bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of inbreeding on milk traits in Holstein cattle in the Czech Republic
Authors: Bezdíček J. , Šubrt J. , Filipčík R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of the level of inbreeding on the milk production (MP) and the breeding values (BV) of milk production. Data included cows calved in years 1990-2005 at farms in the Czech Republic. Inbred cows were grouped according to Fx coefficient (Fx = 1.25 %, Fx = 2.0–3.125 %, Fx = 4.0–12.5 % and Fx = total). MP and BV of inbred cows were compared with their outbred equals – half-sisters, sharing the same sire (n = 2,063), dam reached the same breeding value (±5 %) and their first calving happened in the same farm and at the same time (±2 months). The PROC GLM of SAS® with fixed effects (age at first calving, year of calving, number of lactations, first calving interval and relative breeding value of the sire and dam) was applied to all data. In the examined groups of Fx coefficient milk production of inbred cows at the first lactation decreased of −103.02, −236.8, −472.24 and −247.65 kg of milk. Also an insignificant increase of percentage of fat was found in most of the inbred groups: −0.0025, +0.1204, −0.0064 and +0.0708, as well as percentage of protein: −0.0063, +0.0365, −0.0346 and +0.0157. A similar tendency was also found when the milk production was represented by breeding values. Breeding value for milk in kg showed a decrease of −36.57, −43.55, −92.23 and −50.81 kg milk. Breeding value for fat percentage showed in inbred animals an increase of +0.0068, +0.0394, +0.0152 and +0.0251 %. A similar increase was also found in breeding value for protein percentage: +0.0015, +0.0216, −0.0035 and +0.0134 %. The Fx coefficient increasing by 1 % decreases milk production (regression coefficient) by 59.75 kg milk and increases fat and protein by +0.0112 % and +0.0030 %.
Quality of semen of young boars of the breeds Pietrain and Duroc and their reciprocal crosses
Authors: Kawęcka M. , Pietruszka A. , Jacyno E. , Czarnecki R. , Kamyczek M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The study concerned examination of 120 of young Pietrain and Duroc boars and hybrids descending from reciprocal crossing of those breeds. On 230th, 250th and 270th day of their lives, their sperm was given a detailed examination. It is assessed that Pietrain boars gave ejaculates of the lowest volume, lowest mobility, and the lowest total number of spermatozoa. Semen of boars of this group had also the highest percentage of spermatozoa with major and minor morphological changes, and defected acrosome. Along with the age of boars (from 230th to 270th day of life) there was a significant improvement of quality of semen of all of the groups except the semen of Pietrain boars. We detected the positive effect of crossing especially in hybrids boars descending from mating of Duroc fathers and Pietrain mothers. Even during the first evaluation, they gave the semen of the highest total number of normal sperms, with normal acrosome, and with the highest value of osmotic resistance test and the lowest activity of AspAT in semen plasma. That proves the high quality of ejaculates of those hybrids comparing to the ejaculates of the boars of other groups – purebreds as well as hybrids of the opposite combination, i.e. descending from crossing of Pietrain fathers and Duroc mothers. This conclusion suggests to use Duroc fathers and Pietrain mothers in production of hybrid boars.
Erythrocyte potassium, sodium and glutathione concentrations and their relationship with reproduction, body weight and fleece weight traits in Awassi sheep
Authors: Gunes N. , Aydin C. , Duygu Udum C. , Dikmen S. , Ozmen O.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Relationship between erythrocyte potassium (Ke), erythrocyte sodium (Nae) and blood glutathione (GSH) concentrations and production/ reproduction traits were investigated in Awassi sheep. Thirty healthy sheep subjected to analyze for phenotypic and gene frequencies of Ke, Nae and GSH concentrations. Correlation between these parameters and production/ reproduction traits such as greasy fleece weight, milk production, birth rate, single and twin birth rate and body weight were calculated. A positive correlation was found between birth rate and mean Ke concentration (r=0.481, P<0.008) and Nae concentration (r=−0.454, P<0.013). Another correlation between GSH concentration and greasy fleece weight (r=−0.368, P<0.049) and milk production (r=0.379, P<0.050) parameters was also evidenced. These suggest that Ke, Nae and GSH concentrations may be included in the metabolic profile testing parameters.
Effect of inbreeding on lean meat percentage and average daily gain in Hungarian Landrace pigs
Authors: Vígh Z. , Gyovai P. , Csató L. , Bokor Á. , Farkas J. , Radnóczi L. , Komlósi I. , Nagy I.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Pedigree and field test data – collected between 1994–2005 – were analyzed in a group of 132,548 Hungarian Landrace pigs. The analysed traits were average daily gain (ADG) and lean meat percentage (LMP). In the present study inbreeding coefficients, pedigree completeness (complete generation equivalents) and inbreeding depression for ADG and LMP were estimated. Increasing the number of generations that were considered in the pedigree the estimated inbreeding coefficients did not change after the 5th generation, but pedigree completeness was continuously increased. The estimated inbreeding depression for ADG and LMP were different applying 40 different models but the magnitude of the differences was small. The model comparison showed that the models containing litter and year-month effects had the best fit (smallest mean squared error). Increasing the inbreeding coefficient by 10 % decreased ADG by 4.01 g and practically did not affect LMP (0.003 %). It can be concluded that the estimated inbreeding depression was small and substantial depression can not be expected in the near future. However, the low level of inbreeding of the studied population can partly be explained by the short pedigrees. This suggests that Hungarian pig breeders may often import breeding animals or carry out herd replacements rather than applying continuous within group selection.
