Ectoparasites affect the external surfaces of fish, specifically the skin, fins, eyes, and gills. This study analyzes biological samples of pelagic and demersal fish collected between 2016 and 2019 from the Romanian Black Sea coast. Six fish species were examined for ectoparasites: Sprattus spratus (sprat), Engraulis encrasicolus (anchovy), Trachurus mediterraneus (horsemackerel), Platichthysflesus (flounder), Pegusalascaris(sand sole), and Scophthalmus maeoticus (turbot). Four ectoparasite species were identified: Trichodina domerguei and Cryptocaryon irritans (protozoa), Mazocraes alosae (flatworm), and Cystoopsis acipenseris (nematode). T. domerguei was the most common ectoparasite and had the highest level of infestation, particularly in turbot, which averaged 28 parasitesper host, with 27-65% affected. M. alosae wasfound in sprat, while C. acipenseris and C. irritans affected horse mackerel and sand sole at low levels. Infestations caused by ectoparasites in fish do not have as great an impact as infections with otherpathogens (such as viruses and bacteria). Still, it is one of the secondary causes of viral and bacterial diseases.
This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of microcapsules of noni fruit extract (Morinda citrifolia L.) on antioxidant levels in Sentul chickens in layer phase. A total of 40 female Sentul chickens aged 24 weeks were divided into five feed treatments with various levels of noni extract microcapsules: Control (P0), 50 mg/kg Zinc bacitracin (P1), 75 mg/kg (microcapsules of noni fruit extract) MEBM (P2), 150 mg/kg MEBM (P3), and 225 mg/kg MEBM (P4). The results showed that MEBM treatment significantly increased the levels of GR (Glutathione Reductase) and SD (Superoxide Dismutase). This study concluded that the use of microcapsules of noni fruit extract in Sentul chicken feed can increase antioxidant levels in the blood and improve livestock health. The obtained data indicate that the combined supplementation of MEBM and Zinc Bacitracin positively modulates blood cell indices, reflecting improved physiological and immune status in laying hens.
Red yeast rice is currently used in Asia as a dye for meat, fish, and other food products, as well as a food supplement due to its statin content. Reports worldwide have documented adverse effects, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. In this context, we conducted in vitro tests to assess the cytotoxicity of three red dyes derived from different types of red yeast rice. In our study, a normal human standardized cell line was exposed to these red dyes for 24 and 48 hours. The results obtained during these studies revealed that the red polyketides derived from Monascus ruber and Monascus purpureus display cytotoxicity for the studied cell line after 24 hours of exposure, cytotoxicity that persists after 48 hours of exposure only for Monascus purpureus. Red polyketides obtained from high-productivity Monascus sp do not exhibit cytotoxicity in vitro for the studied cell line
The aim of the study is to analyze the dynamic of the main quality indicators of milk production over the period 2023-2024 for a herd of dairy cows belonging to the breed Romanian Black Spotted exploited in condition of a farm from NE Romania. The data were obtained from the Official Production Control and were statistically processed using the computer programs SAVC and SPSS 16.00. The mean annual values of the SCC are 202.56 x 103/ml in 2023 respectively 188.09 x103 /ml in 2024. The milk components show variability with season and different THI thresholds so that, milk fat content is lower in 2023' summer being 3.89% and 3.65% in autumn 2024. The analysis was carried out done from influence of heat stress perspective because it is impacting the milk quality.
The procedure refers to veterinary medicine, particularly parasitology, and can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of ectoparasites in pheasants from various natural and anthropized biotopes. This procedure involves treating pheasants by spraying them with the Ectogalimol 5% preparation-a 5% aqueous solution of natural extract obtained by hydroalcoholic extraction from the aerial parts of Dalmatian chamomile (Pyrethrum cinerariifolium Trev.), followed by drying, at a dose of 50 ml per pheasant. For diagnostic and prophylactic purposes, the treatment is carried out in one session, while for therapeutic purposes, it is performed in two sessions with a 14-day interval. It has been found that the Ectogalimol 5% preparation possesses high therapeutic efficacy against various species of ectoparasites in pheasants from the following families: Family Philopteridae (Cuclotogaster cinereus, Cuclotogaster heterographus, Goniocotes chrysocephalus, Goniocotes microthorax, Goniodes colchici, Goniodes dissimilis, Lipeurus caponis); Family Menoponidae (Amyrsidea perdicis, Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae); Family Ceratophyllidae (Ceratophylus gallinae, Ceratophylus hirundinis); and Family Dermanyssidae (Dermanyssusgallinae, Dermanyssus hirundinis). The clinical condition of the pheasants improved after treatment, the birds became calmer, and their appetite and behavior increased.
