In addition to steroid hormones the maturating follicles in ewes produce oxytocin (OXT) which exerts, by local and central effects, the influence on folliculogenesis. Several previous studies have revealed that short-term treatment with OXT in such species as rats and cattle stimulates gonadotropin secretion. Furthermore, it has been indicated that OXT can reduce estrogen production. Both of these effects can favour the ovulation rate (OR). The goal of this study was to reveal the effect of prolonged injections of the OXT (0,1 I.U. every 30 min per 12 h, i.m. and i.v.) on the ovulation rate and contents of leptin and estradiol (E₂) during the oestrus in ewes. Within 2 h of OXT administration both i.m. and i.v., the level of leptin started to increase but E₂ at the same time decreased. More pronounced differences were observed when OXT was given intravenously. Under the influence of OXT given i.m. or i.v. the ovulation rate rose by up to 0,15 and 0,30 ova per ewe respectively. These results are consistent with the assumption that OXT may modulate the selection of premature follicles in the last phase before ovulation.

High hydrostatic pressures seem to be the potential non-thermal alternative of improvement of food microbiological status. The purpose of our studies was the evaluation of pressurization effects on viability of test strain of E. coli suspended in the buffered peptone water. The samples containing 10⁶ CFU x ml^-1 of the test microorganisms were exposed on the pressures 100, 200 or 300 MPa for 30 minutes at the room temperature. The treatment reflected in constant bacterial reduction ranging from about 1 (100 MPa) to over 4,5 (300 MPa) log at the end of experiment. The efficiency of pressurization was proportional to the amount of pressure applied, which was proved by the T-4D values. The results seem promising but their verification in the finished food product is highly advisable.

The impedance spectroscopy method is unique in its ability in the investigations of conduction and polarization phenomena in testing material, which are connected with the structure of the material and its variation. In this paper, we propose the application of the impedance technique for the investigation of pathological changes of porpoise skin. The impedance measurements were performed using a frequency response analyser (Solartron Schlumberger 1172) covering a broad frequency range from 10^-4 Hz to 10⁴ Hz.

The studies were carried out on 48 California White rabbits aged 10–12 weeks. Colon and caecal contents were obtained from animals immediately after slaughtering. The incubations were performed in special type of vessels. Sodium formate were additioned into colon and caecal samples. Sodium formate caused the increase of fermentation parameters of colon and caecal contents. The concentration of ATP in colon and caecal contents with additioned sodium formate increased about 32% and 63% respectively compare with blank incubation without sodium formate. Sodium formate caused the increase of concentration of glucose about 0,5 mmoles in caecal contents and decrease of concentration of glucose about 0,575 mmoles in colon content. The investigation of the studies confirm useful of sodium formate in fermentation of colon and caecal content of rabbits.

Lysozyme, natural bactericidal polypeptide, seems to follow the criteria of biopreservative. The purpose of the studies was the analyse of its effects on the microbial stability and safety of the barrier-coated steamed sausage. The studies were performed on the experimental turkey sausage, added 200 ppm of the lysozyme prior to the thermal treatment. Microbiological status of the sausage was controlled after the different time of storage under the refrigeration and compared with the results revealed within the control. The total plate count in the lysozyme added sausages was 2–3 log CFU x g^-1 lower than in the controls during the entire period of storage (28 days). The limit of the bacterial spoilage (5 log CFU x g^-1) in the controls was exceeded as early as on 14^th day of the storage, indicating that the durability of the lysozyme preserved sausages was at least twice longer. The lysozyme addition resulted also in 3-week inhibition of the lactic acid bacteria. Concluding, small addition of lysozyme positively affects the microbiological status of the meat products and significantly prolongues their durability if stored under the refrigerating conditions.

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of environment on changes of metals concentration (lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper) in tissues of hunting animals: roes and wild pigs, coming from two different in consideration of contamination regions (Wrocław and Legnica). Liver, kidneys, muscles and hair samples were taken and mineralized dry a muffle furnace at 450ºC. Metals were determined directly in mineralizate by the ICP – AES method on the Varian apparatus. Results of the study indicate on significant influence of the environment on metals concentration in tissues of hunting animals. It was confirmed by higher levels of zinc and lead in parenchymal organs of wild pigs and copper in liver of roes coming from Legnica region.

The main point of the research was to find the predilection site for Malassezia pachydermatis on the cats’ skin, describe connection between the site of Malassezia and the skin pH and eventual correlation between Malassezia and neutering of cats. Research was lead on 24 adult (12 neuter, 12 intact) male cats. 12 do not manifest the clinical symptoms of disease. The other 12 cats were chosen upon the skin lesions to the identification group, suggested as Malassezia infection. The predilection site for the seborrhea lesion was; chin, external ear canal and caudal region. The lowest skin ph was detected in external ear canal. In cats with seborrhea lesion from which Malassezia was isolated, the pH of skin was lower than in healthy cats. There was no correlation between skin pH and neutering of a male cat.

The study has been conducted on two Poland-based species of bats Myotis daubentonii and Plecotus auritus with the analysis of the female and male reproductive organs. The study materials have been collected in the duration of the 2002/2003 season, by the Wroclaw Chiropterological Group during a study of natural death rates of bats during hibernation periods. Altogether only ten specimen were tested and studied as the level of corpses decay greatly decreased the number of analysis-useful material.

The study has been conducted on two Poland-based species of bats Myotis daubentonii and Plecotus auritus with the analysis of the lower breathing regions. The study materials have been collected in the duration of the 2002/2003 season, by the Wroclaw Chiropterological Group during a study of natural death rates of bats during hibernation periods. Altogether only ten specimen were tested and studied as the level of corpses decay greatly decreased the number of analysis-useful material.

The research was executed for 30 calves in age, beginning from 7 days of their life. Through period of 1 week the Humowitan preparation (50 g/day/per head) or the propolis extract (400 mg/day/ per head) was fed together with milk. In aim of qualification of applied preparations influence onto calves’ organisms, Hb, Ht, number of red blood cells, number of white blood cells and MCV, MCH, MCHC as well as acid–base equilibrium parameters was marked in full blood, whereas total protein level and its fractions was marked in serum. The additions applied for calves caused appeasement of diarrhea symptoms, partial compensation of respiratory acidosis as well as enlargement of body weight increases. Applied additions have an advantageous effect onto total protein content and γ- globulins in blood serum of calves.

The studies were executed in aim of determining of an ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) influence, which was administered to calves with diarrhoea symptoms. The research were executed on 40 calves of Holstein-Friesian race, beginning from 7 days of their life, divided on 5 groups. Through period of 1 or 2 weeks, the calves were fed with different doses (2 or 4 ml) of EEP alongside with milk. The estimation of influence of applied preparation was based on clinical observation, bacteriological examination of faeces, hematological blood parameters as well as on marking of total protein and its fraction. The research were showed that EEP supplement, which was applied to calves with diarrhoea, caused an improvement of calves wholesome and appeasement and inhibition of diarrhoea symptoms. The EEP also caused considerable reduction of microorganisms number in faeces, from 42,93 to 77,46% (in this E. coli from 27,69 to 77,83%), what was depended on quantity and duration of administering of EEP. The advantageous effect of propolis on hematological blood parameters as well as total protein levels and gamma globulins in blood serum was affirmed. At calves receiving EEP, higher circadian growths of body weight in comparison to control group was affirmed.