bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of colostral immunity on gain and health status in calves
Authors: JEŽEK Jožica , KLINKON Martina
Published: November 2024

The calves are born without their own immunoglobulins (Ig), hence they get them by drinking of colostrum. For their health it is crucial to get enough Ig as soon as possible after birth. The research included 36 dairy calves, which were monitored from birth to the age of 24 weeks. The Ig content in colostrum was measured with colostrometer. In the calf serum, it was determined indirectly, by measuring the enzyme activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) or concentration of total serum protein (TSP), in the first week of life. The concentration of serum albumin (Alb) was also measured. The calf health status was regularly monitored; weight gain was assessed with chest girth measuring. Mean gains in calves which got ill were lower than in healthy ones; though the difference was not statistically significant. The statistical analysis showed that Ig concentration in colostrum influenced concentration of TSP and GGT activity in calf serum, but not the concentration of Alb. Time of first drinking of colostrum had a statistically significant influence on GGT, but not on the TSP and Alb. The serum Alb concentration differed between male and female calves. The correlation between Ig concentration in colostrum and TSP concentration and GGT activity in calf serum was statistically highly significant. Activity of GGT was in statistically significant correlation with TSP concentration. Optimal supply with colostrum of good quality is important for calf health, but a good management is also essential.
Effect of the housing system on the meat production of turkey
Authors: HERENDY Veronika , SÜTŐ Zoltán , HORN Péter , SZALAY István
Published: November 2024

The aim of our investigations was to study the ability of heavy type turkey genotypes developed for intensive systems using semi extensive (aviary) and extensive (free-range) systems and the effect of the different environment on the performance. The semi extensive conditions appeared to be well adapted to the technology of producing high performance heavy type turkey and it does not cause decrease in the production parameters. In the case of the carcass yield also disadvantageous changes are prognosticable. The live weight of the intensively and semi extensively reared groups did not differ significantly prior to slaughtering, but in the case of male turkey the outdoor keeping achieved a 40% lower bodyweight in a 4 weeks longer period than the males in the other two systems. In the case of females the difference was lower but the performance also showed a 20% decrease in the outdoor system. The carcass yield showed a decrease in both of sexes of the free-ranged turkeys but it was statistically significant (P<0.01) only in the case of females. The ratio of the breast fillet of the female turkeys in the free-range system was higher than in the other groups. The heart – as an important organ of the maintenance of the physiological functions – weight ratio was not affected by the rearing conditions but compared to the grill – ready body weight it was found to be incredibly low. Our results confirm the hypothesis that the heavy type hybrids are able to adapt to the extensive environment but a longer rearing period results only in a significantly lower final bodyweight. Regarding the carcass yield disadvantageous changes are predicted in the case of both sexes.
Effect of nursing method and feeding scheme on the performance of growing rabbits till first mating
Authors: GYOVAI Mónika , SZENDRŐ Zsolt , BIRÓ-NÉMETH Edit , RADNAI István , MATICS Zsolt
Published: November 2024

The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of the nutrient supply of suckling and growing rabbits on productive traits. The experiment was set-up using a 2x2 factorial design. Half of the litters were nursed by one doe and the other half by two does. Kids were weaned at 3 weeks of age. From the age of 4 weeks each group was halved and one part was fed ad libitum (AL) and restricted feeding (RF) was applied for the others. The productive traits of 136 nursing and growing rabbits were examined. The nursing method affected the kids’ body weight but the difference between groups was significant only till 4 weeks of age (443 and 523g, P<0.05). The daily weight gain and feed intake were independent of the number of nursing does but the feed conversion between 6 and 9 weeks of age was significantly superior to kids nursed by one doe (2.99 and 3.29 g g–1, P<0.01). The effect of feeding scheme was significant on feed intake and weight gain from 4 weeks and on the body weight between 12 and 16 weeks of age. The feed conversion was better between weeks 9–12 in AL while between weeks 12 and 16 in RF group. The body weight of rabbits in groups of AL nursed by two does and RF nursed by one doe were 1042 and 950, 1875 and 1763, 2671 and 2502, 3549 and 3392 at the age of 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively.
Solving the problems of abandoned dogs in Slovenia
Authors: MARKELJ Urška , ŠTUHEC Ivan
Published: November 2024

In October 2002 Slovenian veterinary administration confiscated 312 dogs from one private animal collection. Of them 287 were able to be transfered in a provisional shelter Lahovo. We studied dog’s behaviour, prospects for socialization and rehoming, and monitored their health status. The most common behaviour characteristic in Lahovo was fearfulness, which was observed in 59.6% of dogs. 40.7% of dogs needed veterinary care, flea infestation was 100%. During the month of their stay at Lahovo 185 dogs were transferred to certified shelters in Slovenia, Austria and Germany. 99 dogs were rehomed from Lahovo to Slovene adopters. 63.3% of these dogs were fearful immediately after the adoption and 30% were still fearful seven months later. Other common behaviour problems were eating anomalies in 65.2% and sleeping disorders in 18.8% of dogs. In addition to flea infestation, the most common health problems immediately after adoption were digestive problems in 51.1%, dental problems in 51.1% and ear infection in 50% of dogs. After seven months of individual handling of the dogs their behaviour disorders and health problems reduced or disappeared.
Emerging challenges for animal production, dangers and opportunities
Authors: HORN Peter
Published: November 2024

