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Simple Summary: In this study, we investigated the impact of incorporating freeze-dried mealworm larvae powder (Tenebrio molitor) into wheat bread on its quality, nutritional value, and consumer acceptance. Mealworms represent a sustainable protein source that can enhance the nutritional profile of foods. Bread was prepared with varying concentrations of mealworm powder (5%, 10%, and 15%), which significantly increased the bread's protein and fat content, particularly in terms of essential amino acids and beneficial fatty acids. However, higher levels of mealworm powder also resulted in darker bread and decreased consumer acceptance, as the altered taste and texture were perceived less favourably. This study emphasizes that while mealworm powder can enhance the nutritional value of bread, it is crucial to balance these benefits with sensory qualities to maintain consumer appeal. The findings suggest that mealworm powder could be a valuable ingredient for producing nutritionally enriched bread, provided that consumer preferences are carefully considered. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the use of insects as sustainable food ingredients. The research context involves analyzing the potential benefits derived from integrating insect protein into everyday food items. Utilizing methods consistent with established food science protocols, wheat bread was prepared with variations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% Tenebrio molitor larvae powder, derived from larvae cultivated on brewery spent grain. A substrate selected for its superior nutritional content and a substrate with agar–agar gels were used. The tests included basic bread tests; sugar, acrylamide, amino, and fatty acid (FA) tests; and sensory acceptability. The results have shown that the acrylamide levels in bread with larvae remained below harmful thresholds, suggesting that using T. molitor can be a safe alternative protein source. The incorporation of powdered T. molitor larvae (p-TMLs) into bread was observed to increase certain sugar levels, such as glucose, particularly at higher larval concentrations. The addition of T. molitor significantly raised the protein and fat levels in bread. The inclusion of larvae enriched the bread with essential amino acids, enhancing the nutritional value of the bread significantly. The FA profile of the bread was altered by the inclusion of p-TMLs, increasing the levels of monounsaturated FAs. Despite the nutritional benefits, higher concentrations of larvae decreased the sensory acceptability of the bread. This suggests that there is a balance to be found between enhancing the nutritional content and maintaining consumer appeal. These findings highlight the potential for using p-TMLs as a sustainable, nutritious ingredient in bread making, although the sensory qualities at higher concentrations might limit consumer acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a highly successful intervention. By comparing the lesion changes in prostate parenchymal and striated muscle tissues after RFCA with and without cooling, it was possible to assess the correlation between the shape regularity, area, and perimeter of the thermal lesion, and to predict the geometric shape changes of the lesions. Materials and Methods: A standard prostate and striated muscle RFCA procedure was performed on 13 non-purebred dogs in two sessions: no cooling and cooling with 0.1% NaCl solution. Microtome-cut 2–3 µm sections of tissue samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and further examined. The quotient formula was employed to evaluate the geometric shape of the damage zones at the ablation site. Results: The extent of injury following RFCA in striated muscle tissue was comparable to that in prostate parenchymal tissue. Regression analysis indicated a strong and positive relationship between area and perimeter in all experimental groups. In the experimental groups of parenchymal tissues with and without cooling, an increase in the area or perimeter of the damage zone corresponded to an increase in the quotient value. A similar tendency was observed in the striated muscle group with cooling. However, in the striated muscle group without cooling, an increase in lesion area or perimeter lowered the quotient value. Standardised regression coefficients demonstrated that in the striated muscle with cooling, the damage zone shape was more determined by area than perimeter. However, in the parenchymal tissue, the perimeter had a more substantial impact on the damage zone shape than the area. Conclusions: The damage area and perimeter have predictive power on the overall shape regularity of damage zone geometry in both striated muscles and parenchymal tissue. This approach is employed to achieve a balance between the need for tumour eradication and the minimisation of ablation-induced complications to healthy tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in aged intact male dogs; the condition is often without clinical signs. While