protein/head/day) on milk yield, composition and its physical properties was analysed in 53 cows of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed with different milk beta-lactoglobulin (blg) genotypes (AA, AB and BB). The addition of wheat gluten to the diet of cows with the AA and AB blg genotypes caused a significant increase in crude protein (by 0.21; P ≤ 0.05, and 0.19%; P ≤ 0.01), casein (by 0.15; P ≤ 0.05, and 0.15%; P ≤ 0.01) and dry matter content (0.3 and 0.5%; P ≤ 0.05) in milk, and a significant increase in beta-casein production (0.6 g/l; P ≤ 0.05, and 0.6 g/l; P ≤ 0.01) and kappa-casein yield (0.3 g/l; P ≤ 0.05) in the case of cows with the AA genotype. Milk acidity and electrical resistance in milk were lowered. The cows with the BB blg genotype did not show any significant changes in milk composition. The supplementation of extracted soybean meal to cows with the AB and BB blg genotype led to a significant increase in milk protein (0.26% and 0.21%; P ≤ 0.01) and casein content (0.2 and 0.15%; P ≤ 0.01), beta-casein production (0.60 and 0.50 g/l; P ≤ 0.01) and to a decrease in kappa-casein content (by 0.7%; P ≤ 0.05) in cows with the BB genotype. The production of kappa-casein increased in cows with the AB genotype (by 0.2 g/l; P ≤ 0.01). In the case of all genotypes, an increase in milk active acidity and thermostability and a decrease in electrical resistance in milk were noted. It was observed that cows with different blg genotypes differently utilised the protein from given supplements for the production of individual milk components, which may be used in rationalisation of their feeding and improvement of milk content.

The goal of this study was to compare the growing degree-days (GDD) and predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) for the prediction of lucerne quality and to test their accuracy and suitability in the first cut period in Central Bohemia. Several additional stand parameters were verified in order to increase the accuracy of the quality estimate under these environmental conditions. In 2004-2007, the measurement and sampling were repeatedly realized from the late vegetative to the early bloom stage in six replications. For the GDD model across the years, the obtained R² for NDF, ADF and CP were 0.40, 0.57 and 0.65, respectively. It seems that the forage quality response to accumulated GDD was related to the stand development and it could be the reason for low R² across all the years. For the PEAQ model, R² were 0.62, 0.92, and 0.85, respectively. Similarly like in the GDD model, the effect of stand development across the years on changes in the slopes of equations was observed. The accuracy of the model combination was not higher in comparison with the PEAQ model. The count of stems per plant, density of stems per m², dry matter yield and average stem weight improved the NDF content prediction within a four-year period. In these models, variables which represent the stand development should be taken into account.

Estimates of the effects influencing the economics of pig production are of primary importance for breeders. For this purpose, costs, revenues and profitability were determined on the basis of individual parameters of the efficiency of tested pigs and of average commodity prices. The calculation was the result of the efficiency of actual animals and of the average and simulated prices of inputs received by producers in large-scale production operations. 136 animals, 64 of crossbred combinations (LWs × D) × (LW_D × L) and 72 of PN × (LW_D × L) were used. The total cost of 1 pig represented the costs per weaned piglet, feed and other costs; the revenues represented the actual price of a pig at slaughter. Multivariable hierarchical models were constructed to assess the relationships between the following factors: crossbred combination, nutrition and sex, ADG, number of piglets bred, CFM price and carcass price with the outcome variables: costs, revenues and profitability. The results demonstrated that the total cost of fattening pig is considerably influenced by the price of a piglet and feed, not by the price of the carcass and the growth intensity. There was no proof of a relationship between the price of a pig and reproduction and/or the price of feed. Profitability is significantly influenced by the reproduction rate, price of feed, growth intensity and revenues. The results also showed that the intensity of nutrition and the sex considerably influence the total cost of 1 fattened pig, which represents an increase in the total cost by 3.80 € in the application of ad libitum feeding techniques, and 5.39 €/pc in the fattening of barrows. The choice of a suitable combination represents a decrease in the total cost by 1.49% and an increase in revenues by 2.93%. Profitability is significantly associated with the intensity of nutrition, sex and breed. With unrestricted feeding it is reduced by 4.1%, for barrows by 6.6%, and in the use of four-breed combinations of crossbreds it increases by 4.13%.

