Adeyinka Oye Akintunde, Stacey Ogheneovo Ohwofa, Imam Mustofa
et al.
Background and Aim: Enhancing poultry reproductive performance is essential for improving productivity and addressing protein shortages in developing regions. Yoruba ecotype chickens (YECs) are resilient but limited in commercial potential due to small body size and low egg yield. This study assessed the fertilizing potential of YEC × Sussex (SS) crossbred cocks by integrating conventional reproductive morphometrics with seminal plasma metabolite profiling to identify potential biomarkers of sperm quality.
Materials and Methods: Thirty 24-week-old YEC × SS cocks (2842.86 ± 137.33 g) were evaluated over 28 days. Semen was collected through abdominal massage, and semen volume, sperm concentration, and testosterone levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were recorded. Testicular and epididymal morphometrics, densities, and sperm reserves were measured. Seminal plasma metabolites were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pearson correlations and linear regression models were applied to predict testosterone concentration from semen and morphometric traits.
Results: The left testis was heavier (8.00 g) and larger in volume (12.77 mL) than the right (6.75 g; 1.35 mL). Spermatozoa reserves averaged 0.20 × 109, with a strong positive correlation with testis volume (r = 0.998, p < 0.01) and a moderate negative correlation with daily sperm production (r = –0.585, p < 0.01). Testosterone concentration prediction from live weight, semen volume, and sperm concentration achieved high accuracy (R2 = 0.829). Thirteen seminal plasma metabolites were identified, including ascorbic acid, quercetin, epicatechin, citric acid, and procyanidin B2 – compounds linked to antioxidant defense, energy metabolism, and sperm viability.
Conclusion: YEC × SS crossbred cocks exhibit favorable reproductive morphometrics, strong correlations between testis volume and sperm reserves, and a metabolite profile enriched in fertility-enhancing antioxidants. Predictive models using basic semen traits can reliably estimate testosterone levels, while identified metabolites have potential as biochemical markers for breeding selection. Integrating morphometric and metabolomic profiling can refine breeding strategies, improve artificial insemination outcomes, and enhance the genetic improvement of local poultry breeds.
Gul Sahika Gökdemir, Sümeyye Çakmak, Berjan Demirtas
et al.
In order to investigate the effects of acute CO poisoning and subsequent oxygen therapy on cardiac necrosis in rats, with a specific focus on adiponectin levels, twenty–one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups (Control, CO, CO+O2). The Control group was placed in a container and exposed to room air for 30 min. Acute CO poisoning was induced in the CO group and CO+O2 group by exposing the rats to CO gas for 30 min. Following CO exposure, the CO+O2 group received oxygen therapy for 30 min, while the CO group did not receive any additional intervention. The animals were euthanized by cardiac puncture under anesthesia, following the approved ethical procedures. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase myocardial band (CK–MB), C–reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as cardiac and serum adiponectin levels were measured. CO poisoning caused necrosis in cardiac tissue however, oxygen therapy alleviated the negative effect of CO on cardiac injury. COHb and LDH levels in CO group were increased, whereas both cardiac and serum adiponectin levels were decreased (all, P<0.05). There were no changes in CK, CK–MB, CRP levels among groups (all, P>0.05). Oxygen therapy decreased COHb, but increased both cardiac and serum adiponectin levels (all, P<0.05). Adiponectin and LDH may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of cardiac necrosis caused by acute CO poisoning. The assessment or quantification of adiponectin can also be useful for the early prognosis of cardiac necrosis after oxygen therapy.
Arianna Meletiadis, Angelo Romano, Barbara Moroni
et al.
Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of <i>Salmonella</i>, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (<i>Pantherophis guttatus</i>) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake’s tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of <i>Salmonella enterica subsp</i>. <i>enterica</i> serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake’s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of <i>Salmonella</i> infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.
