Pelvic Organ Prolapse Reconstruction with the Chitosan-Based Novel Haemostatic Agent in Ovine Model-Preliminary Report.

This prospective study aimed to assess the feasibility of chitosan biomaterial and subcutaneous gel implantation in an ovine model, with implications for women with genital prolapse. Twenty-four ewes were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): chitosan type B, chitosan type C, chitosan unmodified injections, and polypropylene mesh. Ovine models were chosen due to their morphological resemblance to human reproductive organs. Animals were sacrificed after 90 days for macroscopic, pathomorphological, and immunohistochemical analysis. In the chitosan type B group, IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased after 28 days, while chitosan type C and injection groups exhibited higher IL-6 than IL-10 levels. The polypropylene group displayed the highest IL-6 and lowest IL-10 levels. Histological examination of the polypropylene group revealed no degenerative changes or inflammation, whereas chitosan injection induced local inflammation. Other groups exhibited no degenerative changes. Ewes implanted with chitosan displayed reduced inflammation compared to polypropylene-implanted ewes. Chitosan implantation facilitated vaginal tissue healing, in contrast to polypropylene mesh, which led to extrusion. While chitosan holds promise as an alternative to polypropylene mesh, further research is imperative for comprehensive evaluation. This study suggests the potential of a chitosan biomaterial in pelvic organ prolapse treatment, warranting additional investigation.

Understanding Secondary Sarcopenia Development in Young Adults Using Pig Model with Chronic Pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) in young individuals may lead to disease-related secondary sarcopenia (SSARC), characterized by muscle loss and systemic inflammation. In this study, CP was induced in young pigs, and serum levels of key hormones, muscle fiber diameters in various muscles, and the mRNA expression of genes related to oxidative stress and programmed cell death were assessed. A decrease in muscle fiber diameters was observed in SSARC pigs, particularly in the longissimus and diaphragm muscles. Hormonal analysis revealed alterations in dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, oxytocin, myostatin, and cortisol levels, indicating a distinct hormonal response in SSARC pigs compared to controls. Oxytocin levels in SSARC pigs were significantly lower and myostatin levels higher. Additionally, changes in the expression of catalase (CAT), caspase 8 (CASP8), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), and BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) mRNA suggested a downregulation of oxidative stress response and apoptosis regulation. A reduced BAX/BCL2 ratio in SSARC pigs implied potential caspase-independent cell death pathways. The findings highlight the complex interplay between hormonal changes and muscle degradation in SSARC, underscoring the need for further research into the apoptotic and inflammatory pathways involved in muscle changes due to chronic organ inflammation in young individuals.

Identification of candidate genes and regulatory factors related to growth rate through hypothalamus transcriptome analyses in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Intensive selection for growth rate (GR) in broiler chickens carries negative after-effects, such as aberrations in skeletal development and the immune system, heart failure, and deterioration of meat quality. In Poland, fast-growing chicken populations are highly non-uniform in term of growth rate, which is highly unprofitable for poultry producers. Therefore, the identification of genetic markers for boiler GR that could support the selection process is needed. The hypothalamus is strongly associated with growth regulation by inducing important pituitary hormones. Therefore, the present study used this tissue to pinpoint genes involved in chicken growth control. RESULTS: The experiment included male broilers of Ross 308 strain in two developmental stages, after 3rd and 6th week of age, which were maintained in the same housing and feeding conditions. The obtained results show for the overexpression of genes related to orexigenic molecules, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1), galanin (GAL), and pro-melanin concentrating hormone (PMCH) in low GR cockerels. CONCLUSION: The results reveal strong associations between satiety centre and the growth process. The present study delivers new insights into hypothalamic regulation in broiler chickens and narrows the area for the searching of genetic markers for GR.

