Ammonia is a central component in ruminant nitrogen metabolism and serves as a sensitive indicator of the dynamic balance between nitrogen intake, rumen microbial activity, and hepatic detoxification efficiency. Once produced in the rumen, ammonia is absorbed into the bloodstream and must be rapidly cleared by the liver via the urea cycle. As such, blood ammonia concentration reflects both the rate of ammonia production and the liver’s detoxification capacity, making it a valuable marker for evaluating protein metabolism and liver function. This study aimed to assess how different lactation stages and the presence of ketosis/hepatic lipidosis affect blood ammonia levels in dairy cows. A total of 50 Holstein-Friesian cows were examined, with 10 animals assigned to each experimental group. Ammonia levels (μmol/L) in blood plasma varied significantly depending on lactation stage and metabolic condition. In early lactation, the mean concentration was 67.64±6.52, which significantly decreased at peak lactation (34.11±7.5), followed by mid-lactation (29.93±7.9), and reached its lowest in the dry period (21.61±6.1). Cows diagnosed with ketosis exhibited significantly higher ammonia levels (96.52 ± 8.2). A significant positive correlation was found between ammonia and BHB (r = 0.54) as well as with the index of hepatocyte steatosis index (nonesterified fatty acid: cholesterol, NEFA:CHOL ratio) (r = 0.81), and significant negative correlations with the liver functionality index (r = –0.82), urea (r = –0.47), total protein (r = –0.38), and albumin (r = –0.36). These findings support the use of ammonia concentration as a reliable biomarker for metabolic and liver function assessment in dairy cows.

Small-scale livestock farms play an important role in food security and are often associated with lower levels of biosecurity, thereby increasing the risk of disease introduction and spread, which compromises both animal and public health. Establishing a clear legal framework for biosecurity could help ensure the consistent adoption of preventive measures on these farms. However, little is known about how biosecurity is regulated for small-scale farms across Europe, and on how these farms are defined at national level. This study aimed to map the biosecurity measures that are mandated for small-scale pig, poultry and cattle farms by national legislation and to identify the criteria used to define small-scale farms. Species-specific questionnaires covering pre-listed biosecurity measures were distributed to national experts, and validated information was obtained from 19 European countries. The results showed considerable heterogeneity: most countries lack a clear definition of small-scale farms, with categorization most frequently based on the purpose of animal keeping rather than the number of animals. Biosecurity measures were mandated by national legislation for small-scale farms, but were rarely tailored to the production systems, instead being applied uniformly to all holdings of a given species. Furthermore, regular assessment of biosecurity implementation was mandatory in around half of the small-scale farm types. These findings highlight legislative gaps and inconsistencies that limit the ability to design proportionate, risk-based approaches for small-scale farms. More targeted policies are needed including clear definitions and adapted biosecurity requirements. Otherwise, small-scale farm types continue to be overlooked in Europe’s biosecurity framework.

This study aimed to detect genetic variations in key genes (BMPR1B, BMP15 and GDF9) that influence crucial reproductive traits, such as lambing rate and litter size in sheep. Understanding the genetic basis of these traits is essential for developing more efficient breeding strategies and selecting superior breeding stock, ultimately contributing to improved reproductive efficiency across different sheep breeds, production purposes and farming systems. We examined polymorphisms in the above genes across 500 adult ewes from three Mediterranean countries. The studied breeds included high-yielding dairy (Sarda), dual-purpose with a meat focus (Awassi) and medium-to-low dairy and meat breeds (Slovenian Bovška, Istrian Pramenka and Jezersko-Solčavska). Genetic variations were analysed and correlated with reproductive efficiency, including the interval in days from ram introduction to lambing based on lambing dates. This was used to assess the potential influence of these genes on follicular maturation and oocyte developmental competence. The analysis identified 15 polymorphisms distributed differently among the breeds, with the Sarda exhibiting 11 SNPs and the Awassi 13. The Slovenian breeds showed distinct genetic variation patterns potentially linked to their production goals. However, no significant association was observed between the identified polymorphisms and the analysed reproductive traits. Further studies on other genes regulating bone morphogenetic protein expression, such as the Gremlin 1 (GREM1) gene, may provide additional insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying reproductive traits.

