Rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) is one of the most important freshwater fish species in intensive aquaculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast-derived β-1,3/1,6-glucans at different concentrations on the health status of rainbow trout. An eight-week feeding trial was conducted with four groups of fish: a control group without supplementation and three experimental groups receiving β-glucans at concentrations of 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% of total feed weight. Fish health was comprehensively assessed using production parameters, haematological, biochemical, and immunological indices, as well as analysis of the intestinal microbiome. The results demonstrated that higher β-glucan doses (0.5% and 1.0%) led to a significant increase in the hepatosomatic index and albumin, calcium, glucose and lipid metabolites in blood plasma. Plasma protein contents and white blood cell count increased only at the 0.5% dose. Overall diversity of the gut microbiome was not significantly affected by supplementation; however, correlation network analysis revealed pronounced reorganization of microbial interactions and dose-dependent changes in the abundance of selected bacterial genera. This study confirms that β-1,3/1,6-glucans can modulate physiological and structural organization of the gut microbiome in a dose-dependent manner, representing a promising tool to support fish health under intensive aquaculture conditions.

This study focused on evaluating the cadmium (Cd) concentration in edible parts of goats and kids using data from the monitoring conducted by the State Veterinary Administration in the Czech Republic in 1993–2023. Over a thirty-year period, a total of 26 goats and 4 kids were analysed for Cd in kidney, liver, and muscle tissues. In goats, a higher mean Cd content was found in kidneys (0.358 ± 0.091 mg/kg) and liver (0.100 ± 0.022 mg/kg) compared to muscles (0.005 ± 0.001 mg/kg) (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively). In kids, the Cd content was 0.009 ± 0.002 mg/kg, 0.012 ± 0.003 mg/kg, 0.005 ± 0.001 mg/kg in the liver, kidneys, and muscle, respectively. The Cd content in both the liver and kidneys differed significantly between kids and goats, being higher in goats (P = 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively). Regulation 2023/915 does not set a maximum limit for Cd content in goat liver, kidneys, and muscle for human consumption, but the State Veterinary Administration compares the results with the ‘action limits’ which are the same as for sheep, according to the aforementioned regulation. Although Cd was detected in all examined samples, the ‘action limit’ for human consumption in kids was not exceeded in any sample. In goats, it was exceeded in four of the 26 kidney samples (15% of samples). It is concluded that the consumption of goat meat is not potentially risky to human health but active surveillance is necessary to protect public health.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant administration on udder health in Awassi ewes. The animals were divided into two groups as control (C; n = 25) and treatment groups (T; n = 25). Group T was treated with vitamins (E and B1) and selenium (Se) on day 0 of the study. In groups, blood samples were collected on day 0 (1st measurement time) and day 14 (2nd measurement time) of the study, and milk samples were taken on day 14. In blood samples, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and selected biochemical indices were analysed. In milk samples, TAS, TOS, somatic cell count (SCC) analyses and pathogen isolation including fungi and bacteria were performed. In addition, oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated for both milk and blood samples. In Group T, TAS level increased from 1st t to 2nd measurements ( P < 0.01). At the time of 2nd measurement, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cholesterol levels decreased in Group T compared to Group C ( P < 0.01). In Group T, cholesterol decreased at 2nd measurement compared to 1st measurement ( P < 0.01). It was found that milk TAS increased in Group T ( P < 0.01). However, milk SCC, TOS and OSI levels decreased in Group T ( P < 0.01). Fungal isolation rate was significantly lower in milk samples collected from Group T compared to Group C ( P < 0.01). Antioxidant treatment positively affected udder health indicators in terms of milk SCC, fungal organism growth, and oxidative stress.

