QUALITY OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS IN SLOVENIA

M. ČEPON^a), S. ČEPIN and C. VARGA
^a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical. Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Quality of animal production and animal products is presented in the article. Some factors that influence the quality of production and our achievements in this field are exposed as well. The current quality of the most important animal products in Slovenia and a comparison with animal products in some EU member states is also discussed.

Key words: livestock production, animal products, quality, Slovenia, EU

TOPICAL ISSUES IN THE PRODUCTION OF ANIMAL-BASED PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT QUALITY IN HUNGARY, WITH PARTICULAR RESPECT TO ENTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION

L. BABINSZKY^a) and J. STEFLER
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Agriculture has always played a prominent role in the economic life of Hungary, this being attributable to the geographical situation, natural conditions and historical traditions of the country. However, in consequence of the social changes which occurred in 1989 a strong decline in agricultural production has been observed. This unfavourable tendency is illustrated clearly by data indicating that, in contrast to the 17.5 % of Hungarian GDP produced in the agricultural sector between 1981 and 1985, this proportion had fallen to 6.6 % by 1996. Unfortunately, due to the decline in agricultural production an undesirable deterioration in quality is also now being experienced. With respect to improvement of the quality of milk, the endeavours of breeders are oriented towards accomplishing an increase in milk protein and fat content. Taking into consideration the fact that among the dairy breeds the Holstein-Friesian dominates worldwide, no penetrating improvement can be anticipated within a short period of time. The quality of pig meat can also be improved substantially by means of nutritional procedures. In the formulation of animal diets it is essential that account be taken of the ratio of digestible amino acids to digestible energy. In the past few years research projects in animal nutrition have been oriented primarily towards establishing how the fatty acid composition of meat may be influenced by means of the diet fed, since fatty acid composition bears great significance with respect to human nutrition.

Key words: animal products, quality, Hungary, EU

COMPETITIVENESS AND QUALITY CONDITIONS OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS IN CROATIA COMPARED TO THE CEFTA AND EC COUNTRIES

M. BOŽIĆ^a), I. JURIĆ, A. KOLEGA, Marija ĐIKIĆ, Gordana KRALIK and A. PETRIČEVIĆ
^a) Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Croatia, Ul. grada Vukovara 78, CRO-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Capacity of animal products production in Croatia was examined and compared to the same production in EU and CEFTA countries. Significant lagging behind of this production per capita was established in comparison to compared countries. Competitiveness of animal products from Croatia is significantly lower compared to surrounding countries, because of high imput costs and even more because of lower quality of products. Regulation for pork quality assessment on slaughterline was implemented in Croatia which is identical to EU regulation Nr. 3220/84 from 1984. Other regulations, for assessment of milk quality, animal feeds and slaughtered cattle in first line are currently under construction. Analyzed pork quality according to S-EUROP system showed that pig population in Croatia, examined in Papuk - Požega region, have meatiness of 50.1 % which could be taken as accurate assessment of pig population in Croatia produced for market. Examined ABCD Hypor pig population had meatiness of 56.1 % and pigs from “Dubravica” farm obtained by mating of Swedish Landrace and C and AB lines had meatiness between 53 and 54 %. Quantity and fat content of milk was also examined. Quantity of milk increases, which is important because Croatia is importer of large amounts of milk.

Key words: animal production, quality, legislation, Croatia, EU, CEFTA

RESTRUCTURING OF THE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

F. HABE^a), M. ZJALIČ and E. ERJAVEC
^a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Before the transition the principal development objective for the animal production sector in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries was the attainment of national self-sufficiency, and, is some countries, export orientation. Increasing production costs and the low productivity were compensated through subsides. During the first years of transition, the number of animals declined from 20 to 80 percent, due to the drastic reduction of demand (elimination of subsides and family revenue decrease), disruption of traditional markets, rise of the cost of production. The establishment of a large number of small private farms have led to the creation of specific production systems in a number of countries. Countries which have retained large production units are confronted with needs to update technology in accordance with new requirements (market, environment). Following the request of made by CEE countries, EAAP has established a Task Force on CEE countries. The Task Force has organised seven meetings (round tables, workshops and seminars) in the period 1991-96. Some experts from CEE and Western Europe participated at these events. Over 1400 pages of studies and proceedings have been published. The Task Force has completed its tasks in 1996, when a Contact Group on CEE countries has been established to identify the major policy issues influencing animal production in CEE, to prepare and organise meetings to address these policy questions, and to promote an increase in effectiveness of linkages between CEE and Western European countries.

