Showing papers in "Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry in 2012"

Feed restriction in broiler chickens production

Abstract: The feed restriction program is on of the main techniques in growth curve manipulation for increasing production efficiency in broiler chicken. Quantities and qualitative feed restriction are procedures that can be used to manipulate the feeding strategies of poultry in order to decrease growth and metabolic rate to some extent and so alleviate the incidence of some metabolic diseases such as ascites, lameness, mortality, and sudden death syndrome and so improving feed conversion and reducing feed cost. Also to produce a leaner bird and reduce the unfavourable effects of fat on human health, and to reduce fat deposition in broiler carcasses using of feed restriction programs can be profitable in broiler chickens production. This article surveys new findings in feed restriction of broilers and evaluates the application of feed restriction methods to broiler chicken production.

Application of path analysis methodology in assessing the relationship between body weight and biometric traits of Red Sokoto goats in northern Nigeria

Abstract: Relationship between body weight (BW) and seven morphobiometrical traits [withers height (WH), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), shoulder width (SW), ear length (EL), cannon circumference (CC) and neck circumference (NC)] were studied in 142 Red Sokoto goats aged 19.3-30.6 months old using path analysis. The animals were randomly selected in certain smallholders’ farms located in northern Nigeria. Pair-wise correlations among body weights and linear type traits were positive and highly significant (r = 0.74 - 0.92; P< 0.01). The path analysis revealed that body length had the highest direct effect on body weight, closely followed by chest girth and shoulder width, respectively (path coefficient = 0.354, 0.253 and 0.214 for BL, CG and SW, respectively). The optimum linear regression model with a coefficient of determination ( R2) value of 0.934 included forecast indices, such as body length, chest girth, shoulder width, cannon circumference and neck circumference. This regression equation could be used to predict the body weight of Red Sokoto goats in the field and for selection purposes.

Studies on wings symmetry and honey bee races discrimination by using standard and geometric morphometrics.

Abstract: Morphometric is an essential tool for honey bee races discrimination and characterization. Such vital tool has been applied widely in honey bee researches. Unfortunately there is no available literature for confirming honey bee wings symmetry. Therefore, standard and geometric morphometric analyses were employed for investigating wings symmetry as well as for discriminating between Carniolan and Yemeni honey bees. Moreover, three angles of hind wings (H1, H2 and H3) were evaluated in the discrimination between the two races. Results of morphometric analyses strongly confirmed the symmetry of honey bee wings. Standard and geometric morphometric analyses successfully discriminate between the two races. Hind wing length and angle H3 could be incorporated in honey bee races discrimination.

Plant usage in protecting the farm animal health

Abstract: Phytotherapy, as form of traditional and conventional veterinary medicine, includes curing, alleviation and prevention the onset of diseases in animals based on natural medicinal raw materials and folk remedies made from plants. In animal health care, the use of medicinal and other plants as supporting therapy, in preventive purposes or as a complete therapy has a large potential regardless whether it is the question of individual or combined plant medicinal preparations which act synergistically. Phytotherapy is very intensively used in prophylactic purposes and with the aim of treatment of milder forms of diseases, chronic diseases and recurrent infections as well as in organic livestock production. Extracts and preparations from different plants are used with the aim of intensifying the activity of immune system and stimulations some functions of organism. The great number of herb metabolites shows antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity and gives the positive effects in the treatment of ectoparasitoses and endoparasitoses. This research paper gives a review of the plants most frequently used in ethnoveterinary medicine for health purposes of farm animals.

The effect of feed wetting and fermentation on the performance of broiler chick

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed wetting and fermented feed on the performance of broiler chicks Four experimental diets were used in the study Diet 1, was a conventional commercial broiler starter feed Diet 2 was a commercial broiler starter feed in a 1:12 dilution with water Diet 3, was a water diluted commercial feed inoculated with Bactocell™ and fermented for 24 hours at 35 o C in an incubator Diet 4 was fermented feed add with 6% copper sulphate solution at the rate of 1ml to 10g of feed, to then incubated for 24 hours 180 day old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) Each treatment group was replicated four times with 15 birds per replicate Results showed that feed intake and weight gain were significantly higher (P 005) difference between the birds fed liquid diets in all the response parameters measured The results also indicated that the treatments had no significant effect on the carcass characteristics of the birds The results of this experiment showed that feeding fermented and unfermented liquid diets improved the performance of the birds

Analysis of environmental and genetic factors in growth characteristics of Balkan goat.

