Spelt samples were derived from the plot trials carried out in 2008 at the Lipnik Experimental Station near Szczecin. The treatments were: 4 nitrogen fertilization rates: 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N · ha^–1 and 2 spelt wheat varieties: Franckenkorn, Oberkulmer Rotkorn. Samples of spelt were analyzed for concentration of chemical composition, dietary fibre, minerals and amino acids. It was shown that spelt grain is rich in such nutritional ingredients. A statistically significantly higher content of protein and a lower value of crude fibre were observed in Oberkulmer Rotkorn cv. compared with Franckenkorn. The protein of spelt was characterized by a favorable amino acid composition of high quality protein which can be confirmed by the EAAI values. The first amino acid limiting the nutritive value of protein was lysine in all samples. Increased nitrogen treatment significantly decreased levels of lignin (by 1.6 g · kg^–1 DM) and ADF fraction(by 4.0g·kg^–1 DM). The most beneficial content of essential amino acids was determined in Oberkulmer Rotkorn (32 g 16 g^–1 N).

The aim of investigation was to determ whether the growth of horns of young and adult Polish Heath Sheep rams shows the seasonal dependence and is it similar at both of them. An experiment were led on 21 young and adult rams by two years. Three-weekly were measured the increase of horns in four places. Our morphological studies revealed that the horns of rams of Polish Heath Sheep showed intensive changes within the range biometrical features of 16 month of life. At that time follows the graetest increase: lenght of horns, line circuit of horns over the skull, the outside dimeter of horns and the total spread between points of exterior rams horn borders. After this period the hight of horns of young and adult rams characterized much the same rhythm, but still intensive at young rams.

The aim of investigation was to analyze changes of some biochemical blond plasma indices, changes of proportional participation of testis in body weight of Polish Heath Sheep rams. To document the changes in blood plasma were measured the concentration of testosterone, albumin, glucose, AP-activity and proportional participation of testis weight in body weight. The blood samples were collected every 21 days from each ram from jugular vein using heparinised vacutainer. In this same day testis diameter was measured using tapeline. Results were introduced graphically and in tables. There were estimated significant (P ≤ 0.01, P ≤ 0.05) dependence of examined indicators of blood plasma and testis morphology of Polish Heath Sheep rams.

The aim of the studies was to analyze the influence of successive lactation, lactation period, daily milk yield and season on somatic cell count in milk of montbeliarde cows. The research included the results of 7 187 of experimental milkings made in the years 2006–2010. It was found that the animals produced milk of high cytological quality. Average somatic cell count scored 465 thous. ·ml^–1, and 76.3% of samples contained to 400 thous. ·ml^–1 of cells maximum. Somatic cell count and the share of samples indicating worse cytological quality of milk increased in successive lactation and lactation period, whereas a decrease of this parameters with an increase of daily milk yield and in winter season were observed. It was also found that an udder’s care is very important element of looking after cytological quality of milk, regardless of the age of animals, lactation period, daily milk yield and season. Within each of these factors, milk samples indicating health problem of udders were found.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate dynamic changes in the concentration of albumin, and selected protein fractions with higher and lower molecular weight in comparison to albumin. The percentage of these fractions of the total blood plasma protein was also examined. The experiment was carried out on 7 calves during their first seven days of life. Additionally, changes with age of the albumin and high and low molecular weight protein concentration and percentage of the total blood plasma protein were also determined. During the first week of life mean albumin concentration in the blood plasma varied between 29.22–31.72g·l^–1.The percentage of these fractions of the total blood plasma protein decreased from 38.14 to 29.43%. The concentration of high molecular weight fraction rose (from 8.43 to 14.47g·l^–1). Average percentage of these proteins of the total protein varied between 10.71–13.22%. Both low molecular weight protein concentration (from 18.73 to 36.60g·l^–1) and their percentage of the total protein (from 24.10 to 31.64%) increased during the first four days of life.

