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This article discusses the absolute chronology of burials from the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC discovered under the mounds of three barrows in the Kordyshiv cemetery in western Ukraine. Its aim is to create a chronological model of the burials by modeling 27 AMS 14C dates obtained from 21 individuals buried in single and collective graves. Dietary analysis of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values are presented. The Bayesian modeling of the 14C dates from the three Kordyshiv barrows revealed the extremely important role of these monuments as long-term objects used for ritual purposes. At the end of the 3rd millennium BC, the epi-Corded Ware Culture (epi-CWC) community erected a mound over the central burial in Barrow 2, then interred the graves of three additional deceased. After several hundred years Barrow 2 was reused by Komarów Culture (KC) communities from the Middle Bronze Age (MBA) who interred their deceased in the existing mound. The oldest monument with MBA burials was Barrow 3, in which the dead were buried in a two-stage sequence before and after the mid-2nd millennium BC. The youngest dated grave was Burial 1 in Barrow 1, comprising a collective burial that was interred between 1400 and 1200 BC. The additional analyses of carbon and nitrogen isotopes show significant differences in the diet of epi-CWC individuals buried in Barrow 2 from the individuals representing the KC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmgate balances are used as a tool for monitoring nutrient surpluses at farm level. In Germany, preparation of farmgate balances is legally mandatory and also requires data on chemical body composition, especially concentration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), of farm animals. It is well known that increased N and P efficiency results in lowered N and P excretions with the manure and therefore mitigates negative consequences of high N and P release into the environment (e.g. eutrophication of surface waters), especially in areas with high livestock density. In this context, feeding N- and P-reduced diets can be a strategy for increasing N and P efficiency in fattening pigs. To investigate the influence of N- and P-reduced diets on chemical body composition of barrows and to update current used data basis, 8 barrows were slaughtered after a balance trial and their bodies were subjected to full body analysis. During the balance trial, pigs received the control diet (CON) meeting common nutrient requirements or the N- and P-reduced diet (NPred) in a three-phased feeding regimen (n = 4/diet, 3 weeks/phase). Pigs were slaughtered with an average live weight (LW) of 123.3 ± 7.5 kg and carcasses were manually dissected in four fractions. Fractions were analysed for nutrient concentration. Furthermore, organs were weighed individually and blood serum was sampled during exsanguination. Serum samples were analysed for clinical-chemical traits. Chemical body composition did not significantly differ between NPred- and CON-fed pigs. N concentration was 23.3 ± 0.3 and 24.5 ± 1.0 g/kg, P concentration was 5.2 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 0.4 g/kg in the empty body of NPred- and CON-fed pigs (p = 0.073, 0.164). N and P retention between the experiment's start and slaughter did not differ between the feeding groups (p = 0.641, 0.240). Variables related to liver integrity, energy metabolism and electrolytes were similar between CON- and NPred-fed pigs. Traits related to protein metabolism showed significantly reduced concentrations of urea and albumin in NPred-fed pigs (p = 0.013, 0.025), but no hypoalbuminaemia. Results suggest that N- and P-reduced feeding does not significantly affect chemical body composition of contemporary barrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Публикация посвящена материалам эпохи поздней бронзы, обнаруженным в курганах группы «Плавни» у с. Глиное Слободзейского района, расположенных в бассейне р. Красная на левобережье Нижнего Днестра. В двух курганах было зафиксировано 18 погребений позднего бронзового века. Исследованные погребальные комплексы могут быть отнесены к днепро-прутской бабинской, сабатиновской и белозёрской культурам. Представленные материалы позволяют говорить о преемственности погребальных традиций в регионе на протяжении всей эпохи поздней бронзы. Среди находок наибольший интерес представляют шайбовидные бусины, изготовленные из позвонков крупных рыб и происходящие из погребения сабатиновского времени.

The dataset contains the records of vascular plant species occurrences and distribution on Ukrainian kurgans (burial mounds, barrows), located in various zones of steppe vegetation: desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe. Much of the studied kurgans belongs to the territory historically known as the “Wild Fields”. Besides the occurrence data, the publication presents a comparison of the floristic richness amongst five microhabitats distinguished on kurgans (top, northern slope, northern bottom, southern slope, and southern bottom) and amongst kurgans located in different steppe zones. The oOriginal publication includes 721 species of vascular plants) within four4 vegetation zone (desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe). The report shows also sozological value of kurgans in southern Ukraine, as they play a role of steppe habitat islands in a landscape almost completely transformed to arable land. The obtained flora inventory was analyszed in various aspects. This occurrence dataset is the first public record of species from kurgans in Ukraine.This is the first occurrence dataset from kurgans in Ukraine. The dataset includes 28,456 occurrences of vascular plants recorded in the years 2004-2009 on Ukrainian kurgans. The dataset includes information about 1446 occurrences of rare species on kurgans (69 species). It contains information on the kurgan flora within four vegetation zone (desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe) on the area ca. 32000 km2. Of the approximately 450 mounds visited, the ones with the best preserved vegetation cover were selected. For each of 106 investigated mounds, floristic lists from five microhabitats were compiled - 530 lists in total.

