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The purpose of this study was to practically apply this protocol in a private shelter in Cluj county, Romania. The welfare of the sheltered dogs was carried out on three levels: the management of the shelter, measures at pen level and the individual evaluation of the dogs. The main problems identified in the studied shelter were: the lack of indoor enclosures to protect the dogs in cold or hot periods; permanently deficient bedding; the diet rich in carbohydrates and low in fats and proteins; showing fear towards the evaluator; lack of a socialization program; the absence of a coherent adoption strategy; unqualified staff in animal behavior and welfare. Applying the shelter quality protocol is useful because it identifies the shelter's critical control points regarding the welfare of the housed dogs. Their prompt remediation will lead to an adequate animal welfare.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the welfare of sheltered dogs using behavioral indicators that indicate negative and positive emotional states (provoked and unprovoked behavior). The behavior of the selected animals was evaluated by direct observation of the indicators. The data collected was used for computing a life quality score (LQ). Forty-three behavioral indicators (23 negative indicators and 20 positive indicators) were identified and analyzed in 20 dogs housed for more than two years in the shelter. Six negative indicators (tail chasing, circling, escape attempt, chewing bars, coprophagy and lifting a front leg) were not identified in any of the 20 evaluated dogs. An average LQ score of 0.115 was obtained, with values between -0.35 and 0.4. The results showed that 55% of the assessed dogs had higher LQ scores than the mean value. Canine behavior can be assessed within a reasonable amount of time by recording the presence or absence of certain behavioral indicators. These recordings can then be processed to obtain a quality of life score for each animal.

Despite considerable research regarding the benefits of natural living conditions on several aspects of the health and well-being of dairy cows, the effects of pasture access on their overall welfare are less studied. In this comparative study, the Welfare Quality® protocol was applied in 22 zero-grazing and 17 grazing access farms with an ulterior statistical exploration of the differences found. Moreover, correlations were calculated between pasture access and animal-based welfare measures. Aside from the multiple benefits of pasturing identified within the welfare measures, criteria, and principles, in the overall classification, the farms with permanent confinement ranked lower than the grazing farms. Although both systems used free-stall barns, allowing the cows’ movement, the grazing animals showed improved overall welfare. Yet, the origin-related adaptation of the animals could play a role. The authors recommend research-based tailoring whenever these conditions are intended to be transposed in technology, especially in intensive systems.

The aim of this study was the assessment of the airborne microorganisms in tie-stall dairy cattle barns, through determination of the total number of bacteria (mesophilic bacteria, staphylococci, streptococci and gram-negative bacteria) and fungi. We investigated 8 dairy cattle barns with tie-stalls in Brasov County during the winter of 2009. The mean numbers of bacteria and fungi in the morning and in the evening were: 1.02 × 105 - 1.26 × 105 CFU/m3 for mesophilic bacteria, 5.34 × 104 - 5.91 × 104 CFU/m3 for staphylococci, 2.93 × 104 - 3.60 × 104 CFU/m3 for streptococci, 2.17 × 103 - 3.48 × 103 CFU/m3 for gram-negative bacteria and 1.54 × 104 - 2.75 × 104 CFU/m3 for fungi. In the investigated cattle houses staphylococci represented 52.35 – 46.90%, streptococci were 28.73 – 28.57%, and the gram-negative bacteria were 2.13 – 2.76% within the overall number of mesophilic bacteria. The numbers of bacteria and fungi were slightly elevated in the evening comparative to the morning, but the differences were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The great numbers of bacteria and fungi in the air of dairy cattle tie-stall barns indicate an elevated risk of disease for animals and human workers.

The aim of the study was to quantify the ammonia concentrations from the air of dairy cattle tie-stall barns and to compare it with threshold limits recommended in our country and in other countries. The significance of interactions between ammonia concentration and air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity was also determined. Two measurements were done in each barn, in the morning and in the evening of the same day. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated significant differences between the two measurements only for the ammonia concentrations in the air (p=0.003). In 20% of the investigated cattle barns the ammonia concentration was bellow 10 ppm, in 20% of these it varied from 11 and 26 ppm while in 60% of these, it exceeded 26 ppm. There was a significantly positive correlation between relative humidity and ammonia concentration in all barns, both for the morning (r=0.57, p=0.008) and for the evening (r=0.64, p=0.002) measurements. Assuming an ammonia threshold limit of 26 ppm, 60% of the dairy cattle barns in this study exceeded this recommended limit, indicating a need for improved housing conditions in the future.

