Všechny tituly 409 výsledků

The study aimed to analyse the claw formation traits in a selected population of Holstein and Slovak Spotted breeds and estimated their heritability and genetic correlation using linear mixed models. Images of the right hind claw were taken during functional claw trimming. NIS Elements 3.0 and MS Excel were used to analyse the images and prepare a database of phenotypic information. Pedigree information of animals was processed using the CFC program. Basic statistical analysis of the variability studied traits was estimated using SAS Enterprise Guide v7.1. Genetic correlation and heritability were estimated using the R package MCMC glmm. Lower average values of claw formation were found for the evaluated Holstein dairy cows compared to the evaluated group of Slovak Spotted dairy cows. The following effects (fixed effects) sire, date of birth, lactation order, calving year, calving season, the season of the claw trimming, and year of claw trimming were evaluated. Both positive and negative genetic correlations were observed between the claw conformation traits in the evaluated dairy cows. In the case of the Holstein breed, the highest positive genetic correlation was found for claw length and diagonal (0.91) and in Slovak Spotted cows for claw width and functional claw area (0.87). Claw conformation traits are generally low heritable, with an average h2 value of 0.30±0.09.

The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic differentiation of the Black Slavonian pig population. Two parallel analyses were performed using genealogical records and molecular data. Pedigree information of 6,099 pigs of the Black Slavonian breed was used to evaluate genetic variability and population structure. Additionally, 70 pigs were genotyped using 23 microsatellite markers. Genealogical data showed shrinkage in genetic diversity parameters with effective population size of 23.58 and inbreeding of 3.26%. Expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.685 and 0.625, respectively, and the average number of alleles per locus was 7.826. Bayesian clustering algorithm method and obtained dendrograms based on pedigree information and molecular data revealed the existence of four genetic clusters within the Black Slavonian pig. Wright’s FIS, FST and FIT from pedigree records were 0.017, 0.006, and 0.024, respectively, and did not prove significant population differentiation based on the geographical location of herds, despite the natural mating system. Obtained results indicate that despite the increased number of animals in the population, genetic diversity of Black Slavonian pig is low and conservation programme should focus on strategies aimed at avoiding further loss of genetic variability. Simultaneous use of genealogical and molecular data can be useful in conservation management of Black Slavonian pig breed.

The work evaluates the content of nutrients, rumen digestibility of NDF, degradability of CP, and intestinal digestibility of rumen un-degradable proteins in protein forages and concentrated feeds. The analysis of nutrient content confirmed along with the increase of plant maturity expressed by the increase of NDF, a significant decrease of NFC and CP in the regression dependence R2 = 0.7649 and R2 = 0.7116, respectively. The in situ method after 30 hours of incubation confirmed the higher NDF digestibility (P <0.001) of young roughages. The degradability of CP in alfalfa and grass silages was on average 78.7 ±6.1% or 63.7 ±9.7%. Higher protein degradability was confirmed in early-stage forages compared to mature forages for alfalfa (P <0.05) and grass (P <0.01) silages. Intestinal digestibility of un-degradable proteins determined by the modified three-step method was on average 64.1 ±2.5% in alfalfa silages and 51.0 ±5.6% in grass silages, with a statistically significant decrease (P <0.05) in mature forages. The obtained values of rumen degradability of crude protein confirmed a significant difference (P <0.001) between concentrates ranging from 20.3 to 76.0% (mean 58.1 ±3.0%) according to heat treatment. Intestinal digestibility of un-degraded protein varied from 54.5 ±1.4% in raw soybean to 95.2 ±1.0% in corn gluten feed. This study showed that the digestibility factor of crude protein and intestinal digestibility methods for protein feeds can be used in models to optimize the protein nutrition of dairy cows.

