bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating a cassava production spatial disaggregation model in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Hassall Kirsty L. , Alonso Chávez Vasthi , Sint Hadewij , Helps Joseph Christopher , Abidrabo Phillip , Okao-Okuja Geoffrey , Eboulem Roland G. , Amoakon William J-L. , Otron Daniel H. , Szyniszewska Anna M.
Published: November 2024

Cassava is a staple in the diet of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, as it can grow in poor soils with limited inputs and can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including drought. Previous studies have shown that the distribution of rural populations is an important predictor of cassava density in sub-Saharan Africa’s landscape. Our aim is to explore relationships between the distribution of cassava from the cassava production disaggregation models (CassavaMap and MapSPAM) and rural population density, looking at potential differences between countries and regions. We analysed various properties of cassava cultivations collected from surveys at 69 locations in Côte d’Ivoire and 87 locations in Uganda conducted between February and March 2018. The relationships between the proportion of surveyed land under cassava cultivation and rural population and settlement data were examined using a set of generalized additive models within each country. Information on rural settlements was aggregated around the survey locations at 2, 5 and 10 km circular buffers. The analysis of the original survey data showed no significant correlation between rural population and cassava production in both MapSPAM and CassavaMap. However, as we aggregate settlement buffers around the survey locations using CassavaMap, we find that at a large scale this model does capture large-scale variations in cassava production. Moreover, through our analyses, we discovered country-specific spatial trends linked to areas of higher cassava production. These analyses are useful for validating disaggregation models of cassava production. As the certainty that existing cassava production maps increases, analyses that rely on the disaggregation maps, such as models of disease spread, nutrient availability from cassava with respect to population in a region, etc. can be performed with increased confidence. These benefit social and natural scientists, policymakers and the population in general by ensuring that cassava production estimates are increasingly reliable.
Celebridades e comunicação pública
Authors: Campos da Cruz Raquel , Andrelo Roseane
Published: November 2024

Após uma queda expressiva da participação de jovens nas eleições brasileiras, o Tribunal Superior Eleitoral lançou uma campanha para incentivá-los a votar. Inesperadamente, celebridades progressistas também aderiram à campanha. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo compreender qual o papel das celebridades no engajamento de jovens para que votassem nas eleições de 2022. Entende-se que a comunicação pública é um processo complexo envolvendo diversos atores sociais, ao mesmo tempo em que celebridades tem o potencial de provocar uma mudança por meio da idealização de seus fãs. O estudo exploratório a seguir utilizou a análise de conteúdo para observar publicações de cinco celebridades no Twitter. Anitta, Felipe Neto, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Hamill e Mark Ruffalo alcançaram juntos mais de um milhão de curtidas, interagindo com movimentos sociais e com seus seguidores. Isto mostra a relevância do discurso destes artistas para o debate público.
Association between vitamin D deficiency and otitis media with effusion in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Restuti Ratna Dwi , Safitri Eka Dian , Ranakusuma Respati Wulansari , Sriyana Ayu Astria , Priyono Harim , Saleh Rangga Rayendra , Marpaung Dora A , Lazarus Gilbert
Published: November 2024

Background Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation. However, its effect on the development of otitis media  effusion (OME), an inflammatory disease of the middle ear without signs of infection, remains largely unknown.
Objective To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and OME in children by systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
Methods Eligible studies retrieved from PubMed, ProQuest, Embase, Cochrane databases and trial registries published up to 30 October 2022 were included in this review. The risk of bias of the included articles was assessed with the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for observational studies. The certainty of evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.
Results We included eight studies (six case-control and two cross-sectional studies) involving 1,114 children, of which four studies were eligible for meta-analysis due to the significant clinical heterogeneity. We found that vitamin D deficiency (defined as vitamin D concentration of 20 ng/mL or less, i.e., ?50 nmol/L) might increase the odds of developing OME by 66.0% (n=514; OR 1.66; 95%CI 1.09 to 2.54; I2=20%), albeit with a very low certainty of evidence.
Conclusion There is a very low quality of evidence indicating that vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of OME in children. Further large, high-quality cohorts and adjusting for confounding factors are warranted to confirm our findings, ideally by exploring the dose-response relationship between vitamin D concentration and the development of OME.
Performance of WHO mid-upper arm circumference cut-off to diagnose severe acute malnutrition in under-fives
Authors: Neldy Fahreza Aditya , Yuliarti Klara , Andriastuti Murti
Published: November 2024

Background Many studies indicate that the current WHO recommendation of cut-off value mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is not sensitive to detect severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in under-fives cases. Various new cut-off values have been proposed with better diagnostic values but have a wide interval, 12.1 cm—14.5 cm, which may be due to different races or habitus. 
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of MUAC in diagnosing SAM compared to the weight for height Z score (WFZ) index, to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of MUAC with 11.5 cm as standard cut-off, and to find an alternative cut-off value that may offer better diagnostic performance.
Methods We collected 421 subjects consecutively in January-February 2020 in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Puskesmas Cengkareng. We performed brief conversations for demographic data and did the measurement of physical examination and anthropometric measurement by trained researchers and research assistants.
Results Mid-upper arm circumference has excellent diagnostic value to assess SAM in under-fives with area under curve 0,939 (CI95% 0,903-0,974). Diagnostic values MUAC using cut off 11.5 cm were 21%  sensitivity (Se) 21%, 99.7% spesificity (Sp)and Youden Index (YI) of  0.20. By using 13.3 cm as a new cut-off value, MUAC has Se 89%, Sp 87%,  and YI of 0.76.
Conclusion We conclude that WHO MUAC cut-off using 11.5 cm has lower performance  to detect SAM cases than the proposed new cut-off value of 13.3 cm.  New MUAC cut-off should be considered to detect more SAM cases among under-fives.
Size of Pelvic Outlet as a Potential Risk Factor of Fecal Incontinence: A Population-Based Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Hiramoto Brent , Falahee Bryn E. , Muftah Mayssan , Flanagan Ryan , Shah Eric D. , Chan Walter W.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The impact of pelvic bone structure on fecal incontinence (FI) is unclear. We assessed the association between weight-adjusted pelvic area and FI.