ultrasonography is commonly used for the evaluation of health status of prostate gland, computed tomography (CT) offers advanced imaging capabilities. The latter technique allows for comprehensive investigation of the target organs, with possible incidental findings in other organs. This study aimed to evaluate the prostate gland in BPH-affected and healthy intact male dogs using ultrasonography and various CT assessment techniques. This study involved 52 intact male dogs of various breeds, ages, and weights. These dogs were divided into two study groups based on the cytological findings of the prostate gland tissue; healthy group (n=24) and a group with confirmed subclinical BPH (n=28). Animals of both groups were examined using ultrasonography and CT features to assess the health status of prostate gland. Results revealed that the length, width, height and volume of prostate gland were significantly higher in BPH-affected group than the healthy group (p<0.001). Similarly, asymmetry and heterogenicity of the gland was observed in higher %age of BPH-affected dogs than the healthy ones (p<0.001). BPH-affected dogs also exhibited lower contrast attenuation values and higher ratios of prostate gland dimensions to the 6th lumbar vertebra compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, ratios of prostate gland width and height to pelvic inlet dimensions were higher in BPH group (p<0.001). In conclusion, the study shows that utilizing multiple CT imaging method, including the partial pelvimetry technique, offers both reliability for advanced imaging of the prostate gland and serves as a diagnostic tool for BPH diagnosis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella is the most common pathogenic microorganism found throughout the environment and common source of bacterial foodborne-related illness. A practical tool for detecting Salmonella infection in slaughtered pigs is the serological examination of meat juice. Salmonella was determined in meat juices from healthy and pneumonia diseased pigs. Salmonella antibodies in pig meat juice were determined by a screening immunoenzymatic analysis method using the IDEXX HerdChek Swine Salmonella Test Kit (IDEXX Laboratories, Switzerland). The samples were evaluated according to the optical density ratio of the test sample and the positive control sample. Meat samples from diaphragm pillars were taken from 277 pigs at slaughter house. A total of 63 samples were serologically positive from all tested pig meat juice samples (22.74 %) (CI95 % 18.2 - 28.0 %). One positive sample was found in the meat juice of healthy pigs, while 25 and 37 samples were found to be seropositive in the diseased pig groups, with S/P of 0.76 (p < 0.001) and 0.91 (p < 0.001) respectively. In pigs with pathological lung changes 35.23 % seropositive samples of all diseased pigs were found. S/P ratio in control group was 0.08 while in pig with different lung lesions meat juice samples S/P ration reached 0.25 and 0.32 respectively (p < 0.001). The lowest S/P value in meat juice samples were found in pigs with moderate lung lesions and were found in 56.88 % meat juice samples, while in pigs with intensive lung lesions meat juice samples S/P ratio was 58.13 % (p < 0.001). The highest S/P value was found in pigs with intensive lung lesions and reached 0.77 % of all tested samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to predict the number of puppies that may be born by duration of period from proestrus until POD and the change of P4 concentration during this time of medium size canines. The study was conducted when the oestrus cycles of clinically healthy medium size primiparous and multiparous canine females (n = 47) at 2-7 years old were observed. Canine females were observed from first proestrus signs (FPS) till litter was born. Blood samples were collected on day 5 from the onset of discharge from the vulva until the day when the progesterone (P4) concentration rate changed till 4 ng/mL. If P4 concentration was < 1 ng/mL on the day of test making, the test was repeated after 3 days; if it was 1-3 ng/mL, the test was repeated after 2 days; and if it was > 3 ng/mL, the test was repeated every day until the predicted ovulation day (POD). Mating was performed 2 times with medium size breed clinically healthy 2-8 -year -old canine males, which already had offspring. The number of alive and stillbirth puppies in a litter were counted at a time when they were born. All females were divided into 3 groups by the litter size: small, medium, and large. The mean POD for females in this study was 11.36 ± 2.17 day. It was found that the fastest increase of P4 concentrations was in the medium (y = 2.1092x + 1.097, R² = 0.9833) and in the large (y = 1.9792x + 1.2844, R² = 0.9999) litter groups and the largest litters were born when P4 reached 4-8 ng/mL on days 9-14 day from FPS (P < 0.05). It was also observed that there was no correlation between progesterone concentration during POD and the number of puppies born (y = -0.0522x + 6.2322, R² = 0.0233). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was evaluation of resistance‐encoding genes distribution among extended spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Escherichia coli isolated from retail poultry meat. A total of 123 raw poultry breasts meat samples from different batches (sample per batch) were taken from randomly selected six Lithuanian retail markets. The study showed high contamination with E. coli (92.7%), and more than half (54.0%) of the E. coli isolates were ESBL‐producing E. coli. ESBL‐producing E. coli isolates were resistant to beta‐lactams (except cefotetan), monobactams (100%), quinolones (54.5%), and aminoglycosides (33.3%). Most (85.0%) strains were attributed to phylogenetic group B1 and expressed blaCTX‐M genes associated with resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics, while blaTEM was identified more often (70.6%) in phylogenetic group A and blaSHV in phylogenetic group D (50.0%). A subgroup, B1, had the highest antimicrobial resistance rate (74.7%) and more resistance genes were detected in this subgroup. Correlations between phylogenetic groups and the genes that encoded resistance to β‐lactams were not detected. These research findings shows some link between phylogenetic group and antimicrobial resistance genes. Also it shows a high risk of spreading antimicrobial resistance encoding genes to human commensal or potential pathogenic bacteria. Practical applications: Escherichia coli is common commensal bacteria associated with antimicrobial resistance to wide range of antimicrobials which uses in human medicine also. Genes, encoding antimicrobial resistance, could be easily spread among animals, humans or moved from animals to humans at slaughter or food processing. Even resistant bacteria damaged or killed during food processing, it is possible genetic sequences remain intact. High hygiene standards should be followed at slaughter houses and during food preparation process to avoid potential hazardous genetic material spreading to food processing workers and consumers. It could lead treatment failure in medicine, especially immunocompromised people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim to examine the genealogical structure and statement of Lithuanian Red dairy cattle open population pedigree analysis of two large breeding herds, consisting 2748 cows, was carried out. The data used in this study were obtained from the State Enterprise Agricultural Information and Rural Business Center and included pedigree records from three to five generations. Analyses were performed in R 2.11.1 and Excel 2003. High variability of genealogical structure was found within Lithuanian Red breed. 169 different genotypes were formed from 14 breeds, which were for many years used for the Lithuanian Red cattle improvement. It should be noted that the Lithuanian Red cattle for a long time have been bred as an open population. Only 1.09% of all analyzed cows were purebred Lithuanian Red. Cows, having 1/2 and more contribution of Lithuanian Red breed should be included into the conservation program. The results indicate that the Lithuanian Red breed is at the high risk of extinction and needs to be conserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate correlations between the fatty acid composition in subcutaneous tissue and meat quality traits. The data on evaluated meat quality traits and fatty acid composition of Lithuanian indigenous pig x wild boar hybrids from two different genotypes (1/4 and 1/2 wild boar) and gender (entire and castrated males) were used. The traits included cooking loss, water holding capacity, colour, pH (24), dry matter, fat and fatty acids. C16:0 positively correlated with intramuscular fat (P<0.05) in total and 1/4 wild boar genotype groups. Water holding capacity measurements positively correlated with C17:0 (P<0.01), C17:1 (0.050.05). Cooking loss measurements negatively correlated with fatty acids (P<0.05) in meat from 1/2 wild boar genotype. C20:0 respectively positively and negatively correlated (P<0.05) with cooking loss and pH only in 1/2 wild boar genotype. Associations between C20:3, C20:4 and water holding capacity, cooking loss were different in 1/4 and 1/2 wild boar genotypes. Castration of wild boar hybrids not affected the associations between fatty acid composition in subcutaneous tissue and meat quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of the gender on carcass measurements from different pig genotypes. The data on measured carcass traits of Lithuanian indigenous pigs and their hybrids from two different genotypes (25 % and 50 % wild boar) were used in this study. The carcass length and bacon length of the gilts were higher than those of the castrates, however only the difference of bacon length in 50 % wild boar genotype was statistically significant (P<0.05). Backfat thickness of the gilts was higher than that of the castrates in all genotypes. The highest difference of backfat thickness (3.75 - 9.46 mm) between gilts and castrates was found in 50 % wild boar genotype but incorporation of 25 % wild