bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of active case finding for tuberculosis with mass chest X-ray screening in Glasgow, Scotland, 1950–1963: An epidemiological analysis of historical data
Authors: MacPherson Peter , Stagg Helen R. , Schwalb Alvaro , Henderson Hazel , Taylor Alice E. , Burke Rachael M. , Rickman Hannah M. , Miller Cecily , Houben Rein M. G. J. , Dodd Peter J. , Corbett Elizabeth L.
Published: November 2024

Background

Community active case finding (ACF) for tuberculosis was widely implemented in Europe and North America between 1940 and 1970, when incidence was comparable to many present-day high-burden countries. Using an interrupted time series analysis, we analysed the effect of the 1957 Glasgow mass chest X-ray campaign to inform contemporary approaches to screening.

Methods and findings

Case notifications for 1950 to 1963 were extracted from public health records and linked to demographic data. We fitted Bayesian multilevel regression models to estimate annual relative case notification rates (CNRs) during and after a mass screening intervention implemented over 5 weeks in 1957 compared to the counterfactual scenario where the intervention had not occurred. We additionally estimated case detection ratios and incidence. From 11 March 1957 to 12 April 1957, 714,915 people (622,349 of 819,301 [76.0%] resident adults ≥15 years) were screened with miniature chest X-ray; 2,369 (0.4%) were diagnosed with tuberculosis. Pre-intervention (1950 to 1956), pulmonary CNRs were declining at 2.3% per year from a CNR of 222/100,000 in 1950. With the intervention in 1957, there was a doubling in the pulmonary CNR (RR: 1.95, 95% uncertainty interval [UI] [1.81, 2.11]) and 35% decline in the year after (RR: 0.65, 95% UI [0.59, 0.71]). Post-intervention (1958 to 1963) annual rates of decline (5.4% per year) were greater (RR: 0.77, 95% UI [0.69, 0.85]), and there were an estimated 4,599 (95% UI [3,641, 5,683]) pulmonary case notifications averted due to the intervention. Effects were consistent across all city wards and notifications declined in young children (0 to 5 years) with the intervention. Limitations include the lack of data in historical reports on microbiological testing for tuberculosis, and uncertainty in contributory effects of other contemporaneous interventions including slum clearances, introduction of BCG vaccination programmes, and the ending of postwar food rationing.

Conclusions

A single, rapid round of mass screening with chest X-ray (probably the largest ever conducted) likely resulted in a major and sustained reduction in tuberculosis case notifications. Synthesis of evidence from other historical tuberculosis screening programmes is needed to confirm findings from Glasgow and to provide insights into ongoing efforts to successfully implement ACF interventions in today’s high tuberculosis burden countries and with new screening tools and technologies.
Buruli ulcer surveillance in south-eastern Australian possums: Infection status, lesion mapping and internal distribution of Mycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Hobbs Emma C. , Porter Jessica L. , Lee Jean Y. H. , Loukopoulos Panayiotis , Whiteley Pam , Skerratt Lee F. , Stinear Timothy P. , Gibney Katherine B. , Meredith Anna L.
Published: November 2024

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease of skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. BU-endemic areas are highly focal, and M. ulcerans transmission dynamics vary by setting. In Victoria, Australia, BU is an endemic vector-borne zoonosis, with mosquitoes and native possums implicated in transmission, and humans incidental hosts. Despite the importance of possums as wildlife reservoirs of M. ulcerans, knowledge of BU in these animals is limited. Opportunistic necropsy-based and active trap-and-release surveillance studies were conducted across Melbourne and Geelong, Victoria, to investigate BU in possums. Demographic data and biological samples were collected, and cutaneous lesions suggestive of BU were mapped. Samples were tested for the presence of M. ulcerans DNA by IS2404 qPCR. The final dataset included 26 possums: 20 necropsied; 6 trapped and released. Most possums (77%) were common ringtails from inner Melbourne. Nine had ulcers, ranging from single and mild, to multiple and severe, exposing bones and tendons in three cases. M. ulcerans was confirmed in 73% (19/26) of examined possums: 8 with lesions and 11 without. Oral swabs were most frequently indicative of M. ulcerans infection status. Severely ulcerated possums had widespread systemic internal bacterial dissemination and were shedding M. ulcerans in faeces. The anatomical distribution of ulcers and PCR positivity of biological samples suggests possums may contract BU from bites of M. ulcerans-harbouring mosquitoes, traumatic skin wounds, ingestion of an unknown environmental source, and/or during early development in the pouch. Ringtail possums appear highly susceptible to infection with M. ulcerans and are important bacterial reservoirs in Victoria. Oral swabs should be considered for diagnosis or surveillance of infected possums. A One Health approach is needed to design and implement integrated interventions that reduce M. ulcerans transmission in Victoria, thereby protecting wildlife and humans from this emerging zoonotic disease.
Evaluating public and patient involvement in interventional research–A newly developed checklist (EPPIIC)
Authors: Pyne Elise , Joyce Robert , Dwyer Christopher P. , Hynes Sinéad M.
Published: November 2024