Abstract: Research was conducted on animals of Balkan goat breed. The impact of environmental factors on the weight of kids was analyzed, and also the value of genetic parameters of growth traits of kids to weaning had been examined. The body weight of kids varied depending on the year from 2.27±0.09 kg to 2.43±0.08 kg at birth and 10.81±0.58 kg to 11.13±0.51 kg at weaning. Variations depending on the season, ranged from 2.24±0.09 kg to 2.51±0.05 kg. Sex also had an impact because the male kids had higher weight of 0.12 kg at birth and 0.20 kg at weaning. All differences caused by environmental factors were statistically significant (P<0.01). Single born kids in comparison with twin born kids had higher birth weight by 0.22 kg at birth and 0.37 kg in weaning. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). It is a known fact that the increase in litter size influences decrease in body weight of kids. We also found that the weight at birth is associated with body weight at weaning. Heritability for growth traits observed moving in the range of low values from 0.102 ± 0.039 to 0.153 ± 0.041. Repeatability of the observed traits varied from low to medium values in the interval from 0.118 ± 0.030 to 0.528 ± 0025.

Survey of mycotoxin feed contamination in Croatia

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of feed with mycotoxins. A total of 103 samples of feed for poultry, pig and calves was collected at different animal feed factories in the central, eastern and north region of Croatia. The quantitative determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 (FUM) and T-2 toxin (T-2) concentration was done using the validated ELISA method. The observed results indicated an increased contamination of pig feed with Fusarium mycotoxins DON and ZEA with mean concentrations of 1454±1444 μg/kg and 153±161 μg/kg, higher than recommended in 20% and 5% of the samples, respectively. Higher DON concentrations than recommended were also observed in 7% of calves feed with a mean concentration of 1140±1288 μg/kg. The concentrations of AFB1, OTA and FUM in all the investigated samples in all country regions were according to the maximum allowed or recommended values in the European Union.

Composition of carcass sides and quality of meat from Swallow-Belly Mangalitsa reared in two systems

Abstract: Objective of this paper was to determine the composition of carcass sides and quality of meat obtained from two groups of fatteners (male castrated pigs) of Swallow-Belly Mangalitsa breed. First group was reared in an open system (SO, n=13) and the other group in farm conditions with free ranges (SI, n=10). Animals were slaughtered in the same slaughtering facility. Left carcass sides were dissected and percentage of meat (Actual LMP) calculated according to EU reference method (EC, No 1249/2008). Data obtained in the study was analyzed using GLM procedure of the program package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst.Inc., 2002-2003).Average pre slaughter body weight of fatteners was 103.83 ± 10.13 kg. Housing and nutrition system in production of fatteners had statistically highly significant effect (p<.0001) on pre-slaughter age of fatteners. Statistically significant differences were obtained only in mean values obtained for back fat measured on single location/position - lower back (BFR I) between fatteners of groups SO and SI. Total weight of all individual carcass side parts and weight of relevant muscle tissue, depended on the weight of warm carcass sides (WHC) but not on the housing system (SBF). Carcass sides of fatteners contained in average 35.64 ± 4.39% of muscle tissue (Actual LMP). Meat content in carcass sides (Predicted LMP) was determined according to Rulebook/Pravilnik (1985) for fatty pig breeds and it was 29.67 ± 1.27%. In the musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) of fatteners reared in closed system, was recorded higher content of water (p=0.0069), lower content of total fats/lipids (p=0.0081) and higher content of ash (p=0.0392) compared to animals from the open system of housing. No statistically significant differences in average protein content (p=0.5940) and pH1 value (p=0.0659) were established between fatteners reared in open and closed system of housing.

Analysis of genetic variation in normal feathered, naked neck and Fulani-ecotype Nigerian indigenous chickens based on haemoglobin polymorphism.

