Honeybees are important pollinators that contribute significantly to crop pollination and local flora biodiversity. In recent years, a major decline in bee populations around the world has been observed, caused by biotic and abiotic stressors. Considering that honeybee health and behaviour can be significantly influenced by Nosema spp. infestation, we aim to explore the recent advancements in prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics administration to enhance honeybee health. Bibliographical research on the most recent papers on this topic. This review analyses 91 peer-reviewed articles, including 17 on prebiotics, 22 on probiotics, and 9 on postbiotics. These studies were selected for their relevance to the biocontrol of Nosema spp. in Apis mellifera. The findings highlight current microbiota-based strategies to support honeybee health. We strongly believe that the integration of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics into beekeeping practices can significantly contribute to the biocontrol of the pathogenic agent Nosema spp. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of the honeybees (A. mellifera) and the substances they produce/consume could contribute to the development of more appropriate products for the biological control of Nosema spp.

Royal jelly (RJ), a complex secretion of honeybees, possesses a range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study presents novel evidence that the anticancer activity of RJ arises from synergistic interactions among its bioactive components, highlighting its therapeutic potential and emphasizing the relevance of whole-extract strategies in natural product research. We specifically evaluated the antiproliferative effects of RJ on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and DLD-1) and examined associations between its chemical composition—focusing on 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), acidity, moisture content—and biological activity. In vitro assays demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, with limited cytotoxicity toward normal epithelial cells (FHC), indicating selective activity. Multivariate analyses, including principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis, identified a positive correlation between higher 10-HDA and acidity levels and enhanced antiproliferative effects. These findings suggest that the anticancer potential of RJ is driven by synergistic interactions among its bioactive constituents. RJ may serve as a promising adjunctive therapeutic candidate for colorectal cancer, warranting further preclinical and clinical investigation.

This study evaluates the biological and ecological status of the Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) population during the 2025 spawning migration season in the Galați–Brăila sector of the Danube River. A total of 576 individuals were sampled between March and June 2025. Environmental data, particularly water temperature, were analyzed using the Growing Degree Days (GDD) method to quantify the thermal energy available throughout the migration and spawning period. GDD values revealed distinct thermal thresholds that coincide with key physiological transitions, with peak accumulation in April and May supporting intense reproductive activity. Growth parameters were estimated using the Von Bertalanffy Growth Function (L∞ = 34.65 cm; K = 0.48 year⁻¹; Φ’ = 2.76), indicating moderate growth potential. Mortality analysis showed total mortality (Z) at 1.54 year⁻¹, with natural mortality (M = 0.74 year⁻¹) and fishing mortality (F = 0.80 year⁻¹), resulting in an exploitation rate (E = 0.52). The M/K ratio (1.54) suggests moderate population resilience. The integration of thermal and biometric data provides a comprehensive understanding of the species’ biological condition and seasonal patterns. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management to safeguard Alosa immaculata amid increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures.

The productive longevity is an important economic trait in beef production. The functional longevity was represented by the period between first parity and the time when the cow was reformed. The functional longevity in beef sector depends by the reproduction records of cows. The aim of the present study was to estimate the genetic parameters for productive longevity in Limousine breed using the survival model, Weibull proportional hazard model. Productive longevity data were analysed with survival model, Weibull proportional hazard. The pedigree consisted in 1197 cattle: 484 dams, 206 sires and 507 cows with records. The fixed effect was represented by production with three levels: high, medium, low. The productive longevity in Limousine breed was months. The breeding values of cattle for productive longevity were from -0.155 and 0.070 months in Limousine breed. The value of heritability in the Limousine breed was 0.097±0.169. The productive longevity of cows from Limousine breed can be improved by selection of the cattle with highest breeding values.

Barley ranks as the second most produced cereal in Türkiye, primarily used in animal nutrition besides the brewing industry. Its nutritional value is influenced by several factors, including climate, soil type, harvest time, and cultivar. This study aimed to assess the nutritional characteristics of six barley cultivars grown in Türkiye. Key parameters analyzed included macro- and micro-mineral content, β-glucan, phytic acid, total and soluble pentosans, viscosity, total and phytate phosphorus levels, and metabolizable energy potential for poultry and ruminants. Each cultivar was evaluated in five replicates. Significant differences (p<0.01) were found in most nutritional values, except for dry matter, sugar, starch, and phytate phosphorus in relation to total phosphorus. The Kaya and Suleyman-98 cultivars showed higher nutritional potential in terms of energy for poultry, whereas the Kaya cultivar appeared more beneficial for ruminant feeding. These results suggest that cultivar selection is crucial in maximizing the nutritional benefits of barley in animal diets.

