Abstract. The objective of this study was to compare four non-linear mathematical models in terms of evaluating the growth pattern of Ayrshire and crossbred (Norwegian Red × Ayrshire) cattle. Monthly live-weight (kg) records of 725 cows were collected from birth to 540 d of age. The growth curves were analyzed using negative exponential, logistic, Richard, and Gompertz models. Parameters were estimated with the NLMIXED procedure, and model fit was assessed using Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), the overall standard error (OSE), and the adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj-R2). The Gompertz model occasionally provided higher explanatory power (Adj-R2 up to 0.95) and lower prediction error (OSE as low as 4.5), but the Richard model consistently yielded the lowest AIC and BIC values, making it the most reliable and parsimonious choice. Growth curves showed that females attained substantially higher mature body weights than males, with crossbred cattle generally being heavier than purebred Ayrshire. These findings demonstrate the utility of the Richard model for accurately describing and predicting cattle growth, providing valuable information for genetic selection, herd management, and breeding strategies.

Abstract. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of the farm, stage of lactation (SL), milking system (MS) and herd size (HS) on somatic cell count (SCC), the total count of microorganisms (TCM) and counts of selected microorganisms (lactobacilli – LBC, Enterobacteriaceae, enterococci, psychrotrophic microorganisms and micromycetes) in sheep milk. An additional part of our study was also the evaluation of the basic composition of milk and the pH of milk. The study was carried out on four selected sheep farms that are situated in the Czech Republic. The means of all traits found on all monitored farms were as follows: SCC – 5.31 log cells mL−1, TCM – 5.24 log cfu mL−1; LBC – 2.98 log cfu mL−1; Enterobacteriaceae – 2.31 log cfu mL−1; enterococci – 2.68 log cfu mL−1; psychrotrophic microorganisms – 4.50 log cfu mL−1; and micromycetes – 2.81 log cfu mL−1. The farm had a significant (p≤0.05) effect only on SCC. The MS had a significant (p≤0.05) effect on SCC and counts of LBC and psychrotrophic microorganisms. In contrast, the SL and HS had no significant effect on SCC, TCM and counts of selected microorganisms. In conclusion, it is necessary to state that all of the detected values of SCC, TCM and selected microorganisms were at a relatively very low level and were also lower than the recommended limits. This fact was, in our opinion, primarily a reflection of regular veterinary checkups and strict adherence to hygiene and sanitation standards. The results obtained are also a good prerequisite for starting the production of dairy products from unpasteurized milk on all monitored farms.

Abstract. The Barki sheep is well adapted to desert conditions with intense solar radiation, low precipitation, and feed shortages. This review highlights advances in the genomic characterization of Barki sheep and outlines prospects for genetic improvement. Studies on the genomic architecture of their growth traits have identified multiple candidate genes, many of which overlap with those reported in other sheep breeds, suggesting the existence of shared biological pathways for growth regulation. Reproduction performance has been linked to genomic mutations in key loci, with limited evidence of polymorphisms in other genes, reflecting possible breed-specific selection pressures. Genomic studies have further revealed candidate genes related to milk production, although milk yield remains modest. Heat stress represents a major challenge for desert livestock, and the physiological responses of Barki sheep are evident through changes in the respiration rate, gas exchange, and breathing intensity. Candidate genes associated with heat tolerance are involved in multiple signaling and transduction pathways that regulate cellular and biochemical responses to heat stress, highlighting the strong adaptive capacity of the breed. Population-based genomic studies have shown that Barki sheep cluster closely with other Egyptian breeds but remain genetically distinct from exotic populations, underscoring their local adaptation. The considerable within-breed genetic variation provides opportunities for selection to improve lamb growth rates while maintaining moderate ewe size, lean meat, and heat resilience. Overall, genomic evidence indicates that Barki sheep represent a valuable model for climate-resilient livestock production. Owing to their unique adaptation to desert conditions and the availability of identified candidate genes for growth, reproductive performance, milk production, and heat tolerance, these genes provide a foundation for accurate genomic prediction. Future breeding programs should focus on their strengths to improve productivity while safeguarding their adaptive performance.

