Physiological Effect of Gentle Stroking in Lambs.

The aim of the study was to determine changes in physiological indicators in lambs subjected to gentle stroking. The study included 40 three-week-old lambs (20 females of the synthetic prolific-meat (BCP) line and 20 females of the Swiniarka (SW) breed). The animals were assigned to two control groups (n = 20) and two experimental groups (n = 20). Lambs from the experimental groups received treatment. Analyses consisted of determining the following parameters: heart rate (HR), saturation (S) and biochemical analysis. In the groups of sheep subjected to gentle massage, the analyses revealed a significant increase in the levels of cortisol, CAT, GST, GPx, among others, and a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, SOD, TAC, uric acid and Na+. At the same time, indicators of reduced stress levels were revealed, i.e., a significant increase in glycogen levels and a significant decrease in glucose and HR values. These results suggest that the introduction of gentle touch can induce positive states in lambs, and that the stress response may be transient and adaptive. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these interactions can be a source of stress, even if the behavioral response does not necessarily indicate stress.

The sex impact on the technological and chemical characteristics of meat derived from the Polish native chicken breed.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the birds' sex as well as the caponisation influence on the technological traits of obtained meat, fatty acids profile as well as main chemical compounds distribution. In this study, 40 hens, roosters and green-legged partridge capons each were used (4 replications each). At 24 weeks of age, 2 birds from each replication subgroup were selected and slaughtered. During dissection analysis, pectoral and femoral muscles were sampled. Acidity, colour, tenderness, water holding capacity, drip and cooking loss were determined in the obtained material. The fatty acid profile of the meat was also determined, as well as the distribution of components in the pressed meat samples using FTIR spectroscopy. Statistically significant differences in the colour lightness index (L*) of the breast muscles were recorded, with cockerel meat being the darkest and capon meat the lightest. The greatest natural water loss was recorded in the hens' pectoral muscle; cooking loss was also the greatest in these samples. Roosters showed significantly the lowest content of monounsaturated fatty acids, at the same time the highest proportion of the n3 fatty acids group was found in capons. Irrespective of muscle, meat from roosters showed the highest susceptibility to oxidation (PI index). The variation in the chemical composition of the meat was confirmed by FTIR mapping.

Population genetic structure, parasite infection and somatic condition of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) in the Oder river basin.

In Poland, distribution of non-native pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae) is strictly limited to the Oder river basin, where it was introduced in the early 20th century. Recently, several populations have been found in waterbodies adjacent to the Oder, particularly in its lower reaches. In this study, we compare the genetic relatedness of populations in the Oder basin with other European populations using nuclear (microsatellite) and mitochondrial (partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I; cox1) markers. Microsatellite analysis indicated that four populations in the lower Oder form a separate cluster, while one in the middle Oder clustered with Danubian populations, from where probably having been introduced. Microsatellite data suggested that the lower Oder populations differ from other non-native European populations, making it impossible to estimate the source of introduction. Nevertheless, analysis of cox1 indicated that Oder pumpkinseeds belong to the same haplotype as the vast majority of European populations. Parasitological examination confirmed the presence of two North American species, the monogenean Onchocleidus dispar and trematode Posthodiplostomum centrarchi, in the lower Oder, both previously unknown in the region. Fifteen other parasite species were acquired, including glochidia of invasive Sinanodonta woodiana. In the middle Oder, parasite infection was more limited. Fish from the Gryfino Canal, considered one of the most invasive populations in Europe, showed the highest parasite abundance and diversity, and the highest somatic condition and growth rate due to warm water released from the Dolna Odra power plant. Our results highlight significant differences in somatic condition and parasite infection in long-established non-native pumpkinseed populations in the same river system, reflecting mainly environmental conditions.

Spatial heterogeneity in pH, body size and habitat size generates ecological opportunity in an evolutionary radiation.

Much of the biological diversity we see today is thought to be the product of evolutionary radiation, the rapid proliferation of species from a single ancestor into multiple discrete forms. Spatial heterogeneity in environmental variables has been proposed as creating the necessary ecological opportunity to stimulate evolutionary radiation. Nonetheless, the ecological mechanisms generating and maintaining diversity in spatially heterogeneous environments are not fully understood. The authors investigated the role of strong spatial heterogeneity in generating ecological opportunity in an evolutionary radiation of freshwater populations of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) on the island of North Uist using a spatially explicit Bayesian model. The authors identified pH, loch surface area and body size as predictors of variance in the number of lateral plates that comprise anti-predator armour in G. aculeatus. An East-West gradient of pH, a product of the distinctive environment of North Uist, generates a robust selective environment facilitating G. aculeatus evolutionary radiation. Larger lochs were associated with atypical phenotypes, possibly related to larger population sizes and greater selection efficiency. An association between pH and lateral plate number is likely an effect of body size, with a positive relationship between body size and lateral plate number that is mediated by swimming efficiency in G. aculeatus.