METHODS:

This was a population-based analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005–2006. Participants who completed the bowel health survey and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were included.

RESULTS:

On multivariable analysis of 2,772 participants, the lowest pelvic area quartile predicted increased FI compared with the third (odds ratio [OR]: 2.05, confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–3.56, P = 0.014) and fourth (OR: 1.94, CI: 1.02–3.70, P = 0.045) quartiles. Sex-stratified analyses found similar association among female patients only.

DISCUSSION:

Small pelvic area on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is a potential risk factor of FI.
Umweltpsychologie im Aufwind? Anerkennung ‐ aktuelle Herausforderungen ‐ Antworten
Authors: Kruse Lenelis
Published: November 2024

Beiträge der Umweltpsychologie sind aus den heutigen Klimaschutz- und Nachhaltigkeitsdiskursen nicht mehr wegzudenken. Auch in der Politikberatung erlangt die Umweltpsychologie international zunehmende Bedeutung. Dabei steht sie vor neuen Aufgaben: Klimawandel muss als kollektive
Herausforderung begriffen und Rahmenbedingungen für gemeinschaftlich wirksames Handeln müssen geschaffen werden.
The influence of environmental enrichment with different kind of wood on carcass quality of individually caged rabbits
Authors: KERMAUNER Ajda , ŽGUR Silvester , JORDAN Dušanka , ŠTUHEC Ivan
Published: November 2024

The influence of addition of different types of wooden sticks as gnawing material for environmental enrichment on the carcass traits was studied on 48 male New Zealand White rabbits of Slovenian male line SIKA. Animals were housed individually in wire cages equipped with feeder and nipple drinkers. Feed and water were available ad libitum, the duration of lighting was 12 hours. According to the type of wood placed in the cage, rabbits were equally allotted to four groups: control, oak, lime and Norway spruce. The experiment lasted from 38th day of age to 103rd day, when rabbits were slaughtered and carcass traits were measured. Twenty-four hours after slaughter the pH value and colour of meat were recorded. The addition of wooden stick to wire cages had no important influence on carcass characteristics. Among three enriched groups with different kind of wood only meat of rabbits with spruce stick partly exhibited different colour: meat from SPRUCE group had darker colour (CIE L*: 57.05) than from OAK (59.40) and LIME (59.71) groups and less red (a*: 3.73) and in tendency less yellow colour (b*: 1.10) than meat from OAK group (a*: 4.66, b* 1.96).
Environmental adaptability and stability for reproduction traits of local chicken breeds
Authors: CASSANDRO Martino , DE MARCHI Massimo , BARUCHELLO Maristella
Published: November 2024

Measurement of adaptability and stability of a breed in different environmental conditions might be assumed as good indicator for ecological, ethological and ethical norms in animal production. Indeed, a good adaptability and stability in reproduction performances, in a given environment, can be assumed as a proof that animals are in good well-being condition. The aim of this study was to assess adaptability and stability indexes for fertility traits of four local chicken breeds (the Ermellinata di Rovigo: PER, the Pèpoi: PPP, the Robusta Lionata: PRL and the Robusta Maculata: PRM) reared in three different environments (mountain, hill and plain areas) of the Veneto region. Data consisted on 338 hatchings recorded from February 2002 to May 2004. The percentages of fertile eggs per hatching (pFE), non-hatched eggs per hatching (pNH) and percentage of chicks born alive (pBA) were used as dependent variables. An ANOVA for each reproduction trait was performed to estimate genotype by environment (GxE) interaction. A high GxE interaction was detected for all reproduction traits in particular for pBA. The PER was the best breed in terms of adaptability and stability. On the contrary, the breed that showed to be poorly adapted to all environments and scarce stability over time was PPP. The PRL and PRM seem to be more similar to PPP than PER. In conclusion, more study on GxE interaction should be done to obtain more information on adaptability and stability of animal breeds in different environmental and time period conditions. Animal welfare and relationship between animal and environment should be known and subsequently used for defining better norms and rules for a modern animal production activities.
Comparative study on the behaviour of two goose genotypes selected for cramming during the preconditioning for laying
Authors: MOLNÁR Marcell , MOLNÁR Tamás , BOGENFÜRST Ferenc
Published: November 2024