Bovine cardiac troponin I gene (TNNI3) as a candidate gene for bovine dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Owczarek-Lipska M. , Dolf G. , Guziewicz K. E. , Leeb T. , Schelling C. , Posthaus H. , Braunschweig M. H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The cardiac troponin complex, which is an important component of the contractile apparatus, is composed of the three subunits troponin I (TnI), troponin C (TnC) and troponin T (TnT). Troponin I is the inhibitory subunit and consists of three isoforms encoded by TNNI1, TNNI2 and TNNI3 genes, respectively. Due to the different types of cardiomyopathies caused by mutations in the TNNI3 gene and its fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping on bovine chromosome 18q26, which was shown to be linked to the recessively inherited bovine dilated cardiomyopathy (BDCMP), bovine TNNI3 was considered as candidate gene for BDCMP. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) TNNI3 expression analysis resulted in a significant difference between BDCMP affected and unaffected animals when normalized to ACTB gene expression, but there was no significant difference in expression when normalized to GAPDH. Northen blotting experiment was in agreement with the expression analysis and did not reveal a significant difference between the group of BDCMP affected and unaffected animals. Sequencing of the bovine TNNI3 gene revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism in intron 6 (c.378+315G>A), but this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)was present regardless of the BDCMP status. In summary our data provide evidence to exclude the bovine TNNI3 gene as a candidate for BDCMP.
Some factors influencing milk somatic cell count of Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss cows under the Mediterranean climatic conditions
Authors: Koç A. , Kizilkaya K.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the influencing factors on somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk of Holstein Friesian (HF) and Brown Swiss (BS) cows raised on three dairy farms under the Mediterranean climatic conditions in Turkey. For a two-year period, farms were visited monthly to measure daily milk yield (DMY) and collect milk samples from each cow during the morning and evening milking. Total of 1 429 SCC readings from 67 HF and 16 BS cows were analyzed by using repeated measures. Breed (P<0.01), lactation number (LN) (P<0.01), milking time (MT) (P<0.05), lactation month (LM) (P<0.01) and the interactions of breed-LM (P<0.05), herd-LM (P<0.01) and LN-LM (P<0.01) effects on SCC were statistically significant as did the co-variable DMY effect (P<0.01). The effect of herd and herd-MT interactions on SCC were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The SCC means for BS and HF cows were 5.464±0.060 (291 072 cells/ml) and 5.654±0.029 (450 817 cells/ml), respectively. The SCC mean for morning milking (338 065 cells/ml) was 25 850 cells/ml lower than that of evening milking. The LN4 had the highest SCC mean (490 908 cells/ml) and was statistically different from those of LN1 (P<0.01) and LN2 (P<0.05). The SCC level was the highest in the first LM (601 174 cells/ml) and this level then decreased in the later months. Possible reasons for the difference in SCC means between the breeds are different resistance mechanisms against mastitis, different morphological conformations of udders and different milk yields between these two breeds. The insignificant differences found among herds show the similarities of management, milking hygiene and barn conditions. In order to decrease SCC in milk and increase udder health, some precautions need to be taken like improving milking management, hygiene and barn conditions, milking the cow at uniform intervals, feeding the cows after the milking and applying a mastitis control program.
Effect of fluctuate lighting on performance of laying hens (Short Communication)
Authors: Durmuş İ. , Kalebaşi S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of fluctuate lighting on performance of laying hens. Two programs were applied with 16 hours daily lighting: step-up (normal) lighting program as the control treatment and a fluctuate lighting program of 2 W/m2 for 45 min and 6 W/m2 for 15 min. Egg weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, henday egg production and hen-housed egg production of the laying hens were recorded for 46 weeks. No significant difference for hen-day and hen-housed egg production between the step up and fluctuate lighting programs (P>0.05) were found. However, fluctuate lighting program resulted in a significant increase in egg weight (P<0.05). Moreover, hens in the fluctuate lighting program consumed significantly less amount of feed and had a better feed conversion ratio than hens in the step-up lighting program (P<0.01). The results of the present study indicate that fluctuate lighting can be used for a profitable egg production.
