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Nowadays great deal of research is physiological field is conducted on experimental animals and there is a lot of criticism from the wide public on methods used. Therefore, recently there is a lot of effort focused on the welfare of the animals. Main aim of this study is to determine the effect of experimental sample collection method on the selected parameters of stress. In the experiment two sample collections of rabbit blood from marginal ear vein were realized – first using standard method with one person fixing the animal and other collecting the blood using gently fixating the animal. In the second groups experimental method of inserting the experimental animal into a sack and further collection in dark was realized. During the experiment the levels of cortisol – main stress indicator in organism and other health parameters of animals including mineral profile and haematological parameters were observed. Our results show no significant changes in levels of cortisol but also a decreasing tendency in the sample from the second (dark) collection. Haematological parameters were generally in the reference values and any significant changes except levels of lymphocytes and percent of lymphocytes which shown significant increase in the second collection period were found. Also the levels of mean corpuscular haemoglobin and percent of neutrophils unveiled a significant decrease in values. Values of mineral profile parameters have indicated no significant changes except the levels of phosphorus. Based on the result we can state that the experimental sample collection has no effect on blood parameters of the animals but we spectated a statistically insignificant decrease in the levels of cortisol which can suggest that the dark collection is possibly less stressful to the animals.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of musculus longissimus dorsi in the breeds of Mangalitsa and Large White with regard to the slaughter weight. Large White (LW) breed and White Mangalitsa (Ma) breed were used in the experiment. The system of housing and feeding was the same in both of the monitored breeds. The pigs were fed with the same feeding mixture ad libitum. According to the slaughter weight, the pigs were divided into three groups: up to 100 kg, 101 – 110 kg and over 110 kg. The breed Ma had a significantly lower drip loss than the breed LW. Evaluating the color of the meat, the LW breed has showed significantly higher L* (lightness, white ±black) and lower a* (redness, red ± green) values than the Ma breed. Within the chemical meat composition, the Ma breed had a significantly higher water content in MLD compared to the LW breed. Generally, there were no major differences in the meat quality between the Mangalitsa and Large White breeds. Finally it can be concluded that the breed Mangalitsa showed more favorable values of the physico-chemical indicators. Comparing the quality of the meat with regard to the slaughter weight, there were no large differences between individual weight groups. A higher slaughter weight has positively influenced mainly the color of the meat, as pigs weighing more than 110 kg achieved a significantly lower value of L* and a higher value of a* in comparison to pigs of the lower weight. As a positive effect of a higher slaughter weight can be considered its effect on the protein content in the meat, as pigs weighing over 100 kg have a significantly higher protein content in the meat than pigs weighing below 100 kg.

The target of this study was to evaluate the effect of extract of the European mistletoe – Viscum album quercus L. on spermatozoa motility and viability in vitro. The CASA system was used to determine the spermatozoa motility parameters at different time intervals (0, 1, 2 and 3 h) and spermatozoa viability was determined in five different doses of Viscum album quercus L [10 (QA), 6.6 (QB), 3.3 (QC), 2.5 (QD) and 2 (QE) mg/ml]. Results in experimental groups detected a significant deterioration on rabbit spermatozoa after 1, 2 and 3 hours, compared to the control. The initial total spermatozoa motility showed increased value for all doses of Viscum album quercus in comparison to control. After in vitro culture a dose–dependent decrease (QA: reduction of 69.7 %, QB: reduction of 40.9 %) was found. For the progressive spermatozoa most significant decrease (86.8 % for QA vs. 48.5 % for QB) was detected compared to the control after 3 hours of culture. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) was decreased in all experiment groups at the end of experiment, but the differences were not significant. Significant alterations of membrane integrity were found in groups with the highest Viscum album quercus concentration (QA, QB), but acrosome integrity showed no significant changes. Results suggest negative dose– and time–dependent effect of Viscum album quercus at higher doses on spermatozoa motility and viability parameters in vitro.

