Veterinarija ir Zootechnika

A total of 66 post-weaned rabbits (35th day of age meat line M91 a P91 hybrid) were randomly divided into 3 groups for fattening experiment, kept in standard metal cages with two animals per cage. Rabbits were fed with commercial diet (control group, CG), or supplemented with 5% of agricultural by-products linseed cake (EG1), or supplemented with 10% linseed cake (EG2). The experiment lasted 42 days, until the animals attained the slaughtering weight ≈2.5 kg. Individual blood was sampled from a total of 30 rabbits, and five animals from each group were slaughtered at the end of experiment, for the evaluation of animal welfare and meat quality. Feeding of linseed cake substances in rabbits did not negatively influence zootechnical parameters, growth performance and slaughter traits; it had no negative effect on rabbit’s blood biochemical profile either. Experimental diets with 5% linseed cake improved feed conversion ratios, without significantly impacting the final weight of animals. The dietary supplementation positively influenced the meat fatty acids profile, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and CLA), indicating enhanced nutritional quality of the meat as a functional food. Overall, the use of linseed cake, a sustainable agricultural by-product, is a promising dietary strategy to improve the nutritional value of rabbit meat and support efficient, welfare-conscious rabbit production.

This study aimed to evaluate the economic benefits of using the in-line milk analyzer “Brolis HerdLine” (Brolis Sensor Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania) for the early detection of negative energy balance (NEB) and to assess the value of preventive treatment in dairy cows at high risk of NEB. A total of 52 Holstein cows were selected and paired based on lactation number, days in milk, and fat-to-protein ratio. The pairs were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Control group (CON, n = 26) and Test group (TE, n = 26). Cows in the TE group received a single 32.4 g monensin (Kexxtone®) controlled-release capsule, while CON cows received no treatment. Milk composition was monitored using the in-line analyzer, and energy-corrected milk (ECM) was used to evaluate performance. Over a 200-day period, the TE group produced 9,916 kg more ECM than the CON group, resulting in an additional €3,056 profit after subtracting treatment costs. On day 20 post-treatment, TE cows showed significantly higher lactose levels (4.64%) than CON cows (p = 0.03). The successful insemination rate was 8.11% higher in the CON group. These results imply that early intervention through the use of an in-line milk analyzer to identify cows at high risk of NEB improves economic performance. The study emphasizes how milk analyzers can be used to make decisions in real time when managing dairy herds.

The survey was conducted on a Bulgarian farm with 500 Holstein-friesian dairy cows housed in free-stall dairy operation. Measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were taken in 2x8 "Herringbone" milking parlor. Monthly within a year, during the morning, midday and evening milkings measurements were taken at the beginning, half-way through and at the end of the milking of the herd. Carbon dioxide levels were monitored with a Lutron MCH-383SDB (Lutron Electronic Enterprise Co., LTD., Taiwan) . At the same time, the temperature-humidity index (THI) levels were recorded using the “Kestrel 5400” Weather Meter (Kestrel Instruments, USA) . The highest average values of carbon dioxide in the air of the milking parlor were recorded in the winter season (756.67 ppm), and the lowest in the summer season (435.8 ppm). The highest recorded THI values were in the summer - 72.8, and the lowest in the autumn - 53.5. The highest CO2 values were found at THI levels around 50, established in autumn and winter, because ventilation in the milking parlor was poor.

Reproductive efficiency is a key determinant of the profitability and sustainability of sheep farming systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In Algeria, declining flock productivity—exacerbated by recurrent droughts, forage scarcity, and thermal stress—has raised concerns about the resilience of extensive and semi-intensive sheep production. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of hormonal synchronization, vitamin AD₃E supplementation, and their combination on the reproductive performance of Rembi ewes during seasonal anestrus. Conducted in spring 2024 on a semi-intensive farm in Aïn Bouchakif (Tiaret, Algeria), the trial involved 60 healthy pluriparous ewes randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20). Group 1 received hormonal treatment (intravaginal progestogen-impregnated sponges followed by PMSG), Group 2 received the same hormonal protocol combined with monthly AD₃E injections, and Group 3 received vitamins only. Fertility, fecundity, prolificacy, birth weight, and neonatal mortality were evaluated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to explore multivariate patterns. The combined treatment (Group 2) yielded the best reproductive outcomes: 100% fertility, 160% fecundity, and 0% neonatal mortality. Group 1 recorded the lowest fertility (80%) and highest neonatal mortality (16.66%), while Group 3 achieved the highest average birth weight (4.25 kg) but lower prolificacy. PCA revealed three distinct reproductive profiles, clearly differentiating the protocols' effectiveness. These results underscore the synergistic benefit and practical advantage of combining hormonal synchronization with vitamin supplementation to improve fertility and prolificacy while reducing neonatal losses. This integrative strategy offers a viable and sustainable approach to enhancing reproductive performance in Rembi ewes under the challenging conditions of Western Algeria's steppe regions.

