Usporedba proizvodnih osobina poljskih holstein-friesian krava s F1 križankama poljskog holstein-friesian × švedskog crvenog goveda

The intensive breeding work of Holstein-Friesian cattle has led to the decrease in the diversity within the population and to inbreeding depression, which may impair its functional traits. In addition, as shown by the research, production traits are negatively correlated with functional traits such as reproduction, health, and longevity, which have a very strong impact on the profit of dairy farms. The aim of this study was to compare milk yield traits of hybrids obtained by crossbreeding of Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) cows and Swedish Red (SRB) bulls with values obtained for pure PHF cows. For the study, 100 primiparous cows were selected and divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 50 crossbreds (PHF×SRB), while the control group consisted of 50 purebred PHF cows. The study showed a higher content of milk components (fat by 11.78%, protein by 9.06%, dry matter by 5.75%) in PHF×SRB, as compared to PHF. A lower level of SCC (by 38.94%) has also been shown in hybrids, which indicates their higher resistance to udder diseases. The experiment demonstrated a highly significant impact of heterosis on performance parameters and technological quality of milk in F1 generation obtained as a result of crossbreeding between PHF cows and SRB bulls.Intenzivan uzgojno-selekcijski rad u holstein-friesian populaciji doveo je do smanjenja genetske raznolikosti unutar populacije i povećanja razine uzgoja u srodstvu, što može oslabiti proizvodne karakteristike. Uz to, dosadašnja istraži¬vanja upućuju na to da su proizvodne karakteristike u negativnoj korelaciji s funkcionalnim karakteristikama, kao što su reprodukcija, zdravlje i duljina života, što ima vrlo visok utjecaj na profit mliječnih farmi. Cilj ovog istraživanja je usporediti proizvodne osobine križanki poljskog holstein-friesian (PHF) × švedskog crvenog goveda (SRB), s proizvodnim osobinama jedinki čistokrvnog poljskog holstein-friesian goveda. Istraživanje je provedeno na 100 prvotelki podijeljenih u dvije sku¬pine, 50 križanki (PHF × SRB) i 50 čistokrvnih PHF prvotelki. Utvrđen je veći sadržaj komponenti mlijeka (mliječne masti za 11,78 %, mliječnih proteina za 9,06 %, suhe tvari za 5,75 %) kod križanki (PHF × SRB) u odnosu na čistokrvne PHF prvotelke. Niža razina SCC-a (za 38,94 %) utvrđena je kod križanki, što ukazuje na njihovu veću otpornost na oboljenja vimena. Istraživanje je ukazalo na značajan učinak heterozisa na sadržaj mliječne masti, mliječnog proteina i broja so¬matskih stanica u mlijeku

Relationship between the Quality of Colostrum and the Formation of Microflora in the Digestive Tract of Calves

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the quality of colostrum and the formation of intestinal bacterial microflora in calves from birth to day 7. Seventy-five multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows were selected. Colostrum samples were collected individually up to two hours after calving. The analysis was carried out on 75 calves; which were divided into three groups based on the colostrum quality class of the first milking. Faecal samples were collected rectally from each calf on its seventh day of life. Calves were weighed twice; on days 0 and 7 of life. It has been shown that with a higher concentration of colostrum protein fraction, primarily immunoglobulins, the colonization of anaerobic bacteria occurs faster. Colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3 promoted the significant development of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp. which at the same time contributed to the reduction of unfavorable microflora, such as Coliforms or Enterococci. Regardless of the initial body weight, daily weight gains were highest for calves fed with colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3. The study showed a significant influence of colostrum quality class on the formation of the intestinal microflora and the daily weight gains of calves

The Effect of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae on the Development of Whey Protein Levels and Oxidative Stress Markers in Cows with Diagnosed Mastitis

