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The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the cleanliness of the udder and skin of the hind part of body and somatic cell counts in milk as well as milk yield and its composition in Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White cows in the autumn-winter season. Animals were kept in the freestall cubicle barn with access to a hardened surface outdoor run. In the roofed part the run was regularly bedded with barley straw. In the milking parlour during test milkings each animal was subjected to a visual inspection performed to evaluate the cleanliness status of the udder, the underbelly, tail base, as well as the upper part of the hind limbs and the lower part of the hind limbs. Soiling on the skin with feces in each analysed cow’s body section had a significant effect on the somatic cell counts in milk. Results of this study indicate a greater effect of the cleanliness status of the hind quarters of the udder on the SCC in milk. An increased degree of soiling on the skin in the underbelly, tail base as well as the upper and lower parts of the hind limbs significantly reduced the contents of protein, casein and dry matter in milk.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the country of origin of the sire on the milk performance of primiparous Jersey cows kept under identical management conditions in Poland. Experimental cows were divided into four groups: daughters of bulls from the USA, Denmark, Canada and Poland. The effect of the paternal group on the milk performance of primiparous cows was estimated. A two-way contingency table was prepared to assess the association between the sire’s country of origin and peak lactation. To present the course of daily milk yield during 305-day lactation, linear graphs were plotted with linear trends depending on the origin of sires of primiparous cows. Daughters of Polish bulls, in comparison to the other genetic groups of primiparous cows, had by the lowest daily milk yields, as well as the lowest concentrations of protein and dry matter in their milk. Primiparous cows sired by bulls from Denmark had the highest daily milk yields and the lowest fat-to-protein ratios in their milk. Analysis of the effect of the origin of the sire on the milk performance of primiparous Jersey cows during 305-day lactation revealed significantly the lowest milk, protein and dry matter yield and the lowest content of protein in the milk for the daughters of Polish bulls. Primiparous cows from this group and the daughters of bulls from the USA had significantly the lowest fat yield and the lowest dry matter content in their milk. Daughters of Polish bulls in comparison to daughters of foreign bulls had a significantly higher concentration of lactose in their milk. The vast majority of primiparous Jersey cows sired by imported bulls reached peak daily milk yields from day 31 to day 60 of lactation. The lactation curve and the first-order trend for daily milk yields were most advantageous in primiparous cows sired by bulls from the USA and Canada. The use of semen from imported Jersey bulls in the Polish population of this cattle breed results in increased milk yields in primiparous cows sired by those bulls, as well as beneficial concentrations of milk constituents. The results of this study indicate that under Polish management conditions the use of semen from Danish bulls is preferable, although further research should be conducted to determine the lifetime productivity of cows and concentrations of milk constituents.

Sixty dairy goats of the Polish white improved breed were randomly assigned to five feeding groups of twelve animals each. The animals received a supplement containing seven herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 1 and 2) and a supplement containing nine herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 3 and 4)m, along with pelleted concentrate feed. Group 5 (the control group) received pelleted feed without any herbal supplements. A significant effect of herbal feed additive on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was observed (p < 0.001). The highest number density of LAB was found in the goats receiving the feed additive with nine herbs at 20 g/animal per day (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant effect of lactation stage on intestinal LAB count (p < 0.001). Regardless of the feeding group, the highest number density of LAB was found in animals at the peak of lactation. The LAB count was also affected by the interaction of diet group × lactation stage (p < 0.0001). A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum was identified in the faecal samples of goats receiving the herbal additive, but not in the controls. Genetic identification of the microorganisms isolated from the faeces of the experimental goats did not reveal the presence of harmful mould spores, although spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus were detected in the controls.