Glass samples from vitreous system 1.5Ag2O98.5%[0.47B2O3(0.53-x)CaOxP2O5] with 0 £ x £ 0.08 have been obtained by undercooled method. The magnetic species existing in glass powders have been highlighting by mean of electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The resonance linewidth analysis reveal the interactions between magnetic ions.

Study physico- chemical parameters is an integral part in the study of any ecosystem, especially at the level of aquatic. Indicators of water quality is mirrored in the final fish production obtained, thei acting and interacting simultaneously.

The structure in the aquatic ecosystem of the whole can not be neglected in the first place because of the seasons, months, factors and processes that happens, with primary or secondary importance in relation to the problems studied (water quality, phytoplankton evolution, fish production).

The aim of this paper was to assess the quality of water consumed by animals in rural households and farms. The water quality was determined based on indicator parameters (pH, ammonia, sulphates, iron, chlorides, organic substances, overall hardness, total number of germs, number of Coliform bacteria) and chemical parameters (nitrites, nitrates), by collecting and analyzing 40 water samples (from 20 households and 20 farms). The results were compared to the provisions of the Laws 458/2002 and 311/2004. Three water samples (15%) from rural households had nitrates exceeding the threshold levels. Within the indicator parameters, the following ones showed alterations: ammonia (20% from samples), sulphates (40% from samples), chlorides (35% from samples), overall hardness (60% from samples), organic substances (20% from samples), total number of germs (all of the samples) and the number of Coliform bacteria (90% from samples), respectively. The water used in farms had no alterations of the chemical parameters. Within the indicator parameters, the following showed divergences from the legal provisions: overall hardness (85%), the total number of germs (50% from samples) and the number of Coliform bacteria (35% from samples). The obtained results indicate a better quality of water consumed by animals in farms in comparison with water consumed by them in rural households.

The aim of this paper was to assess the microbiologic quality of air in broiler houses. The number of bacteria (mesophile, staphylococci, streptococci and gram-negatives) and fungi was determined in 6 broiler houses with chicken of different ages (1-6 weeks old) through specific methods. The results were statistically processed by using the SPSS software, version 17. The number of bacteria and fungi varied in the 6 broiler houses, ranging from 2.25 x 105 to 2.17 x 106 for the total number of mesophilic bacteria, between 3.5 x 104 – 1.27 x 106 for staphylococci, 7.4 x 104 – 5.01 x 105 for streptococci, 3.5 x 103 – 1.53 x 104 for gram-negatives and from 1.67 x 104 to 8.13 x 104 for fungi, respectively. The number of bacteria and fungi were significantly lower for the younger chicken (p < 0.05). The proportions of groups with hygienic significance within the total mesophilic bacteria number were: 15.7% - 68.6% staphylococci, 6.7% - 45.6% streptococci and 0.2% - 4.5% gram-negatives. The comparative appraisal of the microbiologic quality in the broiler houses showed better air quality in the youngest chicken’s house (one week of age). The obtained results indicate the necessity for increased ventilation and for air disinfection during the chicken’s fattening period.

In this work, vitreous oxidic structures from the xAg2O×(100-x)[45ZnO55B2O3] system were prepared, with a high content of silver oxide 0≤x≤7 mol%. The start substances were mixed in appropriate proportions and melted at 1230 °C, then undercooled at room temperature. The samples were obtained in the form of disks with a width between 2 and 5 mm by pressure between two stainless steel plates. In this work, vitreous oxidic structures from the xAg2O(100-x)[45ZnO55B2O3] system were prepared, with a high content of silver oxide 0≤x≤7 mol%. The start substances were mixed in appropriate proportions and melted at 1230 C, then undercooled at room temperature. The samples were obtained in the form of disks with a width between 2 and 5 mm by pressure between two stainless steel plates. The capacity of interaction with bacterial culture was investigated in agar environment through the method of dilution for gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. in order to use them for medical purposes. The most intense effect was registered in the case of Staphylococcus aureus, and the samples which do not contain silver, turned out efficient against both investigated strains.

