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 Elena-Iuliana FLOCEA, Ioana GUCIANU, Diana-Romina MANOLIU, Bianca-Georgiana ANCHIDIN, Marius-Mihai CIOBANU, Paul-Corneliu BOIȘTEANU

This systematic review analyzes the scientific literature on the functional effects of vegetable bioingredients in fish products, exploring the mechanisms by which they may influence food quality and health. Studies have highlighted the synergy between vegetable components, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, proteins, fatty acids and nutrients in fish, which may lead to improved nutritional profile and reduced risks associated with chronic diseases. The research also suggests that the integration of these vegetable bioingredients into fish products may enhance the bioavailability of nutrients, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and promote a better balance of intestinal microbiota. The conclusions of this review highlight the potential of functional fish products enriched with plant bioingredients to contribute to the prevention and management of various diseases, providing important support for the development of innovative and sustainable functional foods.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Anastasios BOUNAS, Gradimir GRADEV

The genetic diversity and population structure of the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), a threatened migratory falcon, were assessed to inform conservation strategies under the LIFE project for the species' reinforcement in Bulgaria, by means of neutral microsatellite markers and non-neutral candidate gene markers associated with migratory behavior. The Core European populations (Spain, Italy, Greece) exhibit high genetic diversity and low differentiation, making them suitable sources for conservation translocations. In contrast, peripheral populations (e.g., Mongolia, Limnos Island) are genetically distinct and less suited for reinforcement due to potential risks of outbreeding depression. Non-neutral markers showed minimal genetic differentiation among populations, suggesting a lack of disruptive adaptive divergence within the species' range. These findings emphasize the importance of genetic similarity and diversity in translocation strategies and highlight the potential for maintaining adaptive potential while avoiding maladaptive outcomes. This integrated approach offers a framework for enhancing the genetic resilience and long-term stability of Lesser Kestrel populations in Bulgaria.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Carmen Georgeta NICOLAE, George SCARLAT, Elena POGURSCHI

The paper aimed to present the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing food safety and transparency across the global food supply chain. Blockchain’s decentralized, immutable ledger enables end-to-end traceability of products, addressing critical issues of food fraud, contamination, and inefficiency. Through case studies, including IBM Food Trust initiatives at Walmart and Carrefour, this research demonstrates how blockchain can streamline traceability, improve operational efficiency, and bolster consumer trust by providing access to verified information on product origins. Despite these benefits, challenges such as high implementation costs, interoperability issues, and regulatory concerns remain barriers to widespread adoption. This paper offers insights and recommendations to facilitate blockchain’s integration in the food industry, advancing toward a safer, more transparent, and sustainable food system.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Alina Nicoleta MACOVEIU (DOBRE), Mirela CREȚU, Maria Desimira STROE, Lorena DEDIU

The world faces a critical challenge in ensuring sufficient food production to meet the needs of a growing global population while maintaining nutritional quality and promoting environmental sustainability. Among sustainable food sources, seaweed, particularly the genus Ulva, has emerged as a promising solution due to its nutritional composition, abundance, and accessibility. However, integrating Ulva into animal feeds presents challenges, including nutritional value variability and indigestible polysaccharides, which reduce energy availability. This review explores the potential of Ulva sp. as an ecological and nutritious ingredient for aquaculture. It highlights the need for optimized nutritional strategies and processing technologies to increase protein content and improve nutrient digestibility. The actual status of the biochemical composition of Ulva and its benefits in commercial fish feed are emphasized, focusing on fish growth performance, stress resistance, immune function, and gut microbiota health. Drawing on over 50 studies, the review underscores positive trends. It identifies optimal inclusion levels for Ulva in fish diets, aiming to enhance digestibility and functional properties while addressing sustainability goals in aquaculture.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Ioana Roxana ȘOIMUȘAN, Adina SABOU, Oana-Andreea PECE, Marius VASIU, Aurelia COROIAN

Contamination with heavy metals and metalloids represents a danger to animal and human health. The most important sources of contamination are attributed to water and soil due to their potential for propagation in the trophic system. The process of contamination with heavy metals is based on a water-soil-plants-animals-human circuit, which is why it is particularly important to carefully monitor all influencing factors. Their presence even in small quantities affects the processes of cellular homeostasis of organisms with direct implications on renal and hepatic functions. The purpose of this article was to present the toxicity of heavy metals in sheep's milk focused on the sources of contamination, the possibilities of metabolism as well as the influence of age and lactation on the accumulation of heavy metals. In order to ensure an optimal level of security, it is recommended to perform periodic analyses of soil, water, feed and carefully monitor the management processes of dairy products.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Victoria CONSTANTIN, Livia VIDU, Ion RADUCUTA, Rodica CHETROIU, Roxana STEFAN (VASILIU), Mihaela Florentina SIMION, Monica Paula MARIN

