GMF GATI Josifo Taco pienininkystės centras (12.03.01)

Iodine is a rapidly acting antiseptic with bactericidal, fungicidal, sporicidal properties (McDonnell and Russell, 1999). Iodine-based teat dips are widely used in dairy farms for teat disinfection (Ruegg, 2017). Fungi have been associated with subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle (Mahendra Pal, 2022). Therefore, evaluation of iodine-based teat disinfectants against fungal species isolated from teat skin is important for improving udder hygiene and mastitis prevention.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of different iodine concentrations against Aspergillus species isolated from dairy cow teat skin.

Aspergillus spp. were isolated from teat skin samples using direct plating and washing–dilution methods on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol. Pure cultures were identified according to cultural and morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. 1 mL fungal suspension (3 × 10^8 CFU mL) was inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Iodine concentrations of 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% (w/w iodine) were tested. Plates were incubated at 25 ± 1°C for 72–96 h, and antifungal activity was assessed by measuring fungal growth inhibition zones (mm).

Antifungal activity varied depending on iodine concentration and fungal species susceptibility. The strongest antifungal effect was observed at 0.50% iodine concentration. The highest susceptibility was detected in Aspergillus candidus (19.58 mm), followed by A. oryzae (11.0 mm), A. flavus (10.42 mm), and A. ochraceus (9.17 mm). A. niger showed the lowest sensitivity (5.58 mm). Lower iodine concentrations demonstrated weaker and species-dependent activity, while increasing iodine concentration to 0.75% did not improve antifungal efficacy.The results indicate that iodine-based teat disinfectants possess antifungal activity against environmental Aspergillus species isolated from teat skin. The 0.50% iodine concentration showed the highest inhibitory effect and may contribute to improved teat hygiene and reduced fungal contamination in dairy farms.

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.

The survival and health of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies are critically influenced by genetic traits affecting their responses to pathogens and parasites. Hygienic behavior, which involves the detection and removal of diseased or mite-infested brood, has been associated with reduced vulnerability to harmful agents. This study investigates the relationship between specific genotypes and viral infection prevalence, focusing on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 9–9224292, located within a genomic region linked to hygienic behavior. Our results reveal a significant association between this SNP and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) prevalence, a pathogen predominantly transmitted by Varroa destructor mites. Colonies carrying the G/G genotype showed lower DWV prevalence compared to those with the A/A genotype. This association may reflect genetic variation linked to hygienic behavior, although the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. These findings highlight a link between genetic variation and DWV prevalence, providing a basis for future studies on honey bee resilience and the potential development of marker-assisted selection strategies.

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.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of lactation number, lactation stage and somatic cell count (SCC) on the presence of pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens in cow milk. A total of 1712 milk samples were collected from the udder quarters of 428 lactating Holstein breed cows for bacteriological examination. Somatic cell count was taken from the controlled bovine records. The cows were divided into four groups according to the lactation number (viz. lactation numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and above) and into three groups according to the lactation month (viz. 1-4, 5-8, 9 months and above). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 27.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Frequencies of microorganisms were calculated by determining their confidence intervals (Wilson Confidence Interval 95%, CI). Various farm pathogens were identified: CNS (Coagulase negative staphylococci), S. aureus, Enterococcus spp., Str. agalactiae, E. coli. It was found that CNS and S. agalactiae increased with somatic cell count, lactation number and lactation stage. E. coli increased at the end of the lactation stage (p≤0.05). Enterococcus spp., count in milk differed significantly between cows in lactations 1 and 4 and older (p≤0.05). Pathogen number also increased with milk fat, but decreased with increased protein content (p≤0.01).

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.

Introduction Milk quality, determined by the level of nutrients, largely depends on genetic factors and broadly understood environmental conditions. Among environmental factors, nutrition plays a key role. In this study, it was assumed that the feeding method may play a significant role in shaping the health-promoting properties of milk cows kept on conventional and organic farms. Health-promoting values are attributed to the content of biologically active peptides contained in milk. Peptides that improve the health condition of the consumer are a huge group of compounds, which include, among others, lactoferrin and lysozyme. Dietary values of organic pastures, in the context of conventional nutrition, result from the biodiversity of the grazed sward (various species of grasses, legumes and herbs), which directly translates bioactive substances into milk. This awareness constitutes an incentive for researchers to conduct research in this area. The aim of the study was to provide as much new information as possible regarding the question of whether the method of feeding can influence the variability of lactoferrin and lysozyme levels in cows’ milk. [...].

The expansion of wolves in Poland, a conservation success, simultaneously poses a challenge for livestock farmers due to an increase in attacks on flocks. In response to this threat, livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are increasingly used, effectively protecting sheep from predators, reducing losses, and improving animal welfare. The presence of LGDs influences sheep behavior by enhancing their sense of security, promoting calmer behavior, and increasing time spent grazing and resting. Herding dogs, on the other hand, serve a different function – they assist in managing flock movement and maintaining cohesion, working directly with humans. Their presence may cause a temporary increase in stress levels in sheep due to active flock management; however, properly trained herding dogs minimize negative effects and facilitate daily husbandry tasks. Introducing LGDs to flocks requires careful planning and knowledge of livestock management principles. Early socialization is crucial – LGD puppies should be introduced to the flock at 6–8 weeks of age to recognize sheep as part of their social group and form a protective bond. Maintaining an appropriate number of LGDs in the flock is also important – generally, one dog per 50–100 sheep is recommended, though higher numbers may be necessary in areas with high predator activity. Optimizing pasture conditions includes providing sheep with safe zones that allow them to move freely and escape when feeling threatened. Understanding the different roles of herding and guardian dogs, as well as the individual responses of sheep, is essential for the effective work of dogs and for improving animal welfare under conditions of coexistence with predators.