In this work the ability of the system xAg2O  (100-x) [45ZnO55B2O3] oxide glasses to inhibit the growth of bacteria Eschierchia coli, Pseudomonas and Salmonella was investigated. Using the diffusimetric method there were measured the diameters of inhibition, in order to classify the sensitivity of gram negative bacteria to oxide compounds containing silver, for their use as filters. Vitreous samples were processed as powders with grain between 45 and 75 m and less than 45 m for a large of contact area with the microorgansms and to make possible the study of biological effect of grain addiction. Action of the investigated oxide system against the gram negative bacteria is strictly related to the presence of silver oxide in glass composition.

The aim of this study was to assess the hygienic quality of raw cow milk based on the total bacterial count (TBC), in farms from Transylvania. There were collected and analysed 288 milk samples from 12 farms (24 samples/farm). The total bacterial counts varied greatly in the milk from the investigated farms, from 55 CFU/ml to 693 x 103 CFU/ml. Significant differences were demonstrated among the majority of the farms (P

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the hygiene of the barns and of the raw milk in tie stall dairy barns. Ten dairy farms with tie stalls from Transylvania were included in the study. The barn hygiene was evaluated based on the cows’ body hygiene. 820 dairy cows were assessed. The hygiene of the raw milk was investigated by the determination of the total bacteria count, in 359 individually milked samples. The data were analysed using the SPSS statistical software. The highest percentage of the 3 and 4 hygiene scores was recorded in the udder area, followed by the upper leg and flank and the lower leg. The total bacterial counts varied greatly in the milk from the investigated farms, from 100 CFU/ml to 307 x 103 CFU/ml. Four of the ten assessed barns were considered dirty and in five barns the total bacterial count exceeded the admitted limit. The barn hygiene correlated significantly with the hygiene of the raw milk (r = 0.82, P = 0.004). The results of the study attested that the hygiene quality of raw milk depends largely on the cleanliness of the barn where the animals are housed.

The aim of this paper was the study of the relationship between the air ammonia concentration and the bedding hygiene in dairy cow barns with different housing systems. The study was conducted in 16 dairy farms (8 with tied stalls and 8 with loose housing) in Transylvania, in the cold season. In each farm, the airborne ammonia concentration was measured in the morning and the hygiene of the bedding was assessed. Air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity in the barns were determined simultaneously. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The airborne ammonia concentration and the bedding hygiene score had significantly (P > 0.05) higher values in the barns with tie stalls. The ammonia concentration correlated positively with the bedding hygiene score in all the investigated farms. Keeping the bedding clean and dry in the dairy cows’ barns is an important factor in reducing the airborne ammonia concentration.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the bedding type on the welfare quality of broiler chicken kept in intensive breeding systems. The study was performed in two commercial farms (A and B) with different bedding (chopped straw in farm A, sunflower seed hulls in farm B). Except this, the birds were kept in the same conditions in both of the farms. The indicators included in the welfare assessment protocol evaluated relevant aspects of the farm management, housing conditions and the birds’ health (plumage cleanliness, locomotion, and lesions of the feet, hocks, and breast). All the indicators within the protocol were assessed by specific methods. The data were processed statistically with the SPSS software. The prevalence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns, and also the number of chicken with locomotion problems and dirty and wet plumage was higher in farm A than in farm B. Although the results of the study indicated major welfare problems in both investigated farms, yet in farm B the welfare of broiler chicken was better than in farm A, probably due to the type of bedding used.

