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Abstract: Management of inbreeding is one of the crucial parts of breeding programs in livestock populations. Traditionally, the inbreeding coefficient is calculated using pedigree data; however, it can also be estimated from genomic data. Nowadays, various approaches to estimating genomic-based inbreeding coefficients are increasingly integrated into research and breeding practices. These genomic estimators can supplement or replace pedigree-based coefficients. Each genomic-based inbreeding coefficient has its own properties and different ranges of values, and some of them need specific settings for calculation. Moreover, depending on the methodological approach, genomic estimators are sensitive to the population structure, genotyping technology applied, and the quality control of obtained genomic data. It is important to consider all these factors when calculating and especially when interpreting the final genomic inbreeding values. For these reasons, using genomic-based inbreeding coefficients can be more challenging than using pedigree-based ones. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the most commonly used genomic estimators of individual inbreeding in livestock, providing an in-depth analysis of their advantages and limitations while offering insights into the methodological considerations and best practices for their accurate calculation and interpretation.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a role in the reconstruction of hair follicles and in the formation and growth of cashmere fibres. One cashmere growth-associated lncRNA was successfully screened out at the early stage in the laboratory, which was named LncRNA MTC. In this study, the binding of galectin 3 (LGALS3) to LncRNA MTC was examined through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) in skin fibroblasts of Liaoning Cashmere goats. The pLenti-LGALS3-His-IRES-EGFP lentiviral overexpression vector was built, and the result of CCK8 indicated that the overexpression of LGALS3 significantly enhanced the viability of skin fibroblasts (P < 0.05). A total of 15 proteins interacting with LGALS3 were identified through co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) combined mass spectrometry, which were primarily rich in ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-AKT, and other signalling pathways. Moreover, PIEZO1 refers to a mechanically sensitive ion channel protein that is capable of regulating the cell proliferation. As revealed by qPCR results, overexpression of LGALS3 significantly upregulated the expression of PIEZO1, which was effectively interfered by siRNA. The result of CCK8 indicated that siPIEZO1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of LGALS3 protected cells from the suppression of siPIEZO1 (P < 0.01). This study revealed that LGALS3 is capable of stimulating the proliferation of skin fibroblasts by regulating PIEZO1. The effect of LGALS3 on the proliferation of skin fibroblasts from the protein interaction was explored, and this study is expected to lay a certain scientific basis for the research on the hair follicle development mechanism of Liaoning Cashmere goats.

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

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

This study investigated the effects of dry cow feeding on colostrum quality. A survey was conducted, and samples of colostrum and feed ingredients were collected from 25 dairy farms in Northern Italy. Colostrum was analysed for quality in terms of Brix value and gamma globulins, while diets and feed ingredients were analysed for their chemical constituents. The mean colostrum quality (n = 163) was 24.3 ± 4.41% Brix and 54.2 ± 20.8 g/l gamma globulin. The refractometer method effectively assessed colostrum quality, correlating accurately with laboratory gamma globulin measurements (R = 0.729). Factor analysis indicated that key nutrients, such as protein and fat daily intakes in dry cow diets, influenced colostrum immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, supplementation of selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin E also improved colostrum quality. Colostrum feeding occurred, on average, 5.44 ± 2.63 h post-calving, with a quantity of 2.74 ± 0.71 l per meal, which is below the recommended 10% of the calf body weight. However, the maximum feeding time was 12 h, and the minimum colostrum quantity was 1.25 l, highlighting considerable room for improvement.

Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat fleece is derived from a heterogeneous coat. The guard hair is produced by primary hair follicles, and the down hair is produced by secondary hair follicles. Reports have focused on research related to the different hair follicle types, but no related study has addressed the difference in the proteins of down hair (DH) and guard hair (GH), and whether the protein composition of these materials differs remains to be studied. The protein composition of DH and GH was studied. A total of 108 proteins were identified in DH, and 116 proteins were identified in GH; 39 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 18 proteins were upregulated and 21 proteins were downregulated in DH versus GH. In this study, through the measurement of DH and GH samples from Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats, the diameter of DH relative to GH was downregulated (P < 0.05), a property that may be related to the KRT38 protein. Moreover, the strength of GH was significantly higher than that of DH (P < 0.05), a property that may be affected by the KRTAP8-1 protein. GO analysis showed that the different traits of DH and GH from Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats are affected by keratin, actin, and calcium-binding proteins. This study uses a nonlabelled quantitative proteomics method to study the proteins in DH and GH, aiming to identify the keratin family in Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats and to provide a new direction for studying DH and GH traits at the protein level.