boar into Lithuanian indigenous pigs did not affect the difference increase. Loin area was also higher in the gilts from all genotypes than in the castrates but statistically significant (P<0.05) difference was found in 25 % wild boar hybrids. Backfat thickness and fat area were lower and loin area was higher in the entire male hybrids in comparison with the castrates and gilts. Thickness of the ventral part of belly in Lithuanian indigenous gilts was lower but in 50 % wild boar hybrids was higher than in the castrates. Also thickness of the ventral part of belly in the entire male hybrids was 1.37 - 3.11 mm lower (P<0.05) than in the gilts. The portion of shoulder in the carcasses of Lithuanian indigenous gilts was 1 %. lower and the portion of ham was 1.3 % higher than those of the castrates. The portion of shoulder in the carcasses of the gilts from 25 % and 50 % wild boar genotypes was, respectively, 0.93 % and 0.35 % lower than in the carcasses of the castrates. However, 0.67 % higher portion of ham was in the carcasses of the gilts from 25 % wild boar genotype. The highest portion (38.2 - 38.6 %) of shoulder in the carcasses was recorded for the entire male hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of performed study was to estimate correlations between the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat and meat quality traits. In this study the data on evaluated meat quality traits and fatty acid composition of Lithuanian indigenous pig x wild boar hybrids from two different genotypes (1/4 and 1/2 wild boar) and gender (entire and castrated males) were used. The traits included cooking loss, water holding capacity, colour, pH (24), dry matter, fat and fatty acids. Significant phenotypic correlations were found between fatty acid composition and biochemical measurements. Cooking loss measurements significantly and positively correlated with C16:0 (0.56) and negatively with polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.60) including C18:2, C18:3, C20:3, C20:4 in meat from 1/4 wild boar genotype. Associations between fatty acids and meat quality traits for hybrids with higher proportion of wild boar (1/2 wild boar genotype) were different compared with those for 1/4 wild boar genotype. pH positively correlated (P<0.05) with C20:1, C20:3, tended to correlate (0.05≤P<0.01) positively with C18:3, C22:5 and negatively with C16:0 in meat from 1/2 wild boar genotype. Castration of wild boar hybrids has affected the associations between fatty acid composition and meat quality traits. Several correlation coefficients within the entire male group were higher and different from those of castrates. The results from this study suggest that proportion of wild boar in hybrids and castration of these hybrids can affect the associations among fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat and meat quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence on functional mobility and motivation of hippotherapy for people with special needs. Twelve people with disabilities (autism, Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy) were divided in two groups: adults with disabilities (T-1) and children with disabilities (T-2). They participated in 8 times (30 min each) hippotherapy sessions. Functional mobility was measured pre and post hippotherapy by Time Up and Go Test (TUG). The motivation was evaluated for every person during each hippotherapy session. Assessing the change of functional mobility before and after the hippotherapy sessions, it can be assumed that the hippotherapy activities have contributed to an improvement. The motivation results show that there is a statistically significant difference from the third hippotherapy session - the intension to participate in the hippotherapy sessions is increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate and show the differences in blood parameters related with age and sex of Žemaitukai horse breed in Lithuania. According to the blood parameters, they may be assigned to a particular blood type. Haematological parameters [(red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), lymphocytes (LYM), platelet (PLT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] and biochemical parameters [total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), urea (Urea), glucose (Glu), creatinine (Crea) concentration, heart (CK-MB) and total (CK-NAC) creatinekinase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT)] activity were determined for 173 (92 mares and 81 stallions) clinically healthy Žemaitukai horses. It was found that the RBC and WBC were significantly reduced in the blood with increasing age. Statistically significant differences between sexes were established: Hb (p <0.001), HCT (p<0.001), RBC (p <0.01), TP (p<0.05), Alb (p<0.01), Urea (p <0.05), P (p<0.01), and Ca (p< 0.05) concentrations. It was found that in foals, the average of WBC, RBC, LYM, PLT, P, ALT and ALP values are significantly higher than in adult blood group values. Average of RBC values in Žemaitukai stallions and mares correspond