The effect of crossing New Zealand White with Californian rabbits on growth and slaughter traits
Authors: Maj D. , Bieniek J. , Łapa P. , Sternstein I.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. slaughter traits. The experiment was conducted on 120 New Zealand White (NZW) and Californian (CAL) medium-sized rabbits and their F1 reciprocal crosses (CAL × NZW and NZW × CAL). The rabbits were fed pellets ad libitum, and slaughtered at body weight around 2.5 kg. The following traits were recorded: body weight and average daily gain at birth to slaughter, average feed consumption from weaning to slaughter, slaughter age, carcass weight, meat, bone and fat content of carcass, prime cuts weight (fore part, loin and hind part), and dressing percentage. The results indicated that reciprocal crossbred CAL × NZW and NZW × CAL rabbits were heavier than purebred animals. NZW × CAL crosses attained the slaughter body weight earlier, and had lower feed consumption. The dressing percentage in NZW × CAL crosses was highest, while the lowest in NZW rabbits. For other slaughter traits, except the fat content of carcass, effects of crossing rabbits were small. The magnitude of the crossbreeding effects depended on the direction of crossbreeding. Maximum effects in crosses for slaughter age, body weight, feed consumption and dressing percentage were obtained when the Californian breed was used as a maternal component.
Genotyping of the polymorphism within exon 1 of Hormone Sensitive Lipase (LIPE) Gene in three Chinese Yak (Bos grunniens) breeds by PCR-RFLP (Brief Report)
Authors: Ma Z. , Zhong J. , Xu J. , Wei Y.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The yak (Bos grunniens), a herbivore living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent territories, is one of world’s most remarkable domestic animals. Over the past decades, research has been done on properties of yak meat at physiological and biochemical levels. In recent years, some candidate genes associating with meat quality and lipid metabolism in yak have been studied (MA et al. 2007, ZHONG et al. 2007). The Hormone Sensitive Lipase (LIPE) gene has been regarded as a candidate gene associating with lipid metabolism and meat quality. Several studies have reported the genetic variations in the LIPE genes of human and pig (TALMUD et al. 1998, KNOLL et al. 1998, WU et al. 1998, HARBITZ et al. 1999), whereas the yak LIPE gene polymorphism has not been investigated and no information is available. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the genetic variation in Chinese yak LIPE at the DNA sequence level and genotyping of the polymorphism within LIPE in different yak breeds.
Effect of restricted suckling time on milk components and sucking behavior of lambs
Authors: Cimen M. , Karaalp M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different suckling systems in non-dairy sheep on the production and components of milk, sucking behavior and lamb growth from day 4 after lambing until the lambs were 4 weeks old. The sixteen ewes with their lambs were used to compare restricted suckling time (R) and free suckling time (F) methods. The F lambs were maintained with mothers and suckled ad libitum during day. The R lambs were removed from their dams and allowed to suckle their dams for 15 min during morning and afternoon period. After two weeks of age, all lambs were encouraged to consume roughage alfa alfa as ad libitum to stimulate their ruminal activity. Daily milk intakes of R lambs were low, while F lambs consumed more milk in 1st and 3rd weeks. Therefore, F lambs gained more weight in these weeks. The R lambs have been shown to result in lower sucking duration and higher frequency as compared to F lambs until 4th week. There were no significant differences between treatments in change of milk protein during study. However, the milk fat concentrations were higher in the F group than in R group until 4th week.
Rearing, fattening performance and slaughter indicators of lambs after selenium, zinc and vitamin E supplementation
Authors: Gabryszuk M. , Horbańczuk K. , Klewiec J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The experiment was conducted on 80 Polish Merino ewes, their 82 lambs and 40 fattening rams. Merino ewes were divided into two groups: experimental (E) and control (C), each composed of 40 animals. Four weeks before lambing, 1 day, 3 weeks and 6 weeks after lambing 40 ewes of the experimental (E) group received intramuscular injection of 5 ml 0.1 % Na2SeO4 (selenium [Se]: 2.09 mg), 10 ml 10 % ZnSO4 (Zinc [Zn]: 227 mg) and 250 mg vitamin E (α-tocopherol), and control group (C) – no received. From birth all the lambs were maintained with their dams and then weaned at the age of 8 weeks, placed in individual straw-bedded pens and fattened individually with a granulated concentrate mixture until reaching a body weight about 32 kg. During fattening 20 lambs from experimental group (E) was given per os 1 ml 0.1 % Na2SeO4, 3 ml 10 % ZnSO4 and 60 mg vitamin E (α-tocopherol) daily, and control group (C) – no administered. The levels of Se, Zn and vitamin E in the blood plasma of ewes and ram- lambs were within the reference values. The lambs born by the treated ewes (E) experienced much lower body live weight at birth (P≤0.05), body weight on day 28 and 56 (P≤0.01), compared to lambs born from group (C). Also the daily live weight gain from birth to 4 week and from birth to 8 week were significantly lower (P≤0.05) in lambs born by the treated ewes. Se, Zn and vitamin E treated rams contained less fat in leg (P≤0.05), less fat thickness over ribs (P≤0.01) and less fat thickness over loin-eye than non treated rams.