The paper publishes for the first time the Scythian graves from barrow 14 of the “Sluiceway” (“Vodovod”) group, which was studied near the Glinoe village, Slobodzeya district, on the left bank of the Lower Dniester in 2018. The scientific data obtained during the study of this mound allow us to pay special attention to some elements of the funerary rite such as placing objects on the grave covering and under the body of the buried. The graves contained tools (a knife, an awl, needles, a whorl, a whetstone), a mirror and two toilet vessels (blackglazed and handmade), vessels (blackglazed kantharos and a saltcellar, a handmade pot), numerous adornments (necklace of beads, bracelets of beads, a bronze bracelet, mollusk shells, bronze finger rings, three chains of bronze rings), as well as cult objects (pieces of ocher, a dog's tooth, two pebbles, a stone slab with traces of soot and a large set of astragali). Barrow 14 of the "Sluiceway" group dates to the second quarter of the 4th c. BCE on the basis of blackglazed vessels.

The paper deals with the materials of the Late Bronze Age found in the barrows of the groups “DOT”, “Garden” and “Sluiceway” near the Glinoe village, Slobodzeya district, located in the Krasnaya River basin on the left bank of the Lower Dniester. 25 graves of the Late Bronze Age were discovered in 8 mounds. The investigated burials can be attributed to the Dnieper-Prut Babino culture and Sabatinovka culture. Contacts with the cultures of the Right-bank forest-steppe of the Middle-Late and Late Bronze Age are traced.

The dataset contains the records of vascular plant species occurrences and distribution on Ukrainian kurgans (burial mounds, barrows), located in various zones of steppe vegetation: desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe. Much of the studied kurgans belongs to the territory historically known as the "Wild Fields". Besides the occurrence data, the publication presents a comparison of the floristic richness amongst five microhabitats distinguished on kurgans (top, northern slope, northern bottom, southern slope, and southern bottom) and amongst kurgans located in different steppe zones. The Original publication includes 721 species of vascular plants) within four vegetation zone (desert steppe, grass steppe, herb-rich grass steppe and forest steppe). The report shows also sozological value of kurgans in southern Ukraine, as they play a role of steppe habitat islands in a landscape almost completely transformed to arable land. The obtained flora inventory was analyzed in various aspects. This occurrence dataset is the first public record of species from kurgans in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents materials of the Kubey kurgan cemetery in the North-West Black Sea region which is dated to the late Eneolithic. The most ancient graves of the cemetery stratigraphically and chronologically can be divided in three successive horizons. According to kurgan architecture, burial rite and inventory primary burials can be attributed to the Cernavoda I culture of the late Eneolithic. Secondary graves in the kurgans can be assigned to the Zhivotilovka type and to the group of graves with extended skeletons. The most ancient graves of the Kubey cemetery obviously support an idea that the territory of the North-West Black Sea region can be included in the area of the Cernavoda I culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of sex and pre-slaughter weight on the performance of Irish Landrace pig carcasses, 400 pigs with equal number of barrows and gilts were selected and fattened. After fattening, the pigs were divided into two groups according to sex. Then, 20 gilts were selected using weighing into 4 groups with a pre-slaughter weight 90 kg, 100 kg, 110 kg and 120 kg. Similarly, 20 barrows were divided for 4 groups with same pre-slaughter weight 90 kg, 100 kg, 110 kg and 120 kg. All gilts and barrows from eight experimental groups were slaughtered and their carcasses were measured and then sampled to determine slaughter parameters. It was found that in general, gilts had higher carcass weight at pre-slaughter weight 90, 110 and 120 kg, higher chilled carcass weight at preslaughter weight 120 kg, higher carcass length and length of bacon halves at pre-slaughter weight 120 kg, higher thickness of longest back muscle and meat content at pre-slaughter weight 100 kg. Barrows had a higher fat thickness above the 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, the fat thickness in the buttocks, the fat thickness in the withers at preslaughter weight 100 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper publishes for the first time the results of excavations of Scythian barrow 13 of the “Sluiceway” (“Vodovod”) group, which was studied near the Glinoe village, Slobodzeya district, on the left bank of the Lower Dniester in 2018. The scientific data obtained during the study of this mound allow us to pay special attention to some elements of the funerary rite such as the arrangement of ritual pits, the internments of dogs, the unusual placement of arrowheads in the grave, the arrangement of earthen “beds” and “cushions”. The burials contained weapons (arrowheads, spearheads and spear ends), tools (knives), vessel (a wooden bowl) and jewelry (a necklace made of glass beads). Barrow 13 of the “Sluiceway” group dates to the second half of the 4th century BCE on the basis of bronze arrowheads.

Boar rearing, which avoids pain and suffering caused by surgical castration, provides better performance, a greater deposition of muscle tissue and leaner carcasses and thus has beneficial effects on both animal welfare and the product. Some countries that do not slaughter boars must consider their boar taint and aggressive and sexual behaviours. Considering that pigs are housed in large groups, which may complicate the formation of social hierarchies and increase fighting and mounting behaviours, some studies have conducted research with reduced numbers of pigs per pen, but these behaviours continued to be observed. However, a study of the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs has yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the reproductive status of uncastrated, immunocastrated and surgically castrated pair-housed male pigs alters their natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours. A total of 48 male pigs from Agroceres PIC™ genetics were assigned to three groups: surgically castrated (barrows), immunocastrated and uncastrated (boars). Natural, aggressive and sexual behaviours of the pigs were assessed by direct observations during four periods of 12 h each (six, five and three weeks before slaughter and the slaughter week). The pigs were housed in pairs from the growing phase until slaughter. Animal behaviour was observed from the finishing phase to slaughter. Carcass lesions were assessed according to five different classes (one: no injury; two to five: severely injured). Overall, boars spent more time lying and less time eating and drinking than barrows. In total of all the periods (48 h), boars expressed more aggressive and sexual behaviours than barrows, whereas immunocastrated pigs displayed similar behaviours to boars, before and after the second vaccine dose. No differences in carcass lesions between treatments and no prevalence of carcasses with severe injuries were observed. In conclusion, the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs did not change the natural behaviour of boars, immunocastrated pigs or barrows. The agonistic and sexual behaviours of boars and barrows remained unchanged. When housing pigs in pairs, immunocastrated pigs presented similar agonistic and sexual behaviours to boars before and after the second immunocastration vaccine dose. The use of pair-housed uncastrated male pigs has generated welfare benefits for these animals, as the number of carcasses with injuries did not differ from barrows and immunocastrated pigs.