Public and patient involvement (PPI) has been identified as an increasingly desired and, often, required component of trial methodology–leading to higher quality, more accessible and relevant clinical research, alongside increased recruitment, funding success and insight into research impact. However, despite the great variety of frameworks and checklists available for assessing PPI, most are limited with respect to important features (e.g. applicable in specific contexts only, fail to clarify what should be assessed and reported, lack the necessary comprehensiveness or are biased in favour of researcher reporting). Thus, the current research aimed to address such limitations through the development of a new checklist, the EPPIIC, through review, thematic analysis and ‘meta-evaluation’ in conjunction with PPI engagement. Upon completion of the EPPIIC, three thematic ‘sub-scales’ emerged: (1) Policy & Practice, (2) Participatory Culture and (3) Influence & Impact. All findings are presented and discussed in light of theory and research. Notably, findings recommend EPPIIC as a useful means of assessing PPI in future trials.
Simplification of a registry-based algorithm for ejection fraction prediction in heart failure patients: Applicability in cardiology centres of the Netherlands
Authors: Canto Elisa Dal , Uijl Alicia , Onland-Moret N. Charlotte , Bots Sophie H. , Hofstra Leonard , Tulevski Igor , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van der Harst Pim , Somsen G. Aernout , den Ruijter Hester M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is used to categorize heart failure (HF) into phenotypes but this information is often missing in electronic health records or non-HF registries.

Methods

We tested the applicability of a simplified version of a multivariable algorithm, that was developed on data of the Swedish Heart Failure Registry to predict EF in patients with HF. We used data from 4,868 patients with HF from the Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands database, an organization of 13 cardiac outpatient clinics that operate between the general practitioner and the hospital cardiologist. The algorithm included 17 demographical and clinical variables. We tested model discrimination, model performance and calculated model sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for EF ≥ vs. <50% and EF ≥ vs. <40%. We additionally performed a multivariable multinomial analysis for all three separate HF phenotypes (with reduced, mildly reduced and preserved EF) HFrEF vs. HFmrEF vs. HFpEF. Finally, we internally validated the model by using temporal validation.

Results

Mean age was 66 ±12 years, 44% of patients were women, 68% had HFpEF, 17% had HFrEF, and 15% had HFmrEF. The C-statistic was of 0.71 for EF ≥/< 50% (95% CI: 0.69–0.72) and of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.73–0.75) for EF ≥/< 40%. The model had the highest sensitivities for EF ≥50% (0.72, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75) and for EF ≥40% (0.70, 95% CI: 0.65–0.71). Similar results were achieved by the multinomial model, but the C-statistics for predicting HFpEF vs HFrEF was lower (0.61, 95% CI 0.58–0.63). The internal validation confirmed good discriminative ability.

Conclusions

A simple algorithm based on routine clinical characteristics can help discern HF phenotypes in non-cardiology datasets and research settings such as research on primary care data, where measurements of EF is often not available.
Curcumin enhances developmental competence and ameliorates heat stress in in vitro buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos
Authors: Ritika Ritika , Saini Sudha , Shavi Shavi , Ramesh P. N. , Selokar Naresh L. , Ludri Ashutosh , Singh Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Buffalo is the principal dairy animal and plays a major role in the economic growth of the dairy industry, contributing nearly 50% of the country’s milk production. The Buffalo core body temperature is typically 38.5°C, but it can rise to 41.5°C in the summer, causing heat stress, which leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species or oxidative stress and affects the reproductive physiology of animals. Curcumin acts as an antioxidant, improves cellular development, and combats the effect of heat stress on in vitro-produced embryos. This study aimed to examine the impact of curcumin on developmental competence and the expression of important genes under normal and heat-stressed conditions during in vitro embryo production in buffalo.

Materials and Methods: Group-1: All embryo production steps (i.e., in vitro maturation [IVM], in vitro fertilization [IVF], and in vitro culture [IVC]) were conducted at 38.5°C. The presumed zygotes were cultured in media supplemented with different concentrations of curcumin, that is, 0 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM of curcumin. Group-2: All embryo production steps (i.e., IVM, IVF, and IVC) were carried out at 38.5°C. The presumed zygotes were cultured in media supplemented with different concentrations of curcumin, that is, 0 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM of curcumin, but the early cleaved embryos were exposed to heat stress (39.5°C) for 2 h after 48 h of IVF and then cultured at 38.5°C for embryo production.

Results: Blastocyst production was 16.63 ± 1.49%, 21.46 ± 0.67%, and 6.50 ± 1.17% at control, 5 μM and 10 μM of curcumin at 38.5°C, respectively, whereas at 39.5°C, it was 8.59 ± 1.20%, 15.21 ± 1.31%, and 3.03 ± 1.20% at control, 5 μM and 10 μM curcumin, respectively. The blastocyst rate was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 5 μM curcumin compared with the control or 10 μM at 38.5°C and 39.5°C. The antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and pluripotency-related genes exhibited higher (p < 0.05) expression in the presence of 5 μM curcumin compared to 10 μM or control at both temperatures.

Conclusion: Curcumin supplementation in embryo culture media effectively enhances embryo production in vitro and mitigates the adverse effects of heat stress.