Changes in heart morphometric parameters over the course of a monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to assess changes in cardiac morphometric parameters at different stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using a monocrotaline-induced rat model. METHODS: Four groups were distinguished: I-control, non-PAH (n = 18); II-early PAH (n = 12); III-end-stage PAH (n = 23); and IV-end-stage PAH with myocarditis (n = 7). RESULTS: Performed over the course of PAH in vivo echocardiography showed significant thickening of the right ventricle free wall (end-diastolic dimension), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion reduction and decrease in pulmonary artery acceleration time normalized to cycle length. No differences in end-diastolic left ventricle free wall thickness measured in echocardiography was observed between groups. Significant increase of right ventricle and decrease of left ventricle systolic pressure was observed over the development of PAH. Thickening and weight increase (241.2% increase) of the right ventricle free wall and significant dilatation of the right ventricle was observed over the course of PAH (p < 0.001). Reduction in the left ventricle free wall thickness was also observed in end-stage PAH (p < 0.001). Significant trend in the left ventricle free wall weight decrease was observed over the course of PAH (p < 0.001, 24.3% reduction). Calculated right/left ventricle free wall weight ratio gradually increased over PAH stages (p < 0.001). The reduction of left ventricle diameter was observed in rats with end-stage PAH both with and without myocarditis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PAH leads to multidimensional changes in morphometric cardiac parameters. Right ventricle morphological and functional failure develop gradually from early stage of PAH, while left ventricle changes develop at the end stages of PAH.

Visualization of porcine eye anatomy by X-ray microtomography.

The aim of our study is to obtain, as accurately as possible, porcine ocular tissue visualization using microtomography (micro-CT) method. We propose image contrast enhancement by different staining procedures with combination of micro-CT scanning. Porcine eye globes were investigated with Bruker-SkyScan 1172 micro-CT. We used 4F1G and Bouin's as sample fixation solutions and tincture of iodine, 100% Lugol, phosphotungstic acid and 1% osmium tetroxide solutions for staining. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed based on micro-CT reconstruction images histograms and 3D volume rendering models of investigated samples. This investigation showed that staining methods improved micro-CT image quality in case of ocular anatomy visualization. Characteristic profiles of the grey level distributions and quality of the cross-section and 3D volume rendering images confirmed the staining effect. Most significant contrast enhancement was obtained after 96 h staining in osmium tetroxide and Lugol solutions. The images of eye anatomical structures were characterized: cornea, lens, iris, ciliary body, vitreous, retina, choroid and sclera, vasculature and optic nerve. Staining of porcine eye globes used in this work leads to quality improvement of the micro-CT imaging. The most contrast images were obtained for Lugol and osmium tetroxide solutions. Different affinity of staining solutions to eye anatomical structures has been observed in the obtained images. Osmium tetroxide provides sharper image of conjunctiva, sclera, choroid, retina, iris and ciliary body structure. Lugol staining leads to more accurate vessels, cornea and optic nerve imagining.

Muscle Fibre Characteristics and Physico-Chemical Parameters of m. semimembranosus from Pulawska, Polish Large White and Pietrain Pigs.

The aim of the study was to compare muscle fibre parameters and quality of m. seninembranosus in pigs. The experiment was conducted with 18 Pulawska pigs, 24 Polish Large White (PLW) pigs, and 24 Pietrain pigs slaughtered at 105 kg body weight. The results obtained indicate that the breed of pigs has a significant effect on both muscle fibre composition and vascularization. The muscles of Pulawska pigs are the most oxidative, as evidenced by the greatest number of capillaries and the highest percentage of type I and IIA fibres compared to the muscle of PLW and Pietrain pigs. In turn, the most glycolytic muscles (highest percentage of type IIB fibres, poorest vascularization as well as the greatest diameters of muscle fibres of all types under analysis) were noted in Pietrain pigs. Analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of the meat showed the lowest pH45, a* and IMF, as well as the highest L*, drip loss and shear force values in Pietrain pigs compared to Pulawska and PLW pigs. Significantly higher IMF, and a* values, as well as lower drip loss, shear force and L* values were observed in Pulawska pigs.

Effect of Ageing Time on Microstructure, Rate of Desmin Degradation and Meat Quality of Pig Longissimus Lumborum and Adductor Muscles.

This study evaluated the effect of ageing time (45 min, 24 h, 96 h and 168 h) on desmin degradation pattern, meat quality and muscle fibre traits in longissimus lumborum (LL) and adductor (AD) muscles of 28 Polish Landrace fatteners slaughtered at 105 kg body weight. The results indicate that the rate of desmin degradation depends on pH and type of muscle, and thus on muscle fibre composition. In AD muscle, characterized by significantly higher pH45, pH24 and shear force values, lower drip loss, significantly higher percentage of type I and IIA oxidative fibres, and lower percentage of type IIB glycolytic fibres, desmin degradation is slower than in LL muscle. The rate of desmin degradation is also associated with its localization in muscle fibre. Regardless of muscle type, in all muscle fibres desmin was degraded more rapidly within, rather than at the periphery of the fibres. Additionally, levels of intact desmin and drip loss during postmortem meat storage contribute significantly to a reduction in the diameter of three fibre types analysed in AD and LL muscles 24 h postmortem and of type IIB fibres in AD muscle 96 hpostmortem. Furthermore, the decrease in the level of intact desmin is paralleled by a cumulative increase in drip loss and a decrease in shear force at 45 min, 24 h and 96 h postmortem.

ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate: A feed supplement influencing performance, bone metabolism, intestinal morphology, and muscle quality of laying hens: a preliminary one-point study.

Laying hens, selectively bred for high egg production, often suffer from bone fragility and fractures, impacting their welfare and causing economic losses. Additionally, gut health and muscle quality are crucial for overall health and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on performance, bone metabolism, intestinal morphology, and muscle quality in laying hens. Forty-eight Bovans Brown hens were divided into a control group and an HMB-supplemented group (0.02% HMB in diet). The study spanned from the 31st to the 60th wk of age. Assessments included bone mechanical testing, serum hormonal analysis, histological analysis of bone and intestine, and muscle quality analysis. The HMB supplementation led to decreased feed intake without affecting body weight or laying rate in laying hens. It caused an increase in both mean daily and total egg weight, indicating improved feed utilization, without influencing the feed intake to egg weight ratio. Enhanced bone formation markers and altered intestinal morphometric parameters were observed, along with improved trabecular bone structure. However, no changes in measured other bone quality indices, including geometric, densitometric, or mechanical properties were observed. Muscle analysis revealed no significant changes in overall meat quality, except for a decrease in cholesterol content and alterations in the fatty acid profile, notably a reduction in total n-3 polyunsaturated and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In conclusion, although not all effects of HMB supplementation were unequivocally beneficial, the positive changes in performance data and trabecular bone microarchitecture support further research into various doses and durations of supplementation. Such studies are necessary to fully understand and optimize the benefits of HMB for enhancing the health and productivity of laying hens.

Autophagy and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis processes in left ventricular mass loss in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the intensity of autophagy and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis processes occurring in myocardium of left ventricle (LV) in subsequent stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine mechanisms responsible for LV mass loss in a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model. LV myocardium samples collected from 32 Wistar rats were analyzed in an early PAH group (n = 8), controls time-paired (n = 8), an end-stage PAH group (n = 8), and their controls (n = 8). Samples were subjected to histological analyses with immunofluorescence staining, autophagy assessment by western blotting, and evaluation of ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in the LV by immunoprecipitation of ubiquitinated proteins. Echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and heart morphometric parameters were assessed regularly throughout the experiment. Considerable morphological and hemodynamic remodeling of the LV was observed over the course of PAH. The end-stage PAH was associated with significantly impaired LV systolic function and a decrease in LV mass. The LC3B-II expression in the LV was significantly higher in the end-stage PAH group compared to the early PAH group (p = 0.040). The measured LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratios in the end-stage PAH group were significantly elevated compared to the controls (p = 0.039). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant increase in the abundance of LC3 puncta in the end-stage PAH group compared to the matched controls. There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of expression of all ubiquitinated proteins when comparing both PAH groups and matched controls. Autophagy may be considered as the mechanism behind the LV mass loss at the end stage of PAH.

Effect of weak electromagnetic field on cardiac work, concentration of thyroid hormones and blood aminotransferase level in the chick embryo.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of alternating electromagnetic field (EMF; 50 Hz frequency, 50 and 100 µT induction) on cardiac work of the chick embryo. Eggs from the experimental groups were exposed to EMF throughout incubation. During the experiment, heart rate (ballistocardiographic method), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, heart weight, ventricle wall thickness, and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. The results show, for the first time, that the exposure of chick embryos to EMF augments the heart rate, especially from 17 days of incubation. The increased heart rate in the embryos exposed to EMF was associated with considerable increases in plasma T4 and T3 concentrations, which were recorded during the final stage of embryogenesis. The significant effect of the 100-µT field on heart weight and blood AST levels in the embryos suggests that EMF has a direct effect on the physiological function of cardiac muscle.