In the case of goose liver production the adoption of EU regulations means that new technologies should be developed instead of force feeding. One of the potential alternatives is the pinguefaction due to periodical feeding, which needs the modification of the feeding behaviour of the goose. The first step of the selection for this character is the examination of the behaviour differences between the adaptable genotypes. In this study the behaviour of two goose strains (white and grey) was compared during the preconditioning period. Based on our results, the behaviour of the two genotypes showed significant differences in the appearance frequency of feeding, drinking and preening. However resting and social behaviour also diverged but the differences were not statistically significant.
Fatty acid composition of lamb meat as affected by production system, weaning and sex
Authors: CIVIDINI Angela , LEVART Alenka , ŽGUR Silvester
Published: November 2024

Fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat of Longissimus dorsi (LD) of 32 Jezersko-Solčava lambs was measured in two kinds of production system (grazing on mountain pasture and fattening in stable with hay and cereals ad libitum) and two kinds of weaning system (suckling and weaned) and interaction between them. The effect of sex was also determined. Pasture and stable lambs were slaughtered at average live weight 34 kg. Suckling lambs were slaughtered at 125 days of age (30 kg of live weight) and weaned lambs were slaughtered at 165 days (38 kg of live weight). Lambs on pasture displayed lower percentage of palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1n-9) and higher percentage of linoleic (C18:2n-6), α-linolenic (C18:3n-3), arachidonic (C20:4n-6) and eicosapentaenoic (C20:5n-3) fatty acids. Pasture lambs had lower percentage of SFA (saturated fatty acids) and MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids), higher percentage of PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and especially relatively high percentage of C18:3n-3 (3.3%) in intramuscular fat. Pasture lambs also had higher percentage of n-6 PUFA (15.06%), even 1.5 times higher than stable lambs (9.34%) and consecutively higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (2.1 vs. 1.6). Above all weaning affected MUFA and PUFA. Intramuscular fat of suckling lambs contained less MUFA (34.84% vs. 38.35%) and more PUFA (21.89% vs. 17.08%) as well as higher n-6/n-3 ratio than weaned lambs (1.9 vs. 1.7). The interaction between production system and weaning was statistically significant only for α-linolenic acid, with the highest proportion in LD fat of weaned lambs grazing on pasture (3.48%) and the lowest proportion of weaned lambs fatten in stable (2.71%). Males had lower values of MUFA and higher values of PUFA, n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was the same in both sexes (1.8).
Characteristics of carcass and tissues in pigs of Turopolje breed and crossbreds TCSL
Authors: ĐIKIĆ Marija , SALAJPAL Krešimir , KAROLYI Danijel , ĐIKIĆ Domagoj , MIHELČIĆ Mirjana
Published: November 2024

Some carcass traits and muscle fiber characteristics of m. Longissimus dorsi (MLD) in pigs of Turopolje breed (T) and crossbreds TCSL were analyzed. The hogs T (n = 19, 568 ± 20 days) and TCSL (n = 10, 575 ± 27 days) were progenies of the same boar, T3HB, and sows of Turopolje breed and crossbred CSL (♂C Hypor line × ♀SL, Swedish Landrace). All pigs were reared and fattened in the outdoor system, according to traditional Croatian technology of low input. Live (LW) and carcass weight (CW) and some carcass traits and chemical composition of muscle and fat tissues were analyzed. In the carcass, the lean percentage (L%) was calculated on the basis of back fat thickness (BF) and MLD thickness, according to “two point” method (CRO, Regulation, NN 85/05). The samples of MLD from the left side at the 13/14th rib level were taken after slaughtering (5 min.) and frozen in liquid nitrogen until histo-morphological analysis (diameter of slow twitch oxidative, SO; fast twitch glycolytic, FG; and fast twitch oxidative, FOG fiber types). After chilling carcass (24 h, at + 4 ºC), the samples of MLD and the belonging back fat were taken from the same place for analysis of chemical composition (water W, protein P, lipid L, ash A). According to the estimated results the pigs of Turopolje breed and TCSL significantly differed as follows: LW (95.31 and 117.10 kg), CW (77.11 and 97.50 kg), BF (31.68 and 28.00 mm), MLD dept (50.16 and 60.10 mm), L (45.25 and 47.69%), SO (33.69 and 44.24 μm), and FG (38.48 and 47.60 μm). The chemical content of muscle and fat tissues was not significantly different between investigated pigs.
Composition of carcass cuts in young Simmental bulls and heifers
Authors: KAROLYI Danijel , ĐIKIĆ Marija , SALAJPAL Krešimir , ČUBRIĆ-ČURIK Vlatka , JURIĆ Ivan
Published: November 2024

The proportions of main cuts (tender loin, leg, back, shoulder, upper and lower sub-shoulder, ribs, breast, neck, belly, front and hind shank) and tissues (muscle, fat, bones and connective tissue) in the carcasses of young Simmental bulls (n = 13) and heifers (n = 13) were determined by carcass dissection and compared. Bulls had higher proportion of shoulder, neck and front shank while the share of back, ribs and breasts were higher in heifers. The share of carcass cuts of category II was higher in bulls. They also had higher proportion of muscle in most of the main cuts (leg, back, shoulder, upper and lower sub-shoulder, breast, neck and belly). In contrast, the proportion of fat tissue was generally higher in heifers’ cuts (leg, shoulder, upper and lower subshoulder, ribs, breast, neck and belly). Consequently, the proportion of muscle tissue was higher in all carcass cuts categories in bulls while share of fat tissue was higher in heifers. Proportions of bones and connective tissue in the main cuts and carcass cuts categories were similar between bulls and heifers. Overall, the average share of muscle, fat, bones and connective tissue in the carcass halves was 70.45, 7.46, 16.33 and 5.76% in bulls, and 67.09, 10.72, 16.25 and 5.94% in heifers, respectively.
Genetic characterization of autochthonous cattle breeds, Cika and Busha, using microsatellites
Authors: SIMČIČ Mojca , ČEPON Marko , HORVAT Simon , JOVANOVAC Sonja , GANTNER Vesna , DOVČ Peter , KOMPAN Dragomir
Published: November 2024