The paper is devoted to the description of horse forehead pieces, which were used by the nomads of the Southern Urals in the 6th – 4th centuries BC for protecting the horse’s head and / or decorating bridle. The research is based on the analysis of sample consisting of 47 finds. The author proposes the typology of the items under consideration, characterizes the types of lamellar forehead pieces with and without zoomorphic images, rodlike and rod-lamellar forehead pieces, forehead pieces in the form of zoomorphic images, representing a round sculpture. All the finds are divided into two chronological groups. The first group includes forehead pieces, which were part of horse equipment mainly at the end of the 6th – 5th centuries BC. This period was charactized by the prevalence of forehead pieces in the form of fairly large trapezoidal or subrectangular plates depicting the heads of prey birds in profile on one or both short sides. The second group unites the items referring to the end of the 5th –4th centuries BC. The most common type in this period is represented with forehead pieces in the form of a rod, the upper part of which is bent as a loop and ends with a spherical thickening, and the lower part is loose in the form of an elongated plate. A significant difference in the nomenclature of the two chronological groups of the horse forehead pieces has been revealed. This was probably due to the ethnocultural changes that took place in the nomadic society of the Southern Urals in the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC, including those in the nature and direction of external relations.

The article is devoted to the barrows located on the cape up to 45 km long, formed by the valleys of the Yagorlyk and Sukhoy Yagorlyk rivers, which merge at the left bank of the Dniester. These burial mounds were mentioned and even sketched by J.A. Münz (1781), and then described and mapped by A.K. Meyer and F.P. de Volan (1791). In total, in this local region topographers and archaeologists have noted up to 120 mounds reaching a height of 8-9 m. Most of them are spread along the top of the watershed, some groups are arranged in two parallel lines, a number of chains are oriented across the general line. In general, they mark the site of the ancient trade route, along which it was possible travelling from the Dniester northward to the forest-steppe, eastward to the Dnieper region and in the southeast direction to the mouth of the Bug and to the Black Sea.

Objective An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different diet formulations: F1 (Two complicated basal diets containing different crude protein levels plus tested feedstuff) vs F2 (A simple corn soybean meal [SBM] basal diet plus tested feedstuff) combined with total collection (TC) or chromic oxide (Cr2O3) marker or acid-insoluble ash (AIA) marker method, and freeze-dry or oven-dry (OD) technique on estimation of nutrient digestibility in diets fed to growing pigs. Methods In F1, twelve barrows were allocated to two 6×4 Youden Squares. The treatment diets included a high protein basal (HPB) diet, a low protein basal (LPB) diet, a corn diet and a wheat bran (WB) diet formulated based on the HPB diet, and a SBM diet and a rapeseed meal (RSM) diet formulated based on the LPB diet. In F2, eight barrows were allocated to two 4×4 Latin Squares. The treatment diets included a corn basal diet, a SBM basal diet formulated based on the corn diet, and a WB diet and a RSM diet formulated based on the SBM diet. Results Concentration of digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), and the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, ash, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre determined by Cr2O3 marker method were greater than those determined by TC and AIA marker methods in HPB, LPB, and RSM diets formulated by F1 and in corn diet formulated by F2 (p

