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In the current study, the impact of dietary antioxidant supplementation on fasting blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations in a rabbit model of obesity was investigated. A total of 26 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: castrated and obese animals (CO, n=7); castrated, obese and treated with antioxidants (Immunoprotect, n=7, CIm) and non-castrated, non-treated controls (NC, n=12). At the end of the 2-month treatment period blood lactate concentration, lactate to pyruvate and lactate to glucose ratio in CIm were significantly (P

The purpose of this review was to summarize and analyze the available information about some physiological traits of insulin-like growth factors and their cell receptors. Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are single-chain low molecular polypeptides with structure similar to that of proinsulin, exhibiting a very broad spectrum of physiological activity. IGF-1 and IGF-2 are formed in the liver as well as locally in almost all tissues. Due to the variety of physiological effects of IGFs and the fact that their production is stimulated by somatotropin, the term growth hormone-insulin-like growth factors axis (GH-IGFs) is commonly accepted. Apart IGF-1 and IGF-2, this system also includes insulin, somatotropin, four tissue receptor types – insulin receptor (IR), insulin like growth factor 1 and 2 receptors (IGF-1R and IGF-2R), growth hormone receptor (GHR), 6 IGF binding proteins (IGF-BP-1, IGF-BP-2, IGF-BP-3, IGF-BP4, IGF-BP5 and IGF-BP6). Despite the unclear facts related to the physiological traits of the different factors of the GH-IGFs system in animals, it is believed that they are essential for regulation of tissue growth and development via its effects on cell proliferation and differentiation and that their importance for these events changes during the foetal and postnatal periods.

A case of vaginal hyperplasia type III in a bitch during oestrus was reported in a 10-month female Turkish Kangal. Surgical excision of prolapsed fold was performed by means of a modified operative technique. No recurrence of the hyperplasia has observed during the subsequent oestrus.

The aim of the present paper is to review the differences in chemical composition between colostrum and milk in cows. The concentrations of many nutrients (proteins, vitamins, minerals etc.) and biologically active substances (immunoglobulins, enzymes, hormones, growth factors etc.) are many times higher in colostrum than in milk. A special attention is given to insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) - the predominant growth factors in the colostrum of cows (especially in the first portions) unlike many other species and men. Furthermore, IGF-1 and IGF-2 are the most important factors stimulating tissue and body growth and development in newborn calves.

The purpose of the present paper is to review the role of colostrum growth factors in the growth and development of neonatal calves. An emphasis is put on insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2), that are abundant in cow’s colostrum. Although these factors are absorbed in rather limited amounts, they exert an effect upon both the growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract, and on the functional maturation of the organism and its adaptation to the novel environment after the birth, when a transition from parenteral to enteral nutrition takes place. A number of systemic effects of colostrum on the organism of neonates are described and discussed, as well as the role of endogenous growth factors.

The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range and test variability for intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) in rabbits. Fifty one clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes (31 female and 20 male), 3.5-4 months of age and weighing 2.8 to 3.7 kg were used. The IVGTT was performed after an overnight fasting period of 12 h by intravenous injection of 40% glucose (0.5 g/kg body weight) as a bolus dose over a period of 60 s. Blood samples were collected prior to (0 min) and at 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min after glucose administration. The following kinetic parameters of glucose were calculated: half-life time for blood glucose disappearance (t½β glucose, min), glucose elimination rate constant (Kål glucose, min-1), area under the blood glucose concentration curve versus time (AUCglucose 0-90 min; mmol/L.min). The test was repeated after an interval of 3 weeks in 15 rabbits and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated by standard methods. The ranges for blood glucose concentration (mmol/L) at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min after IVGTT were 3.8-8.8, 12.8-26.0, 11.5-21.3, 8.9-18.5, 6.6-15.9, 6.0-12.4, 4.8-10.6, 5.3-8.8 and 4.3-8.5, respectively. Means ± SD (range) for Kel glucose, t½ β glucose, AUCglucose 0-90 min during IVGTT were 0.013 ± 0.004 min-1 (0.0044-0.021 min-1), 57.5 ± 16.2 min (20–95 min); 922 ± 117 mmol/L.min (642-1202 mmol/L.min), respectively. Mean values did not differ between the two tests performed 3 weeks apart and the intra-individual coefficients of variation for Kel glucose, t½β glucose, AUCglucose 0-90 min were 16%, 18%, and 17%, respectively, indicating satisfactory reproducibility for these variables with acceptable variation in individual rabbits. Normal ranges for blood glucose concentration at different time points and glucose kinetic parameters after an intravenous glucose toleran­ce test established in the present study may contribute to better interpretation of test results and provide reliable criteria for the evaluation of normal and impaired glucose tolerance in rabbits.