The research on the endoparasite fauna of domestic waterfowl (ducks and geese) from the Anatidae family in the Central Zone of the Republic of Moldova revealed the presence of several endoparasitic species. In ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), the following parasites were identified: Class Trematoda: 4 species (Echinostoma paraulum, Echinostoma revolutum, Echinostoma robustum, Prosthogonimus ovatus); Class Cestoda: 2 species (Drepanidotaenia lanceolata, Retinometra giranensis);Class Secernentea: 2 species (Amidostomum acutum, Ganguleterakis dispar);Class Conoidasida: 2 species (Eimeria anatis, E. danailovi). In geese (Anser anser domesticus), the following endoparasites were found: Class Trematoda: 1 species (Catatropis verrucosa);Class Cestoda: 1 species (Drepanidotaenia lanceolata); Class Secernentea: 4 species (Amidostomum anseris, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Ganguleterakis dispar); Class Conoidasida: 4 species (Eimeria anseris, E. nocens, E. truncata, E. stigmosa). The study reveals a diverse range of endoparasites in both ducks and geese, with a greater variety found in geese. This highlights the need for effective parasite control in domestic waterfowl populations, given the potential impact of these parasites on the health and productivity of the birds.
This study aims to analyze the effect ofsymbiotic yogurt with the addition ofwhite oyster mushroom juice on the chemical and microbiological properties of symbiotic yogurt ice cream. This study used a complete randomized design (RAL) with white oyster mushroom juice concentration treatment consisting of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and each treatment was repeated 4 times then yogurt as much as 60% of each treatment was added to ice cream. Based on the results of the study, protein levels and fat and crude fiber levels, there was a very real difference (P <= 0.01) to the average protein levels between the treatment of symbiotic yogurt ice cream with the addition of white oyster mushroomjuice (Pleurotus ostreatus). The results of the study of total lactic acid bacteria and the viability of lactic acid bacteria showed that there was a very noticeable difference (P <= 0.01). The conclusion of this study is that symbiotic yogurt ice cream with the addition of white oyster mushroomjuice (Pleurotus ostreatus) chemical and microbiological properties is a highly nutritious drink.
The literature highlights the increasing use of field crops such as soybeans, corn, and peas in aquaculture feeds due to their high protein and carbohydrate content. Romanian sources emphasize the role of these crops in reducing production costs, while international studies underline their importance in promoting sustainability. This study evaluated three types of crops (soybeans, wheat, and sorghum) grown under controlled conditions, using chemical analyses to determine their protein, fiber, and lipid content. These crops were incorporated into the diets ofcarp and catfish, with growth parameters and overall health monitored throughout the study. The findings revealed that soybeans and sorghum significantly supported fish weight gain, while wheat offered moderate benefits. Soybeans showed the highest protein digestibility compared to other crops. This research underscores the potential offield crops as sustainable resources for aquaculture feed, focusing on their nutritional composition, availability, and impact on fish health. Field crops provide an economic and ecological alternative to traditional ingredients, supporting the sustainability ofaquaculture practices.
