„breed“ 119 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 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 value of soybean varieties in terms of general combining ability (GCA), constants of specific combining ability (SCA) and their variances in terms of productivity elements in two-tester top-cross crossings were determined. Differentiating ability of Hoverla and KyVin testers was revealed. The degree and frequency of positive transgressions in hybrid populations were established.There were established high effects of general combining ability by plant height and height of attachment of lower beans in Sawyer 2-95 variety and KyVin tester; by the number of productive units in Sawyer 2-95 variety and Hoverla tester; by pod number per plant in Sawyer 2-95 and Kyivska 97 and Hoverla tester; by seed number per plant in Kyivska 97 and Medea varieties and Hoverla tester; by 1,000 seed weight in Sawyer 2-95 and Kyivska 97 varieties and Hoverla tester; by seed weight per plant in Medea and Kyivska 97 varieties and Hoverla tester; in terms of yield in Medea variety and Hoverla tester. It was found that additive effects of genes were dominating in genetic control of the traits of plant height, height of attachment of lower beans, number of productive nodes, pod number per plant, seed number per plant, 1,000 seed weight, seed productivity and yield, the share of non-additive effects of the gene interaction was lower, however, it was also reliable. Analysis of dominance indicators revealed combinations of crosses that were distinguished by overdominance of these traits and had significant breeding value: Sawyer 2-95 × Hoverla, Kyivska 97 × Hoverla, Medea × Hoverla.

The pilot survey among 36 Simmental cattle breeders in Slovakia was performed by an expert visiting farms and filling a questionnaire with farm managers. Data on the factors that influence the emission factors of ammonia, methane or nitrous oxide are needed to provide support for sustainable livestock production policies. Highest milk production (8305±828 kg) was found in the group with intensive production system comprising 7078 cows. Extensive systems were represented by only 2 farms with 451 cows producing 5527±1094 kg of milk. All farms used phase feeding, only 15% of all cows in the survey were grazing. The dominant way of handling animal waste was solid manure with straw bedding (30 farms), while slurry prevailed for the remaining farms. There were 8 farms (2095 cows) equipped with surface covered tanks, bags or using natural crust to reduce emission from slurry storage. Median emission factors of a dairy cow based on survey data were 137.21 kg, 0.850 kg and 50.79 kg per year for methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia, respectively. When aggregated by manure management, cows producing solid manure had a lower emission factor for methane but higher for ammonia and nitrous oxide compared to cows under liquid manure management. Linking data from various aspects of dairy production at farm level supports holistic approach as important for evaluation of food systems in the future.

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.

This paper aims to provide an overview of the suckler beef cow production system in Slovakia and its implications for greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and ammonia. The study collected data from 24 farms with a total of 3,745 sucker cows in 2021, representing a variety of breeding practices and breeds used for production of weaned calves. The results shown that the farms breeding Charolaise had the lowest proportion (0.61, n=8) of permanent grassland from all land managed in contrast to Pinzgau (0.73, n=2) or Limousine (0.76, n=9) in this database. Preference of winter calving season prevailed representing 38 % of all cows (12 farms, 1415 cows) which had achieved calving rate 0.82 ± 0.13 of calf per cow and calving interval 420±35 days. In the contrast, farms that were not specific about preferred calving season reached rate 0.73±0.14 of calf per cow and calving interval 407±26 days. Mean average daily gain was 0.978 ± 0.23 g day-1 and age at weaning 188±48 days. Emission factors were 15.15 ± 3.7, 109.7± 9.3 and 0.800±0.07 kg of ammonia, methane and nitrous oxide for cow per year. Present study helps to identify information gaps on various factors such as forage quality, grazing practices, feed rations, and reproductive stage. Data on these variables even from a relatively small number of farms would provide opportunities to overcome the challenges to evaluate on-farm GHG mitigations and their trade-offs.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are considered the best way to manage plant viruses. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare curcumin (Cur) and curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) as protective materials against the Potato virus YNTN (PVYNTN). Besides, changes in gene expression and defensive enzymes in the potato plants treated and untreated were determined. The average CurNPs size at optimum conditions was about 45 nm and the zeta potential was negative (-18.1) determined by Zeta seizer. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging showed a smooth, spherical shape, and an almost homogenous nanoparticle structure. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of CurNPs was recorded. In the FTIR spectrum of CurNPs, peaks were observed at 1631, 1464, 1157, and 1073 cm-1. The potato plants treated with 10 mg/ml CurNPs+V recorded the highest significant reduction in percentage of disease severity (98%). Besides, treatment with CurNPs increased the rates of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in the potatoes. On the other hand, SDS-PAGE showed clear variations in the content of the protein among potato plants treated with CurNPs or Cur and inoculated with PVYNTN, compared with the control. In addition, the plants sprayed with CurNPs or Cur pre-inoculation virus induced an increase or decrease in peroxidase (POX) activities. However, there were no substantial differences in activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) isozymes were recorded. Therefore, CurNPs could be used in potato breeding programs to control PVY.