Growing world population, raising income of more than 3000 million people eating more animal products as before, competition for animal feeds by energy sector and packaging material industry are emerging challenges for animal production. The worsening trend in the border conditions negatively influencing potential feed production for animals namely shrinking arable land areas, diminishing ground water resources, reduction of sea fish populations because of over fishing and the negative effect of climate change are summarized. Feed and also water efficiency of animal populations will be more important as at present, while alternative feed resources will gain in importance. Tabulated calculations clearly demonstrate that selection for productivity leads to great reduction of feed, water and manure output per unit of animal product. For example, a broiler chicken of 1978 needed 20 kg feed and 20 000 l water (inclusive feed production), however present type broilers need 7 kg feed and 7 000 l water to produce 1 kg breast fillet meat. In latter case 40 l of drinking water that was required 30 year ago, was reduced to 14 l for the same quantity of product, while manure output was reduced to one third. In the future in those areas of animal production where consumers require large quantities of good quality mass products we have to use high yielding animal populations under well controlled conditions.
Genetic characterization of alpine sheep breeds
Authors: DALVIT Chiara , SACCA Elena , CASSANDRO Martino , GERVASO Martina , PASTORE Emilio , PIASENTIER Edi
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to characterize from the genetic point of view eight alpine sheep breeds reared in Italy (Bergamasca, Biellese, Schwarzbraunes Bergschaf and Tiroler Bergschaf), Germany (Brillenschaf and Weisses Bergschaf) and Slovenia (Bovška and Jezerzko-Solčavska) through the use of microsatellite molecular markers. Allelic richness was rather high in each breed highlighting a considerable genetic diversity. However, the study evidenced a significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in all analyzed breeds caused by a heterozygote deficiency. Such lack seems to be caused by a rather high level of inbreeding. The genetic differentiation among breeds was rather low (FST = 0.064) but significant. The neighbour-joining tree obtained from Reynolds’ genetic distance estimates, showed the presence of three groups formed by the three Bergschaf breeds, the Italian Bergamasca and Biellese and the two Slovenian breeds together with the German Brillenschaf. Such grouping is in accordance with the breeds’ region of origin and with their known history. Concluding, microsatellite resulted to be a useful tool to investigate breed variability and to characterize alpine sheep breeds. Obtained findings suggest the need to set up a conservation plan aiming to safeguard and increase the genetic variability of the studied breeds compromised by the high level of inbreeding. Microsatellites genotyping could help to monitor breed variability and to organize matings.
Spreadsheet tool for least-cost and nutrition balanced beef ration formulation
Authors: ŽGAJNAR Jaka , KAVČIČ Stane
Published: November 2024

This paper points out some facts that might improve economic outcome of livestock production in the sense of diet formulation. A spreadsheet tool from two linked modules based on MS Excel platform was constructed, merging different mathematical deterministic programming techniques. The first module utilizes linear program for least-cost ration formulation, aiming to obtain rough estimate what magnitude of the costs might be expected. Resulting value is then considered as target value of cost goal in the second module. It is based on weighted goal programming with penalty function. Obtained results confirm benefits of applied approach. It enables formulation of least-cost ration not taking too much risk of worsening the ration’s nutritive value and balance between nutrients. This is especially important when improved economic and nutritive efficiency is the primal and common aim of optimization tool.
Carcass and meat quality traits of pig fatteners from Slovenian breeding programme
Authors: PREVOLNIK Maja , ŠKRLEP Martin , ŠKORJANC Dejan , ČANDEK-POTOKAR Marjeta
Published: November 2024

The aim of the present study was the comparison of carcass and meat quality traits of commercial pigs of various crossbreeds from two major Slovenian herds. The analysis is based on phenotypic data from field trials which have been collected in the last past five years within the Slovenian breeding programme. Important differences in carcass traits were observed between two herds and were associated to different crossbreeds used. In spite of that economically important result on the slaughter line (lean meat %) was similar for both herds. Meat quality traits were also significantly different between the two herds. Again, the difference could be ascribed to crossbreeds used. However, since the herd effect is connected with abattoir effect, different ante-mortem conditions and/or lower robustness of these animals to premortal stress could also be contributed to the observed differences. The presented results give important information on the state-of-the-art regarding meat quality of Slovenian pigs.
Skeletal development of outdoor reared Zagorje turkey fed lower protein diets
Authors: SALAJPAL Krešimir , JANJEČIĆ Zlatko , ĐIKIĆ Marija , MUŽIC Stjepan , KAROLYI Danijel , MOROVIĆ Marina , RIBARIĆ Jasna
Published: November 2024

The study was carried out on 272 Zagorje turkey chicks to estimate the effect of two different protein levels in diets on growth, bone development and carcass composition at the final age of 24 weeks. Birds of both sexes were divided into two groups: high protein (HP) and low protein group (LP) with 136 animals in each (68 ♂ and 68 ♀). LP group was fed a diet with 4% less crude protein content than the HP group during the first 8 weeks of age, while after this period both group were fed the same diet with access to a fenced pasture of 0.5 ha/group. Higher protein content in early rearing period had a positive effect on final body weight at 24 weeks of age. In the same time, morphometric characteristics of main bones showed that male turkeys of HP group had the most developed skeletal system and consequently the highest carcass weight. The carcass weight in male of HP group was higher than 3.0–3.5 kg as a preferable weight of processed carcasses of Zagorje turkey by Croatian consumers. These suggest that lowering the growth intensity by protein undernutrition during the first 8 weeks could have beneficial effects on carcass market of Zagorje turkey.
Effect of carcass weight and gender on main tissue distribution in carcass main cuts
Authors: LUKIĆ Boris , ĐURKIN Ivona , VARGOVIĆ Laura , DADIĆ Mirna , SPAIĆ Robert , SILI Velimir , KUŠEC Goran
Published: November 2024