Abstract: Haemoglobin polymorphism was investigated in 50 normal feathered, 33 naked neck and 42 Fulani-ecotype Nigerian indigenous chickens. Haemoglobin typing was carried out using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Two co-dominant haemoglobin alleles (HbA and HbB) were found in the chickens. From the electrophoretic band patterns, three genotypes (HbAA, HbAB and HbBB) were observed. The frequencies of the A and B genes were 0.68 and 0.32; 0.71 and 0.29; 0.75 and 0.25 for normal feathered, naked neck and Fulani-ecotype chickens respectively. The corresponding genotype frequencies for AA, AB, and BB in the three chicken populations were 0.54, 0.28 and 0.18; 0.58, 0.27and 0.15; 0.62, 0.26 and 0.12 respectively. The gene and genotype frequencies of naked neck and Fulani-ecotype birds were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium while those of normal feathered birds deviated significantly from the theoretical proportions. The average amount of heterozygosity at haemoglobin locus was 0.41. The results obtained could serve as a reference point in the genetic improvement of indigenous chickens using biochemical markers.

The most significant stressors in intensive sheep production.

Abstract: In this paper are described the most important stressors in intensive sheep production on farms and pastures. Stressors on farms and pastures mostly originate from adverse housing conditions, improper zootechnical procedures, veterinary procedures (treatment, vaccinations, blood tests, surgery), animal husbandry procedures (labeling, weaning, grouping, shearing, shortening the tail, hoof care), unsuitable weather conditions (extreme heat and cold) and insufficient nutrition. The paper puts out special emphasis on the consideration of period of life in which sheep were subjected to additional loads and susceptible to effects of these stressors, such as birth, juvenile period, puberty, oestrus, advanced pregnancy, parturition and the puerperal period. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31086 i br. TR 31053]

Some important factors affecting fertility in sheep.

Abstract: Efficiency of sheep production is conditioned by fertility. According to some authors number of offspring obtained per lambing is more important than gain of weight. Genetic relationships involving reproductive traits were seldom studied. Reproductive traits have low heritabilities, a discrete phenotypic expression, and are expressed only in sexually mature ewes leading to low selection intensities and long generation intervals. Documentation of realized selection response is also often complicated by the low heritabilities of fertility traits. Existence of a major gene affecting prolificacy had been suggested and at that time there were many sceptics who strongly doubted that a trait as complex as reproduction could be profoundly influenced by a single gene. Major genes affecting prolificacy in sheep was founded. A mutation in the bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene (BMP15, also known as GDF9B) responsible for high prolificacy in Inverdale sheep had been discovered and evidence of segregating major genes was being reported from flocks around the world. Development of gene mapping techniques, and locating alleles that are responsible for the fertility of sheep began a new chapter in predicting and controlling the fertility of sheep. The beneficial effects of nutrition on reproduction in sheep are well known. This procedure is known as flushing. The effect of Body Condition Score (BCS), before mating, during mating and after mating period, on reproductive efficiency of different breeds of sheep in the different rearing systems were studied. The farm manager has the ability to control or at least to manipulate the factors that have an impact on fertility.

Heritability and connections of sow fertility traits

Abstract: Purpose of this paper was to determine fertility traits heritability coefficients of the sows (number of live born, total number of born, stillborn and reared piglets in the litter) and interconnections between these traits. Heritability coefficients were low and averaged in interval from h 2 = 0,056 for number of reared piglets in litter to h 2 = 0,142 for total number of born piglets in litter, which is in accordance with heritability values for reproductive traits. Genetic interconnections of these traits had wide variation interval and averaged from r = - 0,221 between number of still born and reared piglets in litter to r = 0,947 between total number of born and number of live born piglets in litter. Coefficients of phenotype correlation varied in interval from r = -0,162 between number of still born and number of live born piglets in litter to r = 0,909 between total number of born and number of live born piglets in litter.