Due to the climate change, constant increase in air and soil temperatures, moisture deficiency, agricultural production requires highly adaptive varieties that would provide sufficient yields even under adverse environmental conditions. Our breeding work is aimed at creating varieties of this type. The paper presents the results of the long-term research on assessment of soybean varieties by their adaptability under different soil and climatic conditions by the yield, duration of the growing season and reproductive periods. The stability and plasticity of the researched varieties was determined using the Ebergard and Russell method. According to the research results, Artemida, Hoverla and Amethyst varieties were classified as highly plastic (bi>1) by the yield and they provided the yields of 1.95, 2.2 and 2.1 t/ha. In terms of duration of the growing season (BBCH-10-99), Amethyst, Hoverla, Artemida and Vezha provided high adaptability. These varieties were characterized by the conservative reaction to the change in hydrothermal and soil conditions ensuring stable indicators by the duration of the growing season (BBCH-10-99), coefficient of pasticity (bi) was under 1. The longest flowering-maturation period (BBCH-60-99) was observed in the following varieties: Amethyst – 69.1, Hoverla – 69.0, and Artemida – 69.1 days. The flowering-maturation period (BBCH-60-99) was under one. By the duration of the flowering-maturation period (BBCH-60-99), Amethyst, Hoverla, and Artemida varieties had the highest values of homeostaticity (Hom1 and Hom2), in particular, they were 32.8, 3.64 in Artemida, 30.2, 3.76 in Amethyst, 27.15 and 3.02 in Hoverla varieties.

Despite the critical role played by roots for the acquisition of water and nutrients from the soil, especially in stressful conditions; root characteristics are rarely utilized as selection criteria to improve nutrient uptake efficiency in maize breeding programs. In this study, seedlings of twelve Algerian maize populations with two commercial maize hybrids were evaluated to: (i) study the phenotypic variation of nine root traits under low nitrogen (LN) and high nitrogen (HN) levels and (ii) determine root traits accounting for most of the phenotypic variation among the evaluated populations. High phenotypic diversity was observed for all studied traits under both N levels. Under LN conditions, seedlings adapt by rapidly increasing their root systems to exploit nitrogen (N) resources, resulting in significant increases in primary root length (PRL), seminal root length (SRL), seminal root number (SRN), and total root length (TRL). Conversely, shoot dry weight (SDW) decreased. The first two principal components explained 73.46 and 74.82% of the total variation among the maize populations under LN and HN conditions, respectively. Thus, root dry weight (RDW) and TRL were major contributors of the phenotypic variation. In addition, RDW and TRL were significantly correlated with most of the other traits under both N levels. Therefore, during the seedling stage, RDW and TRL can be used as favorable selection criteria. This diversity gives opportunities for enhancing N use efficiency, potentially leading to reducing N fertilizer requirements. As a result, this can contribute to reduce input costs and maintaining environmental quality.

