The value of the routine analyses, applied until present, of whole blood, serum and urine for bioelements is limited. The blood mineral level does not often correspond to the content of minerals in the whole body because the composition of plasma results from supplementation of deficiencies by different homeostatic mechanisms. Moreover, the blood concentration of bioelements is relatively low and depends on a current diet, therefore the diagnostic value of such analytical results may be fairly small. Studies have shown that the analysis of hair and nails are an appropriate alternative for blood and urine tests or for biopsy. Chemical treatments in agriculture, animal production and food processing introduce many food contaminants into the food chain. Organic methods in agriculture are safer and therefore very important. Nutrition based on organically produced foods and anthroposophic lifestyle can play an important role in health prophylaxis The objective of this study was to determine correlations between concentrations of 29 major and trace elements in cow's milk and hair. The experimental material consisted of 33 cows of Polish Holstein-Fresian (HF) breed from three dairy organic farms. All the farms were located in one climatic zone and under similar soil conditions. The cows were kept in traditional tiedup barns. The feeding was traditional, with ration components given separately. The cows were grazed from May to October. Depending on pasture yield and availability of other feeds, the feeding ration was supplemented with hay, straw, silage and cereals. Samples of milk and hair for analyses of minerals were collected in September, i.e. during the pasture feeding. The hair was taken from the poll. The concentration of Ca,

The results show significant differences in the investigated parameters between organic milk and milk from conventional system during EIF and LP. Moreover, extending the pasture season during EIF in organic farms decreases concentration of bioactive compounds of milk.

The study has shown significant correlations between metabolic profiles and milk yields, as well as milk composition. In addition, there is evidence that the intensity of the production system significantly influences the metabolic profile and chemical composition of cow's milk. It could even be concluded that the ecological system affects not only the quality of milk, but also the health of cows.

No abstract

There are studies on the relationship between the position and shape of hair whorls on bovine forehead and phenotypic traits. According to anecdotal beliefs by horse users and handlers, temperamental traits may be related to the position of hair whorls in horses. No previous research on the mechanisms of inheritance of hair whorls has been performed, so the aim of the present study was to determine the heritability of the position of the hair whorl on the forehead of Konik horses. The horses (n = 362) were classified into five groups based on the whorl position on forehead with respect to the top and bottom eye lines. The estimated heritability of hair whorl position was 0.753 (SE = 0.056). Heritability adjusted for the discontinuity of the trait was 0.836. The results show that hair whorl position in Konik Polski horses is highly heritable. The possible relationship between position of hair whorls on the forehead and other morphological traits needs further research and should be interpreted with caution.