In horses, cardiac troponins are specific and sensitive biomarkers of myocardial injury. Increased cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations may indicate myocardial damage, but the physiological release is also possible post-exercise or race. In this study conducted to investigate the effects of racing on cTnT and cTnI concentrations in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses, blood samples were collected from seven Thoroughbred stallion and eight Arabian stallion racehorses, aged between 3 and 6, before and 30 min after a 1400-metre race. The mean cTnT concentration increased from 0.007 ± 0.001 ng/ml to 0.008 ± 0.001 ng/ml in Thoroughbred racehorses and from 0.007 ± 0.002 ng/ml to 0.008 ± 0.001 ng/ml in Arabian racehorses. The mean cTnI concentration increased from 008 ± 0.001 ng/ml to 0.142 ± 0.005 ng/ml in Thoroughbred racehorses and from 0.008 ± 0.002 ng/ml to 0.165 ± 0.054 ng/ml in Arabian racehorses. The increases in post-race cTnT (P < 0.05) and cTnI (P < 0.001) concentrations of both breeds were statistically significant. The results of the study suggested that racing in racehorses has an effect on the myocardium and this effect was reflected as an increase in cardiac troponin. However, it would be useful to make multiple measurements at certain time intervals after the race to accurately determine whether the increase is physiological or pathological.

Semen quality assessment is essential to livestock production. Traditionally, such assessments have been performed using a subjective visual inspection often with unreliable accuracy. Over the last three decades, on the other hand, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems objectively measure semen quality, specifically sperm motility, concentration, kinematics, and morphology. This paper reviewed the current state of portable CASA systems on livestock farms. Breeders have used CASA technology to evaluate assisted reproductive techniques in animal breeding programs and fish spermatozoa. Despite their usefulness, benchtop CASA systems are expensive and large, which restricts their use to laboratories. New versions with portable devices, however, allow breeders to evaluate semen on-farm with various benefits thereof. Basic training is required to use the equipment and prepare samples whether in situ or ex situ . Currently, some portable systems have been calibrated for in situ use not only for livestock, but for domestic and wild animals including some endangered species. As these technologies are not yet widespread, their continued testing and training will only improve male reproductive selection and sample cryopreservation in livestock, wildlife, and domestic animals.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term progesterone-based oestrus synchronization protocol with or without gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration in nulliparous Assaf ewes at the end of the breeding season. Nulliparous ewes (n = 117) were randomly divided into three groups. Ewes in Group 1 received an intravaginal sponge and were injected with GnRH at the time of sponge insertion. On the day of sponge removal, all ewes received d-cloprostenol and 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). In Group 2, the same treatment was received except for GnRH injection. Group 3 was designed as a control group, and no hormonal treatments were administered. The rams were joined into the herd for one ram for four ewes on day 8. The oestrus rates were similar in synchronization groups, 93.8% in Group 1 and 95.5% in Group 2, but higher than the control group (56.5%; P < 0.05). The pregnancy rates on day 25 were higher in the synchronization groups than in the control group ( P < 0.001). The fertility rate was significantly higher in the synchronization groups than in the control group ( P < 0.05). The fecundity and prolificacy rates tended to be higher in Group 2. These results suggest that nulliparous Assaf ewes can be synchronized successfully at the end of the season with short-term progesterone-based protocol. However, exogenous GnRH administration at the beginning of the protocol does not tend to improve fertility rates.

Honey is one of the most commonly adulterated foods. This study therefore focused on innovative possibilities of identifying the botanical origin of honey using Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), in order to test their potential use as an alternative to physicochemical analysis and melissopalynology methods. Both mentioned non-destructive methods were used for discrimination and characterization of the honey species. Forty-seven samples of flower and honeydew honey obtained from hobby beekeepers from different regions of the Czech Republic were analysed in the period between 2019 and 2021. Among the floral honeys, poly- as well as monofloral honeys were selected (rapeseed, clover, acacia, phacelia, fruit tree honey). The FT-NIR analysis results confirmed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the specific-species honey samples for wavenumbers of 5,624, 5,171, 4,780, 4,391 cm-1 (P < 0.05). Raman spectroscopy confirmed significant differences between multiple wavenumbers, with classification into the most classes confirmed for wavenumbers of 308, 606, 613, 620, 999 and 1,013 cm-1 (P < 0.05). However, neither method allowed classification for all honey species, thus FT-NIR and Raman spectra were compared by linear discriminant analysis (LDA), which confirmed a high correct classification rate (CCR) of 99.38%, and 91.30% in the case of cross-validation. In the case of rapeseed honey, the lowest CCR (96.15%) and cross-validation (76.92%) values were confirmed. It was confirmed that the FT-NIR method in combination with Raman spectroscopy can be used to identify individual honey species with a high degree of reliability.

