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Biodegradable packaging, both alone and in combination with acid whey protein coatings, has been used to pack fresh Gouda cheese to improve preservation prior ripening or storage. This study involved three key components: (i) the selection of biodegradable packaging (BP), (ii) the development of a plain liquid acid whey protein concentrate, pectin-based edible coating (BP + Ch + Coating), and (iii) the incorporation of at least 6 log10 CFU (colony forming units) mL−1 Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (BP + Ch + Coating + Lp) and Lactobacillus helveticus (BP + Ch + Coating + Lh) strains. The created compositions were compared with cheese packed in conventional polyethylene (PE) packaging to evaluate their overall synergy effect in reducing microbiological spoilage and influencing chemical parameters in Gouda cheese during 45 days of ripening and cold storage. The evaluation included microbiological analysis (total LAB, Enterobacteriaceae spp., and fungi CFU) and quality assessment of pH, moisture content, water activity, texture, and colour (CEI system) during ripening and shelf life. Although biodegradable packaging (BP) alone did not protect the cheese effectively compared to conventional packaging (EVA/PE/EPC/PVDC), the combination of biodegradable packaging with a coating (BP + Ch + Coating) showed protective properties against Enterobacteriaceae spp. and mould, maintaining moisture, pH, and colour during ripening and storage. Incorporation of L. helveticus (BP + Ch + Coating + Lh) into the coating efficiently decreased the growth of fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial human gastroenteritis in the European Union. Poultry products contaminated with C. jejuni are considered the main source of human campylobacteriosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural antimicrobials (lactic acid, linalool and cinnamaldehyde) against campylobacters in culture medium and on poultry breast fillets. In addition, total aerobic bacterial count was estimated on broiler breast fillets treated with different concentrations of bioactive compounds to determine whether it could prolong the shelf life of poultry product. Despite the significant reduction of C. jejuni numbers in culture medium by lactic acid, linalool and cinnamaldehyde, these bioactive compounds had considerably lower effect on poultry product. C. jejuni numbers were reduced by 1.22 log10 CFU/g when treated with 5% lactic acid (P≥0.05), by 1.21-2.72 log10 CFU/g depending on the time after exposure to 2 % cinnamaldehyde (P≤0.05) and by 1.09 log10 CFU/g after treatment with 2 % linalool (P≥0.05). Total aerobic bacterial count was reduced significantly by 3 % and 5 % lactic acid and 2.5 % and 3 % cinnamaldehyde (P≤0.05). This research offers new effective control measures for campylobacters as possible replacement to chemicals now suggested for decontamination purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithuanian farm animal genetic resources have a selective, economic, scientific, ecological, cultural, and historical importance to the Republic of Lithuania, and are an important part of global biodiversity. In Lithuania, now we have more than 20 cattle breeds of which 4 breeds are local: Lithuanian Black and White, Lithuanian Red (modern breeds), Lithuanian Light Grey and Lithuanian White Backed (indigenous). However due to the rapid agricultural development, highly productive and specialized cattle supplanted local breeds, which appeared on the verge of extinction. Only after forming relict gene-stocking herds and starting to breed by pure breeding, indigenous breeds were retained (Baltrėnaitė et al., 2003). As the old indigenous cattle breeds were poorly studied, our research was directed to analyze changes of reproductive performance and productivity parameters of indigenous, Lithuanian Light Grey and White Backed, cows. Data analysis showed that number of lactations of Light Grey and White Backed cows is higher than of Black and White and Red cows, moreover their average age at firs calving is less and calving interval is shorter, that means indigenous cows are productive for a longer time period. The average milk yield of Light Grey cows is quite high (15.442 kg) and is close enough to milk yield of the most productive (16.035 kg) Black and White cows. Milk of Light Grey and White Backed cows is characterized by high level of milk protein (3.406 and 3.408 % respectively) and less fat (4.134 and 4.320 % respectively). The average amount of Light Grey and White Backed cows' milk protein and fat is influenced by lactation period. Whereas calving season has an impact on milk yield, milk protein, fat and somatic cells count of both indigenous breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study mainly focused on the influence of Lactobacillus sakei KTU05-6 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KTU05-8 fermentations, after their cultivation on a solid-state medium substrate (pre-ferment) of extruded grain (corn and rice), and on the safety, technology and sensory properties of raw and pasteurized milk products treated with fermented grain extrudates. The