Normal and abnormal uterine involution in cows monitored by ultrasound

Abstract: Success in cattle breeding is one of the most important goals in livestock farming and it requires particular attention when it is about securing unobstructed reproduction. Final goal in cattle breeding is to produce one live calf per year, which will likewise enhance milk production through successful pregnancy. The aim of our research was to monitor uterine involution speed with aid of ultrasound device and make records when cows are ready to be inseminated again, which cows need more time to complete involution and how many cows will have uterine disorders and require therapy. The experiment was carried out from October 2009 until the end of January 2010. In our experiment 50 cows were included and 412 transrectal ultrasound examinations were performed. Cows were transrectally examined, starting from 6th day postpartum until 52 days postpartum. Speed of uterine involution has been monitored through decrease of uterine horn diameter and wall thickness. Cows with normal puerperium have completed involution in the period from 38 - 45 days postpartum, while those with abnormal puerperium needed more time to complete it or required therapy of disturbed uterine status. In total 48% of cows had normal uterine involution, 52% of cows had some abnormalities in involution and 10% of cows in experiment required therapy. With continuous monitoring of reproductive tract in cattle with ultrasound it is possible to timely detect right time for first insemination postpartum, decrease period of open days or to detect abnormalities in uterine health status and treat it.

Egg quality of Japanese quail in Serbia (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract: In the last years Japanese quail (Conturnix coturnix japonica) is becoming more popular as a source of meat and eggs. Information on egg quality characteristics has been limited mostly to chicken eggs. The aim of this paper is to enhance the knowledge on the quality of quail eggs. In this study external and internal quality traits of quail eggs from three different commercial farms will be presented. For egg mass, shape index, shell thickness, shell mass no significant difference was found between farms. For yolk colour, yolk and albumen mass, statistically significant differences were found between the three farms. The difference in shell breaking strength between farms A and B was not significant and significant differences were found between eggs from farm C. Yolk, albumen and shell percentage were in the same relation as the mass of these parameters. The worst albumen quality was recorded in eggs from farm A. The parameters yolk colour, Haugh Unit and egg proportions (albumen, yolk and shell) do not differ between chicken and quail eggs. On the other hand, parameters which differ are egg mass (about five times smaller at quail eggs), shape index, shell breaking strength and shell thickness, which was to be expected. The external and internal egg quality traits of quail eggs from three farms in Serbia do not differ from the results of quality traits from other countries. On the other hand, this investigation contributes the development of science, because it includes some parameters, which have so far not been published in literature by other researchers from this area.

The effect of diet selenium supplement on meat quality

Abstract: The health of farm animals depends on many factors and they all indicate that food plays an important role in preserving health, improving reproductive and productive characteristics and functioning of immune system. Besides numerous nutritional factors, antioxidants play a special role in the struggle for survival and good health state. An oxidative stress represents a condition induced by generating and reacting of reactive-oxygen species (ROS), and their toxic products, on different metabolic and physiological processes. The generating of ROS is induced by both endogenous and exogenous factors. In the case of the organism inability to expel the causative agents of oxidative stress they can damage cell lipids, proteins or DNA thus endangering the cell functions. Lipid peroxidation is a process which can lead to degradation of lipids and damage of cell membrane. Selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase can protect organism from peroxidative damages, decrease the level of malondialdehyde protecting in this way a muscular tissue from oxidation. Recent research has shown that selenium has an effect of preserving sensory characteristics of meat and its texture, what is of great importance for consumers. Animal tissue incorporates supplemented selenium quickly thus it is possible to produce a selenium enriched meat and eggs. Selenium also shows positive effects on meat quality: it reduces water loss, influence the stability of colour, prolongs oxidative protection, and therefore the time of its shelf life.

Heritability and repeatability estimates of reproduction traits in purebred pigs.

Abstract: Research was performed on four farms, on 2434 highly fertile females Landrace and Yorkshire, and 28 boars of Danish origin, or 7684 consecutive parities, in period 2009 - 2012. Study of genetic parameters of conventional breeds Landrace and Yorkshire were conducted on 3964 females who mated with 49 males or 15764 litters in the same period. Estimates of genetic parameters for litter size show the same tendency as the legality of the purebred sows that produce 11-14 weaned piglets less per sow per year. Environmental factors, HYS, food technology and management expressed no significant effect on traits. Heritability and repeatability of live and still born piglets, litter size and the live at day 5 after birth and the number of piglets weaned in category of low hereditary traits whose values vary within the limits of 0.07 to 0.12 for the heritability and from 0.15 to 0.19 for the repeatability. There was tendency of lower values of genetic parameters in the conventional compared to highly fertile sows, which is considered to be the effect of selection on gene frequency for the observed traits.

