Over the past decades natural substances are widely used in the maintaining of spermatozoa viability. The target of present study was to evaluate the effect of various taurine concentrations on stallion spermatozoa during 37°C cultivation. Fresh semen was collected from 10 breeding stallions. The experimental groups were supplemented with six different concentration of taurine (in mg/ml): A – 2.5, B – 5, C – 7.5, D – 10, E – 15, F – 20 and compared to control (CON – 0). Spermatozoa motility was assessed using the Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer (CASA) system in 6 time periods (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours). The MTT test was used for detection of viability. For measuring antioxidant activity FRAP and TOS methods were used. Significantly negative effect was observed in the samples with the highest concentration of taurine (20 mg/ml). Spermatozoa viability was not significantly affected in analysed concentrations of taurine. Significant higher antioxidant activity was detected in the sample with the highest taurine concentration. Data clearly showed negative effects of high taurine concentrations on stallion spermatozoa.
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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.
Twenty Tsigai and Suffolk crossbreed lambs in grazing conditions were used to investigate the effect of weaning status (weaned vs. unweaned) and sex on fatty acid composition of meat. Six males and four females were included in both groups, the weaned lambs group (WL) and the unweaned lambs group (UL). The fatty acid profile of Musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis intramuscular fat (IMF) were determined by gas chromatography and analysed by analysis of variance. WL displayed higher proportion of t11-C18:1 (P < 0.001), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) C18:2 (P < 0.01) and C20:4 (P < 0.05), n-3 PUFA C18:3 (P < 0.05), C20:5 (P < 0.01), C22:5 (P < 0.05), C22:6 (P < 0.05) and the total PUFA (P < 0.01) in IMF than UL. On the contrary, IMF of UL had higher proportion of the medium-chain saturated fatty acids (SFA) such as C12:0 (P < 0.01), C14:0 (P < 0.01) and C16:0 (P < 0.01), the total SFA (P < 0.05) and the total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (P < 0.05). The weaning status had no significant effect on n-6/n-3 ratio, however the ratio was satisfactory low in both groups. The sex had no effect on a profile of essential and health beneficial fatty acids in meat of lamb. In conclusion, meat of weaned lambs in grazing system might be considered to obtain a higher proportion of healthy n-3 fatty acids compared to unweaned lambs.
The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of medicinal plants (Artemisia absinthium and Malva sylvestris) as feed supplements on blood parameters, and local immune responses in the abomasum of Haemonchus contortus infected lambs. Twenty-four lambs were infected orally with 5000 L3 larvae of H. contortus and subsequently randomly divided into four groups: unsupplemented animals (UNS), animals with A. absinthium (ART), animals with M. sylvestris (MAL), and animals with a mix of two plants (ARTMAL). During the experiment, samples of blood were taken for evaluation of hemoglobin and albumin levels. All animals were humanely killed after 75 days of the experiment, and abomasum tissue samples were taken for histopathology. The hemoglobin concentration in the blood was influenced by time (p< 0.001) and in all groups decreased until day 45. The serum albumin levels were influenced by treatment (p< 0.05) and time (p< 0.001) and in all groups occurred reduction until the end of the experiment compared to day 15. The number of plasma cells was higher in ARTMAL compared to MAL (p< 0.05). UNS and ART had significantly higher numbers of mast cells compared to MAL (p< 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). The regeneration of abomasal tissue was most frequent in ARTMAL. The results showed that dietary supplementation by A. absinthium and M. sylvestris did not positively affected blood parameters but influenced local immune response in the abomasum of H. contortus infected sheep.
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.
The aim of this work was to clarify impact of somatic cell count (SCC) on milk yield and its composition. The experiment was realized on one dairy farm with Tsigai breed. Totally 252 milk samples from 84 ewes (on their first and second lactation) were analysed. Milk samples within regular test recording day from the whole udder were collected during lactation in April, June and July. On the basis of SCC the samples were divided into the SCC groups: first <200 × 103 cells.ml-1; second ≥200 <400 × 103 cells.ml-1; third ≥400 <600 × 103 cells.ml-1; fourth ≥600 <1000 × 103 cells.ml-1; fifth ≥1000 × 103 cells.ml-1 to see the effect of SCC at the level of regular milk recording test day. The same SCC groups were used for distribution of the lactation means of somatic cell score (SCS) for evaluation of the effect of SCC at the level of whole lactation. Total milk yield per lactation was affected SCS per lactation (P=0.0089). In each month of sampling we observed decrease content of lactose at the level of test day (P<0.001) and at the level of lactation (P=0.001) with increase of SCC. The increase content of protein we detected with increase of SCC at the level of test days (P=0.0281) and decline per lactation (P=0.0452). In content of fat we did not find out change in relation with increase of SCC in regular milk recording test days and per lactation also. The analyses suggest that SCC negatively impact on milk yield and milk composition and SCC should be in high attention of dairy practice.