Effect of age on structural properties of intramuscular connective tissue, muscle fibre, collagen content and meat tenderness in pig longissimus lumborum muscle.

Changes in the structure and properties of the intramuscular connective tissue, muscle fibre size, collagen content and meat tenderness of m. longissimus lumborum during growth was studied in 45 Polish Large White (PLW) pigs slaughtered at 90, 150 and 210 days of age. The results show that the endomysial sheath in m. longissimus lumborum consists of collagen fibrils of wavy appearance which run in all directions and form a loose network. The arrangement of collagen fibrils in the endomysium and perimysium becomes denser and more regular with increasing age of pigs. In addition, the increase in endomysium and perimysium thickness was paralleled by a significant increase in muscle fibre diameter, as well as an increase in shear force value with chronological aging. In contrast, the percentage of collagen area in muscle structure and the amount of total collagen and amount of soluble collagen decreased gradually with age of pigs. In conclusion, the structural changes in the arrangement of collagen fibres in the architecture of intramusclular connective tissue, as well as the decrease in soluble collagen content in m. longissimus lumborum during growth of pigs are important factors influencing shear force value, and thus raw meat tenderness.

Modified Natural Diatomite with Various Additives and Its Environmental Potential.

Diatomite has recently been the subject of intensive scientific research aimed at its extensive use in industry, breeding and agriculture. The only active diatomite mine is in Jawornik Ruski, in the Podkarpacie region of Poland. Chemical pollution in the environment, including that from heavy metals, poses a threat to living organisms. Reducing the mobility of heavy metals in the environment through the use of diatomite (DT) has recently gained much interest. More effective immobilisation of heavy metals in the environment with DT, mainly through the modification of its physical and chemical properties by various methods, should be applied. The aim of this research was to develop a simple and inexpensive material showing more favourable chemical and physical properties compared with unenriched DT in terms of metal immobilisation. Diatomite (DT), after calcination, was used in the study, considering three grain fractions, i.e., 0-1 mm (DT1); 0-0.5 mm (DT2) and 5-100 µm (DT3). Biochar (BC), dolomite (DL) and bentonite (BN) were used as additives. The proportion of DTs in the mixtures amounted to 75%, and of the additive, 25%. The use of unenriched DTs after calcination poses the risk of releasing heavy metals into the environment. Enrichment of the DTs with BC and DL resulted in a reduction or absence of Cd, Zn, Pb and Ni in aqueous extracts. It was found that for the specific surface area values obtained, the additive used for the DTs was of crucial importance. The reduction in DT toxicity has been proven under the influence of various additives. The mixtures of the DTs with DL and BN had the least toxicity. The obtained results have economic importance, as the production of the best quality sorbents from locally available raw materials reduces transport costs and thus the environmental impact. In addition, the production of highly efficient sorbents reduces the consumption of critical raw materials. It is estimated that the savings from producing sorbents with the parameters described in the article can be significant in comparison with popular competitive materials of other origins.

Pathological changes in the microstructure of longissimus lumborum muscle from five breeds of pigs.

The aim of the study was to determine the extent of histopathological changes in m. longissimus lumborum of PL, PLW, Duroc, Pietrain, and Pulawska pigs (N = 30 per breed) aged 210 days. Changes in fibre size (atrophy, hypertrophy - giant fibres), changes in fibre shape (angular fibres), degenerative lesions (necrosis with phagocytosis) and connective tissue hypertrophy were evaluated. The percentage of individual pathological changes in m. longissimus lumborum of the analysed pig breeds was relatively low. Significantly more normal fibres were found in the muscles of Pulawska compared to Pietrain pigs. Muscle fibre atrophy was the most frequent and extensive histopathological change. The muscles of Pulawska pigs had significantly fewer atrophic, giant and angular fibres, significantly less necrosis with phagocytosis, and less animals with connective tissue hypertrophy compared to the other pig breeds. On the other hand, Pietrain pigs were characterized by a greater number of animals with giant fibres and a significantly higher proportion of giant fibres compared to the other breeds. Also the diameter of giant fibres was the largest in Pietrain, intermediate in PL and PLW, and the smallest in Duroc and Pulawska pigs. Moreover, current findings indicate that giant fibres may arise from each muscle fibre type (I, IIA and IIB). It is concluded that selection of pigs for increased leanness contributes to the incidence of histopathological changes, which may decrease pork quality.