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases of high-yielding dairy cows, and over 90% of cases are caused by Streptococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, or Staphylococcus spp. Certain groups of proteins are very significant in terms of the cow’s antioxidant, bacteriostatic, and germicidal properties: lysozyme (Lz), lactoferrin (Lf), and β-lactoglobulin (BLG). This study aimed to determine the influence of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Enterobacteriaceae on the secretion of bioactive whey proteins and oxidative stress markers. From the herd, 60 multiparous cows with diagnosed mastitis were selected. Samples were taken individually from each quarter and pooled, which gave 60 samples. Enterobacteriaceae did not affect the BLG synthesis, whereas lysozyme and lactoferrin responded to a high concentration of these bacterial strains. In the case of Staphylococcus spp. infection, the BLG level increased. These strains did not affect the levels of di-malonic aldehyde (MDA), lactoferrin, and lysozyme. In contrast, they were significantly influenced by Streptococcus spp. In summary, the levels of whey proteins and oxidative stress markers changed depending on the bacterial strain inducing inflammation. Lysozyme and lactoferrin may be markers of udder inflammation caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus spp., whereas β-lactoglobulin may prove useful in diagnosing Staphylococcus spp. induced mastitis

Polymorphism of Genes and Their Impact on Beef Quality

The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) form of genes is a valuable source of information regarding their suitability for use as specific markers of desirable traits in beef cattle breeding. For several decades, breeding work focused on improving production efficiency through optimizing the feed conversion ratio and improving daily gains and meat quality. Many research teams previously undertook research work on single-nucleotide polymorphism in myostatin (MSTN), thyroglobulin (TG), calpain (CAPN), and calpastatin (CAST) proteins. The literature review focuses on the most frequently addressed issues concerning these genes in beef cattle production and points to a number of relevant studies on the genes’ polymorphic forms. The four genes presented are worth considering during breeding work as a set of genes that can positively influence productivity and production quality

Comparison of Enzyme Activity in Order to Describe the Metabolic Profile of Dairy Cows during Early Lactation

Enzymatic diagnostics have practical applications in diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas, muscles, blood, and neoplastic diseases. This study aimed to compare enzyme activity to describe dairy cows’ metabolism during early lactation. Based on their general health symptoms, the cows were assigned to one of three groups: acidotic, healthy and ketotic. Samples of milk, blood and rumen fluid were collected at 12 ± 5 days postpartum. Ketotic cows were characterized by the highest malondialdehyde (MDA, 76.098 nM/mL), glutathione reductase (GluRed, 109.852 U/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 294.22 U/L) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP, 71.175 U/L) activity. In comparing ketotic and acidotic cows, MDA, GluRed, SOD and GGTP activity were higher by a factor of almost: 1.85, 1.89, 0.79 and 2.50, respectively. Acidotic cows were characterized by the highest aspartate aminotransferase activity (AspAT, 125.914 U/L). In comparing acidotic and ketotic cows, AspAT activity was higher by a factor of almost 1.90. The use of enzymatic markers could limit the frequency of sampling for laboratory analyses and may result in a faster diagnosis of metabolic disorders. AspAT activity in blood serum seems to be a good indicator of acidosis; GGTP may participate in the pathogenesis of ketosis

Composition and Factors Affecting Quality of Bovine Colostrum: A Review

Colostrum as a secretion of the mammary gland is produced and accumulated in the final stage of pregnancy and in the first days after calving. It is designed to provide the calf with the necessary nutrients and biologically active ingredients. One of the most difficult periods in the life of animals is their rearing, and the most sensitive are the first days after birth. This is the time when most falls occur, and they are caused by mortality and morbidity, even at the level of 30%. Such losses affect the performance and profitability of animal production (the percentage of animals intended for reproduction or fattening is reduced and the intensity of selection in the herd is also reduced). Both diseases and mortality are the cause of serious economic, production, and breeding losses, which are the result of weak immune mechanisms. The adaptability of calves to the environment is determined by their immune status. Colostrum has a regulating function and stimulates the young organism to grow, and it has properties that support the functioning of systems: Endocrine and immunological. For colostrum to fulfil its role, it must be administered immediately after birth, because the immunoglobulins it contains are absorbed during the first 16–27 h after the birth of the calf, preferably within 2–4 h of age. Blood from calves that have been properly calved should have an antibody concentration of 15g/L (24–48 h of age). Therefore, immunoglobulins are the most important factor affecting infectious immunity; an adequate concentration of immunoglobulins in calves’ blood is related to their survival and health. It is the intent of this review to synthesize and summarize the information currently available on colostrum, as well as to discuss the interpretation of the results