Abstract. This study aimed to determine new polymorphisms in 15 exon regions of the discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (DDR1) gene. A total of 72 Simmental cattle were used in this study. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of gene regions were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis followed by sequence analysis. The identified DDR1 gene regions include the g.28183947 G/T polymorphic region for the 1′ exon region of the DDR1 gene, g.28183480 G/C and g.28183434 C/A-G polymorphic regions for the 3′ exon region of the DDR1 gene, g.28181525 C/A polymorphic region for the 5′ exon region of the DDR1 gene, g.28180846 G/C polymorphic region for the 6′ exon region of the DDR1 gene, g.28180437 C/G polymorphic region for the 7′ exon region of the DDR1 gene, g.28178065 G/C polymorphic region for the 10′ exon region of the DDR1 gene, g.28175989 G/T polymorphic region for the 12′ exon region of the DDR1 gene and g.28173956 T/G and g.28173954 T/C polymorphic regions for the 16′ exon region of the DDR1 gene. As a result of the statistical analysis, a significant relationship was found between the g.28183947 G/T polymorphic region in the 1′ exon region of the DDR1 gene and the 305 d milk yield (P<0.05). A significant relationship was found between the g.28181525 C/A polymorphic region in the 5′ exon region of the DDR1 gene and daily average milk yields, lactation milk yields and the 305 d milk yield (P<0.05). No significant relationship was found between the other polymorphic regions detected and milk yields (P>0.05). Consequently, the genotype and allele gene frequencies of the detected new polymorphic regions were determined. This study suggests that DDR1 gene polymorphic regions found to affect milk yield in Simmental cattle can be used as new candidate molecular markers in animal breeding and selection.

Abstract. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with pomegranate peel at various levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg kg−1) in high-energy diets on the performance, egg quality, serum lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, and liver fat ratio of laying hens. A total of 120 Lohmann LSL laying hens, aged 70 weeks, were used in the study. The hens were divided into five experimental groups, each comprising six subgroups. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the treatment groups received high-energy (HE) diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, or 150 mg kg−1 pomegranate peel. During the 9-week trial, feed and water were provided ad libitum. Results indicated that supplementation with 150 mg kg−1 pomegranate peel in the HE diet significantly improved egg production and the feed conversion ratio (FCR; p<0.05). Additionally, pomegranate peel supplementation had a positive effect on shell-breaking strength and yolk color. Triglyceride (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly reduced in the pomegranate peel supplemented groups compared to the HE + 0 mg kg−1 P group. Dietary supplementation with 100 and 150 mg kg−1 pomegranate peel significantly (P<0.01) reduced the liver fat ratio compared with the group fed the high-energy diet alone. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels increased at 50 and 100 mg kg−1 dietary pomegranate peel. In conclusion, it was found that the addition of pomegranate peel to a high-energy diet improved some performance and egg quality criteria and reduced the liver fat ratio. However, more detailed studies are required.

Abstract. The antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of refined wood vinegar make it a promising product for ruminant nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing oral doses (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mL d−1) of wood vinegar (WV) on the intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behavior, water balance, ruminal parameters, serum biochemistry, nitrogen balance, and physiology of sheep fed with high levels of concentrate. We used five castrated male sheep, 1/2 Dorper × 1/2 Santa Inês, with an average age of 36 months and an average weight of 59.34±5.73 kg, in a Latin-square design. The animals were provided a total mixed ration formulated at a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 20:80, which was offered twice daily following the delivery of half the daily dose of WV. There was no effect (P>0.05) of WV on dry-matter intake. Increasing WV levels linearly increased (P<0.05) the neutral-detergent fiber intake and apparent digestibility of crude protein in the sheep's diet. Feeding time was increased (P<0.05) by increasing the supply of WV to the sheep; pH values decreased (P<0.05), and ruminal ammonia nitrogen increased (P<0.05) with an increasing dose of WV. The increase in the WV supplied did not influence the water absorbed and nitrogen retained by the lambs (P>0.05). The supply of WV to lambs altered the concentrations of total protein, globulin, urea, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (P<0.05). It may be advisable to offer up to 40 mL d−1 of WV to sheep fed high-concentrate diets.

Abstract. This study focuses on goat populations in Türkiye, a region located within the Fertile Crescent – historically recognized as the birthplace of goat domestication and a crucial source of genetic diversity in livestock species. This study investigates the maternal genetic origins of four prominent goat breeds – Damascus (DMS, n=20), Kilis (KLS, n=21), Hatay (HTY, n=22), and Kil (KIL, n=21) – by analysing 598 base pairs (bp's) of hypervariable region 1 (HV1) within the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D-loop) sequence. The goats utilized in this research were sourced from the “National Breeding Project under Farm Conditions”, a strategic initiative led by the Republic of Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM). The analysis revealed haplotype diversity (Hd) ranging from 0.944 to 0.989 and nucleotide diversity (π) between 0.01734 and 0.02635. Hatay goats exhibited relatively low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.944±0.028) and nucleotide diversity (π=0.01985±0.00087). Moreover, the presence of shared haplotypes among multiple individuals in Hatay goats indicates a potential genetic bottleneck or prolonged isolation in breeding compared to other breeds. These findings highlight the necessity for conservation strategies aimed at preserving genetic diversity within this population. Haplogroup A was found to be the most prevalent among the studied populations, a distribution that aligns with the global genetic pattern of maternal origins observed in goat populations worldwide. A total of 51 unique haplotypes were identified, with 47 belonging to Haplogroup A and 4 to Haplogroup G, out of the overall 65 haplotypes. A single shared haplotype was identified between Damascus and Kilis goats. For the first time, Hatay goats have been documented as belonging to both Haplogroup A and Haplogroup G. Additionally, this study presents the novel identification of Haplogroup G in Damascus goats. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis also supports the emergence of Kilis and Hatay goats. These findings enhance our understanding of caprine genetic diversity and emphasize the necessity of conserving these breeds as crucial genetic resources within the Fertile Crescent region.

