Evaluation of the hoof's temperature variations depending on lesion presence, measurement points and leg position.

In order to determine the possibility of using infrared thermography (IRT) in preventing lameness in dairy cows, the aim of this study was to evaluate temperature variations depending on the lesion presence, measurement points and leg position. The study used about 3 000 IRT records from 60 Holstein cows housed in a free-stall barn. Surface temperature measurements were taken at two regions of the hooves: the region of the coronary band, and the region of the skin up to 2 cm above the coronary band. A highly significant (P = 0.004; 0.006, P < 0.01) difference in temperature was observed between healthy and diseased legs at both measurement points. Additionally, a significant (P = 0.029; 0.037; 0.045; 0.012; 0.018, P < 0.05) or highly significant (P = 0.004; 0.006, P < 0.01) difference in temperature values between the front and rear legs was established for both measurement points, i.e., the coronary band and the skin. Despite confirming the potential applicability of infrared thermography in the detection of lameness, it is crucial to consider the significant influences of the environmental factors, impurities, and animal-related factors.

Changes in the Fatty Acid Composition of Milk of Lipizzaner Mares during the Lactation Period.

The composition and properties of the milk fat of mares' milk is interesting from a nutritional standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of Lipizzaner mare's milk for possible human consumption and identity the influence of the parity and stage of lactation on its fatty acid (FA) composition. This study was conducted on 17 Lipizzaner mares from a state stud farm in the Slavonian region (eastern Croatia). Mares were hand-milked twice during lactation in the fourth and sixth months. Significantly higher contents of MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and lower ratios of n-6/n-3 were found in the fourth month of lactation. This parity significantly affected the PUFA/SFA ratio (polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids), with lower values found in older mares. The fatty acid composition of mare's milk that is especially high in UFAs (unsaturated fatty acids) is considered to be beneficial for consumers.