Veterinarija ir Zootechnika

Abstract. The subject of this study is a dairy cattle farm with a capacity of 500 Holstein cows. The housing system is a free-stall group system with individual resting stalls. The study included all cows present on the farm as of April 2024 - a total of 425 animals. Based on individual animal records, the age at first calving and the cows’ age as of April 2024 were calculated. The average age at first calving in the studied herd was within the optimal and recommended range – 716,26 days (23,88 months), with a high average first-lactation milk yield of 11495,21 kg. A substantial variation in the age at first calving was observed depending on year of birth and corresponding lactation number. Only 1,18% of the cows calved for the first time before the age of 660 days. The majority of the cows – 90,35% – had their first calving between 22 and 26 months of age. Only 8,47% calved for the first time after 780 days of age. The variation in age at first calving across lactation numbers suggests that insemination of heifers on this farm typically begins after they reach one year of age. The lowest average first-lactation milk yield was recorded in cows that calved before the age of 659 days. In contrast, the highest average first-lactation milk yield was observed in cows that calved for the first time at over 27 months of age – 12025,54 kg.

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) as dangerous ecotoxicants pose a significant danger to agroecosystems and all living organisms. They enter the environment due to the action of anthropogenic-technogenic, military factors, due to global climate change, etc. Data analysis was carried out based on the results of a scientific and economic experiment conducted on dairy cows with different types of feeding in the Forest-Steppe soil-climatic zone of Ukraine. Cows were selected by the method of analogues for live weight, productivity with the third lactation period. The rations included feeds with an excess of Cd and Pb. The ecotoxicity of pollutants affected their transition from soil to plants (feed). The purpose of the research is to analyze the correlation relationship, construct regression equations between the concentration of heavy metals (HM) Cd, Pb in soil samples and feeds of different types of dairy cow diets, which will allow predicting the transfer of pollutants from soil to feed using environmentally safe milk production technologies, to carry out environmental monitoring and to assess environmental risks on cattle farms in a timely manner. Using the STATISTICA program, a correlation analysis was performed using the parametric Pearson correlation coefficient, taking into account the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Lilliefors tests for normality, and the Shapiro-Wilk’s W test. To model the dependence between the variable U (concentration of heavy metals in feed diets) and the vector variable X (concentration of heavy metals in soils of agroecosystems), the construction of linear regression equations was used. The nature of the relationship was checked by constructing scatterplots; analysis of residuals ¬ for compliance with the law of normal distribution (Gaussian); assessment of the acceptability of the model as a whole ¬ by the level of probability using the ANOVA method; regression quality ¬ using the coefficient of determination R2. The interpretation of correlation data was carried out on the scale (Gorkavyi, 2019) r<0.3 - no connection, the variation of one variable almost does not explain the other, often has no practical significance; r=0.3-0.5 ¬ the connection is weak, weak correlation; r=0.5-0.7 ¬ the connection is average (moderate), a significant proportion of the variation is explained; r>0.7 ¬ the connection is close, strong correlation, high predictability of one variable by another. The analysis established in all cases a positive close relationship between the content of heavy metals in soil samples of agroecosystems and feed rations of different types of feeding r>0.7, which indicates a strong correlation dependence and high predictability of one variable for another. The correlation coefficient for cadmium concentration ranged from 0.799 to 0.971, for lead from 0.790 to 0.869 (p<0.05). The highest correlation was established for the content of Cd, where cows were fed a silage-hay-concentrate type ration r=0.971 (very high (strong) correlation) (p<0.05), for the content of Pb ¬ silage-hay ration r=0.869 (very high (strong) correlation) (p<0.05). The assessment of the acceptability of the model as a whole by the ANOVA parameter showed that the level of probability for the concentration of Cd is p=0.014, p=0.057, p=0.028, p=0.001, Pb ¬ p=0.051, p=0.025, p=0.032, p=0.062. The most acceptable model for the concentration of Cd in cows with silage-root crops, silage-haylage and silage-hay-concentrate type of feeding is p<0.05, for the content of Pb ¬ the model in animals with silage-hay and silage-haylage type of feeding is p<0.05. The corresponding linear regression equations y = 0.0645+1.5115×х (Cd), y = 0.277+0.861×х (Cd), y = 0.0283+1.4587×х (Cd), y = -11.1161+1.4595×х (Pb), y = 2.7024+1.1513×х (Cd), y = -19.5433+3.0059×х (Pb) were constructed to predict the transfer of pollutants from soil to feed in the diets of productive animals. The tested models give the most accurate result of predicting the concentration of Cd and Pb. A positive close relationship has been established between the concentration of Cd and Pb in the soils of agroecosystems and the diets of dairy cows with silage-root crops, silage-hay, silage-haylage, silage-hay-concentrate feeding types. The most acceptable models that will give an accurate result of predicting Cd in cows with silage-root crops, silage-haylage and silage-hay-concentrate feeding types; Pb ¬ silage-hay and silage-haylage. Further research ¬ conducting correlation and regression analysis between the content of heavy metals in feed and cow milk.

Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland that induces physical, chemical, and bacteriological alterations in milk, as well as structural changes in mammary tissue. These impacts highlight the need for practical, viable, and cost-effective therapeutic alternatives. The objective of this exploratory, preliminary study was to assess the potential efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as an alternative antimicrobial treatment for bovine mastitis. The sample consisted of 40 quarters with mastitis corresponding to 10 lactating cows, divided into two groups of 20 quarters in the control group (5 cows) and 20 (5 cows) for the group treated with the application of three intramammary doses of the E. camaldulensis extract. California Mastitis Test (CMT) reactions showed no statistically significant differences between the control and treatment groups, either before or 48 hours after the third administration (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.11–3.70; p = 0.610). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of E. camaldulensis extract demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in bacterial load 24 hours after the third intramammary application. This effect was not observed in the control group (p ≥ 0.05), as determined by the marginal means test of the mixed-effects model. Based on the preliminary findings of this pilot study, the Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract shows potential as an alternative antimicrobial agent in cases of bovine mastitis; nevertheless, larger scale studies are needed to substantiate its clinical effectiveness.

The aim of this study was to define selected morphometric characteristics, namely linear measurements, body circumferences, and biometric indices, of Arab-barb horses across different localities in Algeria. A total of twenty linear measurements were selected for morphometric analysis, and ten indices or body ratios were calculated from 49 Algerian Arab-barb horses. The descriptive results indicated a relatively homogeneous population in northern Algeria based on the measured morphometric variables. Sex-related differences were observed mainly for neck length, neck circumference, and knee circumference (P<0.05). Horses in the >480 kg estimated body weight (BW) group showed greater total length, humero-iliac length, chest circumference, withers height, rump height, cannon circumference, fetlock circumference, and several mass-related indices. Significant differences were observed in 14 linear linear measurements of Algerian horses between the two studied regions (P<0.05). Most correlations among morphological variables exceeded 0.6, suggesting strong interrelationships and morphological consistency. The dactyl thorax index was significantly lower in females than in males (P<0.05), whereas thoracic development was higher in females in the unadjusted comparison. Overall, the findings indicate relative morphometric homogeneity in Arab-barb horses from northern Algeria, while also highlighting variation associated with sex, estimated body weight, and geographic origin. In the future, molecular analysis of Algerian horses will be essential for the preservation and management of this invaluable genetic resource, which constitutes an integral part of the nation’s cultural and economic heritage.

Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) are globally popular ornamental fish, valued for their distinctive coloration and patterns. However, infectious disease outbreaks remain an important health concern, particularly bacterial infections associated with skin ulceration, systemic disease, and mortality. Motile aeromonad infections in freshwater fish, including koi carp, have traditionally been attributed mainly to Aeromonas hydrophila, while other species may have been underdiagnosed or overlooked. In this report, we describe the isolation of Aeromonas veronii from koi carp in a private collection presenting with lesions consistent with koi ulcer disease, together with the associated macroscopic findings.

