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Jan Broucek

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Papers by Jan Broucek

Effect of rearing, season of birth, and father on labyrinth behaviour of dairy heifers

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2022

Objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that heifer's behaviour after 12 months (M) ar... more Objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that heifer's behaviour after 12 months (M) are impacted by rearing (feeding/housing) before weaning, seasons of birth, and father lineage. Fifty-one Holstein heifers (born in year seasons SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4, originating from 4 fathers) were assigned to one of three rearing treatments: restricted suckling (RS), calf in pen with mother to 21st day, suck three times daily, then group pen (6 kg milk) to weaning; unrestricted suckling (US), calf in pen with foster cows (6 kg milk) to weaning; conventional rearing (CR), calf in the hutch to 56th day, then group pen to weaning (milk replacer 6 kg). After weaning at the 84th day, heifers were kept in groups with the same ration. The labyrinth behaviour was tested in the 12th and 19th M of the age. In the evaluation factors rearing and season of birth, groups US and SB3 solved the passage of the labyrinth the fastest (868.0 s, 857.4 s), the slowest were CR and SB1 (1148.2 s, 1257.5 s). The results show that the manner (housing/feeding) used to rear heifers and season of birth may impact their later labyrinth behaviour.

Influence of Selected Feeding Supplements on the Occurrence of Coccidias in Digestive Tract of Pheasants

The occurrence of coccidiosis is an enormous problem of pheasant farming. The aim of this study i... more The occurrence of coccidiosis is an enormous problem of pheasant farming. The aim of this study is to show, that this disease can be cured by unconventional dietary supplements. Dietary supplements which were used in this study were as follows: prebiotics (Biopolym), probiotics (Lactovita containing bacteria Lactobacillus sporogenes) and homeopathics. The experiment took place in the Ranc Daniela farm in the town Hůrka (close to the Horni Plana Town) from 1.7.2012 to 18.11.2012. Four groups of pheasants were made - three experimental groups and one control group. All groups were consisted of 13 individuals. The pheasant Phasianus colchicus was used in this experiment. Dietary supplements were served for two weeks, than the serving stopped for two weeks and continued again. The samples of excrements were tested all the study long using the floatation method in Sheather's sugar solution. The results were marked and evaluated. The favourable effect of Biopolym and homeopatics on t...

Effect of raising method of calves during liquid milk nutrition on their open-field and maze behaviour after weaning

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2021

The objective was to find whether calf behaviour is affected by it rearing to weaning in 84 days,... more The objective was to find whether calf behaviour is affected by it rearing to weaning in 84 days, gender, and the sire lineage. 99 Holstein calves were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: artificially reared in hutches (A), suckling of a foster cow (F), or suckling of the mother (M). After weaning (84 days), all calves were kept separately by sex in agebalanced groups. The speed of traversing the maze was recorded at 6 months of age. The open-field observation was performed at 10 months. The average time of traversing the maze facility was no significantly different among treatment groups. The average time of traversing the maze for 6 tasks was the highest in A and the lowest in the F group (P  0.05). At the open-field test, the difference compared to the grid (square) crossings was significant at the 1st minute of the 1st test (P  0.05). The average of the grid crossings in all tests was highest in M (139.5) and the lowest in A (123.1) (P  0.05). There were no significant differences between sex in behaviour in the maze or the open field tests. Sire lineage significant effect was found in vocalisation and defecation behaviour. The results show that the method used to rear calves and sire lineage may have an impact on their later behaviour.

Effect of Different Rearing during the Milk-Feeding Period on Growth of Dairy Calves

Agriculture, 2020

The objective was to determine the impact of calves’ rearing, gender, and the sire lineage on the... more The objective was to determine the impact of calves’ rearing, gender, and the sire lineage on the growth and health. One hundred-and-five Holstein calves were assigned to one of three treatments: single suckling (SS), multiple suckling (MS), and artificially rearing in hutches (H). All calves received a comparable amount of milk/milk replacer (MR) across treatments. All calves were weaned at the 84th day. After weaning, all calves were separated by sex in age-balanced groups. At weaning, the highest body weight was in MS and the lowest in H (SS 94.97 kg, MS 109.85 kg, H 80.80 kg, p < 0.001). The average gains from the birth to weaning were 0.67 kg (SS), 0.81 kg (MS), 0.48 kg (H), (p < 0.001). A difference (p < 0.01) was found for the period from birth to 180th day of life (SS 0.75 kg, MS 0.82 kg, H 0.67 kg). We did not notice a gender differences (p > 0.05). The Sire 1 progeny showed a lower body weight at 180 days (p < 0.01) and 360 days (p < 0.05). The results in...