Poultry are monogastric animals that share a fat tissue structure that is strikingly comparable to the fat in animal feed. This indicates that the kind and source of fat in animal diets can significantly impact the accumulation and composition of fatty tissue in the resulting carcass. Hence, feeding (or dietary) manipulation is one of the best and commonly employed management strategies to improve of gut health and function in broiler production. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are fatty acids with six to twelve carbon atoms that are prevalent in coconut and palm kernel oils. Much research is being conducted on nutritional approaches to enhance gut health and lower the usage of antibiotics in poultry farming. The use of MCFAs as an antibiotic substitute has been shown to have significant positive effects on broilers’ health and performance due mainly to their short pathways of absorption and oxidation. However, the fatty acid makeup of these feed additions may vary, and the results are sometimes inconsistent. Although supplementing hen diets with MCFAs can lower intermuscular and abdominal fat, the precise mechanics are not entirely understood. The distinct metabolic roles of fatty acids in chickens are linked to both the degree of saturation and the length of the chain. Detailed information on the effect of MCFAs on the growth performance, antimicrobial properties, and fat deposition in broiler chickens are summarised.

This study examined the fermentation duration in relation to the effectiveness of tannin levels in mangrove (Sonneratia alba) fruit during the fermentation process using Aspergillus niger. The tested durations were 7, 10, 13, and 16 days in anaerobic conditions. The outcomes measured included crude fat, crude fibre, and nitrogen-free extract digestibility. Microbial biomass, protozoa population, and methane gas production were also recorded as responses to the rumen microbial activity. The results showed that 16 days of fermentation gave the highest average for all responses. The protozoa population reached around 4.07 × 10⁵ cells/ml and methane gas amounted to 33.9 ml/g of dry matter (DM). This is caused by a decrease in the anti-nutrient tannin content in mangrove (S. alba) fruit due to fermentation by A. niger according to treatment. The conclusion of this research is that the 16-day fermentation treatment (T4) of mangrove fruit is the optimal time to be used as a source of concentrate feed for livestock in terms of the increase in nutritional value and gastrointestinal microbes represented by total protozoa population, crude fibre digestibility, crude fat digestibility, and the highest nitrogen-free extract digestibility. However, microbial biomass and methane gas production were not significantly different in this study.

