bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fridays for Future: Dealing with controversial issues in schools
Authors: Costa Jana , Singer-Brodowski Mandy
Published: November 2024

What does a school strike mean for teachers and school leaders, and what tensions arise when they must respond to such protests? To address this question, we first give an overview of theoretical insights and empirical findings. Based on a survey of Fridays for Future participants,
we then examine how students perceived teachers’ and school leaders’ reactions to the strikes, and discuss the findings in the context of school development.The Fridays for Future (FfF) school strikes represent a protest movement advocating for a sustainable future while simultaneously
challenging the current institutional framework of schools. The characterization of FfF as school strike needs a response from teachers and school leaders, an aspect that has received limited scholarly attention. The movement is compelling both teachers and school leaders to adopt a stance
on the strike and to take a position on controversial issues. But there is a lack of professionalization among educators regarding their approach to addressing controversies in the context of climate policies. At the same time, teachers and school leaders must directly respond to the absence
of students. This article aims to explore the manner in which controversial topics can be addressed in schools, with a particular focus on the example of FfF. We outline challenges that teachers and school leaders face in relation to FfF and present theoretical and empirical insights into
how to deal with controversial issues. Moreover, we present initial findings pertaining to the students’ perceptions of the teachers’ and school leaders’ responses to FfF.
The Late-Stage Foetal Liver Microenvironment Is Essential for Later Sensitivity of B-Lymphopoiesis to Suppression by Oestrogens
Authors: Pelichovská Tereza , Chang K. T. , Šefc L. , Savvulidi F. , Broulík P. , Nečas E.
Published: November 2024

B-lymphopoiesis in FL differs notably from that of adult B-lymphopoiesis in being resistant to suppression by oestrogens due to the lack of expression of oestrogen receptors in B-cell progenitors and precursors. We have transplanted middle-stage FL cells (E14.5) to adult male mice and demonstrated that B-lymphopoiesis derived from FL cells remained resistant to suppression by exogenous oestrogen for several months compared to adult BM cells. This significant difference strongly suggests that the latestage FL environment exerts an inductive action on the haematopoietic stem cells and is mandatory for later sensitivity of B-lymphopoiesis to suppression by oestrogens. The results also provide the first in vivo functional confirmation of a differential responsiveness of FL- and adult BM-derived B-lymphopoiesis to suppression by oestrogens.
The RNA Content of Nucleolar Bodies Is Related to Their Size – a Cytochemical Study on Human Monocytes and Lymphocytes in Blood Smears and Blood Cytospins
Authors: Smetana Karel , Jirásková I. , Otevřelová P. , Kalousek I.
Published: November 2024

The present study was undertaken to provide more information on the relationship between the nucleolar size and RNA density. Mature monocytes circulating in human peripheral blood appeared to be very convenient for such study because they contain multiple nucleoli of various sizes in one and the same nucleus. In addition, nucleoli without perinucleolar chromatin represented by nucleolar bodies are easy to be visualized by a simple cytochemical procedure for RNA demonstration. The diameter and density of NoBs in specimens stained for RNA were determined by computer-assisted measurements of individual cells. According to the results, the nucleolar RNA content was apparently related to the nucleolar size because the RNA density of small and large NoBs was practically the same. In addition, the diameter measurements also indicated that one or two of several NoBs in one nucleus were dominant – larger – than the others. It should also be mentioned that the diameter and RNA density of NoBs were studied in monocytes in peripheral blood smears regardless of their limited number. Additional study on lymphocytes indicated that the preparation procedure of smears modified both diameter and density of the measured parameters less than the preparation of cytospins as demonstrated by lower variability of the resulting values. Thus, the observed differences between smears and cytospins also indicated that the specimen preparation procedures should always be considered during evaluation of the nucleolar size or staining intensity of nucleoli or cytoplasm due to the presence of RNA.
Present situation of the Hungarian animal production considering the ecological and ethical standards
Authors: STEFLER József , BOGENFÜRST Ferenc , CSATÓ László , MAKRAY Sándor , SÜTŐ Zoltán , SZENDRŐ Zsolt , TOLDI Gyula
Published: November 2024

In the Hungarian animal production application of the EU standards for animal and environment protection, ethical regulations need dramatically changes. In the derogation period (2007–2010) deep and costly changes have to happen first of all in concentrate consuming species (poultry, pig). In case of ruminants the situation is not so severe, therefore adjustment is possible before the deadline. As part of regulations (protection against cage keeping, alternative, yard keeping, etc.) can be discussed professionally, since these increase costs, and quality of products, criteria of food safety are questionable. Because of it further scientific investigations and analyze of these experiences will be needed to make rational decisions.
Ecological production as a market regulator for the pork market in the county of Osijek and Baranja
Authors: TOLUŠIĆ Zdravko , KRALIK Gordana , MARGETA Vladimir
Published: November 2024