The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of oxidative product levels, using malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker on occurrence of mastitis and its causing pathogens in two dairy flocks of ewes situated in east and north of Slovakia. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of milk, with the evaluation of Californian mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological analysis of individual raw milk samples. From total 537 and 444 halves ewe’s milk samples were 16.6% and 23.2% positive to CMT, respectively. The prevalence of mastitis caused by bacterial pathogenes in the monitored herds was 14.3% to 19.1%, respectively. In all monitored sheep flocks were confirmed predominantly subclinical forms (SM) of intramammary infection (IMI). The highest of etiological agents in all monitored herds had coagulase negative staphylococci and coagulase positive staphylococci especially Staphylococcus aureus. Except for staphylococci were Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus spp. most frequently pathogens isolated from mastitic sheep. The highest MDA level was observed from clinical cases of mastitis however, increased MDA levels were detectable from subclinical cases. Bacterial isolates from mastitc halves milk samples are different in levels of MDA. In this study, we found that milk samples infected with S. aureus were higher compared to other pathogens. In conclusion, differences in both severities of IMI and mastitis pathogens were associated with differences of MDA in infected udders.
The climate in the Czech Republic is mild, transient between oceanic and continental, with a typical alternation of 4-year periods. The continental climate is characterized by high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. During the extreme fluctuation of microclimatic conditions in the stable, there is also a change in individual reproductive indicators due to disruption of hormonal secretion, which further affects individual physiological processes, thus worsening conception or milder manifestations of heat, which we currently try to detect by neck responders and other modern systems.The experiment analyzed the effect of the average monthly temperature and humidity in the stable on the percentage of pregnant cows, in 2017 without the use of neck responders and in 2019, when all cows already had a neck responder. Monitoring was performed in 2017 and 2019 on the private farm GenAgro Říčany, a.s. (GPS 49 ° 12'32.319 "N, 16 ° 23'42.666" V). The values of average temperatures and relative humidity were calculated from 15-minute interval recordings of HOBO brand data loggers (Onset), which were placed in the stable, at the height at the withers of the cows without the possibility of influencing the measurements by the cows themselves. The object of monitoring was a herd of approximately 700 cows of Czech Fleckvieh Simmental various lactations. Data on the conception of cows were obtained both from the monthly reports of the breeding organization and from the data of the breeder.Thermal stress can have a long-lasting effect observable for weeks or months after the summer. This is also evidenced by the results of the work, which shows the worsening conception of cows, especially in late summer and autumn. At the same time, the results show a positive effect of the used neck responders, which help with the detection of heat and thus improve the reproduction of the whole herd.
The experiment was conducted to compare the differences in the physical and technological quality of pork meat with different growth intensity. The pigs were divided in accordance with the average daily gain values as followed: a) the fast-growing group (R1> AGD + 0.5 SD), b) the medium-fast-growing group (R2= AGD ± 0.5 SD) and c) slow-growing group (R3< AGD - 0.5 SD). For group of gilts, we found a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in the drip loss value between the fast-growing group and the medium-growing group and the fast-growing group compared to the slow-growing group of gilts. Between the fast-growing group and the medium-growing group, as well as between the fast-growing group and the slow-growing group of gilts, the differences in shear force value were statistically highly significant at the level of P ≤ 0.01. At the same time, in the colour of meat in redness (a* value) were found statistically significant differences between groups of barrows according to the growth rate at the level of P ≤ 0.05 and between fast and slow-growing gilts at the level of P ≤ 0.01 and medium and slow-growing gilts at the level of P ≤ 0.05. In addition, in the meat yellowness (b*) we also determined a statistically highly significant difference at the level of P ≤ 0.01 between the fastest-growing group and medium fast-growing barrows and a significant difference at the level of P ≤ 0.05 between the fast and slow-growing group of gilts.