Selection in the genetic resource: genetic variation of the linear described type traits in the Old Kladrub horse
Authors: Jakubec V. , Vostrý L. , Schlote W. , Majzlík I. , Mach K.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The structure of the breed in 2003 was: 39 sires and 350 dams. The breed was closed against immigration in 1992. In 1993 and 2003 coefficients of inbreeding (Fx) were calculated from 5 parental generations for sires and dams in the whole breed and white and black variety. From 1993 to 2003 decreased the Fx (%) in the breed for stallions from 5.65 to 5.57 and for mares from 7.75 to 4.88. The effective population size was in 1993 Ne=114.00 and 2003 Ne=140.36. The increment of Ne during the 10-year period was 26.36 animals. The average heterozygosity estimated on the frequencies of blood types, biochemical markers and microsatellites was enough large and was connected with a low coefficient of inbreeding. Linear type evolutions of 494 horses of the Old Kladrub breed for 32 traits were used to analyse the effect of variety and stud. The data were used for the estimation of population parameters and heritability coefficients. The specific properties and variation of the Old Kladrub horse in its current state were characterized by the overall mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, number of utilized scores and heritabilities. The highest coefficient of variation showed the forelimbs-side view (40.14 %), chest girth (36.25 %) and height at withers (30.97 %). The 8 traits showed heritabilities within the interval of 0.20 to 0.68. These traits are candidates as selection criteria. Significant differences between both varieties were found in 13 from 32 traits. Significant differences were found in 12 of 32 traits between the Kladruby stud and the private studs.
Histochemical analysis of skeletal muscular tissues of pigs according to genotype MYF 4 (Short communication)
Authors: Makovický P. , Makovický P. , Kačániová M. , Pavličová S. , Haščík P.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The results of histochemical analysis of 3 muscles – m. triceps brachii (MTB), m. longissimus thoracitus (MLT) and m. rectus femoris (MRF) – in 2 groups of pigs formed according to the genotypes MYF 4 are presented in this study. Determination of MYF 4 genotypes was performed by the polymerase chain reaction method (PCR). For histochemical analysis, 5 animals detected as homozygotes of the MYF 4-AA type and 5 animals of the heterozygous genotype AB were used out of the total 25 individual animals tested. The histochemical analysis demonstrated that homozygotes AA had larger fat cells on the average than heterozygotes AB in the three studied muscles, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). The percentage surface representation of interstitial tissues was higher in the studied muscles of heterozygotes MYF 4-AB. The volume of interstitial tissues was the highest in the MRF in both groups (myogenin – AA and AB). The average thickness of muscle fibres of the three studied muscles was higher in the homozygote genotype myogenin MYF 4-AA than in heterozygotes MYF 4-AB, which was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Dynamics of changes in iron concentration and total iron binding capacity in blood plasma of goat kids during their first month of life (Short Communication)
Authors: Skrzypczak W. F. , Ożgo M. , Lepczyński A. , Łata A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The experiment was carried out on 14 kids of Polish Improved White breed during the first 30 days of life. The aim of this study was to show changes in the concentration of blood plasma iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) during the neonatal period. The statistically confirmed differences (P≥0.01) in blood serum iron concentration was show in the kids between 5th (20.57 μmol/l) and 14th (9.97 μmol/l) day of life, and between 3rd and 4th week with the peak in 23rd day (27.50 μmol/l). We have also shown statisticly confirmed increase in TIBC (P≥0.01) between 1st and 4th day of life (+20.13 μmol/l), and between 14th and 23rd day of life (+15.59 μmol/l). Statistically confirmed decrease of TIBC was observed between 6th (52.30 μmol/l) and 14th (31.78 μmol/l) day of life. Conclusion: The studies have revealed dynamic changes in the concentration and total binding capacity of blood plasma iron concentration during the first month of postnatal life. The pattern of such changes does not depend on the gender or litter size. It was observed a significant decrease in the concentration of this trace element in blood plasma toward the end of the second week, which may indicate a relative iron deficiency, particularly in twin-born kids.
Relationships between breast muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography and meatiness and fatness in broiler chickens
Authors: Kleczek K. , Wawro K. , Wilkiewicz-Wawro E. , Makowski W. , Konstantynowicz D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to determine relationships between breast muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography and meatiness and fatness characteristics in broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on 80 Ross 308 chickens aged 42 days. Breast muscle thickness was determined before and after slaughter, using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (Dramiński Animal Scanner with an abdominal, sector mechanical probe). The chickens were weighed and carcasses were subjected to detailed dissection. In males breast muscle thickness measured before slaughter was found to be statistically correlated with the weight of a carcass, meat and breast muscles as well as with the percentage content of breast muscles in the carcass. The same measurement taken after slaughter showed a high correlation with all analyzed traits except for the percentage content of fat with skin in the carcass. The coefficients of correlation between the analyzed traits, characterizing meatiness in females, were in most cases slightly higher than in males.
Changes in milk fatty acid composition of goats during lactation in a semi-intensive production system
Authors: Ataşoğlu C. , Uysal-Pala Ç. , Karagül-Yüceer Y.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study aimed at investigating changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration of milk fat during lactation from goats managed in a semi-intensive production system, which consisted of grazing on a woody and herbaceous pasture with the supplementation of mixed concentrate and vetch hay. A total of 21 lactating goats were used. Milk samples were collected at different periods (25 April, 29 June, 25 August and 4 October) during lactation and analysed for their chemical composition and FA profile. The most abundant FA in the milk fat of goats was palmitic (C16:0) acid, followed by oleic (C18:1 n-9), stearic (C18:0), capric (C10:0) and myristic (C14:0) acids. These acids accounted for about 88 % of the total milk FA of goats in all sampling periods. The two medium chain FA; capric (P=0.0001) and lauric (C12:0; P=0.0014) acid were affected by the sampling period, whereas myristic (P=0.4469) and palmitic (P=0.4418) acids did not change. Stearic (P=0.0128), oleic (P=0.0001), linoleic (C18:2; P=0.0088) and linolenic (C18:3; P=0.0001) acids also exhibited significant variations between the sampling periods. However, the CLA (C18:2 c9, t11 and C18:2 t10, c12) contents of milk fat did not change during the entire study regardless of the sampling period (P=0.2448). Milk fatty acid composition of goats, which meet a major part of their nutrient requirements through grazing or browsing in a natural pasture, shows a seasonal variation with milk fat in summer representing a better fatty acid profile for product quality.