The objective of this research was to examine our consumers’ perception of the high-quality ecologically produced meat and to ascertain to what extent this form of production and the quality of thus obtained pork can influence the pork market flows and be a regulator of this market. Based on the results of our research, we may conclude that pork is an important foodstuff in the diet of the residents of the County of Osijek and Baranja, since more than 80% of our subjects eat pork at least once a week. Price, instead of quality, is still the most important criterion for the purchasing of meat. More than 40% of the subjects pay no attention to the origin of meat when purchasing it, and a third of them do not check whether the meat is suitable in terms of health. Although the entire population is aware of the ecological method of pigbreeding, almost a third of them do not consider this method of pork production positive. Half of the subjects are not ready to pay a higher price for the meat produced by means of the ecologically acceptable method, in spite of the fact that they believe such meat to be of higher quality. Due to this reason, at this moment ecologically produced pork does not have a notable effect on market flows and market regulation. In order to obtain such an effect, certain requirements need to be fulfilled. This pertains primarily to the growth of the purchasing power of the population, ecological awareness and changes in the diet of our population towards the consumption of healthier foods.
Sustainable cattle production is the best for Slovenia
Authors: OSTERC Jože
Published: November 2024

In Slovenia, two thirds of agricultural areas are grassland, and 43% of areas are karst. A great part of arable areas are sandy and gravelly and thus prone to drought. The mentioned facts as well as hilly surface are the main reasons for small size farms, slim possibilities of increasing, specialization and intensive farming. Consequently cattle production should be planned prudently. The soil fertility can be preserved by sowing arable areas with grain and by rotation of crops, production of grass-clover mixtures and application of organic manure. Milk and beef should be produced by forage with the lowest possible degree of pollution with greenhouse gas emissions. Cows wellbeing and longevity are important as well as the quality of produced milk and beef. Considering the natural conditions, self-sufficiency, farm size and wholesome quality the sustainable production of dual purpose breed is required. Cows fed on forage should produce about 5 000 to 7 000 kg of milk in lactation and at least 30 000 kg milk in life span. Young animals should grow quickly and achieve excellent slaughtering traits. All above demands are already met by modern type of Simmental breed.
Animal welfare as a pillar of a sustainable farm animal production
Authors: COZZI Giulio , BRSCIC Marta , GOTTARDO Flaviana
Published: November 2024

Despite research and legislation carried out in the last decades, we are still in progress to fulfil the public concerns about the definition of sustainable production standards as regards the welfare of farm animals. The assessment of animal welfare on-farm is nowadays one of the outstanding issues for several reasons: 1) identify risk factors still present at the farm level for livestock welfare, 2) find solutions to overcome welfare problems, 3) define minimum requirements for all the farm animals species and categories or refine the exiting recommendations, 4) create certification schemes for labelling welfare friendly farm animal products. Ideally a standardized welfare assessment protocol should be based on a multidisciplinary approach but, for feasibility reasons, most of the proposed monitoring schemes have been based mainly on the evaluation of farm housing and facilities. The Welfare Quality® research consortium is currently working on a new assessment tool largely based on valid and reliable measures recorded by clinical and behavioural observation of the animals. Differing from the existing protocols for animal welfare assessment, the Welfare Quality® scheme aims to be a valuable support to farmers and the animal industry in their efforts to improve the welfare status of farm animals. Therefore the system shall provide a feedback of information on how to improve welfare along the productive chain of farm animals. The routine application of this type of assessment schemes appears an effective tool to promote a general improvement of the quality of life of farm animals as well as to address the consumer choices towards welfare friendly animal foodstuffs.
Effects of stocking density, cage and floor type on the meat quality of growing rabbits
Authors: JEKKEL Gabriella , MILISITS Gábor , BÁZÁR György , LOCSMÁNDI László , NAGY István
Published: November 2024

The experiment was carried out with Pannon White growing rabbits, which were divided into four experimental groups: 1. rabbits were reared in pens, on wire net floor, at 16 rabbits/m² stocking density; 2. rabbits were reared in pens, on wire net floor, at 12 rabbits/m² stocking density; 3. rabbits were reared in pens, on straw litter, at 12 rabbits/m² stocking density; 4. rabbits were reared in conventional cages (2 rabbits/cage, 16 rabbits/m²). The experiment took place between 5 and 11 weeks of age. At the end of the trial animals were slaughtered, and the following meat quality parameters were measured: pH 24 hours after slaughter in the m. Longissimus dorsi and in the thigh muscle, dry matter content in the m. Longissimus dorsi and in the thigh muscle, meat color (L, a*, b*) in the m. Longissimus dorsi, drip, cooking and thawing loss in the m. Longissimus dorsi and the shear force also in the m. Longissimus dorsi. The effects of cage type, floor type and stocking density on the meat quality parameters were evaluated by means of multi-factor analysis of variance. For testing the significance of differences between the meat quality of rabbits reared in pens or in conventional cages (control) the Dunnett-test was used. Based on the results it was established, that the pH was not affected by the cage type, floor type and stocking density. The dry matter content of the thigh muscle was significantly higher in the conventional cages, on the wire net floor and at 12 rabbits/m² stocking density. The drip and thawing loss of the m. Longissimus dorsi was the highest in rabbits reared on the straw litter floor. The cooking loss was affected significantly only by the type of cage. The shear force was significantly affected by the cage type and stocking density. Based on our results it could be concluded that compared to the conventional cages rearing rabbits in pens on wire net or straw bedded floor had no substantial effect on the rabbits’ meat quality.
Investigating PRKAG3 polymorphisms for traits of interest in dry ham production
Authors: Škrlep Martin , ČANDEK-POTOKAR Marjeta , KAVAR Tatjana , ŠEGULA Blaž , SANTÉ-LHOUTELLIER Veronique , GOU Pere
Published: November 2024