Slovenian autochthonous Cika and Croatian autochthonous Busha cattle were characterized by using nine microsatellites. For each locus, allelic frequencies and heterozygosity were computed. The number of alleles identified for studied polymorphic loci varied from six to ten in Cika population and from four to eight in Busha population. The mean number of alleles per locus was eight (Cika) and five (Busha), respectively. The average expected heterozygosity (Hexp) for the nine loci ranged between 0.7733 (Cika) and 0.7199 (Busha). The highest Hexp was computed for locus BM2113 (0.8521) in Cika and 0.8099 in Busha, suggesting that this locus could be the most informative for both populations. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.6316 to 0.825 in Cika and from 0.6667 to 1.0 in Busha indicating a high level of polymorphism for this set of markers. The average observed heterozygosity was slightly lower in Cika (0.7403) compared to Busha population (0.7775). Both breeds were in genetic equilibrium according to the Hardy- Weinberg test. Nei’s standard genetic distance D (Nei, 1978) was 0.065. The genetic difference between the two breeds could be in accordance with their brachycerous origin. The used set of markers proved informative and robust for genotyping in both Cika and Busha breeds. This set of markers can now be applied for screening higher numbers of animals to analyze possible subpopulation structures, improve our knowledge of origin and phylogenetic relationships to other breeds and help to construct efficient preservation plans for these two endangered breeds.
Effect of different source of oils on fatty acid profile and organoleptic traits of eggs
Authors: ŠKRTIĆ Zoran , KRALIK Gordana , GAJČEVIĆ Zlatica , HANŽEK Danica , BOGUT Ivan
Published: November 2024

The study was aimed at assessing effects of oils supplemented to layer diets on fatty acid profile and organoleptic traits of eggs (aroma, taste, presence of admixtures and overall impression). Three groups of hens were fed diets that contained 5% of soybean oil (control group), 2.5% of fish oil and 2.5% of linseed oil (experimental group E1), and 2.5% of fish oil and 2.5% of rapeseed oil (experimental group E2). After a 28-day production, samples of diets and five eggs were taken from each group for determination of fatty acids. For the purpose of assessing sensory traits of eggs, panelists graded aroma, taste, admixtures and overall impression with grades from 1 (bad) to 3 (good). The control group contained significantly more (P < 0.05) linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA), arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) and total n-6 PUFA than other groups. Egg yolks of the E1 group contained the most (P < 0.05) total MUFA. Egg yolks of the E2 group contained the most (P < 0.05) αLNA (C18:3n-3) and total n-3 PUFA. The best ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA was determined in egg yolks of the E2 group, which was statistically better (P < 0.05) than in other groups. On average, eggs from all groups were given satisfactory grades referring to aroma, taste, admixtures and overall impression. However, panelists gave the best grade to eggs of the control group. These eggs were given statistically significantly better (P < 0.05) grade for overall impression than eggs from experimental groups.
The influence of immunoglobulin status on health status and growth performance in calves to the age of 24 weeks
Authors: KLINKON Martina , ZADNIK Tomaž , STARIČ Jože , NEMEC Marija , JEŽEK Jožica
Published: November 2024

The aim of the research was to study the influence of immune status on health status and changing of heart girth with age in calves. Seventy one dairy calves from birth to the age of 24 weeks were studied and their health status was monitored. The blood samples were taken once a week, till the age of 6 weeks and later on at the age of 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. In blood samples the concentration of IgG was measured with quantitative ELISA test. At each bleeding, the heart girth was measured. The average IgG concentration in the 1st week of age was 26.15 ± 15.18 g/L. The calves were divided in two groups; in the 1st group there were calves with IgG concentration in the 1st week below average value, in the 2nd one were calves with IgG concentration above average. Statistically significant differences between groups were established at the age of one (P < 0.001), two (P = 0.044), five (P = 0.001), eight (P = 0.017) and sixteen weeks (P = 0.029). The percentage of diseased calves was significantly higher in group 1 regarding to group 2. The heart girths between groups did not differ significantly. In the research it was established that the differences between groups in IgG level remained to the end of research period and more calves diseased in the low IgG group.
The relationship between diet and retained placenta in cows
Authors: ALŠIĆ Krunoslav , DOMAĆINOVIĆ Matija , PAVIČIĆ Željko , BUKVIĆ Željko , BABAN Mirjana , ANTUNOVIĆ Boris
Published: November 2024

