From 2009 to 2011, the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was investigated on 22 farms in the Czech Republic. A total of 1,620 individual faecal samples of pigs of all age categories (preweaned, starters, pre-growers, growers, and sows) were evaluated for presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by standard microscopy and molecular tools. Genotyping was done through PCR amplification and characterization of the SSU rRNA (species-specific protocols) and GP60 loci. Cryptosporidium spp. was found on 16 of 22 farms with a range 0.9-71.4 %. Overall, 194 (12 %) specimens were positive by microscopy and 353 (21.8 %) by PCR. While RFLP and direct sequencing of the PCR-amplified products showed presence of Cryptosporidium suis (142), kvac@centrum.cz. HHS Public Access Author Manuscript Author ManuscriptAuthor Manuscript Author ManuscriptCryptosporidium scrofarum (195), Cryptosporidium muris (3) and 13 samples had mixed infections with C. suis and C. scrofarum, species-specific molecular tools identified C. suis (224), C. scrofarum (208), Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIa A16G1R1b (1), and C. muris (3). In addition, a total of 82 pigs had concurrent infections with C. suis and C. scrofarum. The analysis by age showed that C. suis was primarily detected among pre-weaned, whereas C. scrofarum was mostly detected among starters, especially those weaned at a younger age. Moreover, C. scrofarum never has been detected in animals younger than 6 weeks of age. Also, piglets weaned at 3 weeks of age were twice more likely to be infected with C. scrofarum than piglets weaned at an older age. Pigs raised on straw bedding were more likely to have Cryptosporidium than pigs raised on slats/slurry systems. The infections with different species were not associated with loose faeces or intensity of oocyst shedding, even when comparing different age groups.

The objective of the study was to evaluate fattening performance, carcass value and meat quality in pigs of Prestice Black-Pied breed in relation to slaughter weight (SW) and gender (barrows and gilts, resp.). Pigs were divided into weight categories: SW1 (75 to 99.9 kg), SW2 (100 to 109.9 kg) and SW3 (110 to 130 kg) and all individual traits were analyzed by the general linear model procedure (SAS 9.3). Average SW of each weight group was as follows: SW1 94.2 kg, SW2 105.8 kg, and SW3 115.2 kg. Differences among average backfat thickness of 36.07 mm in SW1, 40.16 mm in SW2, and 43.21 mm in SW3 were significant (p<0.01). Lean meat content was 48.94% (SW1), 48.78% (SW2), and 48.76% (SW3). Pigs were slaughtered at average weight of 105.7 kg for barrows and 104.4 kg for gilts. Average backfat thickness for barrows was 40.90 mm and 38.72 mm for gilts (significant difference p<0.05). Lean meat content was 48.75% in barrows and 48.91% in gilts. The values of pH45, characterizing the meat of very good quality. The loin in SW3 was darker than the muscles of SW1 and SW2. Drip loss was the lowest in SW1 (1.96%), compared to the highest drip loss in SW3 (2.59%). Content of intramuscular fat was 2.68% in SW3, 2.79% in SW2, and SW1 had the lowest content 2.47%. The values of pH45, colour lightness and drip loss were similar in both genders. However barrows had higher intramuscular fat content by 0.31% than gilts (p<0.05).

The target of the research was to analyze the effect of antidiarrheal feed additives on calves average daily weight gain. In the study, 120 calves were analyzed. Newborns were selected into 3 treatment groups, control (without supplementation) and group with Ascophyllum nodosum (prebiotics), and mixture of Lactobacillus sporogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Bifidobacterium bifidum (probiotics). Individual body weight of animal were determined after 2 hours postpartum. Monitoring of the growth intensity, as well as health status were done till 56 days of age. Significant effects (P<0.01) of additive supplementation were found in the group with probiotics, in body weight at the age 21 days, as well as at the age of 56 days of life. Significant effect (P<0.01) of probiotics supplementation was found also in daily weight gains of animals. On the base of analyzed results, probiotics in calves nutrition stimulate the body weight.

Considering automatized and robotic milking systems substantially decreasing the contact between producers and the herd, milk analysis is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of all dairy products. These systems naturally also decrease the possibility of health problems and illness identification. Abnormalities in milk can be caused by several factors. Milk quality can be affected by external conditions, such as temperature and contamination in the feedstock; by management practices, such as hygiene, milking frequency, treatment, and feedstuff quality; and by diseases, genetics, or age. Somatic cell count, electric conductivity, and contents of urea, fat, protein, and lactose were reviewed as likely parameters of milk representing its quality with respect to feedback for consumers and breeders. Methods for evaluating milk constituents and parameters are still being developed to provide in-line information. These methods allow the avoidance of enormous economic losses every year caused by milk discard, health treatments, or cow replacements. In addition, individual and in-line milk analysis provides information in terms of nutritional status or lactation period and fertility. The objective of this study is to identify trends and potential methods focusing on in situ and in-line techniques for the analysis of milk parameters during the automatized and robotic milking process. Four methods are described and compared: near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS), optical analysis, milk conductivity analysis, and milk leukocyte differential test. The versatility and accessibility of these methods were also evaluated, showing a considerable range of possible related problems.

AbstrAct:The objectives of the paper were to evaluate carcass value in reared gilts on the basis of carcass analysis during the station test of purebred progeny of pigs and ultrasonically with SoNoMARK-100 or PIGloG-105 instruments in the framework of valid methodology for performance testing, and to verify a possibility of prediction of backfat thickness and/or average daily weight gain since birth and lean meat content of gilts as the elements of objectification for the evaluation of their body condition. In total 54 gilts of two breeds were evaluated: the dam breed Czech large White and the sire breed Czech large White -sire line. Four-parameter Richards function was used for growth evaluation. The regression function y = 63.870 -0.447 bt 1 -0.510 bt 2 + 0.128 MllT was applied in ultrasonic instruments for the calculation of lean meat content. We calculated linear regression functions for the conversion of performance testing parameters (gain from birth, average backfat thickness and lean meat content) from live weight on the day of measurement per live weight declared during selections in gilts.Keywords: gilt; growth; carcass value; backfat thickness; lean meat content; body condition 254Original Paper Czech J. Anim. Sci., 51, 2006 (6): 253-261 connected with early mating, and after conception with the lower number of piglets born in parity 1 and/or with a prolonged time until the onset of further practically utilisable oestrus that may be twice longer than in older sows. For these reasons producers may often be convinced that the gilt designed for replacement of the basic herd of sows is a risky factor. Besides nutrition, health and animal welfare the early mating of gilts, early weaning of piglets and optimum farrowing interval are the main production and economic efficiency factors in the piglet industry (Říha et al., 2001). According to Schneeberger (2005) especially in young gilts in farrowing pens weight losses and negative changes in their body condition occur. He explains it by lower than required daily feed intake. He proves that in operating conditions nursing sows take in only 6 kg of feed on average instead of the required 7 kg. The lower intake of total mixed ration results in the loss of about 10 kg of live weight and 1.5 mm of backfat thickness during piglet sucking. Consequently, the sows have irregular or delayed oestrus, and the value of ovulation or implantation is also influenced negatively. These problems are typical of young gilts whose bodily growth has not been completed yet.Recent knowledge of the relations between reproductive disorders and carcass composition of gilts (sows) indicates that the reduction of so called fat depot achieved by breeding may explain this problem only partially. However, the absolute or dynamic level of the lean meat content may be at the same time a critical parameter for the normal course of reproductive functions in gilts and sows (Říha et al., 2001).Similar problems were solved in the papers of Kuhlers and Jungst (1993), Kerr and Cameron (1994), Klau...