The present study was carried out on 99 pig carcasses originated from PIC hybrid pigs slaughtered in PIK Vrbovec slaughterhouse. Animals were reared in the same environmental conditions and fed the same diet. Carcasses were dissected using PIK commercial method of cutting and dissection. From the 4 main cuts, shoulder, ham, loin and ribs, main tissues were dissected: lean, subcutaneous fat with skin and bones, respectively. According to carcass weight, carcasses were divided into 6 weight groups as follows; 120 kg, 130 kg, 140 kg, 150 kg, 160 kg and 170 kg. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of carcass weight and gender on the distribution of commercially dissected lean, fat and bone tissues in the main parts of pig carcass and to analyse the same components between six weight groups. It is confirmed that the gender had a significant effect on fat content. Lean meat content was reduced with increasing carcass weight, while the fat content increases with higher carcass weights. Declining trend is found by observing the relative values of bone content with significant differences between the lightest and heaviest groups.
Preliminary study on the genetic diversity of the Istrian sheep, Lika and Krk pramenka sheep populations using microsatellite markers
Authors: SALAMON Dragica , GUTIERREZ-GIL Beatriz , KOSTELIC Antun , GORJANC Gregor , KOMPAN Dragomir , DZIDIC Alen
Published: November 2024

Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation were analysed, in a total of 103 sheep from four different populations from Croatia and Slovenia using 24 microsatellite loci. The aim of the study was to provide an initial understanding on the genetic diversity and structure of Istrian dairy sheep by analysing individuals sampled from reproductively isolated populations of Croatia (IST) and Slovenia (ISTs), while Krk island sheep (KRK) and Lika pramenka (LIK) were used as outgroups. Results revealed considerable levels of genetic diversity in the studied samples, similar to results reported in other indigenous sheep breeds related to low production systems. The genetic parameters estimated showed the highest diversity in KRK, and the lowest in LIK sheep population. Istrian breed populations were in between with expected and observed heterozygosity, and the number of private alleles identified, being higher in IST than in ISTs. In the four populations analysed, 67 private alleles were identified. KRK had the highest number of loci with population-specific alleles (12). On the contrary, LIK and ISTs showed the lowest number of private alleles (8). The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.648 and 0.634 (in LIK), respectively, to 0.723 and 0.732 (KRK), respectively. KRK had the lowest Fis value (0.034), while ISTs showed the highest Fis estimate (0.052). In conclusion, the results presented here show high level of conserved genetic diversity in the Istrian dairy sheep breed. The smaller and reproductively isolated Istrian sheep population from Slovenia shows less diversity and a higher inbreeding level.
Participatory development of breeding goals in Austrian dairy cattle
Authors: STEININGER Franz , FUERST-WALTL Birgit , PFEIFFER Christina , FUERST Christian , SCHWARZENBACHER Hermann , EGGER-DANNER Christa
Published: November 2024

Due to the possibilities of genomic selection and changing circumstances of production an evaluation of all steps in the breeding process is important. Optimisation involves the aspects of breeding goals, performance recording, genetic evaluation and breeding programmes. To achieve desired genetic gains whilst taking genomic selection into account, the inclusion of all relevant traits and their appropriate weighing within the total merit index is essential. To enquire the needs of the farmers a survey is carried out. The survey is designed as a pure online survey. From about 8.000 farmers across breeds, of whom the email address was available, 16% participated in the survey so far. Two peaks were observed close to the dates, when the internet link for the survey was distributed per email. Preliminary results show that the individual breeding goals of Fleckvieh and Brown Swiss breeders have shifted from dairy towards fitness and conformation traits during the last decade. High interest in novel traits like claw health, metabolism or inter- and crosssucking is observed as well. Selection response and monetary aspects from selection based on economic approaches will be compared with “desired gain” models based on the results of this survey. The survey is part of the Austrian project “OptiGene” with the main aim to optimise the different steps in the breeding process in order to achieve the long-term genetic gain desired by the farmers.
Heritability of linear type traits in the autochthonous Rendena dual purpose breed
Authors: MAZZA Serena , MANTOVANI Roberto
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to estimate heritabilities (h2) of type traits and linear description scores in Rendena breed. Five traditional summary traits and 20 linear descriptions were recorded on 9,776 Rendena primiparous cows. All available pedigree information (16,234 animals) was used to set up the relationship matrix among animals. Data were analyzed using a single-trait animal model, accounting for the following effects: herd-year-classifier, days in milk, age at first calving, and the genetic additive cow effect. The most heritable trait was the stature (h2 = 0.53), whereas the lowest value was found for feet (0.13). Other considerable values of heritability were found for body size (0.45), body length (0.40), and udder width (0.43). Medium-high heritability estimates were obtained for fleshiness (0.33), and udder (0.35), and regarding linear description for thigh-buttocks traits (0.32, and 0.33), thinness and rump angle (0.36 for both traits), as well as teat length (0.33). On the other hand suspensory ligament (0.17), and thorax length (0.16) showed low heritability values. However, the general good heritability estimates suggest the possibility to use linear description or type traits in genetic evaluation of Rendena cattle.
Estimation and decomposition of genetic trends in a two-way cross using Hungarian pig breeds
Authors: NAGY István , NAGYNÉ KISZLINGER Henrietta , FARKAS János , KÖVÉR György , CZAKÓ Bernadett , GORJANC Gregor
Published: November 2024