Dietary antioxidant supplementation has become popular for managing male infertility because of its impact on the antioxidant capacity of semen. This study evaluates the effect of dietary antioxidant supplementation on the seminal characteristics of Colombian Creole horses. Semen from six Colombian Creole stallions was collected using an artificial vagina. The stallions were randomly allocated to a control group (CG) or a supplementation group (SG) that received a multi-antioxidant supplement. A repeated measures design, with a wash out period of two weeks between treatments, was used. Sperm motility and kinematics were assessed using a computer-assisted semen analysis system, membrane integrity (MI) and the acrosomal integrity (AI) of sperm were assessed using fluorescent microscopy, abnormal morphology (AM) was analysed using supravital staining, and the functionality of the sperm membrane was assessed using the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. A fraction of each ejaculate sample was centrifuged to obtain seminal plasma (SP). The reactive oxygen species and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the SP were measured via spectrofluorimetry. Linear models were fitted, and comparison of means was performed using Tukey’s test. Dietary antioxidant supplementation increased sperm beat cross frequency. In addition, a higher AI was found for the SG. Supplementation also increased the TAC of the SP. Individual analysis revealed that dietary antioxidant supplementation increased the total and progressive motility of the semen of two horses in the SG; however, supplementation reduced these two parameters in two other individuals compared to the CG. It can be concluded that dietary antioxidant supplementation with a nutraceutical that provides vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega-3 for horses can increase sperm quality as well as the TAC of SP; however, this may be subject to the individual effect of each horse.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hop extract in the form of xanthohumol (XA) and humic substances (HS) supplementation in the rabbit diet on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters, and the qualitative and sensory properties of rabbit meat. Experimental material consisted of 60 Big Light Silver × Chinchilla Giant crossbred rabbits, randomly assigned to three dietary groups. Experimental groups, XA and HS, were fed pellets enriched with 1.0% XA or 1.0% HS, respectively, for 63 days during the fattening period. Control group (C), consisting of rabbits that received a basal diet without supplements. In the XA group, the higher final live weight and carcass weight were recorded at the end of the fattening period, along with increased protein content and collagen-free muscle protein (BEFFE) in the leg and loin muscles, compared to the control group. In contrast, the HS-supplemented group exhibited the lower final live weight and carcass weight, along with reduced fat content in the leg and loin muscles, as reflected in lower blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, elevated blood serum calcium and phosphorus levels were observed in the HS group. Higher values of colourimetric parameters L* and h* (lightness and hue angle) were recorded in the leg meat of the XA group compared to the control group. Moreover, the results demonstrated that supplementation with 1.0% XA was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation in meat compared to the control group on the 7^th day of refrigerated storage. In conclusion, the primary benefit of supplementing rabbit diets with 1% xanthohumol is improved growth performance, positively influenced by increased protein content, reduced fat content, and enhanced oxidative stability of the meat.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the internal factors of ram age and litter-of-origin on semen quality during the cryopreservation process in Sumava sheep rams. This breed is included in the protected genetic resources of the Czech Republic. The sires were systematically divided into four groups according to age (under 1.5 years, 1.5 to 2.5 years, 2.5 to 3.5 years, and over 4.5 years) and according to litter frequency (singletons vs twins). Semen was evaluated after equilibration, and after cryopreservation using iSperm^® mCASA and flow cytometry. During cryopreservation, there was a significant decrease in total sperm motility by 53.5%, progressive motility by 38%, and cells with intact plasma membrane and acrosome by 47%. Frozen-thawed sperm kinematic parameters showed significant age-related variations, with rams aged 4.5 and older displaying notably higher total and progressive motility (16.2% and 6.24%, respectively). Rams born as twins exhibited 3.77% (P < 0.05) higher progressive motility and 5.5% (P < 0.05) higher total motility compared to those born as singles. The sperm of older rams (> 4.5 years) exhibited higher viability (10.1%) and lower damage to the plasma membrane after freeze-thawing (23.6%), (P < 0.05). Twins showed significantly higher sperm viability (4.98%, P < 0.05) than singletons. These rams produce a larger quantity of higher-quality insemination doses after cryopreservation. For Sumava rams, in particular, broadening the sire selection base helps to select suitable rams for breeding. As the sire ages, his genetic value within the production herd may decline with time. This contrasts with genetic resource protection, where the aim is to preserve and store as many high-quality semen samples as possible.

The aim of the research was to use a vision technique to assess the relations between anatomical pork carcass traits, carcass geometry and slaughter value. The measurements in the experiment were performed on 128 selected pork carcasses. The 3D image of the carcass was assessed, especially its shape. Based on the carcass curvatures the correlation coefficients for these surfaces and slaughter value traits were calculated. The possibility of using the external dimensions and geometry of pork carcass for the accurate estimation of meatiness and the share of primal cuts using the technique of acquiring carcass images in a 3D configuration was confirmed. This can be useful in improving the classification methods of the SEUROP system. In the fattener breeding process the ham size increased whereas the carcass front decreased. That was probably why the carcass width or surface size correlation with the meat content were positive on the carcass back and negative on the shoulder.

