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The objective of this study was to determine and compare egg quality from two genotypes of brown egg-laying hens in the second half of laying cycle (from 46 to 74 weeks of age). Commercial hybrids Hisex Brown and Lohmann Brown Classic were used in this study. Both genotypes were kept in enriched cages. 1920 eggs were evaluated. The significant effect of genotype was found in all evaluated traits except for the eggshell proportion and reflectivity. Results show that eggs from Lohmann Brown Classic hens had a superior quality in majority of the evaluated traits. Higher values were observed in main egg quality traits, such as egg weight (by 1.45 g, P≤0.0001), eggshell strength (by 2.48 N*cm-2, P≤0.0005) and Haugh units (by 3.27, P≤0.0001). The significant effect of age was determined in all selected egg quality traits. The egg weight increased with the age, meanwhile other traits such as egg shape, albumen and yolk index, Haugh units and eggshell strength decreased. The trend of the rest of evaluated traits was ambiguous. Furthermore, the interactions between genotype and age were determined. Regarding the extension of laying cycle, further research is required, because the egg quality rapidly decreases with the age.

Nowadays, both many scientists and breeders are interested in the possibilities of the substitution of allopathic medicinal products for animals by some natural alternatives, as plants products, prebiotics or probiotics. Jerusalem artichoke contains non-starch polysaccharide inulin, which can be used, because of its specific properties, as a natural prebiotic. The aim of this study was to incorporate Jerusalem artichoke tops to the feed mixture of growing rabbits as the natural source of inulin. 80 Hyla rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group was fed standard diet, while Jerusalem artichoke group was given diet with 20% tops of Jerusalem artichoke. The experiment took place in commercial farm with standard conditions and was conducted as a preliminary examination, the growth performance and mortality of rabbits were observed. The diet with 20% tops of Jerusalem artichoke decreased feed conversion ratio about 0.39 (11%) and the mortality of rabbits about 10% (P

The aim of this study was to assess the performance and technological values of eggs of Czech Hen and Oravka breeds housed on litter. The assumption was that the genotype of hens affects their performance, egg weight, and parameters of yolk, albumen and eggshell quality. A total of 30 pullets of Czech Hen breed and 30 pullets of Oravka breed in the age of 17 weeks were included in to the experiment. Environmental conditions corresponded to the standard requirements for laying hens in observed type of housing system. Hen day egg production, egg yield, daily feed consumption per hen, feed consumption per egg and egg weight, egg shape index, proportion and index of yolk and albumen,yolk colour and Haugh units score were monitored in the experiment. From the parameters of eggshell, proportion, thickness, strength and colour of eggshell were observed. Performance parameters of laying hens weren't affected by the genotype of hens. Czech Hen breed showed insignificantly the higher value in all indicators. The significantly (P≤0.01 and P≤0.001) better values of eggshell quality parameters were detected in Czech Hen breed. We found out that Czech Hen breed had also statistically significantly lighter colour of eggshell. There were no significant interbreed differences in egg weight, proportion of yolk and albumen. The egg shape index was significantly higher in Oravka. Index of yolk and albumen was also significantly (P≤0.001) higher in Oravka. Haugh units score, that reflect the quality of the eggs, were found significantly (P≤0.001)higher in Oravka too. On the other hand, yolk colour was detected significantly (P≤0.001) darker for the Czech Hen.

The objective of this study was to determine and evaluate the effect of parity on the fatty acids groups’ proportion in Holstein cows’ milk during the first phase of lactations, with an emphasis on its potential importance for consumer health. A total of 25 Holstein cows, 9 primiparous, 9 in the 2nd, and 7 in the 3rd and subsequent parity, were observed and sampled at 7-day intervals through the first 17 weeks of lactation. The percentage proportion of saturated (hypercholesterolemic and volatile as its components) and unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated as its components) fatty acids in the samples of milk fat (n=425) was determined. The effects of parity and negative energy balance, as well as regression, on the lactation week and the fat to protein ratio were evaluated using SAS 9.3. A significantly (P