The effect of three housing systems (conventional cages, enriched cages and litter) on egg quality parameters was evaluated in two experiments with four brown laying strains ISA Brown, Hisex Brown, Bovans Brown and Moravia BSL. During 40 weeks of lay the total number of 7200 eggs was produced and analysed for egg weight, egg component weight and eggshell quality indicators. In 60 eggs, pore density in the small-end, large-end and equatorial areas was determined. Significant interactions between genotype and housing were found out in egg weight (P ≤ 0.001), yolk and albumen weight (P ≤ 0.001) and yolk colour (P ≤ 0.001). Haugh units were the highest in eggs laid in cages and the lowest in the ISA Brown strain. Eggshell quality indicators were affected more by genotype than by housing. The interaction between genotype and housing was not significant for eggshell thickness but it was significant for eggshell weight and strength. Although eggshell thickness was lower in eggs produced in cages, eggshell strength was higher. A significant negative correlation was found out between pore density and housing system. Results of the study suggest that the ability of a strain to produce eggs of high quality in a particular housing system should be considered, even within brown strains.

Hens of the laying hybrid Shaver Starcross 288 were used in two consequential experiments. The first experiment (for 10 months) was conducted on hens at the age from 18 to 60 weeks (1^st cycle; n = 50) and moulted hens after 10 months laying from 70 to 110 weeks of age (2^nd cycle; n = 50). For the second experiment (for 8 months) in the 1^st cycle 18 weeks old hens were bought (n = 60) and hens from the first experiment after moulting were used in the 2^nd and 3^rd cycle (n = 32 and n = 28). During the experiments eggshell qualitative parameters and calcium utilisation (%) were determined. The results indicate that the percentage of eggshell decreased with the increasing number of cycles. The significant correlation of the eggshell proportion and the age of hens was higher in long, advanced cycles (P < 0.05). The shell strength in both experiments decreased slightly in relation to the age of hens and repeated laying cycles. The shell deformation had an opposite trend to the shell strength, i.e. it increased with the increasing laying. The average shell thickness showed a decrease in the repeated laying cycles, more significant in shorter cycles (P < 0.01). The specific shell gravity maintained balanced values both in cycles and by the age of hens. The shell density in all cycles in both experiments showed a decreasing tendency in relation to the age of hens. In dietary calcium utilization for the shell formation a significant decrease was recorded in the second cycles after moulting (P < 0.05).

The objective of this study was to develop a superovulatory program based on synchronization of follicular waves with GnRH which could be applied regardless of the stage of the oestrous cycle. 36 heifers were subjected to this experiment and GnRH (Cystorelin, 200 µg) was applied between Days 0 and 7 (n = 15), 8 and 12 (n = 8) or 13 and 20 (n = 13) of the oestrous cycle. Four days after GnRH treatment, all follicles ≥ 6 mm of heifers (n) were either punctured (n = 21) or left intact (n = 15). All heifers were superstimulated from Day 6 to Day 10 after GnRH treatment with 320 mg Folltropin-V. In parallel, 21 heifers were superstimulated in a conventional manner (Days 8 to 12) and were used as controls. The homogeneity of follicular inventories among Stage-groups occurred within 4 days of GnRH treatment for follicles ≥ 7 mm but only 2 days after follicular puncture for follicles 4 to 6 mm. In response to the follicular puncture, the mean number of follicles 4 to 6 mm increased in heifers of the punctured group (P < 0.01). Following the superstimulation, the follicular (P < 0.01) and ovulatory (P < 0.01) responses were higher in the punctured group than in the nonpunctured group. The in vivo production of transferable embryos in the punctured group was similar to that of the nonpunctured group but it was lower (P < 0.01) than in heifers of the control group. In conclusion, results from the present study indicate that regardless of the stage of the oestrous cycle, the homogeneity of follicular inventories following the follicular synchronization is obtained using GnRH treatment and follicular puncture. The in vivo production of embryos was severely compromised in the present study with heifers. Causes of such reduction in the in vivo production of embryos are still unknown.

