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 Simona Cristina NIȚESCU, Daniel COCAN, Aurelia COROIAN

Lavender, widely recognized for its medicinal properties, has gained attention for its potential to enhance fish health in aquaculture. This paper resumes current knowledge on the effects of lavender extracts, highlighting their antioxidant properties and immune-enhancing capabilities on fish. Evidence from recent studies indicates that lavender extracts efficiently reduce oxidative stress and improve immune responses in fish. These findings suggest that incorporating lavender extracts into aquaculture practices could reduce reliance on synthetic additives and antibiotics, supporting more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. Overall, lavender emerges as a promising natural alternative for promoting fish health and promoting eco- friendly aquaculture practices.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Dimitar TANCHEV, Gergana BALIEVA

Current strategies for control of contagious animal diseases rely on traceability of all animal movements. For this purpose, the identification and registration (I & R) of animals and animal holdings is of crucial importance. In Bulgaria, all data on animal I&R are maintained by the integrated information system VetIS, operated by the national competent authority Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. For the improvement of the system new functionalities have been developed, giving active access to farmers. Through an anonymous survey we investigated livestock owners' perceptions on their new role in VetIS. The results showed that one-third of the respondents believed their active access will raise their compliance with the legislative requirements through facilitating the paper work on the farm and avoiding error entries on the animal status related to birth, movement, slaughter or death.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Ela Evin TASTAN, Muzaffer DENLI

This study aimed to assess the impact of substituting soybean meal with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) as the primary protein source in compound feeds on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen excretion in Japanese quails. A total of 120 one-day-old quails were assigned to four groups, each with 10 replications, and the experiment lasted 35 days. The control group was fed a 34% soybean meal-based diet, while the experimental groups had 1.4% soybean meal replaced with 2.8% or 5.6% mealworm meal. Lowest body weight gain and feed consumption occurred in the 1.4% mealworm group (P<0.05), with mealworm content displaying a cubic effect. The 5.6% mealworm group exhibited significantly improved feed efficiency (P<0.05). Furthermore, mealworm supplementation significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter, crude ash, and metabolizable energy (P<0.001). Moreover, fecal nitrogen excretion and nitrogen retention rates increased linearly with mealworm supplementation (P<0.001). In conclusion, Mealworm can replace 5.6% soybean meal in quail diets, improving growth and protein use as a sustainable alternative.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by George SCARLAT, Alexandru-Ionut STEFAN, Alexandru CÎRÎC, Ștefania COMAN, Roxana Elena Vasiliu, Elena Narcisa POGURSCHI

This study examines whey production from cow, sheep, buffalo, and goat milk, emphasizing species-specific differences in yield and nutritional composition. Drawing on recent scientific research and industry data, the analysis evaluates whey yield, protein content, and fat composition across these species. Cow milk processing emerges as the largest source of whey, while whey derived from sheep and buffalo milk exhibits higher protein concentrations (1.1-1.2%). The study provides a review of advanced whey processing technologies, including ultrafiltration, fermentation, and spray drying, as well as novel applications in functional foods, biofertilizers, and other high-value products. The findings highlight the potential of optimizing processing methodologies and implementing sustainable utilization strategies to maximize the economic and environmental value of whey. The study concludes that adopting innovative technologies and addressing key challenges such as processing costs and resource efficiency could position whey as a pivotal resource within the framework of the circular economy.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Ioana-Alina POP, Diana MOIGRADEAN, Daniela STOIN, Diana-Nicoleta RABA, Carmen Daniela PETCU, Delia-Gabriela DUMBRAVA, Mariana-Atena POIANA

In this study, the bioactive potential of unconventional materials, such as carob powder (CP) and rosehip powder (RP), was exploited as partial substitutes for cocoa to design new chocolate formulations. Nine formulations were prepared under laboratory conditions by substituting cocoa (w/w), as follows: 0% (control sample), 10% CP, 20% CP, 30% CP, 40% CP, 30% CP and 10% RP, 20% CP and 20% RP, 10% CP and 30% RP, respectively, 40% RP. Changes in the proximate composition and bioactive profile of chocolate were assessed based on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity. Progressive increase in the level of CP led to improvements in the bioactive properties. The addition of CP and RP mixture resulted in a more pronounced boost in bioactive attributes with increasing RP level. The highest bioactive profile was achieved for the 40% RP formula. High levels of TPC and TFC strongly contributed to the improvement of chocolate's antioxidant activity. These findings recommend fortifying chocolate with phenolic compounds provided by CP and RP to extend the range of functional confectionary products.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Sara SAHILI, Jean HUGÉ, Dimitar POPOV, Svetla DALAKCHIEA, Gradimir GRADEV