Water consumption, performance, and health in calves: a review

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2019

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of drinking water for dairy calves. ... more The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of drinking water for dairy calves. Calves receive water from milk or milk replacer (MR), from other feeds, and from free water. Water consumption to weaning is almost low. Opposing opinions are at the beginning of offering drinking water to calves. Some authors recommend providing water from the first day, some since the transition to artificial milk nutrition, or offering after weaning only. The water needed by pre-weaned dairy calves depends on the amount of milk or MR intake. The increased water in MR reduces the need for additional water to be fed as free water. Generally, when calves were fed supplemental water in addition to that provided in MR, they consumed more concentrate mixture and dry matter (DM) as compared with calves not given supplemental water. Water restriction can intensify the stress during heat temperatures period. However, according to recent research, restricting water intake (WI) during milk feeding period did not affect calf feed intake, growth, and health condition. Calves may be able to accumulate water in reserve to be used in periods of reduced water supply. However, we cannot recommend the WI just as part of the MR. We suggest that the water provided by the MR may not be sufficient to satisfy the needs of the animal. Drinking water has to be always at the disposal. Providing ad libitum intake of drinking water is the best approach. Finally, the exactly calves daily water consumptions are listed in a table.

Nitrous Oxide Release from Poultry and Pig Housing

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2018

The article investigates the scientific literature regarding N 2 O emissions according to housing... more The article investigates the scientific literature regarding N 2 O emissions according to housing and manure management in poultry and pig buildings. The majority of the N 2 O is emitted from manure storages and housing space, with small amounts emitted from the surface of passages. Many factors must be considered in successful emission evaluation, including season of the year, amount and depth of the bedding, animal density, type and floor space, feeding and watering practices, ventilation, temperature, and relative humidity. The liquid manure from poultry housing systems produces greater emissions of N 2 O than natural and force-dried manure. The influencing factors appeared to be manure removal frequency and the dry matter content of the manure. There are more housing types in pig barns, which differ in bedding, floor, and manure deposition. The highest N 2 O emissions were found in the sawdust bedding, and N 2 O production in slatted floor housing is lowest. This paper reports on technical options for mitigating emissions from poultry and swine contributions. The actual rate of N 2 O emission is highly dependent on the management strategies implemented on a farm. Consequently, improvements in management practices will affect future N 2 O emissions. Finally, emission factors are listed in a table.

Nitrous Oxide Production from Cattle and Swine Manure

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2016

Dairy Cows Produce Less Milk and Modify Their Behaviour during the Transition between Tie-Stall to Free-Stall

Animals, 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moving cows from the barn with stanchi... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moving cows from the barn with stanchion-stall housing to free-stall housing on their behaviour and production. Cows lay down up to ten hours after removing. The cows in their second lactation and open cows tended to lie sooner after removing than cows in their first lactation and pregnant cows. The times of total lying and rumination were increasing from the first day to the tenth day after removing. Cows'produced 23.3% less milk at the first day following the transfer than at the last day prior to moving (23.76 ± 7.20 kg vs. 30.97 ± 7.26 kg, p < 0.001). Loss of milk was gradually reduced and on the 14th day, cows achieved maximum production. The difference was found in milk losses due to the shift between cows in first and second lactation.

Production of Methane Emissions from Ruminant Husbandry: A Review

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2014

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of methane (CH 4) production from ru... more The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of methane (CH 4) production from ruminants. The objectives are to identify the factors affecting CH 4 production. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Ruminant livestock constitute worldwide the most important source of anthropogenic emissions of methane. There are two main factors influencing global warming change, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of the ozone layer. Methane is associated with both factors. Ruminants (dairy, beef, goats, and sheep) are the main contributors to CH 4 production. Their CH 4 production is a natural and inevitable outcome of rumen fermentation. Feed is converted into products such as milk and meat. Many factors influence ruminant CH 4 production, including level of intake, type and quality of feeds, energy consumption, animal size, growth rate, level of production, and environmental temperature. The methane emissions in dairy cows represent values from 151 to 497 g•day −1. Lactating cows produced more CH 4 (354 g•day −1) than dry cows (269 g•day −1) and heifers (223 g•day −1). Dairy ewe generates 8.4 kg•head −1 annually. Holstein produced more CH 4 (299 g•day −1) than the Crossbred (264 g•day −1). Methane emission by heifers grazing on fertilized pasture was higher (223 g•day −1) than that of heifers on unfertilized pasture (179 g•day −1). The average CH 4 emissions are from 161 g•day −1 to 323 g•day −1 in beef cattle. Mature beef cows emit CH 4 approximately from 240 g•day −1 to 396 g•day −1. Suffolk sheep emit 22-25 g•day −1. The bison's annual CH 4 emissions per year were 72 kg•head −1. The CH 4 emission from manure depends on the physical form of the feces, the amount of digestible material, the climate, and the time they remained intact. The annual emissions from the pens and storage pond at dairy farm were 120 kg•cow −1 .