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The aim of the paper is to present funeral customs of communities that inhabited the Carpathian foothills of Vistula and San rivers basins at the Final Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age representing Corded Ware and Mierzanowice cultures in the light of new chronometric data. These radiocarbon data were obtained for barrows at site 3 in Średnia, Przemyśl district and Jawczyce, Wieliczka district site 1, mound 2. According to conducted investigations the earliest barrows in this region can be dated to the beginning of the 29th century BC. Then in the younger phase of the Corded Ware culture the exploitation of existing mound continued so subsequent graves were dug into the embankment. This burial rite lasted until the turn of the 24th and 23rd centuries BC so can be synchronised with the presence of niche graves to the north of Carpathian foothills. Afterwards during the Early Bronze Age starting at the 22nd century BC communities of the Mierzanowice culture also chose existing mounds as a place to bury their dead. Therefore one can conclude that in funeral rites of the Corded Ware and Mierzanowice cultures groups in the Carpathian foothills the barrow as the burial place of their ancestors played the main role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was planned to test the effects of 2 protein-oil rich ingredients which replaced an important part of classical soybean meal, on nitrogen (N) metabolism indicators. Simultaneous we aimed to assess performances, enteric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted through manure. A balance test was conducted with 15 barrows, 36 ± 0.24 Kg initial body weight, assigned in three groups in metabolism cages: 1. SC diet based on a classical diet (soybean meal, 13%); 2. SP diet based on peas Tudor variety 16% that replace 49% of SM; 3. SPF diet containing 8% soybean meal, 12% peas and 4% linseed Lirina variety. Faecal and urine were quantitatively collected in two balance periods. A semiautomatic Kjeldahl method was used for assessing the N. The Spotchem EZ SP-4430 was used for determining plasma protein and urea nitrogen (BUN). The regression equations were used to determine N metabolism indicators, CO2 emitted and enteric CH4. An increase of 1.16 times of feed intake was noticed in the SP group compared to SC. The lipid intake was slightly higher in the SP fed group which contributed to an increase of energy intake compared to SC group (>1.17 times) and vs SPL fed group (>1.2 times). The average daily gain (ADG) decreased highly significant in the SP diet compared to the SC diet. Linseed adds in SPL diet contributed to obtaining performances closed to SC group. SP diets increased the N level slightly in faeces and urine. BUN concentration has a linear relation with urinary N. CO2 emitted represent 28-32% of CO2 exhalation. CO2 increased in the SP diet (P<0.10) due to the fact that HP value increased as well. No significant influence was noticed for CH4 estimated value, although a slight increase was observed in the SP diet. In conclusion, although certain N metabolism indicator was affected by peas diet, only a little part was significantly modified. An oil-rich ingredient such as linseed could successfully complement peas by diminishing its adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Искусство древней Тувы представлено разными типами памятников: наскальными рисунками, оленными камнями и каменными изваяниями (коже), предметами, найденными на поселениях и в погребениях, а также случайными находками. В основном они относятся к эпохе бронзы, скифскому времени и эпохе средневековья. Хронологическая граница между II и I тысячелетиями до н. э. может на полном основании называться рубежом эр. Во втором тысячелетии степи Центральной Азии представляли неразборчивый конгломерат различных племен, в которых носители духовных идей стремились выразить свои чувства и религиозные представления в тысячах наскальных изображений, в которых зачастую доминирует бык как носитель архаического мироздания, которое он держит или несет на своей спине. В первом тысячелетии до н. э. картина радикально меняется. На смену рассеянным и неупорядоченным представлениям в мире образов вырабатывается стилистическое единство, что не исключает свободы творчества, но, тем не менее, скифский звериный стиль становится основным эстетическим критерием как в монументальном, так и в прикладном искусстве. Он распространяется от Китайской стены до Венгерской Пушты, и оспаривать его значение как единого связующего звена кочевых народов Евразии бессмысленно. Даже влияние древних цивилизаций не может кардинально изменить идеологию и философию скифосибирского евразийского единства.

