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The aim of the study was to determine the effect of birth type and sex on lambs survival parameters of polish heath and żelazneńska sheep. The research included data, which was used to determine the prolificacy index, the percentage of live-born lambs and the lambs rearing index up to 100 days of age. A higher prolificacy index (P≤0.01) and a higher percentage (P≤0.01) of reared lambs were determined in the polish heath compared to the żelazneńska sheep. In the herd of the first breed, a greater proportion of twin and more numerous litters than singleton births were noted. Single and twin litters were dominant in the żelazneńskie sheep. The rearing rate of lambs from single litters was at a similar level in both observed breeds. However, in the herd of polish heath sheep, lambs from multiple litters shoved also high rearing rate. Single ram lambs were characterized by higher (P≤0.01) body weight at birth and at 56 days of age compared to twin born and ewe lambs, both in polish heath sheep and żelazneńska sheep. Statistical differences (P≤0.01) in body weight at birth and on 56th day of age were also recorded between twins and triplets in polish heath sheep. The analysis of the distribution of lambs' mortality during the rearing period has shown that the most critical is the first week of life of the born offsprings.

The aim of the study was to compare two mating systems and their impact on reproductive parameters in sheep of the synthetic WROBER line and to evaluate the profitability of lamb meat production. Sheep were raised at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Żelazna (Warsaw University of Life Sciences) in a traditional system with mating once a year and at the Werbkowice Experimental Farm (Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – National Research Institute) in an intensified system with a shortened lambing interval. The study confirmed the suitability of the WROBER line for intensive production of slaughter lambs. In this system, 0.5 more lambs were obtained per ewe (in all seasons) than in the traditional system. Due to the increased number of lambs produced, the WROBER line can become more profitable.

The research carried out on meat from 45 ram lambs of the Polish merino breed allowed to determine the effect of meat aging and muscle type on physicochemical characteristics and oxidative stability of lipids. Analysis of physicochemical traits (pH, meat color, expressed juice, cooking loss, shear force, moisture, protein, fat and total collagen content) was performed on fresh and meat aged for 14 d in the longissimus lumborum (LL) and gluteus medius (GM) muscles. The meat aging determined all physicochemical characteristics except protein and fat content. More changes in pH and meat color parameters were defined in the GM muscle compared to the LL muscle. The increase in the tenderness of meat expressed as a reduction (P < 0.05) of shear force values was observed in both muscles aged for 14 d. A lower value (P < 0.05) of the shear force, despite the higher content of collagen, was determined in the GM muscle compared to LL. The investigated muscles differed in the degree of lipid peroxidation expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in both fresh and aged meat. The TBARS value was lower (P < 0.05) in the LL muscle than in GM. In the longissimus lumborum muscle, the significantly lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and PUFA n-6 has been recorded. The oxidation stability was not influenced by the meat aging.

An experiment was conducted to determine the chosen bioactive components and physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat of different animal genotypes and the muscle types. The 22 ram lambs of Polish Merino (PM) and 22 crossbreeds of Polish Merino × Berrichone du Cher (PMB) were fattened to achieve their slaughter weight of 40 kg. After slaughter, the carcasses were kept at 4 ∘C for 24 h. Then, the samples of longissimus lumborum (LL) and gluteus medius (GM) muscle were collected to analyse the physico-chemical traits; fatty acid profile; and concentrations of taurine, carnosine, L-carnitine. The GM muscle compared to LL had the higher value (P L* and a lower value (P b* and H* both in PM and PMB lambs. The value of expressed juice was lower (P P P P P P P&thinsp

