Nainienė, Rasa

The postpartum period in beef cows is characterized by complex physiological and reproductive changes that may influence the postpartum reproductive changes and estrus expression. This exploratory pilot study evaluated postpartum reproductive responses in Angus cows receiving grape extract supplementation while investigating associations among thermographic, behavioral, hormonal, and reticulorumen temperature indicators associated with estrus expression. Nineteen Angus cows were assigned to a control group (C; n = 10) or a treatment group receiving slow-release grape extract boluses (T; n = 9). From calving until artificial insemination, ocular and vulvar thermographic images, blood samples, and physiological measurements were obtained weekly between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Reticulorumen temperature and activity data were continuously recorded using intraruminal sensors. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated an earlier onset of postpartum estrus in supplemented cows compared with controls (p = 0.010). Mean time to first estrus was 23.88 ± 1.86 days in the T group and 39.82 ± 5.05 days in the C group. No significant differences were observed between groups for most individual physiological or hormonal variables. Exploratory correlation analysis revealed moderate associations among vulvar temperature, ocular temperature, activity, estrus index, and reticulorumen temperature indicators. However, because diagnostic accuracy was not evaluated, these findings should not be interpreted as validation of estrus detection performance. The results suggest that multimodal physiological monitoring may provide complementary information related to postpartum estrus expression in beef cows, while grape extract supplementation may be associated with earlier postpartum reproductive recovery. Due to the exploratory study design and limited sample size, further studies are required to validate these preliminary observations.

The equine reproductive microbiota has emerged as an important factor influencing reproductive health and fertility in both mares and stallions. Traditionally, the equine uterus was considered sterile, and microbial presence was interpreted primarily in the context of infection. However, sequencing-based studies have demonstrated that the reproductive tract, including the uterus and semen, contains detectable microbial communities or microbial DNA signatures, challenging this traditional paradigm. In mares, the vaginal microbiota is consistently dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, whereas the uterine environment represents a low-biomass niche in which interpretation is complicated by contamination risk and the inability of sequencing-based methods to distinguish viable from nonviable microorganisms. Culture-based studies consistently identify opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in association with endometritis and persistent breeding-induced endometritis, while sequencing-based studies suggest broader community-level dysbiosis rather than simple pathogen presence. In stallions, semen is not sterile and commonly contains taxa such as Porphyromonas, Corynebacterium, Peptoniphilus, and other opportunistic bacteria that may influence sperm quality and microbial transmission to mares during breeding. However, most reported associations remain correlative, and direct longitudinal evidence for persistent stallion-to-mare microbial transmission is limited. This review synthesizes current evidence on microbial composition, hormonal influences, dysbiosis, and reproductive implications of the equine reproductive microbiota, integrating culture-based and sequencing-based findings while emphasizing methodological limitations associated with low-biomass samples. Improved understanding of these microbial ecosystems may support more evidence-based reproductive diagnostics and microbiome-informed fertility management in horses.

The bovine uterus, once considered sterile, is now recognized as a dynamic microbial ecosystem that undergoes substantial changes during the postpartum period and plays a critical role in reproductive health. This study investigated the composition and temporal dynamics of the uterine bacterial and fungal microbiota in postpartum Angus cows and showed that dietary grape pomace bolus supplementation was associated with temporal shifts in microbial community composition, including changes in selected bacterial taxa and increased fungal community stability. A total of 19 cows were allocated to control (n = 10) or treatment groups (n = 9), with treated animals receiving slow-release grape pomace boluses administered every three weeks from 21 days prepartum until 60–70 days postpartum. Uterine lavage samples were collected during the first (days 4–12) and ninth (days 63–70) postpartum weeks and analyzed using amplicon-based sequencing targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA (V3–V4) region and the fungal ITS2 region. The uterine microbiota exhibited pronounced temporal changes, with Firmicutes predominating in the early postpartum period and an increased abundance of potentially pathogenic Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes observed by week nine postpartum, particularly in control cows. Grape pomace supplementation was associated with a more favorable bacterial profile, including a reduced relative abundance of key uterine pathogens such as Fusobacterium necrophorum and Trueperella pyogenes. The uterine mycobiome was dominated by Ascomycota across all groups; however, supplemented cows showed greater fungal community stability and a lower prevalence of opportunistic genera, including Candida spp. In conclusion, dietary grape pomace supplementation may beneficially modulate both bacterial and fungal uterine microbiota during the postpartum period, suggesting its potential as a natural strategy to support uterine microbial homeostasis and reproductive health in beef cows.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary linseed cake on the fatty acid profile of meat and abdominal fat, and on growth performance in broiler chickens. A total of 198 birds were randomly allocated to three groups (66 birds/group). The control group (C) received a standard soybean meal-based feed, while the LIN6 and LIN12 groups were fed diets that were supplemented with 6% and 12% linseed cake, respectively. Linseed cake supplementation reduced saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat and abdominal fat, and lowered the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). The 12% inclusion resulted in a more pronounced accumulation of n-3 PUFAs—4.3–5.0 times higher than the control—while 6% inclusion increased n-3 PUFAs by 2.8–3.3 times (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). However, 12% inclusion negatively affected growth performance, reducing body weight by 9.9% and feed intake by 10.4% at 42 days (p < 0.05), whereas the 6% inclusion had no adverse impact (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 6% linseed cake represents the optimal practical inclusion level, effectively enhancing the n-3 PUFA profile of broiler meat and abdominal fat without compromising growth, while higher inclusion levels may impair production performance.