The aim was to study the evolution and severity of white striping and wooden breast myopathies and to carry out a study on the parameters of meat quality and allometric growth of male and female broilers at different ages. The experiment was conducted in a broiler house in a completely randomized design, using 960 one-day-old chicks of the Cobb^® strain, with 480 chicks of each sex. 96 birds per treatment were slaughtered weekly at the age of 21 to 49 days. The present study analyses the occurrence of myopathies, their scores, and their evolution over the age of the birds, comparing males and females. Further assessments included the allometric coefficient and meat quality analyses such as physical measurements (breast length, width, and thickness), pH, colour (L*, a*, and b*), drip loss, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and shear force. The results demonstrate that the sex of birds did not affect the occurrence of white striping and wooden breast myopathies. However, the degree of myopathies evolved with advancing age, suggesting the weight as a predisposing factor for these myopathies. The emergence of white striping myopathy occurred as early as in the third week of the birds’ life. Wooden breast did not develop as isolated myopathy, occurring only in the concomitant presence of white striping. The allometric coefficient demonstrated that regardless of the sex and age, broiler breast had positive heterogonic growth, i.e. late growth in relation to the other parts of the body.

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

Negative energy balance (NEB) after calving leads to unique metabolic changes in cows and it provides important information on the period when nutrient output prevails over nutrient intake associated with a number of physiological changes in the organism suitable for detection using biochemical blood analyses. The aim of this paper is to summarise current knowledge of the changes in blood parameters during the period of NEB in relation to non-esterified fatty acids, ketone bodies, and immunologic and stress indicators. The impact of these changes on bovine reproduction and health is also discussed in the sequel. The period of NEB is still a very pertinent area of research as it provides a new insight into connections between physiological systems, to wit, ​​immunology, manifestation of various stress indicators, including oxidative stress, and heat shock proteins inter alia. Understanding the physiological changes during NEB is crucial for successful management of the transition period and subsequent overall good animal health and productivity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) extract on in vitro rumen fermentation, fatty acid profile, and microbial population. Rumen fluid was obtained from three female dairy goats fed a similar diet of 60% Napier grass and 40% commercial pellets. The substrate used for the fermentation was a Napier grass and commercial pellet mixture (60 : 40 in dry matter) and the treatment diets were: CON (substrate without OPEFB extract), OPEFB-5 (substrate with 5% of OPEFB extract), OPEFB-10 (substrate with 10% of OPEFB extract). The characteristics of rumen fermentation including pH, fermentation kinetics, total gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, fatty acid (FA) production, and microbial populations were examined. Results showed that OPEFB supplementation decreased rumen acetate concentration, increased isoacid concentrations as well as palmitic acid concentration. Meanwhile, the population of total bacteria, protozoa, and B. fibrisolvens decreased with the OPEFB supplementation. OPEFB-5 resulted in a moderate amount of acetate, isobutyrate, isovalerate concentration, insoluble fraction of gas production (but degradable), estimated potential gas production as well as B. fibrisolvens population when compared with the control and OPEFB-10 diet. Therefore it is suggested that the supplementation of OPEFB extract at 5% is suitable and practical to be used in ruminant feed without causing an imperative effect on rumen fermentation.

Genetic modifications can improve the health status and disease resistance of farm animals. In the previous study, genetically modified (GM) sheep overexpressing toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) were produced. The GM sheep had stronger ability to eliminate invasive microbes compared to the wild-type (WT) sheep. Physiological status and immune homeostasis, blood parameters, body composition, and gastrointestinal microbial diversity were evaluated in this study to elucidate the effects of TLR4 overexpression. In a set of 10 GM rams, the TLR4 mRNA and protein expression levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, muscle, kidney, and spleen were higher than those of the WT (n = 10; P < 0.05). No significant differences in the parameters of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and in the composition of circulating T lymphocyte subsets were observed between the GM and WT sheep (P > 0.05). Of the biochemical parameters, only total protein levels differed (were higher) in the GM sheep than in the WT sheep (P < 0.05) while no significant differences were observed for the other indices (P > 0.05). GM and WT sheep showed similar offal weights and muscle fatty acid and amino acid compositions (P > 0.05). Furthermore, TLR4 overexpression did not affect the community structure of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota. Eleven KEGG pathways associated with the TLR4 gene, physiology and biochemistry, growth and metabolism, fatty acids, and amino acids did not demonstrate significant differences between the GM and WT sheep (P > 0.05). In conclusion, TLR4 overexpression had no principal or adverse effects on the physiological development and health of sheep, except for the general mRNA and protein expression levels.