The role of the non-indigenous pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) in the life cycle of Bothriocephalus claviceps (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) in Europe.

Infection of non-indigenous pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus, Centrarchidae) with the bothriocephalidean cestode Bothriocephalus claviceps (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) was confirmed at several sites in the lower Oder river basin in Poland. The preferred host for this cestode species is the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), with a wide range of other fish species serving as paratenic hosts. The pumpkinseed showed a relatively high prevalence and abundance of larvae, along with several mature and gravid specimens, thereby confirming development of B. claviceps to the adult stage in an alternative host. As such, the pumpkinseed may represent an additional definitive host for this cestode, in addition to its role as a paratenic host, as previously recorded in other European regions. Our results indicate that inclusion of pumpkinseed as an additional definitive host in the cestode's life cycle, high infection of pumpkinseed with B. claviceps larvae and inclusion of pumpkinseed in the eel's diet could potentially lead to increased parasite pressure on native fish hosts. Further comparative studies or experimental testing will be required to confirm this.

Food resource partitioning between juvenile and mature weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis.

This study represents a description of the diet composition of one of the largest European cobitids, the weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis. Specimens were collected in a drainage canal, representing a typical habitat for weatherfish, and with gut content analysis conducted with regard to individual total length and maturity stage. Overall, the weatherfish diet mainly consisted of Copepoda, Cladocera, Ostracoda, Oligochaeta, Asellus aquaticus, Chironomidae and Coleoptera larvae, Gastropoda, and detritus. To evaluate size-related patterns of resource use, fish were assigned to two size classes, defined according to size at first maturation. ANOSIM analyses revealed major ontogenetic shifts in feeding strategy, which were related to size and maturity, with a significant ontogenetic shift in feeding pattern, marked by differences in the proportions of the main taxonomic groups of prey consumed. Copepoda and Cladocera dominated in the diet of small and immature individuals, while large weatherfish primarily fed on detritus. Similarly, cluster analysis of diet classified into these food types showed distinct two groups comprising juvenile and mature fish. The weatherfish is a food opportunist using all available resources, but spatially showed a change in feeding sites. Smaller and sexually immature individuals more often use prey caught in the water column and among macrophytes, while larger (sexually mature) individuals occupying the bottom, much more often use detritus as a food base.

The Influence of Sex on the Slaughter Parameters and Selected Blood Indices of Greenleg Partridge, Polish Native Breed of Hens.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of sex, including caponization, on selected physiological and productive traits of Greenleg partridge (GP) birds. The study material consisted of 120 GP chicks (40 females and 80 males), divided into 3 equal groups (4 replication in each) and kept in litter system and fed ad libitum. A total of 40 cocks have been surgically castrated. The body weight (BW) of birds were measured biweekly. At the age of 24 weeks 8 birds/group were slaughtered, their carcasses were subjected to simplified dissection. Blood samples were collected and among others biochemical profile of serum was established. The lowest BW, regardless of age, had hens. From 18th week capons had the highest BW and finally it was similar to cocks. Cocks demonstrated, significantly, the highest carcass yield, however, the biggest proportion of breast muscles were stated in capons carcasses. The effect of sex is very clear in case of abdominal fat pad. The highest proportion of it was found in females but the lack of sex hormones in capons also contributed to a higher fat accumulation. The serum profile showed that the sexual maturity of hens increased lipids content (cholesterol, trigliceroles) caused by laying production.

Pedigree and Molecular Analyses in the Assessment of Genetic Variability of the Polish Greyhound.

The aim of the study was to assess the genetic variability of the Polish Greyhound population based on pedigree analysis and molecular DNA testing and to determine the degree of relatedness among individuals in the population. Pedigree data of 912 Polish Greyhounds recorded in pedigree books since they were opened for this breed were analyzed. For molecular testing, DNA was obtained from cheek swabs taken from 235 dogs of the tested breed. A panel of 21 markers (Short Tandem Repeat-STR) was used. The mean inbreeding determined for the Polish Greyhound population based on pedigree analyses was low and amounted to 11.8%, but as many as 872 individuals of the 912 dogs in the studied population were inbred. A total of 83 founders (at least one unknown parent) were identified, among which 27 founders had both unknown parents. Full-sibling groups consisted of 130 individuals, with a minimum and maximum litter size of 2 and 16, respectively. The average litter size was 5.969. Gene diversity calculated based on the mean kinship matrix was 0.862 and the population mean kinship was 0.138. The founder genome equivalent based on the mean kinship matrix was 3.61; the founder genome surviving level was 12.34; the mean Ne was estimated at 21.76; and the Ne/N ratio was 0.135. The FIS inbreeding coefficient for 21 STR was negative, and the mean FIS value for all loci had a low negative value (-0.018). These values suggest a low level of inbreeding in the examined breed as well as the avoidance of mating related animals.