The objective of this study was to compare the metabolic and electrolytic profile as well as the morphological appearance of the umbilical cord and newly born piglets' weight that failed the vitality test scale compared to those who passed. Newborn piglets were divided into three groups according to the vitality with a modified Apgar score at birth: Group 1, failing with a score < 5 (G₁: n = 218), Group 2 had a score of 6 to 7 (G₂: n = 439) and Group 3 had scores > 8 (G₃: n = 464). Results showed significant differences among groups (P < 0.05) in the physio-metabolic pH, PCO₂, PO₂, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, glucose, lactate and bicarbonate values. Regarding weight, temperature and latency to connect the maternal teat, there were also significant differences (P < 0.05) among groups; it took 23.38 min for G₃ while neonatal piglets from G₁ took 30 min longer (P < 0.05) to make the first teat contact. The neonates from the latter group had a higher percentage (75.68%) of broken umbilical cords, with higher birth weight (+200 g, P < 0.05), showed higher than normal blood glucose concentrations, and had lower body temperature at birth (-0.7°C, P < 0.05) and PO₂ in comparison with the other groups of neonates that passed the vitality score. A novel point of this study is the profile characterization of piglets that failed and passed the vitality score; we expect that the data provided may be applicable as reference values of metabolic and electrolyte blood profiles in newborn piglets according to their vitality. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that low vitality newborn piglets had clearly undergone through perinatal asphyxia. Potential indicators increasing this condition are: high birth weight, low body temperature, vitality score ≤ 5, and the presence of the broken umbilical cord at birth.

Summerling (six-month old) noble crayfish fed two forms of freshly decapsulated (FD) Artemia cysts more than tripled their weight during a 75-day experiment under controlled conditions. Final survival rates were at the level of 90%. Feeding commercially available industrially decapsulated cysts resulted in both poor growth and reduced survival (22.2%). Therefore FD Artemia cysts may be an effective diet for crayfish culture, but dehydrated industrially decapsulated (DID) cysts should be used with caution to avoid products of low quality. That should be considered especially in slow feeders such as crayfish because of leaching of nutrients from DID cysts. Costs of the processing of freshly decapsulated cysts are discussed.

The circadian rhythm of body core and surface temperature in 10 Comisana sheep kept under a natural photoperiod (06:30/19:00) was evaluated. Every 3 h for 24 consecutive hours rectal temperature (RT) and foot temperature were recorded. Particularly, foot temperature was recorded by infrared thermography, an ideal technique for evaluating the temperature not only at one point but also at the eight points as follows: in the right front of the interdigital area (FA1), in the left front of the interdigital area (FA2), in the right rear of the interdigital area (RA1), in the left rear of the interdigital area (RA2), in the right front of the interdigital line (FL1), in the left front of the interdigital line (FL2), in the right rear of the interdigital line (RL1) and in the left rear of the interdigital line (RL2). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS, followed by Scheffé's test, showed a significant effect of the time of day and side of temperature collection (P < 0.05) on temperature values. The single cosinor procedure showed a daily rhythmicity of RT and foot temperature in all tested sides. The circadian oscillations of RT reflected the familiar circadian patterns of endogenous sources and the results of foot temperatures supported the idea that the daily rhythm was, at least in part, influenced by variation in the blood flow to the extremities. The infrared thermography providing more information on the development of disturbances in the peripheral circulation may be used with an advantage in occupational health examinations and in special clinical work.