Authors analyzed the estimation and partition of the genetic trends of lean meat percentage and average daily gain of the two-way cross Duroc (Du), Pietrain (Pi) pigs and their cross. The analysis was based on the data collected by the Agricultural Agency of Administration in course of field test between 1998 and 2010 from 68 herds. Total number of animals in the pedigree file was 60926. Genetic parameters and breeding values of average daily gain (ADG) and the lean meat percentage (LMP) were estimated separately by REML and BLUP methods using the VCE6 and PEST software applying a two-trait animal model. For the observed period the authors received a small genetic trend for ADG while it was negligible for LMP. Decomposing these trends to genotypes the highest contributions to the trends were observed for Duroc (ADG) and Pietrain (LMP), respectively.
Estimates of environmental effects, genetic parameters and genetic trends for reproductive traits in Alpine goats
Authors: KASAP Ante , MIOČ Boro , JURKOVIĆ Darko , KOMPAN Dragomir , POTOČNIK Klemen
Published: November 2024

Study of litter size (LS), birth weight (BW) and litter weight (LW) over successive parities was conducted on diary Alpine goats reared in Croatia. Statistical analysis was performed on records obtained out of 46 722 parturitions from 18 546 goats of different ages and parities. Twining and tripling rates were 27% i.e. 1%. Unadjusted averages for LS, BW and LW were 1.46 lambs, 3.29 kg, and 4.75 kg, respectively. Univariate analysis (repeatability animal model) was used in estimation of variance components and prediction of breeding values. Season (as year-month interaction), age at lambing (as quadratic regression) nested within parity and type of birth were treated as fixed, and herd-year, additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual were treated as random effects, respectively. All investigated effects were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Heritability estimates were 0.039, 0.036, and 0.023 for LS, BW, and LW, respectively. Herd-year affected BW (46%) and LW (40%) much more than LS (12%). Average breeding values by year of the birth in the last decade oscillated between investigated years. Positive genetic trends of all investigated traits were determined only after year 2007.
Development of Cika cattle breed
Authors: ŽAN LOTRIČ Metka , ŠALEHAR Andrej , KOMPAN Dragomir
Published: November 2024

Cika cattle is the only Slovenian autochthonous cattle breed. It originates from Bohinj where breeders bred their own »cow families« and by doing so they kept a relatively high milk yield of Bohinj cows. They did not buy cows outside of Bohinj, only the bulls were purchased by the cooperatives at the cattle breeding fairs. Cika cattle was a widely used breed until the sixties of previous century, primarily as a dairy breed. Political decision made in 1964 significantly reduced the population in the following years. Our research was focused on the study of historical sources which show the development of Cike cattle in the Republic of Slovenia. We have put special emphasis on zootechnical characterization, genealogy, livestock geography, morphology and milk production of Cika cattle.
Molecular genetics of coat colour in pigs
Authors: FONTANESI Luca , RUSSO Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

Coat colour in Sus scrofa has been the matter of pioneering genetics studies carried out at the beginning of the last century. Since then, classical genetics studies have assumed that several loci affect this trait in pigs. With the advent of molecular genetics it was possible to identify genes and mutations affecting coat colours and patterns in pigs. Variability in several genes have been shown to affect pigmentation in this species. However, only two of them might play major roles in determining coat colour variation in Mediterranean pig breeds or populations: melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R, Extension locus) and v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT, Dominant White locus). Other genes (ASIP, TYRP1, EDNRB, KITLG and OCA2) might affect coat colour in few breeds/populations or could modify the effect of the two major genes. Polymorphisms in the MC1R and KIT genes can be also used to authenticate mono-breed products obtained from local pig breeds.
Analysis of PRKAG3 gene polymorphisms in Italian autochthonous pig breeds
Authors: DALL’OLIO Stefania , SCOTTI Emilio , NANNI COSTA Leonardo , D’ALESSANDRO Enrico , RUSSO Vincenzo , FONTANESI Luca
Published: November 2024

