X chromosome monosomy as one of the reasons for reduced fertility or infertility in the mare
Monika Bugno 1 , Ewa Słota 1 , Marek Tischner Jr 2 , Marian Tischner 2
1 Department of Immuno- and Cytogenetics, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
2 Department of Animal Reproduction, Agricultural University, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Abstract
The karyotype of 14 mares was investigated as part of cytogenetic
control. The mares showed abnormal fertility due to anoestrus, repeat
breeding, abortion or underdevelopment of internal reproductive organs.
Karyotype of 9 horses was shown to be normal based on analysis of
chromosome preparations that were Giemsa, GTG- and CBG- stained to
identify sex chromosomes. The preparations were analysed under a light
microscope using automated image analysing program MultiScan 6.08. The
number of metaphase plates tested varied from 100 to 300. X chromosome
monosomy was diagnosed in five mares; 63,X karyotype in pure form in
one mare, and 63,X/64,XX karyotype in the form of mosaic cell lines in
the other four mares with a low (3.5-9%) proportion of lines with an
abnormal set of chromosomes.
Key words: horses, chromosome aberrations, X chromosome monosomy
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 213-224
Genetic relationships between Silesian, Thoroughbred and Oldenburg horses based on DNA microsatellite polymorphism
Tomasz Ząbek, Marian Duniec, Monika Bugno
Department of Immuno- and Cytogenetics, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
The purpose of the present experiment was to determine the degree of
genetic differences between the Lower Silesian populations of Silesian
and Thoroughbred horses and a population of Oldenburg horses derived
from Germany. The gene pools of the horse groups tested were analysed
at 12 microsatellite loci (AHT4, AHT5, ASB2, HMS1, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7,
HTG4, HTG6, HTG7, HTG10, VHL20) recommended for parentage verification
tests. Microsatellite variants were amplified via the multiplex PCR
method. The PCR products were separated on 4% acrylamide gels in an
automated ABI377 sequencer. Large differences in the values of
heterozygosity and effective allele number as well as the probability
of finding two individuals with the same genotype point to greater gene
pool variation at microsatellite loci of Silesian and Oldenburg horses.
The lower number of alleles and the values of calculated coefficients
in Thoroughbreds reflect greater genetic similarity within this breed.
The largest genetic differences, expressed by standard genetic distance
values, were revealed between all Silesian populations and the
population of Thoroughbred horses. The comparatively small genetic
distance between Thoroughbreds and Oldenburg horses reflects a strong
influence of Thoroughbreds on modern warmblood horse breeds.
Key words: horses, microsatellite markers, genetic distance
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 225-233
Erythrocyte antigen polymorphism in Felin pony population in comparison to initial breeds
Anna Nogaj 1 , Jan Nogaj 1 , Anna Stachurska 2
1 Experimental Station Chorzelów, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 39-331 Chorzelów, Poland
2 Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Agricultural University, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Abstract
The Felin Pony has been created by crossing various breeds and still
is being consolidated. The aim of the study was to compare the genetic
variability of erythrocyte antigens in the Felin Pony and foundation
breeds: Shetland Pony, Biłgoraj Horse, Polish Konik Horse, Arab-Konik
Horse, Hutsul Horse, Małopolski Horse and Purebred Arabian Horse , as
well as to investigate the relationship among the populations . Thirty
erythrocyte antigens were identified in 712 horses. On the basis of
these data, the genetic structure of the populations was analysed. Gene
frequencies were calculated for seven loci: EAA, EAC, EAD, EAK, EAP,
EAQ and EAU . All 43 alleles, identified in the Felin Pony, were also
observed in the foundation breeds. Statistically significant
differences in allele frequency among the populations were found.
Average heterozygosity values in the populations are high and range
from 0.373 in the Purebred Arabian Horse to 0.558 in the Felin Pony and
0.596 in the Shetland Pony. The clusters in the dendrogram seem to be
consistent with the breed origin. They show that the Felin Pony is the
most distant from the Purebred Arabian Horse and the closest to the
Shetland Pony, composing with it a unit separate from the other
populations in the study. The Biłgoraj Horse and the Polish Konik Horse
form another separate cluster.
