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The objectives of this study were to investigate non-genetic sources of variation of fertility in Reggiana cattle and identify the best model for future genetic analysis. Moreover, the variation of target fertility traits in the different parities and months of first service was evaluated. The investigated fertility traits were interval between calving and first insemination, interval between calving and conception, number of inseminations per conception, and calving interval. The dataset included 22,731 records of 10,502 cows, collected between 1986 and 2019. Four different models were tested: Model 1 included the fixed effects of herd-year-month of first service and parity; Model 2 separately accounted for herd-year and month of first service, in addition to parity; Model 1a and Model 2a were Model 1 and Model 2 with the addition of the effect of age at first insemination. Model 1 had an average coefficient of determination of 0.40 for the traits, and this value increased to 0.48 in Model 1a. Moving to Models 2 and 2a, the coefficient of determination dropped to average values of 0.21 and 0.27, respectively. Regarding the effect of month of first service, the best fertility performances were observed in March and April, whereas for parity effect the best performance was in third lactation. Model 1a presented the best R2 for all studied traits but data editing for age at first insemination was too strict. On the other hand, in Models 2 and 2a variance absorbed by fixed effects was low, and this resulted in potentially biased estimates. Model 1 was therefore the best trade off between data loss and predictivity.

Somatic cell count (SCC) is a useful indicator of intramammary infection of cow’s udders and a standard of quality and hygiene of cow’s milk in many countries. The main non-inflammatory factors influencing SCC in goat milk are intrinsic depending directly on the animal and extrinsic where some of them are routinely recorded along milk recording. The objective of this study was to determine the sources of non-genetic variation for SCC in Alpine (ALP) and Saanen (SAN) dairy goat populations based on Croatian (CRO) and Slovenian (SVN) milk recording data. For that purpose, test day records (327,404 in total) were used. They were collected over the period from 2005 to 2017 in Alpine (ALP) and Saanen (SAN) goat populations in Croatia (CRO) and Slovenia (SVN). The majority of records (310,371) represent CRO data, while SVN data included 17,033 records. Data have been obtained from the Central database of Croatian Agricultural Agency and Slovenian Central Database for Small Ruminants, which are collected according to the ICAR standards. Data were analysed using MIXED procedure in SAS/STAT, based on the REML method. Results showed significant effect of the population, parity, litter size, year and month of kidding and interaction between them as well as the effect of the stage of lactation nested within the population on the SCC in milk of studied goat populations.

The aim of this study was to show the individual relationships between selected parameters within the groups of high-producing Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in the Early Lactation (EL), Peak Lactation Multiparous (PLM) and Peak Lactation Primiparous (PLP). Firstly, the relationship of individual fractions (Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) method) retained on Pennsylvanian sieves on dairy cow activity - feed intake time/ eating time (ET); rumination time (RT); time no-active (TN) - was evaluated using BouMatic‘s RealTime Activity program. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the EL group, which intake less amount of fibre retained on the sieve with 8 mm hole size (46.90%) with the PLM (50.19%) and PLP (49.41%) groups (p <0.05). The decrease in fibre intake (8 mm) was related to the fraction intake retained per pad where there was a statistically significant difference between EL (28.02%) and PLP (25.69%); PLM (25.19%) group (p <0.05). The data obtained regarding ET and RT between the groups showed a statistically significant difference where low RT and ET was observed just at higher fraction intake per pad (28.02%) and lower fibre intake (46.90%) in the EL (4:16 h) group compared to PLM (4:41 h) and PLP (5:37 h) (p <0.05), where the percentage intake of fractions contained per pad was lower. The study also evaluated the effect and relationship between selected parameters (starch, lactic acid-LA, fermentation processes-FP, NH3 ,acid-detergent fibre-ADF, neutral-detergent fibre-NDF, pad, physically effective neutral-detergent fibre-peNDF) on ET and RT. The starch content of the total mix ration was in medium high negative correlation with RT (p <0.05) and on the other side the peNDF content was characterised by a strong positive correlation with RT (p <0.01). Based on these results, it was found that dairy cows in the EL group preferred a rather higher intake of fractions contained on the pad, which influences the reduced intake of particles retained on the 8 mm average sieve and thus their overall activity (ET, RT, TN) is influenced. Dairy cows in the PLM and PLP groups preferred a higher intake of fiber particles (8 mm) which influenced the increase in activity time (ET, RT).

