Animal Breed Research Articles

Assessing Sheep Traders’ Preferences in Kenya: A Best-worst Experiment from Kajiado County

This study investigates the purchase behavior of sheep traders in Kajiado County in Kenya. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first investigation on sheep traders by the use of Best-Worst technique. A face-to-face questionnaire was undertaken in three livestock markets (Kiserian, Bissil and Mile 46) involving 108 traders. The results indicated that sheep traders are also involved in other types of animal trading, essentially cattle and goats. Income from sheep trading represents slightly less of the half of total incomes, with some differences between livestock traders’ groups (markets). Traders are generally involved in other business activities among the value chain essentially such as livestock production, fattening and slaughtering. Four attributes with different levels have been utilized to describe the Best-Worst experiment: sheep age, sex, breed and price. All sheep traders assign higher importance to the sheep breed. This is essentially the case of Dorper pure breed and Dorper x Red Maasai cross breed. Price attribute was the second most important factor for sheep traders with higher preferences for the two extreme price levels. Sheep age and sex were found of least importance for traders. Providing sheep smallholders with the appropriate animal breed characteristics will enable them match market demand and increase their incomes. This is one of tasks of ILRI Kapiti experimental farm.

Early Growth and Reproductive Performances of Horro Cattle and thier F<sub>1</sub> Jersey Crosses in and around Horro-Guduru Livestock Production and Research Center, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey, an assessment of recorded data and measurements of different traits were conducted to determine the reproductive and early growth performances of Horro cattle and their F 1 Jersey crosses of the study area. The mean(SD) total farmland, cropland and grazing land holdings of individual smallholder householders were 3.6±3.16, 2.86±2.51 and 0.81±0.89 respectively, while the mean(SD) livestock species holding were 17±11.66, 2.9±3.98,2.9 ±4.83, 1.8±1.66 and 9.3±8.97 for cattle, sheep, goats, equine and poultry respectively. Anestrous, repeat breeder, endo-metritis and dystocia were the main reproductive health problems which were found to occurs with the proportion of 21.1%, 19.7%, 5.6% and 1.4%, while the remaining 52% attribute to non pregnancy in cows due to voluntary waiting period, post partum period and lack of AI service. The overall mean age at first service across both production sites(on station and on farm) was 48.85 months for local Horro and 33.25 months for Horro-Jersey F 1 Crosses, where as the mean (SD) NSPC for Horro and Horro-Jersey crossbred heifers was found 2.1±1.09 and 1.7±0.94 respectively. Breed of animals had high significance effect at (P < 0.001) on AFS and AFC. The mean birth weight of Horro and Horro-Jersey crossbred calves was 17.5±2.25 and 18.2±2.03 kg respectively. Calf birth weight was significantly (P<0.001) influenced by breed and sex, season and year of birth of a calf. The mean (SD) body weight measure of Horro calves at six, twelve, eighteen and twenty four months age is found to be 69.8±31.19, 117.7±22.65, 129.4±24.82 and 150±23.56 Kg respectively. While, their respective counterpart Horro-Jersey F 1 crossbred calves were found to weigh 64.42±10.18, 136.6±27.97 and 145.1±22.27 kg mean(SD) body weight at six, twelve and eighteen months of ages respectively.

Application of fecal near-infrared spectroscopy and nutritional balance software to monitor diet quality and body condition in beef cows grazing Arizona rangeland1