The data referring to 152 Fjord horses registered in the following stud-books: Vol. 1 of Fjord Horse Studbook [1962], National Register of Small Horses [1995] and Register of Ponies and Small Horses, Vol. 2, were analysed. Average dimensions of a present-day Fjord horse herd in Poland are as follows: mares 140.23–179.85–19.08 cm, and stallions 139.00–171.23–19.44 cm. Biometric parameters of present Fjord horse herd are in contrast to the breeding efforts assumed at the initial stage of breeding these horses in Poland when the principal purpose was to increase their weight and boniness. Present-day Fjord mares are characterised by mean chest circumference index typical for horses of the draught type, whereas boniness index is within the range appropriate for general utility horses. Opposite relationships are being observed in stallions. Average mare classification score significantly increased in 2002 as compared with initial herd evaluation (1962), which is a favourable phenomenon. On the other hand, an alarming decrease of average classification score was observed in stallions. In further breeding work, therefore, an attention should be paid to the correctness of conformation traits and the proper type of Fjord stallions to prevent further reduction of classification score and aim at obtaining conformation index values characteristic for a specific utility type.

Phagocytosis is an elementary function of neutrophils, monocytes and tissue macrophages. The process on its own as well as its efficiency is significantly limited in case of Streptococcus equi infections in horses. Strangles diagnosis and poor effectiveness of treatment is due to difficulties in identification of asymptomatic hosts. The aim of this study was to compare the course of neutrophil and monocyte phagocytosis in clinically healthy horses after Streptococcus equi infection versus control group. The phagocytosis activity was determined by means of PhagoTest^® and flow cytometry. The blood was obtained from 13 mares recovered from streptococcal infection caused by S. equi and 12 mares which never demonstrated clinical symptoms of this disease. A statistically significant difference was shown in blood monocytes concentration in control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the amount of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Lower phagocytosis activity (fluorescence) was observed among neutrophils (P = 0.049) and monocytes (P = 0.006) in recovered mares. Moreover, the percentage of eosinophils was also lower in this group, while the chemotaxis was enhanced. Limited immunological response in the recovered mares may be due to asymptomatic carrier state of S. equi. Therefore, the determination of neutrophil and monocyte phagocytic activity may be useful in diagnosis of asymptomatic S. equi infections.

The research covered female mink of five colour varieties: Scanblack, Sapphir Cross, Hedlund White, Scanblack Velvet and Regal White. The analysis in some reproduction traits (% whelpened females, number of born puppies, number of born alive puppies and number of weaned puppies) of female mink (Neovison vison) depending on the colour varieties and age showed that % whelpened females upon age was grow.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of time and number of matings on the percentage of barren females and a selection of the optimal timing and mating system. During the experiment, we analyzed 1736 effectively mated females at the age of one year, the percentage of those who did not litter. For the analysis, four colour varieties of mink were used: Scanbrown, Sapphire, Pearl and Scanblack. Mink in the various colour varieties were divided into mating groups according to the date of mating. The following mating systems were used: single mating, double mating according to the model 1 + 8, and triple mating according to the model 1 + 8 + 9. In the experiment, the effect of time and mating system on the percentage of sterile females was studied. Mating in the first and second date (from 1 to 10 March) can be considered as the most optimal, since the lowest percentage of sterile females was observed in this date. The last of the analyzed mating dates (March 21) was the worst one, since on that date over 60% of females were barren. Triple mating reduced the percentage of females that failed to litter, while single mating increased it significantly. The Scanblack mink was characterised by the highest percentage of barren females, while the Scanblack variety – the lowest.

Total cholesterol content as well as HDL, LDL and trigliceride levels were determined in 8-, 12-and 18-week old polbar cocks and hens. The material for analysis was blood collected from the basilic vein (v. basilica). In the blood serum determination of the total cholesterol content as well as HDL and triglyceride levels, whereas the LDL concentration level was calculated from an appropriate formula. The total cholesterol content and HDL levels in the polbar hen serum were both sex and age-dependent. Slightly higher values were determined for the cocks. LDL concentration in polbar hens decreased along with age, whereas triglyceride levels increased as the birds grew older. The males were characterized by higher concentration levels. The obtained concentration values for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides in the genetically consolidated polbar chickens can be employed for comparisons with other poultry breeds.