The PRKAG3 gene encodes for the regulatory gamma 3 subunit of adenosine monophosfate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein that acts as a regulator of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in the porcine PRKAG3 gene. Two of them (c.595A>G or p.I199V and c.599G>A or p.R200Q) have been associated with variability of meat quality and carcass traits. In this study, we investigated the frequency of the c.595A>G and c.599G>A SNPs in 372 animals of five Italian autochthonous pig breeds (Apulo-Calabrese, Casertana, Cinta Senese, Mora Romagnola and Nero Siciliano). Genomic DN A was extracted from hair roots or blood and SNPs genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP protocols. The c.599A (p.200Q) allele was carried by only 3 Nero Siciliano pigs. All five breeds were polymorphic at the c.595A>G site. The c.595A (p.I199) allele was less frequent in the analysed breeds with minor allele frequency ranging from 0.144 (Nero Siciliano) to 0.464 (Casertana). Based on identified allele frequencies, the c.595A>G SNP can be useful in association studies with meat, carcass and ham quality traits in the Italian local pig breeds.
Estimation of linkage disequilibrium in the Nero Siciliano Italian autochtonous breed using the Illumina 60K SNP array
Authors: CHESSA Stefania , CRISCIONE Andrea , MORETTI Riccardo , BORDONARO Salvatore , MARLETTA Donata , CASTIGLIONI Bianca
Published: November 2024

Local breeds represent an important component of the overall farm animal diversity to be maintained and exploited. The new high-throughput molecular technologies allow a wide range of massive, simultaneous genomic analysis. Commercial SNP genotyping platforms are a suitable tool for the genetic characterization and the study of inter-breeds diversity. Linkage disequilibrium, the nonrandom association of alleles at different loci, has received increasing attention in recent years as a result of the availability of genome sequences and large numbers of identified SNP. This study aims to assess the genomic structure of the Nero Siciliano pig, an Italian population reared in eastern Sicily, through the analysis of the extent and range of linkage disequilibrium using the SNP analyzed through the PorcineSNP60 Genotyping BeadChip. Moreover molecular data from other four Italian breeds/populations were also included in the linkage analysis. Linkage disequilibrium may reveal much about breed history, genetic relationships and represent an extremely valuable tool in planning the marker density required to be efficient in marker assisted selection. The Nero Siciliano breed showed the lowest value of average linkage disequilibrium probably due to the lack of systematic selection strategies and variable linkage disequilibrium rates were found in different genomic regions among the analyzed populations.
Quality of fresh pork and dry-cured ham: interactive effects of pig breed (Basque or Large White) and production system (conventional, alternative or extensive)
Authors: LEBRET Bénédicte , ECOLAN Patrick , BONHOMME Nathalie , POLLET Pierre-Yves , DOURMAD Jean-Yves
Published: November 2024

The influence of pig breed, production system and their interaction on the quality of fresh and dry-cured hams was determined in two pure breeds: Large White (LW) and Basque (B, local breed) reared in different production systems: conventional (C), alternative on bedding with outdoor access (A) and extensive outdoor (E). Two experimental replicates each including 5 groups of 10 castrated males (BC, BA, BE, LWC, LWA) were undertaken. The B pigs had a lower growth rate, especially for BE, and a higher carcass fatness at 145 kg, especially for BA and BC compared with LWA and LWC. Semimembranosus (SM) of BE pigs had higher ultimate pH and more red and dark meat than the other pigs, especially LWA and LWC. Intramuscular fat and saturated, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acid contents were higher in B than LW pigs, but were not modified by production system. B dry-cured hams had higher fat thickness, marbling, red color intensity and oily scores, especially BE, and lower occurrence of veining defect than LW hams. B hams were judged tender, easier to cut and less dry than the LW which had higher salty and acid tastes, but texture and taste were not influenced by production system. This study highlighting the high quality and specificity of pork from local breeds and extensive systems is of interest for pork chains involved in Protected Denomination of Origin approach.
Effect of pre-slaughter weight and sex on commercial meat cut yields of Iberian pigs
Authors: GARCÍA-GUDIÑO Javier , IZQUIERDO Mercedes , AYUSO Dolores , ROSARIO Ana I. del , DUARTE Juan L. , PÉREZ Miguel A. , HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA Francisco I.
Published: November 2024

It is very important for the Iberian swine industry to determine the optimum slaughter weight. Therefore, predicting the weights and yields of valuable meat cuts (ham, foreleg and loin) at a given pre-slaughter live weight may be very useful for management decisions. Also, sex differences in prime-cut yields should be elucidated. For this study, 300 extensively reared Iberian pigs (castrated males and females) were slaughtered at live weight (LW) ranging from 125 to 200 kg. At the packing plant, carcass and meat cuts were weighed, and meat cut yields were recorded. Increasing LW class was associated with heavier carcass and meat cuts, but also with lower carcass and prime-cut yields. Males were heavier, but females had higher carcass yield. Nevertheless, males were superior to females in the case of foreleg weight and yield and combined prime-cut yield. Sex differences within each LW class were consistent. Results suggest that in Iberian pig weight gain during finishing in extensive systems is mostly based on fat cover deposition, and also that males, despite castration, have a greater front leg development than females.
Effect of hydrolysable tannins on proliferation of small intestinal porcine and human enterocytes
Authors: BRUS Maksimiljan , LANGERHOLC Tomaž , ŠKORJANC Dejan
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration dependent impact of chestnut and oak extracts with high concentration of hydrolysable tannins on the growth of animal and human small intestinal enterocyte cell lines.In our study, four tannin extracts from oak and sweet chestnut were used (GALLIC ACID, FARMATAN, CONTAN, TANEX). Tannins were tested on normal porcine small intestinal cell lines (PSI, IPEC-J2, CLAB), human normal (H4) and human cancerogenic (Caco-2) cell line. Proliferation of cells was followed in 96-well plate by colony count assay. In this assay, a small number of cells was initially seeded into wells and growth of cell colonies in the presence of tannins supplemented in a wide range of concentrations (0.5 μg/mL–500.0 μg/mL) was followed up to 5 days. Experiments were stopped before cell colonies started to fuse and counted using the microscope. Colony count served as an indicator for comparison between control and assay experiments. GALLIC ACID was very effective at growth inhibition of cancerogenic Caco-2 cells. Inhibition up to 20% was observed in the concentration interval 0.98 to 31.25 μg/mL. FARMATAN accelerated proliferation of IPEC-J2 and Caco-2 cell lines up to 31.25 μg/mL. CONTAN was most potent in promoting growth of IPEC-J2 in the range of 1–62.5 μg/mL. In contrast, in a range between 1–62.5 μg/mL TANEX accelerated growth of human normal cell line H4, while having little effects on other cell lines. The obtained results suggest potentially beneficial use of chestnut and oak extract in the diet of humans and animals. In lower concentrations tannins could be used for the purpose of accelerated recovery of small intestinal epithelium, but further research is needed for elucidation of the mechanisms responsible for the observed effects on cell proliferation.
Impact of supplementing pig diet with tannins on histological characteristics of small intestine and growth performance of fattening pigs
Authors: BRUS Maksimiljan , BAVDEK Srdan V. , SKOK Janko , ŠKORJANC Dejan
Published: November 2024

