Abstract Rabbit bucks (bodyweight 5 kg) underwent dietary intoxication with fumonisin B series mycotoxins (FB1 + FB2 + FB3, 15 mg/kg diet) for 14 days to test the applicability of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET MR) hybrid imaging in characterizing experimentally induced mild hepatotoxicosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) radiotracer-aided imaging was performed before and after FBs administration on identical animals, and at both time points, blood was sampled for haematology and clinical chemistry. Kinetic PET image analysis revealed time-activity curves with uptake maxima below 1 min in the liver, renal cortex, portal vein, lung and coarctatio aortae. In the frame of static PET image analysis, based on the standardized uptake value (SUV), the so-called metabolic liver volume (MLV, liver volume defined by over 0.9 × average liver SUV) and the total liver glycolysis (TLG, MLV multiplied by the SUVmean) were calculated. Mycotoxicosis increased total liver glycolysis (p < 0.04) after 14 days and liver tissue TLG inhomogeneity was minimal. Pearson correlation between TLG and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was positive (0.515), while negative with LDH and AST (− 0.721 and − 0.491, respectively). Results indicate a slight hepatic mycotoxin effect and significantly increased glucose uptake intensity, which has been sensitively detected with molecular imaging (18F-FDG PET MRI) in the rabbit model.

The study examined the age-dependent feed restriction on growing rabbits' growth and carcass traits. Three groups of weaned rabbits (5 weeks of age, n=243)) were established: AL=control group: ad libitum feeding during the whole fattening period (n=81), RF65 group: 65% of the feed consumption of AL during the first two weeks after weaning, 80% in the third, 100% in the fourth week and ad libitum afterward (n=81), RF70 group: 70% in the first two weeks, 80% in the third, 100% in the fourth week and ad libitum till slaughtering (n=81). Feed consumption was in line with the planned level during the feed restriction period. After finishing the restriction at 100%, the feed consumption increased rapidly, and it was higher between 9 and 11 weeks of age than that of the AL group (P<0.001). Daily weight gain of restricted groups was lower between 5 and 7 weeks of age (47.7 vs. 28.9 and 25.2 g/day in AL, RF70, and RF65, respectively, P<0.001). The differences in body weights were highest at seven weeks of age, and later the differences decreased (body weight at 11 weeks, AL: 2710 g, RF65: 2637 g, RF70: 2655 g, P <0.05). In the first week, the feed conversion rate was better in the AL group, while between 7 and 10 weeks of age, it was better in the restricted groups (P<0.001). Significant differences were found in mortality but independent of treatment. The feed restriction had a slight effect on carcass traits. The weight of the fore part of the carcass was higher in the AL group (P=0.053), while the liver was heavier in the restricted rabbits (84.2 vs. 80.1 g, P=0.388). The perirenal fat content was the lowest in RF65 rabbits (16.9 g) and the highest in the AL group (21.6 g, P<0.05). A stricter and then milder feed restriction after weaning and ad libitum feeding in the final fattening stages could be preferred.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of refrigerated storage on the microbial properties and organoleptic quality of Bologna-type turkey sausage, in which fat was partially replaced with pea fibre or potato starch. Each manufactured sausage had lower counts of Esherichia coli and enterobacteria than 1 log CFU·g−1, counts were below 2 log CFU·g−1 for Staphylococcus aureus, moreover, no Salmonella spp. were found in any of the sausages. The counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria did not exceed 4 log CFU·g−1 for each sausage formulation during four-week storage at 4 °C. Spectrocolorimetric measurements revealed that there was no decline in luminosity (L*) and redness (a*) by time, namely colour fading did not occur. Saltiness and juiciness values of sausages were directly proportional. Low-fat sausages were perceived less salty than full-fat analogue with the same salt content at the early stage of storage. Nevertheless, this phenomenon was temporary as sausages had the same saltiness at the end of four-week storage period. Sausages, in which 25% of fat was substituted with pea fibre or potato starch, were assessed as having the same odour, consistency, taste, and overall impact like control during the four-week refrigerated storage.

