ISSN 2285-5750, ISSN CD-ROM 2285-5769, ISSN-L 2285-5750, ISSN Online: 2393 – 2260
 

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Mihai Cătălin CIOBOTARU, Bianca-Maria MĂDESCU, Diana-Remina MANOLIU, Marius-Mihai CIOBANU, Paul-Corneliu BOIȘTEANU

The trend in the meat industry towards healthy products, coupled with growing concerns about the nutritional and ethical aspects of meat consumption, has led to an increased interest in new approaches to formulate meat products that contain non-meat ingredients. The use of natural marine-derived ingredients as functional additives in meat products is due to their ability to enrich the nutritional value and provide antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional potential of red algae (Palmaria palmata) as a natural additive in smoked meat products. This study focused on the effects of red algae extract in brine injection solutions in the formulation of 3 batches of pork loin (injected with 10% [w/w]): 1 control (with a standard brine) and 2 experimental batches (brine with 1% and 2% extract of Palmaria palmata). Batches were heat-treated and evaluated in terms of physicochemical composition, color parameters, texture profile and sensory perception. The experimental batches showed an improvement in protein content, a reduction in fat and salt content and color changes by increasing lightness (L∗) parameter and reduction of red color intensity (a∗).

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Ioana Cristina CRIVEI, Ionuț-Dumitru VELEȘCU, Andreea Bianca BALINT, Florina STOICA, Florin Daniel LIPȘA, Marius Giorgi USTUROI, Roxana Nicoleta RAȚU

The study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating 5% aronia powder on the physicochemical and functional properties of two varieties of caciotta: one with homogenized aronia powder and another with aronia powder layered throughout. The results indicated an overall decrease in fat and crude protein content for both aronia variations compared to the control, while carbohydrate levels exhibited a slight increase. A substantial enhancement in antioxidant activity was seen in both varieties of enhanced caciotta (40.61 ± 0.32 µMol Trolox/g dw for the homogenized version and 39.3 ± 0.30 µMol Trolox/g dw for the layered variety) in comparison to the control (2.7 ± 0.52 µMol Trolox/g dw). Anthocyanins varied between 0.91 ± 0.014 mg C3G/g dw (homogenized) and 0.82 ± 0.01 mg C3G/g dw (layered), whereas polyphenols increased from 1.1 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g dw to 3.4 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g dw. Consequently, the integration of aronia powder into caciotta is an effective approach for creating a functional product with antioxidant properties and beneficial health effects, aiding in the mitigation of oxidative stress and the prevention of chronic diseases.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Andreea-Bianca BALINT, Florina STOICA, Ioana Cristina CRIVEI, Ionuț Dumitru VELEȘCU, Roxana Nicoleta RATU, Marius Giorgi USTUROI

Aronia pomace powder, obtained as a by-product of juice production through pulp exhausted, is rich in bioactive compounds like anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, known for their antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Incorporating aronia pomace powder (APP) into yogurt at 4% and 6% levels offers a novel approach to enhancing its nutritional, sensory, and functional attributes. This study evaluated the effects of Aronia powder on yogurt's physicochemical properties, phytochemical profile, texture, color and sensory acceptability. APP-enriched yogurts exhibited increased total phenolic content (2.50-2.94 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (17.47-19.27 μmol Trolox/g), alongside a visually appealing reddish-purple color due to anthocyanins. The sensory evaluation highlighted 6% APP as the optimal concentration, balancing taste and nutritional benefits. Furthermore, APP demonstrates significant potential for the development of functional dairy products, aligning with consumer preferences for health-oriented and sustainable options.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Anton HAMZĂU, Stefan-Teofil VLAD, Minodora TUDORACHE, Andra Dorina ȘULER, Andrei MARMANDIU, Ioan PEȚ, Goran PANICI, Ioan CUSTURĂ

Rearing systems play a crucial role in shaping the productivity, welfare, and sustainability of laying hen farming. This review examines the effects of different rearing systems - cage systems (conventional and enriched), barn systems, free-range, and organic systems - on key production parameters, including egg yield, feed conversion efficiency, egg quality, and hen welfare. Studies at the global level reveal that conventional cage systems achieve the highest productivity but often raise concerns about animal welfare. Conversely, free-range and organic systems promote better welfare and consumer trust in product quality but are associated with lower productivity and higher production costs. This review also analyses the impact of environmental factors, genotype selection, and management practices on laying hen performance within each system. Additionally, it discusses emerging trends such as the adoption of enriched cages, precision farming technologies, and sustainable feed alternatives, as well as challenges like disease management and compliance with increasingly strict animal welfare regulations. By synthesizing current global research, this paper aims to highlight best practices and provide a roadmap for balancing productivity, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability in laying hen farming.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Florina STOICA, Roxana Nicoleta RAȚU, Irina Gabriela CARA, Denis ȚOPA, Gerard JITĂREANU

Beetroot pomace powder (BPP), a by-product of beetroot processing, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolics and betalains These compounds provide antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities. The integration of beetroot pomace powder (BPP) as a bioactive component in mayonnaise formulation signifies an innovative method for improving mayonnaise's nutritional and functional attributes. This research examines the impact of BPP incorporation (with varying BPP concentrations) on the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical, color, sensory qualities, and texture of BPP-enriched mayonnaise. The findings indicated that BPP markedly improved the antioxidant activity (7.66-9.75 μmol TE/g dw) and betalain contents (2.18-3.93 mg/g) of mayonnaise while maintaining sensory acceptability, with an optimal 3% BPP inclusion level. Moreover, BPP enhanced mayonnaise's aesthetic properties. The results indicate that beetroot pomace is a feasible natural coloring ingredient, consistent with consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food products. Subsequent investigations may examine the wider applicability of BPP in food systems and its long-term storage effects.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Tudor PĂPUC, Daniel COCAN, Radu CONSTANTINESCU, Camelia RĂDUCU, Călin LAȚIU, Paul UIUIU, George-Cătălin MUNTEAN, Andrada IHUȚ, Daniela LADOȘI, Ioan LADOȘI, Anca BECZE, Vioara MIREȘAN