Retained placenta (RP) is one of the most common complications occurring in the post-partum period in cows. Beside other reasons, many authors stress the influence of diet on the incidence of RP. However, the role of minerals and vitamins fed at this time on subsequent fertility is poorly understood. As nutritional causes of RP are due primarily to the diet fed the last 6 to 8 weeks before calving, the aim of this paper was to investigate the relationship between diet in dry and transition periods and subsequent occurrence of RP, as well as in the time of introduction to lactation in fresh cows, with special emphasis on content of minerals and vitamins in diet. The investigation has been carried out on a big dairy farm situated on the east of Croatia with 1 775 Holstein-Frisian (HF) cows in duration of one year. Diet samples from dry period (DP), from period approximately from the 21st day before calving till the day of calving (BC) and period of introduction to lactation (IL) were subjected for analysis of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), selenium (Se), iodine (I) and vitamins A, D3 and E. The observed rate of cows with RP on the investigating farm was rather high (16.55%). High diet concentrations both for Ca and P in DP and BC periods (0.98 and 0.62% of Ca; 0.37 and 0.52% of P, respectively), combined with low concentration of vitamin D in DP and BC periods (12 800 and 14 400 IU/day, respectively), as well as low concentration of Se in DP and BC periods (0.08 and 0.07 mg/kg, respectively) combined with low concentration of vitamin E in DP and BC periods (160 and 180 IU/day, respectively) were identified as critical factors that could have contributed in influencing high incidence of RP on the investigating farm.
Antibody response following sow vaccination using cell and recombinant vaccines, single and multiple application
Authors: KOŠOROK Stane , KASTELIC Miran
Published: November 2024

The vaccination of pregnant sows with E. coli antigens to increase specific antibodies in colostrum and milk and subsequently the protection of suckling piglets from neonatal E. coli diarrhea is a common and efficient method, already used for many years. The vaccination to protect individual animals against erysipelas has been used even for a longer time. There are many vaccines and vaccination techniques available on the market, among them herd specific “stable” vaccines for E. coli, inactivated cell vaccines and recombinant DNA vaccines. Unlike vaccines for pet animals, which are mostly polyvalent vaccines, there are very few polyvalent pig vaccines available on the EU market. Recently, Intervet company has developed Diluvac forte (DF) adjuvant which enables mixing of different monovalent vaccines. Porcilis DF vaccine line makes it possible to combine different antigens in the syringe and only one injection of desirable combination of antigens. The difference between two different vaccines (Colisorb, Porcilis DF) was tested to find out the antibody response following vaccination with monovalent recombinant vaccine against bivalent cell vaccine, and the antibody response followed separate and mixed injection of two antigens in one syringe. Statistical evaluation of serum antibody response obtained by ELISA test confirmed the expectations. DNA recombinant vaccines gave significantly higher antibody titers compared to cell vaccine. Porcilis vaccines mixed together prior to application gave surprisingly better response compared to separated application. The result leads to reduction of injections to pregnant sows and consequently to better immune response.
Animal nutrition for the health of animals, human and environment
Authors: SALOBIR Janez , FRANKIČ Tamara , REZAR Vida
Published: November 2024

Animal nutrition has pronounced direct impact not only on animal health but also indirectly through animal products on human health and through excreta on the environment. Due to increased awareness and concerns about animal health, due to increased incidence and severity of chronic non-communicable diseases in developed world that are linked to nutritional quality of (animal) food and due to increased concern about climate changes animal nutrition has gained new dimensions and additional importance. The knowledge of various factors involved became crucial for animal production in general and already gave, at least in some aspects, new importance and impulse to animal nutrition also in practice. In the review some most important effects and recent possibilities of animal nutrition to improve animal health, to improve nutritional value of animal products in regard of human health and to reduce environmental impact of animal production are discussed.
Lecithin as a supplement for mid-lactating dairy cows
Authors: DE NARDI Roberta , MARCHESINI Giorgio , TENTI Sandro , CONTIERO Barbara , ANDRIGHETTO Igino , SEGATO Severino
Published: November 2024

The study aimed at evaluating the effect of a daily dose of 14 g of choline administrated by using soy lecithins (LC group), a by-product of the biodiesel production process, compared to a daily dose of 25 g of choline chloride microencapsulated with hydrogenated vegetable oils (RPC group) on performance and milk quality of dairy cows. A total of 12 mid-lactating Holstein Friesian cows were assigned to one of two experimental groups and fed according to a cross-over design (2 diets × 2 periods) one of the two isoenergetic, isofibrous and isonitrogenous diets, characterized by LC or RPC choline supplement. Dry matter intake, milk yield and the 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were not affected by the diet. No differences were observed in the hematological profile or milk composition, with the exception of NEFA and milk fat, which resulted significantly higher and lower (P < 0.10) in LC-fed cows, respectively. Summarizing, results indicated that soy lecithins can be used as an available source of choline in mid lactating dairy cows, even at a daily dose lower than that required when using RPC.
The in vitro caecal fermentation of different starch sources in rabbits
Authors: KERMAUNER Ajda , LAVRENČIČ Andrej
Published: November 2024