The article is devoted to analyzing aspects of biosecurity and biosecurity in the conditions of poultry farms under different poultry-keeping schemes. Production of poultry meat in the EU countries by species is broiler meat – 84.4 %, turkeys – 12.7 %, ducklings – 2.6 %, and other types of slaughtered poultry meat – 0.3 %. Ukraine is one of the five countries in the world that are the largest exporters of poultry meat to the EU, and the volume of poultry meat exported to EU member states in 2023 amounted to 97.469 tons. Compliance with basic biological safety measures is the best way to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases, produce safe products, and ensure veterinary food safety. Biosecurity in poultry farming involves some fundamental methods and strategies. Biosecurity is based on two fundamental principles: preventing pathogens from entering the territory of poultry farming (external biosecurity) and their further distribution (internal biosecurity). Factors of external biosecurity are the control of the penetration of biological vectors of the causative agents of poultry infectious diseases (restriction of the entry of vehicles into the farm territory, entry of outsiders, wild animals, rodents, synanthropic birds, and insects). Control of biological vectors of introducing pathogens into the farm is carried out through physical protection barriers (arrangement of fences, fences, installation of protective nets and screens on windows, doors, and ventilation shafts). The factors of internal biosecurity of poultry farms include the system of keeping poultry, proper practice of waste management (timely removal of poultry carcasses, litter, manure, method of waste management), use of hygienic means of bioprotection by employees, hygienic processing between «clean» and "dirty" areas of maintenance facilities, control and management of feed and water, cleaning and disinfection of production facilities. The level of biosecurity depends on the epizootic situation and the industry's provision of modern means of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. In the conditions of martial law in our country, the principal risks of biological decline are the destruction of homesteads of the population and industrial-type poultry farms; the difficulty of disposing of poultry carcasses, waste from the poultry industry, and household waste following current requirements, as well as changes in the migration routes of synanthropic birds.
Intensive farming can reduce production costs and maximize animal production efficiency; however, it also causes many adverse effects on the welfare of dairy cows. A mechanical brush is an automated grooming device that promotes the grooming behavior of dairy cattle, thereby helping to alleviate stress. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of using mechanical brushes on the production performance of dairy cows by comprehensively analyzing their milk production, health status, and reproductive performance. The cows were assigned to 6 groups: 109 lactating dairy cows (brush treatment) and 105 controls (without brush treatment), 64 dry milk dairy cows (brush treatment) and 49 controls (without brush treatment), and 198 perinatal cows (brush treatment) and 65 controls (without brush treatment). We found an increasing trend in the daily utility time and usage frequency of mechanical brushes for each cow during the lactating period (7.73 ± 4.02 min/d and 2.90 ± 1.22 times/d, respectively), dry period (15.97 ± 14.16 min/d and 4.21 ± 2.91 times/d, respectively), and perinatal period (25.15 ± 19.05 min/d and 5.45 ± 3.83 times/d, respectively) (<i>p</i> < 0.01 and <i>p</i> < 0.05, respectively). The installation location of the mechanical brush significantly affected the frequency of its usage during the different periods. The head was the preferred body part for using the mechanical brush during the lactation and dry periods (59.32% and 44.54%, respectively), while the hip was the main preferred grooming part during the perinatal period (40.17%). Overall, the time, frequency, and preferred body part of dairy cows that used mechanical brushes varied across different physiological stages. Additionally, mechanical brush use in lactating and dry dairy cows significantly improved cleanliness of the body’s surface (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and enhanced milk production of lactating cows (<i>p</i> < 0.01), particularly for cows with four and five parities. Thus, the use of mechanical brushes could improve the production performance of dairy cows and enhance sustainability of large-scale farms.
Asmaa Gaber Mubarak, Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez, Hams M. A. Mohamed
Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori is a worldwide pathogen that affects both animals and humans with a wide environmental distribution, causing serious health problems in humans. This research has timely addressed the topic of new sources of H. pylori infection, which is currently a global issue, especially in developing countries. For this purpose, 115 Tilapia fish, 50 freshwater samples, and 88 fish-handlers’ stool samples were investigated for the presence of H. pylori in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The applied techniques were antigen screening tests, culturing, and molecular methods through ureC gene amplification, and 16 S rRNA characterization. Results Helicobacter pylori was detected in 7.83%, 14%, 4.35%, and 12% of the investigated fish and water samples by culture and PCR methods, respectively. Out of the total studied participants, 40 tested positive for H. pylori when screened by stool antigen test, of which 35 (39.77%), and 31 (35.23%) were confirmed by conventional and molecular techniques, respectively. The Fisher’s exact test has shown a statistically significant correlation between H. pylori infection, sex, and age as risk factors, while the association was insignificant concerning the residence. Males contracted the infection at a higher rate than females (48.08% and 16.67%, respectively). Also, H. pylori infection rate was the highest among fish-handlers aged 36–45 years old (46.67%), followed by the 26–35 years old age group (39.53%). With regard to the residence, a higher occurrence rate was recorded in the rural (36.07%) than the urban population (33.33%). Helicobacter pylori isolates harbored the highest antimicrobial resistance against ampicillin (100%), metronidazole (95.24%), while the least antimicrobial resistance was recorded against levofloxacin (21.43%), and clarithromycin (26.20%). The phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of homology between the isolates selected from Tilapia fish, freshwater, and fish-handlers. Conclusions Our data emphasized the role that fish and freshwater play in disseminating H. pylori infection as one of the diseases that has a significant public health issue.