Zinc, being a trace element necessary for vital activity, is indispensable for the survival of living organisms. This element is of major importance in animal nutrition, but it also contributes to the metabolic activity of over 200 enzymes of living organisms, cell division and synthesis of DNA, proteins, tissue growth and development, immune system functioning, bone mineralization, blood coagulation, carrying out spermatogenesis, etc. Through its biological properties, it stimulates digestion, assimilation and has an important role in the activity of the reproductive organs and the metabolism of the digestive tract. It is found that zinc can exert a protective effect against testicular damage and plays an essential role in maintaining reproductive functions. Feed is the main source of zinc for animals, only a small part can be obtained from drinking water. Foods differ in their content ofzinc. The daily ration is dependent on gender, age and the general state of the body`s health. Based on these considerations, this study was dedicated to the research of the quantitative changes of this element under the influence ofpolyphenols from nettle.
Walnuts contain all the major macronutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, bioactive compounds: vegetable proteins, fibers, minerals, tocopherols and phenolic compounds. Walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, MUFA, PUFA n-3 and n-6. Linolenic acid (18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) are two essential acids for the human body and are precursors of C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The average protein content in the studied nuts is 16.85%. The most representative fatty acids were: C18:2 (39.89%), C18:1 (35.56%) and C16:0 (10.58%). The antioxidant capacity of the nuts varied in the range (54.39-57.48 mmol/100 g).
Aquaculture involves the cultivation of aquatic organisms for human consumption, animal feed, or recreational purposes. This practice enhances food availability, protects endangered species, and reduces environmental impact. In Romania, aquaculture has notable potential due to its rich natural resources and increasing demand for sustainable fish products. The sector includes 750 economic operators, generating over 100 million in turnover and 15.8 million in net profit, while employing approximately 2,000 people. Bucharest leads in the number of operators, followed by Ilfov, Brasov, Cluj, and Iasi. Tulcea County alone contributes over 15% of the sector`s turnover, while Bucharest, Iasi, and Botosani concentrate about 25% of the workforce. Tulcea and Constanta counties are key hubs for freshwater aquaculture, benefiting from favorable geographic and ecological conditions, adequate aquatic resources, and a strong local tradition in aquaculture practices. These regions illustrate the sector's potential for economic growth and sustainability. Freshwater aquaculture represents a distinct component of Romania's economy, with contributions extending beyond local businesses, influencing the national economy while aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable resource management and environmentally friendly food production practices.
The study aimed to evaluate the improvement in broiler chicken meat quality through the administration of natural biostimulators. The research involved 4,500 Ross-308 chickens, divided into three groups (1,500 birds/group), each consisting of five replicates. The control group (C-G) did not receive any biostimulator. In the experimental group L-E, the Esstence product was administered during the first 15 days of life (8.0 ml/liter of water), while in group L-HS, the Herba Safe product was administered during the first 10 days of life (2.0 ml/liter of water). No antibiotics were used; only the two mandatory PPA vaccines were administered. Slaughter parameters were assessed by determining the carcass yield and identifying the proportions of the cut portions that make up the carcasses. Meat quality parameters included measurements of water, protein, lipids, ash, fatty acids, cholesterol content, and the meat's energy value. The general conclusion was that the administration of the Esstence product to Ross-308 chickens resulted in an improvement in both slaughter indicators and the quality of the meat obtained, under conditions where no pharmaceutical support was provided during the rearing period.
Fragments of the descending abdominal aorta and its main branches were collected from 8 goats that died following accidents, for histological investigations. Verhoeff staining was used, which specifically highlights the elastic components. It was found that all the arteries taken in the study contain well-represented elastic tissue at the level of the adventitia, the least in the descending abdominal aorta and the renal artery, and the most in the external iliac arteries. We believe that these fibroelastic adventitia constitute an elastic sleeve that provides resistance and elasticity to the arteries to cope with the external demands given by the amplitude of the volume changes undergone by the organs in the abdominal cavity, which train and the vessels that serve them. They appeared as adaptive structures mainly due to the presence of prestomachs which undergo extensive and frequent changes during digestion processes
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.