Key words: livestock production, Central Europe, East Europe

LIVESTOCK AND PRODUCTS ADJUSTMENT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION LEGISLATION AND STANDARDIZATION FOR MARKETING, QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

K. BENČEVIĆ^a), Ž. BUKVIĆ and A. PETRIČEVIĆ
^a) J. J. Strossmayer Univ. of Osijek, Agricultural Fac., Trg sv. Trojstva 3, CRO-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Livestock protection and quality of livestock products in European Union is a result of long, systematic development of economic system. This system is quite different from socialistic system, in its roots. Countries in transitions from socialistic system tends toward western European integration. The adjustments of livestock production and its products to the EU regulations cannot go by pure copying of certain provisions. What is really needed is adjustment of basic regulations which compose a economic and market system. Only by this would be achieved the same way of ensurement of equal quality of products in marketing and valorization of products as well as right approach to environment protection. Basic rules of EU and its members, in marketing, quality health and environment protection which directly or indirectly effect the adjustments of livestock production, quality and environment protection in Republic of Croatia have been presented. Regulations in force in Croatia do not content complete sense of these basic rules for production, marketing and quality of livestock products which are valid in EU. They are related only to certain parts of livestock production and quality. For this reason, it should be immediately and comprehensively organize and enforce laws for livestock production development in Croatia.

Key words: animal production, quality, economics, marketing, environment protection, legislation, EU

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HUNGARIAN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AREAS PRIOR TO JOINING THE EU

G. JUHÁSZ^a), G. KEMÉNY and A. MÁTHÉ
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
At present a state of crisis is characteristic of Hungarian agriculture, and, together with it, of the rural areas. As much as 60 % of those previously employed in the agricultural sector, 607,000 employees, have lost their jobs. Since agriculture is closely linked to rural life, it is in the rural areas that the resultant problems primarily occur. One third of the population of Hungary lives in the rural areas, but unemployment in these areas constitutes a half of the total number of unemployed in the country. During the privatisation process the land areas of Hungary were divided up to a great extent. The area of most of the individual farms is under one hectare. A substantial proportion of small plots, having been displaced from the produce supply market, now serve only the subsistence requirements of their owners. A large proportion of the agricultural structures still in operation and their successors can no longer serve the function which they previously fulfilled in their given region, while the stimulation of state intervention required is still awaited.

Keywords: agriculture, rural development, Hungary, EU

ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF SLOVENE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

S. KAVČIČ^a)
a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Original scientific paper
Jezik: angleški

ABSTRACT
This article aims to assess current costs and benefits of Slovene livestock production as well as likely prospects for the near future. Six main Slovene livestock products (milk, beef, pig meat, poultry, eggs and lamb) are selected to study their comparative advantages in 1995 and 1997 in terms of a policy analysis matrix. Additional simulation is carried out to estimate likely changes in private profitability under different agricultural policy regimes (Slovenia, current CAP and reformed CAP) in both long- and short-term prospective. The results suggest that no traditional way of livestock production is internationally competitive. Nevertheless, milk production has a comparative advantage over other livestock activities. This is important concern which may partially justify current government policy.