Carcass, meat quality and histochemical traits of m. longissimus lumborum from Zlotnicka Spotted pigs and commercial pigs.

Carcass, meat quality and muscle fibre traits of m. longissimus lumborum were studied in 61 Zlotnicka Spotted (ZS) pigs and 35 commercial crossbred (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace) pigs. The animals received organic feed ad libitum and were slaughtered at 210 days of age. The current findings indicate that both slaughter weight and cold carcass weight were significantly lower, and backfat thickness higher for ZS pigs compared to commercial pigs, while the commercial pigs exhibited longer carcasses and greater area, height and width of the loin eye. No significant differences were found in IMF content between the analysed groups. Moreover, the percentage of type I fibres was higher and their diameter was larger in m. longissimus lumborum of ZS compared to commercial pigs, whereas the opposite occurred for type IIB fibre percentage and diameter, and that concurred with markedly higher pigment content and higher pH(u), redness (a*), plasticity values, and significantly lower drip loss, WHC--loose water, and colour lightness (L*) values in ZS pigs than those found in commercial pigs. Also, sensory assessment of raw meat confirmed that m. longissimus lumborum of ZS pigs was characterized by more favourable colour and less exudative meat.

Micro-computed tomography for analysis of heavy metal accumulation in the opercula.

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provides numerous opportunities in biomedical research. It allows the examination of samples in a non-destructive manner and visualization of the inner structures of various biological and nonbiological objects. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of micro-CT scanner in the assessment of heavy metal accumulation in the opercula. The samples were taken from Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) exposed to waterborne Cd (4.0 mg/L), Zn (4.0 mg/L), and the mixture of these two metals (4.0 mg Cd/L and 4.0 mg Zn/L) for 28 days. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results demonstrated higher concentrations of Cd and Zn in the treatment group opercula samples compared with the control group opercula samples. A simple micro-CT scan was performed to verify whether heavy metal accumulation could be determined in the reconstructed images. The results showed that micro-CT is potentially a powerful tool for metal accumulation detection. Moreover, it allowed visualization of the examined samples, revealing regions of heavy metal accumulation and providing the opportunity to compare samples exposed to different types of heavy metals.

The g.4290 C>G Polymorphism in the FADS2 Gene Modifies the Fatty Acid Profile of the Pectoralis Superficialis Muscle of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens

The effect of the g.4290 C>G substitution in the FADS2 gene and g.285 C>T in the FABP4 gene on carcass quality, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of the pectoralis superficialis muscle of 238 male broiler chickens reared up to 45 days of age was analyzed. A significant influence of g.4290 C>G in the FADS2 gene on the pectoralis superficialis muscle fatty acid profile was demonstrated. Chickens with the GG genotype were characterized by the highest content of conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, eicosapentaenoic acids, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acids. and the lowest value of the linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio. The FABP4 polymorphism determined only the content of C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and docosahexaenoic acid. There was no effect of the studied genotypes on final body weight, carcass quality traits, or quality of broiler pectoral muscles.

Basal Blood Morphology, Serum Biochemistry, and the Liver and Muscle Structure of Weaned Wistar Rats Prenatally Exposed to Fumonisins.

Cereals are often contaminated with fumonisins, which are the toxic byproducts of mold. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of maternal exposure to fumonisins on the development and the liver function of the offspring at weaning. Two doses of fumonisins (60 and 90 mg/kg b.w.) were tested. The changes in the basal blood morphology, the biochemical parameters, the absolute and relative weights of the vital organs, and the changes in the cardiac and biceps brachii muscle histology were studied. The liver damage was assessed by evaluating the liver morphology and the common clinical liver panel. Maternal fumonisin intoxication caused a decrease in the body weight at birth and an increase in the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, ovaries, and testes weights. The cytokines and hormones, as well as the red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels, were elevated in a dose-dependent manner following the exposure to fumonisins. Maternal exposure caused degenerative morphological and structural changes in the liver, as well as inflammation in the striated muscles, such as the heart and biceps brachii, and disproportionate development of the rat offspring in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, FB exposure resulted in the disproportional development of the rat offspring in a dose-dependent manner, which was probably caused by the bodily hormonal dysregulation. Prenatal fumonisin exposure can be a pathological precursor for serious diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, later in life.

