Volume 21(3), 2022

Abstract. The dog is a diverse species both in terms of behavior, size and lifespan. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of dogs. This paper examines, among others, the effect of breed on the length and quality of a dog's life, the effect of owner and social environment on a dogs quality of life, the effect of utility on a dogs quality of life, and the effect of nutrition on a dog's length and quality of life. The size of a dog is a well-known factor affecting the length of its life. Purebred dogs are known to have higher health burdens and shorter life spans than non-breed dogs and inter-breed hybrids of the same size. The length and quality of life of dogs is also affected by the quality of the bond with the owner and the owner's awareness of preventive veterinary care. A stimulating environment, and proper nutrition taking into account the dogs specific breed or health requirements, are also important for the quality and length of canine life.

Abstract. Elevated plasma urate levels are associated with metabolic diseases such as hyperuricosuria. Long-term deposition of urea in the renal tubules can cause gout. Due to proper transport activity of GLUT9 (glucose transporter 9) protein, urate homeostasis in the body is maintained. GLUT9 is encoded by the SLC2A9 gene, which is expressed in the kidney and liver. The SLC2A9 c.616GG> T mutation results in a change in the amino acid sequences of the GLUT9 protein (p.Cys^–188Phe, which in turn leads to hyperuricosuria. Molecular methods were used to identify the mutation in SLC2A9 gene. The occurrence of this mutation was found in many breeds of domestic dog (over 20), but the highest number of recessive homozygotes was recorded in the breeds: Dalmatian, Russian Black Terrier and English Bulldog.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare the rearing of mink in nests insulated with different materials. The study was conducted on a large-scale mink farm located in northwestern Poland. The results of rearing mink from 144 females of the pearl variety, aged one and two years, were analyzed. Four groups were created, taking into account the type of nest lining material and the age of the females. Two weeks prior to the scheduled birth, the nesting houses were lined with two types of insulating material - sawdust from deciduous trees and a mixture of barley straw and hay from meadow vegetation. Data were collected on: the number of born and live-born cubs per litter, the number of reared mink per litter, and the mortality of mink during the rearing period at the mothers. It was found that the material with which mink nests are insulated has an effect on the number of born, live-born and weaned mink. Better reproductive results were reported for females whose nests were insulated with barley straw mixed with meadow hay. They gave birth to larger litters, with more live mink, and raised more young. The mortality rate of young mink was lower in nests insulated with a mixture of straw and hay. The results showed that the use of sawdust as a nest insulating material is associated with a lower survival rate of reared mink. The study shows that the choice of a suitable nest insulating material can favorably affect the number of reared young mink.

Abstract. The purpose of this work was to perform morphometric characteristics of the Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula obtained in Western Pomerania, according to their sex and age. The research material consisted of 197 Tufted Ducks obtained in December 2013. The biometric characteristics was performed on the basis of 20 measurements of linear and mass quantities. All internal organs measured and most of the individual body parts of the Tufted Duck were slightly larger in the case of males. Despite the differences in the body size of males and females, the studied birds showed similar variability in both length and mass. The differences between adult and young Tufted Ducks were not so well defined. Adult Tufted Ducks had significantly larger body mass, pectoral muscle mass and lung mass than juveniles. No significant differences were found in the linear values of the examined features.

Abstract. Dynamic changes in an organism of heifers at the end of pregnancy, and in primiparous cows in early lactation, may imply changes in morphological parameters. Their evaluation may contribute to a better understanding of changes, occurring in an organism of pregnant and lactating young cows. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate, analyze and evaluate the changes in hematological parameters of peripheral blood (RBC, MCV, HGB, MCH, MCHC, WBC, PLT and HCT) in pregnant heifers/primiparous cows, of Polish Holstein-Friesian of Black-and-White variety, during the last trimester of pregnancy and in the first two months of lactation, with particular emphasis on transition period. Blood parameters were analyzed with the use of analyzer: scil Vet abc Plus+ (HORIBA Medical), on the following dates: 90, 30, 14 and 7 days before parturition and 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after parturition. Results of the study indicate that the most abrupt changes were observed for hematocrit, erythrocyte count, leukocytes, thrombocytes and hemoglobin concentration in blood. Parameters of red blood cells, at the end of pregnancy and first two months of lactation, didn’t exhibit any statistically significant changes. Noteworthy, is the convergence of trends in hematocrit and hemoglobin during analyzed period. High and stable hematocrit at the end of pregnancy was due to the stable erythrocyte count in this period. Decrease in RBCs after calving, and lower values during first two months of lactation, caused postpartum decrease in hematocrit and its stabilization at a lower level. These observations denote indirectly changes in blood volume, during analyzed period, what is supported by: tendencies observed for hemoglobin concentration, and stable MCV and MCHC. Obtained results suggest high efficiency of homeostatic mechanisms in pregnant and lactating heifers/primiparous cows. Our results may be useful for comparative studies both in physiology and health disturbances research in cows during the pre and post-partum period.