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of the feeding of 80 g/kg (R8) and 100 g/kg (R10) of untreated rapeseed (RS) on egg quality including sensory quality in comparison with a control diet without rapeseed (R0). The addition of iodine (I) was also evaluated (1 mg/kg (R10) vs. 3 mg/kg (R10+I)). "Double zero" RS was used. The contents of energy and crude protein were almost the same in the diets. Laying hybrid ISABROWN was used in the experiment. The quality of eggs was analyzed 11 times every 28 days, from 19 to 64 weeks of age. 30 eggs per each group were always analyzed. Boiled eggs were assessed twice around the peak of egg production. Egg weight decreased (P < 0.001) with the increased level of RS (62.9 g, 61.8 g and 60.7 g, respectively). A reduction in egg weight in R8 and R10 diets resulted in the lower weight of albumen and eggshells. The addition of I to R10 diet increased (P < 0.001) egg weight (62.1 g vs. 60.7 g). The yolk proportion in egg weight was the highest (26.0%, P < 0.001) and the albumen weight ratio was the lowest (64.2%, P < 0.001) in group R8. Iodine supplementation improved (P < 0.001) yolk weight (15.7 g vs. 15.3 g). The proportion of RS in the diet did not affect the eggshell strength. An increase in the level of I improved (P < 0.001) eggshell quality (strength 36.1 N vs. 34.0 N and thickness 0.386 mm vs. 0.363 mm). Taste and overall acceptability were lower (P < 0.05) in eggs of hens fed RS. The addition of I did not affect flavour, odour, taste or overall acceptability.

Levels of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs, including those with 20 and 22 carbon-chains, in concentrate-fed Asturiana de los Valles (AV) yearling bulls with and without the double muscling gene (mh/mh = 24, mh/+ = 26, +/+ = 25) were measured to examine if this gene influences the pattern of PUFA deposition in different adipose tissues. Fatty acid compositions of muscle tissue (longissimus thoracis) and intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues were determined by gas chromatography. The composition of intramuscular fat was unique compared to the other two adipose tissues which were similar in composition. In general, n-6 and n-3 fatty acid elongation and desaturation products were affected by AV genotype and this effect was most evident in n-3 PUFAs of the intramuscular fat of mh/mh (n-6/n-3 = 11.8 and 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 = 25.3) compared to mh/+ and +/+ animals (mean values of n-6/n-3 = 9.86 and 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 = 15.5). PUFA elongation and desaturation end products did not accumulate to any great extent in intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Beef from mh/mh cattle showed greater deposition rates of n-3 elongation and desaturation products but their absolute content of total n-3 fatty acids was lower (21 mg/100 g meat) in comparison with mh/+ and +/+ cattle (mean value of 25 mg/100 g meat).

The live weights of 8 243 performance-tested bulls from 100 to 400 days of age were analysed using random regression (RR) and single-trait animal models. Evaluations were done for live weight at 400 days of age and gains from 100 to 400 days of age at various monthly intervals. Estimates of variance components differed depending on the trait definition and model of analysis. Systematic environmental effects explained a higher proportion of variability in the RR for gains than for other definitions of growth. The expected average reliability of estimated breeding values was similar for all methods from 0.42 to 46, but the rankings of animals differed. Determinations (r²) of breeding values between methods ranged from 0.64 to 0.94. Correlations of the breeding values of progeny at performance-test stations with parents were highest for the evaluation of gains in consecutive intervals evaluated by RR. Correlations of the breeding values of sires from their growth at performance-test stations with the breeding values of groups of progeny at progeny-test stations were from 0.26 to 0.38. Correlations were the highest for RR evaluations of gain using consecutive short intervals. Evaluation of the growth of animals according to daily gains in short consecutive intervals was preferred because more animals and more observations per animal were included in the evaluations, and the growth curve was separated into genetic and non-genetic parts. Simple evaluation of growth according to the final weight or daily gain in a long interval is not entirely correct, since environmental compensatory growth can occur.

Information contained in the studbook of the endangered Mallorquí horse was analysed to assess the genetic variability of the breed. Also, the effect of selection for coat colour variation was assessed using a set of 15 microsatellites genotyped on 68 Mallorquí reproductive individuals previously diagnosed for the presence of the chestnut allele on the melanocortin-1 receptor gene. Mean inbreeding for the whole pedigree (310 individuals) was 2.5% while that for the individuals born during the last three years of recording (reference population) was 4.7%. Only 70% of all the founders have genetic representation in the reference population. A comparison of the parameters such as effective number of founders, effective number of ancestors and founder genome equivalents documented that the losses of founder genes occurred very soon after the implementation of conservation strategies. The parameter F_IS computed from genealogical information was positive (0.029) for the whole population and negative (-0.024) for the reference population, thus illustrating the effort of the Mallorquí horse breeders to avoid matings between relatives in later generations. A total of 14 individuals were heterozygotes for the chestnut allele (allele frequency of 10.6%). The rejection for reproduction of the chestnut heterozygote individuals would not affect the overall gene diversity of the population. However, the total allelic richness would decrease both at the within-subpopulation (1.2%) and total contribution level (0.4%). The chestnut heterozygote individuals are a within-breed reservoir of rare alleles that should be preserved to avoid risks for the future viability of the breed.