The aim of this review is to consolidate the already much published knowledge concerning the gastrointestinal tract of the dairy cow in relation to nutrition. This review document deals with the essential living conditions of dairy cows, with an attention to nutrition, and highlights the importance of correct ration design. Dairy cows in different production cycles have special requirements for the composition, structure and nutrient composition of their rations. This review document provides more detailed information on the physical structure of feedstuffs as well as the need for individual nutrients for the right functioning of the dairy cow. These elements determine total health, feed intake, rumination, the development of metabolic diseases and last but not least, milk yield and composition. Rumination is an important and valuable tool that indicates the correctness of these aspects. Many published studies point to the relationship between rumination and health status where early intervention can be made to prevent a reduction in milk yield and consequent negative selection from the breeding stock. Many studies describe rumination as an indicator that forms the basis of the herd on which the very substantial and developing benefits of breeding as well as reproduction itself are built. The rumination-based relationships of heat stress and dairy cow health are also nowadays receiving a great deal of attention in studies. In nowadays also receiving a great deal of attention in studies about relationship not only between rumination - heat stress but also dairy cow health status. Heat stress is characteristically labelled as an unwanted factor that has an adverse effect on dairy cow milk yield.

The study aimed to examine the effect of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf meal diets on blood characteristics of rabbits. A total of 48, male rabbits were randomly divided into four experimental groups of twelve animals each, with four rabbits constituting a replicate. Each group was assigned to one of the experimental diets containing pawpaw leaf meal (PLM) at 0% (control), 15%, 30% and 45% for 56 days in a completely randomized design (CRD). Blood samples for analysis were obtained from each replicate and data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results on chemical composition of the PLM revealed 87.67% DM, 17.30% CP, 12.86% CF, 8.88% ash, 0.81% EE 47.82% NFE and 2348.05 Kcal/kg ME. PLM at 15% inclusion increased (P <0.05) the packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) when compared with the control. PLM at 30 and 45% resulted to improved mean cell volume (MCV) concentration. The concentrations of white blood cells were increased (P <0.05) at the treatment (15%, 30% and 45%) groups. Red blood cell, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, creatinine, AST, ALP, sodium, potassium and chloride remained similar (P >0.05) across the treatments. Total protein was however best (P <0.05) at 45% supplementation. The results indicated that PLM enhanced haemopoiesis and health status of the experimental rabbits and therefore should be incorporated into rabbit feeding to enhance blood formation and health status of the animals.

According to biological and nutritional value, meat and meat products are among the most important components of human nutrition. The risk of meat contamination is a great concern from the point of view of food safety, and especially human health. The aim of this study was the determination of nutritional values in meat samples of fresh and smoked sausage. From a technological point of view, the water content was the highest in meat samples and continually decreased in the samples that underwent processing. The water content of the meat samples was 68.2%. In the samples of unsmoked and smoked sausages, the measured values were slightly lower. In the samples of unsmoked sausages, the water content was 63.1%. As the water content decreased, the fat content of the sausages increased. The protein content has not changed significantly in the production process. In the meat the value of proteins was 19.07 g 100 g-1 and in the samples of smoked sausages the result was 18.78 g 100 g-1. The content of essential fatty acids was the highest in meat samples. This value decreased in unsmoked as well as smoked sausages. Cholesterol levels were rising over the course of the experiment. Results of this study clearly show difference in technological parameters related to technological process.