Broucek, J.: The effect of the individual and group rearing of calves on weight gains and feed intake. Zivocisna Vyroba, 30, 1985, 7, 601-608

ABSTRACT

Development of SCC counter

2013 Kansas City, Missouri, July 21 - July 24, 2013, 2013

ABSTRACT SCC counter which is suitable for somatic cell count (SCC) measurement at individual cow... more ABSTRACT SCC counter which is suitable for somatic cell count (SCC) measurement at individual cow has been developed in our Institute. It consists of metal box with electronics and servomotor. There is a mechanical arm on the front size of it, where a transparent glass tube with running metal ball is placed. SCC counter works on the basis of milk viscosity measurement. After the glass tube is filled with milk mixed with reagent, the tube declines for certain time (20 s) from the horizontal position to the angle of 25Â°. The metal ball moves downwards and itâ€™s velocity depend on the density of milk. The length of the ballâ€™s path is inverse proportional to the viscosity of the milk. Near the measurement tube the scale is placed, which shows the SCC. Higher viscosity means higher SCC. Three types of equipment were developed. The first has short measurement tube /20 cm/ and it is suitable for quick measurement, when the accuracy is not so important. Second one has longer measurement tube /50 cm/ and is suitable for more precise measurement. The third equipment has four long measurement tubes on the same arm and can measure four samples at once. This type of equipment can be regularly used for measurement of milk from each quarter of the udder. In an experiment we tested the equipment for its accuracy and reliability in practical conditions. Samples of milk were taken from True - test during milking for SCC measurement. Three control ones of the same milk were sent to three different certificated laboratories for SCC analysis. Total two hundred samples have been measured. The average value of SCC from these three laboratories was calculated. The correlation coefficient between SCC from SCC counter and the average value from laboratories was computed (r = 0.96, p&lt; 0.01). The differences between data from laboratories were higher than data from SCC counter and average SCC. It was found out that the SCC counter can measure SCC in a range 150 000 to 10 000 000 with sufficient accuracy. The reliability was evaluated too and it has shown suitable for practical use. This research has been done with financial support &quot;MLIEKO No. 26220220098&quot; supported by the Operational Program Research and Development funded from the European Regional Development Fund and project APVV-0632-10 of the Slovak Research and Development Agency Bratislava.

Broucek, J., Mihina, S., Uhrincat, M.: Effect of more calves sucking on performance and reproduction of dairy cows. Zivocisna Vyroba, 40, 1995, 2, 59-64

The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of calf suckling on milk yield and the repro... more The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of calf suckling on milk yield and the reproduction of primiparous dairy cows in an early stage of lactation. Two experiments were carried out in which 51 primiparous Holstein cows were used. Cows from the trial groups were stimulated by sucking of various calves in a barn for nursing cows from the second week after parturition to 21th or 28th day of lactation. After terminating the period of stimulation the cows were moved to tie stall housing where they were kept together with a control group. Cows from the control groups had been machine milked in tie stall housing since the second week. All cows were fed the same portion of feed. Dairy cows stimulated by sucking for a period of three weeks milked 1561 kg and 4321 kg of milk during 100 and 305 days of lactation, which was 76 kg (4.6 %) and 310 kg (6.7 %) less when compared with the results of the control group. Dairy cows stimulated by sucking for a period of two weeks milked 1...

Broucek, J.: Effect on housing on hoof growth and wear in heifers. 10th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants, September 7-10, 1998, Lucerne, Switzerland, 94-95

Broucek, J.: Effect on housing on hoof growth and wear in heifers. 10th International Symposium o... more Broucek, J.: Effect on housing on hoof growth and wear in heifers. 10th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants, September 7-10, 1998, Lucerne, Switzerland, 94-95 Material and methods There were used 4 pairs of Holstein heifer twins in the experiment The animals were randomly matched to two treatment groups in 3 months of age. Heifers from the first group were kept in tie-stall housing, where the space was restricted to a minimum. The floor was formed by rubber mats (under front feet) and steel slats (under hind feet). The heifers in the second group were reared in a loose housing with straw bedding and with access into a concrete outside yard. Hoof growth and wear were measured from 4th to 18th months of the age on lateral and medial claws of left front and left hind feet. For hoof growth measurement was used the method in which the movement of a mark on the horn away from a reference point situated above the coronary band is recorded. Wear rates were measured by recording...

e Effect of Sire Line on Learning and Locomotor Behaviour of Heifers

387 e use of modern automatic housing and milk-ing systems instead of conventional technology re... more 387 e use of modern automatic housing and milk-ing systems instead of conventional technology requires cows resistant to stress and able to adapt to altered conditions of environment in coher-ence with new procedures and methods of dairy management (automatised feeding, robotisation of milking). e individual reactions in various adverse situations can be used to predict the adapt-ability of animals to breeding technology. Behavioural traits are largely determined by the environment, with little apparent genetic influ-ence (Stricklin and Kautz-Scanavy, 1983/1984). Behaviour in an unknown environment is con-nected with temperament. is term has been of interest since the domestication of livestock. Cows were selected for docility through the ages (Dickson et al., 1970). Hurnik et al. (1995) wrote that temperament is a simplified generalization of an organism according to its excitatory or inhibitory reactions, persistent habits, level of motor activity, emotionality, alertness and c...

EFFECT OF HEIFERS REARING ON AVERSIVE BEHAVIOUR AND MILK PRODUCTION Vplyv odchovu jalovíc na averzné správanie a mliekovú úžitkovosť

Early weaning from mother can decrease fear of new environment. Animals with varied experience ar... more Early weaning from mother can decrease fear of new environment. Animals with varied experience are more prepared to deal with situations which they can meet latter. Those animals have better ability to distinguish and to evaluate new potential danger situations. Methods of aversive learning can be used for predictiom of reaction to stressors. The aim of experiment was to find out the effect of weaning from mother on aversive behaviour in adult age and on milk production on first lactation. Animals were weaned from mother at different age of live – at the second day (DD, n=19), at the seventh day (SD, n=19) and at the fifty sixth day of live from nursing cow (PD, n=13). In aversive alley (16.3 x 1.86 m) was during three days (in 12 tests) observed aversive behaviour of Holstein cows in seventh month of first lactation. The floor in alley was divided by lines into seven parts. Feeder was situated at the end of alley. During testing on the first day a manipulator (standing in the end o...