Background/Objectives: Early lactation in high-producing dairy cows is a critical period characterized by pronounced negative energy balance, enhanced lipomobilization, and the development of insulin resistance (IR), often accompanied by low-grade systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of inflammatory markers and IR indices in early-lactation cows, assess their interrelationships, and evaluate the effects of NSAID administration. Methods: Thirty Holstein–Friesian cows were included and allocated into a control group (n = 15) and a treatment group (n = 15), which received ketoprofen (3 mg/kg BW intramuscularly) during the first postpartal week. Blood samples were collected at weeks 0, 1, and 2 postpartum to measure TNF-α, IL-1β, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, NEFA, glucose, and insulin concentrations. Surrogate indices of IR, including RQUICKI, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and Adipo-IR, were calculated. Results: In the control group, TNF-α, IL-1β, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and NEFA progressively increased over the first two weeks, accompanied by elevated adipose tissue IR, evidenced by decreased RQUICKI and increased Adipo-IR. Positive correlations were observed between inflammatory markers and NEFA, as well as between TNF-α and IL-1β with Adipo-IR. Conversely, negative correlations were found between inflammatory markers and glucose and insulin, and between TNF-α and RQUICKI, as well as IL-1β and haptoglobin with glucose. Conclusions: Ketoprofen administration significantly reduced inflammatory markers and NEFA while improving RQUICKI and Adipo-IR, without altering the overall relationships among the parameters. These findings indicate that inflammatory cytokines and adipose tissue IR indices serve as reliable parameters for monitoring the interaction between inflammation and IR, and for assessing the metabolic effects of NSAID treatment in early-lactation cows.

BACKGROUND:Genetic skeletal disorders are a heterogeneous group of syndromic or non-syndromic diseases characterized by abnormal bone, joint or cartilage development. These disorders generally occur sporadically in ruminants. Although a genetic etiology is often suspected, only a limited number of causal variants have been identified and no comprehensive genetic analyses of a cohort of bovine and ovine skeletal developmental defects have been published. The aims of our study were (1) to propose a nosology of genetic skeletal disorders in cattle and sheep and (2) to contribute to the nosology with a number of novel genomically characterized cases. RESULTS:Based on a literature review, the proposed nosology of skeletal disorders in cattle and sheep with a confirmed molecular cause was found to comprise 43 different disorders associated with 45 different genes. In addition, horn traits were also included. The disorders were grouped into 21 categories based on the human medical nosology. Thirty novel bovine and nine ovine cases of congenital skeletal disorders were investigated. These represented 19 different disorders, which were grouped into 9 categories. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were generated based on sample availability for either complete trios, affected paternal halfsiblings or isolated single cases. We identified 21 SNVs or small indels for 12 skeletal disorders. Of these, 17 were considered candidate variants affecting 16 different genes, including 11 that were classified as pathogenic and six as likely pathogenic. Additionally, the remaining 4 SNVs were of uncertain significance. Two aneuploidies (trisomy and partial monosomy) were the cause of two different disorders. For eight cases affected by six disorders no variant could be identified. Different modes of inheritance were detected, including spontaneous dominant de novo mutations, autosomal recessive alleles, an X-linked dominant allele, as well as aneuploidies. The overall molecular genetic diagnostic rate was 64%. CONCLUSIONS:Genomic analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity of the described phenotypes in terms of mode of inheritance, affected genes, and variant type. We propose, for the first time in veterinary medicine, a nosology of genetic skeletal disorders in ruminants that may be useful for more precise differential clinicopathological diagnosis. We emphasize the potential of WGS to enhance genetic disease diagnosis and the importance of adopting a nosology for disease categorization.

This study was carried out to determine the levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in the feed, blood, and milk of dairy cows from the Upper Meža Valley in Slovenia. The samples were collected in spring and autumn 2017 from farms located within a 10 km radius of a former lead mine and smelter. A total of 50 feed samples and 108 blood and milk samples were analysed using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The lead and cadmium content in the feed did not exceed the maximum levels specified in European legislation, while the mercury concentrations were below the detection limit (0.007 mg kg-1 dry matter). However, one sample of grass silage had an arsenic concentration that exceeded the permitted limit (4.71 mg kg-1), while all other feed samples remained within the permitted thresholds. Cadmium and arsenic were not detected in the blood samples; while mercury concentrations varied between < 0.002 and 0.020 mg kg-1 wet weight. The mean blood lead level was 0.034 mg kg-1 wet weight and was lower than the levels found in previous studies in this region. A significant correlation was found between lead concentration in blood and milk (p < 0.001). Lead was detected in 96.3% of the milk samples (n = 108). In three of these samples, the lead content exceeded the EU maximum level for milk of 0.020 mg kg-1. Cadmium and arsenic were not detected in the milk samples, while mercury levels were low and ranged from < 0.002 to 0.006 mg kg-1.