Shell quality: Everlasting problem in the today poultry science

Abstract: Shell breakage (6-20%) is of major concern for its economic consequences and safety of egg consumption. A great deal of effort in the fields of nutrition, genetics and enviromental conditions have been carried out to improve eggshell quality but understanding the formation of the eggshell fabric and the origin of shell defects is perhaps the key to solving eggshell problems. The aim of this review is to summarise new information on eggshell problems. The aim of this review is to summarise new infotmation on eggshell formation and update the nutritional unfavourable enviromental conditions.

The effect of lighting program and type of litter on production and carcass performance of two broiler genotypes

Abstract: Light program and quality of litter are important for forming of the environment and have a direct impact on the performance and welfare of broilers. In conditions of short-photoperiod, the welfare of broilers is improved, but they lead to reduced body mass. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two light programs and two types of litter on production and carcass characteristics of broilers of different genotypes. Trial was conducted on 800 day-old chicks of genotype Hubbard classic and Ross 308. For litter, two types of materials were used - chopped straw and sawdust, the same thickness. Chickens were exposed to light program with constant moderate photoperiod (LP1), and gradual extending of the photoperiod (LP2). The results suggest that the LP2 would slow down the initial growth of broilers and the occurrence of compensatory growth, without any negative effect on the final body weight and production efficiency. LP1 effect was confirmed in increasing the yield of the carcass. The effects of both light programs are not the result of their major influence, but they are consequence of the interaction with genotype. From the point established of production and carcass parameters in treatments with litter, the criteria for selection of materials for the litter should include indicators of welfare, as well as the availability and cost of certain materials.

Changes of physical-chemical properties of beef during 14 days of chilling

Abstract: The objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of conditioning time (during 14 days of ageing at +4 o C) on physicochemical properties of two cattle skeletal muscles. Investigations were conducted on the m. longissimus dorsi (n=9) and m. gluteus medius (n=9) of Domestic Spotted breed. Muscle analyses were carried out 1 st , 7 th and 14 th day post mortem, during storage at +4 o C. Colour (CIE L*a*b* values, Hue and Chroma), cooking loss, shear force, water-holding capacity (WHC), pH value and sensory characteristics were determined in all meat samples. M. longissimus dorsi samples aged for 14 days were characterized by higher degree of lightness (L*) and chroma (C*) values, more of red colour (higher a*) and of yellow (higher b*), while m. gluteus medius colour changes during storage was not found to be significant. Over the 14 day conditioning period, tenderness (expressed as shear force) of the evaluated muscles improved significantly (p<0.05), it ranged from 11.50 kg/cm 2 (1 st day) to 5.00 kg/cm 2 (14 th day) for m. longissimus dorsi and from 9.81 kg/cm 2 (1 st day) to 5.10 kg/cm 2 (14 th day) for m. gluteus medius muscle. Cooking loss and WHC increased significantly over storage time (p<0.05) in both meat samples, while changes in pH values were insignificant. Sensory analyses revealed deterioration in flavour (smell and taste) and improvement in tenderness of roasted meat samples during storage.

The effect of full substitution of supplemental methionine with betaine in broiler nutrition on production and slaughter results.