Key words: horse, Felin Pony, erythrocyte antigens, genetic structure
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 235-241
Genetic marker based analysis of genetic structure of the Biłgoraj horse population
Anna Nogaj 1 , Jan Nogaj 1 , Ewa Słota 2 , Tomasz Ząbek 2
National Research Institute of Animal Production
1 Experimental Station Chorzelów, 39-331 Chorzelów, Poland
2 Department of Immuno- and Cytogenetics, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
Biłgoraj horses are a breed group derived from feral horses, kept in
the hunting grounds established by the Zamojski family. Although
subjected to various crossings, these horses resemble the original
forms of primitive horses. Currently, breeding is directed towards
maintaining an endemic type of primitive horses, bred under stable-free
conditions. A population of 45 Biłgoraj horses was investigated for the
genetic structure of the herd based on analysis of erythrocyte
antigens, blood proteins and enzymes at 14 loci: EAA, EAC, EAD, EAK,
EAP, EAQ, EAU, AL, GC, ES, A1B, TF, PGD and PHI. Small antigenic
differences (24 alleles) and a relatively high protein and enzyme
polymorphism (18 alleles) were found. The alleles characteristic of the
experimental population are: A adf , C - , D deloq , D delq , P - , Q b
, U a4 , Gc F , Es F , Tf D1 , Tf D2 , Tf D3 and Tf F2 . There were no
statistically significant differences between the number of observed
and expected animals representing a given phenotype. The polymorphic
information content (PIC) for particular loci was small except for four
loci: EAD, TF, EAU and EAP (above 0.6). Despite the small size of the
herd and specific breeding conditions, Biłgoraj horses are
characterized by a relatively high mean degree of heterozygosity
(0.424). Biłgoraj horses, treated by many breeders as Polish Koniks,
have retained their distinct genetic character, as confirmed by the
genetic marker studies.
Key words: Biłgoraj horses, genetic markers, gene frequency, degree of heterozygosity
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 243-253
Association between beta-lactoglobulin and
kappa-casein polymorphism and variability of milk performance traits in
Polish Black-and-White cow population maintained in different milk
productivity herds
Krzysztof Walawski 1 , Ryszard Zieminski 2 , Andriej Novokszonov 1 ,
Urszula Czarnik 1 , Tadeusz Zabolewicz 1 , Chandra S. Pareek 1
1 Department of Animal Genetics, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn,
Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
2 Department of Cattle Breeding and Milk Production, Agricultural University,
Chełmonskiego 38C, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Abstract
The present investigation was aimed to implicate the interaction
effects between milk protein polymorphic loci and complex environmental
factors differentiating milk yield and milk composition. Research was
carried out in the group of 2559 cows characterizing the Polish
Black-and-White cattle population. The results obtained from routine
milk control were used to categorize 16 cattle herds according to
different milk productivity. Five categories were selected: more than
10 000 kg (group I), 8000-10 000 kg (group II), 6500-8000 kg (group
III), 5000-6500 kg (group IV) and less than 5000 kg (group V) of
average milk productivity. Milk samples were collected randomly from 3-
to 4-year-old cows. Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis was used for
simultaneous detection of polymorphic variants of ß-lactoglobulin
(LGB), a-S1 casein (CSN1 S1), ß-casein (CSN2), and ?-casein (CSN3). The
investigated cows were characterized by genotype and gene frequencies
typical of the Black-and-White cattle population. Further
investigations were limited to LGB and CSN3 polymorphic systems,
because of their relatively well balanced genetic expression.
Statistically significant differences were obtained for milk yield
efficiency (LGB AA>LGB BB) in cows from groups I, II and III as well
as (CSN3 AB>CSN3 AA, CSN3 BB) in group II and (CSN3 AA, CSN3
BB>CSN3 AB) in group V. Additionally significant differences were
obtained for fat yield (LGB AA>LGB BB) in group III, and protein
yield (LGB AA>LGB BB, CSN3 AB>CSN3 AA, CSN3 BB) in group II.
Statistically significant differences were obtained also for fat
content (CSN3 BB>CSN3 AA>CSN3 AB) in group II and (CSN3
AB>CSN3 AA, CSN3 BB) in group V as well as for protein content (CSN3
BB>CSN3 AA) in group I.