Effect of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on the Redox Status, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Horses' Blood.

This study compared the effect of two dietary vegetable oils on plasma biochemical indices, haematological parameters, and redox status of horses. Forty riding horses (20 mares and 20 stallions) of the Malopolski breed were divided equally into two groups that were similar in terms of age, sex, and body weight (on average 530 ± 30 kg). The horses received soybean oil (SO) or flaxseed oil (FO) in the amount of 25 mL per 100 kg BW/day. After 60 days, blood was collected for biochemical and haematological analyses. The results show that horses receiving FO as compared to the SO group had significantly lower plasma levels of glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and triacylglycerols, as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. In turn, %HDL-TC and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly higher in the FO group. The inclusion of FO in the diet contributed to an increase in antioxidant indices: creatinine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc contents and also superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The level of the end product of lipid peroxidation, i.e., malonyl dialdehyde, in the FO group as compared to the SO group was significantly lower. Moreover, FO caused an elevation in red blood cell indicators, lymphocyte count and lysozymes. In conclusion, FO exerts a beneficial effect by stimulating antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses and reducing the severity of oxidative stress. FO also improved the lipid profile and haematological parameters of the blood. The replacement of SO by FO is recommended based on these findings.

Behavioural Variability in Chicks vs. the Pattern of Behaviour in Adult Hens.

The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of chicks of three different breeds of laying hens differing in the activity, emotional reactivity, and environmental preferences. Another objective was to answer the question whether the behavioural differences between adult birds would be evident already in the chick period or whether they are an effect of the further modifying impact of the environment. 60 green-legged partridge, 60 Polbar, and 60 Leghorn chicks were used in the experiments. The chicks hatched in a flock where hens were previously assessed with behavioural tests and the corticosterone levels in their feathers was determined, indicating significant differences in the temperament and stress level between the breeds. Five tests were carried out: two on competitiveness, activity, interest and fearfulness/curiosity. The experiments revealed considerable differences between the chicks. The Zk birds coped better with situations requiring swiftness and initiative. The Pb chicks were slower than Zk and Lg and did not make quick decisions. Hence, a lower number of these birds entering and leaving the test cage and staying inside was recorded. The Zk chicks exhibited a higher level of fearfulness than the other breeds. In terms of the environment enrichment elements, sand and woodchips were more attractive to the Zk chicks, whereas the Lg and Pb birds preferred pecking the string. No differences in the time of undertaking the analysed activities were found between the breeds.

The role of detritivory as a feeding tactic in a harsh environment - a case study of weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis).

The weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) is a species that is tolerant of unfavourable environmental conditions and can survive low dissolved oxygen concentrations and high water temperatures. Although this species occurs across almost the whole of Europe, and is protected in many countries, relatively little is known regarding its ecology. To determine the diet of weatherfish, 120 individuals from an artificial drainage canal in central Poland were collected in two seasons (spring and late summer) with contrasting abiotic condition (oxygen concentration, water temperature and transparency). Analysis of gut fullness showed that weatherfish consumed a greater quantity of food in spring (0.92 ± 0.90) compared with summer (0.20 ± 0.26). Contrary to other cobitid taxa, weatherfish fed actively during daytime in both seasons. An estimate of the importance of each dietary component indicated that the most important food categories were chironomids, copepods, Asellus aquaticus and detritus. SIMPER analysis indicated that these four categories together constituted over 65.8% of cumulative dissimilarity in the diet between seasons. Additionally, trophic niche breadth differed significantly between seasons. The study demonstrated that the weatherfish is an opportunistic feeder, consuming large quantities of detritus despite possessing a gut morphology that is atypical of a detritivore. The quantity of detritus in the gut of weatherfish was positively associated with fish total length and varied seasonally, with a greater quantity of detritus in the diet in late summer. These results demonstrate the importance of detritus as a source of energy, particularly during periods of scarcity of alternative prey categories.

Variability of laying hen behaviour depending on the breed.