Keywords: antioxidant, buffalo, curcumin, embryo, heat stress.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites in horses of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand
Authors: Phetkarl Tanakorn , Fungwithaya Punpichaya , Lewchalermvong Kittima , Sontigun Narin
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: The global prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) and blood parasite infections in horses is a significant concern due to their substantial impact on morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in the horse industry. In Thailand, limited research has been conducted on these parasites in horse populations, and data from southern Thailand are lacking. Consequently, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GI and blood parasites in horses in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: In total, 79 fecal and blood samples were collected from horses across 11 farms in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The fecal examination was conducted using simple flotation, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation, and a modified McMaster technique. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify blood and strongyle parasites. The influence of sex, age, and body condition score on the prevalence of GI parasites was also analyzed.

Results: Six GI parasites were detected: four nematodes (Oxyuris equi, Parascaris equorum, strongyles, and Strongyloides westeri), one trematode (Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus), and one protozoan (Eimeria leuckarti). The overall prevalence of GI parasites was 74.7%, with single strongyle infections accounting for the highest proportion at 50.6%, followed by co-infections of strongyles and G. aegyptiacus at 10.1%. All 11 pooled strongyle samples were positive for cyathostomins and Strongylus vulgaris using conventional PCR with specific primers. Sex was significantly associated with the overall prevalence of GI parasites, whereas both sex and age were significant risk factors for infection by strongyle parasites. Theileria equi was the only blood parasite species detected in the surveyed horses, with a prevalence of 1.3% (n = 1/79).

Conclusion: This study is the first to estimate the prevalence of GI and blood parasites in horses from Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. These findings highlight the importance of implementing control measures against GI parasites and are pivotal for developing effective infection prevention strategies.

Keywords: blood parasites, gastrointestinal parasites, horses, southern Thailand.
Physicochemical characteristics of andisols and their correlation to potato yield based on land mapping units
Authors: Napitupulu Delima , Rauf Abdul , Sembiring Mariani , Marbun Posma
Published: November 2024

The high phosphate retention in andisol soil is often associated with a decrease in potato yield. Additionally, identification of the physical and chemical characteristics of andisols and their correlation to potato yield through soil mapping units (SMUs) is necessary to facilitate field surveys. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the physicochemical characteristics of andisols with a focus on available phosphorus (P) and the correlation to potato production based on SMUs. The experiment was conducted in Karo District, North Sumatra, Indonesia, from July 2022 to February 2023. A descriptive-analytical method was used by overlaying maps of slope, soil types, and altitude until 10 SMUs were selected that were planted with potatoes. Soil physicochemical properties were identified, while Pearson correlation analysis was performed on available-P and potato yield using IBM SPSS software. The results showed that the silt and clay fractions positively correlated with available-P in andisols. All soil physical characteristics were categorized as very weak to weak in supporting potato yield. A total of four SMUs including 1, 5, 8, and 10 were found to have lower available-P and very low to moderate correlations with soil pH, organic-C, C:N ratio, cation exchange capacity (CEC), as well as total-P. Based on the results, potato yield could increase by 1.765 and 0.380 tons ha-1 through the addition of organic-C and C:N ratio in Karo District. Therefore, soil amendment is required as an alternative to improve andisols soil.
Pharmacological treatment of bladder stent symptoms
Authors: C. P. Piedad John , Allam Mazen , Mahmalji Wasim
Published: November 2024

Background: Ureteric stenting is a ubiquitous procedure, but it is associated with symptoms that affect psychological well-being and quality of life. While many factors are linked to worse symptomatology, some innovative modifications to the stent’s structure, as well as treatments, have been studied to reduce their clinical impact. Pharmacotherapy is a well-evaluated treatment modality derived from the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms not related to stents. Objective: This review focuses on these pharmacological treatments. Several drug classes have been trialed to treat stent-related symptoms. Most of these studies investigated adrenoceptor modulators (both alpha-blockers and beta-3 agonists), muscarinic receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, as well as novel pharmacological modalities. Most trials and subsequent meta-analyses support treatment over placebo and controls, and some drugs are better at treating certain symptom domains, such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors working on sexual issues. Furthermore, a combination therapy with alpha-blockers and muscarinic receptor antagonists appears to be superior to monotherapy with either of them. Treatments are also well tolerated. Conclusion: However, initiating pharmacotherapy should be part of a shared decision-making approach that balances the severity of symptoms and the duration the stents will remain in situ against potential side effects.
Geodesign as a boundary management process: Co-creating and negotiating sustainable landscape futures. Participatory research methods for sustainability ‐ toolkit #11
Authors: Gottwald Sarah , Albert Christian , Arciniegas Gustavo , Ducci Marta , Jajeh Sana , Janssen Ron , Taylor Rory
Published: November 2024

Geodesign is a participatory research and planning process that manages diverse boundaries and combines place-based local knowledge and values, design and planning expertise, and geographic information science for the purpose of collaborative and well-informed spatial planning. It is
particularly effective in managing boundaries between stakeholders, knowledge frameworks, and technology. Geodesign is valuable in the early stages of planning, facilitating problem characterization and citizen involvement, as well as impact assessment.
Brücken schlagen für die Biodiversität. Das Synthesezentrum Biodiversität stellt sich vor
Authors: Pärli Rea , Bühler Christoph , Bussmann-Charran Karen , Camichel Alanis , Gimmi Urs , Holderegger Rolf , Lieberherr Eva , Perret Sarah Pearson , Richman Sarah , Stapfer André , Vorburger Christoph , Widmer Alex
Published: November 2024

