Abstract Polymorphisms in sheep PrP (prion protein) gene are known for scrapie susceptibility. We sequenced part of PrP exon 3 gene in 92 autochthonous Istrian (IS) and 38 crossbred sheep (CBS). ARQ, ARR and AHQ alleles were predominant with frequency of 0.674 (0.526), 0.228 (0.132) and 0.082 (0.263) in IS (CBS), respectively, while VRQ (0.011 in IS) and ARH (0.005 in IS and 0.079 in CBS) alleles were rare. We also found non-synonymous mutations at codons 112 (M→T), 127 (G→S) and 143 (H→R), and synonymous mutations at codons 231 (R) and 237 (L). Additional mutations were associated only with AHQ, ARH and ARQ alleles. The polymorphism of PrP gene in IS was not critical with respect to scrapie susceptibility and with some efforts number of “favourable” genotypes can be increased.

Abstract The fatty acid (FA) composition of muscle and adipose tissue was investigated in intensively fed beef cattle. Heifers had more intramuscular fat with higher proportion of monounsaturated FA, while bulls had higher proportion of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). The same was found in adipose tissue accompanied by higher proportion of saturated FA (SFA) in bulls. The PUFA/SFA ratio was close to recommendation for human diet only in bulls’ muscle, while n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios were generally higher than recommended. The observed FA variability between sexes was due to the differences in fatness. To improve the nutritional value, the n-3 PUFA in beef should be increased.

Abstract Commercial crossbred pigs slaughtered at different live weights were used to investigate the effect of G1426A polymorphism in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene on carcass composition and meat quality traits. The significant effect of G/A substitution on backfat thickness (BF; P<0.01) was observed in pigs slaughtered at high live weight (123.0±6.5kg), but not in pigs slaughtered at low live weight (99.1±3.7kg). That was accompanied by tendency of decrease (P<0.10) in estimated lean meat percentage (LMP). The BF was higher and LMP was lower in AA compared to GG genotype (P<0.01). Meat quality traits were not affected by MC4R genotype. These results suggest that GG genotype could be favourable in pigs slaughtered at higher live weights due to lower BF and higher LMP.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the udder morphology and milking characteristics changes throughout lactation during machine milking of the sheep. Additionally, udder morphology was analyzed by using slide ruler and digital picture. Milking characteristics were influenced by milking interval and day of lactation. Udder morphology traits did not change throughout lactation, except for udder width. The repeatability between slide ruler and digital picture measurements was high (r=0.53 to 0.68). Milkability in Istrian dairy crossbreed ewes could be improved if udder traits are incorporated in selection scheme. Digital picture analysis for faster recording of udder morphology measurements in sheep can be used.