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) was previously described as an effective additive in the therapy of patients with cancer after medical therapy of the primary neoplasia. The defence activity and also direct cytotoxic stimulation was found to be upstanding for the anti-carcinogenic action. The main target of this study was to detect the effect of Viscum album pini L. at various concentration 1.0 (PA); 0.66 (PB); 0.33 (PC); 0.1 (PD); 0.066 (PE) and 0.033 (PF) mg/mL on the fine rabbit spermatozoa motility parameters at various time periods (0; 1; 2 and 3 h) during the cultivation in vitro. The CASA methodology was applied to estimate the spermatozoa motility parameters. The spermatozoa motility at the beginning of the experiment (Time 0) found decreased rate for examined doses of Viscum album pini compared to the control, but the statistical significant reduction was observed (p

The objective of this study was to analyse the level of pedigree and genomic inbreeding in a herd of the Norik of Muran horses. The pedigree file included 1374 animals (603 stallions and 771 mares), while the reference population consisted of animals that were genotyped by using 70k SNP platform (n = 25). The trend of pedigree inbreeding was expressed as the probability that an animal has two identical alleles by descent according to classical formulas. The trend of genomic inbreeding was derived from the distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROHs) with various length in the genome based on the assumption that these regions reflect the autozygosity originated from past generations of ancestors. A maximum of 19 generations was found in pedigree file. As expected, the highest level of pedigree completeness was found in first five generations. Subsequent quality control of genomic data resulted in totally 54432 SNP markers covering 2.242 Mb of the autosomal genome. The pedigree analysis showed that in current generation can be expected the pedigree inbreeding at level 0.23% (ΔFPEDi = 0.19 ± 1.17%). Comparable results was obtained also by the genomic analysis, when the inbreeding in current generation reached level 0.11%. Thus, in term of genetic diversity both analyses reflected sufficient level of variability across analysed population of Norik of Muran horses.

The aim of this study was to analyse the genome-wide distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) segments in the genome of Norik of Muran horse and to identify the regions under strong selection pressure. Overall, 25 animals genotyped by the GGP Equine70k chip were included in the study. After SNP pruning, 54479 SNPs (75.72%) covering 2.25 Gb of the autosomal genome were retained for scan of ROH segments distribution. The ROHs were present in the genome of all animals and covered in average 13.17% (295.29 Mb) of autosomal genome expressed by the SNP loci. The highest number of ROHs was identified on autosome 1 (404), while the lowest proportion of autosome residing in ROH showed ECA31 (38). The footprints of selection, characterized by SNPs with extreme frequency in ROHs across specific genomic regions, were defined by the top 0.01 percentile of signals. Overall, nine genomic regions located on seven autosomes (3, 6, 9, 11, 15, 23) were identified. The strongest signal of selection showed three autosomes ECA3, ECA9 and ECA11. The protein-coding genes located within these regions suggested that the identified footprints of selection are most likely consequences of intensive breeding for traits of interest during the grading-up process of the Norik of Muran horse.

The objective of this study was to estimate the distribution of autozygosity islands represented by homozygous segments (ROHs) in the genome of the Slovak Warmblood horse. The Slovak Warmblood is a very efficient breed with the excellent characteristics of a sport horse. The study included 37 animals that were genotyped by GGP Equine70k chip (71,947 SNPs). Only animals (36) and autosomal SNPs (62,439) with call rate >90% and minor allele frequency >1% were included in subsequent analyses. The homozygous segments were defined as stretches with minimum 15 consecutive homozygous SNPs of >500 kb with minimum density 1 SNP per 100 kb and maximum gap between markers of 1,000 kb. The heterozygous or missing calls were not accepted. The analysis indicated in total of 8,501 autozygosity islands in the genome of the Slovak Warmblood horse. The majority of identified segments (85.42%) were most likely derived from the remote ancestors in the past. Only 0.15% of detected segments resulted from the recent selection events affecting the genetic structure of studied population. The proportion of segments varied across chromosomes. The major fraction of autosome residing in ROH was found on ECA1 (8.30%), while ECA31 showed the lowest ROH coverage. The scan for overlapping homozygous segments shared by more than 50 % of animals demonstrated that the ECA6 autosome may be under strong selection pressure. Inside those selection signals, several genes were identified including them associated with immunity and reproduction.