Complex interactions among structural, endocrine, and molecular factors determine mare reproductive potential. This narrative review summarizes current research data on clinical, hormonal, and molecular–biochemical biomarkers associated with mare fertility and evaluates their potential use in reproductive assessment. Clinical assessment remains the foundation of reproductive evaluation and includes age, reproductive history, ultrasonography, cytology, bacteriology, and endometrial biopsy. Hormonal biomarkers such as anti-Müllerian hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and gonadotropins provide additional information on ovarian reserve, follicular activity, ovulation, and luteal competence. Increasing attention has also focused on molecular and biochemical biomarkers related to inflammation, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix remodeling, and embryonic–maternal communication. Despite growing interest in advanced biomarker approaches, many molecular indicators are not yet sufficiently validated for routine clinical use in mares. Small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and a lack of standardized reference ranges often limit available studies. Therefore, interpretation of reproductive biomarkers should remain cautious and clinically contextualized. Available data suggest that integrating structural, endocrine, and molecular information may improve reproductive evaluation and enable more individualized management strategies in mares. However, prospective studies evaluating the predictive value and clinical utility of integrated biomarker models remain limited.

Abortions represent a major challenge for dromedary breeding in Algeria due to their economic, sanitary, and zoonotic implications. A cross-sectional study was conducted in El Oued province (southeastern Algeria) between 2022 and 2025 to investigate reproductive losses and associated risk factors in dromedary herds. The survey included 75 herds comprising 4460 females. Overall, 80% of the surveyed herds reported abortion cases. Among the affected herds, 8.3% (5/60) showed high abortion rates, 40% (24/60) frequent abortions, and 51.7% (31/60) sporadic cases. Stillbirths were also reported in 60% of these herds. Abortion rates ranged from 8.5% to 11.1% in primiparous females and from 9.3% to 10.3% in multiparous females. Most abortions (90%) occurred during mid to late gestation, with a seasonal peak between August and November. Most breeders (88.3%) buried aborted fetuses and placentas, whereas 10% discarded them in the open environment and 1.7% used incineration. Following abortion events, 75% of breeders took no specific action, while only 25% sought veterinary assistance. Among the investigated risk factors, only the presence of domestic cats and dogs was significantly associated with abortion occurrence (P < 0.05). This study highlights a high frequency of abortions in Algerian dromedaries, accompanied by a notable proportion of stillbirths. To better elucidate the underlying etiological determinants as well as the associated risk factors, further studies combining epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and laboratory diagnostic approaches are required.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used broad-spectrum pesticide, has been shown to affect significantly fertility outputs. However, there is limited knowledge concerning the potential involvement of oxidative stress (OS) in CPF-induced sperm dysfunction in mature spermatozoa, and the optimal protection against the potential deleterious effects. This study aimed, on the one hand, to investigate the effects of CPF on sperm motility and to assess whether OS may be involved in CPF-induced toxicity in epididymal spermatozoa. On the other hand, it aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin C and vitamin E, administered individually or in association. Epididymal sperm was collected from five Capra hircus testes and divided into five equal-volume aliquots, receiving different treatments: Control−, CPF, VitC+CPF, VitE+CPF and VitCE+CPF. Control− group was diluted in TRIS extender, while CPF group was exposed to CPF (50 µg/mL). The vitamin-treated groups were pre-incubated for 20 min with vitamin C (0.1 mg/mL), vitamin E (0.25 mg/mL), or their combination prior to CPF exposure. Sperm motility was assessed after 0, 30, and 60 min of storage at 37 °C using Computer Aided Sperm Analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured at 30 min in each treatment by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay and quantified at 535 nm. CPF exposure impaired significantly sperm kinetics; at 60 min, VSL decreased from 11.248 ± 0.209 µm/s in the Control− group to 5.051 ± 0.143 µm/s in the CPF group (P<0.0001). Also, progressive motility decreased in the CPF group (0.225 ± 0.084%) compared with the Control− group (4.146 ± 1.224%). VitCE+CPF improved significantly VSL (17.405 ± 0.185 µm/s vs CPF; P<0.0001). MDA levels were elevated significantly in the CPF group (2.261 ± 0.1076 nmol MDA/10^8 SPZ) compared with the Control− group (1.919 ± 0.1085 nmol MDA/10^8 SPZ; P=0.0354). VitCE+CPF resulted in the lowest MDA concentration (1.739 ± 0.1065 nmol MDA/10^8 SPZ vs CPF; P=0.003). The results showed that CPF affects mature spermatozoa potentially through lipid peroxidation. These effects could be mitigated by vitamins C and E, especially when they are associated.