to the lower limit of Thoroughbred horses. The quantity of RBC in Žemaitukai mares is closest to Murgese breed mares RBC value and value of WBC range in Thoroughbred mares WBC volume limits. However, the value of WBC in Žemaitukai stallions corresponds to normal WBC range in Kathiawari (India) horses. The morphological parameters of Žemaitukai -- can be attributed to warm-blooded equine type. The results of the morphological and biochemical blood parameters of Žemaitukai horses can be classified as "warm-blooded" horse blood type, which can be helpful in future research basing the use of Žemaitukai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the genetic correlation between pig breeding farm “Berka" and whole Lithuanian White and Large White pigs population. The study was performed in 2001-2006 at the largest Lithuanian White pig breeding farm “Berka", State Pig Breeding Station and Lithuanian Veterinary Academy. For genetic evaluation of production traits the mixed linear model was used. Statistically significant genetic correlations between the main production traits on farm “Berka" and whole Lithuanian White and Large White pigs population were determined. Further, highly significant negative correlation between pigs lean meat and feed consumption (- 0.851; p<0.001) in farm “Berka" was obtained. However, the negative correlation in whole Lithuanian White pigs population (-0.172; p<0.001) and in Large White breed (-0.172; p<0.001) was low. In addition, it was estimated that genetic correlation between daily weight gains in farm “Berka" was 0.865 (p<0.001), in Lithuanian White pigs population - 0.302 (p<0.001), in Large White breed - -0,008 (p<0.05), respectively. Finally, the correlation between lean meat and fat thickness in point F2 was from -0.569 in Large White breed to -0.81-0.956 (p<0.001) in Lithuanian White breed pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the performance characteristics of different strains of Large White (Yorkshire) pigs bred in Lithuania and their commercial crosses with Lithuanian White pigs from improved open population. Data were obtained from the State Pig Breeding Station databank and subjected to the analysis according to the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure using MINITAB. Yorkshire sows had a higher total number born per litter (0.28 piglet; P<0.001) than Large White sows but the performance of Large White for litter traits was higher. No significant differences for field performance between purebred Large White and Yorkshire strains were found, but Yorkshire showed higher field performance in their rotational cross with Lithuanian White pigs from the open improved population compared to Large White pigs. Estimated farm environmental effects for reproductive and litter traits ranged from 4.9 % to 82.8 %, for field performance from 14.7% to 69.5%. Under so high farm environmental influence on pig performance, the differences between the groups were not fully pronounced. The study results suggest that unification of farm conditions should result in more accurate evaluation of genetic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk yield, composition and manufacturing properties are related to milk protein polymorphism genetic variants of bovine milk proteins AlfaS1-casein, Kappa-casein and Beta- lactoglobulin. Three hundred ninety four blood samples of Lithuanian dairy breeds of unrelated cows were investigated (109 LWB, 168 LR, 68 LLG ir 49 LBW). Milk protein genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RFLP method. It was assessed that BB genotype of milk protein Kappa-casein locus affected major milk fat (4.50±0.5 %) and protein (3.47 ±0.04 %) averages; whereas Kappa- casein BE genotype could be characterized by higher milk yield average (5776±27 kg). The whey protein BB genotype of Beta-laktoglobulin locus had influenced major milk fat (4.67±0.01%) average. Alfas1- casein BB genotype affected higher milk yield average (5242±14 kg), whereas Alfas1-casein CC genotype was superior in protein average (3.64±0.09 %). In our study statistically higher influence of Kappa-casein gene was estimated for milk protein percentage (5.9%, P<0.001). AlfaS1- Kappa haplotypes were associated with the highest protein percentage (2.2%, P<0.001) and lowest fat, kg (0.4%, P<0.001) in bovine milk. Further, in studied Lithuanian dairy cattle population milk protein AlfaS1- Kappa casein haplotypes, BC haplotypes had highest effect on average milk protein percentage and AB haplotype was associated with average milk yield, kg. The identification of milk protein genes could be an economically important selection criteria for dairy herds designated for industrial milk production. Moreover, milk protein polymorphism can be used as selection criteria and informative molecular markers for yield, composition and technological properties of milk in cattle selection programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is considered nutritious and healthy food for humans. The study aimed to calculate allelic and genotypic frequencies of