The welfare assessment of horses includes the evaluation of their ability to cope with the challenges of their environment and of work given to them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the welfare of 12 clinically healthy horses from a riding school, using physiological indicators. Double determinations were made (in winter and in spring of 2011) by a set of two tests each time, before and after physical effort. The clinical parameters (heart and respiratory rate) were in the normal range at 20 minutes after effort, decreasing towards the resting values. Slightly higher values were recorded in the spring comparing with the winter, but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Even if were in the normal range, the results of the haematology tests and the blood sugar values showed clearly the response of the horses’ organisms to exercise. The serum cortisol concentrations presented an effort dependent elevation and higher values of the basic level were observed in the spring than in winter. The other stress-response indicator recorded, the neutrophyle-lymphocyte ratio, showed dynamics correlated with that of the cortisol level. The physiological indicators tested in this study proved their real value in the riding horses’ welfare assessment.

The aim of this study was to assess the welfare of the laying hens in two different housing systems (conventional batteries and furnished colony cages), evaluating the housing conditions and management practices and some animal-linked parameters (feather condition, diseases, production and mortality). Between 2009 and 2011 a large laying hen farm was assessed, before and after the modification of the housing system from conventional batteries to furnished colony cages. The housing conditions were significantly better after the housing system was changed. The mean score of the feather condition was slightly higher in the furnished cages, comparing with the conventional batteries, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The frequency of the lice infestation and the mortality of the birds were higher in the conventional housing than in the improved one. The egg production was not influenced by the housing system. Even if factors altering the laying hens’ welfare were identified in both housing systems, yet, based on the obtained results we can state that the welfare of the laying hens kept in furnished colony cages is better than that of the birds housed in conventional battery cages.

Ensuring a good air quality in pig farms is important for the health of animals and human workers. The aim of this study was the assessment of the microbiological quality of the air inside the pig houses and outside of these. The study was accomplished in two pig-fattening farms in Cluj County. The microbiological air quality was assessed in the cold and warm season, by determination of the total counts of mesophilic bacteria, staphylococci, streptococci, gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The bacterial and fungal counts varied in the air of the investigated farms. In relation to the season the mean counts of bacteria and fungi were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the cold season. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between the values of the parameters determined from the indoor air and those obtained outside, from a distance of 5 m from the pig houses. The numbers of the bacteria and fungi in the outdoor air lowered as the distance from the farms increased, the differences being significant at 25 and 50 m (P < 0.05). The results of the study show a high bacterial contamination of the indoor and outdoor air of the pig farms.

In a shared environment, our companion animals became unintended sentinels for pollutant exposure consequences, developing even earlier similar conditions to humans. This review focused on the human–pet cohabitation in an environment we all share. Alongside other species, canine and feline companions are veritable models in human medical research. The latency period for showing chronic exposure effects to pollutants is just a few years in them, compared to considerably more, decades in humans. Comparing the serum values of people and their companion animals can, for example, indicate the degree of poisonous lead load we are exposed to and of other substances as well. We can find 2.4 times higher perfluorochemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings in canine companions, 23 times higher values of flame retardants in cats, and 5 times more mercury compared to the average levels tested in humans. All these represent early warning signals. Taking these into account, together with the animal welfare orientation of today’s society, finding non-invasive methods to detect the degree of environmental pollution in our animals becomes paramount, alongside the need to raise awareness of the risks carried by certain chemicals we knowingly use.

Water intended for human consumption called drinking water must have a neutral pH, that is a pH value of 7. Below this pH value, the water is considered acidic; above this value it becomes alkaline. The pH value range tolerated by the human body is between 6.5 and 9. Alkaline water with pH values between 8.0 and 9.5 is considered one of the best types of drinking water due to its hydrating, detoxifying, and antioxidant effect. This study aimed to follow the biological effect of alkaline water consumption on body weight, blood glucose, and some blood biochemical parameters in a population of 20 rats. Rats were divided into two equal groups, a control group, and an experimental group. Both groups of rats were given 300 ml of water 3 times a day for 40 days. The rats in the control group received tap water from the mains and the rats in the experimental group received alkaline water with a pH of 8.5. Analysis of the physicochemical parameters of the two types of water revealed that their values do not exceed the maximum allowed according to the drinking water quality standards, except for the chloride values and the temporary hardness in alkaline water. The values obtained were analyzed and statistically interpreted and showed that consumption of alkaline water with pH 8.5 does not affect usual water intake, body mass values, and biochemical parameters; it does not produce systemic adverse effects, having a hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory effect.