Luca Borrelli, Lorena Varriale, Lorena Coretti
et al.
ABSTRACT: Helicobacter pullorum is recognized as an emerging food-borne pathogen that may colonize the intestinal tract and the liver of avian species and humans causing several gastrointestinal and liver diseases. However, not all strains are reported to be capable of causing clinical disease, thus making poultry as reservoir for the zoonotic transmission of the infection through carcass contamination of broilers at slaughter. In poultry, the prevalence of this bacterium could be underestimated and the available data mainly refer to conventional rearing systems, whereas free-range and organic breedings have been poorly investigated. Therefore, this study was aimed to characterize the caecal microbiota community of free-range grown chickens and determine the presence and the relative abundance of H. pullorum by using NGS-based 16S rDNA sequencing. A total of 18 chickens reared for 56 d on a semi-extensive management system were euthanized at two time points: 9 birds at 28 d of age (before have access to outdoor; I = Indoor) and other 9 birds at 56 d of age (before slaughter; O = Outdoor). Cecal contents were collected for microbiota analyses. H. pullorum was detected in the cecum of 16/18 samples and its proportion in indoor was significantly higher than outdoor chickens (2.46 and 0.52%, respectively; P < 0.05), showing 78.8% of decrease with the outdoor access of the chickens. Therefore, it may be assumed that the potential for zoonotic infection is less likely. Moreover, H. pullorum was negatively correlated with 17 bacterial species as significantly more abundant in Outdoor microbial caecal communities. Among these, we highlighted the presence of Mucispirillium schaedleri and Oscillospira, already previously associated with a healthy gut and thus representing promising gut bacterial markers for host health. Our findings suggest that alternative production systems with outdoor access, may play a crucial role in the establishment of a healthy gut microbiota, which in turn might prevent colonization of harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pullorum.
Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) intestinal enteroids are powerful in vitro models for studying intestinal biology. However, due to their closed structure direct access to the apical surface is impeded, limiting high-throughput applications of exogenous compounds and pathogens. In this study, we describe a method for generating confluent 2D enteroids from single-cell suspensions of enzymatically-dissociated ileum-derived bovine 3D enteroids. Confluent monolayers were first achieved using IntestiCult media but to establish a defined, cost-effective culture media, we also developed a bovine enteroid monolayer (BEM) medium. The monolayers cultured in BEM media proliferated extensively and formed confluent cell layers on both Matrigel-coated plastic plates and transwell inserts by day 3 of culture. The 2D enteroids maintained the epithelial cell lineages found in 3D enteroids and ileum tissue. In addition, the monolayers formed a functional epithelial barrier based on the presence of the adherens and tight junction proteins, E-cadherin and ZO-1, and electrical resistance across the monolayer was measured from day 3 and maintained for up to 7 days in culture. The method described here will provide a useful model to study bovine epithelial cell biology with ease of access to the apical surface of epithelial cells and has potential to investigate host–pathogen interactions and screen bioactive compounds.
ABSTRACT: Climate change has numerous effects on poultry that result in welfare concerns and economic losses in agricultural industries. However, the mechanisms underlying the acclimation to heat stress in poultry have not been comprehensively defined. Therefore, identifying associated patterns of gene regulation and understanding the molecular mechanisms of acclimation to a warmer environment will provide insights into the acclimation system of broiler chickens. We profiled differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with differences in growth performance under heat stress conditions in the liver tissues of broilers based on RNA sequencing data. The DEGs were identified by comparison to the gene expression levels of broilers exhibiting average growth at 28 d of age (D28A) and D36A relative to those at D21A. In D36A, 507 and 312 DEGs were up- and downregulated, respectively, whereas 400 and 156 DEGs were up- and downregulated in D28A, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis further revealed that “fatty acid degradation” and “heat shock protein expression” were upregulated in broilers exhibiting a higher growth and weight, whereas “cell cycle arrest” and “amino acid metabolism” were downregulated. Transcriptome profiling revealed that the acclimatized group supplied fat and energy from the liver to tissues through the breakdown of fatty acids. Furthermore, homeostasis was maintained via heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes. The characterized candidate genes and mechanisms associated with the response to heat stress might serve as a foundation for improving the ability of broilers to acclimatize under heat stress conditions.