The aim of the study was to compare the keel bone profile of hens reared in cage and cage-free rearing systems. Experiments were carried out on a poultry farm on two alternative rearing systems and on one cage hall and measurements were carried out in laboratory conditions with Bovans Brown laying hens aged 32 to 47 weeks. The obtained results were evaluated using the statistical program SAS with version 8.2. In the set of 18 keel bone samples that we monitored, the average phosphorus content was measured as 15.19 g.kg-1 with a variation of the measured values of 6.09, an average magnesium content of 0.49 g.kg-1 with a variation of the measured values of 0.15, an average content of calcium 33.76 g.kg-1 with a variation of the measured values of 14.78 and an average value of the ratio between calcium and phosphorus of 2.19 with a variation of the measured values of 0.09. Individual laying hen breeding systems did not have a statistically significant effect (P >0.05) on the content of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and the ratio between calcium and phosphorus in the keel bone of laying hens.

This study was carried out to explain the highest percentages of total variance and best characterize the morphometric and carcass traits based on the principal components among three rabbit breeds such as New Zealand White, Hycole and Hyla. The parameters studied were body weight, chest weight, hip width, and chest girth. At slaughter, carcass traits such as hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, reference carcass weight, and commercial cut point 1-5. Correlation between morphometric measurement and carcass traits were evaluated by using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The results obtained revealed that body weight had the highest correlation with hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight and reference carcass weight among three rabbit breeds (P<0.05). It was concluded that high positive significant correlation coefficient values between morphometric measurement and most carcass traits in the three breeds of rabbits, suggesting that selection for one trait will lead to improvement in another traits.

Various genetic and environmental factors influence the composition of milk. For the cheese manufacturing industry, one of the most important genes is the CSN1S1 gene, which influences the composition of several milk components as well as technological properties. Much attention has been paid to the F allele, which has been identified as undesirable for the manufacturing cheese. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic structure of the Slovak population of the Slovak White Shorthaired goat (Capra hircus) for the CSN1S1 gene and to evaluate the influence of the CSN1S1 F allele on milk composition characteristics. Hair roots of 86 goats were collected and used as genetic material. Genotyping was performed using PCR and PIRA PCR. Phenotypic data from 101 lactations (first and/or second lactation only) with performance control were used for association studies. The occurrence of the F allele was 0.291. An association study was performed between genotypes consisting of F and non-F alleles. Significantly higher (p >.05) milk, protein, lactose and dry matter production was observed in non-F/non-F individuals than in F/non-F individuals. Genotyping of the CSN1S1 gene could be the basis for the use of marker-assisted selection in a breeding programme for the Slovak White Shorthorn goat. Further analyses involving the effect of the CSN1S1 genotype on cheese production could be performed to quantify the impact of composition on farm economics.

A behavioural study of Mangalitsa swines was carried out by recording on ethogram forms, as well as remote monitoring by an unmanned aerial vehicle, which allowed to shorten the time between readings. The animals were divided into two age categories, up to 12 months of age, and fattening pigs over 1 year old. The monitoring period covered the months of March, April, and May 2024 from 08:00h to 20:00h. As a result of this first study using a drone of this breed in Bulgaria, it was found that the frequency of eating, rooting and resting was 14.74%, 12.08% and 58.31%, respectively. The measured frequency of eating was 16.9% and 12.6%, and of rooting 14.3% and 9.9%, respectively, in animals up to 12 months of age and the fattened pigs. In both groups, resting frequency was a major part of the day with a difference of 14% between the groups in favour of the older animals.

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.

This paper provides an overview of advances in the analysis of the genetic structure of populations, focusing on the evolution of statistical approaches and their applications in conservation genetics. Understanding genetic relationships among populations is crucial for assessing evolutionary processes such as gene flow, genetic drift, and selection, which fundamentally affect genetic diversity over time. Traditionally, studies relied on a limited number of genetic markers and summary statistics; however, the advent of high-throughput genomic technologies has dramatically enhanced both the resolution and accuracy of these analyses. Whole-genome sequencing and dense SNP arrays now provide unprecedented insights into neutral and adaptive variations, enabling fine-scale detection of population subdivisions and historical demographic trends. In parallel, the development of advanced statistical models has refined genetic analyses, allowing for more precise estimations of genetic differentiation, admixture, and ancestral relationships. These innovations are particularly valuable in conservation genetics, where robust assessments are essential for optimising strategies to maintain genetic diversity, identify populations at risk, and mitigate the effects of inbreeding and effective population size decline. Despite these improvements, challenges remain, including computational demands and the need to account for complex demographic histories and selection pressures. Given the continuous evolution of analytical techniques, selecting appropriate methods tailored to specific research questions is critical for producing reliable insights into population structure and effectively guiding conservation efforts. In conclusion, the continuous advancement of genomic analysis tools enhances the ability to study population dynamics in greater detail and supports more effective conservation planning.