OBJECTIVE: For many generations, most species of farm animals have been subjected to intense and strictly targeted selection for improvement of their performance traits. This has led to substantial changes in animal anatomy and physiology, which resulted in considerable differences between the current animal breeds and their wild ancestors. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is breed-specific variability in behaviour as well as differences in emotional reactivity and preferences of laying hens. METHODS: The investigations involved 50 Green-legged Partridge, 50 Polbar, and 50 Leghorn hens. All birds were kept in the same conditions, and the behavioural tests were carried out at 30 weeks of age. We used the tonic immobility test and a modified open-field test including such objects as water, commercial feed, feed enriched with cereal grains, finely cut straw, and insect larvae, a sandpit, a mirror, and a shelter imitating a hen nest. RESULTS: The research results demonstrate that the birds of the analysed breeds differ not only in the excitability and emotional reactivity but, importantly, also in the preferences for environment-enriching elements. Ensuring hens' well-being should therefore be based on environmental modifications that will facilitate acquisition of essential elements of chickens' behaviour. The greatest emotional reactivity was found in the Leghorn breed, which may be a result of correlated selection aimed at an increase in chicken productivity. CONCLUSION: The differences in the behaviour of the birds from the analysed breeds indicate that laying hens cannot be regarded as one group of animals with the same environmental requirements.

Genetic correlations between behavioural responses and performance traits in laying hens.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate genetic correlations between the behavioural profile and performance in laying hens as an indirect answer to the question whether the observed behavioural responses are associated with increased levels of stress in these birds. METHODS: The assessment of birds' temperament was carried out using the novel objects test. The behavioural test was conducted in two successive generations comprising 9,483 Rhode Island White (RIW) birds (approx. 4,700 individuals per generation) and 4,326 Rhode Island Red (RIR) birds (approx. 2,100 individuals per generation). Based on the recorded responses, the birds were divided into two groups: a fearful profile (1,418 RIW hens and 580 RIR hens) and a brave/curious profile (8,065 RIW hens and 3,746 RIR hens). The birds were subjected to standard assessment of their performance traits, including SM, age at sexual maturity; ST, shell thickness; SG, egg specific gravity; EW, mean egg weight; IP, initial egg production; and HC, number of hatched chicks. The pedigree was three generations deep (including two behaviour-recorded generations). Estimation of the (co)variance components was performed with the Gibbs sampling method, which accounts for the discrete character of the behavioural profile denotation. RESULTS: The analyses revealed negative correlations between the performance traits of the laying hens and the behavioural profile defined as fearful. In the group of fearful RIW birds, delayed sexual maturation (0.22) as well as a decrease in the initial egg production (-0.30), egg weight (-0.54), egg specific gravity (-0.331), shell thickness (-0.11), and the number of hatched chicks (-0.24) could be expected. These correlations were less pronounced in the RIR breed, in which the fearful birds exhibited a decline in hatchability (-0.37), egg specific gravity (-0.11), and the number of hatched chicks (-0.18). There were no correlations in the case of the other traits or they were positive but exhibited a substantial standard error, as for the egg weight. CONCLUSION: To sum up the results obtained, it can be noted that behavioural responses indicating fearfulness, i.e. escape, avoidance, and approach-avoidance may reflect negative emotions experienced by birds. The negative correlations with performance in the group of fearful hens may indirectly indicate a high level of stress in these birds, especially in the white-feathered birds, where stronger performance-fearfulness correlations were found. Fearful birds should be eliminated from breeding by inclusion of the behavioural profile in the selection criterion in the case of laying hens.

Ultrasonic eggshell thickness measurement for selection of layers.

This study aimed to develop a methodology for using ultrasonic technology (USG) to record eggshell thickness for selection of layers. Genetic correlations between eggshell strength and its thickness have been reported to be around 0.8, making shell thickness a selection index candidate element. Applying ultrasonic devices to measure shell thickness leaves an egg intact for further handling. In this study, eggs from 2 purebred populations of Rhode Island White (RIW) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens were collected on a single day in the 33rd week of the farm laying calendar from 2,414 RIR and 4,525 RIW hens. Beginning from the large end of the egg, measurements were taken at 5 latitudes: 0º (USG0), 45º (USG45), 90º (USG90), 135º (USG135), and 180º (USG180). To estimate the repeatability of readings, measurements were repeated at each parallel on 3 meridians. Electronic micrometer measurement ( EMM: ) were taken with an electronic micrometer predominantly at the wider end of eggs from 2,397 RIR and 4,447 RIW hens. A multiple-trait statistical model fit the fixed effect of year-of-hatch × hatch-within-year, and random effects due to repeated measurements (except EMM) and an animal's additive genetic component. The shell was thinnest in the region where chicks break it upon hatching (USG0, USG45). Heritabilities of shell thickness in different regions of the shell ranged from 0.09 to 0.19 (EMM) in RIW and from 0.12 to 0.23 (EMM) in RIR and were highest for USG45 and USG0. Because the measurement repeatabilities were all above 0.90, our recommendation for balancing egg strength against hatching ease is to take a single measurement of USG45. Due to high positive genetic correlations between shell thickness in different regions of the shell its thickness in the pointed end region will be modified accordingly, in response to selection for USG45.