Monitoring the nutritional status of range cows is difficult. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of feces has been used to predict diet quality in cattle. When fecal NIRS is coupled with decision support software such as the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (NUTBAL PRO), nutritional status and animal performance can be monitored. Approximately 120 Hereford and 90 CGC composite (50% Red Angus, 25% Tarentaise, and 25% Charolais) cows grazing in a single herd were used in a study to determine the ability of fecal NIRS and NutbalPro to project BCS (1 = thin and 9 = fat) under commercial scale rangeland conditions in central Arizona. Cattle were rotated across the 31,000 ha allotment at 10 to 20 d intervals. Cattle BCS and fecal samples (approximately 500 g) composited from 5 to 10 cows were collected in the pasture approximately monthly at the midpoint of each grazing period. Samples were frozen and later analyzed by NIRS for prediction of diet crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM). Along with fecal NIRS predicted diet quality, animal breed type, reproductive status, and environmental conditions were input to the software for each fecal sampling and BCS date. Three different evaluations were performed. First, fecal NIRS and NutbalPro derived BCS was projected forward from each sampling as if it were a "one-time only" measurement. Second, BCS was derived from the average predicted weight change between 2 sampling dates for a given period. Third, inputs to the model were adjusted to better represent local animals and conditions. Fecal NIRS predicted diet quality varied from a minimum of approximately 5% CP and 57% DOM in winter to a maximum of approximately 11% CP and 60% DOM in summer. Diet quality correlated with observed seasonal changes and precipitation events. In evaluation 1, differences in observed versus projected BCS were not different (P > 0.1) between breed types but these values ranged from 0.1 to 1.1 BCS in Herefords and 0.0 to 0.9 in CGC. In evaluation 2, differences in observed versus projected BCS were not different (P > 0.1) between breed types but these values ranged from 0.00 to 0.46 in Hereford and 0.00 to 0.67 in CGC. In evaluation 3, the range of differences between observed and projected BCS was 0.04 to 0.28. The greatest difference in projected versus observed BCS occurred during periods of lowest diet quality. Body condition was predicted accurately enough to be useful in monitoring the nutrition of range beef cows under the conditions of this study.

Detectability of bovine TB using the tuberculin skin test does not vary significantly according to pathogen genotype within Northern Ireland

Strains of many infectious diseases differ in parameters that influence epidemic spread, for example virulence, transmissibility, detectability and host specificity. Knowledge of inter-strain variation can be exploited to improve management and decrease disease incidence. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is increasingly prevalent among farmed cattle in the UK, exerting a heavy economic burden on the farming industry and government. We aimed to determine whether strains of Mycobacterium bovis (the causative agent of bTB) identified and classified using genetic markers (spoligotyping and multi-locus VNTR analysis) varied in response to the tuberculin skin test; this being the primary method of bTB detection used in the UK. Inter-strain variation in detectability of M. bovis could have important implications for disease control. The skin test is based on a differential delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to intradermal injections of purified protein derivative (PPD) from M. bovis (PPD-B) and Mycobacterium avium (PPD-A). We searched for an association between skin test response (PPD-B skin rise minus PPD-A skin rise) and M. bovis genotype at the disclosing test in culture-confirmed cases using a field dataset consisting of 21,000 isolates belonging to 63 genotypes of M. bovis from cattle in Northern Ireland. We found no substantial variation among genotypes (estimated responses clustered tightly around the mean) controlling for animal sex, breed and test effects. We also estimated the ratio of skin test detected to undetected cases (i.e. cases only detected at abattoir). The skin test detection ratio varied among abattoirs with some detecting a greater proportion of cases than others but this variation was unrelated to the community composition of genotypes within each abattoir catchment. These two lines of evidence indicate that M. bovis genotypes in Northern Ireland have similar detectability using the skin test.

Soroprevalência e fatores associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos de propriedades rurais do município de Mossoró, RN