Genetic markers affecting proteolysis could prove useful for selection of pigs suitable for dry ham production with lower salt content and/or prolonged maturation. One of the candidate genes to affect muscle metabolism, and consequently meat and dry-cured ham quality, is the I199V polymorphism of PRKAG3 gene which is currently studied within the 6th FP project TRUEFOOD (FOOD-CT-2006-016264) in three countries (France, Spain and Slovenia). Presented results involve 569 Slovenian Duroc×Hampshire sired commercial pigs slaughtered in 10 batches from which 723 hams were harvested and processed into dry hams “kraški pršut”. Pigs were genotyped (PCR-RFLP) and traits of interest measured (backfat thickness, meat%, carcass weight, ham weight, ham subcutaneous fat thickness, pH in semimembranosus muscle, colour, processing losses). Genotype frequencies on codon 199 of PRKAG3 gene were 12.7%, 55.5% and 31.8% for I/I, I/V and V/V, respectively. Results indicate an effect of PRKAG3 gene polymorphism on carcass traits (carcass weight, ham weight, ham subcutaneous fat thickness), meat quality (m.gluteus medius colour score and Minolta L*) and processing losses (weight losses at the end of salting, resting and drying phase).
Effect of dietary EE/NFE ratio on sensorial traits of shi drum
Authors: SEGATO Severino , FASOLATO Luca , BALZAN Stefania , ELIA Carla Azzurra , NOVELLI Enrico , ANDRIGHETTO Igino
Published: November 2024

A four months growth trial was carried out in order to evaluate the quality traits of juvenile shi drum (Umbrina cirrosa) fed two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets having a different EE/NFE ratio (LOW, 0.7 vs. HIGH, 1.1). Compared to HIGH diet, LOW one was formulated increasing the replacement of fish oil with cereal products and soybean meal. At the end of the feeding trial (2 replicate per dietary treatment), 26 fish for each thesis were sorted according to live weight and submitted to chemical and sensorial analysis. Dietary treatments showed similar productive performance. The relative high inclusion of carbohydrates in substitution of lipids did not affect proximate composition of whole body and dorsal fillet. Among sensorial traits, LOW diet-fed fish evidenced a significant lower trunk exudation and fillet lightness. Results of this research showed that shi drum is a suitable candidate for Mediterranean marine aquaculture and its dietary formulation might include at least the NFE amount tested in this trial.
Animal products as coventional and functional food – an overwiev
Authors: KRALIK Gordana , KUŠEC Goran , GRČEVIĆ Manuela , ĐURKIN Ivona , KRALIK Igor
Published: November 2024

In the present paper, the details about the consumption of animal products worldwide, in Europe and Croatia are given. The consumers’ perception about animal products is discussed in the light of raising concern about food-borne diseases, intoxications, GMO products, animal welfare and other issues related to animal production. On the other hand, signs of the consumers demand for more healthy and nutritious foods are stressed. At the food market of the industrialised countries, within past decade as the major trend, functional foods can be detected. Some information is given about different meats, eggs and milk that qualify as functional food. In meats and eggs the emphasize was given on the enrichment of these products with polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium; the potential of carnosine and conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) are briefly mentioned as their functional properties as ingredients of meats are currently investigated. Dairy products were also discussed in this light. Milk was described as protein vitamin and mineral rich product which has always been considered as a healthy animal product. Beside these beneficial traits, milk and milk products are also rich with CLA and they represent a great proportion of total functional foods produced today globally. As future prospects it is foreseen that functional foods will increase their presence on market in industrialised countries. This should be seen as a great opportunity for the animal products industry but also as a technological and social challenge. The producers of livestock should also be aware of these possibilities.
Animal science in the context of food consumer science
Authors: POHAR Jurij
Published: November 2024

The food consumer science as the science with the ambition to overcome the difference between food science and consumer science is presented. The major stakeholders involved are listed and the role of animal science and animal scientists within the framework of food consumer science is discoursed. The importance of animal scientists to understand the complexity of food consumer science knowledge system and need for them to broaden the scope of interest beyond the traditional area of expertise of animal science is stressed.
Modification of diet fatty acid composition change the fatty acid composition of rabbit meat
Authors: PIRMAN Tatjana , TREBUŠAK Tina , LEVART Alenka
Published: November 2024