The aim of the study was the evaluation of gluten quality of selected meat products. Gluten is a vegetable protein, which, due to its properties, is very often used in various sectors of the food industry and therefore in the production of meat products. Sensory evaluation, microbiological examination and gluten detection were performed in samples of sausages, Poultry frankfurter, Fine salami and Malokarpatská salami. The meat products came from different producers and were purchased from a retail network. Sensory quality was determined by assessing color, aroma, juiciness, fragility and taste using a 5-point rating scale. The microbiological examination included the determination of the total number of microorganisms, the number of psychrotrophic, coliform microorganisms and coagulase-positive staphylococci. The presence of gluten alone was detected using a commercially produced GlutenTox Home test kit as well as a PCR reaction. Individual testing of selected meat products showed minor differences in the overall quality of gluten free and gluten-free meat products.
High-yielding dairy cows have several critical periods during lactation. These include the drying period, parturition, postpartum period and the first 100 days of lactation. The mineral profile displays the balanced feed ration appropriate for the category. Therefore, investigation of serum mineral profile of dry cows and cows in 12th week after calving was the aim of this study. In this work 12 high producing Holstein Friesian dairy cows from dairy farm were used. The analysed elements Ca2+, P, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and chlorides (Cl-) were determined at 4th week after drying and during 12th week after calving. The data obtained were compared with the standard for dairy cows. Compared to reference interval, before calving 8 and after calving 5 cows had hypocalcaemia. Hypophosphatemia was detected for 2 cows before calving and 3 after calving. For the other elements Na, K, Mg2+ and chlorides (Cl-) no deviations from the reference intervals were found. In blood serum mineral profile between dry cows and cows in 12th week of lactation significant differences were found for Mg Cl- (increase) and K (decrease). Results shown, that main problem of dry and lactating cows was the hypocalcaemia and partly the hypophosphatemia.
During their career, horses are affected by a large number of direct and indirect factors. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of indirect factors, such as year of start, sex, breed, number of starts, age and proportion of genes of Slovak Warmblood horse breed. For determination of indirect factors on performance level, results from test efficiency and final placement in showjumping category 4, 5 and 6 years old young horses were used. 540 horses of Slovak Warmblood breed were analysed between 2015 - 2019 and 1155 data samples were collected. Based on the results of the linear model, parameters – the effect of gender and the influence of the gene proportion of Slovak Warmblood horse had statistically significant influence (p<0.05). High significant effect (p<0.001) on performance of Slovak Warmblood horse was observed in parameters – year of start, age during start and breed.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of sex on selected fattening, carcass and qualitative veal parameters of Slovak Simmental breed. The comparison was carried out on the 8 male and the 8 female animals. The animals were reared under the same housing conditions and were fed with grass hay (ad libitum), feed straw and calves feed concentrate, and had a free access to the fresh water. The fattening period started from about 70 days of age to required final weight. Length of the fattening period was 180 days. The slaughter and carcass composition, carcass yield, qualitative, physical and technological characteristics of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were studied. We found a significantly higher proportion of bones and a significantly higher proportion of separable fat in the carcass half in males. Higher proportion of meat were found in females. At the heifers was found, although not significantly, a higher proportion of internal fat (rumen, intestinal, kidney, pelvic). Significantly different pH measured 24 hours post mortem was found between males and females (P<0.01). Parameter of meat colour – lightness was higher identified in male calves at 24 hour and 7 days post mortem. Higher redness value was identified in female calves at 24 hour and 7 days post mortem.
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.
The study is focused on the evaluation of the changes in locomotion activity and rumination time in heifers and dairy cows of Holstein breed during estrus. We analysed the locomotion activity and rumination time using the Heatime RuminAct device on 110 dams (78 dairy cows and 32 heifers). We evaluated a total of 298 estrus cycles during the reference period of 3 days before estrus, 3 days after estrus and on the day of the estrus occurrence. The locomotion of cows was expressed in units of locomotion activity in 24 hours (u.24h-1). Rumination time was expressed in minutes in 24 hours (min.24h-1). Based on the results of the study, we established that during estrus, the locomotion activity of dams increases to 888 u 24 h-1 (P <0.001), which represents an increase of +305 u.24 h-1 (+38%). Rumination time of dams was considerably affected by estrus as well and decreased from 582 min.24 h-1 (1 day before estrus) to 482 min.24-1 in estrus time (-43 min.24 h-1).