O município de Mossoró/RN, no Nordeste do Brasil, tem como destaque a criação de caprinos. A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose que é mais patogênico para os caprinos do que para os demais animais de abate. Em caprinos, o protozoário frequentemente é responsável por problemas reprodutivos e perdas econômicas. Com o objetivo de identificar a soroprevalência e os fatores de risco da toxoplasmose em caprinos de propriedades rurais do Município de Mossoró, amostras de soro de 338 animais (320 fêmeas e 18 machos) de 15 unidades produtoras foram testados pelo Ensaio Imunoenzimático (ELISA). Das 15 propriedades, 14 apresentaram animais soropositivos para toxoplasmose, e nestas o total de animais positivos foram de 125 (123 fêmeas e 2 machos), obtendo uma prevalência de 37,0%. Houve uma relação significativa (p&lt;0,05) entre a prevalência e o sexo, e entre a prevalência e raça dos animais. As chances de ocorrer (OR) mais importantes associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii foram: fonte de água (OR=2,635), vasilhames para a água dos animais localizado fora das instalações da propriedade (OR=3,121) e a exploração do tipo leiteira (OR=2,546). Pela análise do ELISA de avidez, foram encontradas fêmeas em idade reprodutiva na fase aguda da infecção.

Proteolytic pattern of myofibrillar protein and meat tenderness as affected by breed and aging time

The effects of breed and aging time (1, 7, 14, 21days) were evaluated on meat tenderness and on proteolysis in 24 young bulls from Romagnola×Podolian crossbreed, Podolian and Friesian breed. Shear force decreased with aging in all breeds and showed the highest values at 1 and 7days in Podolian meat. Myofibrillar fragmentation index significantly increased in Podolian meat throughout aging whereas in Friesian and in Crossbreed meat it increased only in the first week. Proteolysis was investigated by SDS-PAGE and 2-dimensional electrophoresis showing a different quantity and expression profile of myofibrillar proteins among breeds. In all breeds a decrease of troponin-T and an increase of troponin-T derived polypeptides during aging were observed. The highest decrease of troponin-T together with the presence of fragments of MHC in Podolian meat during aging was an outcome of a more extensive proteolysis in this breed. Data suggest that tenderness and proteolytic changes during aging are related to animal's breed.

The Occurrence of Gastrointestinal and Haemo parasites of cattle in Jos of Plateau State, Nigeria

Prevalence of haemoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites of cattle in Bassa local government area of Plateau State was carried out. The study showed that haemoparasites was less prevalence (21.70%) compared to gastrointestinal parasites (53.77%). Nine parasites were encountered among which Eimeria species has the highest prevalence of 26.42% followed by Oesophagostuma radiatum with 18.87%, while Strongyloides, Syngamus laryngeus and Babesia bigemina has the least prevalence with 0.94%.The mean PCV of 35.13±5.2 (ranges from 24% to 54%) and 35.02±4.9 (ranges from 23% to 50%) for animals with one or more parasites or non-parasites respectively showed no significant difference (P<0.5). There was a high prevalence observed in females (44.34%) than males (40.57%) and high in adults compared to young animals. There was a high prevalence in white Fulani than other breeds which is due to the fact that white Fulani is the most common breed of cattle in the study area. White Fulani recorded the highest prevalence of 24.53% followed by Red Fulani with 21.70% and Sokoto Gudali with 19.81%, while N’dama and Muturu had least the prevalence of 9.43% each which shows a significant difference (P<0.05) between the breed of animals.

Tending Our Vines:

The partnership and friendship of John Jay and Richard Peters reflect two extraordinary individuals who helped to plant the seed of American independence and nurture it in diverse ways for more than half a century through a long and devoted association. Toward the end of their lives, Peters wrote to Jay, “my recollections of the long and sincere love and friendship I have undeviatingly cherished for you afford to me the most gratifying and cordial satisfaction.” Their correspondence reflects two men with many shared interests but two distinct personalities. Both men were well educated and successful attorneys before the outbreak of the Revolution to which both became deeply committed. While their careers took different paths, their friendship strengthened over time and found expression in many unexpected ways as they “tended their vines.”