Vitamin D is essential for cattle and can be synthesized in the skin under ultraviolet irradiation. This study investigated the effects of narrow-band UV-B irradiation during automatic milking on blood vitamin D concentration and the influence of hair and black skin areas on cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in Holstein Friesian cows. Fifty-one cows were stratified by milk yield, days after calving, and percentage of black skin, then divided into three groups: shaved and irradiated (80 J/m2), unshaved and irradiated (129-305 J/m2), and a control group. A custom UV-B light (peak radiation at 295 nm) was installed in the milking robot. Blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured at baseline, and 7, 30, and 60 days post-exposure using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. UV-B exposure significantly (p < 0.001) increased 25(OH)D levels in shaved (13.4 ng/mL), unshaved (10 ng/mL), and control groups (5.1 ng/mL). Despite receiving less than half the UV-B dose, the shaved group had superior 25(OH)D synthesis compared to the unshaved group (p < 0.05), highlighting hair's role in reducing UV-B absorption. Cutaneous synthesis correlated with black skin area in shaved cows but not in unshaved cows. UV-B irradiation also increased daily milk production by 2.2 kg (shaved) and 2.9 kg (unshaved) compared to controls (p < 0.001). UV-B exposure during automatic milking offers a novel, non-disruptive method for enhancing vitamin D levels in dairy cows.

Frequent phlebotomies, even when only a small volume of blood is taken for diagnostic purposes, can lead to the development of iron deficiency with hematological and metabolic changes. The study aimed to determine the influence of frequent blood loss by phlebotomy on blood iron concentration (Fe), hematology, metabolic and endocrine parameters and their relationships. Blood samples were collected from 30 blood donor rams for 6 consecutive weeks, with approximately 10% of blood collected weekly. Such chronic blood loss resulted in a decrease in Fe. Indicators of iron transport in the bloodstream changed, so the value of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) increased, while the value of transferrin saturation percentage (TS%) decreased. Hematological changes included a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean red blood cell volume and hematocrit and a tendency for reticulocyte count and red cell distribution width to increase. Chronic blood loss resulted in a specific metabolic response that included the increase in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate-aminotransferase, and insulin resistance, while thyroxine, triiodothyronine and cortisol decreased and there was a tendency for lactate to increase and BHB to decrease. The mentioned blood parameters correlated with Fe and additionally showed greater changes when Fe was extrapolated to the level of clinical deficit (Fe=9μmol/L). These correlations suggest the need to monitor the metabolic and endocrine status during chronic blood loss, in addition to Fe and erythrocyte indices. Compared with previous results in other animal species, Fe may have a direct influence on metabolic processes in rams.

Erythropesis is the process of making red blood cells and it is related to numerous factors in the body. Iron is important because of its role in the process of making hemoglobin. In addition to the mentioned iron, it is an indirect indicator of inflammation and is regulated at the systemic and cellular level, so its lack speaks of the overall health status of individuals. Fe deficiency in the body takes place through three phases. In the first phase, there is emptying of tissue depots, but its total amount in the circulation increases, then follows the second phase or the phase of real deficit with decreasing concentration of serum iron and hemoglobin, and the third phase is the phase in which the significance of iron deficit is clinically seen. Iron deficiency disrupts all aspects of erythropoiesis. Therefore, first the iron reserves are used up, then with the decrease of transported iron, erythropoiesis changes, and when the availability of this iron is completely reduced, anemia will occur due to iron deficiency. Lipid metabolism also plays a very important role in the functioning of hematopoietic stem cells. Fatty acid oxidation is the main catabolic pathway by which energy is produced in hematopoietic stem cells. Long-chain fatty acids are activated in the cytosol and transported to the mitochondria by the transport system. In them, beta oxidation takes place through several known stages, creating acetyl coenzyme A, which starts the cycle of tricarboxylic acids. Deletion of the gene for regulation of fatty acid oxidation causes hematopoiesis stem cells to lose their potential to reconstruct and maintain themselves. Due to the importance of lipolysis in ruminants and the fact that stem cells are found in the lipidrich niches of bone marrow, we will also consider the relationship between bone marrow adipocytes and hematopoiesis. Chronic phlebotomy in rams or Fe deficiency due to inflammation and fatty liver in cows lead to specific changes in red blood cell and blood metabolites. All of the above shows that it is necessary to know the metabolic flows in order to better understand erythropoiesis in ruminants.