Key words: Black-and-White cows, different herds, milk protein polymorphism, milk performance traits
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 255-262
Synaptonemal complexes analysis of the European wild boars � carriers of the 15;17 Robertsonian translocation
Barbara Rejduch 1 , Ewa Słota 1 , Paweł Sysa 2 , Mariusz Kościelny 1 , Maria Wrzeska 1 , Marek Babicz 3
1 Department of Immuno- and Cytogenetics, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
2 Department of Morphological Sciences, Warsaw Agricultural University, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
3 Department of Pig Breeding, Agricultural University, Akademicka 13a, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate synaptonemal complexes at
the pachytene stage of prophase of the first meiotic division in three
Polish wild boars � carriers of 15;17 Robertsonian translocation. The
boars originated from two areas: South-Western and South-Eastern
Poland. Preparations with metaphase spreads were obtained after the
routine lymphocyte culture. We performed the GTG-banding technique
according to the method described by Wang and Fedoroff (1972). The
GTG-banding technique was applied for identification of particular
pairs of chromosomes. The obtained banding patterns showed that
translocated chromosome was composed of chromosomes 15 and 17. The
samples of testes tissue from the wild boars were obtained after
castration. The preparations of meiotic chromosomes for electron
microscope were made according to Counce and Meyer's (1973) protocol.
We analysed synaptonemal complexes in 300 spermatocytes I by electron
microscopy. In all analysed cells we observed 17 bivalents and a
completely paired trivalent, which involved three chromosome components
� the translocated 15;17 chromosome and its homologues 15 and 17. We
did not observe an association between trivalent and sex bivalent X-Y.
The abnormal chromosome pairing in Robertsonian translocation carriers
and their unequal segregation may lead to production of unbalanced
gametes causing decreased fertility.
Key words: wild boar, Robertsonian translocation, synaptonemal complexes
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 263-267
Characteristics of selected physico-chemical and cytological parameters of sow's milk
Anna Rekiel, Justyna Więcek
Department of Animal Breeding and Production, Warsaw Agricultural University, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warszawa, Poland
Abstract
The levels of sow's milk indicators: physical � acidity (pH),
chemical (Ca, P, Na, K, Mg) and cytological � somatic cell count (SCC)
were determined. The quality of milk was compared for sows used in the
herd in reproductive cycles 1-3 (group A) and 4-5 (group B), in the
initial (day 3) and final (day 42) stage of lactation. The level of
major elements showed no regular changes and trends in the milk of sows
in the groups analysed. There was a highly significant increase in Mg
content and a significant increase in Ca and P contents during
lactation. During the final stage of lactation, a significant increase
in pH and a higher somatic cell count per 1 ml milk was observed,
possibly indicating a deterioration in physical and cytological
parameters.
Key words: sows, milk, pH, SCC, major elements
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 269-278
Diagnosis of a new reciprocal translcoation rcp(9;14)(q14;q23) in infertile boar after the synaptonemal complex analysis
Barbara Rejduch 1 , Ewa Słota 1 , Paweł Sysa 2 , Anna Kwaczynska 3 , Anna Kozubska-Sobocinska 1 , Barbara Danielak-Czech 1
1 Department of Immuno- and Cytogenetics, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
2 Department of Morphological Science, Warsaw Agricultural University, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
3 Pig Hybridization Station, 64-122 Pawłowice, Poland
Abstract
Most structural chromosome rearrangements of reciprocal
translocation type were hitherto described in the domestic pig. The
investigations of this type of chromosome abnormality and their impact
on fertility in animals were possible due to the development of new
analytical methods, i.e. the examination of synaptonemal complexes
(SCs) under the electron microscope (EM). The aim of this study was to
analyse synaptonemal complexes (SCs) as well as mitotic chromosomes in
the boars with fertility disorders. Seven boars characterized by lower
fertility parameters were chosen for the study. Synaptonemal complexes
in different substages of pachytene (early, mid and late) were observed
in 60 spermatocytes per animal. In spermatocytes of 6 boars 19 normal
pairing bivalents were observed. In one boar in all analysed cells the
presence of 17 bivalents and one quadrivalent (cross configuration) was
ascertained. No non-specific associations between quadrivalent and sex
bivalent X-Y were found. This boar was the reciprocal translocation
carrier characterized by the karyotype formula 38,XY
rcp(9;14)(q14;q23). Infertility of this boar was expressed by all
ineffective matings.