Abstract Background Accumulation of detrimental mutations in small populations leads to inbreeding depression of fitness traits and a higher frequency of genetic defects, thus increasing risk of extinction. Our objective was to quantify the magnitude of inbreeding depression for survival at birth, in a closed rabbit population under long-term selection. Methods We used an information theory-based approach and multi-model inference to estimate inbreeding depression and its purging with respect to the trait ‘kit survival at birth’ over a 25-year period in a closed population of Pannon White rabbits, by analysing 22,718 kindling records. Generalised linear mixed models based on the logit link function were applied, which take polygenic random effects into account. Results Our results indicated that inbreeding depression occurred during the period 1992–1997, based on significant estimates of the z-standardised classical inbreeding coefficient z.FL (CI95% − 0.12 to − 0.03) and of the new inbreeding coefficient of the litter z.FNEWL (CI95% − 0.13 to − 0.04) as well as a 59.2% reduction in contributing founders. Inbreeding depression disappeared during the periods 1997–2007 and 2007–2017. For the period 1992–1997, the best model resulted in a significantly negative standardised estimate of the new inbreeding coefficient of the litter and a significantly positive standardised estimate of Kalinowski’s ancestral inbreeding coefficient of the litter (CI95% 0.01 to 0.17), which indicated purging of detrimental load. Kindling season and parity had effects on survival at birth that differed across the three periods of 1992–1997, 1997–2007 and 2007–2017. Conclusions Our results support the existence of inbreeding depression and its purging with respect to kit survival at birth in this Pannon White rabbit population. However, we were unable to exclude possible confounding from the effects of parity and potentially other environmental factors during the study period, thus our results need to be extended and confirmed in other populations.

Vegetation indices computed from remote sensing data became key components of agricultural monitoring and assessment. With the help of these indices, the difference of vegetational and other land covers can be contrasted and many useful and applicable data can be gathered ranging from vegetation health to growth dynamics among others. In recent decades, starting from the first Landsat satellite, a huge number of VIs were developed in order to be able to effectively monitor vegetation – the reason for the immense number is due to the fact that every sensor, topographic, geographic, vegetative and atmospheric feature is different, and more so are their combinations. This is the reason why there is no unified spectral band mathematical formula. The aim of this short overview is to provide the reader insight of the main vegetation indices (VIs) that have been used in scientific literature and their development over the last 40 years.

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds (n=3×10) of identical initial body weight (BW, ca. 68 kg) were reared on a monocotyledonous grass (G group), on a grass–papilionaceous (GP group) or on pure papilionaceous pasture each of 2 ha (P group) for 219 d. At the end of the experiment carcass tissue composition was assessed by means of computer tomography, slaughter value and meat quality were characterized and tissue – longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), thigh and liver – samples were taken for fatty acid composition analysis. The primary aim was to assess nutrition-driven differences. Hinds of group P provided higher final BW (101 kg vs. 90 and 91.9 kg in groups G and GP, respectively) and higher BW gain (32.6 kg during the total period vs. 22.4 and 22.1 kg). The carcass weight exceeded those of the other groups significantly (68.8 kg vs. 59.3 and 63.2 kg), while there was no difference among groups in the perirenal fat weight and red color tone (a*) of the LTL. Groups G and P differed significantly in the LTL weight (highest in P), its dripping loss (lowest in G), lightness (L; highest in P) and yellow color tone (b*). In the thigh muscle, LTL and liver the highest proportion of fatty acid CLA9c11t was reached on the G pasture, and the same trend was true for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA , C22:6 n3) in the muscles. The n6 ∕ n3 fatty acid ratio was the highest on the P pasture in the liver and both muscles. The liver incorporated the highest proportion of linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) and converted it rather effectively to arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6), coupled with the lowest α-linolenic acid presence. In conclusion, concerning muscle mass production, group P proved to be the most advantageous pasture; meanwhile LTL meat quality factors (dripping loss, DHA proportion, pH, color) were more favorable on the G pasture.

Vegetation indices computed from remote sensing data became key components of agricultural monitoring and assessment. With the help of these indices, the difference of vegetational and other land covers can be contrasted and many useful and applicable data can be gathered ranging from vegetation health to growth dynamics among others. In recent decades, starting from the first Landsat satellite, a huge number of VIs were developed in order to be able to effectively monitor vegetation – the reason for the immense number is due to the fact that every sensor, topographic, geographic, vegetative and atmospheric feature is different, and more so are their combinations. This is the reason why there is no unified spectral band mathematical formula. The aim of this short overview is to provide the reader insight of the main vegetation indices (VIs) that have been used in scientific literature and their development over the last 40 years

The fat content of Bologna-type turkey sausages was partially replaced with pea fiber or potato starch. Textural properties of full fat turkey sausage were mainly restored in sausages when fat was partially replaced with some levels of pea fiber (0.6, 1.2%) or potato starch (1.9%). Authors observed significant correlation (P<0.01) between instrumentally measured values of hardness and chewiness and sensory ratings of low fat sausages.