The subject of this paper are the new discoveries of antler cheekpieces of horse harness at Trzciniec Culture sites in Morawianki, Miechów and Jakuszowice (Little Poland, Poland). It also addresses the issue of double horse burials being parts of sepulchral complexes, with barrows at their centres. The article tackles the problem of the occurrence of such burials and cheekpieces in the Danubian regions, the steppe zone of Eastern Europe and in the territory of Greece. It also considers the function of cheekpieces, as parts of horse gear used for harnessing a horse to a chariot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article for the first time publishes the Scythian barrow 17 of the "Sluiceway" group near Glinoe village, Slobodzeya district, on the left bank of the Lower Dniester. This mound, did not contain a burial structure and was surrounded by a ditch. Similar Scythian complexes are known throughout the Northern Black Sea region, but they are not numerous everywhere (the left bank of the Lower Danube, the left bank of the Lower Dniester, and the North-West Azov region). The analysis of the available information shows that some of these barrows could be used as symbolic burials - cenotaphs. At the same time, other similar structures, obviously, were public cult areas for holding commemorative feasts. These areas were located close to barrows containing Scythian graves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal mirrors are important indicators when reconstructing the history of the ancient peoples of Altai on the basis of archaeological materials. Among the latter there are imported products, recorded in the mounds of the Xiongnu time (2nd century BC – 1st century AD). The article gives an overview of the results of a comprehensive study of the mirrors. Only one mirror was found intact, and the rest are represented by fragments. This collection of 19 archaeological items is divided into two groups, reflecting the direction of contacts of the Altai population in this period. The first demonstrates Chinese products that could have entered the region indirectly from the Xiongnu who dominated Inner Asia. Some of them were made in the previous period, but were used for a long time. The analyses of metal alloys from the Yaloman-II site supplements the conclusions made during the visual examination. The second group, through its origin, is associated with the cultures of the so-called Sarmatian circle, whose sites were located to the west of the Altai. A separate section of the article is devoted to a discussion of reconstruction of some aspects of the social history of the nomads and their world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thus far, prehistoric rock art has not been featured in the discourse concerned with the archaeology of Poland due to the absence of finds there belonging to this category. This text presents the very first identified specimens of cup marks in the present-day territory of Poland; all differ significantly in terms of context, which consequently determines the potential for interpreting the finds. The first is a boulder which was put in place as grave-marker at a Wielbark Culture site dated to Late Iron Age. The find appears to overlap with the general pattern of regularities observed in the funerary rituals of the Wielbark communities. The second instance is an isolated boulder with cup marks – most likely positioned ex situ – discovered at Wilcza (Greater Poland). Regarding the latter, available information contributes little to determination of chronology of the cup marks and the original location of the boulder in the landscape, thus obscuring the primary function of the feature. The third boulder yielded the most contextual information; it is situated within a complex of numerous Middle Bronze Age barrows in Smoszew, at a site which constitutes a part of the Bronze Age cultural landscape that has survived in the Krotoszyn Forest in southern Greater Poland. For the authors, this very feature served as a basis for a contextual and chronological analysis of rock art which has hitherto remained unknown in Poland. In light of obtained data, the cup-marked boulder from Smoszew should be approached as an element of the funerary landscape created by the Tumulus Culture community and evidence of broader cultural processes which linked particular regions of Europe in the Bronze Age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to view the spatial distribution of Upper Dniester Basin's (Western Ukraine) barrows and to interpret their location principles. These monuments were often situated on the flattened summits of watershed ridges or hills. It appeared also that some of them were located on upper parts of gentle slopes of not more than 8° of inclination. Mounds appear within linear and group-linear arrangements and were rarely observed as clusters, while more specific adjustments to their location were dependant on local terrain morphology. Barrow alignments run along the elevated ridges, while clustered groups were situated in places where erosive indentations or denudation cavities prevented barrows from stretching in a linear pattern. It can be noted that during the spatial development of barrow alignments, more attention was paid to the intervisibility between the mounds, than to their visibility from other places in the landscape. The potential of observing at least one of the following groups of tumuli from every embankment indicates the direction of movement within the framework of the barrow landscape, perhaps augmented in the past by the presence of paths or "roads". Examples of analogous or similar, in a certain sense even universal, practices in shaping barrow landscapes were documented also from various parts of Eurasia. Therefore, it is argued these traits were shared by all "barrow societies" and their origins can be traced to the steppe zone. Specific and repeatable patterns of barrow arrangements are a manifestation of certain knowledge and skills, transmitted over generations and immortalized in the landscape that symbolized the incorporation of territory by "barrow societies". Characteristic mound alignments became a cultural code or institution, as it were – an instrument of familiarising previously unknown landscapes, facilitating movement and simultaneously expressing continuity of kin-lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine and compare the digestible (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) in yellow-dent corn, three low-tannin white sorghum cultivars and three high-tannin red sorghum cultivars when fed to growing pigs. Forty-two barrows (34.8 ± 3.1 kg bodyweight) were housed in metabolic crates and allotted to one of seven diets with six pigs per diet in a completely randomised design. The seven diets were formulated to contain 969 g/kg of corn or one of the six sorghum cultivars as well as 31 g/kg vitamin and minerals. Faeces and urine were collected for 5 days following a 7-day adaptation period. The DE and ME were lower (P < 0.05) for red sorghum than for corn while the values for corn were lower (P < 0.05) than those obtained for white sorghum. The ATTD of GE for pigs fed corn was higher (P < 0.05) than for pigs fed red sorghum but was lower (P < 0.05) than the ATTD of GE for pigs fed white sorghum. Tannin had a high negative correlation with DE and ME (both, r = –0.99; P < 0.01) and the ATTD of GE (r = –0.92; P < 0.01). The DE, ME and ATTD of GE were positively correlated with CP (P < 0.05), and negatively with kafirin/CP and phenols (P < 0.05). However, tannin was negatively correlated with CP (r = –0.85; P < 0.05), or positively with kafirin/CP (r = 0.88; P < 0.01) and phenols (r = 0.77; P < 0.05). Therefore, tannin content in sorghum may be the main anti-nutritional factor. The overall results of this study indicate that low-tannin white sorghum varieties are superior to high-tannin red sorghum varieties for use as an energy source in diets fed to growing pigs, and high-tannin red sorghum varieties should be incorporated into pig diets to ease the demand pressure on corn only if favourably priced in terms of their DE and ME values. It is necessary to accurately evaluate the effective energy in different types of sorghum grain to formulate diets economically and effectively. The effective energy of low-tannin white and high-tannin red sorghum was compared, and low-tannin white sorghum contains more effective energy than high-tannin red sorghum. Therefore, less supplemental energy will be needed when diets are formulated for pigs based on low-tannin white than high-tannin red sorghum varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oesophagogastric ulceration is a common disease in pigs. It is almost exclusively confined to the non-glandular pars-oesophagea. The prevalence of this gastric ulcer has been raised globally. Vitamins and trace elements play important roles in different physiological processes in pigs. Requirements of these elements will depend on ages, physiological statuses and feeds. Hence, there were only limited studies conducted on Methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (also known as Vitamin U), particularly in barrows and gilts. Thus, we investigated the beneficial effects of Vitamin U supplementation on the gastric ulcer problem of finishing pigs. One hundred-forty [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] barrows and gilts (86.5 ± 1.5 kg) were used in a 28-d experiment in a randomized complete blocked design and assigned to TRT1 (basal diet); TRT2- (basal diet + stress), TRT3 (basal diet + 0.05 % Vitamin U), TRT4 (basal diet + aspirin 15g (3 days) + stress), and TRT5 (basal diet + aspirin 15g (3 days) + stress + 0.1 Vitamin U), respectively. The active ingredients of Vitamin U: 50mg/g, MgO 60mg/g, Na2CO3 70mg/g. TRT 5 group pigs showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) compared with other groups. However, there was no significant difference in body condition scores between treatment groups (P > 0.05). Stomach keratinization scores were significantly greater in TRT2 and 4 than in TRT 3 (P < 0.05). In summary, the addition of Vitamin U (stayvill) to the diet improved the degree of gastric ulcer to a certain extent and effectively improve growth performance in finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the general characteristics of kurgan graves of the Sarmatian time that are located in the Steppe Crimea to define their cultural and chronological origins. Today we are aware of 19 suchmonuments. All of them are included in embankments of more ancient barrows. Almost all corpses are directed to the northern sector and only one corpse – to the southern one. The burial items that accompanied them are characterized by chronological frameworks of the 2nd century BC – 1st century AD. Thus, the formation time of 12 complexes refers to the period of AD boundary, and only three burials are dated by the next period. Four burial places cannot be dated exactly. The analogous inlet burials with North-oriented corpse are widespread in Pontic Steppes to the north from the Crimean peninsula. The objects that had been found in them are basically characteristic for the end of the 2ndcentury BC – first half of the 1st century AD. The things, which had been reliably dated by second half of the 1st – beginning of the 2nd centuries AD, may be found in burial places of other funeral tradition (the main sub-barrow burials). So, all described here Crimean monuments are referred to the middle of the 1st century AD. Their main distinctive properties are: use of more ancient barrows for a burial place, primary orientation of the dead in northern sector, insignificant depth of burial places, modesty of funeral stock, etc. All of the above features are also typical for Early-Sarmatian monuments of the Northern Pontic Region, therefore the similar Crimean burial complexes should be referred to the given set of antiquities.