Wet brewers grain (WBG) is successfully used in animal nutrition, and due to its high fiber content, especially in ruminants. The low cost of this fodder also has an impact on the economic of production. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding WBG to lamb fodder on the body weight gain, slaughter value and meat quality. The experiment was conducted on 40 male lambs of Polish Lowland sheep. The lambs were divided into two feeding groups, the control and the experimental (20 heads in each group), and fattened to their slaughter weight of 40 kg (± 2.5 kg). In the experimental group 35 % WBG was added to the feed. Lambs fed with WBG were characterized by higher daily weight gains (P≤0.01) and reached their slaughter body weight significantly faster (P≤0.01). Furthermore, the carcasses of the WBG group showed better hind leg conformation (P≤0.01) and a higher content of prime cuts (P≤0.05). The meat of lambs fed on WBG also had a lighter color and a lower intramuscular fat content. Additionally, the meat of this group was also characterized by higher PUFA (P≤0.01) and C18 : 2 cis9, trans11 fatty acid (P≤0.01) contents. The results obtained indicate that WBS could be successfully used in slaughter lamb production as a source of readily available, cheap fodder, especially when fattening takes place a short distance from a brewery.

The aim of the study was to compare the body weight gain and survival rate of lambs receiving a milk replacer as supplementary feed with lambs reared traditionally. The research was conducted in a flock of Polish Heath sheep. Of 244 lambs born, 42 lambs from multiple births were given supplementary feed. The lambs received the milk replacer until the 35th day of rearing. Body weight was monitored at birth and on days 28, 56 and 100 of life. Reproductive parameters and survival rate of lambs were derived from breeding documentation. There were no significant differences in the survival rate of lambs in the two groups, which was above 80%. The average birth weight of lambs reared traditionally and of those receiving the milk replacer was similar. During the entire rearing period, the lambs that required supplementary feeding grew more slowly. Twin lambs receiving the supplement and twin lambs reared traditionally had similar body weight and daily gains up to the 56th day of life, but the twin lambs receiving supplementary feed had a significantly lower body weight at day 100 and growth rate during the entire rearing period. The growth rate of triplets fed supplementary milk replacer was not significantly different from that of triplets reared traditionally in any period of the study.

The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of prion protein PRNP alleles in flocks of Polish Merino and Suffolk sheep. The research was conducted in 2012-2017 on ewes and rams kept in the Golina Wielka sheepfold (Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland). All animals (264 ♀ and 64 ♂ Polish Merino; 98 ♀ and 73 ♂ Suffolk) were up to one year old. PRNP gene polymorphism was identified in the sheep. The frequency of scrapie alleles and genotypes was found to be highly significantly influenced by the breed and significantly influenced by the year in the case of Polish Merino sheep. Five alleles (ALRR, ALRQ, ALHQ, AFRQ and VLRQ) were detected in Polish Merino sheep, leading to the identification of 10 PRNP genotypes. In the Suffolk breed, three alleles (ALRR, ALRQ and ALHQ) and three genotypes were identified. In the Polish Merino breed, the frequency of the ALRR/ALRQ genotype was high and was the highest among all genotypes, followed by ALRR/ALRR. The level of genotypes containing valine at codon 136 was very low. In the Suffolk breed, the frequency of the ALRR/ALRR genotype was very high, and there were no alleles with valine at codon 136. In addition, in Polish Merino sheep, phenylalanine at codon 141 was detected only in the AFRQ allele, which appeared in two genotypes (in combination with ALRR and ALRQ).

The quality characteristics of meat from 50-day-old Pomeranian lambs (PP) and crossbreeds by Berrichon du Cher (PB) and Charolaise (PCH) rams were determined in the study. Samples of the quadriceps muscle of the tight (m. quadriceps femoris) were taken to determine the chemical composition, physicochemical and healthful properties of meat, such as energy value, concentrations of cholesterol and collagen and the fatty acid profile in intramuscular fat. A sensory evaluation of lamb and texture measurement were also performed. It was found that both sire breeds had a significant effect on meat quality. Meat from crossbreds contained more dry matter and protein, and was characterized by a more desirable W/P ratio, a lower calorific value, a lower collagen content and better texture parameters. Crossing had no considerable influence on the fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat, but caused changes in the cholesterol content of meat, which decreased in PB lambs and increased in PCH lambs. Taking into account the health benefits and culinary values of lamb, Berrichon du Cher is a preferred sire breed.

