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Abstract Analysis of the genetic variation of an endangered population is an important component for the success of conservation. Animals from two local Romanian pig breeds, the Mangalitsa and Bazna, were analysed for variation at a number of genetic loci using PCR-based DNA tests. Polymorphism was assessed at loci which 1) are known to cause phenotypic variation, 2) are potentially involved in trait differences or 3) are putative candidate genes. The traits considered are disease resistance, growth, coat colour, meat quality and prolificacy. Even though the populations are small and the markers are limited to specific genes, we found significant differences in five of the ten characterised loci. In some cases the observed allele frequencies were interesting in relation to gene function and the phenotype of the breed. These breeds are part of a conservation programme in Romania and marker information may be useful in preserving a representative gene pool in the populations. The use of polymorphisms in type 1 (gene) markers may be a useful complement to analysis based on anonymous markers.

This paper presents a part of a bibliographic study carried out by the authors on the use of innovative materials in constructions, materials that can lead to the increase of the energy efficiency of the constructions, to the increase of their durability, to the reduction of pollution and CO2 emissions, to the protection of the environment, focusing in particular on the non-toxic material, free of organic substances, free of impurities, which does not rot, does not pollute the soil and does not degrade over time even through the action of atmospheric factors, perlite, both granular and expanded, and some of the fields in which it is successfully used in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper there is presented a review of the use of fly ash. Fly ash, a widespread environmental hazard, is harmful when discarded. However, recycling it brings many benefits. Adding fly ash to concrete not only strengthens structures but also lessens environmental impact. This process reduces the carbon footprint of concrete, making construction more eco-friendly. Embracing such practices is essential for sustainable building and a greener planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the pressure that landfills have on the environment, the article deals with the possibility of recycling waste from abrasive water jet cutting machines (AWJCM) because this waste either takes the path of storage (abrasive sludge) or is discharged into public sewer systems (wastewater). Thus, for the abrasive sludge, two new mortar recipes were proposed, made by replacing fractions of sand with abrasive sludge. The series of cast samples R1 and R2 were subjected to mechanical tests and an increase in bulk density was found with the replacement of parts of the sand component with abrasive sludge, a decrease in mechanical tensile strength in bending and compression, which can be explained by the fact that wet abrasive sludge was used. Another line of research addressed the study of the possibility of reusing discharged wastewater. From this point of view, chemical analyzes were performed for two water samples on the basis of which it could be concluded that the recovered wastewater can be reused in the water supply installation of the abrasive water jet cutting machines. Based on the results obtained, it can be said that the resulting waste can be a raw material for the construction of building materials and can contribute to a considerable reduction in drinking water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of pork is important in food industry and in health of the population due to protein and fat structure, which is correlated with genotype and food intake. The aim of this study was to establish the difference between meat quality of Mangalitsa pure breed and Mangalitsa x Duroc hybrids, based on the carcass traits and chemical composition. The main parameters were dry matter, intramuscular fat, crude protein and fatty acids level in muscle tissues (Longissimus dorsis and Psoas major). Our results indicated that Mangalitsa x Duroc hybrids provide better parameters of carcass traits in comparison with Mangalitsa pure breed. Concerning the chemical composition, better values of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA/SFA ratio (P/S) and n-6/n-3 PUFA were observed in the case of Mangalitsa meat. We also calculated health related lipid indices including hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) in order to establish the differences between Mangalitsa and Mangalitsa x Duroc hybrids meat quality. In conclusion, Mangalitsa provide better meat quality, but Mangalitsa x Duroc hybrids could be an alternative way to produce good quality of pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body measurements and certain reproductive indexes were computed for a Bazna population kept at SCDA Turda as genetic stock. Values were compared to those reported in 1999 when this population was last analyzed. The data has induced us to conclude that breeding and selection have lead to an increase in both height at withers and rump proving that this breed has been improved toward meat production. Prolificacy and piglet weight at birth are within breed standards but closer to the lower limit. The weight of piglets weaned at 56 days is above 11 kg, which represents a good start for their growth. A negative element is the high piglet mortality before weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to characterize the morphological traits and sow reproductive performance in a red Mangalitsa swine population kept as genetic stock at SCDA Turda. Body length, height at withers and rump height are larger than the ones reported by in 1999 for the same population, but they are within breed standards. Prolificacy is above breed standard but high piglet mortality until the age of 21 days proves the sows are not good mothers. Lactating ability is high and together with piglet ability to use the ingested feed leads to a doubling of animal weight at weaning (56 days) when compared to the breed standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There were made experiences on 40 rams, 20 of choline ecotype and the other 20 of mountain ecotype. Eight ejaculates were collected from every ram in September, October and November. The ejaculates were evaluated by the volume, motility and concentration of sperm. We made two collections per week and the average per month of the evaluated parameters was statistically analyzed. Analyzing the data one can conclude that irrespective of the ecotype and collection period, the quality of ejaculates is good for processing in order to cryopreservation. In October the ejaculates are of a superior quality. The choline ecotype is superior to the mountain one if the differences are statistically provided, concerning sperm motility and concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]