Paulius Matusevičius

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of infection and the species composition of gastrointestinal parasites in selected sheep breeds kept on organic farms in Western Pomerania. The study included a total of 157 sheep representing five breeds (Heidschnucke, Coburger Fuchsschaf, Pomeranian, Suffolk, and Cameroon), kept on two organic farms in Poland and one in Germany. The results indicate differences in the level of gastrointestinal parasite infection among the examined breed-farm groups. However, due to the complete confounding of breed and farm, it is not possible to unambiguously determine the effect of breed on the level of infection. Effective parasite control in organic farms should take into account the specific characteristics of individual flocks and be based on regular parasitological monitoring and the rational, targeted use of antiparasitic treatment.

In view of the importance of texture and colour characteristics for consumer acceptance of fermented dairy products, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between selected whey proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, and instrumental quality traits of organic plain yoghurts. Physicochemical analyses included acidity, total protein, fat, whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme), and fat-soluble compounds (vitamins A, D₃, and E, and β-carotene). Selected instrumental texture and colour attributes were also determined. Whey protein fractions were associated mainly with texture characteristics, whereas lipophilic vitamins and β-carotene were more closely related to colour attributes. Total protein content was positively associated with firmness (r = 0.510, p ≤ 0.05), while β-lactoglobulin was related to apparent viscosity (r = 0.705, p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, vitamin A, vitamin D₃, β-carotene, and fat content were negatively associated with lightness and whiteness, but positively related to yellowness and chroma. Lactoferrin and lysozyme showed stronger relationships with selected secondary texture attributes, particularly gumminess and cohesiveness. Multiple regression analysis indicated that firmness and apparent viscosity were only moderately explained by the selected compositional predictors, whereas colour attributes were more strongly associated with fat-fraction components. The remaining variability likely reflected additional microstructural and processing-related effects. Although the results should be interpreted as associations rather than direct causal relationships, the findings support the concept of protein-driven texture and fat-driven colour development in plain yoghurts and improve understanding of the relationships between bioactive milk components and instrumental plain yoghurt quality.

White-backed and Ash-grey cows yielded an average of 6212 kg and 6078 kg of milk per year, with 4.25–4.28% fat and 3.37–3.40% protein, while Holsteins averaged 10,694 kg with 4.47% fat and 3.45% protein. The study aimed to analyse the fatty acid (FA) profile of milk from two local cow breeds, compare them with that of Holstein cows, and evaluate the influence of lactation number, productivity indicators and milk colour. The study was carried out with White-backed (n = 40), Ash-grey (n = 49), and Holstein (n = 51) cows. Based on lactation number, cows were divided into two groups. Composite milk samples from all quarters of each cow were collected. Two additional milk samples were taken: 1st to assess milk colour and the second to determine the fatty acids profile. Productivity data of cows were provided from the Livestock Information System. Statistical analysis included calculating means and standard deviations or standard errors of the mean. One-way and two-way ANOVA (breed and lactation) were used, and Duncan’s test was applied to compare mean values between groups. White-backed cows contained greater proportions of C17:0, C17:1, C18:3 ω3, and C20:0 (p < 0.05), as well as higher total omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. Parity did not have a significant effect on productivity indicators, but parity influenced the FA profile. Milk from 1st-lactation Ash-grey cows showed higher levels of PUFA and omega-6 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Milk from Ash-grey cows has more favourable visual attributes, indicating improved suitability for dairy processing, where colour uniformity is important for technological quality.

Photoperiod and seasonality influence reproduction and lactation in sheep, but their effects on milk hormones, milk composition, and lamb growth are not fully understood. This study assessed the effect of season on milk prolactin, leptin, and insulin concentrations, milk chemical composition, lactation performance, and lamb growth in Polish Mountain ewes. Forty ewes were divided into the following two groups: short-day (lambing in December, n = 20) and long-day (lambing in May, n = 20). Milk samples were collected on days 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 of lactation. Ewes in the long-day photoperiod had higher milk yield (p < 0.01) and higher prolactin and insulin concentrations (p < 0.01), whereas leptin concentrations did not differ seasonally. Milk from short-day ewes was characterized by higher dry matter and fat content (p < 0.01) and higher protein and lactose content (p < 0.05). Lambs from the long-day group achieved higher mean daily gain (p < 0.01). These results indicate that photoperiod influences lactation performance, milk composition, and offspring growth through seasonal hormonal and metabolic mechanisms, suggesting that appropriate lambing timing and day length manipulation can improve milk production efficiency and lamb growth in practical sheep production systems.

A key diagnostic tool in breeding practice is systematic observation: by identifying abnormalities in natural behaviour, it can highlight early signs of reduced welfare or physical and mental health issues in livestock and other animals. The aim of this paper is to review current literature to provide a detailed analysis of the factors affecting the physical and mental health of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) with regard to their husbandry method. It analyses various behavioural patterns such as stress reactions to strangers, isolation and grooming, as well as social interactions (hierarchy, bonding, affiliative and aggressive behaviour), reproductive activity (courtship, copulation, partner rejection), and resting and foraging rhythms. It also discusses the influence of socialisation on human–animal relationships and the role of the environment, and its enrichment, in proper behavioural functioning. It also examines the significant role played by nutrition and the environment in ensuring alpaca welfare, and how it can be maintained during grooming and training. It pays special attention to the use of behavioural tests to assess the level of trust and tameness in alpacas. Systematic behaviour observation allows a quick response to deteriorating welfare, thus facilitating more efficient herd management and reducing the risk of more serious health and behavioural problems.