For thirteen calves (seven heifers, six bulls) of the limosine breed in the first ten days of life changes in the concentration of the triglyceride, total cholesterol, cholesterols HDL and LDL in the blood plasma were analyzed. During this period calves were kept with heifers. The triglyceride concentration in the blood plasma of calves with unrestricted access to colostrums and later to regular milk was slightly higher in the first days of the postnatal life compared to mature animals and was independent of the sex. In the first three days of life the highest increase of the triglycerides concentration in the blood plasma was observed. Individual variations in the triglycerides concentration in both sexes of calves were quite significant resulting probably from the different food intake times. With the age of calves a systematic increase of triglycerides, total cholesterol, cholesterol HDL and LDL was observed. However, the rise of the HDL cholesterol was proportionally higher than the LDL cholesterol. With the age of calves a gradual change in percentage of the lipoprotein HDL and LDL in distribution of the total cholesterol present in the blood was detected. From the 4–5 day of the postnatal life more than 50% of the total cholesterol was distributed by HDL lipoproteins.

In work was made evaluation of fresh and dry meadow lichen from semi-natural extensive meadow. It was made a characterization of the botanic composition of the green growth in terms of value in use, affinity to plant community as well as organoleptic value of hay, its chemic composition and nutritive value for horses. It was concluded that extensive meadow when not fertilized and late mowed gives hay with very high share of plants without, low or moderate fodder value score. Most of plants species represent Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class plant community. Very small digestible protein content, large share of crude fibre and acid detergent lignin as well as considerable deficit of macro elements was determined in hay. Because of low nutritive value hay from semi-natural meadow may comprise only minor addition in nutritive rations for horses.

The aim of this experiment was to estimate possible associations between TG/PsuI genotypes and some milk performance traits (yields of milk, protein and fat and protein and fat content). The study included 180 Polish Jersey cows. The PCR-RFLP method was used to identification genotypes. The TG/PsuI frequencies were as follow: CC – 0.53, CT – 0.44, CC – 0.03 and C – 0.75, T – 0.25. In this study, no statistically significant correlation between TG genotypes and analyzed the traits, however, shown a tendency to maintain a relationship of genotypes with milk production traits.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wheat from the next two years, the harvest of wheat and other cereal products. The favorable comparison was the 2007 wheat harvest, as characterized by a higher content of crude protein and lower content of crude fiber, lignin and cellulose. The amino acid is limiting the nutritional value of wheat and wheat product was lysine and threonine. Nevertheless, the second limiting amino acid, according to the standard for man was threonine (2007) and isoleucine (2008). Furthermore, the protein of wheat in 2008 was characterized by a higher nutritional value compared to the 2007 wheat protein expressed by the rate of Oser (EAAI), respectively, in 2008, according to the MH (95.6) and EC (65.9) and in wheat in 2007 MH (83.5) and WE (57.5), comparable to the petals (MH – 85.3 and WE – 64.9). The lowest nutritive value was characterized by a flour, while the highest germ.

Hatchability evaluation was performed on 133 ostrich eggs which, according to their weight, were divided into 3 groups: group I – with eggs weighing 1300 to 1450 g, group II – with eggs weighing 1451 to 1600 g, and group III – with eggs weighing 1601 to 1750 g. The largest percentage of dead embryos (30%) was found in group I, whereas this rate in two other ones was smaller by 22.6 and 12.4%, respectively. Largest hatchability rates both from set and ferilised eggs were found in group II, i.e. 66.6 and 88.8%, respectively. The optimum of ostrich egg weight should be within the range of 1451–1600 g.

The aim of the study was to analyze the reproductive performance of sows during the first service, depending on the height of loin eye. Results of reproductive performance of sows of such traits as a: total number born of piglets, number of live and still-born piglets, number of piglets at day 21st and the number of piglets weaned, litter and piglet weight at 1st and 21st days, losses of piglets to 21st and 30th days, weaning to-first-service interval of gilts were compared. The gilts was devided into three groups depending on the height of loin eye: the I group ≥ 54.1 mm high of loin eye, the II group 54.0–46.1 mm and the III group ≤ 46.0 mm. It was concluded that gilts from the group I and II characterized significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower weight of body in compare to gilts from III group, what was probably caused by their differ age. It was found out that the gilts from III group weaned significantly (P ≤ 0.01) more piglets than the gilts from I group.

