The characterization of animal genetic resources includes morphometric, production and genetic characterization. This paper aims to determine the annual yield, staple length, and physico-mechanical ...properties of the wool of the Dupska Pramenka sheep. The average annual wool yields of a total of 130 ewes and 14 rams enrolled in the study were 2.120 kg and 3.340 kg, respectively. Wool samples were taken from the left shoulder, posterior rib, and pelvis of a total of 50 sheep (36 ewes and 14 rams). The lengths of wool staples collected from three body sites of the ewes were 20.92 cm, 21.75 cm, and 22.25 cm, respectively. The lengths of wool staples collected from three body sites of rams were 23.50 cm, 22.14 cm, and 23.64 cm, respectively. The height and length of wool fibers of the ewes were 21.97 cm and 22.85 cm on the shoulder, 22.38 cm and 23.10 cm on the posterior rib, and 23.06 cm and 23.77 cm on the pelvis. The height and length of wool fibers of the rams were 22.00 cm and 22.89 cm on the shoulder, 22.54 cm and 23.26 cm on the posterior rib, and 22.61 cm and 23.40 cm on the pelvis. The average fineness of wool fibers of the ewes was 43.08 µ, whereas the fineness of wool fibers of the rams was 45.43 µ. The Dupska Pramenka sheep were found to have mixed fibers: axillary (over 45µ), accounting for51.64% in the ewes and 54.91% in the rams, and transitional (30–45µ), accounting for 28.76% in the ewes and 32.80% in the rams. Fiber fluff (10–30µ) accounted for 19.83% and 12.98% in the fleeces of ewes and rams considered, respectively.
The purpose of the study was to investigate how different milk recording seasons affected the prevalence of mastitis and the potential for cows to recover from it. After conducting logical data ...validation, a total of 3,953,637 test-day records of Holstein cows obtained during the milk recording period from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2022, were used. The findings revealed that mastitis was most prevalent in the autumn season, and during this period, there was a lower total increase in milk production. On the other hand, the prevalence of healthy cows was maximum in summer and winter, while the winter season showed the highest overall increase in milk production. These results suggest that the prevalence of mastitis and the potential for recovery in cows are significantly influenced by the season, and the values may vary considerably. During the winter season, which is characterized by lower temperatures and humidity levels, the animals have the maximum likelihood of recuperation and regaining their production capacity in a manner that is consistent with their genetic potential.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different proportions of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the diet of fattening lambs considering their productive traits, blood metabolic profile, ...and antioxidative status. The research was carried out with 30 Merinolandschaf lambs, 90 days old and weaned. The feed mixture for lambs (n = 10) of the control group contained yellow corn, while in the feed mixture of experimental group I (n = 10), yellow corn was replaced with red corn at 50% (RC50), and in experimental group II (n = 10), yellow corn was 100% replaced with red corn (RC100). An automatic three-part differential haematology analyser was used to determine haematological parameters in whole blood, and biochemical parameters were determined in blood serum using a biochemical analyser. A diet containing red corn did not affect productive traits or the majority of the examined parameters. However, higher blood haemoglobin content, increased aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activity, and decreased glucose and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were found in the serum of RC100 lambs. These results indicate a positive effect of red corn rich in anthocyanins on the metabolic profile without any changes in the productive traits of lambs.
The objective of this study was to assess the impact that diets supplemented with grape seed cake rich in polyphenols had on lactating goats. The study investigated the quantity and quality of goat ...milk, the metabolic profile of blood, and the antioxidative status. The study involved 24 French Alpine dairy goats throughout their lactation period. The goats were, on average, 5 years old (±three months) and in the fourth lactation. The experiment lasted for 58 days. The control group (CON) had a diet without grape seed cake (GSC). The experimental groups were given a diet containing 5% and 10% GSC on a dry matter basis (GSC5 and GSC10, respectively). A slightly higher milk production, as well as protein and fat milk content, were found in GSC5 and GSC10, but the differences were not significant. Goat milk in the GSC10 group exhibited significantly higher activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase, as well as decreased concentrations of GUK and SCC. The feeding treatments did not affect significant differences in hematological and biochemical indicators, except for the BHB content, which can be associated with a higher energy value of feed containing GSC. There was an observed elevation in the activity of SOD within the blood of GSC5, and GSC10 was measured as well. The determined changes justify the supplementation of GSC rich in polyphenols to goat feed, especially in the amount of 10%, as it can reduce stress caused by lactation, which is known as a very stressful production period for animals.