The aim of this study was to compare the rheological and physicochemical parameters, as well as the organoleptic properties, of soft rennet cheese made from whole and skimmed milk in different seasons on a traditional family farm. We analyzed milk from twenty Polish Holstein&ndash, Friesian cows for basic composition, number of somatic cells, acidity, and color in terms of the Comission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) lightness*redness*yellowness (L*a*b*) system, and 24 cheeses in terms of texture, acidity, color in terms of the CIE L*a*b* system, and organoleptic parameters in summer and winter. We determined the effects of the season and the fat content of milk on the pH, titratable acidity, color, firmness, and stickiness of the cheese. Cheeses from summer milk showed greater acidification than those from winter milk (p &le, 0.05). Skimmed milk cheeses from both seasons showed increased firmness and stickiness, and worse organoleptic characteristics, particularly in taste and consistency, than whole milk cheeses (p &le, 0.05). The highest level of yellow (b*) was found in whole milk summer cheeses, those produced in winter were 16% less yellow. Milk from traditional family farms is a valuable raw ingredient for the production of soft, unripe rennet cheese. However, the variability of organoleptic characteristics related to the season should be taken into account in cheese production. Skimmed cheese can serve as an alternative to full-fat cheese, especially for people looking for low-fat products, regardless of the time of year.

Yeast cultures have been widely investigated as feed additives to improve growth and health of animals. However, most of the research has focused on Saccharomyces cerevisiae products, whereas effects of non-conventional species such as Yarrowia lipolytica are not yet known. Y. lipolytica is a non-pathogenic yeast which can metabolize glycerol among other important industrial byproducts and is rich in fat and many other nutritional and bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Y. lipolytica culture added to colostrum and milk replacer on reticuloruminal fermentation, biochemical blood indices, and growth rate of calves. During the first 56 d of life, 24 Polish Holstein-Friesian calves were grouped by sex (equal numbers of bulls and heifers) and parity (equal numbers of calves born to primiparous and multiparous cows) and assigned randomly to 2 treatments: yeast culture (YL, Y. lipolytica yeast, n = 12) or control (CON, without yeast additive, n = 12). Y. lipolytica yeast culture was incorporated into colostrum or milk replacer at a dosage of 30 g/d (15 g/feeding; 108 CFU/g). Calves fed YL had higher body weight on d 28 (P = 0.012) and on d 56 (P = 0.011). In the same group, higher average daily gain from d 3 to 28 (P = 0.012), from d 29 to 56 (P = 0.033), and for the entire experimental period (P = 0.011) were noted. From d 3 to 56, the YL increased changes in body length (P = 0.024), hip width (P = 0.029) and heart girth (P 0.05).

The aim of the study was to evaluate selected physical and chemical characteristics of the breast muscles of organically and intensively raised chickens. The parameters determined are important to consumers in assessing meat quality. The experimental material consisted of crossbred chickens obtained from crossing a white broiler cock from Ross 308 parent stock with a brown dual-purpose Rhode Island Red R-66 hen (group E) and Ross 308 commercial crossbred broiler hens (group K). Chickens from group E were reared over 84 days in accordance with the requirements of organic farming, while the group K chickens were reared conventionally over 42 days. The results indicate differences in post mortem changes in the breast muscles of the organically and intensively raised chickens. The muscles of broiler chickens from organic farming were characterized by good nutritional value (1.73 pp more protein and 0.46 pp less fat) and a darker colour (L* 49.65), which may be a desirable feature for many consumers. However, the high pH24 level of the breast muscles of organic chickens indicates that the meat may be susceptible to microbiological contamination and can only be stored for a short period. Furthermore, it requires a greater shear force (54.12 N raw and 46.66 N cooked), which may indicate that the meat needs to be cooked longer.