Weaning performance of beef Hungarian Fleckvieh calves: 3. Genotype × environment interaction
Authors: Fördős A. , Füller I. , Bene S. , Szabó F.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The interaction of sire and population in Hungarian Fleckvieh beef cattle breed were examined in this study on data from the Hungarian Fleckvieh Breeders Association. Data of 2 345 progeny (1 260 male and 1 085 female), born between 1992 and 2003, of 35 sires from two populations were evaluated. Preweaning daily gain (PDG) and 205-day weight (205-dw) were analysed. Population, age of cows, year of birth, season of birth and sex of calves as fixed, sire and sire × population were treated as a random effect. Among the same performance data in the two populations (A, B) genetic correlation (rg), while by the gradiation of sires rank correlation (rrank), were evaluated. Data were analysed with HARVEY’S (1990) Least Square Maximum Likelihood Computer Program and SPSS 9.0 for Windows. Results were as follows: rg=PDGA−PDGB: 0.31(P<0.01); 205-dwA−205-dwB: 0.22(P<0.01) and rrank=PDG: −0.04(P>0.05); 205-dw: 0.078(P>0.05). According to the result of examination important and significant (P<0.001) sire × population interaction were found in case of the two traits in Hungarian Fleckvieh breed.
Variations in feeding behaviour of high-yielding dairy cows in relation to parity during early to peak lactation
Authors: Azizi O. , Hasselmann L. , Kaufmann O.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to compare the feeding behaviour of high-yielding dairy cows in relation to parity during early to peak lactation and to determine whether or not there was any relationship between variables describing their feeding behaviour and total feed intake. Information concerning feed intake of each individual dairy cow is especially valuable for the herd management, particularly in early lactation. However, technical requirements for implementation are rarely given. Therefore, relationships between feed intake and time-related feeding behaviour parameters are of special interest. Time-related parameters could be recorded on farm conditions adapted sensor technology. Seventy high-yielding lactating dairy cows in different parities (23 in the 1st lactation, 17 in the 2nd lactation, and 30 in the 3rd-and-more-lactation) with an average of 11 000 kg milk yield per year were fed using automatic feeders from the 2nd to the 15th week of lactation. 222 231 recorded visits were analysed in three equal periods (period 1 = 7–39, period 2 = 40–72, and period 3 = 73–105 days in milk [DIM]) during early to peak lactation. Visits were clustered in meals based on the estimated meal criterion (28.5 min). The present study yielded the following values for meal frequency, number of visits per meal, meal duration, meal size, daily mealtime, daily dry matter intake (DMI), and feeding rate over the course of the study were 7.61 ± 1.7 (mean ± SD) meals/d, 4.02 ± 1.68 visits/meal, 37.07 ± 13.77 min/meal, 2.96 ± 0.92 kg DM/meal, 272.18 ± 82.14 min/d, 21.46 ± 4.29 kg DM/d, and 85.56 ± 28.77 g DM/min, respectively. Younger cows had more meals per day, more number of visits per meal, longer daily mealtime but a smaller meal size, lower daily DMI, and lower feeding rate compared to older cows (P<0.001). Meal duration and meal size were highly related to the number of visits at feeder per meal (R2=0.55–0.63; P<0.001, R2=0.25–0.39; P<0.001 respectively). In addition, meal size was highly related to meal duration (R2=0.59–0.72; P<0.001). Results from this study, which analysed data based on meal criterion, showed a higher correlation between the selected parameters of feeding behaviour and feed intake. The high correlation between meal duration and meal size could be used to estimate feed intake.
Weaning results of beef Hungarian Fleckvieh calves 1. Environmental factors
Authors: Szabó F. , Füller I. , Fördős A. , Bene S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Weaning performance of 7 032 purebred Hungarian Fleckvieh calves (3 650 male and 3 382 female) born between 1981 and 2003 from 1 452 cows mated with 113 sires were analysed in two farms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on weaning traits. Farm, age of cows, year of birth, season of birth and sex of calves as fixed, while sire as a random effect was treated. Data were analysed with HARVEY’s (1990) Least Square Maximum Likelihood Computer Program. The overall mean value and standard error of weaning weight, preweaning daily gain and 205-day weight were 214 ± 3.01 kg, 980 ± 17.31 g/day and 236 ± 3.40 kg, respectively. The mean age of the analysed calves was 181 ± 33 days. The results of the examination show that weaning weight, preweaning daily gain and 205-day weight increased as far as the 6 year age cows (the maximum were 226 ± 3.13 kg, 1 049 ± 17.89 g/day, 251 ± 3.54 kg). As for the season effect the calves born in summer were smaller (208 ± 3.12 kg, 946 ± 17.84 g/day and 230 ± 3.52 kg) than that of born in the other seasons (P<0.001). The male calves were heavier than females, the difference was 12 kg, 50 g/day, 16 kg, respectively (P<0.001). The best year was 1985, the worst 2000.