Efeito do grupo racial e do número de lactações sobre a produtividade e a composição do leite bovino

Milk in Brazil is produced mainly by Holstein, Girolando and crossbred cattle. Animal breed and number of lactations are factor that can affect productivity and features of the milk. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of breed and number of lactation on milk productivity, physicochemical composition, and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) from Holstein, Girolando and crossbred cattle. These data were collected from a farm, on the north of Parana state, from 2006 to 2011. The relations among the parameters were evaluated by correlation test and the effects of breed and number of lactations (1-6) by variance analysis and Tukey’s test. Holstein showed the highest productivity (p&lt;0.05). Milk from crossbred and Girolando presented similar protein, lipid and total solids contents, which were superior to the values from Holstein milk. The breed groups did not differ in SCC and lactose content. Milk production and SCC increased until 3rd and 5th lactations, respectively, while lactose contents were reduced continuously after the 1st lactation and protein and lipid contents were little affected. All parameters correlations were significant (p&lt;0.05), being the highest: milk production x protein and lactose contents, total solids content x lipid and protein contents, lipids content x protein content, and SCC x lactose content. Holstein was found the most productive; however, its milk had smaller concentration of proteins and lipids than milk from Girolando and crossbreed animals, which presented milk features and production similar between themselves.

Produção animal e vegetal em pastagem de Cynodon manejada sob diferentes ofertas de forragem por ovinos de dois grupos genéticos

Foi avaliado o potencial produtivo de uma pastagem de Cynodon dactylon var.dactylon manejada em um sistema de pastoreio com lotação contínua com ovinos. Testou-se o efeito de três níveis de oferta (3, 6 ou 9kg de matéria seca (MS) 100kg-1 de peso corporal (PC)) de lâminas foliares verdes (OFLV) sobre os atributos da pastagem e sobre o desempenho de borregos de dois grupos genéticos (Texel × Ile de France e Lacaune × Texel × Ile de France). O período experimental foi de 53 dias sendo utilizados 18 borregos de cada grupo genético distribuídos ao acaso em nove piquetes experimentais (três por tratamento). A OFLV real foi próxima à pretendida em cada tratamento (i.e. 3,2, 6,7 e 9,5% do PC). A massa de forragem (média de 3474kg de MS ha-1) teores de MS, fibra em detergente neutro e proteína bruta das amostras coletadas por simulação de pastejo (médias de 49,4, 76,1 e 12,9, respectivamente) não foram afetados pelos tratamentos. A taxa de acúmulo de lâminas foliares verdes aumentou (P&lt;0,05) de 12,1 para 20,5kg de MS ha-1 dia-1 e a carga animal reduziu de 1178 para 609kg de PC ha-1 quando a OFLV aumentou de 3,2 para 9,5% do PC. A produtividade animal por área de pastagem foi em média negativa (ganho de PC de -551g ha-1dia-1), altamente variável (coeficiente de variação de 280%) e não foi afetada pelos tratamentos. O desempenho individual dos animais foi afetado pela interação entre tratamento e grupo genético (P&lt;0,05). O ganho médio diário de peso pelos ovinos cruzados com Lacaune foi positivo (34g dia-1) e mais alto (P&lt;0,05) na maior oferta, nulo na menor oferta e negativo (-62g dia-1) na oferta intermediária de pasto. Diferentemente, o ganho de peso dos animais Texel × Ile de France foi negativo e similar em todos os tratamentos (média de -18g dia-1). Independentemente do grupo genético, o tempo diário de pastejo foi similar nos tratamentos de menor e maior oferta, mas foi menor na oferta intermediária de pasto (P&lt;0,05). Em conclusão, a pastagem de Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon apresentou um baixo potencial produtivo, principalmente quando a OFLV foi igual ou inferior a 6% do PC dos animais. Contudo, os resultados indicam também que a estrutura da pastagem e o potencial genético dos animais interagem com a oferta de forragem para determinar o desempenho de animais a pasto.