Dairy production among smallholder farmers has been continually stalled. The sector experiences several constraints chief among them high cost of feed, underutilization of forage legumes as supplement and insufficient feed during the dry season. Knowledge gap in ensiling quality silages during the dry season has resulted in emaciated dairy cows. The inclusion of Lablab beans (lablab purpures) high protein forage legume in dairy cows diets can immensely improve milk production among smallholder dairy farmers. Lablab beans (lablab purpureus) are endowed with many high nutritional value which include adaptability in tropics, ability to remain green throughout the year, high crude protein which can signficantly improve the milk yield. Despite Lablab beans (lablab purpureus) nutritional value it is still underutilized, production continues to decline, and its use remains low. There is a need to promote the cultivation and utilization of forage legumes to increase sustainable livestock production. It has great potential to replace dairy concentrate feed through reduced production cost and increase milk yield. This can be realized through collaboration with stakeholders. Researchers and dairy industry need to collaborate with smallholder dairy farmers in formulating feed with forage legumes to reduce the knowledge gap and promote its utilization.

The aim of this study was to compare results obtained using threshold model and individual animal model in calving score genetic evaluation of Charolaise cattle population and election of the best method. The data consists in records of 2935 calving scores recorded. The pedigree covered 6022 animals: 2935 calves, 194 bulls and 2893 dams from Romanian Beef Cattle Breeding Association. The genetic parameters were estimated with threshold and individual animal models. The Spearman’s correlation shows the degree of agreement between the ranking of the same individuals for breeding values using both models. The mean for calving score was 1.35± 0.010. The breeding values for calving score ranged between -0.2749 and 0.3606 with threshold model and between -0.099 and 0.144 with individual animal model. The relative breeding values for the best cattle ranged between 126 and 131 with threshold model and between 125 and 129 with individual animal model. The Spearman’s rank correlation was very high 0.9. The heritability for calving score was 0.139 using threshold model and 0.079 individual animal model. The threshold model is the fittest model for calving ease genetic evaluation in Charolaise beef population but both models can be used successfully.

Fishing activities in the Romanian sector of the Danube River are vital for local economies and environmental conservation. This study assesses the biodiversity and ecological status of fish species in the region by calculating key indicators and evaluating fish populations for 2024. The methodology included calculating biodiversity indicators such as species diversity, evenness, and relative abundance based on fish captures in 2024. A ten-year comparative analysis was conducted on Total Allowable Catch (TAC), reported catches, and fishing effort to understand temporal dynamics. The results indicated significant trends in TAC, reported catches, and fishing effort, which have impacted fish populations and overall biodiversity. Stock assessments for five key species provided crucial insights into their current status. The study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive management to sustainably manage fish resources amid changing environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressures.

The honeybee is one of the most important pollinating insects, but its survival is threatened by biotic (lack of floral resources or emerging pests) and abiotic (urbanisation) factors. In addition, high population density in hives could negatively impact bee health. Aims: Investigate the presence of Nosema spp. as a function of apiary size, beekeeping practices, proximity between apiaries, and land use. Materials: Bee samples were collected from several apiaries in Cluj County and subjected to microscopic analysis to assess the level of infestation according to the O.I.E. manual. Land use was assessed using the Corinne Land Cover package, thus analysing the different types of environments the bees have access to, based on their flight range. Results: Based on microscopic analysis of Nosema spores, differences in the level of infestation were observed between apiaries. This high variability may be related to beekeeping practices as well as environmental stressors, and differences in infestation levels between apiaries suggest the need for preventive measures to control the spread of nosemosis. Another notable element is the level of infestation in hives with overlapping flight areas, which can be explained by many factors, including natural, human and colony factors.

This study evaluated the effects of Ulva lactuca, a marine macroalgae, on growth, hematology, oxidative stress, and immune markers in two sturgeon species, Acipenser stellatus and Acipenser ruthenus, in a recirculating aquaculture system. Fish were fed either a standard diet or a 10% Ulva lactuca diet (dry weight). Results showed that Ulva lactuca inclusion reduced growth performance, with specific growth rates decreasing by 19% in A. stellatus and 41% in A. ruthenus. Haematological analyses showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups, though hemoglobin levels were slightly lower in A. stellatus (5.68 g/dl in the Ulva group) compared to the control (6.44 g/dl), while A. ruthenus exhibited no change (8.02 g/dl versus 7.98 g/dl). Ulva lactuca improved oxidative stress markers, as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly decreased, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased in both species. Lysozyme activity remained unaffected by the diet. These findings indicate that while Ulva lactuca supplementation negatively impacted growth, it improved oxidative status without adversely affecting haematological parameters, suggesting species-specific responses and the need for further investigation.