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

This study elucidates the expression dynamics and biological functions of oar-miR-214_3p in ovarian and uterine tissues of Liangshan Black Sheep across distinct stages of the oestrous cycle, providing novel insights into its regulatory mechanisms governing ovine reproductive physiology. The study employed RT-qPCR, northern blotting, FISH, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and ELISA to analyse the expression and biological functions of oar-miR-214_3p in the ovary and uterus of Liangshan Black Sheep across different stages of the oestrous cycle (proestrus, oestrus, metoestrus, and dioestrus phases). RT-qPCR and northern blotting revealed that oar-miR-214_3p is expressed in the ovarian and uterine tissues, with significant variations across different stages. Compared with the dioestrus and metoestrus phases, oar-miR-214_3p expression was significantly increased during the proestrus and oestrus phases (P < 0.05), with the highest levels observed during oestrus (P < 0.05). FISH analysis indicated that oar-miR-214_3p is primarily localised in the cytoplasm. We constructed wild-type and mutant vectors for mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D). After intervention for 48 h in granulosa cell cultures, RT-qPCR analysis of mTOR and Sema4D expression revealed that the mimic and inhibitor groups suppressed and promoted the expression of these target genes, respectively. The control and NC groups showed stable expression levels with no significant differences. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that mTOR and Sema4D are oar-miR-214_3p target genes. ELISA revealed that the mimic and inhibitor treatment groups promoted and suppressed oestrogen secretion, respectively. These findings confirm that oar-miR-214_3p, primarily localised in the cytoplasm, regulates ovarian follicle development, ovulation, oestrogen secretion, and the oestrous cycle via its target genes, mTOR and Sema4D. The study provides valuable insights into improving sheep reproductive performance through molecular breeding techniques. These findings have significant clinical and practical applications for enhancing reproductive efficiency.

The development of intelligent systems for the tracking of free-range livestock is a challenge to both information and communication technology (ICT) scientists and those in the animal sciences. Cyber-physical systems make it possible to track and control processes involving intelligent objects from the physical and virtual worlds. In the case of free-range grazing, it is necessary to manage processes in two domains ‒ that of the intelligent pasture management and that of the animals. Due to the differences in the conditions of different types of pastures – plain or high land and the characteristics of the cattle breeds, ready-made models cannot be used, but it is necessary to build a specific multi-aspect model for the behaviour and life cycle of cows. Our team organised their research on cows from two different breeds (Rhodope Shorthorn Cattle and Bulgarian Rhodope Cattle) raised in similar technologies, grazed on two different types of pasture. The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive model for determining cattle behavioural activities on pastures using sensor groups, by incorporating physical observations and appropriate statistical models.

Applicability of cryopreserved insemination doses is dependent on the quality of the semen after thawing. The aim of the study was to check the options of new markers for the assessment of sperm quality to predict their fertilisation ability. In five bulls of the Pinzgau breed, the sperm fertilising ability was determined using the in vitro fertilisation. Bulls were divided according to the achieved blastocyst rate: bulls with good fertilising ability (NOB – 38.6%, KAZ – 28.9%, GAL – 29.3%) and bulls with low fertilising ability (LOH – 19.4%, NUS – 22.1%). In addition to the sperm motility and morphology, we monitored common physiological sperm characteristics: viability, apoptosis, acrosomal status, capacitation, mitochondrial activity and generation of reactive oxygen species using the flow cytometry procedure. Novel fertility-related biomarkers, such as ubiquitination, overexpression of MKRN1, SPTRX-3 and PAWP proteins or histone modification (H3K4me2), were also analysed by flow cytometry. From all monitored parameters, more proper characteristics of impaired in vitro fertilising ability proved to be high incidence of apoptotic markers (YO-PRO, Caspase 3/7) and higher counts of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. Although the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) test can be an advantageous method for evaluating the sperm fertilising ability, there are still differences between the in vivo and in vitro fertilisation processes, which must be considered for example, when evaluating the sperm capacitation status.