Epidemiology of East Coast fever (Theileria parva infection) in Kenya: past, present and the future

In this article, we review the epidemiology of East Coast fever (ECF), a tick-borne infection of cattle, in Kenya. The major factors associated with epidemiology of ECF include the agro-ecological zone (AEZ), livestock production system (LPS) and both animal breed and age. These factors appear to influence the epidemiology of ECF through structured gradients. We further show that the gradients are dynamically shaped by socio-demographic and environmental processes. For a vector-borne disease whose transmission depends on environmental characteristics that influence vector dynamics, a change in the environment implies a change in the epidemiology of the disease. The review recommends that future ECF epidemiological studies should account for these factors and the dynamic interactions between them. In Kenya, ECF control has previously relied predominantly on tick control using acaricides and chemotherapy while ECF immunization is steadily being disseminated. We highlight the contribution of ECF epidemiology and economics in the design of production system and/or geographical area-specific integrated control strategies based on both the dynamic epidemiological risk of the disease and economic impacts of control strategies. In all production systems (except marginal areas), economic analyses demonstrate that integrated control in which ECF immunization is always an important component, can play an important role in the overall control of the disease. Indeed, Kenya has recently approved ECF immunization in all production systems (except in marginal areas). If the infrastructure of the vaccine production and distribution can be heightened, large ECF endemic areas are expected to be endemically stable and the disease controlled. Finally, the review points the way for future research by identifying scenario analyses as a critical methodology on which to base future investigations on how both dynamic livestock management systems and patterns of land use influence the dynamics and complexity of ECF epidemiology and the implications for control.

Avaliação da composição macroelementar do osso terceiro metacarpiano de equinos

The equine third metacarpal bone has been seen as a region of particular interest due to the large number of injuries to which it is subject. Thus, the detailed study of its anatomical structure, size and elemental composition is justified for the improvement of diagnostic techniques, treatment and prevention of injuries. In this work it has been studied the macro elemental composition of 30 pairs of equine third metacarpal bone and its relation with age, sex, weight, breed, nutrition and activity of animals. The average concentrations of calcium and phosphorus of the samples were 205 ± 62 mg/g and 97 ± 32 mg/g, respectively. The ratio [Ca] / [P] was found to be 2.12 ± 0.13, indicating that the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in bone tissue is constant and approximately equal to the ratio 2:1. The statistical analysis showed normal values for the entire set of measurements. In the evaluation of the animals with intense physical activity, and animals with light physical activity, it was found that the amount of mineralized material for the first and second sets respectively ([Ca] = 222 ± 57 mg/g [Ca] = 179 ± 47 mg/g), showing the existence of statistical correlation between the deposit of mineral material and the function performed by the animals. For the other characteristics were not found statistical evidence of correlations. These findings will be input for further studies of possible correlations with diseases of nutritional origin or physiological outside the series of fractures and other disease common to the equine locomotor system.

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in beef cattle of microrregion of Guarapuava, Paraná State, Brazil

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in blood samples of 250 bovine beef cattle of the microrregion of Guarapuava, Paraná State was verified by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) (&gt; 1:200) and correlated to age, sex and breed of animals. The statistical analysis was carried out through Fisher's Exact and qui-square tests (p &lt; 0.05) to associate the results of the serology with the analyzed variables. From 250 evaluated samples, 33 (13.2 %) were positive for N. caninum. The titles obtained for N. caninum were 1:200 (8), 1:400 (14) and 1:800 (11). Seropositives animals were present in 40% (10/25) of the evaluated properties. These results demonstrate wide distribution of the protozoa among the beef cattle in the region of Guarapuava, PR. Animals without defined breed showed higher rates of seropositives for N. caninum (P = 0.002). The age had positive association with the incidence of antibodies against N. caninum (P = 0.02), indicating that horizontal transmission plays an important role in the epidemiology of this coccidia.

Impacto do estresse térmico sobre a fisiologia, reprodução e produção de caprinos

Apesar dos caprinos serem considerados animais rústicos, do ponto de vista bioclimático, a associação entre elevadas temperaturas, umidade e radiação solar pode acarretar alterações fisiológicas, hematológicas, hormonais, reprodutivas e produtivas. Portanto, informações que possam esclarecer o impacto do estresse térmico sobre a eficiência desses aspectos em caprinos, analisando o ambiente em que estão inseridos, e como se comportam frente às adversidades impostas pelo clima, darão uma grande contribuição para a caprinocultura e o fortalecimento de sua cadeia produtiva. Assim, para aumentar a produtividade nas regiões tropicais, deve ser ressaltada a criação de raças que apresentem maior potencial genético de adaptabilidade para uma condição climática adversa, sendo capazes de sobreviver, reproduzir e produzir em situações de estresse térmico.