strains investigated showed different behavior in pre-fermentation processes: P. pentosaceus KTU05-8 multiplied more actively and L. sakei KTU05-6 produced more organic acids. Both strains were able to reduce the numbers of coliform in fermented raw milk. P. pentosaceus and L. sakei produced more (from 2.2 till 2.8 times) L(+) than D(-) isomer (in milk samples fermented with P. pentosaceus cultivated in extruded corn substrate and milk samples fermented with L. sakei cultivated in extruded rice substrate, respectively). The results show that certain lactobacilli such as L. sakei and P. pentosaceus in a pre-ferment of extruded grain (corn and rice), added to pasteurized and/or raw milk, lower pH and fat content of the final product, improve the acceptability of the end product and reduce coliform bacteria in the final product derived from raw milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to compare the biofilm formation and resistance of Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 strains isolated from pig production chain and patients clinical specimens to five antimicrobials (minimum inhibitory concentration). Bacteria with different PFGE genotypes were selected for this study. Eleven Y. enterocolitica 4/0:3 strains from pig production chain and eight strains from patients stool clinical specimens were studied. The results of our study showed that Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 strains isolated from pig production chain and patients stool clinical specimens shared similar antimicrobial resistance. All Y. enterocolitica strains tested were resistant to ampicillin and erythromycin, yet susceptible to ciprofloxacin. One and two of 19 tested strains were resistant to streptomycin and tetracycline, respectively. No statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between bacteria genotypes and antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentration were observed. All tested Y. enterocolitica strains formed biofilms, however, no significant difference in biofilm formation was detected between different bacteria genotypes and no correlation between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance of different genotypes was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this work was to analyze contamination of Lithuanian primary products of animal origin with some of the persistent organic pollutants (POP's), heavy metals and radionuclides in the ten years period of monitoring. The influence of the year, the type of pollutant and the type of product on the number of tested and non-compliant samples (samples which exceeded the determined maximum residue limit) was analysed. The analyses showed a significant impact of all those factors on the number of tested and non-compliant samples. Before 2004, only residues of chloroorganic pesticides and PCB were tested in Lithuania. From 2004, organic compounds of phosphorus and dioxins were started to be monitored. In poultry, fish and wild game residues of chloroorganic pesticides were found which exceeded the permissible limits; most of them in game meat (p≤0.05). The remains of chloroorganic pesticides, DDT (p≤0.05) in particular, were most common among the non-compliant samples of POP's. Significant residues of dioxins were found only in fish. The number of non-compliant cadmium samples was higher than that of lead (p≤0.001). The specific activity of artificial radionuclides (137Cs and 90Sr) in animal food products was significantly lower than the permissible limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Language in Different Contexts / Kalba ir Kontekstai is the property of Vytautas Magnus University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Language in Different Contexts / Kalba ir Kontekstai is the property of Vytautas Magnus University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the factors influencing weaning-to-first-service interval (WSI) duration in Lithuanian pig herds and WSI effect on reproductive traits. The present study was based on data from 399 crossbred between native Lithuanian White and Danish Landrace (LWxDL) and 239 purebred Danish Landrace (DL) sows from different herds. The 1st model factors influencing WSI interval were analysed. WSI was regarded as dependent variable. The factors first mating after weaning (FM), parity number (PN), weaning month (WM), influencing WSI were classified and included in the model as independent variable. The effect of WSI on litter size was analysed in the 2nd statistical model. Effect of herd and breed interaction on sow reproductive performance was analysed in the 3d model. Results in Lithuanian pig herds indicate that WSI was 9.34±1.12 days, and it was about 2 days longer compared with other countries commercial herds. Our analysis of WSI revealed that the FM, PN, WM, sow herd-breed all had significant influence (0.05≥p≤0.001). Total litter size decreased for about 0.71 piglet when WSI duration was longer than 4 days (p<0.05). There was a difference between purebred DL and crossbred LWxDL in respect of several reproductive traits, including WSI, age at first mating (AFM), gestation length (GL), lactation length (LL), sow's age at culling (SAC) and