Phytotherapy used various preparations in both human and veterinary medicine over time, due to their increased bioavailability and lower costs. Taraxacum officinale of Compositae family, well-known for its therapeutic effects, abundantly grows on Romanian pastures. The research aimed to investigate its alcoholic extract’s effects on cell-mediated immunity in anti-anthrax vaccinated, grazing sheep. Local Turcana ewes kept on pasture from spring to fall were sc vaccinated with R1190 attenuated anthrax strain, and blood was sampled before and 14 days after the vaccination. In vitro cell-mediated immunity was monitored employing phagocytosis and blast transformation tests in the presence of T. officinale alcoholic extract. The extract increased phagocytosis two weeks after the vaccination (p

Through the regulations CE.834/2007 and implementing rules CE 889/2008, regarding the organic production the treatment with antibiotics in livestock are extremely limited. Therefore plants can replace medicines in treatment of certain conditions. The plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine are varied depending on area, but this review refers to plants existing in Romania identical to those existing in other areas of the world, some being used only in certain areas, others in areal extended, but it can be a start for farmers to seek natural remedies. There are 66 plant species which belong to a large number of families, but most plants belong to the family Asteraceae (11 -16.66%), followed by species of family Solanaceae (6.06%) and family: Malvaceae, Adoxaceae, Convolvulacea, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae with 3 species each (4.54%). Of the plants, 11 species (16.8%) are considered to be toxic and 18 (27.2%) potentially toxic but, have therapeutic effect in extremely small amounts. Regardless of the area, plants are used in the same treatments in different form.

The aim of this work was the investigation of the effect of bedding type on the airborne concentration of bacteria and fungi in broiler houses. The study was performed in two commercial farms (A and B) with different bedding (chopped straw in farm A, sunflower seed hulls in farm B). The determination of the bacteria and fungi’s numbers was performed in the first and the sixth weeks of the production cycle. Both the concentration of the bacteria and fungi showed higher values in the farm A compared with the farm B, especially in the latter period of the production cycle. In both farms, significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded between the two periods of the determinations. The results of this study suggest that using sunflower seed hulls as bedding leads to lower levels of microbial contamination of the air in broiler houses, comparing with the use of chopped straw.

Despite an increase in awareness of their essential needs, many stallions continue to be kept in conditions limiting their social interactions and movement. To supplement the studies which highlight the effects of these practices on selected aspects of equine mental and physical wellbeing, we aimed to monitor a group of 32 adult intact stallions during their transition from tethered housing with limited outdoor access to free group housing through the lens of their overall welfare, perceived emotional status, and docility toward humans. Over three visits (before the management change, two weeks, and three months after, respectively), their welfare, qualitative behavior, and docility were assessed. Analysis of the data collected showed an improvement in the stallions’ overall welfare and no decrease in their docility after their group-release, with a constant correlation between these two aspects. The evaluation of their emotional states was less relevant, lacking consistency between the assessments for most of the descriptors used, warranting further research in similar conditions. Although our study covered a relatively short period of time, our results provide encouraging support for stallion owners in deciding on a similar management change for the welfare of their animals.

The purpose of the research was to identify the most convenient treatment applied to a surface water source which is permanently under the influence of contamination, in order to reduce organic matter, temporary hardness and TNG/ml water. Following the sedimentation process, temporary hardness values are close to those of the control samples (raw water) but, reductions and extremely significant differences (*** P

The aim of this study was the behavior assessment of dogs housed in a private shelter, before and after implementing an intensive social enrichment programme. Using an assessment protocol of provoked and unprovoked behavior, a range of behavioral indicators was recorded in 20 dogs housed for more than two years in the shelter. The data collected was used for computing a quality of life score (QL). After the implementation of the social enrichment programme, 75% of the studied dogs received higher QL scores compared with the initial assessment. At that stage, also a slight increasing in the proportion of the dogs’ positive indicators was seen. No significant difference was recorded when compared the results obtained by the two assessors. The higher QL scores obtained after the enrichment programme prove that such a programme has positive effects on the behavior and on the life quality of shelter dogs.