The use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding has evolved to global extent, and insemination doses are often shipped via air transport which requires strict radiation-based examinations. For the determination of effect of non-ionizing radiation (NIR), to which are beings frequently exposed due to protection of airport or cultural event security, freshly ejaculated and cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa were used as experimental model. Following radiation with hand-held metal detector in various exposition times (0, 10 s, 15, 30 and 60 min-groups FR, FR10, FR15, FR30 and FR60) the spermatozoa underwent motility and DNA fragmentation analyses. Study on cryoconserved semen treated with NIR was performed in time intervals 0, 10 s, 1 and 5 min (insemination doses radiated before cryoconservation-CB, CB10, CB1, CB5; samples radiated after freezing-CA, CA10, CA1 and CA5). Fresh semen and insemination doses radiated after cryoconservation showed significantly lower total and progressive motility. No effect on motility parameters was detected in semen extended with cryopreservative medium and radiated prior to freezing. Surprisingly, NIR showed a potential to stimulate spermatozoa velocity; however, the effect was modulated throughout the post-thawing incubation. Based on the DNA fragmentation assay, sperm DNA stayed intact. Present study underlines the potential harm of NIR, which is frequently used in everyday life, with overall adverse impact on human and animal reproduction. Current study also points out on interesting short-term spermatozoa stimulation induced by NIR.

One of the important factors that significantly affects the intensity and content of training and determines the performance it the horse interior. Character and temperament traits are described in the breeding goals of each breed of horse. The aim of this study was to analyze the horse interior and comparison the interior characteristics of two studied horse breeds Slovak warmblood horses and Lipizzan horses. Into the analysis were included 65 horses from National Stud Farm Topoľčianky, Slovak warmblood horses (n1=33) and Lipizzan horses (n2=32). Interior was analyzed through a questionnaire with 13 indicators with 10 point system, where 10 being the highest rating. Slovak warmblood horses become the highest ratings (average 89.1 pt, 74.42%) and Lipizzan horses (86.1 pt, 66.2%), so both breeds of horses can be considered as the breeds with balanced characteristics of temperament and character. But Lipizzan horses are more balanced, because their results had lower variability. There were insignificant differences between the analyzed horses in the studied breeds. Nevertheless, a several analyzes of individual indicators showed that between the Slovak warmblood horses and Lipizzan horses there is a significant difference in a single indicator of interior - 10 - Stress managing. In particular, it has been shown that Lipizzan horses manage stress significantly better than Slovak warmblood horses., Jedným zdôležitých faktorov, ktorý podstatne ovplyvňuje intenzitu a náplň tréningu a udáva výkonnosť koní je interiér. Vlastnosti charakteru a temperamentu sú popísané v chovných cieľoch jednotlivých plemien koní. Cieľom našej práce bolo analyzovať interiér koňa a porovnať interiérové vlastnosti dvoch skúmaných plemien koní, slovenského teplokrvníka a lipicana. Do analýzy bolo zahrnutých 65 koní z Národného žrebčína Topoľčianky, slovenský teplokrvník (n1=33) a lipican (n2=32). Interiér sme analyzovali prostredníctvom dotazníka s 13 ukazovateľmi 10 bodovým systémom, kde 10 bola najvyššia známka. Kone plemena slovenský teplokrvník získali najvyššie hodnotenie (priemerne 89,1 bodov, 74,42%) a kone plemena lipican (86,1 bodov, 66,2%), takže obe plemená môžeme považovať za plemená s vyrovnanými vlastnosťami charakteru a temperamentu. Avšak kone plemena lipican sú viac vyrovnané, pretože ich výsledky majú nižšiu variabilitu. Zaznamenali sme štatisticky nevýznamné rozdiely medzi analyzovanými plemenami koní. Avšak niekoľko analýz jednotlivých ukazovateľov ukázalo, že medzi koňmi slovenského teplokrvníka a lipicana je štatisticky významný rozdiel v jedinom ukazovateli interiéru – 10 – Zvládanie stresu. Konkrétne sa ukázalo, že kone plemena lipican zvládajú stre s významne lepšie ako kone plemena slovenský teplokrvník.