Die Erhaltung der Biodiversität ist eine gesellschaftliche Herausforderung. Die gesetzten Schutzziele werden bisher oft nur unvollständig oder nicht erreicht. Kann ein stärkerer Wissenstransfer zwischen Forschung und Praxis dazu beitragen, Antworten auf Fragen aus der
Naturschutzpraxis zu finden? Das Synthesezentrum Biodiversität probiert es aus.
Between analysis and activism: How do young scientists think about sustainability research?
Authors: Keller Sarah , Bornemann Basil , Zingerli Claudia , von Atzigen Aline
Published: November 2024

Sustainability-oriented research increasingly navigates between activism and analysis. How do young sustainability researchers in Switzerland see their role? We provide insights into a saguf project and initial findings.
Gegen Wissenschaftsskepsis und für Demokratie. Das Wissenschaftsverständnis des Climate Change Centre Austria (CCCA)
Authors: Kromp-Kolb Helga , Meyer Lukas
Published: November 2024

Spätestens seit der Corona-Krise wird über schwindendes Vertrauen in die Wissenschaft geklagt. Das Klimaforschungsnetzwerk Climate Change Centre Austria (CCCA) stellt grundlegende Fragen etwa zu Verantwortung der und Vertrauen in die Wissenschaft und diskutiert mögliche
Antworten. Diese sollen als Handlungsorientierung für die Forschenden des Netzwerks dienen und Impulse für den gesellschaftlichen Diskurs geben. Das CCCA versteht seine Bemühungen um ein gemeinsames Wissenschaftsverständnis auch als Beitrag zur Stärkung der Demokratie,
die zur Realisierung ihrer fundamentalen Werte auch auf unabhängige, kritische Reflexion angewiesen ist.
Neue Impulse für stadtregionale Forschung, nachhaltige Stadt-entwicklung und urbane Mobilität
Authors: Gröschner Stefan , Betker Frank , Strunk Florian
Published: November 2024

Auf der Stadt-Land-Zukunft ‐ Konferenz Zukunftsstadt 2024 des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) wurden vielseitige Forschungsergebnisse aus der nachhaltigen Stadtentwicklung und Mobilität präsentiert und diskutiert. In Anbetracht ambitionierter
Nachhaltigkeitsziele zeigt sich die Notwendigkeit, über kommunale Grenzen hinauszugehen und Transformationsprozesse in größeren Raumbezügen zu fördern. Das BMBF unterstützt deshalb mit der neuen Transformationsinitiative Stadt-Land-Zukunft gezielt transdisziplinäre
Ansätze mit einer starken Zusammenarbeit auf regionaler Ebene.
Perspectives of Slovenian animal production are in sustainable agriculture
Authors: OSTERC Jože , ŠTUHEC Ivan , PETRIČ Nežika , HOLCMAN Antonija
Published: November 2024

Due to the karst and gravely agricultural land, Slovenia is very sensitive as far as the agricultural production is concerned. For this reason sustainable agriculture is most suitable, set on contemporary ecological, ethological, ethical and socio-economic requirements. The later apply also for animal production. Consumers are concerned about the over-all quality of animal origin products, which can best be achieved by sustainable production methods. Most legal acts and laws have already been accepted, providing fundamentals for the sustainable production methods to be put into practice. Integrated production is spreading rapidly in crop production, more than 50% of new orchards and fields for growing vegetables are included to integrated production control. 4.4% farmland is in ecological agricultural control, and 632 farms already possess the Certificate, which enables them to sell their ecological products, most of them being from animal production and mountain farms. The highest rank in ecological cattle production has the production of suckler cows with the trade mark “Pohorje beef”. Sustainable steer and copon production are also ranking high. The interest for sustainable farming of any kind of farm animals is increasing, mostly in case of cattle and small ruminant production.
Ecological and ethological aspects of pig production in Croatia
Authors: ANTUNOVIĆ Boris , KRALIK Gordana , FLORIJANČIĆ Tihomir
Published: November 2024

As consciousness about significance of preserving environment around farms and welfare of farm animals is increasing every day, ecological and ethological aspects are becoming more important in making decision about ways of pig production. Intensive farming has shown its weaknesses through low resistance of pigs and occurrence of new diseases. On the other side, low production coming from high number of small producers in Croatia is not acceptable due to the low competitiveness and huge amount of imported pork. The solution is seen in redirecting ground properties to those who are younger, educated and willing to produce much through “Enlarging Ground Properties” program, which should increase domestic pig production by better genetics and living condition in middle sized family farms. This should have significant influence on improving ecological and ecological aspects of pig production in Croatia.
Sustainability and environmental impact of the dairy production systems in mountain areas
Authors: COZZI Giulio , BIZZOTTO Marina
Published: November 2024