Effect of g.2728g > A and g.3996t > C polymorphisms at the leptin gene locus on microstructure and physicochemical properties of longissimus lumborum muscle of Polish Landrace pigs.

The influence ofHindIII (g.2728G > A) and Bg/II (g.3996 T > C) polymorphisms at the leptin gene locus on muscle fibre characteristics and meat quality of longissimus lumborum muscle was studied in 146 barrows of the Polish Landrace breed. Leptin gene polymorphism was identified by PCR-RFLP. Fibre type percentage, fibre diameter and the following technological parameters ofmeat were also determined: pH45, pH24, L*a*b* colour, drip loss, water holding capacity, shear force and intramuscular fat content. Polymorphism was not detected in the locus studied in the Landrace pig herd analysed with the Bg/II restriction enzyme (g.3996 T > C). For the HindIII enzyme (g.2728G > A), there was a high frequency of GG homozygotes (0.78) and G allele (0.89), but the AA genotype was not present. Moreover, the genotypes ofleptin gene RFLP-HindIII polymorphism had no effect on intramuscular fat content and muscle fibre type percentage, but had a significant effect on muscle fibre size. Heterozygous GA fatteners had a significantly larger (P < 0.05) diameter of type IIB and type I fibres compared to homozygous GG fatteners. Generally, meat quality parameters were comparable among the examined genotypes except for water holding capacity (which was the lowest for the GG genotype) and colour lightness (L*) (which was the lightest for GA genotype). Moreover, regardless of genotype, large differences were observed between each animal in the distribution of intramuscular fat.

Structure and steroidogenic activity of the granulosa layer of F1 preovulatory ovarian follicles of the hen (Gallus domesticus).

The study was performed to determine the structure and steroidogenic activity of granulosa cells derived from the germinal disc region, proximal region and distal region of the largest preovulatory ovarian follicle (F1) of the hen. The study was carried out on 34 Hy-Line Brown egg-laying hens aged 40 weeks. Morphology of the granulosa cells was studied by histological assessment and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the level of P4, histochemical activity of 3beta-HSD and expression of 3beta-HSD gene mRNA in granulosa cells of F1 follicle were determined. The findings indicate that the morphology and steroidogenic activity of the granulosa layer in F1 preovulatory ovarian follicle are associated with the region of the follicle. This is consistent with earlier studies. In the germinal disc region the granulosa cells form a multilayer while in the proximal and distal regions granulosa cells form a single layer. Analysis of P4 concentration revealed that its level in granulosa cells was markedly reduced closer to the germinal disc. Moreover, our study demonstrates for the first time the lower histochemical activity of 3beta-HSD and expression of 3beta-HSD mRNA in granulosa cells from the germinal disc region compared with the proximal and distal region.

Effect of a Diet Supplemented with Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) or Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on the Post-Slaughter Traits and Meat Quality Parameters of Termond White Rabbits.

The purpose of the study was to analyse the effect of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaves and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds as additives to fodder in order to improve post-slaughter traits and quality parameters of Termond White rabbit meat (n = 60; 30♂, 30♀). Three experimental groups were created. The control group (n = 20; 10♂ and 10♀) was fed ad libitum feed containing corn, bran, wheat, dried alfalfa, soybean meal, sunflower meal, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and vitamin-mineral premix. The animals from the first experimental group (n = 20; 10♂ and 10♀) were fed a complete mixture added with 1% of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaves. Rabbits from the second group (n = 20; 10♂ and 10♀) were fed with a complete mixture added with 1% of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds. Rabbits fed with pellets with the addition of nettle were characterized by a higher slaughter weight, higher weight of hot and cold carcasses, lungs, kidneys and head as well as a higher weight of the fore, middle and hind part of the carcass compared to the other two groups. The carcasses of animals fed with fenugreek and nettle had a higher percentage of the fore and hind parts compared to the carcasses of the animals from the control group. The female carcasses were characterized by a significantly higher percentage of the middle part compared to the male carcasses. For most colour measurement traits, the differences depending on the feeding regime were significant. The effect of gender on meat colour was non significant. The effect of feeding regime and of gender on texture traits such as shear force, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness were non significant. Feeding had no effect on muscle fibre diameter, but it affected the muscle fibre type I percentage. Thus, the group fed with pellets containing nettle leaves had higher percentage of type I muscle fibres than the control group. The effect of gender on muscle fibre traits was non significant.