The review provides an overview of research concerning the assessment of cattle welfare in different housing systems. Hence, it restricts its scope to factors known to have a particular influence on the expression of their natural behaviours. It analyses the impact of housing systems on social and maternal bonds, as well as on the health and productivity of animals and on the feeding behaviour and physical activity of animals. It also pays attention to the occurrence of stereotypies, indicating the quality of the environment in which animals live, and attempts to determine the extent to which environmental enrichment improves welfare. It can be seen that welfare can vary significantly depending on the cattle rearing system. In intensive rearing environments, weaning calves and limited space often result in stress and behavioural disorders (e.g., cross-sucking). Extensive systems, offering access to pasture and longer cow–calf contact, usually provide higher levels of welfare. A freestall system allows greater freedom of movement and social contact but requires appropriate management to prevent aggression; in contrast, the tethering system limits movement, which increases the risk of stress and health problems. It has also been shown that enriching the living space of animals can significantly improve their welfare, regardless of the housing system. By balancing productivity with ensuring that the cattle are able to express their natural behaviours and maintain good health, it is possible to benefit both the animals and the agricultural sector as a whole, increasing its profitability and gaining consumer confidence.

Background and Aim: Cholesterol deficiency (CD) in Holstein cattle, caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene, is a heritable autosomal recessive condition with known implications for fat metabolism and cholesterol transport. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the CD genotype on milk yield components, cholesterol concentration, and somatic cell count (SCC) in Lithuanian Holstein cows, and to determine whether lactation number modulates these relationships. Materials and Methods: A total of 188 cows were classified by lactation: 1st (n = 44), 2nd (n = 50), 3rd and 4th (n = 60), and ≥5th (n = 34). Genotyping for the APOB mutation was conducted using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Milk fat, protein, lactose, and SCC were determined using LactoScope Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Somascope methods, while cholesterol concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis involved the Kruskal–Wallis H test due to non-normal data distribution. Results: The heterozygous CD genotype was identified in 17.02% of the population, with wild-type and mutant allele frequencies of 0.91 and 0.09, respectively. Non-carriers showed marginally higher fat, protein, and cholesterol levels, with a statistically significant difference in fat content (p = 0.04). When stratified by lactation, significant differences were observed for fat content in the 1st lactation group (p = 0.026), SCC in the 2nd (p = 0.038), and protein content in the 3rd (p = 0.030). No significant variation in milk cholesterol concentration was detected across genotype groups in any lactation group. Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of the CD-associated APOB allele in the Lithuanian Holstein population. While CD status significantly influenced milk fat percentage, its effect on other milk composition traits and SCC was limited. Parity exhibited specific but non-consistent modulating effects. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate the physiological underpinnings of these findings. Keywords: apolipoprotein B gene, cholesterol deficiency, genotype, Holstein cows, milk composition, parity, somatic cell count.

The aim of the study was to determine the extent and intensity of gastrointestinal parasite infections in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Poland, considering factors such as region, gender, age, and season. The research was conducted on 29 herds located throughout Poland. Faecal samples from 512 alpacas were collected in autumn 2023 and spring 2024. Examination was performed using the direct flotation and McMaster methods. The average prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 74.4%; 68.8% of alpacas were infected with nematodes and 34.8% with protists of the genus Eimeria. The most commonly detected parasites were Nematodirus spp. (38.5%) and Eimeria punoensis (18.2%). The analysis revealed significant differences in the intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections depending on region, age, gender, and season, suggesting the need to tailor deworming programs to the specific requirements of different groups of alpacas. Furthermore, regional differences in the prevalence of Strongyloides sp. and Strongylida infections were observed, indicating a significant impact of local environmental conditions and husbandry practices on the risk of infection. Seasonal variations in the intensity of Eimeria infections, particularly in autumn, were also noted. Parasitic infections in alpacas in Poland are common and generally asymptomatic. These results highlight the need for the implementation of a comprehensive preventive program for controlling parasitic infection, including regular diagnostics, pasture management optimization, maintenance of hygiene, and selective use of antiparasitic drugs in alpacas.

Avian diseases, especially coccidiosis, represent a significant threat to poultry production, demanding research into the use of herbal supplements in birds’ diets. So, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of selected herbal components in mitigating coccidiosis in broilers and to examine their overall impact on the productivity traits of broilers. A 35-day feeding trial was conducted with 1200 male ROSS 308 broiler chickens in two poultry facilities, one non-infected, using either usual coccidiostats (UC⁻) or 500 g/t herbal additive (consisting of Holarrhena antidysenterica, Ficus religiosa, Berberis aristata, Allium sativum, Embelia ribes, and Azadirachta indica; HA⁻) and the other intentionally exposed to Eimeria via drinking water at 7 days old, with corresponding control and experimental groups (UC⁺ and HA⁺). Dietary interventions significantly influenced broiler chicken body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) throughout the trial, notably on day 21, with UC⁺ treatment yielding the highest values. Herbal supplements did not affect the feed conversion ratio (FCR) or liveability. Under infection, litter dry matter (DM) content differences were notable on days 14 and 21, favouring herbal additive treatments (HA⁻ and HA⁺). Herbal supplements also impacted Eimeria presence in the duodenum and jejunum on day 21, with notable differences between treatments. Despite several limitations, the study reveals that herbal additions may effectively manage Eimeria infection and enhance litter quality in broiler production, since control treatments demonstrated improved development and anatomy.