Oxbow lakes are typical elements of meandering watercourses and are considered to be key components of floodplains of natural rivers. A permanent connection with the river promotes the use of these water bodies by ichthyofauna as spawning grounds, shelter for fry, feeding and wintering grounds. The aim of this study was to determine which rheophilic species inhabit oxbow lakes and how environmental conditions affect habitat selection and fish behavior. Analyses were conducted on six oxbow lakes of the Warta River in the Koło-Poznań section. Fish and water samples were collected for three years, in spring, summer and late autumn. Variation in environmental conditions in the analyzed water bodies results in a considerable diversity of the ichthyofauna, including rheophilic species, in individual seasons of the year. In the course of the study, nine rheophilic fish species were recorded, including four from the lithophilic reproductive guild having the highest environmental requirements. Relative abundance of rheophilic species in the dominance structure ranged from 0 to 100%, depending on the reservoir and seasons, with an average of 7% for all catches. For comparison, their relative abundance in the adjacent parts of the river was 12 and 23%.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of BCS (Body Condition Score) on the calving day and its decrease during early lactation on the biochemical blood indices and reproductive performance. One hundred and thirty-one Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into three groups according to the North-American body condition score on the calving day (AC≤3.5 point BCS; MID 3.51-3.75 point BCS; FAT>3.75 point BCS) and according to the decrease in BCS during early lactation (HG >0.49 point BCS; WEL 0.49-0.25 point BCS, L3.75 BCS) the lowest conception rate of the first insemination, insemination index and thereby the longest days open were observed. The highest decreases in BCS (HG >0.49 points) resulted in increased concentrations of NEFA on 3 d and of BHBA on 3 and 5 d. Moreover, in the HG group, the lowest concentration of T3 on 3, 5 and 28 d as compared to the WEL group was recorded. We concluded that the BCS (>3.5 points) on the calving day had a significantly negative effect on the metabolic status of dairy cows in the postpartum period estimated by the concentration of biochemical blood indices characterising carbohydrates (IGF-I, insulin) and lipid (NEFA, BHBA) metabolism and also the reproductive performance such as the conception rate of the first insemination, insemination index, days open. We suggested that the blood serum concentrations of IGF-I and NEFA were the most sensitive biochemical markers of the metabolic status of dairy cows in our study.

The first aim of the study was to compare selected meat quality parameters in porkers without the gene RYR1 (T) (ryanodine receptor gene). These were porkers slaughtered at 100 to 115 kg and 116 to 130 kg live weight. The second aim of the study was to determine the occurrence frequency of standard-quality meat (red, firm, nonexudative [RFN]) and the occurence frequency of defective meat (pale, soft, exudative [PSE] and acid, soft, exudative [ASE]). The analysis was conducted on the longissimus lumborum muscle in 114 crossbred porkers. The porkers were a cross of Camborough 22 sows and boars from lines 337PIC (Pig Improvement Company), Norsvin Landrace and Pietrain. All of the animals were provided with identical environmental and nutritional conditions. The average weight of the slaughtered animals in the light and heavy groups was 110 kg and 122 kg, respectively. Both groups had the same average post-slaughter meatiness (56.5%). A statistical analysis of selected meat-quality parameters did not show any significant differences between the weight groups. On the other hand, the classification based on carcass quality showed an occurence frequency of defective meat in heavier crossbred porkers (116 to 130 kg) that was three times higher than in those crossbred animals which weighed 100 to 115 kg when slaughtered. In porkers without the gene RYR1 (T) , the defective meat types PSE and ASE occurred with a frequency of 17.54%.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of meat of the young Limousin bulls slaughtered at the age of 6, 9 and 12 months, with particular regard to the residual glycogen content in the meat and the value of the glycolytic potential. The study was conducted on bovine longissimus lumborum muscle. The residual glycogen content, glycolytic potential value (96 h post-mortem), pH value (45 min, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h post-mortem), IMP/ATP index (45 min post-mortem), colour parameters (L*, a* and b*), natural and cooking losses, free water content, the chemical composition, sensory parameters (aroma, flavour, juiciness and tenderness) as well as instrumental tenderness based on cutting test (96 h post-mortem) were analysed. The slaughter age of bulls had significant (p

The search for genes with a positive influence on physical fitness is a difficult process. Physical fitness is a trait determined by multiple genes, and its genetic basis is then modified by numerous environmental factors. The present study examines the effects of the polymorphism of creatine kinase (CKM) gene on VO2max - a physiological index of aerobic capacity of high heritability. The study sample consisted of 154 men and 85 women, who were students of the University School of Physical Education in Poznań and athletes practicing various sports, including members of the Polish national team. The study revealed a positive effect of a rare G (NcoI-) allele of the CKM gene on maximal oxygen uptake in Caucasian women practicing sports requiring aerobic and anaerobic exercise metabolism. Also a tendency was noted in individuals with NcoI-/- (GG) and NcoI-/+ (GA) genotypes to reach higher VO2max levels.