Optimising the feed composition, especially the forage choice, and reducing costs are essential for improving dairy production efficiency. Different forage sources and proportions were used to formulate rations containing equal energy and protein, and their effects on rumen microbiota and milk production performance of dairy cows were evaluated in two experiments. In experiment 1, thirty lactating cows (235 ±13 d postpartum; milk production 29.1 ± 1.0 kg/day) were divided into Pangola and Bermuda groups. In experiment 2, twenty lactating cows (79.9 ± 8.1 d postpartum; milk production 34.7 ± 0.6 kg/day) were divided into Pangola and oat groups. In experiment 1, the Simpson index for rumen microbiota of the Pangola group was significantly higher than in the Bermuda group (P < 0.05). Analysis of the weighted unique fraction (UniFrac) distances indicated significant differences in the beta diversity of the community composition of rumen microbiota between Pangola, Bermuda and oat groups in both experiments (P < 0.001). The relative abundance of Prevotella brevis was significantly higher in the Pangola group than in the oat group in experiment 2 (P < 0.05). The somatic cell counts (SCCs), C18:0, and C18:1 in milk were significantly higher in the Bermuda group than in the Pangola group (P < 0.05) in experiment 1. On the other hand, milk crude protein (CP) and solids-not-fat (SNF) were significantly higher in the Oat group than in the Pangola group (P < 0.05) in experiment 2; however, milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was significantly higher in the Pangola group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a switch of forage (Pangola vs Bermuda) at a lower proportion of the diet under the high forage level condition (experiment 1) caused only minor changes in rumen microbiota diversity (Simpson index, beta diversity) and milk production performance (milk SCCs, C18:0 and C18:1). On the other hand, a switch of forage (Pangola vs oat) at a higher proportion of the diet under the low forage level condition (experiment 2) resulted in greater changes in rumen microbiota diversity (beta diversity, relative abundances of bacterial taxa, P. brevis relative abundance) and milk production performance (milk CP, SNF, and MUN).

Growth traits belong to the most important economic traits in livestock. One of the genes involved in vertebrate growth and development is insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Therefore, in our study we hypothesised that within the sequence of rabbit IGF1 gene it is possible to identify a polymorphism that may influence growth, carcass or meat traits in rabbits. We identified 6 polymorphisms (g.89259430T>C; g.89259338C>G; g.89259328T>C; 89210029A>G; 89210349C>G and g.89194199C>T) within introns of the IGF1 gene. One polymorphism, g.89194199C>T, was analysed using polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM). We performed the association analysis on 370 animals (males to females 1 : 1) of different breeds: New Zealand White × Flemish Giant crossbreds (NZW × FG), Termond White (TW) and Flemish Giant (FG). Results showed that for growth and slaughter traits in TW populations a significant association (P = 0.003) was found for slaughter weight (SW) when CT genotypes showed significantly higher values compared to CC genotypes (2 878.0 g ± 107.0 and 2 678.0 g ± 34.0, respectively). For TW rabbits we found a significant association (P = 0.009) for dissected bone weight in hind leg (HB) when CT genotypes (127.0 g ± 5.8) had significantly higher values compared to CC genotypes (112.0 g ± 2.4). For carcass traits and physical characteristics of meat we found for musculus longissimus lumborum in TW rabbits that the b* parameter value 45 min after slaughter was significantly higher (P = 0.001) for CT genotypes (1.88 ± 0.05) compared to CC genotypes (0.05 ± 0.02). We conclude that the use of identified SNP in breeding may be limited to some breeds.

This research explores the addition of mangrove (Sonneratia alba) fruit to reduce the production of methane and the total population of protozoa. The dosage for adding mangrove fruit is 0% (without addition), 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% in sugarcane tops-based feed. Results include ruminal product fermentation, gas and methane emissions, total protozoa, microbial protein production, microbial biomass, and nutrient digestibility. The research findings showed that an additional 1.5% to 4.5% dose can reduce methane gas emissions and the total number of protozoa. The total number of protozoa at 4.5% (T3) reached 9.89 × 10⁴ cells/ml and methane gas was 56.1 ml/g DM (dry matter); 8.41 ml/g OM (organic matter). This effect is attributed to the tannin content in mangrove fruit, which exhibits antimicrobial properties. However, increasing doses also reduced nutrient digestibility. The findings suggest that incorporating 1.5–4.5% mangrove (Sonnetaria alba) fruit as a source of tannins causes a positive impact which reduces protozoa populations and methane production without changing the ruminal fermentation product. However, the addition of mangrove fruit in this study caused also reduced nutrient digestibility.