Kathrin Heine, Kathrin Heine, Viktoria Kichmann
et al.
This study analyzed skeletal development, body condition, and total body fat development of growing heifers. A total of 144 female primiparous Holstein cattle from four commercial dairy farms with different degrees of stillbirth rates were examined during the rearing period. This included measurements in body condition, fat tissue, metabolic, and endocrine factors. Pelvic measurements and the sacrum height were analyzed to assess skeletal development. The body condition was classified via body condition scoring, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), back fat thickness measurements, and the body mass. For the first time, BIA was used as an appropriate method to evaluate the fat tissue content of cattle throughout the rearing period. This analysis technique can be performed on heifers aged 8–15 months. Throughout that period, the fat content decreased while the skeletal development increased. In addition, high free fatty acid concentrations in serum of the animals with high frame development were found, supporting our hypothesis that stored energy of body fat deposits is used for skeletal growth. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate complex endocrine relationships between fat metabolism and skeletal growth by using specific markers, such as leptin, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and estradiol (E2). Food analysis showed high crude protein (CP) levels in the total mixed ration above recommendation for daily protein intake of all farms. However, there was a positive correlation between CP and the body frame measurements in our study. In summary, we established a novel regression formula for BIA analysis (“BIA-Heine”) in heifers to evaluate the body composition throughout different ages and physiological stages in the development of heifers. This special formula allows the evaluation of fat tissue without a whole-body analysis and therefore provides an innovative technique for animal welfare support.
Youssef A. Attia, Mohammed A. Al-Harthi, Hayam M. Abo El-Maaty
Productive traits and immunity in laying hens decrease sharply during the late phase of laying due to aging, which negatively affects the metabolism and hormonal status of the animals. The influence of Ca levels (3.5, 4.0, and 4.5%) and/or cholecalciferol [Vitamin D3 (VD3)] supplementation (800-, 1,000-, and 1,200-IU/kg diet or as total of 3,800, 4,000, and 4,200 IC VD3) on performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry, and immunity of brown egg layers was investigated. Three hundred and sixty H&N Brown egg layers (60 weeks old) were allocated at random into nine nutritional treatments of five replications (cages) of eight hens each. The control diet in this experiment contained a 3.5% Ca level with 800 IU VD3. The addition of VD3 at 1,000 and 1,200 IU to 3.5 and 4% Ca diets significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the rate of laying, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control diet on 3.5% and 800 U of VD3. Besides this, the addition of VD3 at 800 and 1,200 IU to 3.5% Ca level diets enhanced the Haugh unit score. Similar results were observed in eggshell quality measurements and tibia ash. Increasing the Ca concentration from 3.5 to 4 and 4.5% and increasing VD3 levels from 800 to 1,000 or 1,200 IU significantly and similarly increased serum total protein and globulin. In addition, VD3 at 1,000 IU increased serum albumin, compared to 800 IU. Increasing Ca level increased IgA, and 4 and 4.5% Ca levels similarly increased IgG and α-2 globulin compared to the 3.5% Ca diet. VD3 addition at 1,200 IU to the 4% Ca diet significantly increased γ-globulin compared to 1,000 IU, but decreased β-globulin. Increasing the Ca level to 4% significantly reduced serum triglycerides, and the very low-density lipoprotein and the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio were both decreased with 4 and 4.5% Ca level diets. Increasing the Ca level caused a stepwise increase in catalase, which was markedly increased with VD3 supplementation at 1,200 IU. Plasma estrogen was increased considerably with VD3 supplementation at 3.5% Ca, but parathyroid hormone levels were not affected. In conclusion, increasing Ca levels in the diet of laying hens to 4% during the late production phase could be a useful tool to improve laying performance, eggshell quality, Haugh unit score, and physiological and immunological status. Besides, VD3 at a 1,000 IU/kg diet to 3.5% Ca improved performance of hens fed 3.5% Ca, showing that the potential impact of VD3 depends on Ca concentrations.