The study was the aim to estimate breeding value and heritability for calving score using a threshold model for population from Limousine breed. Data consisted of records of 2,432 calves of Limousine breed from Romanian Breeding Association for beef cattle. The mean for calving score was 1.134 ± 0.007. The breeding values for calving score for calves were between -0.2375 and 0.5354 at the first iteration and at six iterations the breeding values for calving scores for calves ranged between -0.1832 and 0.4880 The heritability for calving score was 0.141 in population of Limousine breed. The threshold model was adequate due to better accounting for total variability for calving score.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of dietary vitamin C and Parquetina nigrescens leaf powder (PLP) in broiler chicks exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The treatments consisted of CONT (receiving a diet without AFB1 contamination and without PLP supplementation); AFLB (fed a diet containing 0.2 mg of AFB1 per kg of feed); AFVC (fed a diet containing 0.2 mg of AFB1 per kg of feed along with 200 mg of vitamin C per kg of feed); and AFLP (fed a diet containing 0.2 mg of AFB1 per kg of feed along with 500 mg of PLP per kg of feed). Our findings demonstrate the rich bioactive profile of PLP, including significant antioxidant capacity and various beneficial compounds. When it comes to broiler chicken performance, we observed that the groups supplemented with vitamin C and PLP (AFVC and AFLP) outperformed those with AFB1 alone (AFLB). These supplemented groups exhibited improved body weight gain, feed intake, and reduced mortality rates, suggesting the potential of these natural additives to counteract mycotoxin challenges in poultry production, especially in tropical conditions. Moreover, our results indicated that vitamin C and PLP supplementation ameliorated the adverse effects of AFB1 contamination on dressing percentage and liver weight. Notably, Haematological parameters were significantly impacted by AFB1 exposure, with lower values in the AFLB group, while serum chemistry indices reflected liver and kidney dysfunction. In contrast, supplemented groups showed improved profiles. Overall, our study highlights the potential of PLP, and vitamin C dietary supplementation in enhancing poultry health and production under aflatoxin-B1 exposure, contributing to sustainable poultry farming strategies.

The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of inorganic forms of nitrogen (N-NO3-, N-NH4+, N-NO2-) in the Bocegaj creek and Kolínany pond, the impact of the wastewater treatment plant on the water quality in the pond, to identify the sources of pollution in the creek during the year of 2014. Water sampling was carried out at regular monthly intervals periodically from January to October, from six sampling points. During the time horizon, all four seasons alternated, which was also reflected in the change of the concentrations of individual forms of nitrogen. It was found that the water in the Kolínany pond did not meet the recommended value (N-NH4+, N-NO2-) and the limit value (N-NH4+) specified by the government regulation of national low. The main source of pollution was insufficiently purified water discharged from the Kolínany wastewater treatment plant.

The polymorphism of the kappa-casein gene (CSN3) has been studied in cows of the Lebedyn, Simmental, Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breeds using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays use TaqMan® 5´-nuclease chemistry for amplifying and detecting specific polymorphisms in purified genomic DNA samples. All assays are developed using Life Technologies robust bioinformatics assay design process relying on a pipeline using heuristic rules deduced from both manufacturing and assay performance data. The objective of our study is to evaluate the cattle of Ukrainian domestic dairy breeds according to the kappa-casein genotype. It has been shown that the distribution of genotype frequency differs significantly in different breeds: Lebedyn – 19% A/A, 50% A/B and 31% B/B; Ukrainian Brown dairy – 30% А/А, 41% A/B and 30% B/B; Simmental – 44% A/A, 46% A/B and 10% B/B; Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy – 58% A/A, 27% A/B and 15% B/B. The results obtained indicate the prospects of breeding work towards creating herds with the BB genotype in the Brown cattle. The accelerated formation of the desired genetic combinations in micropopulations (herds), with the needs of the processing industry, primarily cheesemakers, is possible in the population of the Brown and Lebedyn breed. Such work with dairy herds of the Ukrainian Black-and-White and Simmental breeds requires more time for selection due to the low frequency of BB genotypes in cattle of these breeds.

The growth intensity of cattle significantly affects their future production and reproduction performance. Despite this fact, many breeders underestimate the rearing of calves and heifers. Our study aimed to evaluate the growth intensity of Holstein calves and heifers in PD Devio Nové Sady based on non-contact measurement of live weight and body measurements through the analysis of digital images using the app AGRONINJA beefie3dTM. The growth intensity analysis was based on the standard Penn State protocol, which uses the Hoffman method to estimate growth standards. A total of 143 calves and heifers were evaluated in three independent measurements. Obtained data were compared to an optimal growth curve determined based on the weight and wither height of dairy cows on the third lactation and using a system of growth intensity requirements. The results showed several deficiencies in the growth intensity of animals on the selected farm. We observed a growth deficit in the height of the evaluated calves from 3 to approximately 4.5 months of age. In addition, we observed that heifers older than eight months exceeded the set weight optimum. We also found a significant decrease in growth intensity due to the disease which occurred in the herd. The results of this study showed that regular recording of data related to body measurements and weight, as well as their comparison with the required values, makes it possible to reveal and, at the same time, eliminate many deficiencies in the breeding of heifers that will form the future production herd.