Driven by a favourable milk price and by a convenient cost of the energy concentrates, in the last 2 decades the dairy farming in the mountain regions has seen a continuous growth of intensive systems of production. The intensive alpine farm can be easily recognized by its high productive records obtained by milking cows of specialized dairy breeds fed high concentrate diets. However, this system of production has shown a negative impact on both the mountain environment and the welfare of the animal and today it is questionable also from the economic point of view. Top producing dairy cows do not cope well with a tough environment like the alpine one. To preserve this fragile ecosystem, instead, there is a need to develop a dairy farming system which must be sustainable for the animal and the environment and economically feasible. This study analyses the main technical features and guidelines of this new way of dairy farming in the Alpine region along with the additional options which can increase its profitability.
Dairy farming in the Netherlands: challenged by demands for ecological and societal sustainability
Authors: OOSTING Simon J.
Published: November 2024

Agricultural land in the Netherlands is predominantly used for dairy farming. Starting centuries ago farmers specialised, intensified and strived for scale increase in order to make a high quality low cost production. The Dutch dairy sector was successful in this respect and became an important exporter of dairy products and cattle, and many if not all Dutchmen were proud of the achievements of the dairy sector. Things have changed, however. Present-day middle-aged and younger generations predominantly grew up in urban areas, and the threat of food shortages is far from everybody and the window on food stops at the supermarket for most consumers. Dutchmen are no longer proud of their agriculture; on the contrary: many blame agriculture to negatively affects nature, air and water quality, animal welfare and rural social coherence as a result of the rationalised, economy-oriented development strategies. At the same time, economics of dairy farming are under pressure and average age of dairy farmers is high with only 10 to 25 percent of them having a successor. Many farmers quit and farm land is becoming available for up-scaling by others; farm houses are being occupied by citizens bringing with them the relatively new phenomenon of hobby farms, where livestock is kept as a leisure activity. So, many conflicting claims are put on land use, which became apparent during a Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic in 2001. It is widely realised now that the big challenge is to develop a new sustainable form of land use. What can be seen at present is a diversity of initiatives in rural areas where farmers combine dairy farming with recreation activities, nature and landscape schemes and green care (day activities for care-needing people), and where farmers and citizens cooperate to improve their living environment. The present paper describes some examples of this diversified development.
Products of origin: norms, standards and ethics
Authors: BOYAZOGLU Jean
Published: November 2024

“Ten years already…It is in 1994 that the European Union countries started transferring to Brussels the list of products that they wished to protect as DOP’s and IGP’s. 1300 products were proposed in all, of which some 600 have been, to date, registered”. The presentation discusses the origins of the DOP and IGP systems and their actual differentiation from mass production agricultural products. Tradition, definitions of specificity, usurpation and plagiarism are discussed as well as the role of modern biotechnology, environment, ecology, salubrity, traceability and genetic variability; the role of GMOs and ethics. The use of logos and the role of globalization and marketing mondialisation is described.
Possibilities and dilemmas of using transgenic food in human nutrition
Authors: ČEPIN Slavko , ČEPIN Nada , SALOBIR Karl
Published: November 2024

Expanded needs for food resulted in search of new prospects for higher food production and better quality. Gene technology means a quicker way to reach these objectives than the traditional selection of animals and plants do. Gene transfer enables the transfer of genes among not related organisms, which might cause ethic problems. In Europe the opposition to transgenic food is stronger than in the United States. Even that there are many antagonists to transgenic food, there are about 35 mills. ha sown by transgenic plants, primarily by soya following by maize, potatoes and cotton. Gene transfer in animals has still been used for research purposes only; hence, a wide use of meat of transgenic animals or other food products will not emerge in the next few years. Gene technology enables the increase of production in plants, as well as the rise of resistance to pests, viruses, frost, etc. Gene transfer is used to modify the physical andchemical composition and nutritional value of food (more unsaturated fatty acids, transfer of sunflower proteins into maize, etc.). Over 50 transgenic plants are used worldwide, 21 of them in the United States and 9 in the European Union, but in EU, only a few of them are used in agriculture. Gene transfer in animals will play a part in boundless possibilities of improvement the qualitative and quantitative traits. The yield, carcass composition and meat characteristics, the use of nutritive substances, and resistance to diseases can be improved. On the other hand, negative effects of gene technology on animals, human, and environment should be considered. Genetically modified food should be marked so that a consumer could freely decide whether to use it or not. Gene technology cannot solve all the problems of world nutrition but let this revolutionary method be legally applied.
Attitudes toward food additives in Hungarian consumers – preliminary results
Authors: TARNAVÖLGYI Gábor , MOLNÁR Eszter
Published: November 2024

Consumer attitudes towards food additives were examined in a questionnaire survey. In our research it definitely shows up that consumers consider the use of food additives as rather dangerous. The main reason for this meaning is the unacquaintance: about half of the respondents could not even define either food additives or E-numbers. Consumers were also asked whether they were aware of the additive content of certain foods. Most people showed greater awareness on this issue than we expected, although we discovered some incredibly erroneous views, too. The consumers had various opinions of the technological necessity of additives, but most people think that some of these compounds are needlessly added to foods. The role of food additives in the decision process of the consumers is diverse: although most consumers do not care about this issue, many of them prefer products containing less additives among foods of same quality and price, and there are some who are willing to pay more for them. Vast majority of the interviewed people would support the introduction of an “additive-free food” mark.
Comparison of the growth of fat and lean tissue in young rams based on ct scanning
Authors: KUPAI Tímea , LENGYEL Attila
Published: November 2024