The aim of the present preliminary study was to examine the effect of tannins (0.2% of chestnuts or oak tannins) as a supplement in pigs’ diet on histological characteristics of small intestine and growth performance of fattening pigs. A total of 75 pigs were involved in study during fattening period from 30 to 120 kg divided into three groups: CONTROL (n = 25), CONTAN (n = 25) and FARMATAN (n = 25). At slaughter, small intestines of two animals per group were dissected into three parts (duodenum, jejunum and ileum). Different histometric characteristics such as height of mucosa, height of villi, depth of crypts, height of necrosis and height of epithelium were estimated on tissue cross section. Daily gain was calculated as growth characteristics of pigs. In the present study necroses of small intestine villi were generally present by experimental animals. Results showed that 0.2% of Farmatan – chestnut tannin (F) in the pig diet reflected in higher growth performance and lower proportion of necrosis (16:17%) in comparison to control pigs with diet without supplemented tannins. Although pigs of control group showed negligible differences in small intestine wall histological characteristics comparing to FARMATAN, their growth performances were significantly different. It could be speculated, that higher villi, lower proportion of necrosis and narrower crypt/villi ratio may led to better growth performance but small numbers of investigated pigs in present study make difficulties to give solid conclusions.
Qualitative, chemical and nutritional traits of dry-cured ham of Sarda breed pigs: effect of rearing system
Authors: PORCU Sebastiano , MAZZETTE Rina , DIAFERIA Carlo , RIU Giovanni , MANCA Carla , ADDIS Margherita
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different rearing systems on some traits of Sarda breed pig ham. Twelve pigs were randomly assigned to the following three feeding systems: A, outdoor rearing system and fed ad libitum with a commercial concentrate; B, outdoor rearing and fed with ground barley (1.8 kg/head/day); C, fed at pasture in the woods and receiving 500 g/head/day of barley grain. After slaughter (22 months of age) the left thighs were processed for the production of the “pressuttu” (Sarda hams). After 14 months of ripening, ham weight loss was recorded and composition and chemical properties were determined in muscle and fat tissue. Rearing systems affected tissue and chemical composition of Sarda ham. Fresh ham weight and fat percentage were the highest in group A which showed the lowest value of seasoning weight loss (18.94 ± 1.51 vs. 28.44 ± 1.66 vs. 24.76 ± 1.32 for A, B and C group respectively). Dry-cured ham from pigs reared in outdoor system B showed higher content (P < 0.001) of total protein and soluble nitrogen (SN/TN) than those from the other groups. Hams from groups A and B were characterized by the highest content of the saturated fatty acids (SFA). Fatty acids profile of dry-cured ham from group C showed the highest value of oleic and linolenic acids, and consequently the highest monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids content and more favorable values of PUFA/SFA and ω6/ω3 ratio. Pasture feeding is more suitable to obtain products with high nutritional properties.
Prediction of feeding system in Iberian pigs with three analytical methods by means of discriminant analysis
Authors: GARCÍA CASCO Juan M. , DELGADO-CHAVERO Carmen , PAREDES Andrés , REY Ana I.
Published: November 2024