beta-casein variants (A1 and A2 allele) in crossbred dual-purpose cows and analyze milk production traits of tested cows dependent on beta-casein genotypes. Altogether, genomic DNA of 116 crossbred dual-purpose Simmental cows was collected to estimate beta-casein using the Sanger sequencing method. In the population included in the study, there were homozygote genotype A1A1 (32 animals), A2A2 (33 animals), and heterozygote genotype A1A2 (51 animals). Allele A2 was observed with a frequency of 0.504, and allele A1 with a frequency of 0.496. The most frequent was heterozygous genotype A1A2 (44%), while the homozygous A1A1 genotype was the rarest (27.6%). A2A2 genotype was associated with lower protein content than A1A2 genotype by 0.1% (P < 0.05). A breeding program with crossbred dual-purpose Simmental cows could be achieved relatively quick for milk that only contains the beta-casein variant A2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study was to investigate polymorphism of bovine kappa casein gene in Lithuanian milk cattle population and to evaluate relation of certain genotypes with milk production traits expressed by genome scores. DNA samples were collected from 189 milk breed cattle reared in Lithuania. DNA was extracted from blood by salt method (Miller et al., 1998). Bovine kappa casein gene polymorphism study was performed by PCR-RFLP method (Soria et al., 2003). After PCR 935 bp fragment was recieved, which was digested with restriction enzymes HaeIII / HindIII and the fragments were separated in the 3% agarose gel, what allowed to identify the kappa casein A, B, E alleles. A allele with frequency 0,72, E allele with frequency 0.05. B allele, which can be used to carry out selection to improve milk processing properties was found 0.23 frequency. Six genotypes were identified: AA, AB, AE, BB, BE, EE at different frequencies. The most common was the AA genotype, which had 49.2% of the tested animals. EE was least frequently occurring genotype, which had only 0.5% of the tested animals. The biggest influence on the milk processing properties having BB genotipe was found in 2.1% of the cows. Cows with kappa casein AA genotype had the highest genomic scores for milk yield (6.05), observing statistically significant difference between kappa casein AA and AB genotypes (P<0.05); the highest protein amount genomic values had kappa casein BB genotype cows (6.25), the highest protein percent genomic scores had BB and BE genotype cows. Dispersion analysis showed that 2.8% of milk yield variation expressed by genomic scores, 0.2% of protein amount variation and 3.3% of protein percent variation (P <0.05) are dependent from kappa casein gene genotype. These results create opportunities to improve the properties of milk processing in Lithuanian dairy cattle population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the amount of chosen whey proteins, i.e. lactoferrin (LF), immunoglobulin G (IgG), alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA), beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in cow milk in relation with somatic cell count (SCC) and pathogenic bacteria presence in quarter milk at different seasons. The quarters health status was set on the base of SCC and microbiological analysis. The diseased quarters (DQ) showed increased concentration of all proteins analysed, except alfa-LA, in compare to healthy quarters (HQ) (p<0.001). Significant differences of LF, IgG and beta-LG were observed between quarters with presence of bacterial growth (BG), nonspecific mastitis (NM), subclinical mastitis (SM) and healthy quarters (HQ) (p<0.05). In our research data, significant effect of season was estimated on LF (p<0.001), IgG (p<0.001), alfa-LA (p<0.01), beta-LG (p<0.001) and BSA (p<0.05) contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile in milk by the inclusion of rapeseed pomace and extruded full fat soybean in the diet of dairy cows on the housing period. The experimental materials comprised samples of milk from 30 lactating cows that were divided into 3 groups: control group cows were fed by a farm's total mixed ration (TMR); cows in experimental group 1 were fed by a farm's ration with rapeseed pomace (TMR+R); and cows in experimental group 2 were fed by a farm's ration with extruded full-fat soybean (TMR+S). All milk fat samples were split into 2 portions for the analysis. One portion was analysed for fat concentrations by infrared spectroscopy Lactoscope FTIR (FT 1.0. 