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The aim of this study was to investigate the growth, fattening characteristics and veal quality of MLT from Holstein calves (total number of 40 heads) produced from 4 slaughter weight groups (130, 150, 180 and 210 kg). Calves were fed in the same conditions. Average daily gains ranged from 660 g in slaughter weight 130 kg to 840 g in weight 210 kg (P < 0.001). The most important changes of linear body measurements were revealed in hip height and withers height (P < 0.001). Slaughter weight had strong impact on average daily gain and most of body measurements (P < 0.01). Slaughter weight influenced proportion of kidney, rumen and intestinal fat, while highest proportion was found in the group of 180 kg (P < 0.001). Calves of slaughter weight 180 kg had lowest proportion of bones (P < 0.001) and highest proportion of meat (P < 0.001) from right – half carcass. Highest proportion of separable fat had calves of 210 kg as well as 150 kg. In terms of nutritional quality of veal, we found significant and high individual differences in intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01) as well as between monitored groups. The lightness of the meat was highest in the group of 180 kg (P < 0.05). Protein content of the loin muscle had negative impact on intramuscular and moisture content (P < 0.001). Parameter pH strongly positively influenced drip loss value and negatively electrical conductivity.

Monitoring of selected carcass parameters and analysing of qualitative parameters of veal calves has become an object of concern. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate slaughter parameters, proximate composition and physical technological parameters of Musculus longissimus thoracis (MLT) and Musculus semimembranosus (SM) from calves of two different utility types: Holstein (H) and Slovak Simmental breed (S). The calves were reared under the same housing conditions. All animals were fed with alfalfa hay, feed straw and feed mixture, with ad libitum access to free water. The fattening period started from weaning (about 60 days of age) to required final weight. Total length of the fattening period was about 150 days. No significant differences in the slaughter weight (P>0.05), carcass weight (P>0.05) and dressing percentage (P>0.05) were revealed. Higher content of rumen and intestinal fat was observed in the Holstein veal calves (P>0.05), whereas content of kidney fat was higher in the S calves (P0.05). As regards the chemical analysis of the loin muscle, significant differences in moisture content were revealed (P0.05) in both the muscles. Energy value of MLT was greater in the Holstein; however results were not significant (P>0.05). Concentration of MDA in samples increased during 9 days of storage which is normal due to the ageing process of the meat. Higher degradation of lipids after 9 days of storage was found in samples from Holstein veal (P>0.05). Statistical significant variety of the pH1 (P

Rumination behavior in cattle is important for health and reproduction management of herd. The aim of presented paper was to evaluate change in rumination behavior in dairy cattle after changing total mixed ration (TMR) composition. Twenty-eight multiparous Red Holstein dairy cows were observed during rumination in first month after calving and in fourth month after calving. Cows were fed different total mixed ratio at beginning of lactation in first month after calving (TMR1) and in mid of lactation period in fourth month after calving (TMR2). TMR2 has higher content of roughage. Length of the single rumination period and number of jaw movements during rumination one bolus were recorded. Frequency of jaw movement per minute was calculated from recorded rumination characteristics. Rumination of one bolus TMR2 was longer (TMR1 = 53.97 ±8.241 sec, TMR2 = 57.57 ±6.290 sec) and cow perform more jaw movements (TMR1 = 61.0 ±10.674, TMR2 = 65.99 ±9.682) than ruminating bolus TMR1. Difference in duration of rumination one bolus as well as number of jaw movement was significant (P < 0.001). Frequency of jaw movement was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) and seem to be intra-individual stable. Rumination evaluated by correlation of rumination characteristics for TMR1 and TMR2 was intra-individual stable despite of changes in times of jaw movement and duration of one bolus rumination.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of sex and betaine supplemented diet on chemical composition, cholesterol content, meat quality, fatty acids composition and oxidative stability of pork from entire males, surgical castrates and gilts. A total of forty-two pigs - (entire males - EM, surgical castrates - SC, and gilts - G, each of 14) progeny of Landrace sows and Hampshire x Pietrain boars were involved in the trial. Pigs were allocated to the control and experimental groups (each of 21 pigs - 7 EM, 7 SC and 7 G). Control pigs received standard diet without any supplement whereas experimental ones were fed the same diet with supplement of betaine (1.25 g.kg-1 of feed) for thirty days prior to slaughter. Castrates had significantly higher intramuscular fat and cholesterol content (P<0.05) than entire males and gilts. Also, they had greater content of vaccenic, arachidonic (P<0.05), oleic, eicosanoic, and total monounsaturated fatty acids (P<0.01). Contrary, entire males had the highest level of linolenic, linoleic, total polyunsaturated and n-6 fatty acids (P<0.05). Sex of pigs did not have any effect on meat quality and oxidative stability of pork. Betaine supplementation increased cholesterol content in castrates compared to other two sexes (P<0.05). Drip loss value was reduced in group of entire males (P<0.05) and oxidative stability of muscle was improved in all three groups (P<0.05). Fatty acids profile was not influenced by betaine treatment. Interactions between sex and betaine supplementation were observed for cholesterol concentration, drip loss value, oleic, linolenic, total polyunsaturated and n-6 fatty acids as well as oxidative stability after 30 and 120 min. of incubation.