The prepartum period (last 4-6 weeks of gestation) and the postpartum period (first 6-8 weeks after calving) are critical for the success of lactation. Sheep require adequate nutrition for optimal lamb development, preparation of the mammary glands for lactation, avoidance of metabolic problems (ketosis, hypocalcemia). A stimulation diet must provide: sufficient energy (through quality hay, organic cereals), good quality proteins (alfalfa, forage legumes, organic soybeans), essential vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, selenium, calcium, phosphorus). The aim of this study was to monitor the effect of administering a feed complex prepared in an organic dairy sheep farm and a supplement of organic concentrates and vitamin-mineral premix to determine the increase in production and quality of milk produced. Organically raised ewes fed with peripartum and postpartum stimulation diets achieved significantly higher milk production compared to ewes not receiving supplementary feed, the differences being highly statistically significant. The values of the physicochemical parameters analyzed in milk from ewes with supplementary feed indicated an improvement in milk quality, with an optimal milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, casein).

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Gabriela BERECHET, Carmen NICOLAE, Angela MORGANS

The increasing consumer demand for healthier ready-to-eat (RTE) meals with fewer or no preservatives has created a pressing need for innovative packaging and labeling solutions that maintain product quality and extend shelf life. This study investigates advanced packaging technologies, including active packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and nanotechnology-based materials, to minimize microbial growth and preserve sensory attributes. Additionally, the integration of intelligent labeling systems, such as time-temperature indicators (TTIs) and freshness sensors, is explored to enhance consumer confidence and reduce food waste. The review also evaluates the environmental implications of these solutions, prioritizing sustainable materials and design. By synergizing cutting-edge packaging methods with transparency in labeling, this study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for enhancing the safety, quality, and sustainability of RTE meals. Particularly, some good practices related with enhancing shelf life and sustainability for RTE meals in Romania are addressed in this paper.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Milena BOZHILOVA-SAKOVA, Ivona DIMITROVA, Nevyana STANCHEVA

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) contains multiple mutations related to the fecundity in sheep. In the present experiment was studied the genetic variation in exon 1 (G1) and investigating of mutation c.260G>A, related to litter size in three sheep breeds raised in Bulgaria (Breznik, Bulgarian Dairy Synthetic Population and Black-headed Pleven). A total of 99 ewes were genotyped trough PCR-RFLP method. Results proved polymorphism in all of the three breeds. The highest genetic diversity was calculated in the BDSP population (0.385), where all three possible genotypes GG, AG and AA were identified with frequencies of 0.54, 0.41 and 0.05, respectively. The other two breeds are local breeds and as expected the genetic variation in them was lower. Genotypes GG and AG were found with very closed frequencies in both breeds. The statistical analysis manifested that all tested population were consisted with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

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

The objective of the study was to examine the impact of enriching yogurt with plum pulp powder (PP) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory traits of the final product. The milk was sourced locally, and the bioactive ingredients were extracted via the ultrasound-assisted method. The findings indicated a significant enhancement in the antioxidant capacity of the fortified yogurts, achieving values of up to 20.98±1.19 µmol TE/g d.w. at the highest concentration of PP (BPP3). The incorporation of PP enhanced the texture, colour, and smell of the yogurts, which was favourably received by the panellists. The incorporation of PP also resulted in a uniform pink hue and enhanced firmness of the yogurt, without adversely affecting acidity or syneresis during storage. While the most significant advantageous effects were identified at a concentration of 12% PP, an increase in acidity and whey separation was also recorded with time. The results obtained underscore the potential of plum powder as a bioactive component for the formulation of functional dairy products, hence facilitating the advancement of functional products and supporting the principles of a circular economy.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Gabriela Elena STAN, Minodora TUDORACHE, Alexandra Ioana ALEXE, Lovita ADRIANI, Andrada Elena MOISE

The stability of nutrients in apple juice during storage is critical for maintaining its nutritional quality and shelf life. This study investigated the kinetics of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and polyphenol degradation in pasteurized apple juice under varying storage temperatures (4°C, 25°C, and 35°C) over 60 days. Degradation followed first-order reaction kinetics, with rate constants (k) determined experimentally. The Arrhenius equation was applied to model the temperature dependence of degradation, revealing activation energies (Ea) for vitamin C and for polyphenols, indicating higher thermal sensitivity of vitamin C. A Q10 analysis was used in order to evaluate the vitamin C and polyphenols acceleration of degradation with time and temperature. The results highlight the importance of refrigerated storage (4°C) to minimize losses, with vitamin C retention exceeding 85% after 60 days at 4°C, compared to <40% at 35°C. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing apple juice storage conditions and predicting shelf life using accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT).

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

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