Slovak Warmblood championship is a competition for young horses of given population, which is organized annually by the recognized breeder organization under the same test conditions. The aim of our study was to analyze genetic parameters and determine their potential impact on the performance indicators in championship for young horses of Slovak Warmblood population. Basic data consisted the results of 761 horses that have qualified for the finals. From the analysis of genetic parameters on performance indicators we found that all factors: breeder, breed, line, gender, age of horse and year of the competition influenced the final ranking respectively the logarithm of ranking. But on the level of significance only the factor breeder. The genetic assessment of monitored horses in tested competitions shows that factors breed and line high statistically influence Log U in particular competition. On the border of statistical support were fixed effects - degree of difficulty in the competition and year of competition. Based on our knowledge, we can conclude that in addition to the above factors on the ranking in competitions of sport form of testing has a major impact factor - rider.

Data obtained from the evaluation of longevity in 118 646 dairy cows of the Slovak Simmental breed were analyzed. The average length of productive life reached 1 451 days (3.88 years). Based on the analysis of the length of productive life for the whole cattle population, we calculated the ratio of cows that reached more than 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months respectively. The most important effects were the sire (F=53.43, P

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of different intakes of macroelements from feed on the mineral blood profile of sport horses. In the experiment which lasted for 12 months (6 months for each of the two periods), 14 sport horses with 2 types of feed rations were monitored. The blood was collected at the beginning of the experiment and every 2 months (three blood collections for each period). Feed rations had a negative effect on Ca (3.40 mmol·l-1 and 3.32 mmol·l-1) and K (3.2 mmol·l-1 and 2.98 mmol·l-1) concentrations in equine serum obtained from the second and third blood collection, respectively. Concentration of P (1.28 mmol·l-1 and 1.20 mmol·l-1) in equine serum obtained from the second and third blood collection, respectively, was higher (P < 0.05) compared to the first blood collection. Concentrations of Mg and Na were in reference intervals. In the 2nd period of experiment, feed rations were adjusted based on individual requirements of the monitored horses; the proportion of the mineral ingredient in the feed rations was lowered. More balanced concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na and K were detected in equine blood serum as a result of lower intake of the minerals from feed; the concentration of P was, except for one case, higher than in the 1st period. We observed a positive effect of individual ration compositions based on the results of blood mineral profile. The study describes for the first time the effect of a high and adequate long-term intake of macroelements on their concentrations in sport horses’ blood serum.

Horse breeding program is based on an assessment of their exterior, and is largely influenced by the performance. The objective of the work was to analyze the performance characteristics of cold-blooded horses in Slovakia using test of performance characteristics through carriage race. By evaluating the higher forms of utility control we concluded that scores in individual disciplines were very balanced during 2005-2008, which was due to a steady track of the horses involved and the carriagers. By increasing the number of new horses and new competitors in 2009 the average value of scores marked substantial deterioration, but this cannot be seen as degradation of performance of studied horses. By analysis of the factors affecting the score we found out, that gender as the only factor, did not have any significant impact on the studied disciplines of utility control. Carriager and the year of competition were amongst the factors mostly influencing the score. As the most successful line, whose representatives were most frequently and best ranked on the carriage races, we can choose the line of Bayard de Heredia. Its seven representatives participated in the period 2005-2011 altogether for 141-times and their average ranking ranged from 2.2 to 5.4.