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of linseed oil supplementation on the performance and fatty acid composition of rabbit leg muscle and adipose tissue. Two experiments were done. First experiment: twelve male SIKA rabbits, divided in two groups, control (n = 4; commercial diet) and the linseed (n = 8; commercial diet with 9% of linseed oil sprayed onto the pellets). Second experiment: twenty-four (12 male and 12 female) SIKA rabbits, divided in two groups, palm fat (n = 12; 6% palm fat), linseed oil (n = 12; 6% linseed oil). Body mass gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded. The fatty acid composition of leg intramuscular lipids and adipose tissue was determined by gas chromatography and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma and leg muscle was measured. The results clearly show that the fatty acid composition of leg muscle and adipose tissue depends on the diet fatty acid composition. Linseed oil in both experiments reduced the proportion of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in both tissues. Linseed oil also reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ration to more favorable (8.22 to 1.31 and 6.82 to 1.81 in first and second experiment, respectively). However, linseed oil addition leads to significantly higher MDA concentration in leg muscle.
Genomic selection in Fleckvieh with low density SNP panels
Authors: MÉSZÁROS Gábor , KIRNBAUER Elisabeth , SCHWARZENBACHER Hermann , SÖLKNER Johann
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to compare accuracies of genomic breeding values (GEBV) based on genotypes from 2123 Austrian Fleckvieh bulls using different SNP panels. Highly reliable estimated breeding values (EBV) and deregressed breeding values for fat content, fat yield, protein content, longevity, non-return rate after 56 days, somatic cell score and dressing percentage were used as phenotypes. The initial genotype data originated from the Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip (50k), from which after quality check 41082 SNP remained. These were further reduced to obtain the 3k (2890 SNP) and the 7k (6565 SNP) SNP panels. GBLUP and BayesB methodologies were used to obtain GEBVs. Correlations between the EBVs, deregressed EBVs and GEBVs increased with SNP panel density. For EBVs the correlations ranged from 0.44–0.71 for the 50k panel in all cases. In case of deregressed EBVs the correlations were 0.40–0.64 for most of the traits, but only 0.15–0.26 for longevity and non-return rate. Correlations from the 7k SNP panel were very close to those from the 50k set, differing only by 0.04–0.09 in EBVs and 0–0.06 in deregressed EBVs.
Estimating age of admixture in a cattle population based on SNP chip data
Authors: FRKONJA Anamarija , DRUET Tom , GREDLER Birgit , CURIK Ino , SÖLKNER Johann
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to predict individual age of admixture in the crossbred Swiss Fleckvieh population. We checked how well the method is dealing with recent admixture with high throughput single nucleotide polymorphism data from the bovine 50K SNP Chip. A total of 101 Red Holstein, 91 Simmental, and 308 crossed animals were available for analysis. Age of admixture was derived from the complete pedigree and molecular markers. The method applied (using SABER software) based on Markov-hidden Markov model was able to derive age of admixture similar to estimates of pedigree data, however the values were often overestimated. Of 21 investigated cases, results from SNP data reflected paternal and maternal age of admixture well for 9 cases but provided results out of range for the other 12 cases. Alternative methods based on breed-specific haplotype blocks need to be evaluated in the future.
The assessment of genetic diversity and analysis of pedigree completeness in purebred Slovak Spotted cattle
Authors: HAZUCHOVÁ Eva , KADLEČÍK Ondrej , PAVLÍK Ivan , KASARDA Radovan , ŽITNÝ Július
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the diversity based on pedigree information in purebred Slovak Spotted cattle. The pedigree information was available from The Breeding Services of the Slovak Republic, s. e. The pedigree file consisted of 109,686 individuals (105,229 dams and 4,457 sires). The 17,355 individuals (17,234 dams and 121 sires) born from 1987 to 2009 and registered in Herd book set up the analyzed reference population (RP). The 66.76% of animals in the RP were inbred. The maximum number of generations traced was 8.34 ± 1.35, number of fully traced generations 2.34 ± 0.65 and equivalent complete generations 4.79 ± 0.71. The average inbreeding coefficient for reference population was Fi = 0.57% and the average individual increase of inbreeding was ΔFi = 0.14%. The average individual relatedness coefficient was AR = 0.9%. The effective number of founders was 265, the effective number of ancestors was 69 and 27 individuals explained 50% of genetic diversity. Results will be used in genetic management of breeding work in Slovak Spotted population and monitoring of parameters characterizing genetic diversity and their development, as well.
Genetic variability of microRNA genes in farm animals
Authors: JEVŠINEK SKOK Daša , ZORC Minja , HORVAT Simon , DOVČ Peter , KOVAČ Milena , KUNEJ Tanja
Published: November 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that plays an important role in posttranscriptional regulation of target genes. Regulation requires complementarity between the target mRNA and the miRNA seed region, which is responsible for their recognition and binding. Previous studies in human and mouse have shown that variability of miRNA gene (miR-SNPs) might interfere with its function resulting in phenotypic variation. Polymorphisms within miRNA genes could represent biomarkers for phenotypic traits important in farm animals. The aim of this study was to: 1) update previously developed web-based tool for identification of polymorphisms within miRNA genes (miRNA SNiPer), 2) systematically collect polymorphisms of miRNA genes in pig, cattle, chicken, and horse, and 3) experimentally validate SNPs within miRNA seed regions (miR-seed-SNPs) in cattle. Using miRNA SNiPer tool, polymorphisms within 32 mature miRNA regions, including 12 miR-seed-SNPs, were identified in pig, cattle, and chicken. Bovine miRseed SNPs were chosen for experimental validation. The bta-mir-2313 locus was shown to be very polymorphic, therefore we validated one SNP with previously unknown validation status within the mature seed region in population of Slovenian Simmental cattle. Additionally, two SNPs in corresponding pri-miRNA were identified. Results of this study can serve researchers for follow up hypothesis-driven experimental studies to evaluate the phenotypic effect of identified miRNA genetic variability in vertebrates.
Effect of group size on breeding value accuracy in gilts
Authors: URANKAR Janja , FLISAR Tina , KOVAČ Milena , MALOVRH Špela
Published: November 2024