The aim of the study is to screen the bioactive compounds (saponin, tannin, phenolic compounds, terpenoid & steroid) present in selected ethnomedicinal plants, Terminalia bellirica (fruits), Smilax zeylanica (leaves) and Dioscorea oppositifolia (fruits) from Odisha state, India. The single formulation was prepared using the selected plants parts in the ratio 1 : 6 : 3 respectively for quantitative analysis of tannin & total phenol, antioxidant activity and analysis of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) against Streptococcus mutans causing bacteria of tooth decay. Results revealed that selected plant parts are rich source of bioactive compounds like tannin, phenolic compounds and saponin. The quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites showed highest concentration of tannin. It was noted that antioxidant activity is highest in methanol extract as compared to aqueous and acetone. MIC analysis also revealed that formulated powder had excellent antibacterial activity against S. mutans and it was observed the lowest values (450 µg ml-1) showed aqueous & methanol followed by acetone. The herbal formulation might be used to formulate new herbal products against tooth decay in near future.

The artificial insemination and the oestrus cycle synchronization are some of the most frequently used biotechnical methods of reproduction not only for sheep, but also for the other spieces of livestock. They are used mainly to achieve the shortening of the lambing period and to achieve easier breeding. An exact estimation of the lambing period is essential for the breeding process optimization, as it allows better preparation for the lambing period. This experiment monitors 48 Zwartbles sheep. Before the artificial insemination itself, the oestrus cycle of the sheep was synchronized using intravaginal sponges Ovigest and the subsequent intracervical insemination was performed using fresh, diluted and chilled semen extracted from rams of the Zbyšek and Zachari lineages. The pregnancy rates after insemination and after the subsequent breeding of the barren ewes in a harem were determined according to the pregnancy detection and the subsequent lambing times. Marking the exact date and time of insemination and lambing allowed to determine the overall pregnancy lengths in the inseminated animals. The overall pregnancy rate after insemination was 41.7% and the overall pregnancy rate after the subsequent breeding in a harem was 93.8%. The overall pregnancy period in animals after insemination varied between 141.6 and 147.8 days and the peak of lambing took place between 144.1 and 146.8 days.

This study aimed to evaluate the score for subclinical ketosis risk, which is routinely monitored in Czech Holstein cows. The score is based on milk recording indicator traits which include fat-to-protein ratio, fat-to-lactose ratio, citric acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone concentrations. The score was significantly (P <0.001) affected by the age of cow at calving, days in milk (DIM) and season of test-day recording. Variance components were estimated with a univariate linear animal model for the score on the first test-day and with a multivariate linear animal model for the score in 3 successive test-days (6-40, 30-70, 60-100 DIM). The heritability estimate was lower at the beginning of lactation (0.08) and increased gradually to 0.11 at the end of the recorded period. Genetic correlations between the score at the first and the other two test-days were lower than 1 indicating that they are genetically different traits. Estimated breeding values were normally distributed with mean 0.20 and reliabilities up to 0.66 in females and 0.98 in males. Breeding values were negatively correlated with most of other routinely evaluated traits, with the strongest correlations with milk fat percentage (0.39), body condition score (-0.26) and fertility of cows (-0.25). The score for subclinical ketosis risk showed sufficient genetic variability and had the potential to be used in genetic improvement of resistance to (sub)clinical ketosis of Czech Holstein cows.

The physiological values of SCC in sheep's milk are still under discussion. The aim of study was to describe the frequency of distribution of ewes on the basis of their individual SCC. The ewes were divided into the five SCC groups (somatic cell count) on the basis of individual SCC (G1 = SCC <200×103 cells.ml-1, G2= SCC between 200-400×103 cells.ml-1, G3 = SCC between 400-600×103 cells.ml-1, G4= SCC between 600-1000×103 cells.ml-1 and G5 = SCC >1000×103 cells.ml-1). Totally 771 samples were collected from 90 ewes throughout both milking periods from one experimental herd with minimum four milking records per year in 2016 and 2017. On the basis of SCS throughout lactation the most ewes were in the first two SCC groups (below 400×103 cells.ml-1) in 2016 and 2017 (78.89% and 83.33%, respectively). 13 animals (8 SD-Slovak dairy sheep, 5 LC-Lacaune) and 12 animals (4 SD, 8 LC) were in SCC groups over >600×103 cells.ml-1 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Our results significantly contribute to the possible consideration of physiological limits for sheep milk because of the highest percentage of ewes was with less than 400×103 cells.ml-1.