Subcutaneous fat samples from Iberian pigs were analysed by means of three analytical methods developed to predict the feeding system during the last fattening period (bellota, recebo, campo and cebo). These three methods were: (1) quantification of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic fatty acids methyl esters by gas chromatography, (2) quantification of alpha and gamma tocopherol by high-performance liquid chromatography and (3) quantification of 13C/12C ratio by gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). The results obtained by these methods over three season’s samples were used to perform a discriminant analysis in order to predict the feeding system during the fourth season, considered as the problem data. The results showed the capacity of the discriminant analysis for distinguishing between the feeding regime based in the consumption of acorn and pastures and that based in mixed diets (90% of success rate). However, differentiation of feeding systems in the case of mixed diet and natural resources during any time of the fattening phase seems not to be feasible.
Effect of two different rearing systems on quality of dry cured “coppa” of Nero Siciliano pig
Authors: DI ROSA Ambra , ZUMBO Alessandro , FURFARO Maria Elena , CARCIONE Giuseppe , D’ANGELO Giuseppe , CHIOFALO Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the indoors (IN) vs. outdoors (OUT) rearing system on quality traits of dry cured coppa from Nero Siciliano pig. Physico-chemical parameters, fatty acid profile and α- and γ-tocopherol were investigated. The IN group showed a higher level of fat compared to the OUT group (42.45% vs. 37.85%; P = 0.005). Significant differences were found for salt content (IN: 4.70% vs. OUT: 5.44%; P < 0.0001), Lightness (L*) and yellow index (b*) were higher in the IN than OUT group (L*: 60.24 vs. 56.44, P = 0.023; b*: 6.89 vs. 5.32; P = 0.002). No significant differences were observed for fatty acids profile and for α- and γ-tocopherol. As dry cured coppa from both groups showed a similar quality level, to guarantee the availability of this product all through the year, the indoor rearing system based on commercial feed could replace the traditional outdoor system, when natural resources are limited.
Biochemical characterization of meat of Calabrese × Large White pig reared in outdoor or indoor housing system: preliminary results
Authors: DI LUCCIA Aldo , RILLO Luigina , INGLESE Filomena , SANTORO Laura , MATASSINO Donato
Published: November 2024

This work reports some results concerning protein and lipid profiles of pork from 12 subjects of Calabrese Ancient Local Genetic Type (ALGT) × Large White (LW) crosses reared in outdoor or indoor housing system. Aim of this paper is to examine the effect of two housing systems on protein and lipid profiles. Analysis of the proteome of the water soluble fraction (sarcoplasmic) was carried out on meat samples obtained from muscle Caput Longum Tricipitis Brachii (CloTB). The analysis covered a total of 12 samples and 24 two-dimensional gel electrophoresis maps (2 for each sample), which were digitized for subsequent image analysis and used for spot identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The comparison of 24 two-dimensional maps was performed by Image Master 2D-Platinum software in order to establish the relative intensity, expressed as vol%, of each spot for each gel. Image analysis produced 12 common spots in all maps analyzed. The housing system did not influence the relative abundance (vol%) of 12 spots detected. These proteins, identified by peptide mass fingerprint, are grouped according to their biological function as metabolic, cellular defense and transport protein. Inter and intra-muscular fatty acid profiles of CloTB was determined by gaschromatography. No significant differences for the fatty acids content were observed between the two housing systems suggesting that intrinsic factors, such as the genetic asset, may be more important than extrinsic factors.
Noir de Bigorre pig – from extinction to exception
Authors: TOUZANNE Armand
Published: November 2024

The article presents the history and preservation of the pig breed Noir de Bigorre, which was almost lost. The organisation of the chain, creation of quality labels and promotional activities are portrayed. Principal elements and rules which should be respected are presented and an overview of the state of the art and the foreseen developments are given.
One Health approach in free-ranging systems – bovine tuberculosis as a model
Authors: CSIVINCSIK Ágnes , RÓNAI Zsuzsanna , NAGY Gábor
Published: November 2024

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infection in wildlife represents one of the main animal health risks for free-ranging animal husbandry systems in Europe. A regular surveillance is essential for assessment the real problem and for determination of bio-security rules for these husbandry systems. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that post-mortem examination on submandibular lymph node (smLN) of hunter-harvested wild boars can be a useful method to follow bTB epidemics and to assess the risk of a certain environment. During a hunting season between November 2015 and January 2016, we examined 287 wild boar carcasses inside a known bTB hot-spot and 214 ones outside of that. We found 92 and 25 carcasses with suspect bTB lesions, respectively. Only one carcass showed generalized symptoms and all of the others were detectable solely by section. Our results suggest that surveillance based on smLN section of wild boars can show bTB hot-spots and hereby, this is applicable to forecast epidemiological risk. Moreover, this study confirmed that visual-only game meat inspection would miss most of the suspect bTB lesions. Therefore, it is unsuitable to integrate into an epidemiological surveillance system.
Effect of feeding supplemental exogenous amylase on the performance of high yielding dairy cows
Authors: TÓTH Tamás , TÓTHI Róbert
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an exogenous rumen-resistant amylase preparation on live weight, milk production and milk composition in Holstein Friesian dairy cows (n = 70) in a dairy farm experiment. According to the Hungarian feeding practice corn silage-alfalfa haylage-dried corn meal based diet was used in the diets. Milk production was recorded every day. Chemical analyses were made from the morning milked samples once a week. There was a 3-week long preliminary and a 12-week long experimental period in the trial. Cows used in the experiment were in the 71st (control) and 72nd (experimental) day of lactation. All the animals were weighed at the beginning (control: 651 kg/cow; experimental: 657 kg/cow) and at the end of the trial (control: 685 kg/cow; experimental: 697 kg/cow). The exogenous rumen-resistant α-amylase used in this trial significantly (p < 0.05) improved milk production (control: 37.7 ± 6.96 kg vs. experimental: 38.7 ± 6.97 kg) and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased lactose content of milk (4.60 % vs. 4.55 %). The exogenous rumen-resistant α-amylase had no influence on the fatty acid composition of milk fat.
Correlations between udder traits and their relationship with milk yield during first lactation in Slovenian Alpine goats
Authors: CIVIDINI Angela , FLISAR Tina , KOVAČ Milena , KOMPAN Drago
Published: November 2024