Rocío Karenina Carabajal, Diego Sebastián Etchegaray
Este estudio tiene como propósito diagnosticar la situación laboral de los egresados de la Lic. en Administración de Negocios Agropecuarios de la FA UNLPam y conocer cuáles son los conocimientos académicos adquiridos que le han sido de utilidad en su inserción laboral. De igual forma, se espera contribuir al avance del mejoramiento curricular que permita facilitar la inserción de los futuros graduados en el mercado del trabajo. Además pretendemos indagar en qué sectores de las agrocadenas se encuentran desarrollando funciones, qué factores intervienen en la inserción laboral y cuáles son las competencias que las empresas demandantes reconocen y valoran de estos profesionales. También analizar la evolución del perfil y formación desde su creación en el año 2000 hasta la actualidad. El trabajo se ha dividido en dos partes claramente definidas de acuerdo a su naturaleza. En la primer parte, los capítulos presentan los puntos que se consideró hacen al análisis de la identidad del graduado. En la segunda parte, el Estudio Empírico intentat avanzados/graduados, las variables que se consideraron necesarias para describir los conceptos desarrollados en el marco teórico. Finalmente, de la comparación de ambas realidades se desprenden las conclusiones desarrolladas, pretendiendo que estas sirvan de base para futuros estudios de seguimientos de graduados y toda aquella acción que sea utilizada para la mejora institucional y crecimiento de la carrera Licenciatura en Administración de Negocios Agropecuarios.
Abstract Veterinary clinicians and students commonly use diagnostic approaches appropriate for individual cases when conducting herd problem-solving. However, these approaches can be problematic, in part because they make limited use of epidemiological principles and methods, which has clear application during the investigation of herd problems. In this paper, we provide an overview of diagnostic approaches that are used when investigating individual animal cases, and the challenges faced when these approaches are directly translated from the individual to the herd. Further, we propose an investigative framework to facilitate epidemiological thinking during herd problem-solving. A number of different approaches are used when making a diagnosis on an individual animal, including pattern recognition, hypothetico-deductive reasoning, and the key abnormality method. Methods commonly applied to individuals are often adapted for herd problem-solving: ‘comparison with best practice’ being a herd-level adaptation of pattern recognition, and ‘differential diagnoses’ a herd-level adaptation of hypothetico-deductive reasoning. These approaches can be effective, however, challenges can arise. Herds are complex; a collection of individual cows, but also additional layers relating to environment, management, feeding etc. It is unrealistic to expect seamless translation of diagnostic approaches from the individual to the herd. Comparison with best practice is time-consuming and prioritisation of actions can be problematic, whereas differential diagnoses can lead to ‘pathogen hunting’, particularly in complex cases. Epidemiology is the science of understanding disease in populations. The focus is on the population, underpinned by principles and utilising methods that seek to allow us to generate solid conclusions from apparently uncontrolled situations. In this paper, we argue for the inclusion of epidemiological principles and methods as an additional tool for herd problem-solving, and outline an investigative framework, with examples, to effectively incorporate these principles and methods with other diagnostic approaches during herd problem-solving. Relevant measures of performance are identified, and measures of case frequencies are calculated and compared across time, in space and among animal groupings, to identify patterns, clues and plausible hypotheses, consistent with potential biological processes. With this knowledge, the subsequent investigation (relevant on-farm activities, diagnostic testing and other examinations) can be focused, and actions prioritised (specifically, those actions that are likely to make the greatest difference in addressing the problem if enacted). In our experience, this investigative framework is an effective teaching tool, facilitating epidemiological thinking among students during herd problem-solving. It is a generic and robust process, suited to many herd-based problems.
Roxana CORA, Adrian Florin GAL, Marian TAULESCU
et al.