The objective of this paper was to analyze the effect of group size on accuracy of breeding value for fattening traits in gilts. The analysis included data from maternal genotypes, which are used in prediction of breeding value. Gilts belonged to four genotypes: Slovenian Landrace – line 11, Slovenian Large White, hybrid 12, and hybrid 21. Contemporary group represented gilts of the same genotype, which were measured at the owner on the same day. In Slovenian Landrace – line 11 one seventh of all gilts were tested in groups with one or two gilts. Less than one fifth of gilts were tested in group with 10 or more. Maximum group size was 38. Group size in Slovenian Large White is smaller due to smaller population. One fifth of all gilts were tested in groups with one or two animals. More than half gilts were tested in groups with three to ten measured gilts. Maximum group size was 12 gilts. In both breeds, proportion of untested animals was around 4%. Size of contemporary group affects the accuracy of the estimated breeding value: accuracy is higher in larger groups and consequently, smaller groups have lower accuracy predictions. Contemporary group have to include at least ten gilts per genotype and similar age. It is important to measure all gilts, including those for which we preliminary assume they will not be selected, because they contribute to accurate PBV. Because only purebred animals accumulate genetic progress, they must get more emphasis.
Effect of gilt growth rate and backfat thickness on reproductive performance
Authors: FLISAR Tina , MALOVRH Špela , URANKAR Janja , KOVAČ Milena
Published: November 2024

Objective of this study was to analyze the effect of growth rate and backfat thickness at the end of test on reproductive performance in the first three parities, and association with lifetime productivity and longevity. Data of gilt productive and sow reproductive performance from large Slovenian multiplying farms was used. Altogether 8139 animals of two maternal genotypes were involved: Slovenian Landrace – line 11 (SL11) and hybrid 12 (Slovenian Large White × Slovenian Landrace – line 11). Statistical model included owner and sow genotype as fixed effects. Backfat thickness and growth rate were included as linear regression. Data was analyzed by GLM procedure in SAS/STAT. Average weight of gilts was 129.4 ± 9.6 kg at 206.7 ± 6.8 days of age, indicating average growth rate of 626 g/day. Gilts had 13.26 mm of backfat thickness, in range from 5.5 mm to 31.5 mm. The increase of 100 g of daily gain resulted in increase of 0.54 ± 0.08 liveborn piglets in the 1st, 0.71 ± 0.11 in the 2nd, 0.64 ± 0.11 in the 3rd parity. Sows with higher growth rate were culled earlier (47 days). Gilts with thicker backfat had smaller litter size in the first three parities. Backfat thickness did not influence lifetime productivity, although sows with 10 mm thicker backfat farrowed more litters (0.41 in average) in lifetime and were culled 50 days later. Growth rate and backfat thickness did not affect the cost per liveborn piglet as number of days per liveborn piglet did not change.
What matters when buying fresh meat? A Croatian case study
Authors: CERJAK Marija , KAROLYI Danijel , SMRKULJ Hrvoje
Published: November 2024

In order to examine the importance of extrinsic attributes of fresh meat for Croatian consumers, a survey was conducted with 161 meat buyers. The study results showed that consumers perceived origin (or producer) as the most relevant extrinsic attribute followed by declarations, certificates and price. The way of production and animal welfare were the least important. Respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics influence perceived importance of extrinsic meat attributes, with women and older consumers placing higher importance to the majority of examined attributes. Results of this research give insight to fresh meat producers and distributers into consumers behaviour and attitudes that could be used to define their future marketing strategies.
Length of the interval between immunocastration and slaughter in relation to boar taint and carcass traits
Authors: ŠKRLEP Martin , ČANDEK-POTOKAR Marjeta , BATOREK Nina , ŠEGULA Blaž , PREVOLNIK Maja , PUGLIESE Carolina , BONNEAU Michel
Published: November 2024