litter size (p=0.001). In Lithuanian pig herds the average of AFM was 10 days shorter for LWxDL than for DL gilts (p≤0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the date of carcasses of pigs grown in A and B large farms in Lithuania. The carcasses weight, fat thickness measured in F1and F2 points, a diameter of loin in Fat2 point were compared in carcasses of pigs grown in 2 different farms. Meatness (lean meat content) of pig carcasses was detected using FOM S 70 device. In addition the influence of feed rations on pigs carcasses meatness was evaluated. The results of this study showed, that average weigh of carcasses of pigs grown in A farm, was 1.04 times (P<0.05) smaller, fat measured in F1 point 1.14 times (p<0.05), and in F2 point - 1.02 times (p>0.05) were thinner compared to B farm pigs. The average of carcasses lean meat content was 1.018 (p<0.05) times higher in pigs, grown in A farm than in carcasses of pigs obtained from B farm. In pigs carcasses obtained from A farm, the highest classes (S, E, U) of lean meat content, were detected in 97% cases, although in B farm - 83% of cases respectively. In farm A kept pig crossbreds of English White Large, Lorwegian Landrasses, Pjetrains breeds were leaner than grown in B farm crossbreds obtained from crossing Lithuanian White, Danish Diuroc, Danish Jorkshyre, Danish Landrasses breeds. It was detected that in A farm feed rations for fattening pigs, 0,38 MJ dietary energy or 1,11%, 2,4% green protein, 7,22% fat, 0,01% triptophan, and 0,5% of Na were higher than in rations used in B farm respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the work was to study the histomorphological structure of testicles and testosterone levels in peripheral blood serum from culled in Lithuanian breeder-ground boars, taking into consideration the effect of alteration-inducing pathological factors. In the present work 63 boars that were culled in AI centers due to the different reasons of reproductive failure were included into the analysis. The effects of individual boar, age of boar, season, and age by season interaction effect were included into the model. The culled boars were analyzed for peripheral blood testosterone levels, sperm morphology, and presence of other than spermatozoa cells in the ejaculate. Histomorphological evaluation of testes was carried out after the slaughter. The analysis reveled that boar effect was the major factor influencing the culling rate based on increased numbers of sperm head, tail pathologies and pathologies of semen as well as in the testicles. The age of the boar and the season were the factors that had effect (p≤ 0.05) on the incidence of sperm pathologies. Histological evaluation of the testicles of the culled boars showed interstitial orchitis and mild (in case of sperm tail- and head-pathologies) and partial (total sperm pathology) degeneration of seminiferous tubules, but no histologically detectable changes in the epididymes. The peripheral blood plasma testosterone level did not differ significantly from the control group and other cells than spermatozoa in the ejaculates were not detected. In the case of pathologic condition in spermatozoa and testicles (oligospermia), testicles are small, soft and weight less compared to the control group (p≤ 0.05); peripheral blood plasma testosterone levels were by 207.4 mmol/l lower compared to the control (p≤ 0.005) sperm samples contained high incidence of lymphocytes and a few leukocytes. Histological evaluation of the affected testicles revealed interstitial non-purulent orchitis, total degeneration and necrosis of seminiferous tubules, degeneration of some efferent tubules in the epididymes, focal fibrosis of interstitial tissue and hyperplasia of pseudosratified epithelium of columnar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, main product development and research in the dairy industry have been targeted to the enrichment of products with local natural preservatives and wild-type starters leading to enhanced product safety and sustainability. The objective of the present study was to enhance the safety, quality, sensory acceptability, and sustainability of traditional East European soured milk by adding wild-type Lactococcus lactis bacteria and dill (Anethum graveolens) CO2 extract. All fortified samples showed lower pH (0.05-0.1 points) at Days 1-14, lower D (-) lactate content (8-25%) throughout the whole storage, higher phenolic content (1-2%) and slightly higher overall acceptability at the end of storage compared with unfortified samples. Due to these properties and little impact on the industrial starter and wild L. lactis, dill CO2 extract could be incorporated to soured milk production. Both tested wild-type Lactococcus lactis strains were able to reduce the pH of the milk to standard value 4.46-4.64 in 8 h and produced mainly L (+) lactic acid during storage time. Wild-type L. lactis maintained LAB counts at 1 log unit higher than the control sample until Day 14. Wild-type strains showed high viability during storage time, and actively acidified milk creating acceptable flavor, so they could be promising starters as a single strain or co-starter cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the