A Comparison of the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) Foraging in Urban and Suburban Areas.

The aim of this study was to compare the species composition of gastrointestinal parasites in wild boar feeding in the city of Szczecin with those in its suburban area, as well as to determine the prevalence and intensity of this parasite infection. The intestines and stomachs of 57 wild boars were supplied by a municipal hunter from the city of Szczecin. Both analysed groups of animals were infected with the following parasites: Eimeria debliecki, E. suis, E. polita, E. scabra, Isospora suis, Ascaris suum and Oesophagostomum dentatum. Wild boar from the city were characterised as having a significantly higher prevalence of total Eimeria (p = 0.04) and a lower prevalence of noted species of nematodes (p = 0.15) compared to those from the suburban area. Since the wild boars were mainly infected with Eimeria, it should be assumed that they may pose a real health threat to farm pigs and other farm animals for which Eimeria is a pathogenic parasite. The occurrence of coccidiosis leads to serious health problems and economic losses for breeders. Although the prevalence of A. suum was low, it should be taken into account that this nematode is able to both infect and complete their life cycle in humans.

Cadmium in Selected Organs of Game Animals from Areas with Different Degrees of Industrialisation and Its Intake by Human Consumers.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of cadmium (Cd) in the organs of game animals from areas with different degrees of industrialisation and to assess its intake following the consumption of the livers of these animals. The material for this study consisted of liver and kidney samples taken from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from five regions differing in land use and industrialisation. Compared to the kidneys, the liver was an indicator of the current state of the environment and Cd intake, while the kidney was used to assess the long-term accumulation of Cd in the body. The cadmium concentration in the samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The cadmium concentrations of the organs were found to vary according to geographical location, with the highest levels being observed in Southern Poland, i.e., areas characterised by the highest degree of industrialisation and the presence of heavy industry. However, high Cd concentrations were also reported in the northeastern region. Examples of excessive cadmium levels in the kidneys were noted in all tested regions. Cd intake by humans was evaluated by calculating the estimated daily cadmium intake, and this was compared with the tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The TWI was only exceeded by children frequently consuming wild boar liver from the southwest region.

Selenium and mercury concentrations, Se:Hg molar ratios and their effect on the antioxidant system in wild mammals.

The aim of this study was to a) evaluate the concentration of Se and Hg and their relationship in the tissues of 4 species of wild mammals, including Se:Hg molar ratios, and b) evaluate the effect of the analysed elements and their mutual proportions expressed as Se:Hg molar ratio, on the antioxidant system in the tissues of the tested animals. The study was performed on 31 animals belonging to four species: wild boar, red fox, roe deer, brown hare. Determination of Hg in liver, kidney and muscle of animals was performed using an AMA 254 mercury analyser. Total Se concentrations were determined using the spectrofluorometric method. In omnivores demonstrated higher Se concentrations in all analysed organs compared to the herbivores. The highest concentration of Hg was found in the kidneys of the tested animals, and the lowest in the muscles. High and moderate correlation between Se and Hg was observed in the liver of omnivorous, while in herbivores this correlation was weak. In all analysed samples, the Se:Hg molar ratios were above 1 (min: liver 5.9, max: kidney 110). Generally, the highest Se:Hg ratio values were found in kidney and the lowest in liver of tested animals. No significant correlation was found between GPx, GST and SOD activity and Se or Hg concentration in analysed organs. But it was observed that Se:Hg molar was negatively correlated with CAT activity in the most samples. The obtained results may suggest that omnivorous animals demonstrate greater Hg sequestration in the liver than herbivores, which has been proposed as one of the mechanisms of Se antagonistic action towards Hg. The ratio between Se and Hg, rather than the concentration of these elements in organs, affected the antioxidant status in the animal organism, specifically the CAT activity.