The study was conducted on Polish Merino (143♀ and 39♂) and old-type Polish Merino sheep (176♀ and 61♂) in Brylewo flock (Wielkopolskie Province). The examined sheep were at the age of one year. Prion protein (PrP) genotype was determined in all animals. In both breeds four alleles (ARR, ARQ, AHQ, VRQ) were found. Highly significant effect of breed and insignificant impact of gender within breed was observed in regard to the frequency of occurrence of alleles and genotypes susceptible to classical scrapie in the sheep. Eight different PrP genotypes in Polish Merino and nine genotypes in old-type Polish Merino were identified. Very high frequency of ARR/ARR genotype in old-type Polish Merino and high frequency of ARR/ARQ genotype in Polish Merino were found, with relatively significant frequency of occurrence of the genotypes containing VRQ allele. In old-type Polish Merino, three animals (of both genders) had VRQ/VRQ genotype. Breeding work involving elimination of animals encoding valine at codon 136, and introduction of rams with ARR allele to the population increased the frequency of occurrence of ARR/ARR genotype and ARR allele in the population of old-type Polish Merino. To improve the distribution of the genotypes genetically resistant to scrapie in the flock of Polish Merino only rams with ARR/ARR genotype were left. This guarantees an increase in the frequency of occurrence of genotypes genetically resistant to scrapie in the offspring.

Appropriate level of bio-components in blood plasma of animals is associated with their concentration in soil and in green fodder. Cycling of elements in nature and their adequate level in animal organisms result in proper functioning of an organism as a whole (Khan et al. 68:279-284, 2007). Therefore, it is important to analyse soil and green fodder for these components. If some deficits are found, it is important to supplement components responsible for e.g. proper growth and development of a young organism, proper reproduction and, consequently, good quality of obtained product, which may affect human health (Minzanova et al. 134:524-533, 2015). The aim of the presented study was to demonstrate the effect of extensive grazing by sheep on vegetation and soil and to analyse the cycling of some elements important for animal health. The effects of vegetation season on the concentration of potassium in soil and differences in the concentration of some elements in soil, green fodder and animal blood were demonstrated.

Some quality traits of meat from purebred French Alpine kids and Boer crossbreeds aged 50 days were evaluated in the study. Samples of m. quadriceps femoris were taken to determine the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of meat as well as a water-to-protein ratio, energy value, levels of cholesterol and amino acids in protein, and fatty acid concentration in intramuscular fat. It was found that meat from crossbred kids, compared to meat from purebred kids, contained more intramuscular fat, cholesterol and vitamin A, had a higher calorific value, a brighter color, a lower water-holding capacity, a higher level of physiological maturity (measured as the value of a water-to-protein ratio), and got higher scores for tenderness and juiciness. The protein of meat from crossbred kids had a more desirable essential amino acid/non-essential amino acid (EAA/NEAA) ratio, while intramuscular fat contained less OFAs and had more desirable unsaturated fatty acid/ saturated fatty acid (UFA/SFA) and DFA/OFA (UFA+C18:0/SFA-C18:0) ratios. Due to a high protein content (19.44 and 19.74 %), low levels of fat (1.67 and 1.96 %) and cholesterol (48.76 and 56.63 mg/100g), a low energy value (96.36 and 101.47 kcal/100g), a high concentration of essential amino acids, a desirable fatty acid profile and high scores for sensory properties, meat from purebred French Alpine kids and (especially) Boer crossbreds may be recommended as a valuable component of a low-fat diet.

The study presents changes and tendencies in sheep and goat production from 1990 to 2004 in Central and Eastern Europe. Aspects considered are numbers of animals and potential of milk, meat, skin and wool production in sheep and goats. Moreover, the paper describes the production systems and the organization of sheep and goat production as well as the supporting schemes, profitability of production and perspectives of breeding of small ruminants in this region. A significant revival in this production sector in Central and Eastern Europe can be expected in those countries which joined the European Union in 2004.

