Search
Search Results
-
The analysis of ostrich chick vitality
35-40Views:87Examinations on ostrich chick vitality can help to improve the effectiveness of Hungarian ostrich husbandry and hatching technology. The investigations were carried out on an ostrich breeder farm in Eastern Hungary. For the analyses, the Tona et al. (2003) scoring system was applied presenting eight main criteria (activity, feather, condition, eyesight, the condition of navel and leg, the amount of the remaining shell membrane and egg content, and the size and tenderness of the abdomen). Most chicks (98.08%) were vigilant and had clean and dry feathers. There was no difference between the average hatching weights between May and August but a decreasing tendency was shown during the laying season. The vitality total score was above 90 in each evaluated month and was not affected by the hatching month. Our results revealed that the vitality of chicks was not affected by either the hatching month (P=0.51) or the weight category (P=0.11). Neither the hatching weight of chicks and leg condition were correlated (P=0.79). Results showed that the Tona scoring system with small modifications can be well applied to ostrich chicks. Practical on-farm usage of the system can be suggested as an aid in day-old chick evaluation. After individual marking of chicks, the investigation of growth and culling rate could be carried out for more precise conclusions, involving more farms and laying seasons.
-
Carcass and the Meat Quality of Hungarian Lambs
65-71Views:108The author investigated 153 lambs of nine genotypes originating from breeding flocks, and 50 lambs originating from production flocks. The investigations were performed between 1995 and 1998. The authors discuss the evaluation of comformation and fat cover according to EUROP standards. The authors also investigate the proportion of valuable meat by genotype, and – out of the internal value indicators – the dry-matter, protein, fat, connective-tissue and hemin contents comparing the flavour, aroma, tenderness, and oven loss of the different genotypes.
The following findings should be highlighted:
♦ The Hungarian Merino breed should be improved, as – according to EUROP standards, more than 70% of these animals were rated as quality „R”.
♦ Hungarian fattening technology has to be preserved, as the lambs reach the desired slaughter weight within a short period of time, and without over-fattening.
♦ Readiness for slaughter, typical of each genotype, has to be defined, and slaughter at proper weight be achieved.
♦ It has to be re-evaluated whether the Hungarian Merino is the only breed which can be used in Hungary, as none of the investigations really proved the special characteristics and significance of this breed.
The author summarizes the findings of the investigation in five tables. -
The Fatty Acid Composition of Different Lamb Genotypes
30-33Views:69We compares the fatty acid composition of five different genotypes. The maternal line was Hungarian Comb Merino x British Milksheep and this genotype was crossed with different terminal breeds, like: British Milksheep, Suffolk, Ile de France, German Mutton Merino, German Blackheaded. We compared the intramuscular fatty acid composition of different body parts like: leg, loin and shoulder. We can name that there are significant differences between the genotypes in the fatty acid composition. The suffolk crosses has the best UFA/SFA rate. In the meat of German Mutton Merino crosses has a high saturated fatty acid ratio, but there is a high polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio as well. There are only small differences between the meat parts in the view of fatty acid composition. Despite the small differences, the loin showed the best picture while the shoulder had the worst.