The use of phytoadditives in animal feeds has been gaining more attention due to their positive effects on growth and health of animals. This study aimed to determine the effects of adding natural phytoadditives to the diet of rainbow trout on its blood parameters during the cold season. One control and three experimental groups consisting of 50 adult rainbow trout each were fed a standard feed and three experimental diets consisting of the standard feed with 2% carrot, tomato, and spinach powders, respectively, for 90 days. Blood parameters were determined. Most parameters changed significantly (p<0.05) from the start to the end of the experiment. There were few significant changes among the control and experimental groups at the end of the experiment. Cholesterol and triglycerides increased in the control and experimental group with 2% carrot powder. Some minerals showed different (p<0.05) values in the experimental groups (Na, K, and Ca). The study shows that the incorporation of phytoadditives in rainbow trout feed does not produce negative effects on the blood parameters, with some advantages being present, such as a generally better mineral profile of the plasma and the stabilization of hematological parameters.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by George-Cătălin MUNTEAN, Călin LAȚIU, Daniel COCAN, Radu CONSTANTINESCU, Tudor PĂPUC, Raul-Lucian SAVIN, Anca BECZE, Iulia TOROK, Paul UIUIU, Aurelia COROIAN

Research of alternative sources of protein for aquaculture feeds is ongoing for many decades, due to the need to make the aquaculture sector more sustainable. This study explores the incorporation of slug (Arion vulgaris) meal as an alternative protein source in the diets of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and examines its impact on body indices. Carp juveniles were reared in a controlled environment and fed using a feed containing slug meal as a protein source. The performances were analysed in relation to a control feed that used standard fish meal as an animal protein source. Body indices are analysed in this research such as Fulton condition factor (K), profile index and meatiness indices. The results presented in this article show the potential of slug meal to substitute fish meal in aquaculture feeds. Along with the rising need for sustainable aquaculture practices, investigating unconventional protein sources is crucial for improving fish growth and health while decreasing dependence on traditional fish meal.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Silvia-Ioana PETRESCU, Cristina-Gabriela RADU-RUSU, Mădălina MATEI, Dragoș Mihai LĂPUȘNEANU, Ioan Mircea POP

Obesity is a disease that is increasingly recognised as a threat to pets, and organisations have been formed to raise awareness and prevent weight gain in dogs and cats. One of the breeds most affected by obesity is the Rottweiler, with studies confirming that obesity is the second most common disease in this breed. In the current study, a group of eight female Rottweilers from northern Romania were examined medically and nutritionally. The monitored females of the Rottweiler breed were divided into two categories according to the modification of the nutritional plan; therefore, for the first group of four females, both the type of food and the amount of food given were modified, and for the second group of females, the type of food was maintained, but the amount of food given daily was reduced. The study highlights that both reducing daily calorie intake and the use of specialized foods can be effective solutions for managing excess weight.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Cristian Andrei MURGU, Cezara Lavinia Tudose, Cristina Maria POPESCU, Geta RÎȘNOVEANU

Riparian zones represent valuable riverine habitats that contribute to regional biodiversity and promote valuable ecosystem services within their catchments. Land use changes historically impacted riparian areas within most agrarian catchments, leading only to small land gains at high cost of ecosystem service loss. Ground beetles represent validated bioindicators and an important group of predators acknowledged as valuable cross-ecosystem trophic links and pest control agents. We studied the community composition of ground beetles along a land use gradient within the riparian zones of a moderately impacted agricultural catchment. We emphasize the importance of riparian forested buffers for sustainable agriculture through the support of multiple pest predators and the promotion of higher biodiversity across agrarian landscapes.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Tudor POP, Ellda Mellisa SAVU, Raluca-Aniela GHEORGHE-IRIMIA, Dana TĂPĂLOAGĂ, Cosmin ȘONEA, Makki Khalaf Hussein AL DULAIMI, Eugen Adrian CHISA, Paul-Rodian TĂPĂLOAGĂ

The use of artificial insemination (AI) in sheep breeding poses both considerable obstacles and exciting prospects. This research delves into the complexities of artificial insemination, focussing on factors influencing fertility rates, semen handling techniques, and the effect of hormone treatments on reproductive success. Several studies reveal that the success of AI is dependent on ideal sperm quality, which can be negatively impacted by cryopreservation procedures; for example, the concentration of sperm upon freezing has been found to influence post-thaw quality and subsequent reproductive outcomes in sheep. Furthermore, the method of insemination used - whether cervical or laparoscopic - is important, with laparoscopic techniques frequently providing greater pregnancy rates due to their ability to avoid anatomical challenges presented by the ewe's cervix. Furthermore, synchronising oestrus with hormonal therapies, such as oxytocin or equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), has been found as a critical element in improving the timing and efficiency of AI. However, the unpredictability in conception rates is still a problem, with reported statistics ranging from 20% to 70% depending on the procedures used and the settings under which AI is conducted. Environmental influences, such as temperature and stress, impair reproductive results, especially in the vital early phases of embryo development. The aim of this review is to summarise current research in order to identify best practices and new opportunities for improving the efficacy of AI in sheep breeding.

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© 2019 SCIENTIFIC PAPERS. SERIES D. ANIMAL SCIENCE. To be cited: SCIENTIFIC PAPERS. SERIES D. ANIMAL SCIENCE.

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