ABSTRACT Objective. To evaluate the effects of different levels of digestible lysine in diets with high energy density on productive performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Materials and Methods. Seventy crossbred barrows (initial body weight of 83.36 kg) were used and allotted in a randomized block design with five treatments, seven replications and two pigs per experimental unit. Pigs were fed ad libitum with diets containing 3.5 kcal/kg of ME and five levels of digestible lysine (0.46, 0.52, 0.58, 0.64 and 0.70%) during four weeks. Final live weight (FLW), daily feed intake (DFI), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FC), daily lysine intake (DLI), and the amount of lysine per body weight gain (DLI/DWG), were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from each pig to determine urea nitrogen concentration (UN) in serum and slaughtered to evaluate quantitative and qualitative carcass characteristics. Results. The FLW increased linearly (p

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selected factors affecting fatty acids (FA) composition in pig fat. In the experiment, the influence of nutrition, gender, carcass weight, lean meat proportion (LMP) and intramuscular fat (IMF) were monitored. The effect of diet, specifically the influence of added linseed or corn on the fatty acids composition in the backfat was studied in pigs. From the perspective of the required increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) only the addition of the linseed proved to have a significant effect. Another evaluated aspect concerning the FA spectrum was the gender. While the backfat in barrows showed higher (P≤0.05) amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), the backfat in gilts displayed a significantly higher proportion (P≤0.01) of the PUFA and total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). A significant effect on the PUFA proportion has also been demonstrated for the lean meat proportion (LMP) parameter, which therefore represents not only a qualitative carcass meat parameter but also plays an important role in relation to the FA composition in the fat in pigs. In connection to the FA proportion changes the study also monitored the fat oxidative stability with the use of the TBARS method. Concerning the oxidative stability the effects of nutrition, FA groups, gender, carcass weight and LMP were studied. The relationship between the above mentioned factors and oxidative stability was found to be insignificant.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of Improvest on the performance and carcass characteristics of gilts from two different genetic sire lines and the performance of Improvest gilts with castrated male pigs. It was hypothesized that performance parameters observed for Improvest gilts would be similar to barrows, thus narrowing the performance gaps between traditionally managed gilts and barrows. Pigs were from Large White/Landrace dams and either Duroc-Pietrain ( DP ) or Duroc ( D ) sires. Females within each genetic sire line were randomized by weight to receive the first dose of Improvest ( IMP ) on day 25 of the study or to serve as a nontreated control (DP IMP gilt ( n  = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D IMP gilt ( n  = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), DP CON gilt ( n  = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D CON gilt ( n  = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen). The second dose of Improvest was administered 6 wk later (i.e., day 67). Barrows did not receive Improvest (DP barrow [ n  = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen], D barrow [ n  = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen]). Average daily gain ( ADG ), average daily feed intake ( ADFI ), and gain-to-feed ratio ( G:F ) were measured at 21 d intervals throughout the duration of the study. The targeted weight for pigs to be marketed was 133 ± 2.5 kg. Carcass characteristics and loin quality parameters were evaluated on a subset of pigs ( n  = 283). Improvest-treated gilts of both genetic lines had increased ( P  ≤ 0.05) ADG and ADFI compared to untreated gilts during the post-second dose intervals with values exceeding that of barrows from day 84 to marketing. Overall, DP IMP gilts had increased ( P  ≤ 0.05) G:F post-second dose compared to DP CON gilts and DP barrows, yet all other treatments were similar. As pigs were marketed at a similar weight, there was no difference in the final weight, however, DP IMP gilts and DP barrows reached market weight sooner ( P  ≤ 0.05) than DP CON gilts (109.9 and 111.8 vs. 114.3 ± 0.8 d). Backfat and loin weight were greater ( P  < 0.01) in IMP gilts versus CON gilts, while IMP gilts and barrows had similar values within each respective genetic sire line. There were no differences between treatments ( P  ≥ 0.08) for pH and instrumental color of the loins. When the pass rate of loins (Japanese color score ≥ 3.0 and marbling ≥ 2.0) was evaluated, IMP gilts were at intermediate values between CON gilts and barrows for each respective genetic sire line. Overall, Improvest within a genetic line improved gilt carcass measurements so that they were more similar to barrows., Competing Interests: M. Mellencamp, D. Amodie, L. VanDeWeyer, and K. A. Vonnahme are employed by Zoetis, the manufacturer of Improvest., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Copyright of Archaeologia Baltica is the property of Archaeologia Baltica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The area of the Upper Dniester Basin in Western Ukraine comprises one of the largest concentrations of barrows with the exception of the steppe zone. This article concerns the absolute chronology of one mound group in Bukivna, built in the Middle Bronze Age by the people of the Komarów culture. It also focuses on reconstructing the spatial arrangement of barrows and explaining the creation of their specific linear alignment. A Bayesian statistical analysis of radiocarbon AMS dates collected from five excavated tumuli revealed the chronological and spatial organization of the Bukivna barrows. Moreover, a seriation and correspondence analysis was performed on pottery from the barrows to expose the chronology of specific ornamentation groups. This research allowed for the scenario of the emergence of mounds in the first half of the 2nd millennium BC to be reconstructed. In light of the presented data, it is theorized that barrows were arranged in linear alignments along selected hill zones, although they did not necessarily proceed in a continuous or defined direction. Structuring of the funerary space resulted from the extension of mound groups, which probably represent family sub-necropolises. Linear arrangements of mounds were derived by merging the particular groups; barrows were erected in areas apart from the ‘planned’ structure, usually during different periods (but sometimes simultaneously). It was only after some time that the final alignment formation was accomplished, thus ending the process of structuring particular fragments of the barrow landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