Key words: agriculture, livestock production, economy, profitability, policy, analyses, PAM, Slovenia

SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PIG AND POULTRY PRODUCTION IN THE POSTWAR PERIOD IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

S. ADILOVIĆ^a), A. GAIĆ, E. ADILOVIĆ, V. ŠAKIĆ and M. SMAJLOVIĆ
^a) Univ. of Sarajevo, Veterinary Fac., Zmaja od Bosne 90, BiH-71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
The aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina destructively effected the animal stock. Before the aggression over 850,000 beef, 1,300,00 sheep, 730,000 pigs, 95,000 horses, 80,000 bee hives and 10.000.000 poultry were being breeded. According to some estimates in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina the destroyed animal stock, according to species was 52 to 90 %. One part of the animal stock either remained in the occupied territory or the aggressors sold it in Serbia and Montenegro. Therefore, the results of the aggression, which lasted nearly four years, destroyed parts of the animal stock, especially in the current territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The renewal of the animal stock started in 1996 when by a Decision from the Coordination Board of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina a Office for Project Implementation Unit was established (PIU), which enables residents to grow food for their own needs, as well as for the market. By the end of 1997, through this Office, 10,000 calves, 15,000 sheep, 2,000 goats, 200 piglets, a lesser number of poultry and bee hives were distributed. Of the beef the greatest amount was simental 75 %, brown - alpine 10 %, gray-alpine 5 % and Eastern Freesia 10 %. As can be seen, according to the PIU program the least work was done on breeding activities for pigs and poultry and therefore in future more attention will need to be accorded. From that the issue of the renewal of breeding activities of pigs and poultry in the post-war period will be the subject of this paper.

Key words: Bosnia and Herzegovina, development, pig production, poultry production

GENETIC STANDARDS AND BREEDING METHODS FOR FARM ANIMALS IN THE EU

P. GLODEK^a)
a) Univ. Göttingen, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Basic rules for animal breeding in the EU, laid down in Council Directives and Commission Decisions, whose main objective is to ensure free trade with breeding stock, embryos on gametes in the Community are presented in the paper. The species covered are cattle, pigs, sheep & goats and horses. The main activities regulated are recognition of breeding organizations, identification and registration of breeding animals, issuing of pedigree certificates and acceptance of registered breeding animals in all Member States. Very little detail is stated on performance monitoring and genetic evaluation. In these fields internationally acceptable standard procedures are requested and these must be approved by reference organizations like ICAR and INTERBULL in cattle. The general trend in all farm animal species moves from expensive central station testing to collecting more field records under normal production conditions, in order to avoid negative effects of genotype-environment-interactions. Nearly everywhere BLUP-Animal-Model evaluation methods are used now because of their great advantages in utilizing records of probands together with all relatives. However, such evaluation procedures require high investments and running costs and can therefore effectively be done only by large breeding organizations or state supported computing centers. More international cooperation in this field as for example INTERBULL's international bull evaluation service, will be expected in the future.

Key words: farm animals, selection, legislation, EU

HERITABILITY (h²) ESTIMATION OF CERTAIN TRAITS SERVING AS MEASURES OF VALUE IN PURE-BRED HUNGARIAN PIG POPULATIONS

L. CSATÓ^a), J. FARKAS, A. OBORNIK, L. RADNÓCZI and E. GROENEVELD
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
The authors performed variance component estimation on Hungarian pig breeds by means of the VCE 3.2 programme developed by Groeneveld (1993). Determination of h² value was performed for four pure-bred types and two basic hybrid lines by the application of individual models. Two covariant variables, 5 fixed effects, one random (i.e., litter) and the characteristic effect were included in the models. The databases of the Hungarian operational individual performance examination (ÜSTV) and the central station examination (HVT) were used simultaneously by the programme in the estimation process. h² values for two traits were estimated from the ÜSTV. Values between 0.14 and 0.33 were obtained for the trait relating to growth intensity, with a low degree of estimation error (between 2 and 8 %). In the case of mean back fat thickness, which serves as an expression of slaughter value, the h² values estimated fell into the range 0.13 to 0.33, with a standard error of 2 to 13 %. The low h² values obtained can be attributed to the so-termed confounding phenomenon, which occurs, through the mingling of the operational and the genetic effect, at genetically closed breeding sites. In the HVT h² values for four traits were estimated. The heritability estimates obtained were the following: for the number of days of the fattening period, 0.24 - 0.46; for the quantity of diet consumed during the trial, 0.25 - 0.55; for the quantity of the valuable meat parts, 0.39 - 0.67; and for the meat quality points total, 0.04 - 0.21. Error in the heritability estimation varied between 3.0 and 24.8 % for the first three traits, and between 14.1 and 61.6 % for the fourth. Further estimations, founded on a larger database, are planned by the authors in an endeavour to provide an explanation for the differences in h² value observed between breeds and genotypes.