The aim of the study was the identification and molecular analysis of 35 Staphylococcus spp. strains, isolated from milk of cows with clinical form of mastitis, regarding to its potential ability to produce enterotoxins (SEA-SEE). All examined strains were first characterized on the basis of the image analysis of the bacterial colony growth on chromogenic medium CHROMagar Staph. aureus. In the next step all strains were analyzed using the species-specific PCR, based on detection of two molecular markers: nuc – specific for S. aureus and gehM – specific for S. xylosus. Additionally, enterotoxigenicity of identified strains (presence of sea-see genes, including secv), in the multiplex-PCR was performed. A total of 35 isolates from milk samples of bovine clinical mastitis cases were analyzed and 18 strains (51.4%) classified as S. xylosus (CNS), where only two strains (5.7%) were coagulase-positive S. aureus. Seven isolates of S. xylosus (20%) were positive for enterotoxin genes (se), as detected by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction, with sea (71.4%), secv (14.3%) and sed (14.3%). In addition, in the case of five strains (71.4%), amplicons specific for others, indefinable se genes or their variants were detected, which on the basis of in silico analysis were identified as: seg, seh, sei or selu. The data showed that the toxigenic properties of CNS should not be ignored and further investigation of this group of microorganisms in food could be very important. Moreover the research contributed to emphasize the meaning of enterotoxigenic S. xylosus strains in the etiology of cows’ mastitis. The study also confirmed the usefulness of molecular methods in detection of potentially enterotoxic Staphylococcus spp. strains, isolated from animals.

The aim of present work was to define the influence of the effort, in different phases of the training, on chosen haematologic indicators and the antioxidative status of blood in horses used recreationally and sportingly. Obtained results indicate that the degree of training and the preparation of horses to the effort can be evaluated by means of chosen haematologic indicators in conjunction with the estimation of the efficiency of the antioxidative system in blood of horses. Parameters showing good preparation of the horse to the oxygenic work are the high rest and postconative number of erythrocytes and the quantity of contained in them hemoglobins and the low decrease of value of the entire reductive potential of blood. The individual character of obtained values indicates that only yearly examinations and the settlement of the individual metabolic profile of the horse will let on the precise definition of progresses in the training and the adequate reaction of the organism of the horse on the effort.

The aim of this study was analysis of embryos heart rate of some species of domestic birds: chicken, japanese quail, guinea fowl, duck and goose throughout embryonic development. The study was conducted with the use non-contact method of ballistocardiography. In the beginning of incubation (9th–10th days) decrease in heart rate of embryos were observed except quail. Also in the final period of development in all embryos decrease of heart rate was found out. Great disturbances in ballistocardiograms were observed on days preceding embryonic deaths.

The study included 185 heifers and 155 bull-calves born in 2006–2007 and belonging to three genetic groups: (1) pure Charolaise (CHL), (2) crosses 87.5% Charolaise x 12.5% Hereford (87.5% CHL), and (3) crosses 75% Charolaise x 25% Hereford (75% CHL). An evaluation of maternal nursing performance of the calves was carried out in relation to their genotype and gender. It was shown that pure Charolaise heifers were characterized by the highest average body weight at birth, which was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher as compared with body weight of 75% CHL or 87.5% CHL. Body weights at birth of purebred and crossed bull calves were very similar and did not differ significantly. Purebred heifers and bull-calves achieved significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher 210-d weaning mean body weights and daily gains from birth till 210 days, as compared with the crosses. Bull calves were characterized by higher body weights at birth and weaning at 210th days and daily weight gains from birth to 210th days of age, as compared to heifers.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic characteristics of cows herd based on polymorphism in the promoter region of IGF-1 gene as well as determine possible relationships between detected polymorphism and milk performance traits. Investigations were carried out on 185 cows of Polish Holstein-Fresian breed, variety black-and-white. Polymorphism of IGF-1 gene was determined by use ACRS-PCR method. The comparison between the number of observed genotypes and the theoretical number of genotypes showed loss of genetic equilibrium in investigated population. Heterozygosity of analyzed herd was 0.64. Analyzing milk performance traits in relation to individual genotypes it was affirmed that genotype CC in most cases was associated with higher values of examined traits, however these differences were not confirmed statistically.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the differences and similarities in the behavior of two common species of grazing herbivores (cattle and horses) and to verify whether the behavior of animals reared in conditions similar to the natural habitat affects to change their behavior and promotes the occurrence of behaviors typical of free-living ancestors. Behavioral observations of 500 cows and 40 horses were carried out for fourteen days. To obtain knowledge about the mode of living of individuals and create etogram and develop data on the circadian rhythm both stocks observations madesent in two different times of day. The studies indicate a pattern replicating the daily behavior of both stocks. Animals despite species differences did not show aggression towards each other, tolerate their presence. Domesticated animals-cattle and horses, well adapted the conditions in which the existence of their free-living ancestors. Maintaining the green areas such as landscape parks, national parks and their buffer zones can be a very positive element in shaping the ecosystem.