Ten rams of Hungarian Merino, Suffolk and Texel (altogether 30 animals) were scanned by CT in three live weight categories to study tissue growth. The results of comparison showed breed effect in the volume of lean tissue at every live weight category, however, significant differences were not detected in the fat tissue volume, only at 5–7 kg category. Therefore the fatness of Hungarian Merino lambs is not unfavourable in this early life stage. At the same time Texel lambs have significantly higher meat yields than Suffolk and Hungarian Merino lambs. According to our observation the growth coefficients (b1) in the allometric equations for fat and lean tissue (which were 0.86–1.4 and 0.75–1.14, respectively) in Texel and Hungarian Merino rams were higher than that of Suffolk rams. Investigations will be extended up to mature size for describing tissue growth and development of lambs and detecting the divergency among the studied breeds. Moreover, further examinations with more animals are required to specify the exact growth patterns.
Effect of sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in breasts of turkeys
Authors: ŠKRTIĆ Zoran , KRALIK Gordana , MALTAR Zlata , GAJČEVIĆ Zlata
Published: November 2024

A research on the influence of turkey sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in breasts was carried out on 30 male and 30 female turkeys of heavy type Nicholas 700 provenience. After a 19-week long fattening period, 10 turkeys from each group were randomly selected for research. Differences in weights of carcasses between males and females were statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Male turkeys had statistically heavier (P<0.001) breasts than females. However, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between males and females were observed in the portion of breasts in carcasses. Statistically highly significant differences (P<0.001) were observed in weights of thighs, drumsticks, wing drumsticks, wings and necks of males and females. When compared to female turkeys, males had statistically higher weights (P<0.001) of breast tissue. More favorable portion of muscles in breasts was noticed in females. Differences in portions of muscles in breasts between sexes were statistically highly significant (P<0.001).
Milk production in recorded cows in the last ten years in Croatia
Authors: JOVANOVAC Sonja , KUTEROVAC Krešimir , BULIĆ Vesna , RIMAC Damir
Published: November 2024

The results of milk recording in Croatia were studied for the period of ten years. In the past years, the number of cows under selection control has been significantly increased. In 1994 this percentage was 19.5%, while in 2003 it increased up to 62.5%, when compared to the total number of cows. Unlike farming enterprises, the number of cattle producers and herd size on family farms has been increased. The number of milk recorded cows has been increasing as well. In 2003 there were 20.9% milk recorded cows, ten years ago only 8.9%. In Croatia, the most used breed is Simmental (67.2%), followed by Holstein (31.8%), and Brown breed (0.95%). The growing interest of the producers on family farms in Holstein breed is evident. The milk production of Simmental, Holstein and Brown breeds is presented separately for the family farms and for the enterprises. The increased average of milk yield, fat and protein percentage during 305 days of lactation is evident in all 3 breeds, particularly since 2001. Ranging in milk production traits in recorded cows during the monitoring period, as well as quite significant positive trends in recent years are reflecting the breeding conditions in Croatia.
Development of goat breeding in Hungary
Authors: PINTÉR Ágnes , TOLDI Gyula , KUKOVICS Sándor
Published: November 2024

The level of Hungarian goat breeding is far below the European average, the population is less than 10% of sheep’s. The number of mother goats is only about 60 000 heads. The population shows medium values in both meat- and milk-production, but well adapted to the environmental conditions. A planned improvement of the present population and local breeds will get the goat breeding close to the level of the EU. Today only a limited number of purebred herds (Alpine, Saanen and Boer), suitable to this purpose, can be found in the country. Maintaining the existing purebred herds, three new dairy breeds (Hungarian Dairy White Goat, Hungarian Dairy Brown Goat, and Hungarian Dairy Multicolour Goat) are being formed. The goal of our investigation was to determine the present production level of our goat population based on the analysis of collected data representing different genotypes. Differences in production of different breeds and genotypes were determined.
Reproduction of rabbit does divergently selected for body fat content
Authors: MILISITS Gábor , LÉVAI András
Published: November 2024

Body fat content of Pannon White rabbits was determined at 10 weeks of age using an EMSCAN SA-3152 type Small Animal Body Composition Analyser (TOBEC method). Based on the fat determined content, the best and worst 16% of does and the best and worst 8% of bucks were chosen and mated with each other (a fatty doe with a fatty buck and a lean doe with a lean buck). Changes in the conception rate showed that rabbits selected for a high body fat content became pregnant at a higher rate compared to rabbits with a low body fat. In contrast to this nonfatty does showed better results in the case of litter size at birth. In the case of alive born pups also the superiority of non-fatty does was observed, but the differences between the groups were less important in this case. The reason of this may be in the changes of dead born pups. The mortality rate of pups during the suckling period (till 21 days of age) showed that the mortality of the offspring of non-fatty does was higher compared to the offspring of fatty ones. As conclusion it was established, that does selected for high body fat content have mostly higher conception rate, produce smaller litters at birth, but because of the lower mortality rate of their offspring during the suckling period they have larger and heavier litters at 21 day after parturition as compared to the non-fatty ones.
Deriving economic weights by applying the profit equation method to a hypothetical Hungarian Large White pig population
Authors: CSATÓ László , VÍGH Zsófia , NAGY István
Published: November 2024