The objective of our study was to extend the knowledge of microbial fermentation of starch in the rabbit caecum using the in vitro gas production technique. Different sources of starch (wheat and maize grain, raw and cooked potato) and different starch isolates (wheat, maize and potato starch) were incubated with inoculum, prepared from rabbit caecum content. The gas production parameters such as total potential gas production (parameter “B”), gas production till 10 h of incubation (Gas10), maximum fermentation rate (MFR) and time of maximum fermentation rate (TMFR) were estimated with Gompertz model and were significantly affected by the substrata. Differences between maize grain and maize starch were small: MFR and TMFR were not different, while Gas10 of maize starch was higher than from maize grain (5 and 3 ml/kg DM, respectively; P < 0.05). MFR of wheat starch was higher than that of wheat grain (3.1 and 2.4 ml/h, respectively; P < 0.05), but reached maximum rate later (TMFR: 12.4 and 10.9 h, respectively; P < 0.05) and had lower Gas10 (6 and 9 ml/kg DM, respectively; P < 0.05). The fermentation of cooked potato reached the TMFR after 8.5 h of incubation and had the highest MFR (2.9 ml/h) and Gas10 (16 ml/kg DM) of all substrata. The MFRs of raw potato and potato starch were similar (2.1 and 2.3 ml/h, respectively), although TMFR and Gas10 of raw potato were shorter and higher than those of potato starch (TMFR of 10.7 and 17.2 h and Gas10 of 10 and 1 ml/kg DM, respectively; P < 0.05).
Supplementing pig diet with 0.2% Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood extract had no effect on growth, carcass or meat quality
Authors: PREVOLNIK Maja , ŠKRLEP Martin , BRUS Maksimiljan , PUGLIESE Carolina , ČANDEK-POTOKAR Marjeta , ŠKORJANC Dejan
Published: November 2024

The effect of tannin supplementation on growth performance, carcass and meat quality of pigs was studied. Natural extract of chestnut wood (Farmatan produced by Tanin Sevnica d.d., Sevnica, Slovenia) in the concentration of 2 g/kg of feeding mixture was added in the feed of experimental group of pigs (n = 15) from 30 kg to slaughter at app. 100 kg of live weight. During rearing growth performance i.e. daily gain in different periods was recorded. After the slaughter carcass traits such as carcass weight, muscle and fat thickness, carcass and ham leanness, muscle and fat area were recorded. Meat quality was assessed as colour (Minolta L*a*b*), pH value and water-holding capacity (tray drip loss). Based on spectral data the percentage of metmyoglobin and intramuscular fat content were also determined. The results showed no effect of adding tannins in pigs’ diet on any of the studied characteristics. A given concentration of chestnut wood extract of tannins is probably too low to cause any impact on growth, carcass or meat quality. Furthermore, no detrimental effect was either observed. Based on the presented results we cannot exclude possible beneficial or detrimental consequences of higher tannin concentration on growth, carcass or meat quality.
Characterization of milk coagulation ability in bulk milk samples
Authors: TOFFANIN Valentina , DE MARCHI Massimo , PENASA Mauro , PRETTO Denis , CASSANDRO Martino
Published: November 2024

Basic requirements for cheese-making production are milk coagulation properties (MCP), which can be measured as: (i) rennet coagulation time (RCT, min), (ii) curd-firming time (k20, min), and (iii) curd firmness (a30, mm). The aim of this study was to investigate sources of variation of coagulation properties in bulk milk from dairy cattle farms of northern Italy. A total of 1,570 samples were collected from 436 herds that delivered milk to 4 dairy cooperatives, and analyzed for quality traits and MCP. About 4% of total samples did not coagulate within 30 min. Rennet coagulation time, k20, and a30 averaged 18.83 min, 6.85 min, and 26.97 mm, respectively. Milk coagulation properties were analyzed through a general linear model which included the fixed effects of dairy cooperative, herd nested within dairy cooperative, year and season of sampling, and milk quality traits, inserted as class factors in the model. Dairy cooperative and herd effects were the major sources of variation in explaining the variation of MCP (P < 0.001). Season of sampling was statistically significant for RCT and k20 (P < 0.05), showing the best results in summer, whereas year of sampling was statistically significant only for RCT (P < 0.001). Rennet coagulation time was influenced by titratable acidity and bacterial count (P < 0.05), and k20 and a30 by casein content and titratable acidity (P < 0.01).
Classification of meat with boar taint using an electronic nose
Authors: KIRSCHING Ágnes , BÁZÁR György , HÁZÁS Zoltán , ROMVÁRI Róbert
Published: November 2024

Five different meat parts (loin, neck, shoulder, outer and inner thigh) originating from two entire male pigs which were previously confirmed to exhibit boar taint, were measured with an electronic nose (EN) and tested by a trained human sensory panel. The intensity of boar taint perception assessed by a sensory panel was the highest for neck and the lowest for loin. Classification based on electronic nose sensory data showed correct classification in 94.8% of the samples. The ratio of correctly classified samples in cross-validation was 83.3%. Discriminant analysis was also performed using nine sensors that were chosen by stepwise optimization method. In this case, ratio of hits in cross-validation increased to 86.5%. High determination coefficient (R2 = 0.915) was obtained between reference values of boar taint (obtained by sensory panel) and predicted values calculated from EN data.
Evaluation of the milk fat to protein ratio and fertility traits in Latvian Brown and Holstein dairy cows
Authors: PAURA Liga , JONKUS, Daina , RUSKA Diana
Published: November 2024