Analyses were conducted on pedigrees of 845 animals registered at the Hovawart Club in Poland (113 dogs and their ancestors). The degree of inbreeding was calculated for the whole population (0.0026) and separately for male dogs (0.0021) and bitches (0.0031), and the coefficient of mean relationship was calculated for the entire population (0.0064), among male dogs (0.0064), among females (0.0073) and between males and females (0.0061). The inbreeding and relationship coefficients obtained are lower than those estimated for Polish populations of other dog breeds. The calculated effective number of founders (268) and ancestors (233) may indicate rather low genetic diversity. Preferences of breeders concerning coat colour were discussed. Black and tan coat dogs dominated at first, followed by blond ones, and over the last five of the analysed years black coat dogs emerged.

In this study the R577X polymorphism of the α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene was analysed in relation to physical fitness measured with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The studies were carried out in a group of 154 men and 85 women, students of the University of Physical Education in Poznań and professional athletes representing various sports and fitness levels. In our research physiological and molecular procedures were used, i.e. direct measurement of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and R577X a-ACTN3 genotyping by PCR-RFLP. The results do not confirm some literature data concerning a statistically significant association of R577X polymorphism in the ACTN3 gene and the level of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). A trend was observed for higher VO2max values to be found in individuals with the XX and RX genotypes as well as the predominance of the RR genotype in the group of individuals practising speed and power disciplines.

Purpose. Genetic factors play an important role in physical performance. In this study, the polymorphism of the angiotensinconverting enzyme gene (ACE) was analyzed in relation to the level of physical fitness, measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Methods. Molecular genetic research on the ACE gene was carried out on a group of 154 men and 85 women. All of the subjects were Polish students at the University School of Physical Education in Poznan and included professional athletes representing various sport disciplines and levels of fitness. Results. Allele I was found to have an advantageous effect on higher maximal oxygen uptake values and, in addition, a characteristic distribution of genotypes was found, where allele II was more common in individuals practicing aerobic sports and allele DD in individuals training anaerobic disciplines. Conclusion. No significant associations were found between I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and VO2max values but certain tendencies were found for those individuals with the ACE II genotype.

The functional and structural integrity of sperm membrane are crucial for the viability of spermatozoa. The commonly used staining test (eosin + nigrosin) for assessing sperm membrane measures only its structural integrity. The hypoosmotic swelling test (HOS) originally developed for human sperm (Jeyendran et al. 1984) has been also applied to several species of domestic animals (bull, pig, horse, dog). The test enables to evaluate the functional status of the sperm membrane. The principle of HOS is based on water transport across the sperm tail membrane under hypoosmotic conditions. It has previously been used to assess the semen quality (Revell and Mrode 1994), to analyse fertilizing capacity (Rota et al. 2000; Perez-Llano et al. 2001) and also to detect viable, immotile cells for ICSI (Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) in human (Zeyneloglu et al. 2000). There are two procedures commonly used for sperm capacitation in the pig-sperm washing and incubation before insemination (Nagai 1994). Capacitation involves several changes like removing molecules coating the sperm head membrane, changes in membrane fluidity and intracellular ion concentration (Green and Watson 2001). Thus the membrane integrity as well as functionality may be affected as shown by Harrison (1996). The aim of the present study was to analyse changes in sperm membrane integrity after in vitro capacitation by use of the HOS test.