Abstract: The use of betaine can influence the resistance, production performance and quality of broiler carcass, and potentially it can reduce the need for choline and methionine in food due to the mutual correlation of these three substances in the organism. Objective of the paper was to investigate the effect of full substitution of added DL-methionine with betaine in diets for broilers on production and slaughter parameters in conditions of optimal amount of choline in the feed. Study was carried out on 1725 one day old broiler chickens of Cobb 500 hybrid divided into 3 groups: Control group (C) fed complete forage mixtures with usual addition of DL methionine and two trial groups where methionine was substituted by 1g (B1group), and by 2g of betaine per kilogram of mixture (B2 group). Research results indicate that the full substitution of supplemented methionine with betaine in feed can have positive and negative impact in broiler fattening. Negative effects on final body mass, gain and feed conversion were determined in broilers fed mixtures where 1g of synthetic methionine was replaced with 1g of betaine preparation, and at the same time positive influence on mortality was observed, especially in broilers fed diets containing 2g of betaine. Production index showed no significant differences between trial groups, as well as studied broiler carcass quality parameters.

Relationship among blood metabolites and lipid content in the liver in transitional dairy cows

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to determine a relationship among blood indicators of hepatic function and lipid content in the liver during transitional period in dairy cows. Late pregnant and calved cows (n= 40) were selected from a Holstein dairy herd and allocated to four groups: a late pregnant cows (n=10) from day 15 to day 5 before calving; late pregnant cows (n=10) from day 5 to day 1 before calving; clinically puerperal healthy cows (n=10) and clinically ketotic puerperal cows (n=10). Liver and blood samples were taken from all cows. The results of present investigation have shown that the lipid content in the liver and the blood non-esterificed fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, total bilirubin concentrations and the AST activities were significantly higher (P<0.05) as well the blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and albumin concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05) in puerperal ketotic cows as compared to the values of these parameters in the blood of healthy cows. The fat proportions in liver were positively (P<0.05) associated with the AST activities and with the serum NEFA and BHB concentrations, but negatively correlated (P<0.05) with the circulating triglyceride, total cholesterol and albumin concentrations, All these biochemical metabolites may be used as important biochemical indicators in the determination of the functional status of the liver in dairy cows during the transition period. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31001 i br. TR31086]

The impact of raw and cooked wild cocoyam (Caladium bicolor) on the performance of broiler chicks

Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of raw and cooked wild cocoyam (Caladium bicolor) on the performance of broiler chicks. Wild cocoyam corms were divided into two batches. One batch was ground raw and the other batch was cooked before grinding. Wild cocoyam meals so prepared were used to formulate 5 broiler starter diets at dietary inclusion levels of 0, 10 and 20% raw and cooked wild cocoyam respectively. 180 7-day-old Anak broiler chicks were randomly allotted to the five treatment diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and each group was further subdivided into three replicates of 12 birds. Measurements recorded included weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios and economics of production. Results shows significant (p<0.05) improvement in feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and PER of birds fed cooked wild cocoyam meals. Marked (p<0.05) reduction was however, obtained in feed intake and feed conversion ratio of birds fed raw wild cocoyam diets. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between birds fed maize-based (control) and cooked wild cocoyam diets. Results of this experiment indicated that cooking improved the nutritive value of wild cocoyam since birds fed cooked wild cocoyam diets produced best results than those fed raw wild cocoyam meal and that starter broilers could tolerate up to 20% dietary inclusion level of cooked wild cocoyam without any deleterious effect. Economics of production showed that cooked wild cocoyam diets were more profitable as regards the cost of feed per kg weight gain (N) and thus cost savings (%).

Comparative evaluation of quality and composition of ostrich, turkey and broiler meat.

Abstract: In this article are presented research data on comparative evaluation of meat quality of various poultry species. The study was made on 5 samples of ostrich, turkey and broiler meat. Samples were weighed 500 to 550 grams. Qualitative and nutritional properties of meat from different species of poultry were estimated. The chemical composition, pH, color, firmness, water holding capacity, cooking loss, drip loss of ostrich, turkey and broiler meat were analyzed. Meat quality studies were carried out according to generally accepted methodologies. Analyses have shown that the highest fat content was in the broiler meat (p <0.001). Ostrich, turkey and broiler meat acidity values were very similar, slightly more distinct in turkey meat (p <0.01). The lowest water holding capacity was established in ostrich, the highest in turkey meat (p <0.01). Comparison in regard to meat firmness, it was observed on the ostrich meat had the highest firmness (p <0.01). Also, the highest cholesterol content was established in the ostrich meat.