Nutrition plays very important role in longevity of life. Processed food has created various health disorders at a very alarming rate. Wild genotypes have potent nutritive characteristics which are relatively less explored. In the current investigation, two species of Sesbania were evaluated for their potent nutritional value. Sesbania grandiflora and Sesbania bispinosa seeds contained 37.78% and 30.2% crude proteins, 4.24% and 2.06% albumins, 7.20% and 5.16% globulins, 1.75% and 8.34% free amino acids, 34.91% and 59.08% total carbohydrates and 5.2% and 5.02% total lipids respectively. DPPH Radical scavenging assay revealed notable antioxidant potential with 62.27% and 65.45% inhibition respectively. Antinutrient analysis indicated the presence of total free phenols (0.29% and 0.63%), tannins (0.28% and 0.34%), phytic acid (1.70% and 1.59%) and trypsin inhibitor activity (41.8 and 54.4 TIU/mg) respectively. Both Sesbania species had excellent nutritional potential as well as antioxidant activity and a low antinutrient profile. Based on the findings, Sesbania species may be investigated further as a potential alternative food source in the near future, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, and may pave the way toward the wider aim of food security.

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritive value and fermentation parameters of silage made from hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2). Silages were made in months September, October and November of the year 2017 and next in April and May of the year 2018. In each month two variants were analysed, one without additives and second with an addition of 1% of dried molasses to wilted Rumex OK 2 plants. After 5 weeks fermentation in hermetic sealed plastic bags at temperature 20°C the concentration of nutrients and parameters of fermentation were analysed in average samples. The content of dry matter in all silages were low and ranged from 7.1 to 18.8%. Content of crude protein was highest in autumn months, when was from 289 to 339 g.kg-1 DM, which is much more compared to alfalfa silages. Crude fiber was in spring months from 295 to 422 g.kg-1 DM and in autumn months from 126 to 166 g.kg-1 DM. Development of fiber components was similar to development of crude fiber content. The concentration of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber in Rumex OK 2 silages from autumn months meet the criteria for first class legume silage. Only silages from October and November had the content of lactic acid more than 10 g.kg-1 of original matter. Addition of dried molasses increased (P<0.05) concentration of lactic acid and decreased (P>0.05) concentration of acetic acid in silages from September, October, April and May. All Rumex OK 2 silages did not contain butyric acid. Silage pH value appertain to its dry matter concentration was relative high, which make impossible the good overall assessment. However, according to concentration of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and proteolysis can be Rumex OK 2 silages from autumn months considered as a nutritional valuable feed. On the other hand Rumex OK 2 silage from September contains high concentration of oxalic acid, which can be potentially hazardous for animals.

Based on the research results obtained by the authors and other researchers, the importance and necessity of increasing the production of leguminous crops as an important source of food for the population of our planet are substantiated. It is proved that the varieties of these crops created in our country as well as the soil and climatic features allow us to expand their acreage significantly, which will positively affect the entire agricultural complex. The methodology adopted for this research comprises field and laboratory procedures used in breeding legume crops. The genotypes of the world collection of soybean, pea, chickpea and lentil were tested for yield, drought resistance, protein content and seed quality. The paper provides a description of the varieties of soybean, pea and chickpea created in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute, the world gene pool of these crops is characterized, which is most adapted to the steppe conditions of Ukraine. The most common methods of processing commodity seeds into food ingredients characterized by high therapeutic and prophylactic properties are described. The results can be applied in further breeding work with leguminous crops which should be aimed at developing the complex of adaptive traits and improving the chemical composition of seeds. In this paper we demonstrated the significant potential of legumes for solution of the future sustainable nutrition problems.