The profit equation method was used in order to derive economic weights on a hypothetical Hungarian Large White pig population. The size of the population was held constant at the number of 100 sows which constructed four equal age categories (12, 18, 24, 30 months of age). Average farrowing interval was supposed to be 6 months, all of the sows were fertilised each year. Conception rate and weaning rate was 85% and 90%, respectively. The average litter size was set to be 10 thus total number of the weaned piglets per year was 1530. After replacement 25 culled sows and 1505 pigs could be sold in every year. Economic weight for number of piglets born was 1.1 EURO. Comparing the economic weight of the born piglet with that of the unit of product it can be concluded that reproductive performance receives strong emphasis in Hungary.
Yield comparison of different green fodder crops mixtures
Authors: HOFFMANN Richárd , DÉR Ferenc , FÁBIÁN Tamás
Published: November 2024

In Hungary there is a new opportunity to use mixtures of green fodder crops for ruminant nutrition. Joining the EU there is a subsidy for cattle breeders who prefer the extensive way of breeding. The objective of this paper is to determine which plant species and varieties could be used in the green fodder feeding system. The small plot trials with spring barley, oat, pea and vetch were performed in four repetitions. We used the following mixtures of temporary certified seeds: oat & pea, oat & vetch, barley & pea, barley & vetch, sunflower & pea. Immediately after the harvest yields of fodder from plots were weighted and the samples were analysed for dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre. The yields of green fodder, dry matter and crude protein were calculated in tons per hectare. In 2002 the green fodder yield was highest with Bakonyalja (oat) and Eszter (vetch) mixtures (45.95 t ha–1), but the highest crude protein yield was given by Annabell (barley) mixed with Rubin (pea) (1040 kg ha–1). In 2003 yield of Annabell and Rubin mixtures was higher than yield of Bakonyalja mixed with Rubin (e.g. crude protein yield 513; 403).
Fungal infection and occurence of zearalenone in barley harvested in 2003 in Serbia
Authors: ŠKRINJAR Marija , KOCIĆ-TANACKOV Sunčica
Published: November 2024

Mycological investigation in 11 winter barley samples was performed. All of barley samples were infected with moulds. The ratio of infected kernels varied from 11.7% (sample SSK8) to 13.0% (sample SSK9) after 14 days of incubation. The fungi were isolated from kernels and they were classified into 6 genera and 11 species. Genus Fusarium was presented with the highest number of species (5). F.poae, a toxigenic species of the genus Fusarium, was present in all samples tested. The highest ratio (about 66%) of all mycopopulations belonged to genus Alternaria spp. All barley samples contained zearalenone, but the concentration was low (from 5.2 to 52.0 mg kg–1).
Milk production of Bovška sheep in conventional and organic farming system
Authors: KASTELIC Miran , KOMPAN Dragomir
Published: November 2024

The productivity of Slovenian autochthonous dairy sheep breed Bovška in conventional and organic farming was studied. Bovška breed sheep are concentrated in western part of Julian Alps in Trenta valley. Animals from conventional system produce around eighteen percent more milk, fat, proteins and lactose. The system of production does not affect milk composition with exception of lactose. The flocks which entered organic farming scheme had lower level of production before the organic farming was officially introduced to Slovenia – the organic farming was the choice of low input farmers. In organic and conventional production the most important effect is that of flock. According to mentioned results and results from literature, there are many possibilities for moderate improving of productivity in conventional and organic farming.
Effect of dietary protein/energy combinations on male broiler breeder performance
Authors: STEINER Zvonimir , DOMAĆINOVIĆ Matija , ANTUNOVIĆ Zvonko , STEINER Zdenko , SENČIĆ Đuro , WAGNER Jasenka , KIŠ Darko
Published: November 2024

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of crude protein level and low energy supply on broiler production parameters. Three hundred Ross 308-day-old male broiler chicks were divided in three basic groups and placed in three separate pens littered with wood shavings. Treatments consisted of a control diet (220 g/kg CP), the second diet with a crude protein diet (205 g/kg CP), and the third one with a crude protein diet (190 g/kg CP) with the same ratio 1: 573–575 KJ/kg crude protein and ME in starter (first 21 days). Finisher (22 day till end) control diet consisted of 200 g/kg CP, the second diet consisted of 185 g/kg CP, and the third one of 170 g/kg CP, with the ratio 1: 649–650 KJ/kg crude protein and ME. Feed intake tended to decrease with increasing the crude protein and energy. Feed conversion (g gain per g feed) improved as crude protein and energy increased. Muscle amount in groups K and P1 was statistically much higher (P < 0.01) than in group P2. Concentration of biochemical indicators showed less organism strain in groups fed on blends with less crude protein and energy.
The effect of tannins partly bounded on proteins on production and slaughter parameters in growing rabbits
Authors: KERMAUNER Ajda
Published: November 2024