Control of cystoisosporosis caused by Cystoisospora suis in piglets is crucial for decreasing diarrhoea and increasing the zootechnical performance. The aim of this field trial was to compare the effects of toltrazuril (TZL) treatment administered via different routes on the growth performance in suckling piglets. The study was conducted on a commercial Danish pig herd according to a parallel, randomized block design and compared two different treatment protocols: oral administration of TZL and injection of a combination product based on TZL and gleptoferron iron. In total, 763 piglets were included, with 377 piglets treated orally with TZL + iron gleptoferron. Forceris®, a combination product was used for intramuscular (i.m.) administration to 386 piglets. Faecal scoring and parasitological examinations were conducted at 11–14 days of age (DOA) and again at 18–21 DOA. Piglets treated intramuscularly presented a significantly greater average daily weight gain (ADWG), with a difference of 20 g between the groups; the average weight gain was 209 g (196–223 g), whereas the average weight gain in the orally treated animals was 189 g (175–203 g) (P = 0.035). Greater oocyst shedding and a frequency of diarrhoea were observed in piglets treated with oral TZL; however, these differences were not significant. This study demonstrated increased treatment efficacy of i.m.-administered TZL for C. suis infection, resulting in increased ADWG and is the first reported trial confirming a difference in outcomes versus those of oral TZL treatment under field conditions.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and parasite burdens of Coeunurus cerebralis and Oestrus ovis in sheep in Siirt province, Türkiye. Between December 2022 and November 2023, a total of 520 sheep (260 male, 260 female) heads (10 heads per week) were randomly sampled from a butcher. The total prevalence of C. cerebralis was determined to be 12.9%. The prevalence was higher in males, in the Morkaraman breed, in animals younger than two years of age, in dark-coloured ones, in October, and in the right brain hemisphere. The total prevalence of O. ovis was determined to be 38.3%. The prevalence was higher in females, in the Akkaraman breed, in dark-coloured breeds, in age groups older than two years, and in December. In terms of larvae, L 1 was detected in 108 sheep, L 2 in 106 sheep, and L 3 in 139 sheep. A total of 1,039 larvae (278 L 1 , 321 L 2 , and 440 L 3 ) were detected. The significant presence of O. ovis found in the sheep in this study indicates that Siirt province has suitable climatic conditions for O. ovis and larval development. It is recommended to include more animals in a future study in order to determine the exact seasonal prevalence of O. ovis infestation in the region, and to use an antiparasitic drug effective against O. ovis in the routine treatment of sheep to reduce the incidence of this disease.

The aim of this work was to verify the determination of pure muscle proteins (PMP) from the total creatinine content in dry fermented sausages (DFS) during ripening and in cooked ham (CH) using the adsorption of creatinine on a solid adsorbent, and to compare the determined PMP values with the values determined by a reference method. The study also took in the determination of the content of dry matter, fat, total and pure proteins, and collagen. There was an increase in the values of all the indices in DFS. A positive correlation (P < 0.001) was found when comparing PMP values in DFS determined by the reference method and by the method of calculation from the total protein content and from the total creatinine content. No differences between the samples were determined in the observed indices for CH of the highest quality (P > 0.05). A difference was found in the content of collagen and PMP in CH of standard quality as determined by the reference method between samples CH4 and CH5. A positive correlation (P < 0.001) was found between the PMP values in CH determined by the reference method and by the method of calculation from the total creatinine content. The results for the PMP content in DFS and CH determined by the direct method using creatinine adsorption are comparable to the results determined by the reference method. The advantage of this method is the determination of creatinine, which is not part of vegetable protein.