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritive value of hybrid Rumex patientia L. x Rumex tianschanicus A.Los (Rumex OK 2). Rumex OK 2 can be considered as a technical or energetic plant for renewable production of biomass or as a feed as source of nutrients for animals. In this study two harvestings were planned, firs cut was realised in June (growth from March to June) and second cut was realised in November (growth from July to November). Samples of Rumex OK 2 plants were collected in the 20th day of the month in March to June and in September to November. Concentration of nutrients were detected according to Regulation no. 2145/2004-100. Fresh Rumex OK 2 samples from March 7.42%, April 8.71% and September 4.89% had very low concentration of dry matter (DM). On the other hand samples from March, April, September and October had high concentration of crude protein in range from 31.42 to 24.54% of DM. From start of growth in spring to time of firs cut in June increased both concentration of dry matter from 7.42 to 56.62% and concentration of crude fibre from 14.86 to 47.38% of DM. Concentration of fat in Rumex OK 2 is low and similar to that of maize plant or alfalfa, whereas concentration of nitrogen free extract in Rumex OK 2 plant is similar only to alfalfa. Results of this article bring compact view over nutritional characteristic of Rumex OK 2, which can be according to gained results about nutritional value used as a source of nutrients in animal nutrition, or as a source of renewable biomass for bioenergy production.

The study was conducted with the objective of evaluating nutrient digestibility and energy concentrations of wilted and ensiled mixture composed of 40% of three cultivars of Italian ryegrass + 20% of two cultivars of winter triticale + 20% of two cultivars of winter oats + 15% of winter wheat + 5% of winter barley. After 90 days of fermentation digestibility experiments were carried out on six Hungarian Merino wethers (4 years of age, initial body weight 84.56 ± 5.53 kg). The net energy for lactation (NEl), maintenance (NEm) and growth (NEg) was computed following NRC (2001) equation to estimate energy values of feed. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were 67.90%, 72.12%, 73.44%, 70.90% and 70.76%, respectively. The NEl, NEm and NEg values were 5.37, 5.74 and 3.32 MJ/kg DM, respectively. The nitrogen and energy dependent metabolizable protein values were 97.03 and 88.87 g/kg DM, respectively. These results suggest that the high NDF and CP digestibility and energy concentration implies that this mixture can be included successfully in dairy cattle diets.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of epigeic groups of animals in five types of soil management. Research areas were marked as V1-EKO, whereas on the V1 area, mulching technology was used, on the V2 area, conventional technology, on V3 area, minimization technology, on the V4 area, no-till technology and the EKO area was managed in an ecological way. A ground pitfall trap was placed in the variety of a hybrid of Triticum aestivum × Triticum spelta – PS Lubica. The experiment was carried out between 2016 and 2018 in the research areas of the Research Institute of Plant Production in Borovce. In the course of three years, 11,365 specimen from 8 epigeic groups and 6 families were collected. At the eudominant level, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera groups were found in every research area. At the dominant level, Arachnoidea group were found on the V1 research area. and larvae on the EKO research area. The most numerous variant in terms of the number of individuals, but the number of groups also, collected over three years, was variant 1 – mulching technology. This means that shallow tillage, which decreases evaporation, soil loose and eliminates the weeds, is most beneficial to epigeic groups. Based on the statistical evaluation, we were unable to demonstrate the effect of rainfall on the occurrence of groups each year in the compared research areas. On the contrary, we were able to demonstrate the effect of temperature changes on the occurrence of epigeon.

Keel bone damage (KBD) is a multifactorial problem. This problem applies to all types of housing systems, caged as well as cage-free systems, including free-range and organic. The common causes are in particular collisions with the elements of the environment, such as perches, as well as collisions between hens. Extremely high frequency and severity of damage adversely affects not only welfare of laying hens also their production and egg quality too. This article provides an overview of current knowledge about the occurrence of KBD, the causes of its occurrence and consequences for the quality of life of laying hens in intensive large-scale production conditions. In the introductory part, we describe what keel bone is, the high incidence and prevalence of the problem, which implies the importance of long-term dealing with this issue at the global level. In the next part, we deal with the factors that can cause the occurrence of KBD, the relationship between the occurrence of KBD and bone quality, nutrition with an emphasis on calcium, the relationship between KBD and welfare, individual housing systems, age, genotypes of hens, feathering, efficiency and quality of production of laying hens and in the final part section we present detection methods. As already mentioned, the occurrence of KBD is influenced by a number of factors, but due to the differences in the prevalence of this problem in different countries, further comprehensive research is needed. The deviations and fractures of the keel bone can have a negative impact on the welfare of laying hens, which will subsequently be reflected in the possible painfulness of feed intake, laying, product quality, which ultimately will always affect economic efficiency. The goal of long-term research should to try to reduce the incidence of these conditions, or their prevention. It is important to deal with genetic selection, nutrition, a very important area, as far as KBD is concerned, are the conditions of the breeding environment, especially the housing system and the elements that make up the equipment of the rearing and breeding area, as well as the standardization of the methods used to detect damage to the keel bone. Palpation, post-mortem palpation, multiple sensing technologies are used. Researcher training can significantly improve both the accuracy and reliability of assessment of sternal fractures and deviations. If the results of keel bone prevalence will be compared or combined between individual studies, all methods used to detect keel bone damage should be accurate, i.e. sufficient methodological details should be given for each study and the method of determining prevalence should be standardized.