Romania is blessed with a rich spontaneous flora, but some of the plants are toxic by their consumption in cattle, affecting the health, productions and endangering consumer safety. Sometimes even the consumption of small amounts causes poisoning with a broad extension: from mild, moderate to severe and with chronic or acute manifestations. Plant action is not similar. Taxus Buccata, Eupatorium spp. (E. rugosum, E. urticaefolium, E. ogeratoides) are cardiotoxic plants, but, Eupatorium spp. also acts through depression of the central nervous system; Datura stramonium (Jimson weed), Solanum spp. (nightshades), Atropa belladonna (belladonna), are plants with cholinergic blocking; haemolytic anemia is caused by Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken fern) and Equisetum (horsetail). The poisoning with cyanogenic principles occurs at Sorghum spp (Johnson grass, sudan grass); Elderberry consumption, Senecio spp. and Hypericum (St John’s wort) induces liver toxicity. Plants containing alkaloids outside their toxicity also have teratogenic action: Lupinus spp., Nicotiana spp, Conium maculatum, Veratrum album. However, some of these plants can be used in certain cows’ treatments.

The importance of a good human-horse relationship in every equestrian discipline is recognized by the specialists all over the world. The aim of the study was to comparatively assess the behavioural response towards humans in different horse categories, in two seasons. The human-animal relationship was investigated during a year, in two different seasons in working horses (171 in the winter, 168 in the summer), stallions (62 in the winter, 66 in the summer) and broodmares and young horses (137 in the winter, 146 in the summer). Using specific methods, the general attitude of the horses was evaluated (apathetic or alert) and their reactions (aggressiveness, fear/avoidance, indifference, friendliness) to the: (1) assessors’ approach (2) walking besides and (3) the attempt of touching the animal. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The value of minimal significance was considered at P < 0.05. The proportion of the apathetic horses recorded in this study varied from 0% to 3.23% depending on the assessed category and season, without statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). For the behavioural responses (aggressiveness, fear, indifference or friendly response), statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among the assessed horse categories. The season had no significant influence on the variability of responses in the behavioural tests in none of the horse categories. The results indicate an inadequate human-animal relationship in all the studied horse categories, with negative implications on the welfare of the animals. This problem has low remedial possibilities, because it needs human mentality change of those working with horses.

The main component of the body: the water, alongside with many function which it has,represents a constituent in the diet of animal. There are many and various factors that influence the daily water requirements of animals: some dependent on animal: and others dependent on the environment. Water quality administered to livestock must meet the requirements for potability prerequisite to maintaining the health, externalization full productive potential and sustaining breeding. Knowing the importance of water quality consists in the negative action which can exert on the body to exceeding certain thresholds translated through: reducing water consumption simultaneously with the decrease milk production, decreased feed conversion rate and average daily gain, degradation of health status by reducing the local resistance, decrease overall body resistance, metabolic, digestive, skeletal disorders and impaired reproduction sphere translated through:decreasing fertility, abortions; elements interfering with the absorption of other essential water body, producing chronic or acute poisoning. The water composition plays essential role depending on which is supplemented or not as the case the quantity of the macro and trace minerals from feedingstuff according to the synergism or antagonism action between the minerals present.