Effect of Temperatures on Calves Housed in Individual Hutches

Abstrakt Heat stress negatively affected production by hutch calves. Summertime heat adversely af... more Abstrakt Heat stress negatively affected production by hutch calves. Summertime heat adversely affects productivity by the decreased feed intake and daily gain. The objective of this paper was evaluate effects of high temperatures on the growth, feed consumption and health condition of calves kept in individual hutches in southern Slovakia (East Central Europe). We tested a hypothesis that the calf performance would be influenced by the season at birth, sire lineage and gender. Sixty-three Holstein calves were used. They were reared in individual hutches from the second day of life to weaning at the age of 8 weeks and then in group pens. The calves originated from 5 sires. All calves were divided according to the season at birth. The same conditions of nutrition were ensured. Feed and water refusals were removed and weighed back each morning. Air temperature and relative humidity were accurately recorded during the entire 24 hour periods. Fluidity, color, consistency, odor of feces ...

Ammonia Emissions from Broiler Housing Facility: Influence of Litter Properties and Ventilation

At present, the European Union regulations allow to keep broiler chickens on litter covered floor... more At present, the European Union regulations allow to keep broiler chickens on litter covered floors only. Properties of litter (litter temperature, litter age) with ventilation rate are therefore important parameters influencing ammonia (NH 3) concentrations and emissions in broiler houses. Litter temperature, litter age, and ventilation rate were measured in commercial grow-out facility with deep litter, designed for 25,000 broilers, during 6 consecutive flocks. Birds were housed from hatching to 40 days of age. Litter temperature and litter age positively correlated (P<0.001) with production of ammonia gas. The amount of ammonia emissions increased with increasing litter age (P<0.001), as a consequence of which both the ammonia concentration and ventilation rate (P<0.001) also increased. The lowest concentrations of NH 3 were observed during summer, although ammonia emissions tended to be higher in summer months due to higher ventilation rates. The elevated levels of ammon...

Learning and Locomotor Behaviour Study of Dairy Calves Kept in Group Housing Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender, and sire on learning and loco... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender, and sire on learning and locomotor behaviour of calves. The study included 40 dairy calves (23 males and 17 females) which descended from 3 sires. The maze learning ability tests were performed at the age of 15 weeks, open field tests were conducted at 16 th and 25 th weeks. At the maze tests, males were less movable than females (P<0.05) and their total time of standing in maze was also higher compared to heifers (P<0.05). Heifers took shorter time to run across the maze than bulls in both days (P<0.05). Significant differences were found in sire lineages assessment of maze behaviours, especially on time standing in the first part of maze (P<0.001), time of maze traversing on the second day (P<0.01). During open field tests at 16 th and 25 th weeks of age heifers were more mobile. Sire lineage effect was manifested in the number of grid crossing and movement time during the first test (P<0.05) at ...

[The effect of extreme temperatures on hematologic and biochemical indicators in heifers]

Veterinární medicína, 1987

The study was aimed at finding the effect of low and high temperatures on some biochemical parame... more The study was aimed at finding the effect of low and high temperatures on some biochemical parameters in heifers. Thirty half-sister heifers were used as the experimental material. The animals were divided into two groups. The experimental group including 16 heifers was kept loose on deep litter in an open barn with no thermal insulation. The control heifers (n = 14) were kept in a thermally insulated house. Blood was collected at extreme temperatures: above 30 degrees C and below -5 degrees C. An insignificant decrease of haemoglobin and haematocrit was recorded in the blood collected at low and high temperatures from the heifers kept in the open barn; a reduction of cholesterolaemia and total lipaemia was recorded at high temperatures. High and low temperatures significantly increased the concentration of free amino acids; the differences between the experimental and control group being from 36 to 76 mumol per litre. The content of 3.5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate was increased ...

[The hormonal response in bulls to the administration of zeranol and rumensin]

Veterinární medicína, 1989

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the growth stimulators Ralgro zera... more The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the growth stimulators Ralgro zeranol and Rumensin on changes in concentrations of certain hormones in the blood of beef bulls. In the first experiment 21 bulls were investigated which were divided into three groups. The first group was control, the second was administered the Ralgro stimulator (3X) and the third the Ralgro and Rumensin stimulators. In the second experiment there were 12 bulls. The animals in the test group were implanted Ralgro five times during the fattening period. Alternate changes, mostly insignificant, were recorded between the groups in the concentration of triiodothyronine and cyclic adenosine phosphate. Thyroxine concentrations were reduced during all investigations of the first and second experiments in the animals stimulated by the Ralgro preparation. A significant increase was recorded in the bulls at the age of 14.3 months in the second experiment (62.8 nmol.l-1, in comparison with 56.9 nmol...

