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 2
Written by George ȚIGANOV, Dragoș DIACONU, Cristian-Sorin DANILOV

The aim of this study is to inform about the first recorded specimens of the Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii (Hilgendorf, 1880) in the Romanian part of the Black Sea. The first three specimens sampled had total lengths as 30.7, 30.0 respectively 26.5 centimetres and weights of 543, 487 and 352 grams. All of them were males and their size patterns aligns with other records signalled in the Black Sea. Possible interactions of the S. schelegelii with local species should be monitored carefully. The samples collected represent the first records of the species along the Romanian Black Sea coast. This record highlights the need for continuous monitoring of invasive species due to the potential threats to aquatic community structure, affecting biodiversity and disturbing local trophic networks. In addition, the species could even establish a new opportunity in commercial and sport fisheries.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Nicolae MOCANU, Silvius STANCIU

Food security in the Republic of Moldova has been increasingly challenged in recent years due to low household incomes and regional geopolitical instability. Using FAO data and related sources, this study evaluates five key food security indicators recommended by international agencies: Average Dietary Energy Supply Adequacy (ADESA), GDP per capita (PPP), Average Protein Supply (APS), Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU), and Food Supply Variability (FSV). The results reveal significant improvements in dietary energy availability and income levels, while highlighting persistent vulnerabilities related to food affordability and nutritional quality. With 27.2% of the population experiencing food insecurity, effective implementation of national food policies, including anti-waste legislation and support for local producers, is essential. Strengthening resilience and ensuring access to a diverse, healthy diet remain national priorities.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Nikolay MARKOV, Miroslav HRISTOV, Tsvetan MARKOV, Tsvetelina DIMITROVA

Data are presented on the dynamics and distribution of cattle's skin-fiber cover of two groups of Galloway and Aberdeen Angus heifers, free-ranging beef breeds in the region of Troyan, Central Balkan Mountains. The measurements of the skin thickness in the neck region, at the top of the elbow joint and at the middle of the last rib were recorded during two seasons of the year in (mm), and the weight, structure and percentage of different categories of fur fiber cover - aspen, transitional and down in (g) were also determined. Skin thickness measurements were made using a caliper (caliper) during the summer and winter seasons. The weight of the fur per 1 cm² of fur fibercover was analyzed using an analytical balance and the length of the fur fiber with a ruler in (cm). We determined the structure of the cattle's skin-fiber cover by % ratio fur fiber cover. During the winter period, the studied cattle significantly increased the thickness of the skin, the length and thickness of the fur fiber coat and the amount of down fluffy fiber coat. The animals have adapted well to the technology of rearing in the temperate - continental, mountainous climate of the region of the town of Troyan.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Mykola KREMEZ, Oleksandr MYKHALKO, Mykola POVOD, Bogdan GUTYJ, Oleksandr TSERENIUK, Natalia KRYGINA, Inna KEPKALO, Mykhailo KUZMENKO, Kostiantyn MAKHNO

The article analyzed growth intensity, feed efficiency, fattening costs and profitability of pigs of maternal, paternal and hybrid genotypes. The study found that the pigs of the synthetic parental line outperformed their maternal counterparts in daily and absolute gains by 25.1 to 28.8% and in final weight by 24.9 to 28.9% and reached 120 kg, 14.6 to 16.5% earlier due to index selection for fattening traits. These pigs also had 13.3-13.8% better feed conversion and 80.4-92.5% higher total fattening index, albeit with a slightly lower survival rate (0.04-0.73 %). Hybrid piglets showed 17.6-21.2% higher gains, reached 120 kg 10.2-11.5% earlier and had a 16.4-18.8% higher final weight. They also had 2.2 to 3.4% better feed conversion, resulting in 41.7 to 51.7% higher fattening indices than purebred dam genotypes, with no clear survival trend. The results underline the advantages of hybridization and targeted selection to improve growth performance and feed efficiency in pig production.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Genoveva STAYKOVA, Margarit ILIEV, Todor TSONEV

The aim of the research was to study the growth intensity of lambs of different sexes and types of birth from the Copper-Red Shumen sheep breed. Subject of the research were 30 lambs born during the 2024 lambing season. Four (4) groups of lambs were formed, equalized according to the method of analogues by type of birth (singles, twins), gender (male, female) and age. Live weight was recorded at birth, 10 days, 30 days, 70 days and 90 days. It has been established that the Copper-Red Shumen sheep breed is characterized by a good growth intensity of lambs until weaning. The average live weight at birth for both sexes was close in values, after which female lambs reached an average of 21.171 kg and male lambs – 25.120 kg at 90 days. The average daily gain of lambs ranged from 0.162 kg to 0.203 kg for females by periods and from 0.184 kg to 0.253 kg for male lambs. Female lambs had the highest gain in the period 30-70 days, and male lambs during the 70-90 days. The results indicate that the Copper-Red Shumen breed has good potential for the production of quality lamb meat.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Alexandru Marian FLOREA, Ionică NECHIFOR, Bogdan-Ioan NECHIFOR, Ioana ȚURCANU, Ana BOLDIȘOR, Daniel Constantin NECHIFOR, Vasile MACIUC, Constantin PASCAL