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

This study investigates the impact of supplementing extruded flaxseed to the diet of yearling bulls during the indoor fattening on beef carcass quality, meat composition, and fatty acid profile. Twenty male crossbred calves (Holstein × Simmental) were divided into two groups: control group and flaxseed-supplemented group, each with 10 calves. The control group received a conventional diet, while the flaxseed group was fed the same diet enriched with 5% extruded flaxseed on a dry-matter basis. The study revealed no significant differences in growth performance, carcass weight, or yield between the two groups. However, the flaxseed-supplemented group exhibited a higher intramuscular fat content, which was likely due to the increased energy intake from the flaxseed lipid content. Additionally, flaxseed supplementation improved the fatty acid profile of beef by increasing the percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and reducing the saturated fatty acid (SFA) percentage and the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio. Despite these improvements, the study did not reveal any significant increase in the proportion of n-3 fatty acids in the meat. These findings suggest that while flaxseed supplementation enhances the nutritional profile of beef, further research is needed to optimise the balance of energy intake to maximise the increase in n-3 fatty acids.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of correct saddle seating in the Czech Republic using a thermographic camera. Eighty-five randomly selected equestrian saddles were tested and evaluated. They were observed in 129 uses. Saddles of different manufacturers were evaluated after 25 min of training. Thermal images were taken under constant conditions from a distance of 1 m. The camera emissivity was 0.95 with a reflected temperature range of 26-37 °C. The maximum contact value of the saddle panels with the horse's body was 81.34% of their surface area. In all cases of measurement, the saddle panels showed asymmetry of contact with a range of detected values from 0.32% to 30.46% (P < 0.001). In 20.16% of cases, the contact was measured in the spinal canal region (min. 0%, max. 67.5%). In 7.75% of cases, saddle bridge was detected. None of the saddles tested showed 100% fitting (P < 0.001). Saddles with contact in the spinal canal and a bridge at the same time were completely excluded from the evaluation. The saddle panel contact exceeding 70% of the area and a tolerance for asymmetry not exceeding 5% were regarded as suitable for use. In considering a combination of all these parameters, only nine out of 129 cases of use were fully compliant. No correlation between saddle age and occurrence of the observed defects was demonstrated. It was found that thermographic evaluation can be proposed as a tool to standardise the assessment of saddle suitability prior to its use for a specific horse.

Cryopreservation reduces the antioxidant activity of spermatozoa and makes them more sensitive to damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The addition of antioxidants to the freezing medium could prevent cryo-damage by mitigating the harmful effects of ROS and, thus, protecting the spermatozoa. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on the rabbit sperm traits after freezing-thawing. Semen samples collected from New Zealand White rabbit males were cryopreserved in a BotuCrio freezing medium (Nidacon, Sweden) supplemented with different concentrations of ellagic acid (EA at 0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mM) using the manual slow freezing procedure. After thawing, sperm motility parameters were evaluated by CASA. The parameters of viability (DRAQ7), apoptosis (Yo-Pro-1), acrosome integrity (peanut agglutinin; PNA), intracellular ROS (CellROX) and mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker) were evaluated by flow cytometry. EA added to the freezing medium at all concentrations led to a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in intracellular ROS in frozen-thawed sperm cells. However, this effect was not reflected in motility parameters. Semen supplemented with 1.5 mM EA also yielded a lower proportion of apoptotic cells compared to the control group. In conclusion, EA supplementation of semen extender demonstrated its antioxidative properties protecting spermatozoa against oxidative damage during cryopreservation. Nevertheless, to draw a definitive conclusion regarding the effect of EA on spermatozoa functionality, additional research is necessary.

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

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