The trial aimed to assess the effect of adding Camelina cake to the chicken diet to improve the muscle fatty acid profile while maintaining growth performance. The trial was conducted with 5% and 10% Camelina cake inclusion levels in the diet. A total of 210 one-day-old, sex-unrelated chickens were assigned to three dietary treatment groups. The control group received a diet consisting of wheat and soy meal, while the treatment groups had part of the soy meal replaced with 5% Camelina cake (CAM5) or 10% Camelina cake (CAM10). The results indicated that Camelina cake positively affected the production of healthier breast and thigh meat. Specifically, the levels of various Omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered beneficial for human health, were significantly higher in the treatment groups compared to the control group. The greatest increase was observed in α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids, which increased by as much as 1.7 to 2.67 times (p ≤ 0.05) in both treated groups. Additionally, the total n-3 PUFA content increased by 2,36 – 3.36 times (P ≤ 0.05), while the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, TI index, and total trans fatty acids decreased. The inclusion of 10% Camelina cake had a greater effect on n-3 PUFA content compared to the 5% inclusion level. Analysis of the chickens’ growth showed that neither 5% nor 10% Camelina cake supplementation did not affected their growth performance. In summary, the inclusion of 10% Camelina cake in chicken feed can enhance the nutritional profile of the meat, particularly by increasing n-3 PUFA content, without negatively affecting the chickens’ growth.

Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80-85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus-where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes-further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers' needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production.

Consumers prefer poultry for its high quality, nutritional value, and lower cost. With population and income growth, animal protein consumption is expected to rise. As populations age, health concerns increasingly influence purchasing decisions, and there is a growing demand for diverse protein sources and environmentally sustainable production. Quail meat is a promising alternative for this niche. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary hempseed or camelina cakes on the fatty acid profiles of intramuscular fat in the muscles of quail. A total of 189 one-day-old quail were allocated to 3 dietary treatments. The diet of the Control (C) group was supplemented with 10% rapeseed cake, whereas the rapeseed in Experimental 1 (HE) and Experimental 2 (CA) groups was replaced by, respectively, hempseed cake and camelina cake in the same proportions. Dietary enrichment with camelina cake increased the ALA content in the meat of CA group 2.5 times (P < 0.01). The muscle tissues of CA contained 3.4–3 times more EPA (P < 0.01), 1.2 times more DPA (P < 0.05–P < 0.01) and 1.3 times more DHA (P < 0.01) and, thus, demonstrated the increase in total long chain (LC) n-3 PUFA (P < 0.01) and total n-3 PUFA (P < 0.01) compared with the C group. The decrease was observed in the amounts of LA, total n-6 PUFA, n-6/n-3 PUFA and LA/ALA ratios and TI index. The ALA and total n-3 PUFA content in the breast and leg meat of HE treated quail was respectively 1.3 and 1.1 times higher (P < 0.01) than in the C group, but the accumulation was lower compared to the CA group. The content of GLA was found to be 1.21–1.31 times higher in HE quails meat (P < 0.01). Supplementation of quail feed with camelina or hempseed cakes resulted in the production of healthy meat with an increased n-3 PUFA content. A wider employment of oil industry by-products in quail farming could contribute to higher production sustainability and reduce dependence on imported feed materials.