Key words: pigs, chromosomes, synaptonemal complexes (SCs), reciprocal translocation, fertility
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 279-285
Motility and plasma membrane integrity of rabbit spermatozoa during liquid storage
Piotr Gogol, Michał Bochenek
Department of Animal Reproduction, National Research Institute of Animal Production,
32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
The effects of a semen extender on motility and cell membrane
integrity of rabbit spermatozoa were investigated. The ejaculates were
divided into three parts and diluted with PBS, boar semen extender
Biosolvens and a commercial rabbit semen extender Galap. Semen samples
were stored at 18 ° C for 48 hours. Sperm motility was evaluated after
2, 24 and 48 hours of semen preservation using a light microscope. Cell
membrane integrity was assessed flow cytometrically after 2 and 48
hours of semen preservation after double staining with fluorochromes
SYBR14 and PI. The percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa in
the semen diluted with Galap extender was significantly higher than in
the semen diluted with Biosolvens and PBS, regardless of the semen
preservation time. After 2 hours of semen preservation, the extender
was found to exert no significant influence on the percentage of
membrane-intact spermatozoa. At 48 hours of preservation, the
percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa in the semen diluted with
Biosolvens extender was significantly (p<0.05) lower than in the
semen diluted with Galap or PBS. The results indicate that compared to
cell membrane integrity, assessed after sperm staining with SYBR14 and
PI, sperm motility is a more sensitive indicator of the effect of
extender on rabbit semen during liquid storage.
Key words: rabbit, semen storage, sperm membranes, flow cytometry
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 287-294
Egg content and eggshell traits in ducks from three maternal strains raised in Poland
Adam Mazanowski 1,2 , Marek Adamski 2
1 Department of Poultry Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Dworzyska 1, 62-035 Kórnik, Poland
2 Department of Poultry Breeding, University of Technology and Agriculture, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Abstract
Three maternal strains of P66, P77 and K11 ducks, which have been
selected for over 20 years, were evaluated for reproductive traits,
weight, and traits of eggshell and egg content and the results were
compared between the strains and with foreign findings. The highest egg
production and indices of duckling hatchability were obtained by P77
ducks (152 eggs), and the greatest egg weight in P66 ducks (90 g),
which were characterized by the lowest egg production. Shell weight and
traits showed greater values in eggs of P66 and P77 ducks except shell
percentage in eggs (P77) and shell density (P66), compared to the eggs
of K11 ducks. Egg content traits showed greater variation, with
generally higher values in eggs of strains P66 and P77. The greatest
percentage of yolk and the highest value of Haugh units were noted in
the eggs of P77 ducks. Possibly, this is associated with better
indicators of duckling hatchability compared to strains P66 and K11.
Key words: duck, reproductive traits, laying, egg traits
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 295-300
The effect of some feed additives on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of pigs of different genotype
Maryia Dziuba, Anna Rekiel, Józef Kulisiewicz
Department of Animal Breeding and Production, Warsaw Agricultural University, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
Abstract
Thirty-two crossbred fatteners originated from Polish Large White ´
Polish Landrace sows crossed with Duroc or Belgian Landrace boars were
investigated. The animals were divided into two groups by analogue
method. Pigs from the control group were fed a diet with antibiotic
supplementation (Flavomycin) and pigs from the experimental group
received a diet with probiotic ToyoCerin (Bacillus toyoi) as the only growth promoter. The pigs were treated and fed individually, twice a day with ad libitum
access to water. The fattening period was divided into two periods:
from 21 kg to 55 kg of body weight (period I) and from 55 kg to 100 kg
(period II). After fattening, all pigs were slaughtered, and 24 hours
later measurements were made on right half carcass, together with
partial dissection. The contents of dry matter, crude ash, crude
protein, and crude fat were estimated in the samples of Musculus longissimus (ML).
The fatty acid composition in lipid fraction of ML was determined by
gas chromatography. Similar results of fattening performance, carcass
value and meat quality were obtained for pigs fed the diets with
antibiotic or probiotic. The carcasses of crossbred fatteners of two
crosses were significantly different in traits which were controlled.
The results obtained have shown the possibility of replacing the
antibiotic by probiotic ToyoCerin during the fattening period.