Serbia in the implementation of SEUROP standard for beef carcass classification: Legislation, parametars and evaluation criteria: Part A

Abstract: Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia is going through significant reforms in legislation and agricultural policy, during this EU pre- accession period, in order to comply to one of the most important EU policies - Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The potential and tradition of Serbia in production of beef, on one hand and EU market needs on the other, impose the need for timely preparations from the legislative and technological aspect and human resources. Present study gives the review of major legislative regulations and main parameters of SEUROP beef classification system in sense of definition, presentation and categorization of carcass, as well as criteria in conformation evaluation and fat cover of the carcass.

Fatty acid profile in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as influenced by diet.

Abstract: With the aim of reinforcement S&T capacities in aquaculture, studies on the influence of three commercial pelleted diets on fatty acid profile in rainbow trout production were undertaken. Commercial diets for rainbow trout contained significantly different quantities of saturated fatty acids (SFA), (p<0.05), ranging from 21.02 to 38.50%. Significant differences between diets (p<0.05) were established in the proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), (29.56- 45.21%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), (31.95 to 36.43%). The established quantities of EPA (C20:5 n-3) and DHA (C22:6 n-3) in diets were 8.69, 9.11, 11.36% and 3.90, 5.30, 8.18%, respectively. The share of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (FA) ranged from 17.97 to 26.33% and from 10.10 to 13.98%, respectively. The n-3/n-6 ratio was in the range 1.29-2.61. The major SFA (total SFA: 22.17- 35.63%) in fish samples was palmitic acid (C16:0), (15.61-24.65%). Oleic acid (C18:1cis-9) was the most abundant from the MUFA family (21.90-31.89%), (total MUFA: 35.00-43.50%). From PUFA family (total PUFA: 29.38-34.33%), linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), (10.09-10.97%), EPA (2.95-4.26%) and DHA (7.53-10.39%) were present in significant quantities in trout. Quantities of n-3 FA ranged from 17.08 to 21.12% and significant differences (p<0.05) were established between trout fed Diet I and Diet III. The proportion of n-6 FA ranged from 12.29 to 13.21% and no significant differences were established (p>0.05). The n-3/n-6 ratio ranged from 1.39 to 1.60 and differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The obtained results indicate that fatty acid profile of fish reflects the fatty acid composition of fish diets, with some variabilities which indicate that the incorporation of fatty acids in fish tissue is under some metabolic effects.

The effect of the diet on incidence of foot- pad lesions and productivity of broilers

Abstract: Nutrition factors are considered to be very important for incidence of foot-pad dermatitis through the effect on the quality of litter. Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of two feeding programs for broilers available on the market and declared in the nutritional/economical sense as standard and economical, on quality of litter, incidence of leg dermatitis (foot-pad and hock burns) and production performance. Trial was carried out on 500 one day old chickens of Hubbard genotype, in two treatments and five replicates. Chopped straw was used as litter. During the trial, the mortality and food consumption were monitored, and at the end of trial the body mass was controlled, as well as the incidence of foot-pad and hock burns and their severity were evaluated and quality of litter analyzed. Research results indicate significant effect of the diets from the aspect of broiler welfare and productivity. Application of the feeding program declared in the nutritional/economical sense as economical resulted in higher content of litter moisture, significantly higher frequency of incidence of the most severe forms of foot-pad dermatitis and significantly lower broiler performance.

Efficiency of zeolite basis preparation in fattening lambs diet

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a research on the impact of products based on natural zeolite on the production results of fattening lambs. The experiment involved two groups of lambs (the control - C and experimental - E groups), each consisting of 15 heads, for a period of 90 days. The meal was made from sheep milk, feed mixtures for fattening lambs and meadow hay. The test group lambs, unlike the ones from the control group, were given mixtures based on natural zeolite. Min-a-Zel S mixture (in the form of 25% composite) was fed to lambs from birth till their 14th day of life, directly into the mouth, once a day (before the morning feed), in the amount of 10 ml. Min-a-Zel Plus was given to them from their 15th day of life, together with the feed mixture (0.5%). Feeding was at will. The average weight of lambs at the end of the experiment, in accordance with the sequence of treatments (C:E) was 24.40:26.94 kg (P <0.01). Daily weight gain of lambs, during the experiment, was 229:256 g and in the experimental group it was by 27g or 11.79% higher (P <0.01). The test group lambs had a better utilization of dry matter, protein and energy, which justifies the use of products based on natural zeolite in fattening lambs. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31001: An environmental approach and implementation of modern biotechnologies as a basis for the improvement of ruminant breeding technology and br. TR 31053 Modern biotechnology solutions in the breeding and feeding of cattle sheep and goats for the production of valuable and safety food]