Key words: pig breeding, selection, genetic parameters, heritability, BLUP

INFLUENCE OF GENOTYPE ON TISSUE GROWTH IN SWINE

G. KUŠEC^a) Gordana KRALIK, A. PETRIČEVIĆ, Draženka GUTZMIRTL and Sonja JOVANOVAC
^a) J. J. Strossmayer Univ. of Osijek, Agricultural Fac., Trg sv. Trojstva 3, CRO-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Original scientific article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Influence of genotype on differential growth of tissues and main parts was researched in this paper. For this purpose 50 LWxSL (1^st group) and 50 (LWxSL)xGL (2^nd group) pigs were slaughtered at different live weights ranging from 85 to 136 kg. After slaughter pigs were cut on main parts (ham, loin, shoulder, belly rib part and neck) and further dissected on three major tissues (muscle fat and bones). Allometric growth coefficients were established for major tissues as well as for five main parts in relation to cold carcass weight. in addition, some relative allometric growth rate were calculated for major tissues in relation to the weight of individual major part. Significant differences in allometric growth coefficients of major tissues in relation to cold carcass weight between examined groups were established for bones (p<0.05). Allometric growth coefficients of belly-rib part in relation to cold carcass weight differed significantly (p<0.05) between compared groups. Statistically significant differences in growth rate of tissues within individual main parts between examined groups were found for fat in ham (p<0.05) and for the same tissue in loins (p<0.01).

Key words: pigs, tissues, growth, allometry

INFLUENCE OF GENOTYPE ON SLAUGHTERING PIG VALUE ACCORDING TO S-EUROP STANDARD

Đ. SENČIĆ^a), Gordana KRALIK, B. ANTUNOVIĆ, Z. ANTUNOVIĆ, A. PETRIČEVIĆ and Anica PERKOVIĆ
^a) J. J. Strossmayer Univ. of Osijek, Agricultural Fac., Trg sv. Trojstva 3, CRO-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Original scientific article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Slaughtering sides value according to S-EUROP commercial classes was investigated on the example of two pig genetic bases (Swedish Landrace and Line 3). Right pork sides (30 pieces) of analyzed genotypes were dissected by Weniger et al. (1963) method. The sides were sorted into S-EUROP classes according to muscle tissue share and analyzed. The pork sides from different commercial classes within some genotypic bases (Swedish Landrace, Line 3) differ regarding slaughtering quality indicators. Sides from classes with higher meatness have thinner back fat, larger area of MLD cross section, higher ham index, better conformation (higher share of usable and commercially more valuable parts) better muscle tissue distribution and a bit poorer muscle tissue quality. Pork sides of different genetic bases may have different commercial and usable value regarding differences in slaughtering quality and in sides distribution per classes.