The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a long-distance migratory species, with its primary breeding areas in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and smaller populations in Portugal, France, Bulgaria, and other countries. Birds from the three peninsulas (Iberian, Apennine, and Balkan) follow distinct migratory routes to reach their non-breeding areas in the Sahel. This study aims to identify and describe the core wintering areas of the Bulgarian population, focusing on migratory patterns and habitat use during the non-breeding season. We hypothesized that the spatial distribution and individual presence in these areas would reveal patterns of site fidelity and migration strategies. The study was based on satellite tracking data from Lesser Kestrels tagged in Bulgaria, with data from nine individuals tracked over 11 winters. Two core wintering areas were identified: the first, covering about 138,700 km², spans territories in Niger and Nigeria; and the second, covering over 78,458 km², is located in central and southeastern Chad. These two areas are critical zones, showing relatively high concentrations of individuals, indicating their importance for roosting and foraging, and emphasizing the need to protect these habitats.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Petya ZAHARIEVA, Radoslava ZAHARIEVA, Diana KIRIN

This study aims to examine the component and infracommunity of the bleak, Alburnus alburnus (Linnaeus, 1758), from the freshwater ecosystem of the Mechka River, part of the Maritsa River basin, East Aegean region. For the study, 54 specimens of bleak were caught from the Mechka River - Parvomay biotope (Debar) in the autumn of 2024. The fish were examined for the presence of parasites using standard methods. Species from Trematoda, Acanthocephala, and Nematoda were identified. Representatives of Acanthocephala dominate. The following indices were examined: Brillouin’s diversity index (HB), Pielou’s evenness index (E), and Simpson’s dominance index (C). The studied biotope is a new habitat for the identified bleak parasites.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Saba SATTAR, Warda AMJAD, Sana SAGHEER, Mushtaq Hussain LASHARI, Umer FAROOQ, Zia-Ur-REHMAN, Sikander ABBAS, Haroon RASHID, Musadiq IDRIS, Musarrat Abbas KHAN, Madiha SHARIF

This study aimed to assess the accuracy and precision of 3-part multispecies hematology analyzers for white blood cell (WBC) counting in comparison to manual quantification in apparently healthy Sipli sheep (n = 60). Blood samples were collected once and analyzed using a hemocytometer with two different dilutions (1:20 and 1:40), referred to as WBC-1 and WBC-2, respectively. Automated WBC counting was performed using two multispecies veterinary hematology analyzers, WBC-R and WBC-B. The mean (± SE) values and reference intervals (RIs) for overall and group-wise data showed that only WBC-R fell within the physiological range for sheep, whereas WBC-1, WBC-2, and WBC-B reported lower values. A weak agreement was observed between the two multispecies analyzers, with a mean bias of -30.97 (upper limit: -14.56, lower limit: -46.77) and a standard deviation of bias of 8.37. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was also low (0.619), indicating poor consistency. Additionally, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) measured accuracy at 0.086, while precision was determined to be 0.603. In summary, hemocytometer-based manual WBC counting in sheep may lack accuracy. Among the tested analyzers, Rayto RT-7600Vet (China) produced WBC counts closest to the physiological range, making it a more suitable option for clinical use. It is concluded that 3-part hematology analyzers with predefined settings for sheep require calibration with separate set of RIs to ensure accurate analysis of sheep blood.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Dorina PURICE

The place and role of pollinators as key elements of the biosphere are well known, as well as their decline and effects at the global level regarding food and economic security. The aim of this paper is to summarize the existing information regarding the species of pollinating invertebrates in Romania, both from an ecological and economic perspective. The information about pollinators comes in unequal proportions from studies carried out in protected and unprotected natural areas, agricultural crops, studies on the effect of some chemicals on the biology and viability of pollinators and from the current legislation. Current information shows that in Romania the situation of pollinators is as alarming as in the rest of the world. Improving the status of pollinators is possible through further scientific efforts, improving the legislation and its application by the book and raising the awareness of civil society, through information, regarding pollinators, starting with the decision makers.

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Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Tiberiu Sebastian IANCU, Ruxandra PAVEL, Lucian IONIŢĂ

The aim of this study was to identify the important preanesthetic factors that could improve anesthesia management in research sheep, focusing on reducing critical complications like regurgitation and aspiration of ruminal contents during general anesthesia, which can lead to serious respiratory risks and potential fatality. Our study was conducted on a group of 13 sheep (Ovis aries), 2-4 years old, selected for different surgical procedures, during September 2022- June 2024 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest. For the entire group the protocol involved a 24-hour fasting period, allowing water access until the premedication stage to ensure hydration. A comprehensive clinical evaluation was performed to identify any underlying health issues, and sedatives, along with prokinetic agents, were administered to reduce stress and encourage gastric emptying. Continuous monitoring of vital signs and behavior ensures the stability of the animals during surgical procedures. By following the comprehensive 7-step preanesthetic guidelines, the risk of regurgitation and aspiration, along with other risks can be significantly reduced, thereby improving sheep welfare and safety during general anesthesia.

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

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