Key words: fatteners, antibiotic, probiotic, carcass quality, meat
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 301-309
The effect of soybean or casein protein and different fats on cholesterol and triacylglycerol level in rats
Piotr Hanczakowski, Beata Szymczyk, Iwona Furgał-Dierżuk
Department of Animal Nutrition, National Research Institute of Animal Production,
32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
The effect of two proteins sources (casein C and soy protein isolate
S) and four dietary fats (olive oil � OO, peanut oil � PO, sunflower
oil � SO and lard � L) on the level of plasma lipids (total cholesterol
- TC, high density lipoprotein � HDL-C and low density lipoprotein
LDL-C cholesterol, triacylglycerols � TAG) was investigated in a 6-week
experiment on rats. On the whole, kind of protein had no effect on any
of the estimated lipids although when fed together with particular fats
it changed the level of some lipids. For example, when OO was given
with soy protein isolate LDL-C level was 28.2 and in the case of casein
only 22.7 mg/dl. Fats changed the level of all estimated lipid
fractions except LDL-C. OO gave the highest TC and HDL-C content (73.7
and 48.9 mg/dl, respectively). Cholesterolemic activity of lard was
similar to that of vegetable oils but it resulted in the highest TAG
level (145.9 mg/dl) and this difference was highly significant. These
results allow a conclusion that the estimated fats had stronger effect
on blood lipoprotein level than protein though mixtures of the same fat
with various proteins could differ significantly. TAG was the most
susceptible to cholesterolemic effect of fats of all estimated lipids.
Key words: rats, dietary protein, dietary fat, serum lipids
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 311-321
Mineral nutrients in Polish feedingstuffs
Part 2. Cereal grains
Franciszek Brzóska 1 , Witold Brzezinski 2 , Barbara Brzóska 1
1 Department of Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
2 Research Institute for Cultivar Testing, 63-022 Słupia Wielka, Poland
Abstract
The investigations covered 38 samples of winter wheat, 40 samples of
spring barley, 40 samples of winter rye and 24 samples of maize cobs,
totalling 142 samples of cereal grains cultivated in Poland in 1996 and
1997. The samples originated from degraded chernozem, brown and
podzolic soils. The calcium content of cereal grains averaged 0.63±0.02
g/kg d.m. (P=0.01) and varied significantly according to the species.
It was the highest in winter rye and the lowest in maize cobs. The
calcium content of cereal grains varied significantly according to the
year of cultivation. The phosphorus content of cereal grains averaged
3.43±0.04 g/kg d.m. and varied significantly according to the species
(P=0.01), being the highest in winter wheat and the lowest in maize
cobs. The difference between years of cultivation was not significant.
The content of sodium in cereal grains averaged 0.33±0.01 g/kg d.m. It
was the highest in spring barley and the lowest in winter rye (P=0.01).
Sodium content was found to vary greatly between the years of sampling
(P=0.01). Potassium content of cereal grains averaged 4.03±0.08 g/kg
d.m. Potassium content of spring barley was significantly higher than
in the other cereals (P=0.01). Significant differences were found
between the years of cultivation for potassium content of grains
(P=0.01). Magnesium content of grains averaged 1.42±0.01 g/kg d.m. It
was the highest in winter wheat and the lowest in maize cobs (P=0.01).
Differences between the years were significant (P=0.05). The zinc
content of cereal grains averaged 33.28±0.87 µg/kg d.m. and was similar
except winter wheat, where it was significantly higher than in the
other cereals (P=0.01). The zinc content of cereal grains varied
significantly between the consecutive years (P=0.01). The selenium
content of cereal grains averaged 70.96±3.76 µg/kg d.m. and was
significantly higher in maize cobs than in the other cereal grains
(P=0.01). It also differed in the successive years of cultivation
(P=0.01). The mineral content of grain from degraded chernozem and
brown soils was higher than in grain from podzolic soils.
