Abstract. The aim of the study was to assess the sensory, physicochemical and microbiological quality of natural yoghurts offered in the Szczecin market, provided by the three largest domestic producers. The following physiochemical parameters were determined in the tested yoghurts: pH, titratable acidity, colour (CIEL a*, b*) and basic chemical composition. We assessed the appearance and colour, consistency and smell and taste of natural yoghurts. The studies also included the number of cells of the desired and harmful bacterial microflora. The best sensory quality, which consisted of colour, taste, smell, consistency and appearance was shown by yogurts with a high fat content. The content of protein and fat found in the tested samples was in line with the standard, however a reduced sugar content was observed. In all three tested products, no normative number of viable cells of desired bacterial microflora was observed in two weeks before the expiration date. The hygienic quality of fermented products was very good, and no presence of mould, yeast and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria was noted.
Abstract. The aim of the study was to analyze the breeding value of selected conformation traits of rabbits of two breeds (Blanc de Termonde and Popielno White), rared on a reproductive farm located in south-eastern Poland. A total of 981 animals were subjected to the study over three consecutive years. The traits that were analyzed included: body weight, body structure (the size of the body expressed in points), type, coat quality, color, specific traits of the breed. Performed ANOVA involved the effects of the breed, calendar year and sex, and showed statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect of the breed on body structure, body weight expressed in points, type and the total score attained by rabbits. The year of license (P ≤ 0.01) statistically significantly affected the body weight expressed in points, the quality of the coat and the type. Correlations were considerably varied. Those between the total score and other analyzed traits were positive, in the range 0.077–0.444, while negative correlations, –0.076 to –0.052, were found between body weight in grams and the quality of the coat as well as between the body weight at points, type and quality of the coat. It should be emphasized that the rabbits subjected to observation and analysis were characterized by good breeding value.
Abstract. The aim of this study was to estimate the associations between the FABP3 genotypes and the growth traits (body weight at 210 days of age, average daily body weight gain to 210 days of age, withers height, sacrum height, chest girth) as well as longevity in 98 Simmental and 86 Salers cows. The analysis of the first calving was also carried out. Statistically significant associations between the FABP3A/G polymorphism and the body weight at 210 days of age, daily body weight gain to 210 days of age and longevity in Simmental cows were found; higher values of these traits were observed in cows with the G allele. No significant associations were found between the above polymorphism and the all analyzed traits in Salers cows. The study results indicated that the selection for the animals with the G allele might contribute to an increased some weight traits and longevity in Simmental cows. Additionally, the largest number of individuals with this allele were characterized by easy calving. It is necessary to continue research on the larger groups of animals.
Abstract. The aim of the study was to analyze the biofilm production capacity of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from ready-to-eat meat products including pork ham, chicken cold cuts, pork sausage, salami and pork luncheon meat, sliced in the store to the consumer's specifications, along with determination of occurrence of the adhesion genes determining the polysaccharide production (icaA and icaD) and collagen binding protein (cna). The isolates investigated included Staphylococcus equorum (28%), S. vitulinus (16%), S. carnosus (14%), S. succinus (11%), S. xylosus (11%), S. saprophyticus (9%), S. warneri (9%), S. haemolyticus (1%) and S. pasteuri (1%). The assessment of biofilm production capacity by staphylococci was made using crystal violet, whereas evaluation of the frequency of occurrence of genes was performed using the PCR. Among 81 CNS included in the current study, 84% showed ability to form biofilm in the experimental in vitro conditions. High biofilm capacity was demonstrated in 54% of strains, the average in 14%, and low in 16%, while the lack of biofilm production capacity was found in 16% of the tested strains. The icaA and icaD genes responsible for the production of extracellular polysaccharide adhesins were detected in 5% and 16% of strains respectively. The gene determining the formation of collagen binding protein (cna) was detected in 14% of strains. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that food is a source of coagulase-negative staphylococci capable of forming biofilm, which is referred to as clinically important virulent factor of these bacteria.