Test-day (TD) records of milk productivity traits and fat to protein ratio (FPR ) in the first and second lactation phases of Latvian Brown (LB) and Holstein Black and White (HF) cows as well as the effect of FPR on fertility traits in early lactating cows were analysed. HF and LB cows were kept under indoor housing system. Animals had ad libitum access to total mixed rations. The LB cows demonstrated a higher fat content in milk (4.26%) than HF cows (4.03%). The average FPR during the investigations was 1.25 for LB cows and 1.17 for HF cows. The percentage of TD records from cows with an optimal FPR (1.1–1.5) was 56.8% in days in milk (DIM) from 6 to 210, and 48.2% at the beginning of lactation (DIM 6–30). Cows on DIM from 6 to 90 with optimal FPR had a lower number of milking days (–22.8 days MD), shorter calving interval (–30.3 days CI), and less days open (–20.5 days DO). The differences in fertility traits between cows with optimal and low-high FPR (<1.1 and >1.5) of TD records were not significant.
Pedigree analysis in the SIKA rabbits in Slovenia
Authors: PLANINC Martina , KERMAUNER Ajda , KOVAČ Milena , MALOVRH Špela
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the current level of inbreeding of SIKA rabbits in Slovenia. The pedigree of 27.110 rabbits was analysed. There were 13.521 males and 13.589 females. Without known parents were 146 animals. Altogether, there were 1490 dams and 391 sires. For a reference population we used animals born in years 2010 and 2011. The average relationship coefficient is 7.8 %, meaning that in a completely random mating scheme the inbreeding in the next generation would be at this level. Average inbreeding coefficient in the population was 6.5 %. The effective number of ancestors was only 24, which is in contrast with the large number of known ancestors. Effective number of ancestors contributing 50 % of genes to the gene pool of the population was 9. A single animal contributes 7.3 % in males and in females 7.2 % of genes in the population gene pool.
Evaluation of connectedness between the management units of Landrace breed of pigs in Croatia
Authors: ŠKORPUT Dubravko , GORJANC Gregor , LUKOVIĆ Zoran
Published: November 2024

Connectedness between the Landrace pig herds in Croatia was evaluated on field test records (4,930) from 2005 to 2008. The aim was to assess connectedness using the connectedness rating (CR) method among large scale farms and family farms (as one group). In addition, reliability of breeding values was calculated for separate and joint genetic evaluation of animals in large scale farms and family farms. The last herd-year-season levels in each farm were defined as management units for the evaluation of CR. The range of CR values between management units was from 0.004 to 0.035, while the averages of CR by management units ranged from 0.013 to 0.024. The highest CR (0.035) was found between the large scale farm D and a group of family farms. Average reliability was in range between 0.21 for farm B to 0.29 for farm A in separate analyses and between 0.31 on farm B to 0.38 on farm D and family farms in joint analysis of all farms. Low level of connectedness and limited increase in reliability do not support use of joint genetic evaluation results across all management units in Croatian breeding programme. Artificial insemination should be used as an instrument of increasing connectedness between pig herds in the Croatian national pig breeding programme.
Fatty acid composition of muscle in Krškopolje pigs and hybrids 12
Authors: ŽEMVA Marjeta , KOVAČ Milena , URANKAR Janja , LEVART Alenka , MALOVRH Špela
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to investigate the fatty acids composition of m. longissimus dorsi (LD) in Krškopolje pigs (KP) and maternal hybrids (H12; dam – Slovenian Landrace – line 11, sire – Slovenian Large White). A total of 48 fatteners, 24 of each genotype, were housed in eight pens with six animals in each. They were penned according to genotype and sex. Rearing and feeding conditions were the same for all animals. Pigs were slaughtered in two age groups (G1 and G2) with a two month difference. Twenty-four hours after slaughter, LD samples were taken behind the last rib. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition were determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using the GLM procedure in the statistical package SAS/STAT. With IMF content increased saturated fatty acids (SFA), C16:0, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), C16:1n-6 and C18:1n-9 increased with greater IMF content while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-6 PUFA, C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6, n-3 PUFA, ratio PUFA/SFA, and n-6/n-3 decreased with IMF. Gilt’s meat had lower n-6/n-3 ratio than barrow meat. In comparison with H12, KP contained more n-3 PUFA and C18:3n-3 and less C20:4n-6. Additionally, the n-6/n-3 ratio was more desirable in KP meat, indicating a better nutritional meat quality of KP than H12. Muscle of fatteners from the first age group (G1) contained more SFA and C16:0 than from the second age group (G2). Less C20:4n-6 and n-3 PUFA were found in G1 than in G2 which is not desirable from a nutritional point of view. Moreover, trends for better PUFA/SFA and n-3/n-6 were obtained in G1 in comparison with G2. Interaction between the genotype and the slaughter group showed the highest content of C18:3n-3 and the lower ratio n-3/n-6 in younger KP.
Influence of gender and slaughter weight on meat quality traits of heavy pigs
Authors: ĐURKIN Ivona , DADIĆ Mirna , BRKIĆ Dijana , LUKIĆ Boris , KUŠEC Goran , MIKOLIN Marijan , JERKOVIĆ Ines
Published: November 2024

The investigation was carried out on 99 PIC pig carcasses (49 gilts and 50 barrows) divided into six groups according to their slaughter weight (120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and ≥170 kg), with the aim to investigate the influence of gender and slaughter weight on meat quality traits. At the slaughter line and in laboratory following meat quality traits were measured: initial and ultimate pH in MS and LD muscle, drip loss, EZ drip, colour parameters, cooking loss and instrumental tenderness. Out of all investigated meat quality traits, gender influenced only cooking loss, while differences between slaughter weight groups were found for almost all meat quality traits measured. However, increasing slaughter weight to ≥170.00 kg had no major benefit on technological meat quality traits.
Comparative study of commercial cold-cuts used NIRs and sensory analysis
Authors: BELOVAI Judit , ROMVÁRI Róbert , BÁZÁR György , SZABÓ András
Published: November 2024