Milk yield persistency and its relationship with health problems in Holstein dairy cows supplemented with different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline
Authors: Ardalan M. , Dehghan-Banadaky M. , Rezayazdi K.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Forty Holstein dairy cows in their first and second lactation were used in a lactation study from 4-week prepartum through 14-week postpartum to investigate the potential effect of feeding different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline on milk yield persistency of Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: 18 g/d of rumen-protected methionine (RPM), 60 g/d of rumenprotected choline (RPC), 18 g/d of RPM + 60 g/d of RPC, or neither supplement (control). The use of polynomial equations revealed that the polynomial coefficients of regression were closer (P<0.05) to zero for RPM+RPC-fed cows than for other cows. Therefore, RPM+RPC-fed cows had a more persistent (P<0.05) early-lactation milk yield than did other cows. Cows fed RPM+RPC had the lowest health problems compared with other groups. The treatments significantly affected actual milk yield (P<0.05), 4 % fat-corrected milk (FCM) (P<0.01) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) (P<0.01) across lactation weeks. The treatments significantly affected average dry matter intake (DMI) for the first 14 week postpartum (P<0.05). Also, treatments significantly affected lactose percentage of milk across lactation weeks (P<0.01). In general, it was expected that RPM+RPC-fed cows with greater persistency of lactation would be healthier because the incidence of metabolic and reproductive disorders and negative energy balance that originate from the physiological stress of high milk yield would be lower.
Wechselbeziehungen zwischen dem Milchleistungsniveau, der Fruchtbarkeit und dem Krankheitsgeschehen bei Holstein Friesian Milchkühen
Authors: Scholz H. , Beyer B. , Anacker G. , Wähner M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Title of the paper: Relationship between milk yield, fertility and amount of disease of Holstein Friesian dairy cows Data of 1 841 lactations of 353 Holstein Friesian dairy cows and data according to their reproductive fertility and diseases were analysed over a period of five years in a breeding farm in Thüringen (Germany). As a result the lowest success of first service has been achieved at a lactation (ranged) between 9 000 and 11 000 kg. The time between calving and the following first service varied according to the first disease in last lactation. With rising milk yield the frequency of diseases and the success of first service tend to decrease. Cows achieving a 305 day milk yield of more than 11 000 kg showed with 56 % the lowest frequency of diseases. In average 60 % of all dairy cows need to be treated once in a lactation. The diseases of highest prevalence are in the field of reproductive fertility and udder health. For heifers a decreased success of first service has been detected if they showed an increased prevalence of illness.
Feed, N and P utilisation of Brown Swiss heifers in comparison with Angus and Simmental suckler cows with their progeny grazing mountain pastures
Authors: Wettstein H.-R. , Estermann B. L. , Sutter F. , Kreuzer M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to compare intake and nutrient turnover in two major production systems on mountainous pastures, suckler beef production and rearing of heifers. Data from 4 × 6 Angus or Simmental suckler beef cows with Angus sired calves were opposed to those measured in six growing Brown Swiss heifers applying a contrast model. In each of two vegetative seasons (years A and B) animals were kept together on three mountainous pastures, P1 (1 000 m a.s.l.), P2 and P3 (both 2 000 m a.s.l.), providing either first growth (P1, P2) or re-growth herbage (P3). Intake and herbage digestibility were estimated by the double alkane indicator technique. On average of the two years, the cows together with their progeny weighed 741 kg and the heifers 374 kg. The average daily body weight gain in beef calves (1 044 g) was twice of that measured in the heifers (546 g). Body weight of the cows remained quite constant on average. Dry matter intakes were 17.0 and 8.2 kg/d, and 118 and 96 g/kg0.75 body weight in suckler cows with progeny and heifers, respectively. On all pastures, cattle of both categories selected herbage of similar energy and protein content. Digestibilities of organic matter (73–74 %) and fibre (NDF, 69 %) were similar between categories, though differing among pastures. Nitrogen utilisation was equal in both categories (8 % of intake), but varied among pastures (11 %, 8 % and 5 % on P1, P2 and P3, respectively) and years (11 % and 6 % in years A and B) due to different herbage N contents and intakes. When related to intake, also excretion of faecal and urinary N was equal in both categories. Faecal P losses relative to weight gain were similar in both categories but differed between pastures and years. The results demonstrated unexpectedly similar nutrient use efficiencies and relative N and P losses of the two livestock system options currently common in utilising of mountainous pasture.