The research conducted aimed to evaluate the growth intensity of a population of crossbred sheep resulting from the crossing of Karakul of Botoșani breed females with Palas meat breed rams. For this purpose, two experimental groups were established, one consisting of young crossbred sheep females and the other of young females belonging to the Karakul of Botoșani breed. Both groups benefited from the same maintenance conditions and the same experimental treatment. The research was carried out during 2024, the young females being of similar age. The results obtained highlight the fact that although, at birth, the group consisting of lambs of the Karakul of Botoșani breed had an average weight higher than that of the crossbred females, the latter reach the age of 1 year to have, on average, 12 kg more than the Karakul of Botoșani ones. The results obtained are important and relevant both for activities aimed at obtaining meat production and for farms producing reproductive material. Young sheep is very important in the sheep herd as the improvement and consolidation of future generations of sheep depends on them.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Anca Nicoleta CORDELI (SĂVESCU), Magdalena TENCIU, Floricel Maricel DIMA, Neculai PATRICHE, Elena SÎRBU, Alina Nicoleta MACOVEIU (DOBRE), Ionica BEJENARIU, Marilena Florentina LĂCĂTUȘ

The stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus), a species of significant ecological and economic value, has seen a decline in wild populations due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. This review summarizes current scientific findings on the growth performance of A. stellatus cultured in RAS, focusing on key parameters such as water quality, stocking density, feed composition, and environmental conditions. Optimal growth rates are achieved by precisely controlling dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and balanced protein-rich diets. Studies indicate that RAS technology can significantly enhance growth performance while minimizing environmental impacts compared to traditional aquaculture systems. However, challenges remain in optimizing system efficiency and reducing operational costs. Further research is required to refine these parameters for large-scale commercial production. This review is a reference for improving A. stellatus aquaculture practices, supporting conservation efforts and industry growth.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Violina ANGELOVA

Consumption of fish contaminated with heavy metals poses a significant risk to human health, particularly with prolonged intake. This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals in fish caught from the Black Sea and evaluates the associated health risks. The content of toxic metals and trace elements was determined in the muscle tissue of 15 different Black Sea fish species. The highest concentrations of specific metals were observed in the following species Pb in piked dogfish; Cd in European sprat; Zn in European sprat and Mediterranean horse mackerel; Cu in leaping mullet; Fe in European sprat and Atlantic bonito; Mn and Al in European sprat; Cr in Atlantic bonito; Ni in Atlantic bonito and bluefish; As in round goby; and Hg in bluefish and piked dogfish. In general, metal concentrations in muscle tissue were below the maximum permissible limits established by EU Commission Regulation, except for cadmium in Mediterranean horse mackerel. A human health risk assessment was conducted using target hazard quotients (THQ) and the hazard index (HI). The HI values were below 1 for all species, except for mercury in piked dogfish, indicating no significant health risk from consumption of these fish under typical dietary exposure.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Radoslava ZAHARIEVA, Petya ZAHARIEVA, Diana KIRIN

This study aims to monitor the state of the water of the Kayaliika River, part of the Maritsa River basin in Bulgaria, based on the diversity of parasites and indicators of parasite fish communities. For the purpose of the study, 45 specimens of bleak, Alburnus alburnus (Linnaeus, 1758), were caught in the autumn of 2024 from the lower reaches of the Kayaliika River. Infection was found in 77.78% of the studied bleak specimens. The following ecological indices were calculated: mean intensity (MI), mean abundance (MA), prevalence (P%), Brillouin’s diversity index (HB), Pielou’s evenness index (E), and Simpson’s dominance index (C). The circulation of the parasite flow in the studied biotope of the river ecosystem was monitored.

[Read full article] [Citation]

Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Simona Cristina NIȚESCU, Daniel COCAN, Aurelia COROIAN

Derived from plants, phytoadditives are emerging as a sustainable solution to enhance fish health and aquaculture practices. These compounds, including essential oils, herbal extracts, and polyphenols, improve immunity and reduce antibiotic use. Their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties improve immune system and increase disease resistance on fish. The effectiveness of these additives depends on plant type, extraction methods, and dosage. Additional research is required to refine their use and evaluate the long-term effects on fish health and the sustainability of aquaculture.

[Read full article] [Citation]

The publisher is not responsible for the opinions published in the Volume. They represent the authors’ point of view.

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

Powered by INTELIDEV