This study investigated the effect of red corn in the feed mixture of dairy goats on production traits, blood metabolic profile, and antioxidative status. The study was conducted on 30 French Alpine ...dairy goats. The feed mixture for the goats in the control group (CC) contained yellow corn (100%). In the first experimental group (RC50), yellow corn was partially (50%) replaced by red corn (RC), and in the second experimental group (RC100), yellow corn was completely (100%) replaced by red corn. No significance variations (p > 0.05) were determined in production traits of dairy goats between dietary treatments. A significant increase in hemoglobin (84.43, 100.00 and 106.55 g/L), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (7.98, 9.70 and 12.54 pg), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (293.57, 357.50 and 462.78 g/L) was found in the RC groups, and a decrease in erythrocytes in the RC100 compared with the RC50 group of goats (from 8.71 to 10.45 × 1012 L). A significant increase in blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the RC groups was found (0.29, 0.53, and 0.44 U/mL). The results indicate maintaining production traits and a moderate effect on blood metabolic profile (most hematologic parameters) as well as a positive antioxidative effect RC.
The objective of this research was to determine the effect of different starters consisted of dried whey and soy proteins with low anti-nutritive factors (ANFs) + amino acids (lysine and methionine) ...on body measurements, biochemical parameters, and feed consumption of early-weaned female Holstein calves. Based on the starter, calves were divided into four groups: i) control (control starter), ii) E1 (starter with added dry whey), iii) E2 (starter with added soy proteins with low ANFs + lysine and methionine), and iv) E3 (starter with added dry whey and soy proteins with low ANFs + lysine and methionine). Results indicate that different starters based on whey powder and soy proteins with low ANFs + lysine and methionine significantly affected the consumption of milk replacer and starter, the total consumption of dry matter, then withers in height, and body length (among body traits) as well as NEFA (among blood biochemical parameters) of female Holstein calves. Finally, starters based on dried whey and soy proteins with low ANFs + lysine and methionine could be recommended to optimize the growth and feed consumption.
The aim of this research was to investigate the slaughter indicators, carcass measures, and meat quality of lambs fattened with spelt. Lambs consumed various feed mixtures (1000 g day
lamb
): ...I-control group; II-group with 10% dehulled spelt; III-group with 20% dehulled spelt. In the blood, the concentrations of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron), biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total proteins, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of musculus semimembranosus were taken, of which the physical properties were analyzed. By analyzing the production properties of the lambs, we found that the slaughter characteristics of the lamb carcasses and the physical properties of the lamb meat as well as most biochemical indicators and enzymes did not significantly differ. The concentrations of albumin were increased in the groups with 10% and 20% spelt, as was the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the group with 20% spelt. The presented results indicate that spelt is an appropriate ingredient in the diet for weaned lambs.
A total of 96 Black Slavonian pigs were subjected to the research, in which they were split into 6 groups. Three groups (100, 120, and 130 kg) were fed a higher level (HL) of crude protein in fodder ...mixtures (CPFM), and three groups (100, 120, and 130 kg) were fed a lower level (LL) of CPFM. After the pigs were slaughtered, pig carcasses were dissected and the meat and halves quality indicators were determined. According to the influence of the final body weight (BW) and nutrition of pigs on the quality of their halves, meat, and dry fermented sausages (kulens), it was concluded that feeding an HL of CPFM increased the proportion of loin, belly rib part, and chin and increased the muscle tissue in the ham, loin, shoulder, neck, and belly rib parts. However, the chemical composition of the meat and the sensory properties of the kulen were not significantly affected by feeding the pigs an HL of CPFM. It was concluded that, by selecting the final BW and adjusting the feeding strategies for pigs, it is possible to modify the conformation and composition of pig carcasses and the quality of meat and kulens produced from the Black Slavonian pig, which is important because consumers prefer products with certain characteristics and of a standard quality and are ready to pay for them.