Volume 19(1), 2020

Abstract. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (CDM) is an incurable, chronic, slow progressive, autoimmune disease of the canine spinal cord affecting older dogs, medium to large breeds. Etiopathogenesis is still unknown but the latest data show that mutation of superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) is known to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans. That is why CDM is a canine model of ALS. The initial clinical sings of spinal cord dysfunction (ataxia, spastic paresis, paraplegia) are commonly mistaken with other common problems (hip dysplasia or intervertebral disc disease). The antemortem diagnosis requires exclusion of them all but definitive confirmation of CDM requires pathologic examination of spinal cord tissue. There is no treatment available but novel therapies are promising. The DNA test is a commercially available tool to help breeders avoid producing CDM “at risk” offspring what significantly reduces the frequency of mutated alleles in future generations.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to analyze the sex ratio of the American mink (Neovison vison) kits, in relation to a range of factors. The observations were carried out on yearling females of two color varieties, Perl (P) and White Hedlund (WH). The sex of the kits was identified at age of approx. 30 days, and only complete (zero-mortality) litters were selected in this study. The sex ratio of the cubs in the litters was compared to the length of pregnancy they were born from, the date of the first mating, and the interval between the first and the subsequent mating. Along with a longer pregnancy, a later date of mating and a longer interval between the first and subsequent mating, the number of born females in relation to born males increases.

Abstract. The paper aimed at evaluating the effect of yellow lupine used in feed rations for growing pigs on the animals’ growth parameters and slaughter value. The experiment involved 40 pigs [(PLW×PL)×Duroc] which were divided into 2 groups: control (C) and experimental (E). The sole source of protein in rations fed to the control pigs was soybean meal, whereas rations for the experimental pigs contained respectively 10, 15 and 20% of lupine in the corresponding periods: grower, fattener I and II. The inclusion of lupine in feed rations for weaner pigs and fatteners during period I did not affect the production performance, whereas for fatteners during period II it did increase (P ≤ 0.05) daily weight gain values. Slaughter value was similar for the compared groups of pigs (P>0.05). To sum up, an inclusion of 10, 15 and 20% lupine in feed rations for pigs can be recommended due to a significant increase in the final body weight and simultaneously increased feed conversion effectiveness. In addition, the feeding pattern did not affect the muscularity and fattening grade of pigs.

Abstract. The data about development of Simmental heifers of different constitution types in postnatal ontogenesis in Carpathian region are shown. By the growth of body weight and linear development, animals of high-fermenting type (research group) dominated counterparts of low-fermenting type (control group) by 7–9 %. It should be noted also, that animals in the control and experimental groups in postnatal ontogenesis were developed harmoniously. For body weight at 6, 12 and 18 months of age heifers of research group prevailed control counterparts respectively by 7.5; 8.5 and 5.7 %.

Abstract. Canine Babesiosis is a common tick-borne disease that occurs throughout the world and is a threat to dogs throughout the year. The current piece of work is a description of the aggressive course of tick-borne disease in an 11-year-old male Bernese Mountain Dog, which led to the death of the animal. Based on the clinical case analysis, possible consequences of this disease for the health and life of dogs were presented. Particular attention was paid to the risk of occurrence of autoimmune anemia and thrombocytopenia. This paper describes disease symptoms, diagnostic methods, course and results of the treatment used. In the case described above, the protozoan disease B. canis led to advanced changes in the blood system which disrupting hemostasis of the whole organism.