How Will Climate Warming Affect Non-Native Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus Populations in the U.K.?

Of the non-native fishes introduced to the U.K., the pumpkinseed is one of six species predicted to benefit from the forecasted climate warming conditions. To demonstrate the potential response of adults and their progeny to a water temperature increase, investigations of parental pumpkinseed acclimatization, reproduction and YOY over-wintering were carried out in outdoor experimental ponds under ambient and elevated water temperature regimes. No temperature effects were observed on either adult survivorship and growth, and none of the assessed reproductive activity variables (total spawning time, spawning season length, number of spawning bouts) appeared to be responsible for the large differences observed in progeny number and biomass. However, it was demonstrated in a previous study [Zieba G. et al., 2010] that adults in the heated ponds began spawning earlier than those of the ambient ponds. Ambient ponds produced 2.8× more progeny than the heated ponds, but these progeny were significantly smaller, probably due to their late hatching date, and subsequently suffered very high mortality over the first winter. Pumpkinseed in the U.K. will clearly benefit from climate warming through earlier seasonal reproduction, resulting in larger progeny going into winter, and as a result, higher over-winter survivorship would be expected relative to that which occurs under the present climatic regime.

Genetic Variability of Show Jumping Attributes in Young Horses Commencing Competing.

The aim of the study was to select traits that may constitute a prospective criterion for breeding value prediction of young horses. The results of 1,232 starts of 894 four-, five-, six-, and seven-year-old horses, obtained during jumping championships for young horses which had not been evaluated in, alternative to championships, training centres were analyed. Nine traits were chosen of those recorded: ranking in the championship, elimination (y/n), conformation, rating of style on day one, two, and three, and penalty points on day one, two, and three of a championship. (Co)variance components were estimated via the Gibbs sampling procedure and adequate (co)variance component ratios were calculated. Statistical classifications were trait dependent but all fitted random additive genetic and permanent environment effects. It was found that such characteristics as penalty points and jumping style are potential indicators of jumping ability, and the genetic variability of the traits was within the range of 14% to 27%. Given the low genetic correlations between the conformation and other results achieved on the parkour, the relevance of assessment of conformation in four-years-old horses has been questioned.

The synthesis of new potential photosensitizers. 1. Mono-carboxylic acid derivatives of tetraphenylporphyrin.

ABSTRACT: A series of mono-alkylcarboxylic acid derivatives of tetraphenylporphyrin have been prepared. All the porphyrins were completely characterized by use of mass, 1H NMR, UV-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Experimental log P were determined by use of reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography with use of log PRekker. These porphyrins are potential photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: .

Evaluation of genetic biodiversity in farm-bred and wild raccoon dogs in Poland.

The aim of the study was to analyze the intra- and inter-group diversity in farm-raised and wild raccoon dogs with the use of molecular markers. Genetic differences between the particular raccoon dog groups were observed, accompanied by a relatively high intra-group genetic variation. It was noted that the wild raccoon dogs were characterized by the highest genetic diversity, compared to the three study groups of farm-bred raccoon dogs. Wild raccoon dogs and farm-bred raccoon dogs constitute separate phylogenetic groups. The results obtained suggest that farm breeding may lead to differentiation into a different phylogenetic lineage than that of the wild raccoon dogs. In each case, the genetic distance between the animals bred on the individual farms was lower than the distances between the farm-raised and wild animals. Since the Polish farm breeding is based entirely on phenotype ranking, the genotype of "native" animals is still closely related to that of wild animals.

2,3-O-Isopropyl-idene-1-O-p-tolyl-sulfonylglycerol.

In the title compound, C(13)H(18)O(5)S, the five-membered ring has an envelope conformation. The packing involves four C-H⋯O inter-actions, three of which combine to form layers of mol-ecules parallel to the bc plane.

(2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl 3-carboxy-propanoate.

In the title compound, C(10)H(16)O(6), the five-membered ring has an envelope conformation. The packing involves hydrogen-bonded carboxylic acid inversion dimers and three C-H⋯O inter-actions.