Udder traits were subjectively scored in 36 Slovenian Alpine goats as udder depth (UD), fore (FUA) and rear udder attachment (RUA), medial suspensory ligament (MSL), teat diameter (TD), length (TL) and position (TP), and measured as UDcm, RUAcm, TDcm, TLcm and TPcm. Phenotypic correlations among udder traits were estimated. Standardised regression coefficients were estimated for the effect of days in milk (DIM) on udder traits and daily milk yield (MY) and were tested for slope heterogeneity. Phenotypic correlations between UD and FUA, and UD and RUA were 0.25 and 0.11, respectively. Highly positive correlation was estimated between RUA and RUAcm (0.70), TD and TDcm (0.78), and TL and TLcm (0.85). Moderate correlations were estimated between days in milk and UDcm (−0.39), RUAcm (−0.34), and TDcm (−0.26), suggesting UD, RUA and TD become smaller as lactation progresses. Changes of udder traits over lactation were smaller than changes for daily milk yield. Decrease of TP, RUAcm, UDcm, TDcm, and milk yield throughout lactation was obtained. We found similar trend in changing UDcm and RUAcm with the trend of changing daily milk yield.
Carcass traits of organically and conventionally fattened cattle in Slovenia
Authors: VOLJČ Mojca , ČEPON Marko , ŽGUR Silvester
Published: November 2024

In the present study, the carcass quality of organically and conventionally fattened cattle slaughtered between the years 2008 and 2015 were compared. Slaughtered animals were classified in different categories according to age and sex . The recorded data included hot carcass weight (HCW), slaughter age, net daily gain (NDG), EUROP conformation and fatness. Bulls and heifers older than 12 months from conventional fattening system had better HCW, NDG and conformation in comparison with organically fattened animals. Fatness was higher in bull and heifer carcasses from conventional fattening system compared to organic ones. On the contrary, calves from organic system younger than 12 months had better carcass quality compared to that from conventional system. Organically fattened calves had higher HCW, NDG and conformation, while no differences in fatness were found.
Analysis of linear scoring of conformation traits in Czech draught horses
Authors: VOSTRÝ Luboš , VOSTRÁ-VYDROVÁ Hana , HOFMANOVÁ Barbora , VESELÁ Zdeňka , SCHMIDOVÁ Jitka
Published: November 2024

The analysis of linear scoring of conformation traits performed in 946 individuals of Czech-Moravian Belgian horse (CMB), 574 Silesian Norikers (N) and 640 horses of Noriker breed (N) was conducted by linear model with fixed effects sex, age at scoring, breed, contemporary group (year of scoring × place of scoring × classifier). Data obtained from horses of these three different breeds were recorded in one single database. Descriptive statistics (mean value, standard deviation, variation coefficient) were calculated for all monitored traits. The incomplete use of variability scale was detected for the most of scored traits. For none of the monitored traits the whole scale (1–9) was used. Significant differences between mares and stallions were found only for 5 traits. The age of the horse at the scoring had no significant effect for the most of the traits. Both effects (sex and age at the scoring) did not reach statistical significance for the majority of monitored traits in all breeds. On the contrary, in all traits statistically significant differences in effect of contemporary group (year of scoring × place of scoring × classifier) were found.
Multiplicity of solutions for a nonhomogeneous quasilinear elliptic equation with concave-convex nonlinearities
Authors: Qi Wanting , Zhang Xingyong
Published: November 2024

We investigate the multiplicity of solutions for a quasilinear scalar field equation with a nonhomogeneous differential operator defined by

S
u
≔
−

div

ϕ

u

2

+

∣

∇

u
∣

2

2

∇

u

+
ϕ

u

2

+

∣

∇

u
∣

2

2

u
,

Su:= -\hspace{0.1em}\text{div}\hspace{0.1em}\left\{\phi \left(\frac{{u}^{2}+{| \nabla u| }^{2}}{2}\right)\nabla u\right\}+\phi \left(\frac{{u}^{2}+{| \nabla u| }^{2}}{2}\right)u,

where

ϕ
:

[

0
,
+
∞

)

→
R

\phi :\left[0,+\infty )\to {\mathbb{R}}

is a positive continuous function. This operator is introduced by Stuart [Two positive solutions of a quasilinear elliptic Dirichlet problem, Milan J. Math.  
79 (2011), 327–341] and depends on not only

∇

u

\nabla u

but also

u

u

. This particular quasilinear term generally appears in the study of nonlinear optics model, which describes the propagation of self-trapped beam in a cylindrical optical fiber made from a self-focusing dielectric material. When the reaction term is concave-convex nonlinearities, by using the Nehari manifold and doing a fine analysis associated on the fibering map, we obtain that the equation admits at least one positive energy solution and negative energy solution, which is also the ground state solution of the equation. We overcome two main difficulties which are caused by the nonhomogeneity of the differential operator

S

S

: (i) the almost everywhere convergence of the gradient for the minimizing sequence

{

u

n

}

\left\{{u}_{n}\right\}

; (ii) seeking the reasonable restrictions about

S

S

.