Effect of rearing, season of birth, and father on labyrinth behaviour of dairy heifers

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2022

Objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that heifer's behaviour after 12 months (M) ar... more Objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that heifer's behaviour after 12 months (M) are impacted by rearing (feeding/housing) before weaning, seasons of birth, and father lineage. Fifty-one Holstein heifers (born in year seasons SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4, originating from 4 fathers) were assigned to one of three rearing treatments: restricted suckling (RS), calf in pen with mother to 21st day, suck three times daily, then group pen (6 kg milk) to weaning; unrestricted suckling (US), calf in pen with foster cows (6 kg milk) to weaning; conventional rearing (CR), calf in the hutch to 56th day, then group pen to weaning (milk replacer 6 kg). After weaning at the 84th day, heifers were kept in groups with the same ration. The labyrinth behaviour was tested in the 12th and 19th M of the age. In the evaluation factors rearing and season of birth, groups US and SB3 solved the passage of the labyrinth the fastest (868.0 s, 857.4 s), the slowest were CR and SB1 (1148.2 s, 1257.5 s). The results show that the manner (housing/feeding) used to rear heifers and season of birth may impact their later labyrinth behaviour.

Influence of Selected Feeding Supplements on the Occurrence of Coccidias in Digestive Tract of Pheasants

The occurrence of coccidiosis is an enormous problem of pheasant farming. The aim of this study i... more The occurrence of coccidiosis is an enormous problem of pheasant farming. The aim of this study is to show, that this disease can be cured by unconventional dietary supplements. Dietary supplements which were used in this study were as follows: prebiotics (Biopolym), probiotics (Lactovita containing bacteria Lactobacillus sporogenes) and homeopathics. The experiment took place in the Ranc Daniela farm in the town Hůrka (close to the Horni Plana Town) from 1.7.2012 to 18.11.2012. Four groups of pheasants were made - three experimental groups and one control group. All groups were consisted of 13 individuals. The pheasant Phasianus colchicus was used in this experiment. Dietary supplements were served for two weeks, than the serving stopped for two weeks and continued again. The samples of excrements were tested all the study long using the floatation method in Sheather's sugar solution. The results were marked and evaluated. The favourable effect of Biopolym and homeopatics on t...

Effect of raising method of calves during liquid milk nutrition on their open-field and maze behaviour after weaning

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2021

The objective was to find whether calf behaviour is affected by it rearing to weaning in 84 days,... more The objective was to find whether calf behaviour is affected by it rearing to weaning in 84 days, gender, and the sire lineage. 99 Holstein calves were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: artificially reared in hutches (A), suckling of a foster cow (F), or suckling of the mother (M). After weaning (84 days), all calves were kept separately by sex in agebalanced groups. The speed of traversing the maze was recorded at 6 months of age. The open-field observation was performed at 10 months. The average time of traversing the maze facility was no significantly different among treatment groups. The average time of traversing the maze for 6 tasks was the highest in A and the lowest in the F group (P  0.05). At the open-field test, the difference compared to the grid (square) crossings was significant at the 1st minute of the 1st test (P  0.05). The average of the grid crossings in all tests was highest in M (139.5) and the lowest in A (123.1) (P  0.05). There were no significant differences between sex in behaviour in the maze or the open field tests. Sire lineage significant effect was found in vocalisation and defecation behaviour. The results show that the method used to rear calves and sire lineage may have an impact on their later behaviour.

Effect of Different Rearing during the Milk-Feeding Period on Growth of Dairy Calves

Agriculture, 2020

The objective was to determine the impact of calves’ rearing, gender, and the sire lineage on the... more The objective was to determine the impact of calves’ rearing, gender, and the sire lineage on the growth and health. One hundred-and-five Holstein calves were assigned to one of three treatments: single suckling (SS), multiple suckling (MS), and artificially rearing in hutches (H). All calves received a comparable amount of milk/milk replacer (MR) across treatments. All calves were weaned at the 84th day. After weaning, all calves were separated by sex in age-balanced groups. At weaning, the highest body weight was in MS and the lowest in H (SS 94.97 kg, MS 109.85 kg, H 80.80 kg, p < 0.001). The average gains from the birth to weaning were 0.67 kg (SS), 0.81 kg (MS), 0.48 kg (H), (p < 0.001). A difference (p < 0.01) was found for the period from birth to 180th day of life (SS 0.75 kg, MS 0.82 kg, H 0.67 kg). We did not notice a gender differences (p > 0.05). The Sire 1 progeny showed a lower body weight at 180 days (p < 0.01) and 360 days (p < 0.05). The results in...