Round cell neoplasms (RCNs) are frequent cutaneous lesions in dogs, with high percentages among skin tumors. In this category are included histiocytoma, mast cell tumor, plasmacytoma, lymphoma and transmissible venereal tumor. The aim of the study was to perform an epidemiological study with reference to the cutaneous round cell tumors in a period of 10 years in the Department of Pathology (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania). Additionally, in the recorded cases with round cell tumors (mast cell tumor, histiocytoma and lymphoma) we described the main histological and cytological features. The epidemiological data were collected from the records of Pathology Department between 2005-2014. The investigation included dogs diagnosed with cutaneous round cell neoplasms, following necropsy analysis or assessment of biopsies or cytological samples. All collected specimens were analyzed by histopathological and/or cytological techniques. The staining used for histological investigation were Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome and Toluidine blue, whereas Diff Quik and Wright methods were utilized in cytological specimens. The distribution of the cutaneous round cell tumors in relation to age, breed and sex was also assessed. The most frequent round cell tumor type was the mast cell tumor (19.54%) followed by histiocytoma (11.33%) and lymphoma (1.98%). The round cell tumors recorded were equally distributed in both males and females. Concerning the distribution of cutaneous RCNs by age (average age), histiocytoma occurred in 5 years old subjects, mast cell tumor in 11.9 years old subjects, and lymphoma in 6 years old subjects. Mast cell tumor was more frequent in stray dogs and Boxer breed, while histiocytoma occurred more commonly in stray dogs. Histological and cytological analysis was mandatory to perform the differential diagnosis between RCNs. Microscopic details concerning cytoplasm and nucleus of tumoral cells, together with the displaying mode in histological specimens may reveal the type of RCN. Cutaneous round cell tumors had an increased incidence, aspect observed in other reports too. The differential diagnosis has to rely on some specific microscopical features that can suggest the type of RCN.
In recent years, the phenomenon of pits with special deposits, i.e. ritual
pits, seems to have, once again, attracted attention both in Europe and in
the Balkans. In the central Balkans, scientific literature related to this
topic is still deficient, hence one of the objectives of this paper is to
change the current state and rekindle interest in the study of this form of
manifestation of the spiritual culture of prehistoric man. It appears that
one of the oldest reasons for sacrificial offerings is primal, instinctive
fear. The fear of the transience of life or of death compelled our ancient
ancestors to make some sort of “agreement” with the surrounding forces,
bestowing particular sacrifices onto them. Sacrifice represents one of the
rituals of prehistoric communities which could have been performed in a
number of ways and in different circumstances. One of these are offerings
placed in pits, in the form of specific objects, food, drink or living beings
sacrificed to higher powers and accompanied by certain symbolic actions, for
the purpose of gaining their favour or help. When interpreting pits, what
should further be considered is that the fundamental difference between a
discarded object and an object used for a ritual purpose lies in the fact
that the object of ritual character is still meaningful to man, performing a
symbolic function, unlike the former, whose role is lost after being disposed
of. Aritual object, an item or a living being sacrificed in a pit, is no
longer of common, worldly significance (food, drink, tools, etc.), but rather
possesses a symbolic, sacral meaning, intended for higher powers, to
propitiate and appease them, that is to create some form of the oldest
religious communication. Not only is it difficult to identify the pits used
for ritual purposes in the course of fieldwork, but it is even more
challenging to interpret them and practically impossible to accurately
reconstruct the actions performed during the rituals. Many authors who
concern themselves with this topic concur that the context of a pit and the
objects within it, the choice of offerings and their symbolism, along with
the pit’s stratigraphy and other patterns observed in it, are in fact the
features that make it distinct, i.e. ritual. Similar pits are known
throughout history and their descriptions can be found in ancient written
sources, as well as identified in the field, with certain differences,
stretching back all the way into deep prehistory. This paper presents several
newly discovered ritual pits in the central Balkans from the Eneolithic,
Bronze and Iron Age, and additionally mentions some of the previously
published pits from the area and its near and more distant surroundings. In
the course of recent investigations conducted at the site of Bubanj, two
ritual pits were recorded in the Early Eneolithic horizon of the Bubanj-Hum I
culture. Next to the first, shallower (up to 0.2 m), oval shaped pit, of
around 2.5 m long and 1.7 m wide, an oven was noted, while the pit was filled
with whole vessels, parts of grindstones, chipped and polished stone tools,
baked clay, animal bones, etc. (Figs. 1, 2; Pl. I). Two smaller hollows were
noted in the northern part of the pit, while several postholes, which might
have supported some kind of roof or shelter construction, were detected
somewhat deeper in the subsoil, around the oven and the pit. Below this pit,
a smaller one was noted, around 0.7 m deep and with a base diameter of about
1.2 m, filled with yellow, sandy, refined soil. The bottom of the pit was dug
to the level of the subsoil and levelled. The second ritual pit from Bubanj
was considerably deeper (around 1.5 m) and approximately 1.7 m in diameter,
with baked walls and filled with red ashy soil. It contained fragmented or
whole vessels, chipped stone tools, a part of an altar, an air nozzle
(tuyиres), a polished stone axe, tools made of horn, a fragment of a
grindstone, pebbles, house daub and animal bones (Fig. 3; Pl. II). Part of
the inventory had been burnt, particularly in the lower section of the pit.
