Ribikauskas, Vytautas

Integrated animal welfare assessment systems, such as the Welfare Quality® assessment system and the Animal Needs Index (ANI), based on systematic data collection and analysis, provide a more structured and comprehensive approach than the conventional methods currently used in Lithuanian cattle farms. The objective of this study was to determine the correlations between cattle welfare during rearing, transport, and the pre-slaughter period – evaluated using the Welfare Quality and ANI systems – and carcass quality. Four beef cattle farms (346 cattle) were monitored using these welfare systems in order to identify and eliminate factors negatively affecting animal welfare during rearing, transport, and before slaughter. Limousin cattle were the most sensitive to stress, Charolais cattle were sensitive to a lesser extent, while Aubrac and Highland cattle were the most resistant. The potential for meat maturation depended on carcass conformation class and the pH decline during the first 48 hours postmortem. Only Charolais carcasses were classified as EUROP conformation class U, whereas Limousin and Highland carcasses were classified as R and O classes, respectively. Under appropriate welfare conditions, short transport and acute pre-slaughter stress had no statistically significant effect on beef carcass quality or meat quality parameters.

Introduction. Fresh fruits are susceptible to fungal contamination at multiple stages, including cultivation, harvesting, transport, marketing, and storage by consumers. Identification of fungal contaminants is important because certain moulds can grow and produce mycotoxins, while certain yeasts and moulds may lead to fruit spoilage, resulting in reduced product quality and economic losses. Their naturally low pH further increases their susceptibility to fungal spoilage (1). Aim of the study. To evaluate the prevalence of moulds and mycotoxins in cherries, blackcurrants, and grape berries in relation to berry pH. Methods and materials. Fresh berries (cherries, blackcurrants, and grapes) were obtained from local farmers' markets. Yeast and mould counts were enumerated according to the standard Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs - Horizontal method forthe enumeration ofyeasts and moulds (ISO21527-2:2008). Mould genera were identified and characterised based on colony morphology and light microscopy. pH was measured using a WTW InoLab pH 720 pH meter. Mycotoxins were determined by thin-layer chromatography according to the Romer Labs (USA) method. Results. The total yeast and mould counts ranged from 4.68 to 6.27 ± 0.28 log10 CFU/g in blackcurrant samples, from 3.22 to 5.72 ± 0.48 log10 CFU/g in grape samples, and from 2.30 to 2.68 ± 0.08 log10 CFU/g in cherry samples (p <0.05). ThepH values ranged from 3.75 to 3.78 in grape samples, from 3.44 to 3.47 in cherry samples, and from 3.53 to 3.54 in blackcurrant samples. A weak positive correlation between yeast and mould counts and pH values was observed (r = 0.232), although the relationship was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The following mould genera were identified: Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Botrytis, Fusarium, and Monilia. The samples were predominantly contaminated with Penicillium (62%) and Cladosporium (22%) (p > 0.05). the saiiples Zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations ranged from 165 to 250 µg/kg and LOD to 125 µg/kg in cherry samples, from 165 to 200 µg/kg and 125 µg/kg in grape samples, and from LOD to 130 µg/kg and LOD to 125 µg/kg in blackcurrant samples. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that yeast and mould contamination levels differed significantlyamong the analysed berry types (p < 0.05), with the highest counts detected in blackcurrant samples and the lowest in cherry samples. A weak positive correlation between pH values and yeast and mould counts was observed; however, this relationship was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating that pH was not a determining factor for fungal contamination in the analysed samples. The predominant mould genera identified werePenicillium and Cladosporium. Afiatoxin B1 (AFL B1) was not detected in any of the samples, whereas zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) were present in varying concentrations across allberry types. No statistically significant relationship was observed between yeast and mould counts and mycotoxin concentrations (p> 0.05).