Natural products was the source of many important biological activities against human and animal pathogens. Propolis was one of these substances, produced by bees from resins and wax. In this study, D-optimal experimental design used to optimize operational condition of propolis extraction, and then phenolic compounds of propolis extracted from seven regions of Bejaia was identified and quantified by HPLC analysis. Also, their biological activities was evaluated, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and sperm cells cryopreservation effect. The highest antibacterial activitywas obtained in propolis extract from the Baccaro region against B. cereus and strong effect against S. areus, C. albicans, and E. Coliwas reached using propolis extracted from Melbou region. High inhibition percentage denaturation of the BSA protein was observed using propolis extracted from Melbou. Also, the best antioxidant and sperm cells cryopreservation preservation was obtained using propolis extracted from Melbou. This work demonstrates that Melbou propolis extract obtained by the agitation method (MEA) showed the best and strongest biological effects, indicating an interesting and promising approach for development of new therapeutics formulations based on propolis extract from bejaia region.

Soil organic matter (SOM) and its incorporation into soil aggregates play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, which is essential for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. This study focuses on the influence of different soil types on soil structure and the capacity of soil aggregates to retain carbon. The objectives were: (1) to compare soil structure across different soil types, (2) to quantify the content of SOM in size-fractions of aggregates, and (3) to identify relationships between SOM and individual size-fractions of aggregates. The research was conducted in a field at Dražovce near Nitra city (western Slovakia). Samples from the Ap and A horizons of four soil profiles were analyzed for aggregate size-distribution, carbon contents (C), and the carbon sequestration index (KSC). The results indicated that Cambisol exhibited the highest aggregate stability, while Chernozems showed the highest SOM content but the lowest KSC. Calcisol demonstrated the greatest sequestration potential. Aggregate stability was positively correlated with the content of labile carbon, particularly in medium-sized macroaggregates (1–5 mm). These findings highlight the complex interactions between aggregate size, structural stability, and their capacity to sequester carbon.

Present investigation was carried out to explore the possibility of inducing genetic variability for yield and yield contributing traits in well-adapted variety PU-19 of black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) following mutagenesis with methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), sodium azide (SA) and hydrazine hydrate (HZ). A considerable increase in mean values for fertile branches per plant, pods per plant and total plant yield was noticed among the mutant lines in M4 and M5 generations. Estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield components were also recorded to be higher compared to control. MMS followed by SA and HZ showed highest mutagenic potential for improving total plant yield of black gram var. PU-19. Treatment concentration 0.3% was found to be most effective in generating significant increase in total plant yield of black gram var. PU-19. The increased genetic variability for yield and yield components indicates the ample scope of selection for superior mutants in subsequent generations due to preponderance of additive gene action.