This paper also mentions the Late Eneolithic pit from Vinča, containing eight
whole vessels in an inverted position (Fig. 4; Pl. III), as well as the
Bronze Age complexes from Kokino Selo and Pelince, in northern Macedonia
(Figs. 5, 6), comprising several dozen pits, commonly with a broken stone
construction, in which whole vessels, along with tools made from chipped and
polished stone, baked clay or bone and large amounts of daub were discovered.
In the Iron Age, the number of ritual pits significantly increased in all of
Europe and, from this period, two pits from the area surrounding Vranje are
presented - one with mixed contents (the skulls, without the lower jaw, of at
least six male wild boars, as well as the skulls, lower jaws, right pelvic
bones and shoulder blades of at least six deer, along with parts of
grindstones, pottery and daub fragments and a chipped stone tool) and the
other with a complete skeleton of a young female horse, a baked clay weight
and chipped stone flaking debris (Figs. 7, 8; Pl. IV).1 The pits were dated,
by means of conventional C14 dating, to the period from the mid-6th to the
mid-4th century BC.2 By comparing and analysing a large number of pits from
the central Balkans and the neighbouring areas, it was observed that ritual
pits, as a form of an ancient, primitive religiosity, had already emerged in
the Palaeolithic and endured in Europe throughout the entire prehistory,
despite various natural and social changes that occurred during this extended
period. The pits proved to have been located both outside inhabited areas, as
well as in settlements (even under houses), either individually or clustered,
and in some cases also constituting entire complexes, with protective
architecture in the form of a roof or a shelter (Bubanj, Ohoden). The surface
areas occupied by the complexes, along with the dimensions and shapes of the
pits, the stratigraphy of their contents, their architecture and many other
elements vary considerably, even within a single complex. It is for this
reason that it is not possible, at this moment in time, at least without very
detailed and comprehensive analysis, to discern some regularities or patterns
which could, with any certainty, be considered reliable. This primeval
custom, therefore, cannot be linked to any particular period, culture or
region, but was entirely dependent on the state or level of the spiritual
consciousness of an individual or a community. This religious idea started to
decline during the Roman domination and vanished entirely at the time of
Christianity. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. OI 177020:
Arheologija Srbije: kulturni identitet, integracioni faktori, tehnološki
procesi i uloga centralnog Balkana u razvoju evropske praistorije]
Guido Grilli, Viviana Ferrazzi, Emanuela Corsale
et al.
Examinations were conducted in terms of microbiological quality/quantity (TMC, Coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, Sulphate-reducing Clostridia, B. cereus, Salmonella spp. and Lysteria spp. and Campylobacter spp.) on 240 poultry meat samples (chicken, turkey and quail) acquired pursuant to the standards set by the Regional Plan of programming and coordination in the field of operations concerning official inspections of Lombardia animal origin and by a few private companies for self-inspection. The TMC was consistently low and in line with reports in the literature, as was the case with coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, sulphatereducing Clostrides and B. cereus. In the case of Salmonella spp., only 5 samples tested positive: one for S. typhimurium and one for S. enteritidis (chicken); only one sample from turkey tested positive for S. blokley, and two out of five samples analysed from quail tested positive result for S. typhimurium. About 3% of the samples analyzed tested positive for Listeria monocitogenes, but they were within the legal limits. Research on Campylobacter thermophiles has involved only 50 samples, of which only 5 have tested positive. These results confirm the high quality of hygiene and cleanliness of poultry meat, in accordance with that reported in the national literature and with respect to EU norms.
Aleksandar Milovanović, Miodrag Lazarević, Danijela Kirovski
et al.
In this paper are presented the results obtained by determining antibody titar of IgA and IgG class against spermatozoal antigens and extenders for bull’s semen using the method of indirect immunofluorescence in blood sera of cows and heifers. Spermatozoids, prepared for artificial insemination, were suspended in TRIS egg yolk and herbal „Biociphos+” extender. Animals were divided in four groups according to the number of total inseminations in their life: virgin heifers; cows and heifers inseminated 1-5 times; 6-10 times inseminated cows and cows inseminated more than 10 times. The obtained results clearly point that there is a system humoral response of the immune system towards spermatozoids and/or semen extender. Titers of total antisperm antibodies increase with the number of inseminations. This increase is a consequence of increased titer of antisperm antibodies of the IgA class. Obviously, antibodies against spermatozoids of the IgG class have no important influence.