Metabolomics in food analysis: application to the control of forbidden substances

Metabolomics is a science of interest in food analysis to describe and predict properties of food products and processes. It includes the development of analytical methods with the ultimate goal being the identification of so-called 'quality markers', (i.e. sets of metabolites that correlate with, for example, quality, safety, taste, or fragrance of foodstuffs). In turn, these metabolites are influenced by factors as genetic differences of the raw food ingredients (such as animal breed or crop species differences), growth conditions (such as climate, irrigation strategy, or feeding) or production conditions (such as temperature, acidity, or pressure). In cases where the routine-based measurement of a food property faces some limitations such as the lack of knowledge regarding the target compounds to monitor, monitoring based on a limited set of crucial biomarkers is a good alternative, which is of great interest for food safety purposes regarding growth promoting practices. Such an approach may be more efficient than using a classic approach based on a limited set of known metabolites of anabolic compounds. In this context, screening strategies allowing detection of the physiological response resulting from anabolic compound administration are promising approaches to detect their misuse. The global metabolomics workflow implemented for such studies is presented and illustrated through various examples of biological matrices profiling (tissue, blood, urine) and for different classes of anabolic compounds (steroids, β-agonists and somatotropin).

Manipulation of Follicle Development to Ensure Optimal Oocyte Quality and Conception Rates in Cattle

Over the last several decades, a number of therapies have been developed that manipulate ovarian follicle growth to improve oocyte quality and conception rates in cattle. Various strategies have been proposed to improve the responses to reproductive biotechnologies following timed artificial insemination (TAI), superovulation (SOV) or ovum pickup (OPU) programmes. During TAI protocols, final follicular growth and size of the ovulatory follicle are key factors that may significantly influence oocyte quality, ovulation, the uterine environment and consequently pregnancy outcomes. Progesterone concentrations during SOV protocols influence follicular growth, oocyte quality and embryo quality; therefore, several adjustments to SOV protocols have been proposed depending on the animal category and breed. In addition, the success of in vitro embryo production is directly related to the number and quality of cumulus oocyte complexes harvested by OPU. Control of follicle development has a significant impact on the OPU outcome. This article discusses a number of key points related to the manipulation of ovarian follicular growth to maximize oocyte quality and improve conception rates following TAI and embryo transfer of in vivo- and in vitro-derived embryos in cattle.

Across breed multi‐trait random regression genomic predictions in the Nordic Red dairy cattle

The current study evaluates reliability of genomic predictions in selection candidates using multi-trait random regression model, which accounts for interactions between marker effects and breed of origin in the Nordic Red dairy cattle (RDC). The population structure of the RDC is admixed. Data consisted of individual animal breed proportions calculated from the full pedigree, deregressed proofs (DRP) of published estimated breeding values (EBV) for yield traits and genotypic data for 37,595 single nucleotide polymorphic markers. The analysed data included 3330 bulls in the reference population and 812 bulls that were used for validation. Direct genomic breeding values (DGV) were estimated using the model under study, which accounts for breed effects and also with GBLUP, which assume uniform population. Validation reliability was calculated as a coefficient of determination from weighted regression of DRP on DGV (rDRP,DGV 2), scaled by the mean reliability of DRP. Using the breed-specific model increased the reliability of DGV by 2 and 3% for milk and protein, respectively, when compared to homogeneous population GBLUP. The exception was for fat, where there was no gain in reliability. Estimated validation reliabilities were low for milk (0.32) and protein (0.32) and slightly higher (0.42) for fat.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT FEED PHOSPHATE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SWINE BONE TISSUE