This investigation tested the hypothesis that community structure of AMF would vary in soil sown with maize (Zea mays) and amended with inorganic NPK fertiliser and tillage practice. Three tillage practices [conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and zero (NT)] were imposed on maize cultivars (Oba super 2 and Swan 1) in soil amended with (600 kg NPK ha-1) and without. The treatments were in split-split arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design, replicated thrice. The main plot consisted of maize varieties; sub plot consisted of tillage practises, while sub-sub plot was made of soil amendments. The results showed NT supported enriched community structure of AMF with predominance of Glomus in soil in the order NT > MT > CT. Similar pattern was observed on species richness, species evenness and diversity. Spore count, percentage colonisation, species richness, evenness and diversity were significantly higher in non-amended soil. Significantly higher spore count was observed in the rhizosphere of Oba super 2. Improved performance of maize in amended soil could have implied complimentary role of Glomus apart from nutritional. Cultivar differences of maize and seasons could have explained variation in species diversity of AMF in a derived Savanna.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are often negatively affected in agro-systems. This investigation tested the hypothesis that community structure of AMF would vary in soil sown with maize (Zea mays L.) and amended with inorganic NPK fertilizer and tillage practice; that varietal variation of maize would have implication on their performance in a derived savanna. Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in the early and late cropping seasons of 2013. Three tillage practices [conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and zero (NT)] were imposed on maize cultivars (Oba super 2 and Swan 1) in soil amended with NPK fertilizer (120 kg N/ha + 60 kg P2 O5 /ha + 60 kg K2 O/ha) and no fertilization. The treatments were in split-split arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design, replicated thrice. The main plot consisted of tillage practises, the sub plot consisted of maize varieties, while the sub-sub plot was made of soil amendments. Glomus was identified in the soil in the order NT > MT > CT (early and late seasons of 2013). Similar pattern was observed on specie richness (late season), specie evenness and diversity (both seasons). Spore count, percentage AMF colonization, specie richness, evenness and diversity were significantly higher in non-amended soil than amended. Significantly higher spore count was observed in the rhizosphere of Oba super 2 than Swan 1. Conversely more Acaulospora was observed in Swan 1 than Oba super 2. These evidences suggested that NT supported enriched community structure of AMF with a predominance of Glomus. Conversely, amending soil with NPK in this agroecology reversed this pattern, except for Glomus. Improved performance of maize in amended soil could have implied complimentary role of Glomus apart from nutritional. Cultivar differences of maize and seasons could have explained variation in species diversity of AMF in a derived savanna.

The question of energy independence is crucial for many countries in the developed world these days. In addition to solar and wind energy, agriculture and plant production are sources of renewable energy. Crops can be grown for the production of biomass for direct combustion, biofuels, and bio-ethanol. In addition to these benefits, lignocellulosic plants have a huge potential for wide application in industry, construction, paper, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the yield of products from energy crops depends on many environmental factors, and one of them is their pests. In this article, we reviewed selected energy crops (Amaranthus spp., Cannabis sativa (L.), Panicum Virgatum L. and Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) and their most important pests. Summarizing the literature we discovered that the most prevalent pests are different types of insects as well as viral and fungal pathogens.

The potential ethnomedicinal plants are considered of great importance in the present day mainly due to the shortcomings of the drugs against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), or, in other words, the ability for cells to mutate with respect to the changing environment. The present study demonstrates the ethnobotanical values of the wild tuberous plant, Dioscorea hispida, which is used as medicinal food in Asia and Africa and further performs scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal values claimed by the locals of India and Nigeria, through phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity. A survey elucidated certain foods and therapeutic uses of the tubers of D. hispida. Qualitative analysis of phytochemical compounds revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like tannins, terpenoids, reducing sugar, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins. Subsequent examination of the antibacterial activity of D. hispida's tuber extracts against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria revealed that the acetone tuber extract had the largest zone of inhibition against Streptococcus mutans followed by the methanol tuber extract against Vibrio cholerae, the methanol tuber extract against Shigella flexneri, the aqueous tuber extract against S. flexneri. This scientific confirmation may aid in the identification of possible antibacterial compounds, the confirmation of nutraceutical potential, and the promotion of value additions associated with the consumption of such tuberous plants in Asia and Africa.