The number of nematode eggs in the faeces was estimated in Polish Wrzosowka sheep, in the spring and autumn of 1993 and again in 1994. The sheep had been naturally infected. The dominant species were Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta, but Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia curticei, Nematodirus spp. and Chabertia ovina were also present. Anthelmintics were not used. Egg counts were skewed, with a range of 0–4100 eggs g−1 (EPG); most sheep had egg counts below 100 EPG. Egg counts were approximately four times higher in spring than in autumn. Repeatability values within a season were all significant and positive. The repeatability of egg counts between seasons was estimated from the correlation between the mean transformed value in spring and in autumn, and was 0.52 in 1993 (P < 0.001) and 0.41 in 1994 (P < 0.05). The results show that animals with higher than average values in spring are likely to have higher than average values in autumn, and suggest that similar mechanisms regulated egg counts in both seasons even though egg counts were much lower in autumn.

The short-tailed sheep, native of an area stretching from Russia to Iceland, are generally considered a primitive type. These robust northern sheep seem to have been spread by Norse vikings to several countries in this area from the late eighth century to the middle of the eleventh century ad. They have several common characteristics in addition to the fluke-shaped and tapered short tail, such as a wide range of colour patterns, dual-coated wool and the ability to thrive under harsh environmental conditions, often in isolated marginal areas. While 34 short-tailed breeds of North European origin can still be identified, it is clear that their population sizes have declined in most cases and several of them are now rare and endangered. Although these breeds have mainly been confined to certain localities, some of them have gained considerable distribution due to their genetic merits, such as prolificacy. Of these, the Finnsheep and the Romanov are best known being exported to several countries in the world where their genetic material has been utilized through crossbreeding with local sheep. This has resulted in the production of some new synthetic breeds. Meat is now generally the main product of the North European short-tailed breeds and their crossbreds, whereas wool, skins and milk are normally regarded as byproducts, yet of considerable economic importance in some cases. Such breeds have clearly a role to play in sustainable grassland-based production systems in the future.

Protozoal infection of T. gondii is a public health problem and also causes serious economic losses in livestock production in many countries. Farm animals from organic farms are more likely to be infected. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among 50 dairy goats from an organic farm in the northwestern Poland region and to assess the prevalence of parasite DNA in the milk of infected animals. Serological tests performed by direct agglutination of IgG antibodies against T. gondii were positive in 10% of the tested animals. No parasite DNA was detected in the milk from the seropositive goats. However, the number of tested animals was too small to draw significant epidemiological conclusions.

The polymorphism of prion protein (PrP) amino acids in codons 136 (A/V), 154 (R/H); and 171 (Q/R/H) was established. Reproductive performance of mother sheep was evaluated analysing the fertility coefficient and litter size, i.e. the number of born and reared lambs. The studies included mothers of synthetic lines BCP - 111 sheep and SCP - 104 sheep born in 2001-2007. In the examined ovine PRNP gene, the following four alleles were identified: ARR, AHQ, ARQ, and VRQ, with the absence of the ARH allele. The highest frequency was determined for the ARR (49.8%) and ARQ (45.8%) alleles. In the studied sheep population, the occurrence of seven different genotypes was reported. It was found that 71.6% of the animals had the genotypes ARR/ARR, ARR/ARQ, and ARR/AHQ, which are regarded as the most resistant to scrapie, while 7.9% of the population had ARR/VRQ-bearing genotypes (low resistance) or ARQ/VRQ ones (high susceptibility to scrapie). The analysis of the obtained results indicates that the PRNP genotype does not affect reproduction efficiency of mothers, or their offspring growth. It was concluded that flock elimination of ewes of genotypes with high and very high susceptibility to scrapie will not reduce the reproduction parameters of ewes or growth of their lambs.