Replacement of animal fat with plant oils is a very popular research field, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in association with saturated fatty acid consumption. The aim of this study was to reduce amount of pig backfat in a meat product (Párizsi) and to partially replace it with soybean- (SBL) or sunflower lecithin (SFL). Between the samples difference was realized in fatty acid (FA) profile, mostly in total n6 FA content. The replacement also altered the colour compared to the control. The oxidative stability (MDA) analysis showed that SBL was more prone towards preparation technology (10 nmol MDA/g) than the Sfl(9 nmol MDA/g). The lecithin appeared as foreign taste based on the sensory test. The aromatic difference, as assessed with electronic nose, was clearly detectable between Sfland SBL. The increasing supplementation levels were also properly distinguished with discriminant analysis within the SBL and Sflseries. Summarized, Sflwas found to be a better antioxidant, but SBL improved the FA profile into a more favourable state. The lecithin-replacement made unlikeness in the taste compared to the control.

This study provides accurate near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic models on some laboratory determined clinicochemical parameters (i.e. total lipid (5.57±1.95 g/l), triglyceride (2.59±1.36 mmol/l), total cholesterol (3.81±0.68 mmol/l), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (2.45±0.58 mmol/l)) of blood serum samples of fattened geese. To increase the performance of multivariate chemometrics, samples significantly deviating from the regression models implying laboratory error were excluded from the final calibration datasets. Reference data of excluded samples having outlier spectra in principal component analysis were not marked as false. Samples deviating from the regression models but having non outlier spectra in PCA were identified as having false reference constituent values. Based on the NIR selection methods, 5% of the reference measurement data were rated as doubtful. The achieved models reached R2 of 0.864, 0.966, 0.850, 0.793, and RMSE of 0.639 g/l, 0.232 mmol/l, 0.210 mmol/l, 0.241 mmol/l for total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, respectively, during independent validation. Classical analytical techniques focus on single constituents and often require chemicals, time-consuming measurements, and experienced technicians. NIR technique provides a quick, cost effective, non-hazardous alternative method for analysis of several constituents based on one single spectrum of each sample, and it also offers the possibility for looking at the laboratory reference data critically. Evaluation of reference data to identify and exclude falsely analyzed samples can provide warning feedback to the reference laboratory, especially in the case of analyses where laboratory methods are not perfectly suited to the subjected material and there is an increased chance of laboratory error.

Objective Characteristics of unifloral False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) honey (liquid due to the high fructose content, very light colored and flavored) may easily be spoiled, negatively influencing market growth by damaging consumer confidence. Large scale honey adulteration appeared on the world market in the 1970s when high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was introduced by the industry [1]. Aquaphotomics considers water as a multi-element system that can be well described by its multi-dimensional near infrared (NIR) spectra. Since moisture is present in most of the natural samples, this analytical approach using water through its perturbations in different environments as a mirror of the sample itself can be applied in many fields very effectively [2]. The goal of the present study was to build an applicable NIR model for screening Robinia honey by using fiber-optic probe and to describe its spectral characteristics using recent findings of auqaphotomics.