The function of the highly complex structure such as the human skeletal system is possible by the appropriate construction and properties of bone tissue. Bone tissue, due to its design, is a material that continuously adapts its mechanical properties and structural response to the smallest change in load condition. Bone should be viewed as a twophase composite material, consisting of a collagen matrix with low elasticity and HA crystals with high elasticity modulus. The main mineral components of these crystals are Ca and P. The degree of digestibility of P compounds is affected by many factors, which include, type of feed, breed and species of animals, amount of vitamins and probiotics, and the ratio of Ca vs. P. The primary feed used in swine feeding is grain, which is also the main source of P that has in the form of phytate. This form of phosphorus is very difficult absorb as molecules of phytic. Consequently, in neutral pH phytate forms sparingly soluble complexes with amino acids, sugars and divalent metal cations, thus reducing its absorption. Amount of P supplied with the feed, even when supplemented by microbial phytase, does not cover the requirements of extensively growing pigs. The most frequently commercial products which are intended to supplement deficiencies are 1, 2 and 3-calcium, calcium-sodium, sodium-calcium-magnesium. Studies in literature (Jongbloed, 2000) present that the best results in swine nutrition is obtained when one or disodium phosphate is used. The main goal of this study was to determine the mechanical properties and elemental content of bone tissue derived from pigs fed with forage with different amounts of Ca and P. In addition, the study was to determine the fodder value of the new dicalcium phosphate feed (n-DCP) produced by the Gda sk Phosphate Fertilizer Plants' Fosfory Ltd. according to patent No. P-369805, when compared to monocalcium phosphate, calcium and sodium.

Is Authentication of Regional and Traditional Food Made of Meat Possible?

Authentication of regional and traditional food made of meat poses a significant challenge. It continues to be a very difficult task which requires employment of quite advanced analytical techniques. These products, despite a similar process of manufacturing, differ in taste and aroma. This happens due to the use of special breeds of animals, the application of appropriate feeding regimes as well as the effect of the place and climate. In order to perform correct identification of geographical origin, a good solution is to determine both stable isotopes as well as trace elements. It is essential to collect detailed meteorological and geochemical data and information about farming practices and to compare them with the obtained results. In a majority of cases, the performed identification is confined to species and the determination of the animal breed is very limited. In the case of individual breeds a comparative analysis of SNPs appears to present the highest potential, especially genes affecting the coat color of animals may serve as markers. Experiments confirm that genes responsible for pigmentation underwent mutations in individual breeds. Authentication on the basis of the manufacturing process appears to be easier to realize than tracing geographical origins.

Grazing land management and biodiversity in the Atlantic European heathlands: a review

Atlantic heaths are semi-natural habitats of high biodiversity interest which once covered large areas of the Atlantic Region. Nowadays these heathlands are dramatically reduced in many countries although they still cover wide areas in the north-west Iberian Peninsula, especially in the poorest and most socially marginal areas that are frequently affected by wildfires. We review the role of livestock grazing as a sustainable management strategy for heathlands in Europe. We have worked on a generalized conceptual framework for the management of a resource of nutritional and environmental value by drawing together evidence from studies of the livestock and the community ecology of grazed plants and the associated fauna. Key factors that influence grazing impact, such as type of livestock (animal species and breed) and their management are discussed. Goats thrive better than sheep, and horses than cattle, when heathland vegetation is the predominant resource available. Regardless of the type of livestock species managed, the low nutritive value of this vegetation hinders the maintenance of productive groups of suckler dams with offspring through the grazing season. The nutritional requirements of livestock can be met by adding improved pasture areas to heathlands. Under that strategy, sheep have the best productive performance and cattle the poorest. Management of mixed flocks with goats can lead to a more efficient use of vegetation, improve productivity and develop a patchier habitat which supports a richer associated fauna. Overall the results indicate that the sustainability of livestock grazing in these marginal lands will be achieved if they are managed effectively according to the available vegetation and their effects on the biodiversity.