Abstract. This study investigated the impact of GH gene polymorphism in Morkaraman ewes on placental traits and lamb development characteristics across three years (2020–2022) at Atatürk University Sheep Farm, Erzurum. PCR–RFLP method with HaeIII endonuclease was used to identify GH gene polymorphism. Two genotypes were found in Morkaraman sheep: AA (50.40 %) and AB (49.60 %). Ewes with AA and AB genotypes showed birth weights of 4.32 and 4.43 kg, weaning weights of 14.32 and 15.42 kg, and daily gains of 209 and 223 g, respectively. While GH genotype did not significantly affect birth weight, it significantly influenced weaning weight (p<0.01) and daily live weight gain (p<0.05). Placental characteristics examined included placental weight, surface area, efficiency, total cotyledon numbers, cotyledon length and width, cotyledon efficiency, total cotyledon weight, and density. Genotype showed no significant effect on placental traits, but parity significantly affected placental area (p<0.05). While lamb sex had no impact, delivery type significantly influenced placental weight (p<0.05). Genotype showed highly significant effects (p<0.01) on total cotyledon area, weight, and density among cotyledon characteristics. The present study found that Morkaraman ewes with the AB genotype of the GH gene revealed superior growth and placental characteristics, with their lambs also exhibiting enhanced growth traits. The results of the study indicate that beneficial genotypes can be identified from birth, thus leading to the development of improved breeding strategies.

Abstract. Knowledge of genetic diversity among sheep breeds is essential for conserving genetic resources, in particular when selective-breeding programs are taken into consideration, for example, to enhance disease resistance. Maedi-visna virus (MVV) is an incurable, progressive sheep disease caused by a small-ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection. In certain sheep breeds, MVV susceptibility has been associated with the allele E of the ovine transmembrane protein gene (TMEM154), whereas the allele K in a homozygous state is protective. The present study estimated the genetic diversity of the native German Pomeranian Coarsewool (RPL, “Rauhwolliges Pommersches Landschaf”) sheep breed and evaluated the possibility of breeding for MVV resistance. A total of 185 RPL sheep were genotyped using the Illumina ovine 50K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) BeadChip to calculate genetic diversity indicators such as effective population size (Ne13= 116) and Wright's F statistical indices (FIS= 0.005). The mean inbreeding coefficient based on runs of homozygosity (FROH) was 6.2 %, with a moderate correlation (0.42) with the pedigree-based coefficient (FPED). Overall, the calculated genetic diversity parameters indicate that the diversity in the RPL breed is not at risk. Thus, breeding for MVV resistance would be possible without a major loss of genetic diversity due to the relatively high frequency of the allele K (54 %). However, selection for the TMEM154 allele K across the entire breed is not advised until further studies confirm its protective effect against MVV in the RPL breed.

Abstract. The mating behaviour of honey bees (Apis mellifera) was studied on the small, beekeeping-free island of the Mörbischer Seefestspiele in Lake Neusiedl, Austria. This island is surrounded by reed (Phragmites australis), so the water surface might not be a as good a barrier for reproductive honey bees. Mating reliability was tested by a cordovan mating test on the island. Eleven drone colonies of Apis mellifera ligustica var. cordovan (cd), which have a recessive gene that colours the chitinous exoskeleton of the homozygous worker bees brown instead of black (wild type, wt), were placed on the island. Seventeen virgin cordovan queens were brought to the island for mating in 2022. After mating, the offspring of these queens were examined for their characteristics, and the proportion of homozygous worker bees with brown chitin was determined. Of the 17 virgin queens brought to the island, 11 were available for examination of their offspring. With the exception of two queens, all of the cd queens from the island had both cordovan and wild-type offspring. Although most of the queen bees had cd offspring predominantly, presumably all of them (except one that exclusively mated with cd drones from the island) mated with drones from the mainland as well. Another single queen showed only cd offspring. The average percentage of cordovan progeny of 63 % appears to be too low for controlled breeding of bees. In May and July 2022, we screened several locations of the island with a balloon and quadrocopter for drone congregation areas. In May, before providing drone colonies to the island, not a single drone was found on the island, whereas in July, a drone congregation area could be located close to the drone colonies. The results suggest that this island is not suitable for establishing a mating station for honey bee breeding programmes. The role of reed in drone and queen flight over water surfaces is discussed.