Production traits of 144 rabbits (104 male and 40 female) of Slovene sire SIKA line were recorded from weaning (31 days of age) to slaughter (73 days). Rabbits were allotted to 5 groups in two trials: control, F-0.3 (added 0.3% of Famatan®), TA-0.19 (added 0.19% of TA), TA-0.25 (added 0.25% of TA) and TA-0.5 (added 0.5% of TA). TA preparation is experimentally produced by Tanin Sevnica d.o.o. in extraction procedure of their commercial product Farmatan® (water extract from sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood), where only a part of tannins was bounded by whey proteins. Statistical analysis was performed by SAS statistical package (SAS, 1999) with GLM procedure. The addition of 0.5% TA (TA-0.5) increased feed intake and weight gain during the most critical period (3 weeks after weaning) in comparison with Control group. The addition of 0.25% of TA (group TA-0.25) increased weight gain and live weight of rabbits during the entire trial in comparison with Control group. There were no differences between groups in feed intake and FCR during the entire trial. Rabbits from all groups with added TA (TA-0.19, TA-0.25 and TA-0.5) had significantly higher proportion of liver than Control rabbits. This can indicate higher burdening of liver where TA was added, but this influence has to be examined on greater number of experimental animals. The influence of added tannins (Farmatan® or TA) on other slaughter parameters was not explicit.
Effect of feed processing on in situ ruminal degradation of cereal grains and on the degree of synchrony of organic matter and nitrogen release in the rumen of grazing lactating dairy cows
Authors: TÓTHI Róbert , PIJNENBURG Johannes , TAMMINGA Seerp
Published: November 2024

Three rumen-cannulated, lactating Holstein-Friesian cows grazed in a controlled experimental pasture and supplemented daily with concentrates were used to measure effects of different heat treatment of cereal grains (pelleted barley, toasted barley, pelleted maize, toasted maize) on in situ degradability of protein and starch and to estimate of the possible rumen synchrony after feeding processed cereal grains as a supplement to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Pressure toasting treatment increased (P < 0.05) the undegradable fraction of DM and OM and tended to reduce (P > 0.05) in situ protein degradability of the cereal grains. Undegraded intake protein increased (P > 0.05) after pressure toasting from 36.4 to 52.5% for barley and from 50.3 to 58.2% for maize, respectively. Undegraded intake starch increased (P > 0.05) from 14.9 to 16.7% after toasting barley and decreased from 36.1 to 31.3% for toasted maize, respectively. Pressure toasting reduced washable fractions of each cereal grains for both constituents. The fractional rate of degradation of starch increased in maize, but decreased in barley. From the calculated synhrony index which describes the synchrony of nitrogen and organic matter degradation in the rumen it appears that supplementing grass with processed cereal grains can alter microbial growth and efficiency of utilization of nutrients and results in a more synchronous substrate for the microbes.
Asymmetric S-function in the prediction of growth characteristics of hybrid pigs
Authors: KUŠEC Goran , KRALIK Gordana , ĐURKIN Ivona , VINCEK Dragutin , PETRIČEVIĆ Antun , BAULAIN Ulrich
Published: November 2024

The present study was carried out on 47 barrows equally distributed into two different feeding groups (intensive and restricted). MR tomography was used to obtain the data needed for calculation of optimal slaughter weight. Growth analyses and predictions were performed using asymmetric S-function. Feeding regime had significant effect on the growth of live weight and fat volume (P < 0.05); the influence on muscle volume growth was not detected (P > 0.05). The optimal slaughter weight in the sense of maximal utilisation of the muscle growth was 130 kg in the case of intensively fed pigs; and 114 kg in the case of restrictive feeding. The power of prediction of the established models was satisfactory. The accuracy of live weight prediction at the age of 154 days was lower in the intensively fed pigs (error ~6 days on average) than in the restrictive group of pigs (error ~4 days on average). Since average divergence from actual live weights was less than one week, the models could be considered fairly accurate.
Stakeholder’s practices and representations of contacts between domestic and wild pigs: a new approach for disease risk assessment?
Authors: TRABUCCO Bastien , CHARRIER François , JORI Ferran , MAESTRINI Oscar , CORNELIS Daniel , ETTER Eric , MOLIA Sophie , RELUN Anne , CASABIANCA François
Published: November 2024

The emergence and re-emergence of diseases, in which 60 to 70% are zoonotic, raise a number of economic, environmental, and public health issues, especially important as breeding systems are in close contact with wildlife. In the Corsican pastoral system, free roaming livestock and wild animals share the same resources, creating a high potential risk of contact and inter-specific transmission of pathogenic agents. Researchers are facing the challenge of thinking more efficient ways to design sanitary risk assessments and disease management systems, by adapting classic epidemiological/ ecological approaches to systemic conceptions, that take into account more socially oriented components (such as stakeholder’s strategies and knowledge, production system choices, etc.). We aim to present an original approach to understand the practices and representations of farmers and hunters, as potential factors for the emergence of diseases. Such an approach would be complementary to ecological and epidemiological approaches for evaluating the risk of contacts between animals and the risk of pathogen transmission. Indeed, it provides a systemic understanding of the issues on emerging diseases, and tries to renew scientific and technical paradigms for the management of these diseases.