Water consumption, performance, and health in calves: a review

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2019

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of drinking water for dairy calves. ... more The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of drinking water for dairy calves. Calves receive water from milk or milk replacer (MR), from other feeds, and from free water. Water consumption to weaning is almost low. Opposing opinions are at the beginning of offering drinking water to calves. Some authors recommend providing water from the first day, some since the transition to artificial milk nutrition, or offering after weaning only. The water needed by pre-weaned dairy calves depends on the amount of milk or MR intake. The increased water in MR reduces the need for additional water to be fed as free water. Generally, when calves were fed supplemental water in addition to that provided in MR, they consumed more concentrate mixture and dry matter (DM) as compared with calves not given supplemental water. Water restriction can intensify the stress during heat temperatures period. However, according to recent research, restricting water intake (WI) during milk feeding period did not affect calf feed intake, growth, and health condition. Calves may be able to accumulate water in reserve to be used in periods of reduced water supply. However, we cannot recommend the WI just as part of the MR. We suggest that the water provided by the MR may not be sufficient to satisfy the needs of the animal. Drinking water has to be always at the disposal. Providing ad libitum intake of drinking water is the best approach. Finally, the exactly calves daily water consumptions are listed in a table.

Nitrous Oxide Release from Poultry and Pig Housing

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2018

The article investigates the scientific literature regarding N 2 O emissions according to housing... more The article investigates the scientific literature regarding N 2 O emissions according to housing and manure management in poultry and pig buildings. The majority of the N 2 O is emitted from manure storages and housing space, with small amounts emitted from the surface of passages. Many factors must be considered in successful emission evaluation, including season of the year, amount and depth of the bedding, animal density, type and floor space, feeding and watering practices, ventilation, temperature, and relative humidity. The liquid manure from poultry housing systems produces greater emissions of N 2 O than natural and force-dried manure. The influencing factors appeared to be manure removal frequency and the dry matter content of the manure. There are more housing types in pig barns, which differ in bedding, floor, and manure deposition. The highest N 2 O emissions were found in the sawdust bedding, and N 2 O production in slatted floor housing is lowest. This paper reports on technical options for mitigating emissions from poultry and swine contributions. The actual rate of N 2 O emission is highly dependent on the management strategies implemented on a farm. Consequently, improvements in management practices will affect future N 2 O emissions. Finally, emission factors are listed in a table.

Nitrous Oxide Production from Cattle and Swine Manure

Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2016

Dairy Cows Produce Less Milk and Modify Their Behaviour during the Transition between Tie-Stall to Free-Stall

Animals, 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moving cows from the barn with stanchi... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moving cows from the barn with stanchion-stall housing to free-stall housing on their behaviour and production. Cows lay down up to ten hours after removing. The cows in their second lactation and open cows tended to lie sooner after removing than cows in their first lactation and pregnant cows. The times of total lying and rumination were increasing from the first day to the tenth day after removing. Cows'produced 23.3% less milk at the first day following the transfer than at the last day prior to moving (23.76 ± 7.20 kg vs. 30.97 ± 7.26 kg, p < 0.001). Loss of milk was gradually reduced and on the 14th day, cows achieved maximum production. The difference was found in milk losses due to the shift between cows in first and second lactation.

Production of Methane Emissions from Ruminant Husbandry: A Review

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2014

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of methane (CH 4) production from ru... more The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of methane (CH 4) production from ruminants. The objectives are to identify the factors affecting CH 4 production. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Ruminant livestock constitute worldwide the most important source of anthropogenic emissions of methane. There are two main factors influencing global warming change, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of the ozone layer. Methane is associated with both factors. Ruminants (dairy, beef, goats, and sheep) are the main contributors to CH 4 production. Their CH 4 production is a natural and inevitable outcome of rumen fermentation. Feed is converted into products such as milk and meat. Many factors influence ruminant CH 4 production, including level of intake, type and quality of feeds, energy consumption, animal size, growth rate, level of production, and environmental temperature. The methane emissions in dairy cows represent values from 151 to 497 g•day −1. Lactating cows produced more CH 4 (354 g•day −1) than dry cows (269 g•day −1) and heifers (223 g•day −1). Dairy ewe generates 8.4 kg•head −1 annually. Holstein produced more CH 4 (299 g•day −1) than the Crossbred (264 g•day −1). Methane emission by heifers grazing on fertilized pasture was higher (223 g•day −1) than that of heifers on unfertilized pasture (179 g•day −1). The average CH 4 emissions are from 161 g•day −1 to 323 g•day −1 in beef cattle. Mature beef cows emit CH 4 approximately from 240 g•day −1 to 396 g•day −1. Suffolk sheep emit 22-25 g•day −1. The bison's annual CH 4 emissions per year were 72 kg•head −1. The CH 4 emission from manure depends on the physical form of the feces, the amount of digestible material, the climate, and the time they remained intact. The annual emissions from the pens and storage pond at dairy farm were 120 kg•cow −1 .