В 2010—2013 гг. совместной украино-польской археологической экспедицией были возобновлены исследования курганов эпохи бронзы у с. Буковна Тлумачского района Ивано-Франковской области, начатые в 30-е годы 20 в. В лесу к западу от села было зафиксировано пять курганных групп и несколько одиноко стоящих курганов. Ещё несколько курганов располагались на полях к югу от села. В целом могильник насчитывал в древности около 50 насыпей. В курганной группе № 1 было раскопано три кургана, ещё один — в курганной группе № 2. Наиболее ранним среди исследованных является курган № 1 группы № 2. Курган может быть датирован концом III — началом II тыс. до н.э. и синхронизирован с блоком посткатакомбных культур и эпишнуровым горизонтом. Курганы, раскопанные в группе № 1, относятся к раннему этапу комаровской культуры и датируются в пределах второй четверти II тыс. до н.э. Все курганы этой группы содержали украшения из цветных металлов. Керамический комплекс составил более 60 сосудов. Насыпи курганов обеих групп содержали около 2000 кремнёвых изделий, датируемых от палеолита до эпохи поздней бронзы. На памятнике были проведены геодезические, геофизические, палеопедологические, дендрологические, палеоботанические, палинологические, антропологические исследования. Проведены спектральный анализ изделий из металла и радиоуглеродное датирование. In the 2010—2013 Ukrainian-Polish archaeological expedition resumed the study of the Bronze Age barrows near Bukovna village, Tlumach district, Ivano-Frankovsk region, begun in the 30s of the 20th century. In the wood to the west of the village were recorded five burial groups and several mounds standing alone. A few barrows are situated on the fields south of the village. In general, in the ancient times cemetery consisted of about 50 mounds. In group № 1 were excavated three barrows, one more — in the group № 2. The earliest barrow among the studied mounds is № 1 in the group № 2. It can be dated by the late III — beginning of II millennium BC, and synchronized with the Postcatakomb cultures and with Epicorded cultures horizon. The barrows excavated in the group №1 belong to the early phase of Komarovskaya culture and are dated in the limits of the second quarter of II millennium BC. All the barrows of this group contained decorations of nonferrous metals. The general ceramic complex is of more than 60 vessels. Mounds of both groups contained of about 2000 flint artifacts, dated from the Paleolithic to the Late Bronze Age. Geodesic, geophysical, paleopedological, dendrologic, paleobotanic, palynological, anthropological researches on the monument were carried out. A spectral analysis of metal and radiocarbon dating were done.

The third Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Research Student Symposium (NEBARSS) was held at the UCL Institute of Archaeology November 18th–19th, 2016. The conference explored how archaeological research can aid our understanding of social change during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age periods (c. 4000–1500 BCE) through the theme ‘anarchy in the UK?’. This theme challenged speakers to create pasts that disrupt or diverge from linear narratives of social evolution and this review outlines the speakers’ responses to this challenge.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of slaughter weight and sex on slaughter traits and meat quality of Zlotnicka Spotted x Duroc (ZS×D) hybrid fatteners. The material comprised 56 Zlotnicka Spotted × Duroc fatteners (28 barrows and 28 gilts) which were fattened to 245th day of life. Pigs were divided into the following three groups: Group I (n=16) <110 kg; Group II (n=23) ≥110 ≤120 kg, and Group III (n=17) >120 kg. The obtained results revealed influence of the final body weight on slaughter trait values with the exception of meatiness. Fatteners from the group with the highest weight were characterised by the thickest backfat as well as by the greatest height of the loin eye. Slaughter weight exerted a significant impact on protein content, water absorbability as well as on the pH of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. As to the influence of sex on slaughter traits, it was found that gilts were characterised by smaller backfat thickness and higher carcass meatiness than barrows. On the other hand, no effect of the slaughter weight and sex on colour parameters and sensory quality of the LTL muscle was ascertained. All the examined parameters were at high level in all slaughter weight and sex groups. The obtained results suggest that the slaughter of ZS×D crossbreds in groups I and II exerts a beneficial influence on slaughter trait levels and, at the same time, allows maintenance of high meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the digestible (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME) content and the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE) in 4 cereal grains (corn, wheat, barley and sorghum) fed to barrows and to quantify the effect of body weight (BW) on the digestibility of the 4 cereal grains. Twenty-four weanling barrows (13.3 ± 0.8 BW, stage 1), 24 growing barrows (31.6 ± 1.5 BW, stage 2), 24 finishing barrows (56.7 ± 1.8 BW, stage 3) and 24 fattening barrows (111 ± 3.8 BW, stage 4) were individually housed in metabolic crates and allotted to 1 of 4 diets with 6 pigs fed each diet at each BW in a completely randomized design. The 4 diets consisted of 973.4 g/kg of a cereal grain and 26.6 g/kg of vitamins and minerals. Faeces and urine samples were collected for 5 d following a 10 d adaptation period. The DE and ME content and the CATTD of GE in corn and wheat were greater ( P < 0.05) than in barley and sorghum for barrows weighing 13.3 and 31.6 kg. Wheat had higher ( P < 0.05) DE and ME values than barley and sorghum, but these were lower ( P < 0.05) than corn when fed to barrows weighing 56.7 and 111.4 kg. Pigs weighing 111.4 kg had the highest ( P < 0.05) DE and ME values and CATTD of GE when fed corn, wheat or barley. The DE and ME contents and CATTD of GE in sorghum were unaffected by increasing BW of pigs. There was a significant interaction in ME content and CATTD of OM between cereal grain and BW with ME content and CATTD of OM increasing with BW in the corn, wheat and barley and not changing with BW in sorghum ( P < 0.05). Overall, DE and ME values and CATTD of GE were greater for pigs fed corn and wheat than barley and sorghum and the digestive ability of pigs fed any of the cereal grains excluding sorghum was increased with increasing body weight. Therefore, differences in the DE and ME content of different cereal grains for pigs of different BW indicate that the effective energy values of various ingredients for pigs at different physiological stages should be considered in order to accurately and economically formulate diets based on these cereal grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 228 crossbred pigs were used to investigate the effect of gender (gilts and barrows), density at housing (0.84 and 0.76 m2/pig) and the interaction on growth performance and carcass and merit from 19.4 to 110 kg body weight. Feed intake of gilts increased as the space allowance decreased but no effect was observed in barrows (p