The primary aim of wildlife rehabilitation centres is the release of treated animals back into the wild after treatment. Data collected during rehabilitation can provide valuable insights into current trends and can help with conservation strategies aiming to reduce human-related negative impact. This review analyses records from past and currently operating wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres in Lithuania over a 23-year period. Data were compiled for 7847 individual animals representing 216 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The study evaluates patterns of seasonal admission, taxonomic composition, known causes of injury or admission, and rehabilitation outcomes. The results showed that 83% of cases involved birds, mammals comprised 16%, and reptiles were recorded only infrequently (0.52%). Admissions peaked in summer, comprising 42% of all cases. Injuries of unknown origin were the most common (55%). Among cases with identified causes, a substantial proportion were associated with human activities, including road accidents (5% of all cases), collisions with anthropogenic structures (4%), and attacks by domestic cats or dogs (3%). The presence of a specialized rehabilitation centre, together with active public involvement in the rescue of injured wildlife, contributes to release rates reaching approximately 30% of admitted animals. Datasets such as those analyzed in this study may contribute to improved preparedness for managing unavoidable human–wildlife interactions in the future.

The aim of this study was to understand farmers' views on animal welfare in Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and to identify key issues in general and in each country. A questionnaire with 14 questions was used to survey 58 farmers from Ukraine and 71 farmers from Azerbaijan. Data were collected regarding farm production characteristics, farmers' perception of animal welfare, and what farmers identified as the most important animal welfare issues. A mixed-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation (REML) was used to assess the perceived importance of animal welfare. Least squares means with Tukey's correction were calculated to compare groups. Chi-squared tests of independence were used to assess (1) the relationship between farmers' country of origin and their level of agreement with a statement, and (2) the association between country and animal species in need of welfare improvements. Farmers in both countries considered it necessary (60.3 %) to improve animal welfare, were largely convinced (90 %) that financial compensation from the state was necessary and had the same main perceived welfare problems (lack of funds to improve animal welfare conditions). Ukrainian farmers (50.9 %) responded that animal welfare was not sufficiently taken into account in government policies while, Azerbaijani farmers (53.5 %) agreed that animal welfare was given the appropriate level of importance in the country's legislation. The study showed that 41.4 % of Ukrainian farmers considered the level of animal welfare in the country to be worse than in other countries, compared to 12.7 % in Azerbaijan. Ukrainian farmers were more interested in receiving more information on animal welfare (72.4 %) than Azerbaijani farmers (54.3 %). The study shows that the level of awareness among farmers in the two countries is quite different and in some cases contradictory.

In the Food Production Chain Waste course laboratory work, students individually conducted a biogas production experiment. They used self-made demonstration reactors constructed from repurposed plastic bottles, consisting of a main reservoir and a two-part gas collection chamber filled with water, where a floating indicator measured biogas production in milliliters. The main reservoir was filled with 500 mL of goat slurry, 500 mL of water, one boiled sausage (average weight 46 g), and one slice of white bread (average weight 13 g). The experiment included three groups: one where food was finely chopped, another where food remained unchopped, and a control group with no food added. The ambient temperature was approximately 20°C. The aim was to determine the biogas yield from food waste and whether chopping food increased gas production. Data were collected from 14 bioreactors installed between 2022 and 2024. Reactors with chopped food produced an average of 3860 mL of gas, whereas those with unchopped food yielded 2388.11 mL. Gas production lasted an average of 12 days (range: 8–18) for chopped food and 15 days (range: 8–28) for unchopped food. Peak production occurred at 2.5 days for chopped food and 4.9 days for unchopped food before declining. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed on days 2 and 4, with 631.25 mL and 471.25 mL of gas from chopped food reactors versus 155.78 mL and 240.22 mL from unchopped food reactors. These results suggest that finely chopped food waste enhances biogas production efficiency, yielding more gas in a shorter period.

Hippotherapy is considered as a beneficial field of activity for Žemaitukas, a Lithuanian native horse breed. The aim of this study is to analyze the suitability of Žemaitukas breed horses for hippotherapy by using a set of tests based on the temperament, behavioral reactions, and zoometric measurements. Results of these tests inform whether the future use of Lithuanian native horses in hippotherapy can ensure their welfare. In total, 32 horses were evaluated. Twenty-nine of the evaluated horses were horses of the Žemaitukas breed that had never been used for hippotherapy, the others were hippotherapy horses representing different breeds, which were considered the control group. As expected, control hippotherapy horses scored better in many tests, thus confirming the suitability of these tests for the evaluation of horses for hippotrapeutic use. Žemaitukas breed horses scored an average of 15.9% less points for the test of temperament and 21.3% less points for "Hippo-test" compared with the hippotherapy horses. Nevertheless, the results suggest that Žemaitukas breed horses could be used in hippotherapy after special training courses.