The objective of the present study was to study the effect of the interval between effective immunisation against GnRH (immunocastration) on boar taint elimination and carcass quality and to compare meat quality of immunocastrates and entire males. Among 40 commercial fatteners, 10 animals were left entire (EM27), while the remaining (IC) were vaccinated with ImprovacR at the age of 12 (V1) and 19 (V2) weeks. IC pigs were slaughtered in three batches of 10 at the age of 21 (IC21), 24 (IC24) and 27 (IC27) weeks, while EM27 were slaughtered along with the last group. After the slaughter, weight of the reproductive organs, boar taint compounds, carcass traits and meat quality (IC27 and EM27) was measured. Results show that 2-week interval from V2 to slaughter seems enough for elimination of boar taint, although firm conclusions cannot be made (uncertainty regarding sexual maturity), while boar taint does not occur with prolongation V2-slaughter interval to 8 weeks. Comparison of IC24 and IC27 showed that three weeks delay of slaughter resulted in gaining on carcass weight but loosing on meat percentage, mainly due to the increasingly high increment of fat depots in the last fattening period. Meanwhile, slaughter at earlier age (IC21) showed no important advantage in carcass meat % (beside lighter carcasses) over IC24. EM27 resembled IC27 regarding weight and muscularity traits while being significantly less fat (resembling IC24). There was no major difference in meat quality between EM27 and IC27, except the tendency (P < 0.10) for the tougher meat in EM27.
Heat stress risk alert system for dairy cattle in Slovenia
Authors: JENKO Janez
Published: November 2024

For the estimation of heat stress risk and modelling of prediction equations, temperature-humidity conditions were recorded on three dairy farms with different ventilation systems: natural ventilation (NV), fan ventilation during daytime (FVD) and fan ventilation during day and nighttime (FVDN). First data set was collected from April 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010 and the second from April 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011. On each farm hourly data of outdoor and barn air temperature and humidity were recorded. Results showed that in all barns the time of exposure to heat stress risk was longer compared to outdoor conditions. However, the maximum exposure to the heat stress risk conditions was reached in July 2010 and August 2011 when it was 19.1 and 18.5 hours for NV facility, 17.9 and 16.9 hours for FDV facility and 13.8 and 13.3 hours for FVDN system. Barn temperature-humidity index (THI) was estimated on the first data set. The model included the linear effect of ambient THI, month and hour of measurement. Validation of prediction equations was performed on the second data set, showing a correlation between true and estimated THI of 83.7 for NV, 82.7 for FVD and 89.4 for FVDN facility. Finally, system for prediction of dairy cow heat stress risk based on the most recent data from the nearest automatic meteorological station was incorporated into web page Govedo (www.govedo.si) to alert farmers on possible risk of heat stress.
Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA) concentration in cows and their calves
Authors: JEŽEK Jožica , MALOVRH Tadej , KLINKON Martina
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to determine the relation between the immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration in the cow serum and colostrum and subsequent Ig concentrations in the calf serum. Black and White dairy cows (n = 64) and their calves were examined. Blood samples were taken from cows at approximately 1 month prepartum and 8 weeks postpartum and from calves at the age of 1 and 4 weeks. First milking colostrum samples were obtained. The IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations in the serum samples were measured with the quantitative ELISA. The colostrum Ig concentration was measured with colostrometer. The descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients by Pearson were calculated. Statistically significant positive correlations were established between the serum IgG concentrations in cows and their calves, and between the Ig concentration in the colostrum and serum of calves. Statistically significant positive correlations were established between the IgG (r = 0.386, P = 0.001) and IgA (r = 0.350, P = 0.004) concentrations in calves at the age of 1 and 4 weeks. There was no significant correlation between the Ig concentration in colostrum and IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations in the cows’ serum. Calf serum IgG and IgA obtained in the 1st week showed a positive relationship with the IgG concentration in the serum and colostrum of the cows. Positive correlations between IgG and IgA in the calf serum in the 1st and 4th week of life indicate that calves with a higher Ig concentration in the 1st week also have a higher Ig level later when they already produce their own immunoglobulin.
Location preference of rabbit does between common sized and double sized cages
Authors: MIKO Annamaria , SZENDRŐ Zsolt , MATICS Zsolt , RADNAI Istvan , ODERMATT Meinrad , NAGY Istvan , GERENCSER Zsolt
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to observe the location preference of non-pregnant (n = 44), pregnant and lactating rabbit does (n = 19) between cages of different sizes. In each cage block does were housed individually and could move freely between a small (57.5 × 38 × 30 cm) and a large cage (57.5 cm × 76 × 30 cm), through swing door. The cageblocks were separated with non-transparent plate walls, excluding any visual contact. Using infrared cameras, 24-hour recordings were performed. The actual location of the does was registered at each half hour (48 times a day). The data of non-pregnant does were evaluated according the different day parts (23:00–05:00, 05:00–11:00, 11:00–17:00, and 17:00–23:00). Location preference was first evaluated independently of the place of kindling (in the small or large cage), and its influence on the does’ location preference was also analyzed. Non-pregnant (65%) and pregnant rabbit does (73.1%) spent significantly (P < 0.001) more time in the large cage than in the small cage. Cage preference seemed to be proportional to the cage sizes (1/3 and 2/3) thus cage choice may be considered as random. The difference of location preference was tested between the observed and expected frequencies (33.3% and 66.6% for the smaller and larger cages, respectively). The small and large cage blocks were chosen with a frequency of 23 and 77% and 29.2 and 70.8% when kindling took place in the small and large cages, respectively. Based on the results the rabbit does show higher preference for large cages but this preference was lower when the kindling took place there.
Machine milking and daily changes of cow’s teat condition
Authors: STOJNOVIĆ Miomir , ALAGIĆ Damir
Published: November 2024