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 observed increase in global average air temperature has a profound effect on the climate, and the effects of this phenomenon are expected to be more significant in the next 30–50 years. As a result, their physiological condition deteriorates, and their defenses and productivity decrease. This fact emphasizes the relevance and feasibility of the study, which is aimed at determining the drought and heat tolerance of plants of the Moraceae family. The work uses generally accepted methods for determining the resistance of breeding samples to heat and drought. The research established that mulberry plants of Victoria, Halyna, Merefyanska, Slobozhanska, Maclura varieties showed increased adaptive resistance to high temperatures (heat and drought). In particular, damage to leaf plates in the 40–80 °C temperature range did not exceed 50%. Scoring scales were developed for evaluating plants of the Moraceae family for drought and heat resistance, which increased the accuracy and informativeness of their determination. It is emphasized that the general level of physiological processes in germinated seeds under conditions of drought indicates the high resistance of adult plants, which ensures the possibility of preserving and growing valuable species for further breeding. From a practical point of view, the complex diagnostic assessment of Moraceae plants for adaptive resistance by various methods provided a comprehensive assessment and selection of breeding material with high adaptive potential to stressful growing conditions.

To maintain adequate dairy productivity in sheep, it is important to focus on establishing appropriate husbandry conditions. Currently, breeders are increasingly confronted with extreme weather fluctuations during the grazing season, which significantly impact pasture quality and the milk produced. Therefore, it is crucial to seek suitable breeding systems with breed representation tailored to various climatic and geographical conditions in order to exploit their productive potential fully. This study compares the dairy productivity and milk quality of three sheep farms in the vicinity of Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, which employ different farming systems and feature different breed compositions under changing climatic conditions with increased heat stress during the summer months. Farm 1, located at 1,200 m above sea level (ASL), follows an extensive grazing system with 350 Tsigai ewes. Farm 2, situated at 500 m ASL, houses 456 Lacaune ewes in a semi-intensive system. Farm 3, at 400 m ASL, manages 470 mixed dairy and combined-breed ewes under a semi-extensive system. The results indicate that Farm 2, employing a semi-intensive system, recorded the highest milk yield (246.7 kg·ewe-1); however, it also exhibited the most pronounced decline in the lactation curve, with lower average milk production and qualitative parameters (fat, not fat solids) for the Lacaune breed during the warm months (June – August) compared to Farms 1 and 3, which focus on raising combined breeds. In conclusion, the most suitable breeding method for the climatic and geographical conditions of the observed region appears to be a semi-extensive system with combined sheep breeds, as the variability in dairy productivity parameters during the hottest months with reduced pasture quality is not as marked as it is in specialized dairy breeds.

The colostrum consumed by newborn ruminants immediately after birth plays a crucial role in ensuring their long and healthy lives. It is their first nutrition, supporting growth, development, and immunity against diseases. The study involved eight goat crossbreeds of Saanen × Makatia and Saanen × Alpine goats, raised in the Ghardaia region, known for its arid climate. Colostrum samples were collected during four days after kidding. Each sample was subjected to the evaluation of the microbiological quality and the key physicochemical properties, including fat and protein content, pH, titratable acidity, density, conductivity, appearance, and colour. The results showed a decrease in fat and protein content from day one to day four in both goat populations, although the differences in the four-day averages were not significant. Acidity and density also followed a decreasing trend, with the difference in four-day averages being significant in the Saanen × Makatia group. In terms of pH, variation over the four days was not significant. Conductivity values increased consistently in both populations. Microbiological analysis revealed the absence of sulphite-reducing Clostridium, Salmonella, and yeasts in all samples. The counts of Staphylococcus aureus, total aerobic mesophilic flora, and total and faecal coliforms remained within acceptable limits for raw milk, indicating that the colostrum was of satisfactory microbiological quality.