carcass parameters in pig fattening units with different management system - a complete all-in-all-out system for the whole farm (Group 1) and fattening farms continously put pigs into the fattening units (Group 2). In both groups the carcasses weight, fat thickness, lean meat content were compared. Carcass weight was detected using scales in slaughter line („Soenle", Germany). Meatness (lean meat content) of pig carcasses was detected using „Introscope" (SFK, Denmark) device. The results of performed study showed, that average weigh of carcasses in Group 1 was on 4.9 kg (p<0.05) higher, fat on 1.3 mm (p<0.05) thiner compared to Group 2. The average of lean meat content in carcass was on 1.7% (p<0.05) higher in pigs from Group 1 compared to carcasses in Group 2. In carcasses of pigs with complete all-in-all-out system for the whole farm the highest meatness classes (S,E,U) were found on 1.15 times (p<0.05) more frequently compared to the fattening farms continously put pigs into the fattening units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to isolate and identify thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks using Polymerase Chain Reaction based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Forty cloacal samples were taken and examined from four randomly selected poultry flocks in different poultry farms in Lithuania. Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were isolated by both direct inoculation on mCCDA selective medium and by selective enrichment in Bolton enrichment broth. The results of our study showed that all four examined poultry flocks were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Using PCR assay amplification of 491 bp amplicon of a highly polymorphic part of the 23 S rRNA gene out of 40 broiler cloacal samples examined Campylobacter spp. were detected and confirmed in 37 samples (92.5 %). After subsequent digestion of the PCR products with restriction enzymes Alul and TspEI, C. jejuni was identified in 32 (86.5 %) and C. coli in 5 (13.5 %) out of 37 isolates. Three broiler flocks of four examined were contaminated only with C. jejuni and one flock carried out mixed infection with C. jejuni and C. coli. To our knowledge, this is the first report of thermophilic Campylobacter isolation and identification from broilers in Lithuania. The results obtained in present study could serve for future surveillance on Campylobacter bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk composition and its density in dairy cows were investigated in Lithuania. The aim of performed study was establisment of more precise conversion coefficient of milk volume to it's mass. The limits of fluctuation of chemical composition of milk and milk density were determined. The correlation coefficient for density of milk and: milk protein (0.426), milk fat (0.313), and dry milk matter (0.534) were estimated. It was determined that precise density of milk, from different regions of Lithuania in different seasons of the year at 20°C temperature is 1028 kg/m³ (1.028 g/cm³). Therefore, the conversion coefficient 1.028 for the supplied milk mass, if the actual density of bulk milk is not being estimated, can be applied in Lithuania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present reseach the influence of zinc ions (Zn2+) on the activity of 5-aminoleavulinic acid dehydratase (5-ALAD) in blood in vitro upon impact of cadmium (Cd2+), sulphate (SO4 2-) and chloride (Cl-) ions was investigated. The obtained curves of the consecutive multidot dependences and Cd2+ concentrations causing half-maximal inhibition (IC50 *) showed that Cd2+ inhibited the activity of enzyme 5-ALAD in vitro in higher extent compared to equimolar concentrations of Zn2+. In comparison to Zn2+ the leap of enzymes activity inhibition and IC50 occurred under the lower concentrations of Cd2+. Reduced concentrations of SO4 2- and Cl- increased the 5-ALAD activity penetrating its maximumes, while high concentrations of SO4 2- and Cl- decreased the activity of enzyme, but not inhibited the enzymes activity. The shift of the leap and IC50 of the inhibition of 5-ALAD activity under the impact of Cd2+ ions inhibited the enzyme later in precence of Zn2+ additions and lower compared to natural concentration of Zn2+. aAlthough Zn2+ ions are characterized by the low protective activity in vitro. The investigations showed that the effects of SO4 2-, Cl-, Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions on blood 5-ALAD activity can be predicted, compared and evaluated in vitro according to the impulse of the leap of enzyme inhibition (concentration value of the catalytic poison, which cause half-maximal inhibition - IC50). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate microbiological quality of drinking water from centralized and small community supply systems in Kaunas region, Lithuania. In total 1345 samples of drinking water were analyzed from both centralist and individual water supplies in 2004 - 2006. The results of our study showed that 94.4% of tested drinking water samples from centralized drinking water supply systems is of high microbiological quality and fulfill requirements of drinking water standard HN 24:2003. Drinking water from dug wells is more often contaminated and does not fit drinking water standard requirements. We found that contamination of drinking water by coliforms, enterococci and E. coli exceeded microbiological requirements in 12.8 %, 23.4% and 16.7 % of tested samples respectively. Maximum number of E.coli and faecal enterococci, 4.22±0.85 and 3.14±0.90 cfu/100ml respectively, in drinking water from centralist water supply was detected in summer. Maximum number of coliforms- 1.12±0.02 cfu/100ml, in spring. The highest number of coliforms (5.04±2.66 cfu/100ml) in drinking water samples from individual water supplies was detected in summer. Whereas the highest contamination by E.coli and faecal enterococci was detected in autumn, 8.96±3.23 cfu/100ml and 8.02±2.56 cfu/100ml, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the main microbiological parameters of drinking milk (total bacterial count, coliforms, Salmonella spp.) and kefir (coliforms, yeast and moulds) produced by the milk processing company A. The microbiological parameters of drinking milk and kefir were analyzed according to the company's self- control plan. In 2003–2004 the average of total bacteria count in drinking milk (3.0×10³±1.0×10³ CFU/ml) was above standard limits (P<0.05). Number of coliforms in drinking milk exceeded the established limits in autumn of 2003 and in winter of 2004. The significant seasonal variations in total bacterial counts and number of coliforms were registered (p<0,001). Salmonella spp. was not found in any tested samples. In 2003–2004 Number of coliforms and moulds in kefir were under the established limits (respectively <3 CFU/ml and <1,0×10 CFU/ml). Differently, number of yeast exceeded the limits in the all tested samples. Amount of yeast differed statistically significant among seasons of analysis (P≤0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective use of diagnostic technique is the main tool for successful control and prevention of the spread of BVDV infection. In order to estimate the reliability of serological investigation data a comparative assessment of standard virus neutralisation (VN) test (50 μl of a stock of cytopathogenic NADL strain of BVDV containing 100 TCID50 tissue culture infective dose), modified VN test (50 μl of a stock of cytopathogenic NADL strain of BVDV containing 1000 TCID50 tissue culture infective dose) and a competition antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ab ELISA) were performed. For the present study one hundred twenty different age cattle were randomly selected. The results from this study indicate that a standard VN reaction revealed 52.5%, a modified VN reaction 45% and Ab ELISA 49.2% of cattle positive to BVDV. The differences were not statistically significant (3.3–7.5%, p>0.05). Differences were determined in different age groups, for example, in 8–12 month-old calves (20.0–30.0 % of positive) and cows(68.4–78.9 % of positive), respectively. In order to determine the differences in the data of blood serum analysis obtained by standard VN and Ab ELISA, sensitivity and specificity of competition Ab ELISA was assessed according to OIE standards. It was determined that the competition Ab ELISA is a sensitive (91.2%) and specific (95.1%) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present reasearch the influence of chemical analogues - sulphide (S2-) and selenide (Se2-) ions - on the activity of δ-aminoleavulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) in bovine blood in vitro upon impact of lead ions (Pb2+) was investigated. It was shown that high concentrations of Se2- inhibited the activity of enzyme δ-ALAD in vitro in higher extent compared to equimolar concentrations of S2- . The leap of enzyme activity inhibition occurred under the lower concentrations of Se2- in comparison to S2-. The shift of the leap of the inhibition of δ-ALAD activity under the impact of Pb2+ ions depended on the S2- concentration as follows: Pb2+ ions inhibited the enzyme activity faster in the absence of S2- if compared to the presence of low substantial active concentration of S2- ions. The S2- ions had the protective properties on the enzyme activity in vitro since the δ-ALAD activity was not inhibited completely even at high concentration of the S2- ions. The addition of Se2- ions to the bovine blood acted similarly to S2- ions and slowed down the lead hazardous impact on the enzyme's activity. It showed that Se2- ions as well as S2- ions had protective properties in vitro. The comparison of protective properties revealed that the activity of δ-ALAD activity upon impact of lead ions decreased in less extent in the presence of Se2- ions if compared to the presence of S2- ions. Although both anions are characterized by the protective activity in vitro, the protective activity of Se2- anions was higher than of S2-. The investigations showed that the effects of the ions on blood δ-ALAD activity can be foreseen, compared and evaluated in vitro according to the impulse of the leap of enzyme inhibition (concentration value of the catalytic poison, which corresponds to half-leap of the enzyme inhibition). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]