A total mastectomy was the treatment of choice in a 10-year-old pet doe Pika with a history of severe necrotic mastitis secondary to a precocious udder. Following an elliptical skin incision, the mammary tissue was bluntly excised. Because of a large surgical defect, severe skin tension was needed to close the wound completely. A passive drain was placed in the surgical site to remove excess fluid, and the animal received antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment. On the fifth day after the surgery, the drain was removed and palpation revealed an extensive subcutaneous emphysema at the surgical site as well as the back and neck of the animal. The antibiotic treatment was prolonged, and the animal kept for observation. After 3 weeks, the wound had healed completely, and the doe was discharged.

Sporadic bovine leukosis (SBL) is a rare neoplastic disease in cattle. It represents a unique challenge for veterinary medicine due to its sporadic occurrence, peculiar clinical presentation and unclear etiology. SBL manifests in four forms: juvenile lymphosarcoma, adult multicentric leukosis, thymic lymphosarcoma and cutaneous lymphosarcoma. In contrast to enzootic bovine leukosis, which is caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), there is no viral link in sporadic cases. They are thought to be caused by multifactorial interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors (e.g. carcinogens or other triggers). The diseases are not contagious. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge of SBL, focusing on the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges and potential risk factors. Although sporadic leukosis accounts for a smaller proportion of leukosis cases in cattle compared to BLV-induced leukosis, the impact on affected individuals is severe. SBL must be differentiated from BLV-induced leukosis (absence of BLV antibodies in the blood and absence of BLV in the tissue), which is a reportable disease in the European Union. SBL usually affects younger cattle, but adult animals can also be affected. Adult multicentric leukosis clinically resembles enzootic bovine leukosis with multicentric lymphoproliferative foci and lymphadenopathy, but the affected animals are negative for BLV antibodies. The diseases are progressive and lead to the death of the animals. Diagnostic confirmation of SBL often requires a combination of histopathologic examination, immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses to differentiate it from other neoplastic diseases in cattle. Risk factors such as exposure to certain environmental toxins or genetic susceptibility are thought to play a role in the development of sporadic leukosis. Further research efforts are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of SBL and to develop effective prevention and control strategies to control this sporadic but usually lethal disease in cattle population.

Copper is an essential trace element for animals, required for body, bone and wool growth, pigmentation, nervous system, haemoglobin formation and white blood cell function. The animal's nutrient supply can be assessed with the help of haematological and biochemical blood tests. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between copper serum concentration and haematological and biochemical parameters in sheep. Sheep from two farms were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from the sheep (40 per flock) twice a year, in the fall after the end of the grazing period and in the spring before the beginning of the grazing period. We carried out 6 consecutive samplings, a total of 480 samples were taken. Haematological (complete blood count) and biochemical analyses of blood samples were performed. The concentrations of copper (Cu), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), urea (Urea), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (iP), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl) were measured in the blood serum. The statistical analysis of the results was carried out using the SPSS programme (IBM SPSS Statistics, Ver 29). The comparison (t-test for independent samples) of the investigated parameters for two groups was calculated depending on the Cu concentration in the blood (too low/within the reference values) and the correlation (Pearson) between the Cu concentration and the other investigated parameters. oo low concentration (< 10 µmol/L) of copper was found in 22.3 % of the samples. he mean serum Cu concentration in the low copper group was 7.01 ± 1.84 µmol/L and in the normal copper group 13.73 ± 2.99 µmol/L. Statistically significant lower concentrations of BHB, Ca, urea, Alb, Na, CV, CH and WBC were found in the low copper group. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between the concentration of Cu and BHB, urea, TP, Alb, Na, Cl, MCV, WBC, PLT and MCH, and a statistically significant negative correlation between the Cu concentration and RBC. Lower values of the mentioned parameters could be partly related to copper deficiency in sheep. The results show that copper and mineral deficiency could be a problem in sheep grazing on extensive pastures in hilly mountainous regions. In our experience, farmers of small ruminants are often insufficiently aware of the fact that sheep and goats also need mineral and vitamin supplements always available to meet their needs. It would therefore be advisable to pay more attention to educating farmers on this issue. Owners should take care to provide their animals with appropriate mineral mixtures.

