Volume 22(4), 2023

Abstract. Housing and breeding conditions have a significant impact on sheep welfare. Well-designed buildings that ensure an appropriate microclimate, unrestricted access to pastures, proper nutrition, gentle handling, and the opportunity to express natural behaviors are key factors influencing sheep welfare. Play is a crucial indicator of lamb welfare. Frequent play activity reflects positive emotions in the animals, whereas stress can significantly reduce their willingness to engage in play. Positive relationships between humans and animals also play an important role. Interactions with caretakers build trust in sheep and lead to positive emotional responses. Observing sheep behavior is one of the most important methods for assessing their welfare. Regular monitoring of sheep behavior by farmers provides valuable insights into their well-being and needs. This enables the detection of potential problems and the implementation of appropriate preventive measures.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to perform histomorphometric analysis of the sole horn in the thoracic limbs and pelvic limbs of primiparous and multiparous cows. During hoof trimming, samples of the sole horn were collected from the fore and hind legs of 30 (15 primiparous and 15 multiparous) cows of the Holstein-Friesian breed. Once prepared, the histological slides were analysed using Multiscan software. The bovine sole horn was subjected to histomorphometric analysis, taking account of the number of horn tubules per 1.5 mm², diameter of the horn tubules, and distances between the horn tubules. In both primiparous and multiparous cows, a significantly greater diameter of the horn tubules was observed in the fore legs, 51.60 and 48.62 vs. 42.42 and 39.88 μm. In second and third lactation cows, the number of horn tubules in the sole horn was significantly greater in the fore legs, 31.00 per 1.5 mm² vs. 22.50 per 1.5 mm² (pelvic limbs). There were no significant differences in the histological structure of the sole horn between the primiparous and multiparous cows.

Abstract. The microbiological quality of feed is affected by a range of factors throughout the food chain. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of feed storage conditions on its microbiological quality. Poultry feeds were sampled in three periods: winter, summer and autumn from four domestic farms. At the same time, air temperature and humidity, as well as indoor microbiological air quality were measured. The transfer of contaminants from the air to feed that was not properly protected was demonstrated. Contamination of feed with fecal bacteria occurred regardless of the animals access to feed stores. The study showed the influence of indoor conditions on air and feed contamination. In winter and autumn, where high air humidity (>51%) was recorded, higher concentrations of total yeast and mold counts were isolated for feed 2 in winter and feed 1 in autumn in the inverted rooms. Only in winter was there a correlation between the physical parameters of the air samples. The effect of temperature on the microbiological quality of feed was determined only during the autumn period.

Abstract. Meat quality depends on a number of factors, which can be divided into genetic and environmental. Gender can significantly alter the meat quality of fattening pigs. Porkers undergoing surgical castration have a higher fat content compared to gilts. The aim of the study is to compare the fattening and slaughter characteristics as well as the chemical composition of meat from gilts and surgically castrated males. The research material consisted of 113 fatteners: gilts (61 pcs) and surgically castrated males (52 pcs) from 12 litters of sows with elements of two native breeds (6 litters - Polish Large White and 6 litters - Polish Landrace), randomly selected from a group of 50 sows and crossbreed boar of the paternal breeds Pietrain x Duroc. The chemical composition of the longissimus lumborum muscle was analysed in the samples, the content of dry matter, total protein, crude fat and crude ash was taken into account. The color of the meat was determined in the CIE L*a*b* system on the cross-section of the taken samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle (LL). After slaughter, the pH₄₅ of LL, carcass length and backfat thickness were also measured. The significance of differences between the mean physicochemical scores in the groups was analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance in the orthogonal system using Duncan's test. The results were statistically processed using the Statistica PL 13.5 programme. Surgically castrated males was characterized by a significantly higher daily gain compared to gilts. It was shown that the percentage of meat in the carcass was significantly higher in the gilts, which were also characterized by a lower fatness expressed in the average backfat thickness. Ultimately, it was found that the sex of the experimental animals did not differentiate the quality of the meat.

Abstract. Given the significant expansion of alien predator species that may negatively affect native animal species, especially waterbirds, this study undertook an analysis of the occurrence of American mink (Neogale vison), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) in the Natura 2000 – Wełtyńskie Lakes area of 2811.2 ha, and an assessment of the impact of these animals on the occurrence of the greylag goose (Anas anser). A camera trapping inventory for the three non-native carnivore species was carried out from April to September 2022, parallel to the inventory of the greylag goose. Results confirmed the presence of all three non-native species in the analyzed area. Among the species, raccoons were characterized by the highest population size, density rate and reproductive success. At the same time, a declining population of the greylag goose was found compared to the previous breeding season. This population achieved low breeding success.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the leptin gene and the productivity of Polish HF cattle as well as their functional traits (health). The study was conducted on a sample chosen from one of the West-Pomeranian farms. The lowest percentage of pathogenic disease (mastitis, endometritis) was recorded in the cattle with CT genotype for leptin, whilst cows with TT genotype had fewest metabolic diseases. The study found that the TT cattle were significantly more efficient (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05) than other groups in value and energy corrected milk (VCM and ECM) as well as in milk fat and protein yields in their first lactation.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to assess the development of the quality of eggs laid at different times of the day by hens with low egg production (Green-legged Partridge strain Z-11) and higher egg production rates (Rhode Island White strain A-33). The research material consisted of eggs collected from these two breeds/strains of laying hens included in the conservation programme in Poland. During the 24–56 weeks of age, all eggs at 7:00, 10:00 and 13:00 h were collected every 4 weeks from each breed of hens from the same compartment and analysed for internal egg quality and egg shell quality. In addition, at 40 weeks of age for 3 days, 10 eggs each were collected at the aforementioned times of the day and sent to the Institute’s Central Laboratory for chemical analysis of their yolks. In the study conducted, statistically significant differences were found for most physical and chemical egg quality traits between eggs derived from Green-legged Partridge hens (strain Z-11), an old native breed with low egg production rates, and eggs obtained from Rhode Island White hens (strain A-33) with much higher egg production rates. For most egg quality traits, there was no clear relationship with oviposition time.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency and sources of food safety hazards based on the results of research performed within the framework of official food control and monitoring, by the District Sanitary and Epidemiological Station. Basing on the published references, the concept of food safety was discussed, as well as the legal regulations in this respect at EU and national level. Hazards present in food (chemical, biological, physical) were also characterized. The analytical part was based on data from 558 food samples taken as part of official food control and monitoring performed by the District Sanitary Inspectorate over three consecutive years. It was found that during the analysed period, the largest number of samples tested for food hazards came from the groups: confectionery and pastry products; poultry, offal and poultry products, eggs and eggs products; milk and milk products. Samples were mostly collected at hypermarkets, food discounters, bakeries and confectioneries and convenience stores. The directions of the analyses varied significantly between product groups, with the most common being microbiological hazards and the content of additives, including preservatives, dyes and substances other than sweeteners and dyes. Confectionery and pastry products were most frequently tested for microbiological contaminants, while additives were mainly determined in delicatessen and culinary products. During the inspections, 15 food samples were called in question, and in one case the product labeling was questionable. The reasons for questioning the quality of food were the presence of microbiological contaminants such as: thermophilic Campylobacter bacteria, Salmonella bacteria, including S. enteritidis, an excess of Enterobacteriaceae, the presence of biological contaminants and inappropriate caloricity of the meal.