Danubian Animal Genetic Resources

Comparison of two freezing techniques and two seminal extenders in the cryopreservation of goat sperm

2026-10-20T18:57:05+00:00

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two freezing techniques (programmable and manual) and two seminal extenders (Triladyl® and OptiXcell®) on the quality of cryopreserved goat sperm after thawing. The experiment involved ejaculates from goats of the Slovak White Shorthair Goat (n = 3) and Slovak Brown Shorthair Goat (n = 2), collected during the natural reproductive period of goats. After collection, the sperm were diluted, equilibrated for two hours at 4 °C and then frozen using either programmable or manual technique. After thawing, the progressive sperm motility was evaluated.

The results showed that the cryopreservation process led to a decrease in sperm motility compared to fresh samples. However, the use of the OptiXcell® extender ensured significantly higher progressive sperm motility after thawing compared to the Triladyl® extender (65.38% vs. 40.06%; p < 0.05) for both freezing techniques. On the contrary, no statistically significant differences were found between programmable and manual freezing, indicating their comparable effectiveness (36.85% vs. 40.06% and 57.13% vs. 65.38%, respectively).

Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the type of extender used has a more significant impact on sperm quality after thawing than the freezing technique itself. Manual freezing has proven to be a suitable alternative to programmable freezing, especially under conditions with no access to automated equipment, which may have significant practical benefits for the preservation of goat genetic resources in gene banks.

Evaluation of some morphological measurements of Hungarian Hucul horse mares

2026-10-20T18:57:06+00:00

This study evaluated four key body measurement traits in Hungarian Hucul mares: height at withers by stick and tape, heart girth, and cannon bone circumference. Data from 623 individuals collected between 2002 and 2025 were analysed using a linear model that included age at entry into the studbook, the year of conformation scoring, the stallion line and mare family as fixed effects. Genetic parameters (heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations) were estimated utilizing the REML method via VCE-6 software. The descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software. Heritability (h²) values were above 0.7 for height at withers measured by stick and tape, as well as for heart girth size, while a lower value (0.45) was found for cannon bone circumference. The genetic correlation (r_G) between height at withers measured by stick and heart girth was 0.45, and, as expected, the highest (0.97) was observed between height at withers measured by stick and tape. The lowest phenotypic correlation (r_P) was 0.39, observed between height at withers height measured by stick and cannon bone circumference, while the highest value (0.90) was also found between the two withers height measurements. Overall, while the Hungarian Hucul population is morphologically homogeneous, the moderate to high heritability of these traits suggests that corrective mating plans utilizing genetic information can be highly efficient for future breed management.

Donkey welfare (equus asinus) in contemporary husbandry systems

2026-10-20T18:57:06+00:00

The welfare of donkeys (Equus asinus) in contemporary husbandry systems is shaped by the interaction of biological, behavioural, and environmental factors. Their evolutionary adaptation to arid environments has led to high metabolic efficiency and specific behavioural traits that may become risk factors under modern conditions. Abundant feeding and reduced activity often result in metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipemia, increasing the risk of laminitis and compromised welfare. Assessment is complicated by their stoic nature, as donkeys rarely show clear signs of pain. Therefore, traditional evaluation methods are often insufficient, requiring objective approaches based on subtle behavioural changes, body condition, and physiological indicators. Integrated assessment enables early detection and prevention of chronic disorders. Environmental conditions are also critical. Despite their perceived resilience, donkeys are sensitive to moisture and low temperatures, while poor housing increases the risk of respiratory and hoof diseases. The shift from working roles to milk production, tourism, and therapy introduces additional challenges, including reduced activity and increased stress. Improving welfare requires species-specific management and better education of owners. In conclusion, donkey welfare depends on an integrated approach combining scientific knowledge, objective assessment, and management aligned with species-specific needs.

Growth pattern of autochthonous wether lambs on natural pasture between May and October

2026-10-20T18:57:06+00:00

The year 2026 has been declared the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists by the UNESCO. To understand the exact capabilities, this study examines the growing and fattening ability of sheep under extensive conditions during the primary plant-growing season (between mid-May and mid-October). The investigation included wether lambs of Hungarian native sheep breeds with German Mutton Merino (GM) control individuals (5 per breed). To ensure reliable comparison, the values of live weight and daily gain were corrected for the assigned days of life using a linear model where the breed was considered as a fixed, and the age as a continuous variable. Data preparation and processing were done with the software Statistica (version 14, TIBCO). The effect of the age of the individuals was not significant, which means that lambs of similar age participated in the fattening period. However, differences between breeds were already evident in the initial weight (as a result of the growth during pre-weaning period and the weight at maturity): the Tsigai, Merino, Racka and GM started the study with a significantly higher weight than the Black Racka and the Dairy Tsigai. The lambs gained weight in the first and last fattening months, but lost weight overall during the intervening three months. The extensive, pasture-based fattening showed that the acclimatization and mid-summer weight losses were regained in accordance with the compensatory capacity of the young animals. The initial difference between breeds remained in the final weight, and this is also reflected in the average daily gain during fattening.

Conservation and Management of the Carniolan Honey Bee (Apis mellifera carnica) in Slovenia

2026-10-20T18:57:07+00:00

The Carniolan honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) is an indigenous Slovenian subspecies with a long tradition and considerable importance for agriculture and ecosystem functioning. In Slovenia, it is legally protected, as only this subspecies may be bred, ensuring the preservation of its genetic integrity. It is characterized by gentleness, high productivity and adaptability, traits that have contributed to its widespread use worldwide. Beekeeping is an important agricultural activity in Slovenia; more than 12,000 beekeepers manage approximately 210,000 bee colonies, evenly distributed across the country. The number of colonies and queens has increased in recent years, suggesting positive population trends and potential effectiveness of breeding and conservation measures. Beyond the production of honey and other bee products, the principal contribution of honey bees is pollination, a vital ecosystem service that supports biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Consequently, the conservation of the Carniolan honey bee is essential for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem stability, and food security.

This article examines the status, population trends, and conservation of the Carniolan honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) in Slovenia based on national statistical data and registry records. Particular attention is given to its spatial distribution, breeding practices, and honey production dynamics during the period 2010–2025.