Relation of the length of productive life and the body conformation traits in Slovak Simmental breed
Authors: Strapák P. , Juhás P. , Strapáková E. , Halo M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Data obtained from the evaluation of longevity in 118 646 dairy cows of the Slovak Simmental breed were analyzed. The average length of productive life reached 1 451 days (3.88 years). Based on the analysis of the length of productive life for the whole cattle population, we calculated the ratio of cows that reached more than 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months respectively. The most important effects were the sire (F=53.43, P<0.001) and the farm effect (F=26.32, P<0.001). The milk production at first lactation was an important factor, too. The effects of conformation traits on the length of productive life were analyzed in a group of 6 585 culled cows. From the main conformation traits the most important effects were recorded for body frame, udder, feet and legs. For a detailed evaluation, the level of the effects of a particular body conformation trait were tested. The most important effects were rump angle, croup height and body depth. The analysis of udder traits showed that the most important effects were udder depth, teats length, rear udder attachment and rear udder. From the feet and legs traits the most important effects were recorded for fetlock, foot and rear legs.
Effect of some factors on cow longevity
Authors: Sawa A. , Bogucki M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Longevity (lifespan, length of productive life, number of calvings) was analysed in 25 231 cows that first calved in 1988 and 2000 in the Pomerania and Kujawy regions in Poland. GLM procedures of the SAS package were used in the statistical calculations. Longevity of cows that first calved in 2000 was found to improve in relation to that of cows that were first milked in 1988. The lifespan and length of productive life increased the most (by about 1 year) in herds of up to 20 cows, in herds with the lowest production level (by about 0.85 years), in herds of cows that first calved before 24 months of age up (by about 1 year) and in herds of cows that yielded 4 000–7 000 kg milk as first calvers (by about 0.5 years). Shortening the length of productive life in cows culled for low milk production (by 0.3 years) is probably one of the reasons for considerable production progress attained in cows in recent years. Age of cows at first calving and first lactation milk yield were significantly correlated to cow longevity.
Heritability of type traits in first calving Black and White cows
Authors: Pantelić V. , Samolovac L. , Aleksić S. , Trivunović S. , Petrović M. M. , Ostojić-Andrić D. , Novaković Ž.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Group of secondary traits such as health, longevity, type and milkability represents some of very important factors for successful milk production. These traits have been given great importance in recent years. In order to realize productive life of dairy cows as long and successful as possible, special attention should be directed to traits of type and body constitution. Objective of the research was to establish heritability coefficients for 14 type traits of first calving Black and White cows, effect of genetic and paragenetic factors (bull sires, farm, year and season of calving, age at scoring and share of Holstein-Friesian [HF] genes) on type traits, so that these scores could be included in calculation of breeding value of the animal. Also, average values of milk traits have been established: milk yield and yield of 4 % fat corrected milk (FCM), content and quantity of milk fat. Evaluation was performed on a sample of 2 976 first calving Black and White cows. Evaluated cows were reared on 7 farms of the Agricultural Corporation Belgrade in Serbia. Analysis of discontinuous and continuous influences was done using the method of least squares. Investigation indicated that the value of linear type evaluation should be included in the total evaluation of the breeding value and in this way complete insight into genetic supremacy, especially of breeding bulls, would be obtained. Use of bull semen of proven supremacy in transmission of genes desirable from the aspect of body constitution, in the process of artificial insemination, would lead faster to production herds with animals which are uniform in type, of good conformation and longevity, which is of special significance in conditions of intensive rearing of dairy cattle.
Isolation of 11 new polymorphic microsatellites from CA enriched turkey genomic libraries (Short communication)
Authors: Korom E. , Bakos K. , Veress G. , Pinke O. , Reed K. M. , Varga L. , Kovács B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Microsatellite loci from the ancient Hungarian variety of the Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) were isolated. CA-repeat enriched libraries were constructed from DNA of randomly collected samples. Libraries were screened for repeat-containing clones by PIMA (PCR Isolation of Microsatellite Arrays) and the DNA-sequence of 167 positive clones was determined. A total of 136 microsatellite repeat-containing sequences were found, 59 sequences were unique. Comparing these with the genomic databases, we found 7 previously annotated microsatellite sequences. The newly isolated 52 microsatellites were tested on the mapping population of the University of Minnesota, and the map position of 11 microsatellites was determined.