The present study describes the analysis of the associations between the growth hormone gene polymorphism (Leu/Val) and oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilisation in cattle. Two independent experiments were carried out. In the first one, oocytes were collected from 49 single ovaries, matured in vitro, measured and cytogenetically analysed. One ovary was considered as a donor. The procedure of the donor's genotyping at the GH locus was based on DNA extracted from the granulosa cells. The GH genotype did not influence the oocyte diameter nor the number of oocytes collected, which were selected for maturation and matured. An unreduced chromosome number was found in 8.8% of the cells at the second metaphase stage and 42.9% of the donors. This anomaly was observed in all genotype groups with a higher frequency in the VV cows (P < 0.01). In the second experiment, the oocytes collected from 72 single ovaries were matured and fertilised in vitro. The GH genotype of a donor did not influence the number of zygotes cleaved on day-2. It has to be mentioned, that due to the low frequency of the VV genotype (0.03), the results of the present study should be treated as preliminary and need further analysis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible relationship between bovine oocyte diameter and the ploidy after maturation in vitro. The cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were collected by slicing slaughterhouse ovaries and were matured in vitro in standard conditions. Oocytes were collected separately from each ovary and then processed in groups according to their origin. After maturation, the inside zona pellucida diameter of each cell was measured and cytogenetic slides were made. Four size categories were distinguished:110, 110-115, 115-120 and120 microm. Altogether, 600 oocytes derived from single ovaries of 50 donors were measured and cytogenetically analyzed. The diploid chromosome number (2MII) was found for 8.4% of oocytes (36/427) and for 44% of donors (22/50). The observed number of 2MII cells varied between 1 and 6 per donor. The size of secondary oocytes with unreduced chromosome numbers was significantly smaller (P0.01) than the haploid ones. We conclude that bigger oocytes underwent normal meiotic division, whereas their smaller counterparts tended to follow an abnormal path of maturation.

Zlotnicka Spotted (ZS) is a native Polish pig breed. It is characterized by low reproduction and litter performance. This study aimed to determine the suitability of ZS pigs when crossed with Duroc and Polish Large White (PLW) according to reproduction and litter performance. Data concerning the number of piglets in the litter, litter weight, litter balance and piglet wastage were evaluated at birth, on the 7th and 21st days, and during weaning. ZS sows in purebred litters had 8.82 piglets at birth. However, the number of weaned piglets was of particular importance being only 7.33 heads in this study population. Wastage in purebred litters up to weaning was 17.34%. The highest number of piglets at birth (10.76 heads) and number of weaned piglets (8.98 heads) were estimated for D/ZS x ZS litters, although, at weaning, the heaviest piglets (9.61 kg) came from PLW x ZS litters. Results show that crossing ZS sows with Duroc, PLW boars, as well as crossing of D x ZS, improves reproduction and litter performance.

The study aimed at an evaluation of fattening and slaughter performance as well as meat quality of the native Zlotnicka Spotted (ZS) pigs and its crosses with Duroc pigs. The experimental material comprised 60 fatteners, divided into three genetic groups of 20 animals (100% ZS, 75% ZS and 50% ZS). The specific character of conservative breeding results in low values of fattening and slaughter performance traits observed in ZS breed. Among the analysed groups, animals with 100% share of ZS genes in their genotype were characterised by low daily weight gains (0.59 kg), considerable backfat thickness (34.96 mm), slight muscle thickness (48.05 mm), and low leanness (41.83%). These parameters were higher in both groups of crosses. Differences between the 100% ZS group and the 50% ZS group were significant for backfat thickness and highly significant for leanness. Acidity and colour parameters analysis showed that meat from all the genetic groups analysed was characterised by a good quality. The highest pH45 values were in the 75% ZS group, and meat from this group had the darkest colour (L* = 49.73) and the highest red colour share (a* = 5.11). Statistical analyses showed that ZS breed retained its original traits through the years of breeding. It was confirmed that meat of Zlotnicka Spotted breed is characterised by excellent quality. The results indicate that ZS and Duroc breeds crossing improves fattening and slaughter performance, while maintaining good meat quality in their crosses. Results of this study may also be used by breeders. They indicate that crosses of both the breeds kept in extensive breeding may be successfully used in high quality meat production. Pork from such animals may be a raw material for market niche production, such as regional products. The use of meat from crosses in meat processing may improve both quality of the processed products and efficiency of production based on the native Zlotnicka Spotted breed.