Insulin resistance (IR) is defined as a state of decreased ability of insulin to stimulate the uptake and metabolism of glucose in target cells at physiological concentration. In men and cats, IR usually precedes the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most consistent sign of IR is the impaired glucose tolerance. The present review aims at going over the main points and analyzing the available information about the role, nature, mechanisms (intra- and extracellular) and predisposing factors of IR as one of the primary factor for occurrence of diabetes in men and cats. An emphasis is put on the elucidation of mechanisms of disturbances in obesity, that, along with decreased physical activity and advanced age are among the essential risk factors of IR development. Hyperglycaemia, being one of the most important signs of IR, is resulting from both inhibited uptake and metabolism of glucose in muscles and from its enhanced production in liver.

This study was conducted to develop an experimental model for evaluation of glucose tolerance in rabbits based on the determination of glucose kinetic parameters. Six clinically healthy New Zealand White male rabbits, 3–3.5 months of age, weighing between 2.4 and 3 kg were used. The following kinetic parameters of glucose after intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) were calculated – half-life for blood glucose disappearance (t½β', min), glucose elimination rate constant (Kel, min-1), area under the blood glucose concentration versus time curve (AUC0-150 min, mmol.min/L), mean residence time for blood glucose (MRT, min), maximum blood glucose concentration (Cmax, mmol/L) and the time needed to reach Cmax (Tmax, min). Blood glucose concentrations markedly increased after the intraperitoneal injection of glucose at a dose of 2 g/kg, reaching peak values (Cmax = 17.1 ± 3.29 mmol/L) at 47.5 ± 14.75 min (Tmax), then gradually declined and returned to baseline levels at 150 min. The mean values of t½β', Kel, AUC0-150 min and MRT were 78.3 ± 10.5 min, 0.0090 ± 0.0012 min-1, 1822.6 ± 297.4 mmol.min/L and 127.3 ± 18.4 min, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that the evaluation of kinetic parameters of glucose provides more detailed information on glucose tolerance status than the determination of blood glucose concentration alone and could be used as a basis for further elaboration of criteria to distinguish rabbits with normal and impaired glucose tolerance.

The aim of this paper is to compare the growth of rural tourism in some selected European countries and to describe opportunities for increasing the efficiency in transition countries and especially in Bulgaria. To achieve this the following tasks will be carried out: focusing on changes; problems in developing the business in recent years; problems caused by rural location; solutions of problems and the future of the industry. Based on the different trends in development, a comparative analysis and conclusions have been made and some suggestions given.

This study aims at determining the level of development of rural tourism in certain regions, by surveying some stakeholders in the field. An analysis of their views is subsequently used in fashioning out alternative financing methods. The data obtained are analysed statistically to help establish the existence of any essential differences between views expressed by the subjects of the study, that is, the enterprises and institutional organisations. In addition, this analysis would help in establishing whether the nature of rural tourism and its region of operation influenced the subjects’ opinion on financing.

The role of branch, regional and local organization for developing alternative tourism in Bulgaria has been discussed and proved through the method of descriptive analysis of the objects under study. The aim of the article is each of the interviewed to identify the role, function and mission of the branch organization for expending the tourist business in the respective area. Reasons for positive impressions about the effects on environment are sustainable approach to tourism development and measures, taken for preservation of local heritage. The perceptions about the impact on culture are due to encouraging the preservation of cultural attractions, the positive effects in general, increase of the awareness about culture and use of local products. Explanatory reasons for effects on society are educational influence over the society, promotion of local commitment and diversification of farmer economy. The positive impressions about the effects on economy are result of rise in employment, financial investments and tourist flow has been increased. The effects on tourism are perceived as being positive because of sustainable development of tourism infrastructures, positive effects in general, rise in employment and improvement of areas’ promotion.

The purpose of the survey is to develop an understanding of the interaction between tourist enterprises and institutional frameworks which are relevant to these enterprises, and to establish the differences in their opinion regarding alternative decisions about the marketing environmental factors, price policy, financing and the existing fiscal system in rural tourism. The analysis of the results of the survey is grouped in four parts: -The first part is concerned with the characteristics of the enterprises/organizations and questions on the details concerning the nature of barriers, cooperation as an alternative, changes in the existing legal requirements, etc. -The second part deals with the possible alternatives for the use of the marketing environmental factors in rural tourism -The third part comprises the feasibility concerning the price policy in rural tourism -The fourth part concerns questions about the alternatives for financing the enterprises and the existing fiscal system.

The purpose of this paper was to review the organisational structures among farm producers within the EC Market and East European Countries (EEC). The main emphasis was on organisational structures rather than the entrepreneurs. More explicit attention was focused on the buyer and seller relationship in the upstream segment of the food processing industry. We found numerous impediments in the bargaining processes from the purchasing firms’ negotiations for resources in foodstuffs. This paper hypothesises that the causes for this imbalance in transactual trades are due to: (1) ownership structural differences; (2) buyer and seller bargaining power inequalities. Such industry characteristics warrant careful examination.