The rural tourism in Zachodniopomorskie Province has the significant position on market of touristic services. Many objects have high standard confirmed with categorization accomplished by Polish Federation of Country Tourism „Hospitable Farms“. The rest on the country areas this is not only quarters and board but also more and more interesting touristic product. It is created in support about natural values and cultural Western Pomerania. The significant role has also the resources of farms testifying the touristic services. The aim of this paper was the valuation of role the animals in creating product of the rural tourism in Zachodniopomorskie Province.

Mink females (Hedlund white color), which were not mated to 19 March, were stimulated at the same day with the injection of two preparations: preparation 1 contained PMSG and showed mostly the FSH activity, the preparation 2 – synthetic gonadoreline, equivalent to naturally GnRH. The results showed that both preparation did not influence significant on reproductive parameters, and the differences in gestation length, litter size, number of young born in a litter between the experimental and control groups were also not significant.

In this work the influence of the breed and age of boars on selected defects of sperm is estimated. It is shown that the breed and the variant of the crossing from which the boar comes, as well as his age, have a significant impact on the percentage of occurrence of the basis morphological defects of sperm in semen. It has been proved that Polish Large White breed boars are characterised by the best sperm. The highest percentage of sperm with defects characterised Pietrain boars aged 24–36 months, followed by Polish Landrace boars aged 24–36 months, and those over 36 months.

Geomagnetic field is for the living organisms a very significant biological factor, acting in time and space, indispensable in stimulating and steering of biological processes. So far domestic and laboratory animals kept in the conditions of naturally or artificially disturbed magnetic field were the objects of research on impact of geomagnetic field on the animals’ organisms. Therefore the study whether the state of geomagnetic field affected the choice of resting or breeding sites’ selection of free-living animals was undertaken. The fieldwork was carried out in the forests of Lutowiska Forest District in Podkarpacie Province in the south-east of Poland and Nawojowa Frest District in Małopolska Province in the south of Poland. Geomagnetic field in the resting and breeding sites of red deer, wild boar, badger, otter and fox was measured with geomagnetometer. The results allow us to conclude that free-living animals take into account geomagnetic field while selecting resting or nesting sites – red deer, wild boar and otter select places with undisturbed geomagnetic field while badgers’ dens are situated in the heterogenous geomagnetic field.

The aim of this study was to determine selenium content in selected tissues of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Wielkopolska region and soil collected from the area of roe deer living. Research material included liver and kidney samples obtained from 23 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Animals were shot during the hunting season in summer 2009 in compliance with the hunting limits set. Soil samples (0–20 cm) were taken from 18 sampling sites in 2009. Selenium concentration in samples was determined spectrofluorimetrically using 2,3-diaminonaphtalene (DAN). Selenium concentration in soil ranged from 0.00–0.57 µg · g^–1 d.m. average 0.19±0.11 µg · g^–1 d.m. The mean Se content in livers and kidneys was 0.06 µg · g^–1 w.w. and 0,33 µg·g^–1 w.w., respectively. We observed positive statistically significant correlation (r = 0.7583; P = 0.00003) between these organs. Low selenium concentration in roe deer tissues and in soil indicates that examined area is deficient in selenium.