In many scientific papers, the term biosecurity measures (BSMs) are defined as the implementation of segregation, sanitation or management procedures specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of the introduction, establishment, survival or spread of a potential pathogen into, within or from a farm or geographical area. The main BSMs (general external and internal BSMs related to newly introduced animals, farm workers, family members, visitors and service providers, vehicles, tools and equipment, location of farms, water and feed, control programs, management practices, handling of raw materials, work procedures, training, plans and records), based on literature data, guides, instructions, recommendation codes and checklists, are presented in the paper. In addition to the BSMs mentioned, the importance of segregation, cleaning and disinfection is emphasized. The most important and effective part of biosecurity is to keep infected animals and contaminated material away from non-infected animals. Cleaning and disinfecting barns, vehicles and equipment, especially boots and clothing, is a very effective way to minimize the transmission of disease to or between animals. It is very important to implement BSMs as a long-standing and successful practice on farms to maintain animal health. These measures should be included in a comprehensive biosecurity plan, which is tailored to farms characteristics and needs that must be fully implemented. A biosecurity plan and the design and implementation of biosecurity programs should address how farmers handle animals, vehicles and human access to the farm, as well as animal health and work procedures. Key BSMs should be followed on an ongoing basis and, working with veterinarians, farmers themselves can play an important role in keeping animals and production as healthy as possible. It is important to regularly assess the implementation of BSMs using appropriate questionnaires, which can highlight deficiencies that should be addressed immediately.

Hemolysis is a common cause of errors in laboratory tests as it affects blood parameters and leads to a positive or negative bias. This study aims to examine the relationship between the level of hemolysis (expressed as cell-free hemoglobin concentration, g/L) and the variability of metabolic and endocrine parameters and to determine the threshold level of hemolysis that causes an analytically and clinically significant bias for the twenty most frequently examined blood parameters in cows. Paired blood samples of 10 mL each were obtained from 30 cows. One was subjected to mechanical trauma and plasma was extracted directly from the other. Hemolyzed and non-hemolyzed samples from the same animal were mixed to obtain final samples with cell-free hemoglobin concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g/L. Metabolic and endocrine parameters were measured in the samples and their deviation and the linear equation between the level of hemolysis and the deviation were determined. The following threshold values of hemolysis were determined, which correspond to the acceptable analytical (lower value) and clinical (upper value) levels of parameter variability: BHB 0.96 and 4.81; NEFA 0.39 and 3.31; GLU 0.38 and 3.90; ALB 1.12 and 6.11; TPROT 1.40 and 6.80; UREA 6.62 and 20.1; TBIL 0.75 and 5.65; AST 0.11 and 2.18; GGT 1.71 and 8.90, LDH 0.01 and 0.11, ALP 0.97 and 2.95; TGC 1.56 and 15.5; CHOL 1.29 and 8.56; Ca 5.68 and 25.7; P 0.57 and 8.43; Mg 1.10 and 8.47; INS 1.15 and 3.89; T3 8.19 and 15.6; T4 8.97 and 18.5; and CORT 2.78 and 11.22 g/L cell-free hemoglobin. Three decision levels are available for each metabolic and endocrine parameter: if hemolysis is below the lower (analytical) threshold value, results can be reported without restriction; if hemolysis is between the lower and upper thresholds, the results can be issued with guidance in the form of corrective linear equations; and if hemolysis is above the upper (clinical) threshold, the results and sample must be discarded. This method contributes to an optimal approach to hemolysis interference with metabolic profile parameters in blood samples from cows.