Key words: pig, carcass quality, genotype, standards, S-EUROP

VARIABILITY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HOGS BETWEEN SOWS WITHIN THE BOAR

Marija ĐIKIĆ^a), I. JURIĆ and D. MUNJAS
^a) Univ. of Zagreb, Agricultural Fac., Dept. of Animal Science, Svetošimunska c. 25, CRO-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Investigation was carried out on hogs of ABCD (n=23) Hypor hybrid produced by mating AB boar with five CD sows of Hypor parent line. Groups of offspring were marked as: A, B, C, D and E. The analyzed characteristics were production traits and on slaughtering line measured meatness by method “two points” (Regulations NN 79/95). Results of hogs within the boar for the analyzed characteristics were as follows: slaughtering weight 100.6 kg, age at slaughtering 195.6 days, weight of warm carcass 79.6 kg. The life daily gains were: of slaughtering weight 513.3 g, of carcass 407.0 g, and muscular tissue in carcass 224.9 g. On the slaughtering line following values were measured; backfat thickness 15.9 mm, muscle thickness of m.l.d. 69.1 mm, muscular tissue in carcass 56.4 %. Statistically significant difference on 1 % level was found for the percentage of muscular tissue in carcass and classes of the hogs between sows D 65.4 % (S) and E 60.7 % (S) in relation to A 53.8 % (U) and B 50.8 % (U), while difference between sow C 56.7 % (E) and B 50.8 % (U) and D 65.4 % (S) and E 60.7 % (S) were at 5 % level. Estimation of the variability of hog classes on the slaughhtering line implies that of carcass classes can also be influenced by the technological procedures through elimination of sows on the basis of their performance test.

Key words: pigs, daily gain, carcass traits, backfat thickness

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PANNON WHITE RABBIT BREED AND CHANGES IN RESULTS FOR PRODUCTION BETWEEN 1988 AND 1997

Z. SZENDRŐ^a), Edit NÉMETH-BÍRÓ and I. RADNAI
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Professional paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
The production performance of the rabbit stock examined demonstrates that the procedure of selection for weight gain applied was an efficient method, mean daily weight gain having improved by 1.3-1.4 grammes per year. Parallel to this increases were also attained in weight at 10 weeks and at maturity, litter size and litter weight at 21 days of age. The following production results were achieved for 1992 and 1996 respectively: weight at 10 weeks, 2.13 and 2.31 kg; litter size, 8.04 and 8.55; litter weight at 21 days, 2.38 and 2.56 kg; and individual weight at 3 weeks of age, 335 and 370 kg. Selection on the basis of CT data also proved to be an efficient procedure. The authors recommend restricted feeding (130-150 g diet per animal per day) up to the first insemination for young does designated for breeding, and also for non-pregnant does after weaning of their litter.

Key words: rabbits, breeds, Pannon White, selection, production parameters, genetic improvement

STUDY ON BODY FAT CONTENT IN PEKIN, MUSCOVY AND MULE DUCKS

S. SZASZ^a) and F. BOGENFÜRST
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Professional paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In this study domestic ducks (Pekin type), muscovy and mule ducks were used to determine the body fat content. The fat content of the body in drakes at the age of 7 weeks was 13.8 % in the Pekin type and 14.3 vs. 12.7 % in the muscovy and mule ducks. By the age of 12 weeks this value had increased considerably in the Pekin type, reaching 19.6 %, but had remained stable (12.5 vs. 11.9  %) in the other two types. In the females the Pekin type gained the most in terms of fat content, by the age of 7 weeks exceeding the values observed in the drakes of this type. The mule duck females produced values on nearly the same level as those obtained for the mule drakes, while the results for the muscovy females fell between the values obtained for the mule and the Pekin ducks. By the age of 12 weeks the fat content of the body of the female Pekin ducks was the same as the above time, being on a lower level than that of the drakes of the same type, while the indicators for the mule ducks decreased slightly; the results obtained for the muscovy duck females also decreased to a lower value.

Key words: ducks, body composition, fat content

CARCASS EVALUATION SYSTEMS IN THE EU

E. KALLWEIT^a) and Martina HENNING
^a) Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Behaviour (FAL), Mariensee, D-31535 Neustadt, Germany

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In order to obtain market transparency carcass classification in the EU has to be carried out according to regulations for different species. Besides the carcass weight objective measurements as a basis for the assessment of lean are available for pigs and partly for beef carcasses. Classification equipments for pigs are the same in various member states, but due to regional differences concerning breeds and consumer’s preferences different formulas are used to calculate lean content. Meat quality traits are not an integrated part of the payment system as yet. Subjective assessment by looking at conformation and fat coverage is applied for most of the beef and sheep carcasses in the member states. Poultry classification also considers hygienic quality of the carcass.