Key words: feedingstuff, minerals, cereal grains, year of cultivation, soil type
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 323-331
Integrated welfare assessment of group or individually housed dairy cows during lactation
Jacek Walczak
Department of Technology and Ecology of Animal
Production, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083
Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
A comprehensive integrated assessment of lactating cows was
performed in terms of the housing system. Group and tethered housing
were considered and body condition, behaviour, blood morphology,
baseline stress hormone levels, telemetry measurements of ECG, pulse
and skin temperature were compared. The present findings showed better
welfare of loose housed cows, as determined principally by the results
of biophysical and behavioural measurements. The main difference in
behaviour concerned freedom of movement in the group system, in which
cows spent a considerable amount of the day (487.5 min) on this
activity. Significant and highly significant differences were detected
for other behavioural types such as lying, standing, feeding and
atypical behaviors. Analysis of mean pulse rates showed that they
varied significantly between tethered and group housed animals, for the
latter exhibited lower mean pulse rates (68.4 beats/min). Telemetric
measurements of ECG showed a greater incidence of various artifacts in
tethered cows. In the group system, there were no changes such as T
wave deflections or a prolongation of and variation in PQ interval. The
most frequent changes in tethered animals were elevation of the QRST
complex and higher ST segments. Within baseline hormone levels, only
creatine kinase was significantly higher for tethered cows (72.51 vs.
64.27 pg/ml). Of the morphotic constituents of blood, the only
differences appeared for plate numbers (336.99 vs . 304.77 M/ľl ´ 10 9 for tethered and group housing respectively).
Key words: cows, welfare, housing, biophysical parameters, behaviour
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 333-344
Preliminary studies on possibility of estimating pig belly lean percentage based on slaughter traits measured at a meat plant
Tadeusz Blicharski 1 , Grzegorz Zak 2 , Mariusz Pierzchała 1 , Robert Eckert 2
1 Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec,
05-552 Wólka Kosowska, Poland
2 Department of Pig Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production,
32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
Recent years have seen a growing market interest in belly that is
high in lean. In breeding programmes belly lean content gains
increasing importance, as evidenced by the high economic weights
assigned to this trait. In many countries meat plants pay attention to
this carcass cut when settling accounts with pig producers. This
results in the need to find quick, simple, and objective methods for
evaluation of belly lean content. The present study attempted to
develop methods for estimating percentage lean content of pig based on
postmortem linear measurements and dissection of some cuts to be used
for production and breeding purposes. Seven regression equations were
developed, accounting for different numbers and different combinations
of measurements made on the cross-section and longitudinal section of
the carcass. The equations were checked for accuracy. It was found that
the best results were provided by equation (6) with parameters R =
0.522 and RSD = 6.923, which was developed based on 11 measurements.
However, the accuracy of this equation is unsatisfactory when applied
to evaluation of belly lean content in practice. The need for further
study on the development of an optimal belly grading method has been
indicated.
Key words: pig, belly lean content, regression equation
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 345-353
Changes in serum cortisol level and incidence of
stereotyped behaviour in piglets weaned at different times, as an
indicator of their welfare
Agata Szewczyk
Department of Technology and Ecology of Animal Production,
National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
Weaning of piglets is one of the more drastic management procedures,
having a particularly adverse impact on early weaned pigs. It is
responsible for the incidence of stress, inhibited post-weaning growth
and decreased welfare levels. The objective of this study was to
determine the welfare of piglets weaned at different times based on
baseline cortisol levels and the incidence of behavioural stereotypies.
Five hundred piglets (four-breed crosses) were kept in four
experimental groups differing in the time of weaning (days 21, 28, 35,
42) and in one control group weaned on day 56 of age. During the
experiment, cortisol levels were measured and behavioural observations
were made, with particular regard to the incidence of atypical
behaviours. The results demonstrated that piglets weaned on day 42 were
the least vulnerable to weaning stress, and thus displayed the highest
welfare. Piglets weaned on day 28 responded to weaning stress with
lower than baseline cortisol level on day 7 after weaning and with the
most frequent incidence of stereotyped behaviours, indicating their low
welfare status.
Key words: piglets, cortisol, weaning, welfare, stereotyped behaviour
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 355-364
Assessment of slaughter value and chemical composition of meat in 8-week-old ducks from maternal strains
Adam Mazanowski 1 , Ewa Gornowicz 2
1 Department of Poultry Breeding, University of Technology and Agriculture, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz, Poland
2 Poultry Research Branch, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Poznanska 11, 62-069 Palędzie, Poland
Abstract
Three maternal strains of ducks (P66, P77 and K11) were analysed for
body measurements, slaughter yield, slaughter value and chemical
composition of the meat. The best carcass tissue composition was shown
by P66 ducks and the poorest by K11 ducks. Only percentage of leg
muscles and content of abdominal fat did not differ significantly
between the strains. Weights of carcass, leg and breast muscles were
positively correlated with all body measurements. Good muscling and low
fatness were reflected in shank length, chest circumference, shank
circumference and breast muscle thickness. Breast and leg muscles of
P66 ducks were characterized by a high pH value and high water holding
capacity. Fat and protein percentages were similar in all the strains.