The European badger (Meles meles), a widespread and adaptable mustelid native to Europe and parts of Asia, has emerged as a valuable sentinel species for monitoring environmental health. This review compiles multidisciplinary evidence demonstrating the utility of badgers as bioindicators for environmental contamination, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and zoonotic diseases. Their omnivorous diet, frequent soil contact, and proximity to human-modified landscapes facilitate exposure to a range of ecological stressors. This review summarizes studies across Europe from 2003 to 2022 have detected numerous contaminants in badger tissues—including heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, mercury), trace elements, and persistent organic pollutants—highlighting localised environmental pollution. Badgers have also been shown to harbour antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp., often carrying resistance genes like SHV-12, vanA, and tet(B), suggesting their role in tracking environmental AMR spread. Additionally, badgers serve as reservoirs or incidental hosts for various zoonotic pathogens, including Mycobacterium bovis, Leptospira interrogans, Toxoplasma gondii, and Borrelia burgdorferi. The synthesis of this evidence supports the use of M. meles in One Health frameworks as a practical tool for assessing ecological risks and guiding public health and conservation strategies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with maca (Lepidium meyenii) root powder on selected chemical, nutritional, and technological parameters of rabbit meat, focusing on musculus vastus lateralis (MVL) and musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD). Fifty-four adult male rabbits of the Nitra breed were divided into three groups: a control group without supplementation and two experimental groups receiving 0.3% (E1) and 0.6% (E2) maca root powder in the feed ration for 13 weeks. In the MLD muscle, protein content was significantly higher in group E2 compared with both the control and E1 groups. The content of omega-6 fatty acids was also significantly increased in group E2, while no differences were observed in saturated, monounsaturated, and omega-3 fatty acids. In both muscles, the pH values of meat during storage were significantly lower in E2 compared with the control. Meat colour was also affected, with higher yellowness (b*) values observed in experimental groups after storage. No significant differences were detected in lipid oxidation parameters among groups. Overall, maca supplementation, particularly at 0.6%, enhanced the nutritional quality of rabbit meat by increasing protein and omega-6 fatty acid content, without compromising oxidative stability.

This study aims to perform the first comprehensive physicochemical and nutritional characterization of Chobogo, a traditional dairy byproduct with nomadic roots in Kyrgyz food culture. Although it is increasingly popular and commonly consumed in Kyrgyz households, Chobogo has remained scientifically undocumented and unregulated in terms of food safety and composition. Validated analytical methods were used to assess its acidity, macronutrient content, and fatty acid and amino acid profiles. The results indicate that Chobogo is an energy-rich product with a balanced nutritional composition, containing essential and conditionally essential amino acids, as well as a favorable profile of dietary fats. Its overall characteristics suggest potential health benefits when consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals with high energy needs. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the standardization and safe use of Chobogo in modern food systems. The data also support its potential for industrial production as a culturally significant and functionally valuable dairy ingredient, contributing to the sustainable valorization of traditional dairy byproducts.

The study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of purebred and crossbred gilts under practical production conditions in Slovakia. A total of 164 gilts representing three pure breeds (Large White, Landrace, Duroc) and three hybrid combinations (LW×LA, LA×DU, LW×DU) were assessed for growth intensity, back fat thickness and lean meat content, with all traits standardized to a live weight of 100 kg. Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed between purebred and crossbred groups. Crossbred pigs achieved faster growth (ADG100 635.93 g/day) but showed higher back fat deposition, whereas purebreds exhibited superior carcass leanness (LMC100 62.72%). Within purebreds, Duroc demonstrated the highest lean meat percentage and the lowest fat thickness, while among hybrids the LW×LA combination displayed the most favourable balance of growth and carcass traits. Correlation analysis confirmed strong biological relationships between growth and carcass parameters, particularly the antagonism between backfat and lean meat content. The findings emphasize the influence of genetic background on production efficiency and highlight the advantages of specific crossbreeding strategies in optimizing pig performance.