The paper deals with daily changes of teat parameters of dairy cows caused by machine milking. Ultrasonographic scanner GE Medical Systems LOGIQ 100 PRO with linear array VE 5 – 5 MHz probe was used for scanning the teats. The scanning was conducted on a dairy farm in Križevci on 27 cows, nineteen of them of Holstein breed and eight of Simmental breed or SimmentalxHolstein crossed breed. The cows were housed in a free stall barn and milked in a herringbone 2x3 milking parlour with Alfa-Laval milking equipment with Duovac milking units. Teat scanning was done just before morning milking and immediately after milking on the right side of the udders for front and rear teats. A total of 432 measurements were carried out during the experiment. The following parameters were measured: teat canal length (TCL), teat end width (TEW), teat cistern width (TCW) and teat wall thickness (TWT). As fifth parameter ratio between teat wall thickness and teat cistern width (TWT/TCW) before and after milking was calculated. Length of teat canal for the front right teat increased in average for 15.44% after milking, and 24.38% for the rear right teat. Teat end width of the front and rear right teat increased after milking for 3.7% and 3.32%, respectively. Mean teat cistern width of the front right teat decreased after milking for 24.41% while for the rear right teat mean decrease was 25.83%. Teat wall thickness of the front and rear right teat increased after milking for 7.86% and 15.81% respectively. The ratio between teat cistern width and teat wall thickness and teat cistern width changed for the right front teat from 0.647 before milking to 0.924 after milking, and for the right rear teat from 0.649 to 1.013. Testing of significance of differences of teat dimensions before and after machine milking showed significant differences for all teat parameters, with the exception of teat end width for front right teat (P = 0,069).
The effect of workload type and baseline covariate on the response of plasma biochemical parameters in show jumpers
Authors: VINCZE Anikó , SZABÓ Csaba , HEVESI Ákos , VERES Sándor , ÜTŐ Dániel
Published: November 2024

Studies with horses indicated that the responses of blood biochemical parameters to different exercises vary. Some study also indicated that significant individual variance exist in blood parameters, which makes difficult to detect treatment effect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the correlation between plasma biochemical parameters of show jumpers before and after of high level aqua training and jumping course completion, and the effect of using baseline level as a covariate on the significance of horse effect. Four normally trained show jumpers ageing from 6 to 11 years were trained with high-intensity aqua treadmill in three periods during three days and after they did compete in the Indoor Show Jumping Championship. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after aqua treadmill training program and both days of the competition before and immediately after the course. From the blood plasma samples lactate, lactate dehidrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate amino transferase (AST/GOT), glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total-bilirubin and cortisol level were determined. Aqua training did result significant changes only in glucose, trygliceride and cortisol level. In contrast show jumping resulted significantly higher levels in all parameters measured except GOT. We found positive correlation between same blood parameters before and after exercise and competition in bilirubin, cholesterol, LDH, GOT, CK and cortisol. Our result clearly demonstrate that using baseline variables as covariate eliminates the significant individual effect. In conclusion when evaluating fitness of horses the type of exercise should be considered and biochemical values measured at rest should be used as covariate factor.
Fatty acid profile of sour dairy products produced by different starter cultures
Authors: SALAMON Rozália Veronika , LÓKI Katalin , CSAPÓ-KISS Zsuzsanna , SALAMON Szidónia , CSAPÓ János
Published: November 2024

In this research we have investigated the effect of various cultures (Lactobacillus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus lactis subsp. cremoris, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus lactis subsp. lactis biovar, Lactobacillus diacetilactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis) on fatty acid composition of soured dairy products (Sana, yoghurt) manufactured using different technologies, with special regard to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). It was established that the cultures we used and which are also commonly used in the dairy industry, had only a minor effect on fatty acid composition of milk. Although minimal differences were found in case of the individual fatty acids, however, due to the small differences it can be established, that the cultures have no influence on nutritional value of milk fat.
Effect of age and weight of rabbits at slaughter on carcass value
Authors: SZENDRŐ Katalin , METZGER Szilvia , ODERMATT Meinrad , RADNAI István , GARAI Éva , HORN Péter , SZENDRŐ Zsolt
Published: November 2024

The study is an economic evaluation of the effect of age and weight at slaughter on the value of loin fillet, thigh meat and whole carcass of rabbit. Rabbits were 74, 84 and 94 days of age at slaughter, with the average body weight of 2.53, 2.84 and 3.15 kg, respectively, and with five weight categories in each age group. Revenue from the whole carcass and different carcass parts were in €/kg: whole carcass (4.3), loin fillet (12.0), thigh meat (11.0), liver (2.8), kidney (2.5), fore part (2.6), head, bone, heart, and lung (0.45). Beside the real values, relative value (%) of whole carcass and its main parts (loin fillet and thigh meat) compared to values of the largest body weight category within each age group (100%) were determined. Within the same age categories, the effect of body weight on the value of whole carcass, loin fillet and thigh meat was significant in each case (P < 0.001). Concerning the effect of age, similar tendency can be seen in whole carcass, loin fillet and thigh meat, but significant differences were observed only between the 74 d rabbits and the two older age groups. The conclusion is that when the values were evaluated, 74 d rabbits are not mature enough, while 84 d rabbits are considered favorable for slaughter. This slaughter age is regarded as a reasonable compromise from either the slaughterhouse or the breeder point of view.
Analysis of mitochondrial DNA in Adriatic sardine (Sardina pilchardus): a preliminary study
Authors: RELJANOVIC Martin , CURIK Ino , SPREM Nikica , CUBRIC-CURIK Vlatka
Published: November 2024