The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary intake of humic substances (HS) on the proteolytic activity and the digestibility of crude protein (CP) measured as the apparent assimilable mass coefficient of CP corrected for protein catabolism (AMCN) in the intestine as well as on the total protein and albumin content in the serum of broiler chickens (Cobb 500, n=120). Chickens (groups A, B, C / negative control) were fed with mixtures with CP (g.kg-1 DM) – Hyd1 230.20 (d 1-7), Hyd2 222.20 (d 8-28), Hyd3 209.40 (d 29-37) for 37 days. The humic substances were added into diets of experimental groups in the feed additive according to the content of humic/fulvic acids (HA/FA; g.kg-1) A 4.55/0.35, B 3.99/0.35, C 2.85/0.25. The body weights and feed consumption were measured once a week. The average daily weight gains and the feed conversion ratio were calculated. The dietary intake of HS had a positive effect on the increase of proteolytic activities in the intestinal apparatus and caused the significant enhancement of AMCN of birds from experimental groups on days 17, 24 and 31. However, the values of the total protein and the albumin in the serum were significantly decreased in the groups after intake of HA/FA 4.55/0.35 or 3.99/0.35 in the feed.
Probiotics and prebiotics are effective to modulate optimal conditions in gastrointestinal tract inhabited by diverse microbial population. Probiotics regulate and modulate gut microbial population thus reducing the risk of diarrhea. Positive effect on growth is confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic (Lactobacillus sporogenes) and prebiotic (Ascophyllum nodosum) supplements on weight gain in calves. Forty new-born Holstein calves were randomised to control and experimental group. In the experimental group, Lactobacillus sporogenes and Ascophyllum nodosum were added first to colostrum and then to milk replacer, calves in the control group were fed with colostrum and milk replacer only. The weight gains of animals were found out during the whole experiment. Evidence of animal health and diarrhea was monitored. In the end of experiment, the body weight gains in experimental calves were by 14,4% higher compared to control but without statistical significance (P>0,05). Probiotic and prebiotic treatment tended to diminish diarrhea. The health benefits of monitored treatment were noticed in experimental group.
A prerequisite for the successful pig breeding isthe achievement of high reproductive performance, which can be influenced by several environmental factors. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the impact of the season, microclimatic indicators and technology of housing of the lactating sows on the number of the weaned piglets in the litter. The experiment was performed on a production farm in Slovakia and a total of 800 litters were evaluated. The results have shown that the season had a statistically significant effect on the number of the weaned piglets (p<0.01), least in the summer and most of them in the fall. The highest number of the weaned piglets was found at the temperatures from 18 to 22 °C (p<0.05), temperatures outside the stated range had a negative impact on the number of the weaned piglets. An increase of the relative humidity - above 70% (p<0.05) and an increase in the flow - above 0,4 m.s-1 (p<0.05) led to a decrease in the number of the weaned piglets. In the housing with a freemovement of the lactating sows, the number of the weaned piglets was higher than with the restricted movement (p<0.05).
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.
Apple stand on the top of the most desirable and most produced fruit species in the world. Despite enormously wide genetic diversity among existing apple varieties, the current market is mostly oriented on several cultivars of commercially attractive traits. For the preservation of genetic resources and for breeding programmes, the evaluation of genetic diversity is fundamental. Number of marker systems have been developed and adopted in the assessment apple germplasm. In the present study, CDDP marker technique was used to analyse polymorphism within the genomes of fifteen apple varieties which are of large commercial use. Five primer combinations were used in the PCR amplification: WRKY-F1/WRKY-R1, WRKY-F1/WRKY-R2, WRKY-F1/WRKY-R2B, WRKY-F1/WRKY-R3 and WRKY-F1/WRKY-R3B. All primer combinations produced polymorphic amplification patterns. In some primer combinations, identical amplification profiles were observed in few varieties, but amplification patterns of all combinations merged were specific for each apple variety. Identical profiles were only seen in Red Delicious and Granny Smith in F1/R1 primer combination, May Gold and Paula Red, and Selena and Melodie in F1/R2 primer combination and May Gold and Paula Red when F1/R3B primers were used. Based on the CDDP markers, UPGMA algorithm assessed cultivars Paula Red and May Gold as the most similar (with similarity value of 0.909), whereas Gloster and Ambrosia showed to be the least similar within the analyzed set (similarity value of 0.200). The study proved CDDP markers to be suitable tool to produce polymorphic amplification patterns in apple genotypes.