The aim of this study was to compare two methods for determining the concentration of sperm in stallion ejaculate and to evaluate the influence of different levels of concentration on the determination of sperm motility using an objective method. The total number of evaluated samples was 123. For the experiment, 14 stallions of different breeds housed in the Tlumačov Provincial Stud Farm were used. Sperm concentration was assessed by the hemocytometric method using a Bürker chamber and the automatic method using the Sperm Class Analyzer®. The SCA system was used to evaluate sperm motility. The samples were divided into 6 groups with sperm concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300·106 sperm ml-1. The results were statistically evaluated by Tukey’s HSD test. There were statistically significant differences in the determination of sperm concentrations between the hemocytometric method and the SCA system in samples with concentration exceeding 100·106 sperm ml-1. Sperm motility increased in samples with higher concentration, however the effect of sperm concentration on motility parameters has not been statistically significant. The results of this study indicate that samples with sperm concentration higher than 100·106 sperm ml-1 reduce the accuracy of the SCA system evaluation and these samples need to be diluted to concentration ≤100·106 sperm ml-1 for more accurate evaluation.

Agricultural soil pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a major concern nowadays. We selected 11 Fluvisols used as arable land along the river Orava, and two study sites located outside the alluvium (1 Cambisol used as a permanent grassland, 1 Technosol classified as an environmental burden). We determined basic soil properties, total PTEs content and the mobile fraction using inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Pollution level of selected PTEs was assessed by single contamination factor (Cf) and pollution load index (PLI). The total PTEs content indicated their increased concentrations at many study sites. But the mobile form content of PTEs didn´t exceed the Slovak threshold limits in agricultural soils. Nevertheless, pollution indices reached increased values also in agricultural soils. According to the Cf, the Technosol was very high polluted by Pb (12.89), Sb (11.94), Cd (11.82), Zn (9.19); considerable polluted by As (5.75), Cu (5.70), Mo (4.86); moderate polluted by Cr (2.47), Co (1.92), Ni (1.48). For Fluvisols was confirmed moderate level of pollution, with the exception of Cr (3.24) which confirmed considerable level of pollution. Average Cf for Fluvisols ranged from 1.02 to 9.00 for Cr, from 0.87 to 1.87 for As, from 0.76 to 2.37 for Pb, from 0.61 to 3.48 from Cd. In Cambisol we recorded low level of contamination for Zn (0.87), Cu (0.99), and Pb (0.94), and a moderate level of contamination for the others PTEs. The PLI reached in Technosol 6.02, in Fluvisols 1.46 (range from 1.08 to 2.09), and in Cambisol the lowest value (1.15).

The study is focused to analyse of the relationship between composite type traits evaluated by new system Fleckscore and functional length of productive life in the Slovak Simmental cows. All cows was scored in the first parity just because 85% data were censored. The score of frame, feet and legs, muscularity and udder was between 68 and 93 points.The lowest risk of culling was found for muscularity (0.591) at the group scored between 84 and 93 points,for udder (0.879) and feet and legs (0.751) scored between 77 - 79 points and for frame (0.816) at the score 80 points. Rate of culled cows on first or second parity was 15 %. Within this group, diseases and fertility disorders (involuntary culling) represented 23 % culling cows.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of cow exterior on the weight of the calf at parturition and the size of the calf’s head. 453 purebred Holstein Friesian dairy cows at a selected farm were analysed within this research, and the measurements of the withers height, hip width, backside width and ischial width were taken from each specimen. Considering the calves, the measurements taken were the width and length of the head and weight at parturition. The research did not prove any significant (p>0.05) effect of the cow body conformation on any of the measured proportions of the calf. There was, however, a significant (p<0.05) difference in the head length and weight in calves in relation to the calving ease. As opposed to our expectations, the parturition weight of calves going through a more difficult parturition was lower (30.36 kg, as opposed to 36.57 kg in the less difficult parturition) and the length of the head was lower as well (23.47cm, as opposed to 23.98 cm in a less difficult parturition). At the same time, the weight and head length increased with each undergone lactation cycle of the mother – more specifically, this trend of increasing was observed from the first to the fifth lactation cycle. The parturition weight of calves was significantly affected by the gestation length itself. Another factors that had an effect on the weight and size of the calves were the season during which calving took place and the effect of the father bull. The results show a possibility of using the data collected in this research for breeding value estimation in difficult parturitions, since the effect of the father of the calf has to be taken into consideration as well as the effect of the the cow’s father.