Ultrasound parameters of early pregnancy and Doppler indices of blood vessels in the placenta and umbilical cord throughout the pregnancy period in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography is one of the most important techniques that enable the detection and monitoring of pregnancy. One such study using this technique is the assessment of the hemodynamics of fetal and umbilical blood vessels. However, there is little data on blood flow in the placentomes, which is the basic structural unit of the sheep's placenta. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the Doppler parameters in the arterial vessels of the caruncles, cotyledons and the umbilical cord as well as measuring venous flow rates during the entire gestation period of the sheep. Additionally, the usefulness of various other ultrasound parameters in the early diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep was analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the Doppler parameters in umbilical, cotyledonary and caruncular arteries were significantly correlated with the day of pregnancy (p < 0.01). In the early stages of pregnancy, the peak systolic velocity (PSV), regardless of the location of the artery, was significantly lower than that in the later stages of pregnancy (p < 0.01). PSV was also found to be significantly higher in the umbilical artery than in the cotyledonary and caruncular arteries (p < 0.01). Until the 50th day of pregnancy, the end diastolic velocity (EDV) was not found in the umbilical and cotyledonary arteries. EDV was significantly higher in the caruncular arteries than in the cotyledonary and umbilical arteries (p < 0.01). The resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in the early stages of pregnancy were found to be significantly higher than that in the later stages of pregnancy (p < 0.01). The RI and PI were significantly lower in the caruncular arteries than in the arteries of the cotyledons and umbilical cord (p < 0.01). In the umbilical vein, all Doppler parameters were observed to be significantly higher than those in the placentomal veins (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Using transrectal ultrasound, pregnancy was detected between 20 and 28 days after mating. The ovaries were observed to have corpora lutea, the diameter of which was fairly consistent from the 17th to the 56th day of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated that both the location of the arterial vessel in the placental-umbilical circulation and the gestational age have a significant impact on hemodynamic parameters. The results also provide new insights about the blood flow in caruncular and cotyledonary arteries, which could contribute to a more holistic understanding of hemodynamic changes in the placentas of sheep. Analyzing haemodynamic parameters in the umbilical and placental veins are preliminary studies in sheep, but it could inspire further research in this field. Furthermore, the research conducted confirms the practicality and convenience of transrectal ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep and also indicates that the identification and imaging of the corpus luteum using B-mode ultrasonography can be a very early and simple method of confirming effective mating in sheep.

Infection of Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Northern Poland with Gastrointestinal Parasites as a Potential Threat to Human Health.

The aim of the study was to determinate the prevalence and intensity of infection of raccoon dogs with internal parasites, with a particular emphasis on particular species of helminths known to be dangerous to humans. A total of 96 raccoon dogs were obtained from hunters from September 2018 to October 2021. The digestive tract was taken for examination. The parasitological examination was performed using the dissection methods. The extensity of infection with all internal parasites was 60.3%. The following parasites were found in the tested animals: Echinococcus multilocularis (in 10.42% of animals), Toxocara canis (18.75%), Alaria alata (25.0%), Taenia spp. (19.79%), Uncinaria stenocephala (27.08%), Mesocestoides spp. (54.17%) and Dipylidium caninum (6.25%). The highest mean intensity of infection was demonstrated by A. alata and E. multilocularis then by Mesocestoides spp. This study showed that the raccoon dog from northern Poland is a reservoir host of zoonotic pathogens, such as E. multilocularis, Toxocara canis and Alaria alata. Although the role of the racoon dog as a final host of the life cycle of E. multilocularis is considered of less importance than that of the red fox, this species may increase the risk of echinococcosis in humans, mainly due to its growing population in northern Poland.

A Comparison of the Prevalence of the Parasites of the Digestive Tract in Goats from Organic and Conventional Farms.

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats kept on organic (n = 76) and conventional farms (n = 82). In general, a higher prevalence of some gastrointestinal parasitic infections was found in the conventional farms compared to the organic farms: the mean prevalence of Eimeria spp. was 85.4% in conventional farms and 77.6% in organic farms, that of Fasciola hepatica was 6.10% in conventional farms and 2.63% in organic farms, and that of Moniezia expansa was 31.7% and 17.1%, in conventional and organic farms, respectively. Both farm types demonstrated a similar mean prevalence of nematodes (80.3 vs. 84.2%). Conventional farms demonstrated a significantly higher intensity of infection with E. arloingi, Haemonchus spp., Nematodirus spp. and Moniezia expansa compared to organic farms. They also demonstrated a higher intensity of infection with Eimeria spp. than organic farms. The prophylactic programs used to combat parasitic infections in both types of farms appear ineffective and require improvement. There is a need for goat herds to be covered by ongoing parasitological monitoring. It is also recommended that keepers employ rotational or intensive rotational grazing methods and take care to ensure the hygiene of animal quarters and livestock rooms.