In sheep farming, the adoption of reproductive technologies remains at a low level. One of the key challenges is the reduced efficiency of using frozen semen from stud rams. This is due to the fact that cryopreservation and subsequent thawing processes result in significant cell losses and structural damage, which greatly affect the quality of the material. To develop a method for long-term storage and preservation of the biological value of spermatozoa during the process of dilution, freezing and thawing of ram sperm, a liquid biologically active microbial preparation (MPSP) containing yeast manoprotein and sulfated cyanobacterial polysaccharides with antioxidant action, introduced into the composition of the synthetic sucrose-citrate-egg yolk (STJ) medium in different concentrations, was tested. It was found that the introduction of the drug MPSP into the STJ medium at concentrations of 0.4-0.8%/V allowed us to obtain the highest indicators of motility, survival, preservation of acrosome integrity, and speed of sperm movement compared to the control group
The aim of this study was to microbiologically asses some raw materials (maize and wheat) from a representative feed mill in Romania, in two consecutive years, both for the raw materials received and for those in the unit's stock; the microbiological contaminants that were analyzed were yeasts and molds. Regarding the maize samples taken upon receipt in first year, it was found that 90.9% had positive results, with an average value of 2600.8 cfu/g; in second year the proportion ofpositive samples was 84.3%, with an average value of 2132.5 cfu/g. Of the total wheat samples taken in first year upon reception, 89.1% were positive, with an average value of 2554.8 cfu/g; in second year the proportion of positive samples increased, reaching 93.3%, with an average value of 2171.4 cfu/g. The application of all measures capable of preventing contamination prevented the contaminated batches from entering the production process, while avoiding the possibility of contamination of other batches of raw materials and finished products (compound feed).
The aim of the present paper is the phenotypic characterization of the varieties of the Tsurcana sheep breed, for exterior and production characters, in order to answer the question of whether or not these herds represent different subpopulations of the same sheep breed. The study was conducted on a flock of 1165 Tsurcana sheep breed, within the DACIA Association located in several farms in the country, structured on four varieties: Oaches & abreve;, Bel & abreve;/B & abreve;l & abreve;, Breaz & abreve;, Buc & abreve;lae, 7 exterior characters (height at withers, average width of chest, average length of rump, oblique length of trunk, chest depth, perimeter of the whistle) and 2 production characters (wool weight and average daily weight gain) were analysed.Simple population statistics (arithmetic mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variability) were used for phenotypic characterization.The results obtained on comparison pairs revealed, in most characters, very significant differences between the four varieties. To the extent that the experimental results will show that the four varieties are also significantly different from the genomic point of view, for the future the possibility of developing separate breeding programs for each variety will be considered
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.
Wildlife trade is strictly regulated by a range of international conventions and European regulations. As a member state, Bulgaria acts as an entering point to the EU. The current study investigated the intensity of trade with wild fauna based on official data on consignments admitted to the European economic area through Bulgarian border control posts. For the period from 2020 to 2024, we identified the animals by species and categorised them into groups based on their protection status. All consignments with live animals were traced from the country of origin to their final destination within the EU. Emphasis was made on the mandatory requirements when the wildlife trade is concerned with protected species.
Fishing hooks remain a fundamental tool in recreational angling, particularly in carp fishing, where concerns about welfare are increasingly relevant in catch-and-release practices. This study aimed to assess and classify puncture lesions caused by fishing hooks in Cyprinus carpio across six intensively fished Romanian recreational lakes. Between March 2022 and March 2023, 92 carp specimens were captured using standardized rigs and hook sizes (6 and 8) during routine angling sessions. Hook placement and lesion severity were recorded through immediate post-capture photography and categorized as superficial, deep, or penetrating, based on veterinary surgical criteria. Lesions were anatomically grouped into four regions: upper lip, lower lip, commissures, and areas adjacent to the mouth. The majority of lesions (60%) were deep, followed by penetrating (28%) and superficial (12%). Most hook-related injuries were located on the lower lip (52%) and mouth commissures (38%), with significantly fewer on the upper lip (6%) and surrounding areas (4%). A Chi-Square test revealed a statistically significant non-uniform distribution of lesion anatomical landmarks (P < 0.0001). The lesion pattern is likely influenced by carp feeding behaviour and rig mechanics. These findings underscore the need to consider anatomical and behavioural factors when developing more welfare-conscious angling practices in managed carp fishing sport or recreational facilities.