To determine the phylogenetic history of sardines researchers use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondrial DNA contains highly informative polymorphic sites. The cytochrome b (cyt b) gene has been especially used by investigators because of its sufficient point mutation rate, enabling discrimination of closely related fish species, and determination of interspecific variability in pelagic fish species for population identification. Scientific surveys based on meristic, morphometric, and reproductive data suggested that two subpopulations of sardines coexisted in the Northern-Middle Adriatic Sea. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of sardines from the Adriatic Sea has never been conducted in the Republic of Croatia. This study included 14 sardine samples from three separate locations, as well as 30 different haplotype sequences retrieved from GenBank. The aim of this study was to determine the number of haplotypes in sardine populations from the Adriatic Sea, as well as to determine differences between populations. Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis revealed 11 different haplotypes of sardines from the Adriatic Sea. The differences between samples from different locations were not scientifically significant, and the results of this study indicate homogeneity in the Adriatic sardine stock. However, three parsimony informative mutations found in our samples produce a clearly visible distinction between the Adriatic sardine samples and samples obtained from the seas adjacent to the Adriatic. This distinction of the Adriatic sardine samples can have applications in fisheries and fishery product quality testing.
Measuring effects of new and fast inbreeding on the litter size of Iberian pigs
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ Carmen , GARCÍA CASCO Juan M. , SILIÓ Luis
Published: November 2024

Inbreeding and inbreeding depression are consequences of parental relationship which cannot be easily eluded in small populations of farm animals such as those of local breeds. The distinction between new (Fnew) and old (Fold) inbreeding or between slow and fast rates of inbreeding (ΔF) may improve the understanding of inbreeding depression, particularly in reproductive traits and other related to fitness. The analysis of litter size records of 6,854 litters from 1,988 sows of an Iberian pig line, genetically closed from 1963, showed a remarkable impact of new and fast inbreeding on this trait. A significant negative effect on litter size of a 10% of Fnew was inferred with a posterior mean (and SD) of −0.205 (0.010) piglets per litter (Posterior Prob. > 0 = 0.020), whereas the effect of Fold was irrelevant: 0.568 (0.446) piglets (PP > 0 = 0.900). A significant effect of −0.030 (0.013) piglets (PP > 0 = 0.007) of a rate of new inbreeding of 1% per generation was found. These results may be useful to many practical issues in conservation or selection programs of some breeds or lines of Mediterranean pigs.
Genetic parameters for litter size in Black Slavonian pigs with each parity treated as a different trait
Authors: LUKOVIĆ Zoran , MAHNET Željko , KAROLYI Danijel , SALAJPAL Krešimir , ŠKORPUT Dubravko
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for litter size in Black Slavonian pigs using a multiple trait model with each parity treated as a different trait. A total of 4733 litter records from the first to the sixth parity from sows that farrowed between January 1998 and December 2010 were included in the analysis. Estimates of additive genetic variance with a multiple trait model were in the range from 0.05 to 0.48 across parities, and heritabilites were estimated in the range between 0.03 and 0.21. Estimates of phenotypic correlations were much lower than those of genetic correlations. Due to the unexpected changes of variances with a parity, the best option for genetic evaluation of litter size could be the use of repeatability model. With increasing number of data and with proper data structure alternative, modelling of litter size of Black Slavonian pig using multiple trait model could be taken into consideration.
Inventory and characterization of traditional Mediterranean pig production systems. Advantages and constraints towards its development
Authors: SANTOS SILVA João , TIRAPICOS NUNES José Luis
Published: November 2024

Traditional high-quality meat products from Mediterranean pigs are produced in extensive-type production systems using agro-sylvo-pastoral resources. These production systems depend on a number of native resources, geological, plants and animals. These farms have extensive areas of land, using local breeds, valorise the regional agroforests and develop the practice of grazing, use less external inputs and less manpower. In this work different issues of traditional Mediterranean pig production systems are characterized and through a SWOT methodological approach (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), we discuss the main advantages and disadvantages from the point of view of sustainability and future of the traditional Mediterranean pig meat chain. Benefits: these products have a high gastronomic and economic value that the consumer values for its unique quality and environmental gains, cultural and ethical advantage; typical Mediterranean hams and sausages are recognized internationally; they present organoleptic qualities and unique dietary feature; there are protective mechanisms and quality control that allow defending the genuineness of the products (PDO, PGI). Constraints: it is common to find weaknesses at the farm management level and animal husbandry, and there are also serious threats related to natural resource management (degradation of the typical Mediterranean forest) and market competitiveness. The sustainability of Mediterranean traditional pig industry depends on the preservation of endogenous resources and the quality of management at the farm level, as well as the market transparency.