[Serum insulin and glucose concentrations in sheep during late pregnancy in relation to the number and sex of the fetuses]. / Insulin- und Glukosekonzentration im Blutserum hochträchtiger Schafe in Abhängigkeit von Anzahl und Geschlecht der Feten.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the serum concentration of glucose and insulin in the blood of pregnant sheep depends on the number and the sex of the fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The presented research was carried out on Pomeranian (n = 42) and Suffolk sheep (n = 42) towards the end of the pregnancy. The following groups were established amongst the Pomeranian sheep: single pregnancies with a female fetuses (n = 19) and male fetuses (n = 10), twin pregnancies with female fetuses (n = 8), male fetuses (n = 8) and fetuses of different sex (n = 7). Similarly, in the Suffolk sheep, the following groups were formed: single pregnancies with female fetuses (n = 9) and male fetuses (n = 12), twin pregnancies with male fetuses (n = 12) and fetuses of different sex (n = 9). RESULTS: In Suffolk sheep, serum insulin concentration was significantly higher than in Pomeranian sheep (p < 0.05). The average insulin concentration in Pomeranian sheep with a single pregnancy was higher than in sheep of the same breed with a twin pregnancy (p < 0.05). In the Pomeranian breed, the highest insulin concentration was recorded in sheep with male fetuses (p < 0.01). Similarly, in Suffolk sheep, the insulin concentration was higher in sheep with male fetuses than female ones (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the concentration of glucose in Pomeranian sheep, with both single and twin pregnancies and with female fetuses, was higher than in sheep with male fetuses or different sex fetuses (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). In the Suffolk breed, the glucose concentration was also higher in sheep with female fetuses (p < 0.05). In Suffolk sheep a positive correlation was found between the birth weight of lambs and their mother's glucose concentration (r = 0.56; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The differences in the concentration of insulin and glucose in the blood of pregnant sheep demonstrated in this study suggest that sex and the number of fetuses may be further factors affecting the energy metabolism in the late stages of pregnancy. Based in the presented findings these differences may depend on the breed and may be related to the birth weight of lambs.

Content of essential and non-essential elements in wild animals from western Ukraine and the health risks associated with meat and liver consumption.

The meat and offal from game animals may act as sources of both essential and non-essential elements and the presence of high levels of toxic elements in their tissues can pose a serious threat to human health. The purpose of the work was to determine the levels of selected toxic and non-toxic elements in the tissues of free-living animals from western Ukraine and to assess the health risks associated with meat and liver consumption. The test material comprised muscle, liver and kidney samples taken from 12 wild boar (Sus scrofa), 10 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 8 hares (Lepus europaeus L.). All material was obtained from the Lviv region, western Ukraine. The obtained results indicate the presence of a relatively high Pb content in free-living animals in western Ukraine. The permissible concentration of this element was exceeded in all meat and offal samples. In the case of Cd, exceeded permissible values were observed in the muscle of wild boar (30% of samples) and kidney of wild boar (8% of samples), roe deer (20% of samples) and brown hare (12% of samples). The highest HQ values were observed for Fe, Cd, Zn and Mn in the consumed liver and meat of the tested animals. However, in neither case was the HQ or HI found to be greater than 1, which indicates a low probability of the development of adverse health effects associated with the consumption of game.

Parasites of the digestive tract of sheep and goats from organic farms in Western Pomerania, Poland

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of parasite infection of the digestive tract in sheep and goats from the West Pomerania region following anti-parasite treatment. Feces were freely collected from sheep and goats kept on organic farms and subjected to analysis by the Willis-Schlaf and McMaster's flotation methods. The mean extensity of infection by gastrointestinal parasites in both sheep and goats was found to be 100%. Both sheep and goats displayed the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes, Eimeria protozoa and Moniezia spp. tapeworms. The intensity of infection of sheep and goats by these parasites was arranged as follows: gastrointestinal nematodes > Eimeria protozoa > Moniezia tapeworms. Our findings confirm that a problem exists regarding the occurrence of parasites of the digestive tract among sheep and goats kept under organic conditions. Therefore, correct implementation of prophylactic programmes should be emphasised to ensure the control or elimination of parasites in animals, particularly those kept on pasture.

The bioaccumulation of lead in the organs of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red deer (Cervus elaphus L.), and wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from Poland.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of lead (Pb) in the livers and kidneys of free-living animals from Poland, with regard to the differences in tissue Pb content between the species. The research material consisted of liver and kidney samples collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) that had been hunted in 16 voivodeships of Poland. The concentration of lead had been measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The results show that differences in lead concentration in the organs depended on the geographic location. In roe deer and red deer, the highest mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys, observed in the central region of Poland, were twice as high as the lowest concentration of Pb in these animals from the northeastern region of the country. In wild boar, the highest mean concentration of Pb was noted in the livers of animals from the central region of Poland and in the kidneys of animals from the northwestern region, while the lowest lead concentrations in both organs were typical for wild boar from the southeast part of the country. Our results show that areas located in the center and in the north of Poland carry most of the burden of lead bioaccumulation.

Plasma membrane changes during the liquid storage of boar spermatozoa: a comparison of methods.

Studies were performed on boar semen routinely used at the local artificial insemination (AI) centre. The semen was stored in a Safe Cell Plus commercial extender at 17 degrees C for nine days. The aim of our research was focused on changes in sperm plasma membrane integrity. The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane and acrosome as well as sperm motility decreased after dilution and during storage of the semen. The highest percentage of live sperm was identified by the eosin-nigrosin method, a lower percentage by the SYBR-14/PI test, and the lowest percentage of live cells was discovered by the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test (P < 0.01). There were significant differences between the results of staining methods and sperm motility (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the HOS test results and sperm motility. The plasma membrane integrity parameters positively correlated (P < 0.001) with each other and with sperm motility but negatively with aspartate aminotransferase activity. Our findings confirmed that the boar sperm aging changes, which increased during liquid semen preservation, were connected with the loss of function and integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The employed complementary tests are comprehensive indicators of sperm membrane integrity during long-term semen preservation, and they can help establish the actual number of 'healthy' cells. The assays may be used in AI laboratories and should be incorporated into the routine of semen analysis.