Compared to leg muscles, breast muscles showed lower pH and lower water
holding capacity and contained more protein and ash and less fat. The
best results for meat traits were achieved by P66 ducks.
Key words: ducks, body measurements, tissue content, chemical components, correlation coefficients
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 365-375
Physiological and production indicators of broiler chickens exposed to short-term thermal stress
Ewa Sosnówka-Czajka, Eugeniusz Herbut
Department of Animal Production Technology and
Ecology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083
Balice n. Kraków, Poland
Abstract
Physiological and production response of broiler chickens to
short-term cold and heat stress in the second period of rearing was
investigated. The heat stress caused a decrease in thyroid hormones and
metabolic rate, with no change in rectal temperature. It was shown that
10 ° C reduced temperature applied in the second period or rearing is
not a stress factor, since no changes were observed in the
physiological reactions. There were also no changes in the levels of
total protein, albumin and immunoglobulins in the birds exposed to
thermal stress. Short-term changes in ambient temperature did not lower
weight gains or final body weights of the chickens, nor affected feed
conversion per 1 kg weight gain.
Key words: thermal stress, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, total protein, albumins
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 377-388
Health status, blood picture and heavy metal concentrations in tissues of carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) in their third year of rearing in ponds fertilized with cattle slurry
Maciej Ligaszewski 1 , Andrzej Lysak 1 , Andrzej Pilarczyk 2
1 Department of Technology and Ecology of Animal
Production, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083
Balice n. Kraków, Poland
2 Department of Ichthyobiology and Fish Farming, Polish Academy of Sciences in Gołysz, 43-520 Chybie, Poland
Abstract
The effect of cattle slurry mineralized with a biotechnological
preparation containing saprophytic organisms and aerated raw slurry on
the health status of pond-reared carp ( Cyprinus carpio , L.)
in their third year of rearing was investigated at the Experimental
Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production in
Grodziec Sląski (Cieszyn Silesia, Poland). These forms of slurry were
used in 1998-2000 to fertilize two commercial earthen ponds stocked in
spring with 2-year-old carp at a density of 1200 fish/ha -1 . The same
stocking rate was applied in the unfertilized control pond. It was
found that annual doses of both slurry forms (24 t ha -1 ) were well
tolerated by the carp. However, the health status and condition of carp
were the best in the pond fertilized with biotechnologically
mineralized slurry, despite the highest level of nitrites in the water
of this pond (0.1 mg l -1 ) and the high level of methemoglobin in fish
blood (3.3%). The concentrations of copper, zinc, cadmium and lead were
analysed in the muscles and hepatopancreas. The accumulation of zinc,
copper and cadmium in carp tissues was lower in the ponds fertilized
with both forms of slurry than in the control pond. Conversely, lead
concentration was higher.
Key words: carp, cattle slurry, pond fertilization, pond farming, fish health
Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 3, No. 2 (2003) 389-397
Reduction of odorous gas compounds in biological treatment of ventilation air from layer house
Leszek Tymczyna, Anna Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska
Department of Animal Hygiene and Environment, Agricultural University, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Abstract
The effectiveness of clearing exhaust ventilation air from organic
pollutants, especially odorants, was investigated in a breeding layer
farm using the biological treatment method of an open biofilter. The
air of the layer house was shown to contain 5 groups of organic
compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic and aliphatic
hydrocarbons, as well as a group of other compounds which included
amines, halogenated compounds, phenols and ketones. The reduction rate
of all the pollutants introduced into the biofilter averaged 30%. Best
results were obtained for aldehydes (54% on average) and aromatic
hydrocarbons (50%). Considerably better results were obtained for 11
compounds that were selected from the entire pool of air compounds and
are regarded as odorogenic. In this group, biofiltration succeeded for
organic compounds such as acetaldehyde, xylenes and acetone, while
phenol and 2-butanamine proved resistant to biofiltration.
Key words: air, odours, laying hens, biofiltration