Relationship between the Quality of Colostrum and the Formation of Microflora in the Digestive Tract of Calves

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the quality of colostrum and the formation of intestinal bacterial microflora in calves from birth to day 7. Seventy-five multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows were selected. Colostrum samples were collected individually up to two hours after calving. The analysis was carried out on 75 calves; which were divided into three groups based on the colostrum quality class of the first milking. Faecal samples were collected rectally from each calf on its seventh day of life. Calves were weighed twice; on days 0 and 7 of life. It has been shown that with a higher concentration of colostrum protein fraction, primarily immunoglobulins, the colonisation of anaerobic bacteria occurs faster. Colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3 promoted the significant development of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp. which at the same time contributed to the reduction of unfavourable microflora, such as Coliforms or Enterococci. Regardless of the initial body weight, daily weight gains were highest for calves fed with colostrum with a density >1.070 g/cm3. The study showed a significant influence of colostrum quality class on the formation of the intestinal microflora and the daily weight gains of calves

Effect of Breed on the Level of the Nutritional and Health-Promoting Quality of Semimembranosus Muscle in Purebred and Crossbred Bulls

Meat from commercial breed cattle are very often used to crossbreed with dairy breeds. The effect of heterosis is most evident when crossbreeds are genetically different from each other. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the influence of breed types on the nutritional and pro-health quality of beef. The experiment was conducted on 62 bulls from three breeds: Limousin, Polish Holstein-Friesian, and Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) × Limousin. During the fattening period, the animals were fed ad libitum using the same diet. Bulls were slaughtered at 21–23 months of age. The meat of PHF × Limousin hybrids was characterized by the lowest level of SFA and the highest content of n-3 PUFA fatty acids, carnosine, and α-tocopherol compared to the values obtained for the Polish Holstein-Friesian and Limousin breeds. In the case of PHF × Limousin hybrids, there was a 6% increase in n-3 PUFA, 21% in carnosine, and 66% in α-tocopherol compared to the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed. Commodity crossbreeding significantly improved the quality of beef analyzed in this study, resulting in similar or even better results than purebred cattle. This meant that beef from the hybrids with PHF was of the best nutritional and health-promoting quality

Application of the support sensory system and principal component analysis to compare meat of chickens of two genotypes

Sensory quality of roasted breast muscles of two genotypes of chickens kept for 9 weeks of life in an outdoor or indoor system was tested by Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). After roasting in a convective-steam oven, 72 individual pectoral muscles of cocks (36 from each genetic group, 18 from outdoor and 18 from indoor system) were subjected to the sensory evaluation. There was a significant effect of genotype on fat odor (fatty flavor, P = 0.007), color (P = 0.007), and texture parameters: juiciness (P = 0.046) and greasy feel (P = 0.027). The rearing system had a significant effect only on meat juiciness (P = 0.015). Significant genotype × rearing system interactions were found for juiciness (P = 0.015) and different taste (P = 0.05). Principal component analysis showed distinct differences in the sensory traits of roasted breast muscle of two chicken genotypes produced in different rearing systems

Organic Milk Production and Dairy Farming Constraints and Prospects under the Laws of the European Union

In recent years, there has been rapid development in organic farming. When choosing organic livestock products, consumers are guided by the conviction that animals are provided with the highest welfare standards and access to pasture. The purpose of this article was to trace the principles of organic farming prevailing in the EU with regard to milk production and cattle breeding. The principles of organic production are universal and their application is not limited to certified farms. Organic certification is intended to assure the consumer of the quality and method of production. Due to additional requirements imposed by law, organic cows are usually kept in better welfare conditions compared to conventional cattle, but this is not the rule. The altered taste and texture of organic milk and its products compared to conventional products mainly depends on the presence of pasture greens in the cows’ diet. Therefore, milk from conventionally kept, pasture-grazed cows may have similar characteristics and composition. Organic farms tend to have lower milk yields compared to conventional farms due to the lower consumption of concentrate feed. In the future, it is expected that the proportion of land that is unsuitable for the production of crops for human consumption will increasingly be used for cow grazing