Vitamin D has a significant role in mineral metabolism, bone tissue homeostasis, and immunity. Cattle can synthetize vitamin D in the skin in a linear dose dependent manner of ultraviolet irradiation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the possibility of vitamin D supplementation with narrow-band UV-B irradiation during automatic milking time and to determine the influence of hair and pigmentation of skin and hair on cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis in dairy cows. Holstein Friesian cows from one farm were enrolled into the study. A narrow-band UV-B light (peak irradiation at 295 nm) was custom-made and mounted into the automatic milking system. Cows were split into three equal random groups using stratified sampling based on milk yield in the previous lactation, days after calving and the percentage of black area on their back. The first group was shaved and exposed to a daily dose during automatic milking, the second group was left unshaved and irradiated during the automatic milking with maximal possible dose and the third group served as control. The cows were blood sampled before and 60 days after the start of irradiation. The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using an automated immune enzyme fluorescence assay. The increase in the 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations before and after the irradiation was statistically significant (p>0.001) between the shaved, unshaved and control groups. The irradiated groups shaved and unshaved produced more milk per day than the control group. Narrow-band UV-B LED light limited to automatic milking time was successful in increasing the concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Holstein Friesian cows. Hair was reducing cutaneous vitamin D production. UV-B irradiation of cows during automatic miking is a novel way of vitamin D supplementation that does not expose farm equipment and personnel to UV-B irradiation and does not interfere with the daily routine on farm.

Technopathies in dairy cows represent a complex interplay between technological advancements, management practices, and animal health. While technological innovations have undoubtedly improved efficiency and productivity, they also introduce new challenges, particularly in relation to the health and welfare of dairy cows. Lameness associated with claw pathology is one of a prevalent technopathy in dairy cows. However, it can be associated also by other pathologies, including peritarsal lesions. This paper aims to explore the peritarsal lesions in dairy cows, their prevalence in selected Slovenian herds and their connection to flooring and cubicle type. Tarsal region was evaluated in 16 dairy herds in NE Slovenia. We assessed 881 dairy cows. Type (alopecia, erosions, decubitus, swelling) and size (up to 3 cm2 , < 20 cm2 , < 50 cm2 and >50 cm2 ) of lesions were documented. In all herds type of flooring and cubicles were recorded including their size and occupancy %. Results were statistically evaluated using descriptive statistics, correlations and ANOVA analysis. Significance was set at p<0.05. Out of 881, 373 (42.3%) had peritarsal lesions. The prevalence on herd level was from slightly above 2 to more than 70%. We noticed that peritarsal lesions are more prevalent in herds with high cubicles, than in those with deep cubicles. Cubicle occupancy rate statistically non-significantly influenced peritarsal health. Results of the study surprised us, as we have expected far lower prevalence of peritarsal lesions. A positive fact is that we also had a herd with very favorable status concerning hock lesions, which proves that much better situation in this issue can be achieved. Collaborative efforts among researchers, veterinarians, and farmers are essential for identifying key issues leading to technopathies, implementing effective mitigation strategies, and promoting sustainable dairy farming practices.

