The aim of the study was to analyze the role of breeding and utilization of cold-blooded horses. The analysis was based on both published statistical data and our own survey conducted in order to examine the level of horse meat consumption among Poles and to check their food preferences regarding this type of meat. We found that horse meat is virtually absent on Polish tables. This is due to the emotional attitude the Poles foster towards horses, so half of the respondents were entirely against horse meat consumption. Despite the varied attitude of respondents towards horse meat consumption, the analysis of statistical data shows that since 2013 the number of farms keeping 10 or more cold-blooded horses has been increasing. The current direction of changes, such as the development of agritourism, an increase in the number of organic farms, farmers joining agri-environmental programs or supporting activities for sustainable agriculture, will probably increase the scale of cold-blooded horse farming.

The aim of the study was to analyze the breeding value of selected conformation traits of rabbits of two breeds (Blanc de Termonde and Popielno White), rared on a reproductive farm located in south-eastern Poland. A total of 981 animals were subjected to the study over three consecutive years. The traits that were analyzed included: body weight, body structure (the size of the body expressed in points), type, coat quality, color, specific traits of the breed. Performed ANOVA involved the effects of the breed, calendar year and sex, and showed statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect of the breed on body structure, body weight expressed in points, type and the total score attained by rabbits. The year of license (P ≤ 0.01) statistically significantly affected the body weight expressed in points, the quality of the coat and the type. Correlations were considerably varied. Those between the total score and other analyzed traits were positive, in the range 0.077-0.444, while negative correlations, -0.076 to -0.052, were found between body weight in grams and the quality of the coat as well as between the body weight at points, type and quality of the coat. It should be emphasized that the rabbits subjected to observation and analysis were characterized by good breeding value.

The aim of the study is to analyze breeding work of Hucul horses. The paper presents the following issues: assessment of breeding value, selection methods, methods of mating systems, including Hucul reproduction. When estimating breeding value of Hucul stallions and mares we take into account the following elements: wholesomeness, development, height, regularity of movement, as well as the construction of the animal. We pay attention to the use value and breeding value of the assessed animal, as well as its ancestors and offspring. The most appropriate method for this breed is the method of independent culling levels. It involves the simultaneous and independent selection having regard to each feature individually. Hucul horses can be selected for reproduction only using breeding methods having regard to the purity of the breed. The most important goal of mating is to maintain the current population (representatives) of both female families of and male lines. The main goals of breeding Huculs is to maintain the unique genotype and the disposition of inheritance of racial features by offspring, as well as to maintain the specific breed type.