Key words: carcass grading, classification, composition, price, beef cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, EU

A NOTE ON QUALITY OF CATTLE SLAUGHTERED IN SLOVENIA^*

S. ŽGUR^a) and Marjana DROBNIČ
^a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In seven commercial slaughterhouses data were collected from July 1994 to June 1998. Altogether data from 147 888 carcasses were analysed. In young bulls, which represented the most important category, 6 % carcasses were graded into conformation class E and 48 %, 37 %, 8 % and less then 1 % into conformation classes U, R, O and P. More then 97 % of carcasses were graded into fatness classes 2 and 3. In other categories (calves, heifers steers, young and old cows and old bulls) carcasses were most often graded into class R, and into fatness class 3. Carcass weight in all categories exhibited high variability. Carcasses with better conformation grades and higher fatness class also exhibited higher weight.

Key words: beef, carcass, grading, standards EUROP, quality

____________________

ANALYSIS OF LEAN MEAT CONTENT IN SLAUGHTER PIGS IN SLOVENIA

Milena KOVAČ^a) and Špela MALOVRH
^a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Carcass grading was introduced in Slovenia in 1996 in larger slaughter houses. The method is based on loin fat thickness, loin muscle depth, and warm carcass weight. Altogether 535388 pigs were evaluated and slaughter protocols were sent to a central database. The data were used to evaluate lean meat contents for pigs slaughtered in Slovenia between June 1996 and June 1998. The results showed that lean meat content at given carcass weight increased over observed period. Breeders in general responded well to the system and are gradually adjusting to the new grading system by altering feeding regime and adopting new marketing rules.

Key words: pigs, carcass grading, meatiness

CHANGES IN THE SLAUGHTER VALUE OF THE HUNGARIAN PIG STOCK ON THE BASIS OF THE EUROP CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

L. CSATÓ ^a) and A. OBORNIK
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Professional paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
The authors examined the effect of the new (S)EUROP slaughter pig classification system, evaluating data relating to three-week periods: one directly subsequent to the introduction of the system, one from the middle of its time of implementation so far, and one from the present day. It was thus established that since the introduction of the system in Hungary the ratio of pigs classified has increased continuously in comparison with the total number of pigs slaughtered. Examination of this period revealed that in the initial period the purchase price ratios were distributed in a broad band, quality being remunerated with a greater degree of price difference. This favourable price ratio had narrowed considerably by the intermediate period, and by a less substantial degree by the third period examined. Despite this, changes in the livestock ratios demonstrate that the ratio of fattened pigs yielding higher slaughter quality is increasing continuously in slaughter pig populations in Hungary.

Key words: pigs, carcass quality, standards, S-EUROP, Hungary

INVESTIGATION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF EARLY DETERMINATION OF THE FATTENING CAPACITY AND SLAUGHTERING QUALITIES OF PIGS BY APPLYING BIOCHEMICAL TESTS

S. ADILOVIĆ^a), M. HAMAMDŽIĆ, Aida HODŽIĆ, E. ADILOVIĆ and V. ŠAKIĆ
^a) Univ. of Sarajevo, Veterinary Fac., Zmaja od Bosne 90, BiH-71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Drawing upon information from literature and relying on some knowledge we possess, in our work we attempted to establish whether growth intensity in pigs, their fattening capacity and slaughtering qualities could be associated with some biochemical qualities of their blood, such as: alkaline phosphatase activity (AP), levels of protein-bound iodine (PBI) and tyrosine, levels of insulin and glychemic and insulin reaction to oral loading with glucose, as well as histomorphological characteristics of thyroid and endocrine pancreas. The tests were performed on Swedish Landrace pigs (n=21) of both sexes, which were divided into two groups on the basis of insulin level in their morning blood sample: group A (n=9) with lower, and group B (n=12) with higher level of insulin. When fattening was finished the animals were slaughtered and then slaughtering qualities and histomorphological characteristics of thyroid and endocrine pancreas determined. The performed investigation showed that some differences in the studied characteristics exist between the groups of pigs of the same breed. However, the obtained results are not of such weight that would allow drawing conclusions of sound and reliable character pertaining to the possible association of chemical qualities of blood with fattening and slaughtering qualities.