Eggs weight of Japanese quail vs. eggs quality after storage time and hatchability results
Authors: Nowaczewski S. , Witkiewicz K. , Kontecka H. , Krystianiak S. , Rosiński A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the performed investigations was to compare eggs of Japanese quail layers of different weights with regard to their shape, selected traits of the content following various times of their storage as well as the results of hatchability and body weight of one-day old chicks. Hatching eggs were divided into four groups: group S – up to 10.50 g, group M – from 10.51 to 11.50 g, group L – from 11.51 to 12.50 g and group XL – from 12.51 g. In experiment I, on days: 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 of storage, the following traits were assessed in 20 eggs from each group: egg weight (g) and yolk and albumen index as well as the number of Haugh units. In experiment II, five hatches were carried out. The total of 480 eggs were incubated in each hatch (120 eggs for each group). On the 15th day of incubation, the eggs were weighed. After hatching, 30 chicks from each group were weighed. Basic hatchability indices were also determined. Eggs with the smallest weight, stored for 1 day, with the smallest yolks were characterized by their highest content contrary to the eggs with the highest weight (the biggest yolks but with their smallest percentage content). In eggs with the higher weight (groups L and XL), a certain increase in weight and proportion (%) of yolk was observed after 3, 5, 7 and 10 days. The highest albumen percentage content was determined in eggs from groups L and XL, whereas in the remaining groups the albumen content was the smallest. With the lengthening of the egg storage, the albumen weight did not undergo significant changes. After one-day storage, the yolk and albumen index as well as Haugh units were slightly higher for eggs of smaller weight than for bigger ones. Eggs from groups S and M were more spherical. Eggs from groups L and XL had smaller weight losses during hatching. Eggs from group L were characterized by the best fertilization, hatchability results and proportion of dead embryos and unhatched chicks. The heaviest chicks were obtained from eggs of the highest weight, while the lightest – from eggs of the smallest weight. The obtained results appear to indicate that Japanese quail eggs of 10.51-12.50 g are the best for hatching.
Effect of mannan oligosaccharide addition to whole milk on growth and health of Holstein calves
Authors: Uzmay C. , Kiliç A. , Kaya I. , Özkul H. , Önenç S. S. , Polat M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) mixed in the whole milk on the growth and health of calves. Forty Holstein calves (20 male, 20 female) were randomly assigned, within sex, to one of two groups at 5 d of age. Calves were fed fresh, warm whole milk (control) or fresh, warm whole milk supplemented with MOS (4 g of Bio-Mos per calf daily at a.m. feeding). Calves were fed 4 L of whole milk per day in two equal feedings for 6 weeks. Pelleted calf starter and fresh water were available ad libitum during the experiment. No hay was fed. Body weights (BW) were measured at the beginning of the experiment and then weekly till the end of the experiment. Height at withers, heart girth, withers to pins, and point of shoulder to pins were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Fecal fluidity scores and respiratory condition were monitored daily. Intake of whole milk was similar between the groups (P>0.10). Although there was no significant difference in starter intakes (P>0.10), calves in MOS treatment consumed 19.9 % more calf starter than calves in control diet (499.2 vs. 416.5 g/d) for 26 to 46 d of age. BW gains for various age periods were unaffected by treatment (P>0.10). However, calves in MOS treatment gained 11.2 % more BW than calves in control diet (627.4 vs. 564.2 g/d) from 26 to 46 d of age. Skeletal growth and feed efficiencies were similar for calves in both groups. No respiratory problems in calves in both groups occurred during the experiment. Fecal fluidity scores, percent calf days with scours and percent calf days treated for scours were unaffected by treatment (P>0.10). However, calf scours was a common problem especially during the first 3 weeks of the experiment. The reason for this may have been that calf scours had been a common problem at the location of the experiment for many years. This suggests that there must have been a significant enteric challenge for calves at this location. Even under these stressful conditions, MOS in whole milk did not elicit an improvement in enteric health in the circumstances of this location. Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the results suggest that starter intake and consequently BW gain from 26 to 46 d of age tended to be improved in calves in MOS group compared with calves in control group.
Grazing behavior of the greek breed of sheep »Serres« in lowland and mountainous pastures
Authors: Loridas A. , Mountousis I. , Roukos C. , Yiakoulaki M. , Papanikolaou K.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The grazing activities of indigenous sheep of the greek breed »Serres« was investigated in a typical lowland, and in a mountainous pasture in northern Greece during the vegetative period (April–October) of 2008. Grazing time, resting and ruminating time, distance travel and air temperature in relation to pasturing month and altitude were examined. It was remarked significant effect (P<0.001) of the pasturing month on grazing time, and resting time of sheep. Mean grazing time was greater in the lowland (315.71 min/day ±4.57) than in the mountainous pasture (283.57 min/day ±4.79). On the contrary, the resting time and the distance travel of sheep were shorter in the lowland pasture. The resting time had significant (P<0.01) positive relationship to air temperature (r=0.777).
An effect on basic meat quality attributes of a balanced feed mixture with a 10 % share of flaxseed applied in goat kid feeding
Authors: Pieniak-Lendzion K. , Niedziółka R. , Horoszewicz E. , Łukasiewicz M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of the study was to analyse the slaughter value and physico-chemical properties of goat kids slaughtered at 150 days of age. After weaning, at 60 days of age a balanced feed mixture with a 10 % share of flaxseed was applied in feeding. There was found a significant (P≤0.05) increase in slaughter performance (45.80 %) and primal cuts (leg, saddle joint) obtained in the experimental group. There was also found significantly (P≤0.05) less (by 1 %) fat in the carcass of the aforementioned group. In contrast, a percentage share of meat in the leg (70.60 %) and the carcass (60.71 %) was statistically insignificant although it was slightly higher in the experimental group. The meat of male kids fed flaxseed was darker, (L* 42.60) at P≤0.01, and contained more (P≤0.01) dry matter (24.32 %) and protein (20.97 %) but less (P≤0.05) fat (1.92 %). The sensory assessment revealed similar cooking usefulness of goat kid meat and no statistically significant differences between the groups studied.