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of different amounts of camelina cake in chicken feed on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat fatty acid composition. The base part of the control group (C) diet consisted of corn and soybean meal, while in the diets of the experimental groups the soybean meal was replaced by 5% camelina cake in the CAM5 group and 10% in the CAM10 group. Study results showed that the growth performance indicators of CAM5, CAM10 groups chickens did not differ from the C group. Although the digestibility of dry matter (P ≤ 0.01), organic matter (P ≤ 0.01) and protein (P ≤ 0.05-P ≤ 0.01) was lower in the CAM5 and CAM10 groups, the inclusion of camelina cake positively impacted meat fatty acid composition. We found significantly higher levels of various beneficial fatty acids in CAM5 and CAM10 groups: the muscles of the chickens of experimental groups contained 2.49 – 3.80 (P ≤ 0.01) -linolenic, 1.7 – 2.67 eicosapentaenoic (P ≤ 0.01), 1.83 – 2.28 docosapentaenoic (P ≤ 0.01), 1.73 – 2.17 docosahexaenoic acids (P ≤ 0.05-P ≤ 0.01), 1.72 – 2.47 total LC n-3 PUFA (P ≤ 0.05-P ≤ 0.01) and 2.29 – 3.36 total n-3 PUFA (P ≤ 0.01) times more than in the muscles of the control group. Also, significantly better n-6/n-3 and linoleic /linolenic ratio, as well as thrombogenic index, were found in the both experimental groups (P ≤ 0.01). The optimal n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was determined in CAM10 group and according to the European Commission Nutrition Claims, the meat of chickens grown in the CAM10 group can be classified as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids based on the ALA content

In beef cattle herds, maintaining a 12-month calving interval is crucial, necessitating a shortened service period for cows. The window for pregnancy after calving is 65 to 85 days, with approximately 35-40% of cows exhibiting "silent" estrus, making visual observation challenging. Despite advancements in reproductive physiology knowledge and estrus detection aids, detecting estrus remains a major challenge, especially in beef cows with longer non-estrus periods. This study focused on investigating differences in the first heat after calving among various beef cattle breeds. Specifically, the research examined 50 Angus and 50 Limousine cows, monitoring reproductive parameters such as estrus duration, timing of the first post-calving estrus, activity levels, internal body temperature, and estrus index. Estrus detection utilized multiple methods, including direct visual observation three times daily and digital boluses incorporating physical activity and temperature measures. The SmaXtec boluses were administered orally to all cows at the study's onset. Data were recorded through the SmaXtec messenger® software. Results showed that 76% of cows were identified as in estrus within 85 days post-calving, aligning with the goal of achieving a 365-day calving interval through insemination within this timeframe. The digital bolus system identified estrus in 30% of cows between 22-33 days, 30% between 34-57 days, and 16% between 58-85 days. Visual observation, however, missed 70% of first estrus events due to low cow activity. During the research, it was observed that Angus cattle had an average activity level of 19 units, compared to 17 units for Limousin (p<0.05). The system calculated a Heat Index (HI) based on activity and temperature data, reflecting estrous intensity. The initial post-calving HI was higher for Angus (HI=84) than for Limousin (HI=74). Furthermore, Angus cattle had a lower average body temperature over 7 days (39.08°C), which increased by 0.47°C during estrus, compared to Limousin cattle, which had a higher average (39.33°C) and a 0.41°C increase during estrus (p<0.05). The average estrus duration was established at 15 hours, with Angus re-entering estrus post-calving after 54 days and Limousin after 58 days. The study evaluated the sequence of estrus signs across different cattle breeds, revealing more pronounced signs in Angus cattle. The applicability of physical activity and temperature monitoring systems for optimizing breeding timing across breeds was assessed. The adoption of these new technologies has the potential to enhance insemination efficiency, reduce labor, and cut costs compared to traditional visual observation. Additionally, the study found that the service period could be shortened by earlier detection of initial estrus signs and commencing insemination sooner.

Gyvulininkystėje, ir ypač veislininkystėje, diegiamos ir plėtojamos šiuolaikinės reprodukcinės biotechnologijos, panaudojant naujausius mokslinių tyrimų rezultatus.