Key words: pigs, growth, carcass quality, blood, biochemical parameters

EXAMINATION BY MEANS OF COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY OF MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT IN MERINO AND SUFFOLK SHEEP

D. MEZŐSZENTGYÖRGYI^a) and A. LENGYEL
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In the course of these investigations the authors subjected 192 Hungarian Merino and 43 Suffolk breed rams to comparison between the breeds, by means of the application of CT: this involved observations to monitor muscle development and fat deposition on the basis of 7 images taken either in the loin region or in the thigh of each animal. Further to this, data relating to distances measured between the vertebrae of the lumbar region were also processed.The findings obtained from this study indicate that Hungarian Merino rams show no substantial change in the cross-sectional area of the long and short loin muscle above 35 kg body weight, while in Suffolk rams this value continues to follow a linear increase up to 45 kg body weight. Statistically verifiable significant difference between the two stocks was demonstrated to exist. In the interest of estimating the weight of valuable meat parts distances between the vertebrae were also determined. Demonstrable difference in this respect between the two types was established on examination of the vertebrae of the short loin region. With regard to the body weight categories investigated in the study, fat deposition showed linear increase in the Merino rams and an increase more of an exponential nature in the Suffolk stock.

Key words: sheep, breeds, Merino, Suffolk, computer tomography (CT), body composition, muscle, fat

CARCASS QUALITY OF BROILERS RELATED TO GROWTH RATE IN FATTENING

Gordana KRALIK^a), G. KUŠEC, R. SCITOVSKI, Z. ŠKRTIĆ and A. PETRIČEVIĆ
^a) J. J. Strossmayer Univ. of Osijek, Agricultural Fac., Trg sv. Trojstva 3, CRO-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
This research was carried out on 115 Ross female broilers. Data on live weights were collected from 91 broilers during 7 weeks of the fattening which was the base for modeling the growth curve using asymmetric S-function. The parameters of the model was: b=0.05164, c=30.87436. Stages of growth are determined by points t_B= 2.18 weeks (298.36 g) and t_C=8.45 weeks (2736.69 g) with the point of inflection I=1478.85 g (5.32 weeks). By the model, 99.924 % of variance was explained. This means that asymmetric S-function can be used as the model for description of broilers’ growth. Other 24 broilers were slaughtered when they reached determined weights from 2200 till 3400 in the period from 7^th till 12^th week. The data obtained by dissection of those broilers on the main parts (breast, thighs with drumstick, wings and back) were used for the analysis of relative growth by allometric equation. Growth rates (b) for the most valuable parts and abdominal fat were: breast - 1.158; thighs with drumstick - 0.869; wings - 0.725; back - 1.063 and fat - 1.519. Allometric coefficients indicate that only fat production was intensive in studied period. This confirms the conclusion that the best age for the slaughter of the broilers is one established by asymmetric S-function.

Key words: broilers, growth, carcass quality, asymmetric S-function, allometric equation

IN VIVO ESTIMATION OF CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION OF RABBIT DOES DURING PREGNANCY USING THE TOBEC METHOD

G. MILISITS^a), R. ROMVÁRI, Z. SZENDRO, A. LÉVAI and Tünde GYARMATI
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In the present experiment the TOBEC method was used to follow the changes in body composition of rabbit does during their first pregnancy. To determine the water, fat and protein content of the body in living animals regression equations were created using the E-value (measured by TOBEC) and the live weight as independent variables. The accuracy of these equations was medium in the case of water and fat (r=0.63 and 0.56), and low in the case of protein (r=0.16). The estimated fat content of pregnant does increased up to the 21^st day of pregnancy and decreased thereafter. In the control does an increase of fat was observed throughout the experimental period. The estimated fat content differed significantly (p<0.001) between pregnant and control does at the end of the experiment.

Key words: rabbits, body composition, TOBEC

continued overleaf