Experiments were designed to study the alterations in colostrum composition in relationship to post-partum time in dairy cows differing in milk yield. Two groups of 5 cows each, with high or low milk yield, respectively were used. Colostrum samples were collected on day 1 and day 3 after birth. Concentration of the major colostrum constituents (milk protein, lactose, dry matter and solid non-fat extract) changed significantly after birth, the levels on day 3 being similar to those of mature milk. The most significant changes were those in the concentration of milk protein, that on day 3 was more than twice lower as compared to the first portion of colostrum. There was no effect of milk secretion intensity on chemical composition of colostrum.

The studies were performed on 13 lambs at the age of 3.5 months divided into 2 groups: experimental (n=6), immobilized for 72 h and control (n=7) that was allowed to move freely. The following ethological parameters: duration and dynamics of feeding, times spent lying and ruminating; times spent standing and ruminating, times spent lying or standing were evaluated by individual chronometry. The haematological parameters (red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, haemoglobin content and haematocrit) were measured on an automated analyser System 150. Blood samples were obtained prior to immobilization (background) and by post immobilization hours 0.25, 24, 48 and 72. Haematological data showed no statistically significant differences between groups during the entire experimental period. The most pronounced differences were observed by respect to the time spent standing and ruminating (a marker of discomfort) whose values were considerably higher in immobilized lambs than in controls. In experimental animals, a significant reduction in the time spent lying and prolongation of the time spent standing were also observed.

The analyses of animal production situation in Bulgaria in the period following 1990 were done. The indices of these analyses included the following: capacity, structure of animal husbandry and the EU requirements for developing the industry. In addition, the role of the State and NGOs was studied within the context of economic integration in the production, purchase, processing and implementation of animal products. Special attention was paid to the relationship between science and animal production in Bulgaria. Integration processes were studied in the chronological order of the established connections between feed production and animal production, integration in the production and processing of milk, meat, and wool. A suitable example for well-developed vertical integration connections was the good poultry-farming practice in Bulgaria. To a large extent the financial and institutional aspects of integration processes in animal production outline the possibilities and perspectives for developing this branch in the period prior to Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union.

The aim of the current survey is to examine the state of and tendencies in the economic efficiency of sheep-breeding in the case study of sheep farms in the southeast of Bulgaria, to find out what the impact and potential of different production factors are, to study possible alternatives in different production activities, as well as to find ways of boosting production efficiency. A major difficulty in this analysis and valuation is identification of the factors determining efficiency. This is due to the fact that the influence of all the factors is very difficult to be ascertained only according to the values of a chosen synoptic index. The proposed method of vertical decomposition of efficiency, which will serve as a structural basis, could solve the aforementioned problem to a large extent. Production and economic results data in the farm ranges over three years – from 1999 to 2001. The economic analysis is based on the study of the main structural unit (sheep farms in the southeast of Bulgaria).

This study was performed to investigate the local tissue reaction in response to intramuscular (i.m.) injection of tobramycin in rabbits assessed by the determination of serum creatine kinase (CK) activity at several hours post-injection. Twelve clinically healthy cross breed rabbits (Wien blue x Chinchila) of both sexes were used. The rabbits were divided into 2 groups: control group (n=6), treated with saline to test the effect of injection volume and experimental group (n=6), treated with tobramycin, to test the effect of the active substance. Both tobramycin and saline were administered by a single intramuscular injection into the right site of the neck. Blood samples for CK analysis were drawn from v. auricularis lateralis by venfflon canule before injection (0 h) and 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h after injection. Serum CK activity increased markedly in tobramycin treated group, reaching peak values at hour 8. The postinjection values of serum CK activity in the experimental group remained significantly higher than in the pre-treatment period until 30th h. The i.m. administration of the same volume of saline caused a slight and transient increase of serum CK activity. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for a mild local tissue damaging effect of i.m. injection of tobramycin in rabbits manifested by a moderate elevation of serum CK activity at several post-injection hours.

The aim of the current survey was to examine the development of prime cost and prices of the sheep- breeding products for the sheep farms in the southeast of Bulgaria. A major difficulty in this analysis is the identification of the relations and the dependencies between market prices and prime cost and the optimization of their proportion. The production and economic results data from the farms range over three years – from 1999 to 2001. The economic analysis is based on the study of the main structural units (sheep farms in the southeast of Bulgaria).

In marketing way rural tourism supply represent volume and structure of rural tourism products, which can be used on tourism market. Rural tourism is under high pressure of high speed of tourism supply on national and international dimensions. In this sense constant speed of development of farm based rural tourism can be saved only on the bases of varieties of rural tourism products and its individualities at definite entrepreneurs in this type of tourism. The survey emphasis on alternatives concerning the use of marketing environment factors in rural tourism - most important factors of macro environment which could determine the efficient development of farm based rural tourism, management schemes in this type of business, factors of tourism demand, the most important indicators /advertising/ which could give the efficient results from promotional activity.