Using the polymerase chain reaction method in real-time, we investigated the polymorphism of the RYR1 and LEP genes in sows of the sizeable white breed of different origins. Following the purpose of the work, we conducted a study of the genetic structure of the above-mentioned genes in animals of French and Belgian breeds and their crossbreeds. No RYR1 gene polymorphism was detected. All experimental animals had the homozygous NN genotype. According to the genetic structure of the LEP gene, a significant difference has been established between animals of different origins. Animals of French breeding had a high frequency of the TT genotype, while in animals of other origins, this genotype did not occur at all. Accordingly, French breeding animals are characterized by a high frequency of the T allele and Belgian and crossbred animals are characterized by the A allele. In French breeding animals, there is a violation of the distribution of genotypes, according to Hardy-Weinberg. Obtaining animals of the desired genotypes among the experimental herd is possible due to the use of breeders with the appropriate genotypes for the studied genes.

The effect of the administration of two humic preparations on a selected production and biochemical parameters were monitored in an experiment with broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 breed. There were not observed statistically significant differences between the control group and the experimental groups in the achieved average live weight and the feed conversion ratio in the 37-day experiment. The statistically significant differences (P˂0.001 and P˂0.05) were between the content of calcium, phosphorus and chlorides in the blood of the control group compared to the experimental groups. As for magnesium in the blood, we did not find significant differences (P≥0.05) between the groups. As far as the parameters of the energy profile are concerned, the content of glucose and cholesterol was statistically significantly higher in the control group in comparison with the experimental groups (P˂0.05). The concentrations of triglycerides were statistically significantly higher in the experimental groups (P≤0.05, resp. 0.01, resp. 0.001) compared to the control group.

The food industry has an important role in the prevention of food borne illnesses. Contamination of food can occur in any stage of the production, storage and distribution. An essential part of keeping the products safe is food hygiene. The production process is complicated, changing the processes of production, preparation, and distribution, means there is more room for doubt about the hygienic status of the food. Slaughterhouses are primary production sites and their general hygiene requirements are set out in Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and the commission regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. These regulations include the minimum rules for cleaning and sanitation of the production sites and requirements for education and training of personnel. Regulations must be followed by all businesses that produce food of animal origin. All levels of the production must operate under hygienic conditions in accordance with above mentioned regulations.The objective of this study was to determine the hygienic level of evaluated surfaces – stunning box, shower wall, floor and lift by microbiological swabs from room, where was perform slaughtering and bleeding. Microbiological swabs were taken before process of slaughtering and bleeding, during process and after disinfection. The swabs were taken from evaluated areas of 10 x 10 cm. The sampled areas were wiped by sterile cotton swabs, the swabs were placed in a sterile tube containing 10 ml of sterile saline solution. From this mixture 0.1 ml was applied to the different agar plates Meat peptone agar, Endo agar, Sabouraud agar. For disinfection of monitored surfaces in slaughterhouse was used disinfectant Virkon S in a 1 % concentration which was effective on all monitored surfaces which was confirmed by statistical analysis. In conclusion, effective disinfection performed by suitable disinfectant in slaughterhouse is essential because it help to prevent the spread of many microorganisms which could cause seriuos consequences on health status of animal and human.

Milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] is a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family that is grown for its silymarin content. In the production of the silymarin complex, oil is obtained as a secondary product that must be removed from the seeds before extraction of silymarin. The oil contains a favorable ratio of fatty acids and essential phospholipids and has a high vitamin E concent. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of the harvest and the oil content in the dry matter of milkthistle fruit in three varieties (Silyb, Silma, Mirel) during growing seasons 2019 and 2020. The field experiment was conducted in a warm climatic region of western Slovakia (at the experimental site, Dolná Malanta locality). The results showed that the average yield of milk thistle fruit was 452.72 ±61.71 kg ha-1. The oiliness results wereat the level of 28.62 ±1.12%. The maximum and minimum oil content values in the dry matter were determined in the variety Silma 2019. The differences between the individual varieties were not statistically significant. The factor of the growing season had a statistically significant effect on the oil content. Based on two-year fertility and oil content results, it is recommended to continue to monitor the quantitative and qualitative potentials of the milk thistle in the following growing season.