In the everyday diet cold-cut meat products are important food products, thus a comparative study of those with consumer perception and instrumental techniques were undertaken. Five different „Párizsi” (Lyoner) samples were compared with full aroma profile analysis and near infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the OptiProbe fiber optic and the conventionally used Sample Transport Module (STM , Foss Tecator, Sweden) were as well compared on the meat products, from the aspect of applicability. The results provided 76.3% and 49.1% successful classification results during the calibration and cross-validation. The brand of the different samples could be only less accurately determined with the sensory analysis. The basis of this bias was the exchange of two samples falling very close to each other in the sensorial characteristics (samples 2 and 3). The classification based on NIR spectra was more powerful. The OptiProbe unit applied the wavelength range of 650–1850 nm successfully. The principal component analysis (94%) and the discriminant analysis (cross-validation = 98%) provided reliable results only with the STM unit. In contrast, the NIR spectrum results gained with the OptiProbe unit was markedly weaker (PLSDA cross validation = 71%).
Total fatty acids composition of raw and ripe Slavonian kulen in relation to raw material used
Authors: KAROLYI Danijel , ČURIĆ Tomislav
Published: November 2024

The experiment was performed to study the changes in composition of total fatty acids during the ripening of Slavonian kulen (SK), dry-fermented sausages produced from raw material (pork meat and back fat) obtained from the feeding experiment in which toasted (T) or thermally non-treated (NT) corn-grain were used in pig’s diets. All sausages were prepared using the same production technology and under the similar conditions of fermentation/ripening. Chemical analyses (content of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash and total fatty acid composition) were performed on the samples (n = 6) of T and NT batches taken before stuffing (raw pork/fat mixture) and on the dry-sausages (n = 6) of both groups after six months of ripening. The results indicate that T corn-fed pork/fat raw mixture did not differ in chemical composition, but had less monounsaturated (i.e., less C18:1) and more polyunsaturated (i.e., more C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3) fatty acid composition as compared to NT raw mixture. As expected, the chemical composition throughout drying/ripening underwent a significant change; the content of moisture decreased, while the contents of protein, fat and ash increased to similar final values in both groups. On the other hand, ripening had little effect on the initial fatty acid composition; only C22:5n-3 proportion decreased with time in both groups. In conclusion, total fatty acid profile of ripe SK in this study largely reflects the fatty acid composition of raw materials used, without major changes during the six-month ripening.
Selection of applicable morphometric parameter for age estimation in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) from Eastern Croatia
Authors: DEGMEČIĆ Dražen , FLORIJANČIĆ Tihomir , OZIMEC Siniša , BOŠKOVIĆ Ivica , ŠEBEČIĆ Marinko
Published: November 2024

Population of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) living in the selected hunting estates in the Eastern Croatia has been studied. Specimens were collected at locations in hunting estates: Osijek, Podunavlje, Spačva and Kunjevci, which differs in habitat composition and characteristics of roe deer’s populations. Aim of the study was to determine the most applicable parameter among size of the body parts for classification of live individuals into age groups. Total of 161 individuals was measured. The most pronounced body measures: head length and body length have linear increase in relation to age. Continuous growth throughout age classes was significant for the head length and for the body length. The lowest values of measured parameters were confirmed for Podunavlje and Kunjevci, the significantly higher values were in Osijek, while the values were intermediate in Spačva. Based on the results, a recommendation for the age estimation in live roe deer is to observe head length and eye position in relation to snout.
Preliminary investigations on the single and combined cytotoxic effect of T-2 and HT-2 toxin measured by Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) cytotoxicity test using pig lymphocytes
Authors: RAJLI Veronika , BODNÁR Zsófia , HORV ATOVICH Katalin , KAMETLER László , DUTTON Michael F. , KOVÁCS Melinda
Published: November 2024

Fusariotoxins are frequently existing contaminants in cereal and other plant products. High relationship was found between the levels of the trichothecene T-2 and HT-2 toxin detected in contaminated commodities. Many in vitro studies investigated the cytotoxicity of T-2 and HT-2, but the interaction between them has not been thoroughly studied yet. The aim of the study was to examine the dose dependent cytotoxic effect of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, single and in combination, using pig lymphocytes in the methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT ) assay. The mycotoxins were added at various concentrations, i.e. 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001 μM of T-2; 1.0, 0.5, 0.2., 0.1 and 0.05 μM of HT-2; and both mycotoxins combined. Two exposure times (6 and 24 h) were tested. Both T-2 and HT-2 toxins exerted a dose dependent effect. After 6 h incubation, the increase in concentration of T-2 from 0.001 to 0.5 μM and HT-2 for 0.05 to 1.0 μM resulted in lower cell viability by 22 and 17%, respectively. After 24 h cell viability was significantly lower compared to values obtained at 6 h, except 0.5 μM T-2 and 0.05, 1.0 μM HT-2, respectively. Measured cell viability for combinations of T-2 and HT-2 was higher compared to the calculated expected values. The two toxins caused lower cell survival when applied together than in single administration after 6 h incubation. After 24 h incubation this tendency was not consistent.