Broucek, J.: The effect of the individual and group rearing of calves on weight gains and feed intake. Zivocisna Vyroba, 30, 1985, 7, 601-608

ABSTRACT

Development of SCC counter

2013 Kansas City, Missouri, July 21 - July 24, 2013, 2013

ABSTRACT SCC counter which is suitable for somatic cell count (SCC) measurement at individual cow... more ABSTRACT SCC counter which is suitable for somatic cell count (SCC) measurement at individual cow has been developed in our Institute. It consists of metal box with electronics and servomotor. There is a mechanical arm on the front size of it, where a transparent glass tube with running metal ball is placed. SCC counter works on the basis of milk viscosity measurement. After the glass tube is filled with milk mixed with reagent, the tube declines for certain time (20 s) from the horizontal position to the angle of 25Â°. The metal ball moves downwards and itâ€™s velocity depend on the density of milk. The length of the ballâ€™s path is inverse proportional to the viscosity of the milk. Near the measurement tube the scale is placed, which shows the SCC. Higher viscosity means higher SCC. Three types of equipment were developed. The first has short measurement tube /20 cm/ and it is suitable for quick measurement, when the accuracy is not so important. Second one has longer measurement tube /50 cm/ and is suitable for more precise measurement. The third equipment has four long measurement tubes on the same arm and can measure four samples at once. This type of equipment can be regularly used for measurement of milk from each quarter of the udder. In an experiment we tested the equipment for its accuracy and reliability in practical conditions. Samples of milk were taken from True - test during milking for SCC measurement. Three control ones of the same milk were sent to three different certificated laboratories for SCC analysis. Total two hundred samples have been measured. The average value of SCC from these three laboratories was calculated. The correlation coefficient between SCC from SCC counter and the average value from laboratories was computed (r = 0.96, p&lt; 0.01). The differences between data from laboratories were higher than data from SCC counter and average SCC. It was found out that the SCC counter can measure SCC in a range 150 000 to 10 000 000 with sufficient accuracy. The reliability was evaluated too and it has shown suitable for practical use. This research has been done with financial support &quot;MLIEKO No. 26220220098&quot; supported by the Operational Program Research and Development funded from the European Regional Development Fund and project APVV-0632-10 of the Slovak Research and Development Agency Bratislava.

Broucek, J., Mihina, S., Uhrincat, M.: Effect of more calves sucking on performance and reproduction of dairy cows. Zivocisna Vyroba, 40, 1995, 2, 59-64

The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of calf suckling on milk yield and the repro... more The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of calf suckling on milk yield and the reproduction of primiparous dairy cows in an early stage of lactation. Two experiments were carried out in which 51 primiparous Holstein cows were used. Cows from the trial groups were stimulated by sucking of various calves in a barn for nursing cows from the second week after parturition to 21th or 28th day of lactation. After terminating the period of stimulation the cows were moved to tie stall housing where they were kept together with a control group. Cows from the control groups had been machine milked in tie stall housing since the second week. All cows were fed the same portion of feed. Dairy cows stimulated by sucking for a period of three weeks milked 1561 kg and 4321 kg of milk during 100 and 305 days of lactation, which was 76 kg (4.6 %) and 310 kg (6.7 %) less when compared with the results of the control group. Dairy cows stimulated by sucking for a period of two weeks milked 1...

Broucek, J.: Effect on housing on hoof growth and wear in heifers. 10th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants, September 7-10, 1998, Lucerne, Switzerland, 94-95

Broucek, J.: Effect on housing on hoof growth and wear in heifers. 10th International Symposium o... more Broucek, J.: Effect on housing on hoof growth and wear in heifers. 10th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants, September 7-10, 1998, Lucerne, Switzerland, 94-95 Material and methods There were used 4 pairs of Holstein heifer twins in the experiment The animals were randomly matched to two treatment groups in 3 months of age. Heifers from the first group were kept in tie-stall housing, where the space was restricted to a minimum. The floor was formed by rubber mats (under front feet) and steel slats (under hind feet). The heifers in the second group were reared in a loose housing with straw bedding and with access into a concrete outside yard. Hoof growth and wear were measured from 4th to 18th months of the age on lateral and medial claws of left front and left hind feet. For hoof growth measurement was used the method in which the movement of a mark on the horn away from a reference point situated above the coronary band is recorded. Wear rates were measured by recording...

e Effect of Sire Line on Learning and Locomotor Behaviour of Heifers

387 e use of modern automatic housing and milk-ing systems instead of conventional technology re... more 387 e use of modern automatic housing and milk-ing systems instead of conventional technology requires cows resistant to stress and able to adapt to altered conditions of environment in coher-ence with new procedures and methods of dairy management (automatised feeding, robotisation of milking). e individual reactions in various adverse situations can be used to predict the adapt-ability of animals to breeding technology. Behavioural traits are largely determined by the environment, with little apparent genetic influ-ence (Stricklin and Kautz-Scanavy, 1983/1984). Behaviour in an unknown environment is con-nected with temperament. is term has been of interest since the domestication of livestock. Cows were selected for docility through the ages (Dickson et al., 1970). Hurnik et al. (1995) wrote that temperament is a simplified generalization of an organism according to its excitatory or inhibitory reactions, persistent habits, level of motor activity, emotionality, alertness and c...

EFFECT OF HEIFERS REARING ON AVERSIVE BEHAVIOUR AND MILK PRODUCTION Vplyv odchovu jalovíc na averzné správanie a mliekovú úžitkovosť

Early weaning from mother can decrease fear of new environment. Animals with varied experience ar... more Early weaning from mother can decrease fear of new environment. Animals with varied experience are more prepared to deal with situations which they can meet latter. Those animals have better ability to distinguish and to evaluate new potential danger situations. Methods of aversive learning can be used for predictiom of reaction to stressors. The aim of experiment was to find out the effect of weaning from mother on aversive behaviour in adult age and on milk production on first lactation. Animals were weaned from mother at different age of live – at the second day (DD, n=19), at the seventh day (SD, n=19) and at the fifty sixth day of live from nursing cow (PD, n=13). In aversive alley (16.3 x 1.86 m) was during three days (in 12 tests) observed aversive behaviour of Holstein cows in seventh month of first lactation. The floor in alley was divided by lines into seven parts. Feeder was situated at the end of alley. During testing on the first day a manipulator (standing in the end o...