Magnetic alignment (MA) MA ) is a biological phenomenon denoting spontaneous orientation of an animal's body at rest, when fleeing a threat, hunting, etc. in relation to the Earth's magnetic field lines, often parallel to the field lines, i.e. in a north-south (NS) NS ) direction. MA has been demonstrated in several animal species, including grazing and resting domestic mammals. Based on the assumption that cows prefer to orientate their bodies in the NS direction when resting and sleeping, we hypothesised that MA could contribute to the incidence of technopathies in dairy cows, i.e. various disorders caused by the stable equipment that pose a serious animal welfare problem. It was hypothesised that the incidence of technopathies increases when the cubicles (resting places) orientation deviates from the NS position. The incidence of technopathies was recorded in 34 free-stall dairy farms. The type (hairless patch, scratch, swelling, wound), location and size of the lesions were recorded in almost 1 200 dairy cows. Based on the number of cubicles available and the number of cows, the cubicle-per-cow index (CC CC index) ) was calculated and divided into two groups: CC index >= 1 for stables with at least one cubicle per cow and CC index < 1 if the number of cows exceeded the number of cubicles available. The orientation of the cubicles was determined by the azimuth (the angle between north and the chosen clockwise direction). The farms were categorised into two groups according to azimuth: NS (azimuth deviating +/- 15 degrees from north or south, i.e. 345-15 degrees and 165-195 degrees) and non-NS (azimuth 15-165 degrees and 195-345 degrees). We found that the frequency of cows with technopathies was 30% lower in the NS-orientated cubicles and the number of technopathies per cow was 40% lower in the NS-orientated cubicles than in the non-NS-orientated cubicles. In addition, a higher number of technopathies per cow was observed when the CC index was >= 1, with a significant difference in the non-NS-aligned cubicles. According to our results, cubicle orientation has some influence on the incidence of technopathies. Although biological phenomena such as MA are seemingly unimportant and usually overlooked, they should be considered in livestock production when planning the positioning of stable equipment/ cubicle. (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Animal Consortium. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Lactation and metabolic rearrangement significantly influence hematological parameters. The red bloodline of early lactation cows is characterized by hypochromic changes in erythrocytes and a reduced number of erythrocytes. The reduced concentration of hemoglobin is linked to milk production, since a higher hemoglobin concentration was found in heifers (which are not naturally lactating). The number of neutrophils was the highest in the first week after parturition, while the number of lymphocytes was the lowest in the same period, so the neutrophil:lymphocyte index was the highest in this period. The number of eosinophils increased slightly during the experimental period, while the number of monocytes was the highest in the first week and then decreased. Such changes in the differential white line occur as a consequence of the action of acute stress and a sudden jump in the concentration of cortisol, which has shown its effect on immune cells. In white cattle, NEFA as an indicator of metabolic stress leads to a drop in the total number of leukocytes, and cows classified according to the NEFA and cortisol criteria show an increased percentage of neutrophils, a decreased percentage of lymphocytes, an increased N:L ratio, a decreased percentage of eosinophils and an increased percentage of monocytes. The influence of cortisol on the parameters of the blood count only exists in the first week because the concentration of cortisol rises sharply and then sharply decreases in the first few days after calving, while the concentration of NEFA rises slightly and is often persistent in the first weeks of lactation, which indicates a negative energy balance . In the study of the influence of metabolic stress indicators on the value of the parameters of the blood count, it was found that the classification of cows according to the values of NEFA and cortisol gives significant differences in the red and white bloodlines, which confirms the importance of peripartum metabolic stress caused by parturition and lactation in the response of the blood count in cows.

Increasing milking frequency can increase milk production in cows by 15-20%, and increased milking frequency can affect different mechanisms of secretion and metabolic activity of the udder. In practice, cows are best milked twice a day with an average interval between two milkings of 12 hours, and in practice it is the most common range of 8-16 hours. It was shown that a 12-hour interval between two milkings was good for high-yielding cows, with a steady increase in milk production during the first half of lactation. An extended interval between two milkings will lead to inhibition of lactation with a consequent decrease in the amount of milk produced. Increasing the milking frequency of dairy cattle to more than two milkings per day results in an increase in milk production. Milking three times a day leads to an increase in milk production of 3 to 39% compared to milking twice. One of the most obvious effects as a result of increased milking frequency is the mobilization of body reserves. The primary mechanism leading to this is lipolysis. As a result of lipolysis, there is an increase in the concentration of NEFA and BHB in the blood plasma or serum with a decrease in the assessed body condition of the cows, and the mentioned changes are considered a typical response to an increase in milking frequency. The tests showed a significant decrease in the body condition score in cows that were milked six times compared to cows that were milked three times. Increased lipolysis and ketogenesis lead to a metabolic response and adaptation of cows, and these changes can sometimes lead to an increase in metabolic diseases in cow herds.

Tropical Animal Health and Production is a journal founded 55 years ago. It is dedicated to the publication of results of original research, investigation, and observation in all fields of animal health, welfare and production which may lead to improved health and productivity of livestock and better utilization of animal resources in tropical, subtropical and similar environments. Research is in strong alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Good Health and Well-being. To celebrate its 55th anniversary, the editorial board has composed this Editorial article in an effort to address the major challenges that animal and veterinary scientists in the tropics and adjacent regions will address over the next 55 years. The task is accomplished in a systematic fashion addressing the topic species by species (cattle, small ruminants, pigs, poultry, camelids, etc.) and in the context of different groups of health challenges encompassing production, vector-borne, parasitic and transboundary diseases. Challenges are difficult and complex, and the solutions herein proposed may be difficult to implement. It aims to be an informed overview of the major difficulties the sector will experience in the near future, ultimately suggesting tools to address them. Only time will tell if they are accurate, effective or implementable. Nevertheless, Tropical Animal Health and Production Editorial Board, secretariat, reviewers and authors will certainly do their best to contribute to the advancement of animal health and production in the Tropics and the Mediterranean.