A study was conducted (I) to determine rumen degradability (in sacco) of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of the most important grass species grown in the Czech Republic, (II) to compare grass species (n = 5) according to calculated degradation parameters, and (III) to establish prediction equations for degradation parameters from chemical composition. Forty samples of the most important grass species (Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea, Felina hybrid) were harvested in 2004 and 2005 and analyzed for chemical composition, and DM and NDF in sacco degradability. Results from the in sacco method were used to calculate DM and NDF degradation parameters. Linear and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to develop prediction equations for DM and NDF degradation parameters from nutrient concentrations. The highest DM and NDF degradation parameters were found for Lolium perenne. DM and NDF rumen degradation parameters were successfully predicted from chemical composition, with a single predictor adequate for most parameters. For all parameters R²-values increased with addition of more predictors into regression equations. Effective degradability (ED) of DM calculated at a rumen outflow rate (k) of 0.05 h^-1 was the best predicted by NDF (R² = 0.878), and ED of NDF at k = 0.02 h^-1 by crude protein (CP) (R² = 0.653).

Cholecystokinin (CCK) affects the intestinal motility but in ruminants the question has not been entirely explored. The aim of this study was to examine the precise effects of CCK-octapeptide (CCK-OP)and its amphibian analogue, cerulein, on duodenal motor activity in unfasted rams in the course of chronic experiments. Five rams underwent the implantation of a strain gauge force transducer to the duodenal wall, and - additionally - the bipolar platinum electrodes to the duodenal bulb, distal duodenum, near the strain gauge force transducer, and proximal jejunum. During continuous motor recordings, 0.15M NaCl or CCK peptides were administrated intravenously. Injections of CCK-OP at doses of 20 (over 30 s), 200 (over 30 or 60 s), and 2 000 (over 30, 60, or 120 s) ng/kg of body weight and injections of cerulein at doses of 1, 10, or 100 ng/kg (given over the same periods) were each administered in the course of duodenal phase 1, 2a, or 2b of the migrating motor complex (MMC), i.e. 5 min after the onset of each phase. Injections of the smallest doses of CCK peptides exerted a slight and mostly insignificant effect on the duodenal areas under contraction (AUC). In the duodenum, the moderate doses of the hormones evoked short stimulatory effects followed by longer inhibitory biphasic effects on AUC. These effects were inversely related to the duration of the hormone injection. It is concluded that CCK evokes stimulatory and inhibitory (biphasic) physiological effects on duodenal motility in sheep.

Through data analysis of 7 571 883 pig carcasses slaughtered from 2004 to 2007 the means of quality classes (QC) 2.32, lean meat percentage (LM) 55.83%, carcass weight (CW) 87.21 kg, muscle thickness (MT) 61.95 mm and fat thickness (FT) 15.95 mm were determined. The highest correlation coefficients are between QC and LM (r = -0.920), LM and FT (-0.900) as well as QC and FT (0.828), the lowest between FT and MT (r = -0.084). Quality class as the dominant indicator is influenced mainly by LM, which explains from 77% to 89% of variability in the case of linear regression. Among the eight methods of pig carcass classification the FOM apparatus was used the most frequently (46.5% carcasses) followed by the ULTRA-FOM 300 apparatus (15.6%), another apparatus (13.2%) and by the IS-D-05 unit (9.8%). In the statistical models used all effects (differences) are statistically significant because of the large size of the data set. The results from the separate evaluation of each cross-classified effect are that EV has the largest influence and year-season and methods have a smaller influence. The time trend (42 months) documents stable CW and MT, a slight increase in LM and improvement of QC. The estimated results indicate the successful introduction of pig carcass classification in the CR after accession to the EU.