Milk yield and chemical composition of sheep milk in Srednostaroplaninska and Tetevenska breeds.

Abstract: The study was conducted from April to July on pastures located at different altitudes and of different sward composition during the milking period of Srednostaroplaninska and Tetevenska sheep. Morning bulk milk was sampled for analysis monthly between April and end of July. The purpose of the study was to establish the milk yield and to investigate the chemical composition of sheep milk obtained from Srednostaroplaninska and Tetevenska breeds reared on pastures at a different altitude and with different sward composition. The Tetevenska breed had a higher daily milk yield and exhibited a high percentage of casein in milk, while the milk from Srednostaroplaninska sheep had a higher content of macro elements - calcium, potassium, magnesium and some trace elements (iron and manganese). The milk fat content, including the percentages of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in milk obtained from studied breeds, was similar. There was a tendency towards higher percentage of polyunsaturated and long-chain fatty acids in the milk of Srednostaroplaninska sheep, reared on mat grass pastures. Milk casein content was higher in the milk of Tetevenska sheep, as well as the content of non-essential amino acids as compared to Srednostaroplaninska sheep.

Association between the social rank, body mass, testicular circumference and linear body measures of rams

Abstract: The social rank refers to the relative position of an individual animal within the dominant hierarchy developed in a group. In rams, social rank is mostly associated with body mass, body size and body condition. However, although the body mass is generally considered as one of the main determinants of social rank, only few studies have been carried out for the purpose of associating of the social behaviour and body development of these animals. Objective of this research was to determine how the ram body development measures relate to establishment of social hierarchy. Social rank was established using food competition test at the age of animals between 4 and 17 months. Testing was done on total of 20 male animals of which number 12 animals were selected for further testing (6 dominant and 6 submissive animals). Body mass and testicular circumferences were measured at the age of 4, 7, 12 and 18 months, and linear body measures were taken at the age of 12 and 18 months. Dominant males had higher body mass and greater testicular circumference. The social rank had no significant effect on linear body measures of rams, except for chest girth (P<0.05) in both control periods. Body mass was moderately to highly positively associated with studied body parameters. Significant positive correlations were established between body mass and body length (r=0.58; P<0.01), chest width (r=0.44; P<0.05), chest girth (r=0.65; P<0.01) and testicular circumference (r=0.62; P<0.01). Results obtained in this study indicate that it is justified to observe the body mass as one of the main determinants of social rank, as well as the possibility of earlier maturation of dominant animals.

Genetic and phenotypic aspects of the body measured traits in merinolandschaf breed of sheep

Abstract: Merinolandschaf sheep breed was used to estimate relationship between the next traits: Body weight of adult ewes (BW), Height to withers (HW), Body length (BL), Girth of Chest (GC), Rump Width (RW), Body weight of lambs at birth (BWB), Body weight of lambs at weaning (BWW). The collected data were from 750 sheep and their lambs during the period of three year. Estimates of means and standard errors for linear body measures and body weight of adult ewes and lambs, were obtained using the software program SPSS (2006). To estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations of observed traits, the ASREML program was used. Research has shown that genetic correlations between BW and all body measures of dams, ranging from 0.728 (BW-GC) to 0.976 (BW-HW). Genetic correlation between body measures of dams have also been positive and ranged in the interval from 0.873 (HW-GC) to 0.999 (BL-GC). Values for phenotypic correlations were lower compared with the genetic and the range varied from 0.183 (RW-BWB) to 0.421 (GC-BWW). The weaker phenotype correlations can be interpreted as play of more complex genetic and residual factors.