BACKGROUND: Methods of stunning used in salmon slaughter are still the subject of research. Fish quality can be influenced by pre-, ante- and post-mortem conditions, including handling before slaughter, slaughter methods and storage conditions. Carbon monoxide (CO) is known to improve colour stability in red muscle and to reduce microbial growth and lipid oxidation in live fish exposed to CO. Quality differences in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., stunned by CO or percussion, were evaluated and compared by different techniques [near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), electronic nose (EN), electronic tongue (ET)] and sensory analysis.RESULTS: Thawed samples, freeze-dried preparates and NIRS devices proved to be the most efficient combinations for discriminating the treatments applied to salmon, i.e. first the stunning methods adopted, then the back-prediction of the maximum time to reach rigor mortis and finally to correlate some sensory attributes. A trained panel found significant differences between control and CO-stunned salmon: reduced tactile crumbliness, reduced odour and aroma intensities, and reduced tenderness of CO-treated fillets. CO stunning reduced radiation absorbance in spectra of thawed and freeze-dried fillets, but not fillet samples stored in ethanol, where it may have interacted with myoglobin and myosin.CONCLUSIONS: The good results in a rapid discrimination of thawed samples detected by NIRS suggest suitable applications in the fish industry. CO treatment could mitigate sensory perception, but consumer tests are needed to confirm our findings. (C) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was mixed with four artisanal Robinia honeys at various ratios (0-40%) and near infrared (NIR) spectra were recorded with a fiber optic immersion probe. Levels of HFCS adulteration could be detected accurately using leave-one-honey-out cross-validation (RMSECV = 1.48; R-CV(2) = 0.987), partial least squares regression and the 1300-1800 nm spectral interval containing absorption bands related to both water and carbohydrates. Aquaphotomics-based evaluations showed that unifloral honeys contained more highly organized water than the industrial sugar syrup, supposedly because of the greater variety of molecules dissolved in the multi-component honeys. Adulteration with HFCS caused a gradual reduction of water molecular structures, especially water trimers, which facilitate interaction with other molecules. Quick, non-destructive NIR spectroscopy combined with aquaphotomics could be used to describe water molecular structures in honey and to detect a rather common form of adulteration. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrocardiography-gated dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodology was developed for the in vivo examination of sheep heart characteristics. By combining noninvasive determination of skeletal muscle mass, we studied the relationship between total body skeletal muscle content and heart performance. Measurements were carried out on male Merino lambs using 1.5 T field strength equipment. Average left ventricular volumes were determined and stroke volume was estimated during image postprocessing. Ejection fraction was calculated (73 ± 1.8%) and the cardiac output (CO) value was estimated (2.75 ± 0.16 L/min). After measuring left ventricular wall thickness, contraction values were determined at the septum (62%), anterior (69%), lateral (54%), and posterior (58%) walls. Ventricular mass was also calculated. Body composition measurement was performed immediately after MRI examination by computerized tomography (CT) during the same narcosis. Relative CO value was developed from the interpretation of the functional MRI and volumetric CT results, expressing the relationship between heart performance and total body skeletal muscle volume. Finally, CO value relating to body surface was estimated (18.3 ± 3.1 dm2/(L min-1)) to characterize the metabolic rate.

Three types of venison sausages produced of red-deer meat were investigated in three different ripening stages. Human sensory panel was appointed to evaluate customer preference of the sausages. Natural samples containing no pepper received the lowest marks, while samples with sweet and hot pepper were appreciated very similarly. Electronic nose technique was applied to identify the different types and ripening stages by the volatile compounds. It was possible to classify the samples according to the spicing protocol, with a high accuracy (ratio of successfully classified samples in cross-validation was over 90%). Human preference and electronic sensor signal datasets were combined and calibration equation was developed in order to predict consumer response by means of electronic nose. Odor preference and overall impression, as the most relevant attributes of consumer responses can be predicted with a high accuracy and precision (R2>0.9).

Weaned rabbits were fed diets contaminated with 2mg/kg diet T-2 toxin alone, or 10mg/kg diet fumonisin B1 (FB1) alone, and both toxins in combination (2+10mg/kg, resp.), as compared to a toxin free control. Samplings were performed after 2 and 4weeks. Bodyweight of the T-2 fed group was lower after 4weeks; the liver weight increased dramatically. Red blood cell (RBC) Na+/K+ ATPase activity decreased after 4weeks in the T-2 group, it increased in the FB1 group and antagonism was found by the combined treatment. The RBC membrane fatty acid profile was modified by both toxins similarly during the entire feeding. After 4weeks T-2 alone and in combination (with FB1) was found to increase mean cell volume (MCV). The time-dependent alterations in the T-2 group were significant for MCV (increase) and the mean cell haemoglobin (increase). The active monovalent cation transport was altered by both mycotoxins. Most probably FB1 exerts its sodium pump activity modification via an altered ceramide metabolism (behenic acid decrease in the RBC membrane), while for T-2 toxin a moderate membrane disruption and enzyme (protein) synthesis inhibition was supposed (ca. 75% decrease of the sodium pump activity).

Structure analyzer devices were constructed for individual breaking and compression force measurement for dry cat foods. Three commercially available products with different flavors (chicken, lamb, tuna) of two manufacturers (premium and good quality) were examined. The self-developed devices were fitted to a computer-controlled structure test equipment. From a methodological point of view the different granule size and a curved granule surface cause uncertain results with the application of individual breaking device. However the cat food structure characterization with the compression measurement device was successful. The measured force values varied between 0.9 and 1.38 N/mm2. According to the results of a parallel animal preference test the feed consumption values were remarkably different between feed types. Concerning the feed intake of the most and least preferred cat foods more than fivefold difference (75 vs. 420 g) was measured. With joint evaluation of the structural and preference results the hardest product proved to be the most favorable for the cats. Interestingly the compression force and also the feed intake sequence proved to be identical in case of the measured cat food products.