Blood serum cortisol level was measured in 5 therapy assisting dogs (3 Siberian huskies, 1 golden retriever, 1 mixed breed dog) before and after their work sessions at the beginning of a working season and 2 months after the beginning. An average cortisol level for first measurements was 1.33 ug/dL (SD 0.42, max 1.99, min 0.89); meanwhile, after an animal assisted therapy session, the cortisol level increased to 1.47 (SD 0.52, max 2.28, min 0.95). After 2 months of a working season, before a therapy session, an average cortisol level was 1.35 (SD 0.45, max 2.05, min 0.90); meanwhile, after an animal assisted therapy session, the cortisol level increased to 1.40 (SD 0.48, max 2.11, min 0.91). The results showed that the cortisol level after having a therapy class increased less in two months compared with the initial situation. It shows how well dogs adapt to theoretically stressful conditions and feel no more long-lasting stress. Another experiment was carried out for eight weeks with two Siberian huskies in order to estimate the workload (completed distances) of animals during therapy working sessions compared with their usual daily walking and sled sports training. The results revealed that during the therapy work with children dogs covered 12% to 22% of all their usual daily distance. Such workload for dogs is not high, does not exceed their daily physical activity and does not endanger their welfare.

Stray animals are one of the contributors to animal welfare issues worldwide. They endanger the health of both animals and humans as spreaders of infectious diseases. Many stray dogs end up in shelters. Despite increasing public education about dog welfare and the importance of adoption, the number of dogs in animal shelters is not decreasing. Therefore, it is important to find suitable methods of training dogs so that they are more desirable for adoption, thus improving both dogs and people welfare. A total of three obedience training experiments with shelter dogs were carried out using modified methodologies from international scientists. The results reveal that shelter dogs respond better to treats, verbal praise, and stroking as opposed to clicker training alone. After applying these methods, dogs living in shelters were trained to sit on cue after a brief period of time. The learned “sit” request was found to be retained by the dog even after a change of training location and/or trainer. These findings might help train dogs faster and increase adoptability as basic obedience is shown to be a highly desirable behavior among potential pet guardians. By training canines with positive behavior traits like obedience and composure, in animal shelters, adoption rates can be increased

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the views and opinions of consumers in Ukraine and Azerbaijan regarding the importance of animal welfare. A sample of 147 respondents in Ukraine and 105 in Azerbaijan was included in the study. Ukrainian consumers associated animal welfare with good housing and good feeding, whereas Azerbaijani consumers mainly considered the importance of good feeding, and ranked housing as less important. Only a small proportion of the consumers from both countries considered natural behaviour, happiness and other positive emotions as important. Older consumers expressed higher concerns about animal welfare compared to younger consumers. The majority of consumers from both countries (93% in Ukraine and 85% in Azerbaijan, p=0.058) believed that the welfare of livestock animals in their country should be improved. The major issues identified by the consumers included animal housing, feeding quality and lack of governmental support. Our results highlighted the importance of animal welfare among consumers in Ukraine and Azerbaijan. However, the understanding of animal welfare and the factors affecting it varied among consumers, which underlines the necessity of education regarding the conditions for livestock, animal welfare and animal rights. [...].

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the views and opinions of consumers in Ukraine and Azerbaijan regarding the importance of animal welfare. A sample of 147 respondents in Ukraine and 105 in Azerbaijan was included in the study. Ukrainian consumers associated animal welfare with good housing and good feeding, whereas Azerbaijani consumers mainly considered the importance of good feeding, and ranked housing as less important. Only a small proportion of the consumers from both countries considered natural behaviour, happiness and other positive emotions as important. Older consumers expressed higher concerns about animal welfare compared to younger consumers. The majority of consumers from both countries (93% in Ukraine and 85% in Azerbaijan, p=0.058) believed that the welfare of livestock animals in their country should be improved. The major issues identified by the consumers included animal housing, feeding quality and lack of governmental support. Our results highlighted the importance of animal welfare among consumers in Ukraine and Azerbaijan. However, the understanding of animal welfare and the factors affecting it varied among consumers, which underlines the necessity of education regarding the conditions for livestock, animal welfare and animal rights.