Plasma progesterone analysis by a time-resolved fluorescent antibody test to monitor estrous cycles in goats.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether blood plasma progesterone (P(4)) measurements with a time-resolved fluorescent antibody test (TR-FAT) kit designed for humans was applicable for goats. The first experiment was designed to verify whether the concentrations of P(4) measured by TR-FAT can be used to monitor the estrous and ovarian activity in goats (n = 14). Blood samples (322) were collected, and the ovaries were scanned using ultrasonography. The second experiment was carried out on 4 goats (60 samples) and designed to compare the TR-FAT with radioimmunoassay (RIA). The time interval between the lowest concentrations of P(4) assayed by TR-FAT was 21 +/- 0.3 days and did not differ significantly from the length of the interestrous interval. The highest concentrations of P(4) were confirmed by detection of corpus luteum. During estrus, the mean concentration did not differ significantly between both methods. Significant differences were present during the luteal phases; however, the profiles of P(4) assayed by both methods followed a similar pattern. Regression analysis showed a correlation between the 2 methods (r = 0.98; r(2) = 0.96; P < 0.0001). The Bland-Altman plot showed that all averages were within the 95% limits of agreement; however, the differences between both methods tend to be greater as the average increases. The results demonstrated that the TR-FAT method can be applied to monitor estrous cycles in goats through measurements of plasma P(4) concentrations. Moreover, not only does the TR-FAT meet the requirements for safety, but it is also a method of high throughput, rapidity, and simplicity.

[In vitro influence of sodium fluoride on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in ram semen]. / Wplyw fluorku sodu na zawartosc ATP w nasieniu tryka w badaniach in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: The motility of spermatozoa results from formation of chemical energy and its transformation into mechanical energy. The quality of spermatozoa is determined primarily by their ability to move. Spermatozoa viability depends on two factors: generation of an adequate supply of ATP and effective use of ATP stores. Biochemical methods are useful for an objective assessment of semen quality. Among them is the measurement of ATP content. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of sodium fluoride at concentrations of 20, 100, 200, and 105 micromol/L on ATP content in ram semen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Altogether, 19 ejaculates into an artificial vagina were collected from rams kept at the University of Agriculture and at the Glinna farm. Parameters of the semen were within limits acceptable for this animal species. The content of ATP was measured with a bioluminometric method and Lumat LB 9807 Berthohold luminometer. RESULTS: The semen was diluted in 0.9% NaCl and was found to contain 12.4 micromol ATP 10-(-9) spermatozoa. ATP content was reduced with rising concentrations of NaF: by 74.6% at 20 tmol/L; by 75.5% at 100 micromol/L; by 90.8% at 200 imol/L; and by 99.9% at 10(5) micromol/L. The correlation between ATP content and sperm motility was significant (r = 0.4990). There was no correlation between ATP content and sperm density.

Oxidoreductive capability of boar sperm mitochondria in fresh semen and during their preservation in BTS extender.

The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of dilution and liquid-preservation of boar sperm on oxidoreductive capability of their mitochondria. The semen was diluted with BTS extender produced from water purified by destillation or by reverse osmosis. The spermatozoa were stored over a four-day period at 16-18 degrees C. The function of sperm mitochondria was assessed using the screening cytochemical test for NADH-dependent oxidoreductases (diaphorase/NADH, related to flavoprotein). Morphological assessment of cytochemical reaction was carried out using a light microscope. The intensity of the reaction was evaluated by means of a computer image analysing system (Quantimet 600S), measuring the integrated optical density (IOD) and mean optical density (MOD) of the reaction product (formazans) occurring in the sperm midpieces. In the non-diluted semen, intensive cytochemical reaction throughout the length of the sperm midpiece was observed. Furthermore, spermatozoa with the intensive reaction displayed the high optical density values. After dilution the semen with two variants of experimental extender, and as the conservation time expired, the cytochemical reaction was less intensive. Moreover, the absence of formazan deposits in various parts of the sperm midpiece was also noted. These morphological features corresponded to low values of optical density. These findings suggest that the dilution of semen and the time of sperm preservation may be critical factors that handicap energy metabolism of sperm mitochondria. The type of water used in preparing BTS extender does not have any significant effect on the oxidoreductive capability of sperm boar mitochondria.