Effect of Temperatures on Calves Housed in Individual Hutches

Abstrakt Heat stress negatively affected production by hutch calves. Summertime heat adversely af... more Abstrakt Heat stress negatively affected production by hutch calves. Summertime heat adversely affects productivity by the decreased feed intake and daily gain. The objective of this paper was evaluate effects of high temperatures on the growth, feed consumption and health condition of calves kept in individual hutches in southern Slovakia (East Central Europe). We tested a hypothesis that the calf performance would be influenced by the season at birth, sire lineage and gender. Sixty-three Holstein calves were used. They were reared in individual hutches from the second day of life to weaning at the age of 8 weeks and then in group pens. The calves originated from 5 sires. All calves were divided according to the season at birth. The same conditions of nutrition were ensured. Feed and water refusals were removed and weighed back each morning. Air temperature and relative humidity were accurately recorded during the entire 24 hour periods. Fluidity, color, consistency, odor of feces ...

Ammonia Emissions from Broiler Housing Facility: Influence of Litter Properties and Ventilation

At present, the European Union regulations allow to keep broiler chickens on litter covered floor... more At present, the European Union regulations allow to keep broiler chickens on litter covered floors only. Properties of litter (litter temperature, litter age) with ventilation rate are therefore important parameters influencing ammonia (NH 3) concentrations and emissions in broiler houses. Litter temperature, litter age, and ventilation rate were measured in commercial grow-out facility with deep litter, designed for 25,000 broilers, during 6 consecutive flocks. Birds were housed from hatching to 40 days of age. Litter temperature and litter age positively correlated (P<0.001) with production of ammonia gas. The amount of ammonia emissions increased with increasing litter age (P<0.001), as a consequence of which both the ammonia concentration and ventilation rate (P<0.001) also increased. The lowest concentrations of NH 3 were observed during summer, although ammonia emissions tended to be higher in summer months due to higher ventilation rates. The elevated levels of ammon...

Learning and Locomotor Behaviour Study of Dairy Calves Kept in Group Housing Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender, and sire on learning and loco... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender, and sire on learning and locomotor behaviour of calves. The study included 40 dairy calves (23 males and 17 females) which descended from 3 sires. The maze learning ability tests were performed at the age of 15 weeks, open field tests were conducted at 16 th and 25 th weeks. At the maze tests, males were less movable than females (P<0.05) and their total time of standing in maze was also higher compared to heifers (P<0.05). Heifers took shorter time to run across the maze than bulls in both days (P<0.05). Significant differences were found in sire lineages assessment of maze behaviours, especially on time standing in the first part of maze (P<0.001), time of maze traversing on the second day (P<0.01). During open field tests at 16 th and 25 th weeks of age heifers were more mobile. Sire lineage effect was manifested in the number of grid crossing and movement time during the first test (P<0.05) at ...

[The effect of extreme temperatures on hematologic and biochemical indicators in heifers]

Veterinární medicína, 1987

The study was aimed at finding the effect of low and high temperatures on some biochemical parame... more The study was aimed at finding the effect of low and high temperatures on some biochemical parameters in heifers. Thirty half-sister heifers were used as the experimental material. The animals were divided into two groups. The experimental group including 16 heifers was kept loose on deep litter in an open barn with no thermal insulation. The control heifers (n = 14) were kept in a thermally insulated house. Blood was collected at extreme temperatures: above 30 degrees C and below -5 degrees C. An insignificant decrease of haemoglobin and haematocrit was recorded in the blood collected at low and high temperatures from the heifers kept in the open barn; a reduction of cholesterolaemia and total lipaemia was recorded at high temperatures. High and low temperatures significantly increased the concentration of free amino acids; the differences between the experimental and control group being from 36 to 76 mumol per litre. The content of 3.5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate was increased ...

[The hormonal response in bulls to the administration of zeranol and rumensin]

Veterinární medicína, 1989

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the growth stimulators Ralgro zera... more The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the growth stimulators Ralgro zeranol and Rumensin on changes in concentrations of certain hormones in the blood of beef bulls. In the first experiment 21 bulls were investigated which were divided into three groups. The first group was control, the second was administered the Ralgro stimulator (3X) and the third the Ralgro and Rumensin stimulators. In the second experiment there were 12 bulls. The animals in the test group were implanted Ralgro five times during the fattening period. Alternate changes, mostly insignificant, were recorded between the groups in the concentration of triiodothyronine and cyclic adenosine phosphate. Thyroxine concentrations were reduced during all investigations of the first and second experiments in the animals stimulated by the Ralgro preparation. A significant increase was recorded in the bulls at the age of 14.3 months in the second experiment (62.8 nmol.l-1, in comparison with 56.9 nmol...