2001; Delta Istruments, Holand). Identification and quantification of FA were performed by gas chromatography. Direct comparison of the products showed that the inclusion of rapeseed pomace into the diet of dairy cows increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and decreased the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 4.06%, 4.55%, 1.66% and 2.3% respectively, in comparison with the feeding farm's total mixed ration (P<0.05). Inclusion of extruded full fat soybean into the diet increased the content of UFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs and decreased the content of SFAs, 6.89%, 5.12%, 16.44% and 3.91%, respectively, in comparison with the feeding farm's TMR (P<0.05). Among the long-chain MUFAs, oleic acid (C18:1(n-9)) was significantly affected by the treatment (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of poliymorphic sites of Alfa S1-casein, Alfa S2-casein, Kappa-casein and Beta-lactoglobulin genes on goat milk yield and milk composition. The investigation was performed in a group of 133 goats belonging to the Lithuanian native, Saanen and Czech White breeds. The DNA was extracted from the hair roots. Alfa S1-casein gene polymorphism was investigated by AS-PCR method, whereas polymorphism of Alfa S2-casein, Kappa-casein and Beta-lactoglobulin genes was investigated by PCR-RFLP method. The investigation of the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on milk traits in goats showed a statistically significant influence of Alfa S2-casein on all milk traits. It influenced 6.7 % of milk yield diversity, 8 % of milk fat quantity and 9.5 % of protein quantity diversity. Kappa-casein influenced 4,2 % (P<0.01) % of milk yield diversity whereas Beta-lactoglobulin gene influenced 4.8 % (P<0.05) of protein quantity diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of fresh blue algae Spirulina platens is biomass on pigs fattening rate and meat quality an experiment was carried out with 85-days-old crossbreds of Landrass and Yorkshire. Two groups - control and experimental - were formed, each containing 16 pigs. Both groups of the pigs were fed standard concentrate forage. 1 kg of forage dry matter contained 13.4 MJ AE and 16 % of crude protein. The pigs of the experimental group were given daily and individually 2 g of 75 % humidity fresh blue algae Spirulina platensis biomass with forage. The pigs were weighed at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Control fattening was considered to be finished when pig weight reached 95 kg. At the end of the experiment, control slaughtering was performed. It was determined that the average daily weight gain of the pigs given 2 g of 75 % humidity fresh biomass of blue algae Spirulina platensis was by 9.26 % higher, 100 kg of weight was reached by 7.37 days faster, and the amount of AE consumed for 1 kg of weight gain was by 1.28 MJ AE lower than in the control group. Carcass output of the experimental pigs was by 2.02 % higher and the amount of intramuscular fat- by 0.33 % lower than in the control group of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung pathologies are considered to be of great economic importance, as they affect the productivity of pigs and also are a problem in meat inspection. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent respiratory pathologies in pigs at Lithuanian slaughterhouses and to estimate their influence on the physical-chemical characteristics of musculus longissimus dorsi. Lesions of pneumonia, mainly typical "enzootic pneumonia" were detected in 46.14 % of all investigated lung samples. Pleuritis, alone or associated with pneumonia was recorded in 29.55 % of all examined cases. Variable numbers of abscesses, necrosis, and inflammation focuses in lungs of slaughtered pigs were observed, but the lungs were not significantly affected by pneumonia. In pigs with pneumonia statistically significant. Furthermore, in pigs with pathological lesions in the lungs significant increament of meat pH (p<0.05) and tenderness (p<0.01) compared to normal pigs was registered. However, meat yellowness b* was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the group of normal pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our studies was to compare evaluation parameters of milking when cows were milked in rotary (carousel) and herringbone milking parlours. The tasks were to evaluate and analyze the process of milking in both parlours. The time spent on premilking treatment of teats was recorded. The data associated with milking process were taken from the "Afimilk" database of computerised herd management system „SAE-Afikim” (Israel). We analysed the data of cow milking parameters (milk flow rate 0-15, 15-30, 30-60, and 60-120 seconds after cluster attachment, milking time, yield, etc.). The duration of the delay between the beginning of udder preparation and attachment of clusters was long and this affected milking time significantly in both milking parlours (p<0.001). Too short udder preparation for milking in both parlours (particularly in the rotary parlour) could affect slow milk removal. After attachment of cups, milk flow in the herringbone parlour appeared in about 8 seconds and in the rotary parlour in about 13.6 seconds (p<0.001). During the first two minutes, milk flow rate (kg/min) in different periods was statistically significantly higher (p<0.05) in herringbone milking parlour. Milk flow rate (kg/min) was too high when clusters were removed from teats in rotary and in herringbone parlours. These all processes were influenced by poor udder preparation before milking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]