Aim of this study was to assess the chemical status of water by point of view of the indicators parameters coming from the decentralized system of water supply (wells) and which supply the water of dairy farms performed in 63 wells from the same number of farms from 5 located in: S-E, N-W and central of Romania at the request of farmers. It has been studied the parameters that indicate the status of water acidification: pH (SRISO 10523/97); indicator parameters having as landmark the minimum list of parameters monitored by the laboratories of profile from county public health department: hardness (STAS 3326/76), iron (STAS 3086/68), CCOMn (STAS:3002/85), ammonia (spectrometry), parameters indicative of saline inclusions: chlorides (STAS 3049/88), sulfates (SRISO 10523/97). Characterization of the chemical state of water: good or poor was done after the values that define the worst condition. The limit values for each parameter are compared to those required by the L.107/1996, L.458/2002, 311/2004, O.621/2012. Were recorded values which attesting good quality status for 21 wells:[ 1 Buzău (BZ),12 Cluj (CJ),2 Mureş (MS),6 Sălaj (SJ)] and 42 wells whose water quality status it is poor (6 AB, 5 BZ,17 CJ, 7 MS). Exceeding the limits values were found at the parameters: CCOMn (CJ: 05.29±3.87mgO2/dm3, 10.59±2.04 mgO2/dm3 AB); ammonia: (AB: 0.56±0.08 mg/dm3, MS: 0.51±0.1 mg/dm3), iron (BZ: 0.85±1.05 mg/dm3, CJ: 0.37±0.47 mg/dm3, MS: 0.62±0.57mg/dm3), chlorides (AB: 330.42±208.8 mg/dm3, MS: 243.18±164.8 mg/dm3). Contamination risk score of wells in the studied areas is medium (3 point).

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the degree of reduction of the bacterial load of water using as chemical disinfectant chloramine T 1% (ChT1%) and physical disinfection using UV at a wavelength of 253.93 μm, 30 minutes exposure time. The results of the research show a more significant reduction of TNG/ml of water in samples subjected to exposure to UV, but in this case the decrease is affected by the turbidity of the water.

This paper investigates the effect of different housing conditions on the welfare quality of breeding horses. Using a welfare protocol that included health and behavioral parameters, 330 stallions (kept in tie-stall housing) and 365 broodmares (kept in extensive, mostly free housing) were assessed. The horses were categorized into four welfare categories (“not classified”, “acceptable”, “enhanced” and “excellent”), according to an individual welfare score calculated for each horse. The prevalence of stallions with dyspnea, tendon and joint swellings, abnormal gait and abnormal hoof horn quality was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the broodmares. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in the human-related behavioral response of the two categories of breeding horses. The median individual welfare scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the broodmares than in the breeding stallions. The mares had “enhanced” and “excellent” welfare, while the stallions had “acceptable” and “enhanced” welfare. The results revealed differences in the horses’ welfare quality for the different housing conditions. Accordingly, it can be concluded that positive changes in housing management, such as free housing with the use of boxes, could improve the welfare quality of breeding stallions.

The aim of this study was to test the response towards a novel object in Lipizzaner and Romanian Draft stallions. In addition the effect of the object’s colour on the behavioural response of the horses was investigated. The novel object test was performed in Lipizzaner (n = 11) and Romanian Draft (n = 8) stallions, in four different stages, observing the stallions during 45 minutes in each stage (15 minute/colour ball), and assessing a series of behavioural indicators. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. There were no significant differences in the response of the horses to the novel object in the three stages, or between the different breeds. An important result was the absence of discrimination of colour differences; the stallions were behaving similarly, irrespective to the colour of the ball. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that the stallions were receptive to the novel object, they liked the balls, and these can be used to alleviate the monotony in the periods of individual housing in boxes.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the housing systems (loose vs tie-stall) on the welfare of dairy cows and to test the hypothesis that dairy cows in loose housing systems have a better welfare quality than those kept in tie-stalls. Sixty commercial dairy farms (30 with loose and 30 with tie-stall housing system) were selected for evaluation, using mainly animal-based measures, as the applied Welfare Quality® protocol allows it. A total number of 2624 milking cows were assessed in the winter period. There were significant differences between the two housing systems for the majority of the parameters within the four welfare principles. Significant differences were also found in terms of the mean scores of the welfare criteria and principles, with the majority pointing out the loose system as better. Based on the scores of the four principles, most of the farms with loose housing were classified as enhanced, while the majority of the tie-stall farms were acceptable. The results show that the welfare quality of dairy cows is greatly influenced by the housing system, and that the loose system is more advantageous when it comes to the feeding, housing and behaviour of the dairy cow.