This experiment was performed to investigate the effects of lysine (Lys) to DE ratio on growth performance, and carcass characterics in finishing barrows. Ninety six cross-bred finishing barrows ((Landrace×Yorkshire) ×Duroc, average BW 58.25±0.48 kg) were assigned as a randomized complete block design by 2 energy levels and 4 Lys:DE ratios on the basis of BW to one of 8 treatments with 3 replications with 4 animals per pen. The levels of DE and Lys:DE ratio for each treatment were i) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 1.5 g Lys/Mcal DE, ii) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 1.8 g Lys/Mcal DE, iii) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 2.1 g Lys/Mcal DE, iv) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 2.4 g Lys/Mcal DE, v) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 1.5 g Lys/Mcal DE, vi) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 1.8 g Lys/Mcal DE, vii) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 2.1 g Lys/Mcal DE, viii) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 2.4 g Lys/Mcal DE. During finishing period from 58 kg to 103 kg of BW, increased energy density in the diet increased (p

John Robert Mortimer (1825–1911) dominated archaeological activity in the East Riding of Yorkshire during the second half of the nineteenth century, devoting much of his adult life to the systematic and careful examination of large numbers of prehistoric barrows on the chalklands of the Yorkshire Wolds (Harrison 1996a). So thoroughly was this objective pursued that he was later able to write that it would not be possible ‘to make another collection from the barrows of this district … as they are practically exhausted’ (Mortimer 1898:141). He can, with justification, be described as the last of the great barrow-diggers.

Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade ileal verdadeira da proteína e dos aminoácidos digestíveis de um extrato protéico de levedura utilizando-se duas técnicas - dieta isenta de proteína (DIP) e dieta com caseína hidrolisada enzimaticamente (CHE) - para determinação das perdas endógenas de proteína, aminoácidos e nitrogênio. Foram utilizados 12 suínos mestiços, machos castrados, com peso médio de 35 kg, submetidos previamente a cirurgia para implantação da cânula T simples. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (dieta com CHE; dieta isenta de proteína (DIP); e dieta com 23% do extrato protéico de levedura - ingrediente teste), quatro repetições e um animal por unidade experimental. As perdas endógenas de ácido glutâmico, ácido aspártico, lisina, arginina e serina diferiram entre as dietas; os maiores valores foram obtidos nos animais que receberam a dieta com CHE. O maior valor de perda endógena do aminoácido glicina foi determinado nos animais alimentados com a dieta DIP. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade ileal verdadeira de metionina, treonina, triptofano e serina determinados pelas perdas endógenas utilizando-se a dieta CHE foram superiores àqueles determinados utilizando a dieta DIP. As quantidades das secreções protéicas e de aminoácidos obtidas pela técnica da CHE foram maiores que as determinadas pela técnica da DIP. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade verdadeira da proteína foram menores e os dos aminoácidos, maiores, quando determinados pela técnica CHE.The objective of this study was to determine the true ileal digestibility coefficients of the protein and digestible amino acid of a yeast protein extract using two techniques - diet without protein (DIP) and diet with enzime-hydrolysed casein (CHE) - for the determination of protein amino acid and nitrogen losses. Twelve half-breed barrows were used, with average weight of 35 kg, previously submitted to a surgery for "T" simple cannula implantation. A completely randomized experimental design with three treatments, four replications and one animal per experimental unit was used. The treatments diets with CHE, DIP diet with 23% CP were constituted by yeast protein extract. Endogenous losses of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine, arginine and serine differ among diets, the higher values were observed for animals consumed CHE diet. The higher endogenous losses values observed for glycine was determined in the animals fed DIP diet. The true ileal digestibility coefficients of methionine, threonine, tryptophan and serine determined with the endogenous losses using CHE diet were higher than those determined using DIP diet. The amounts of protein and amino acids secretions obtained by using CHE technique were higher than those obtained by the DIP technique. True protein digestibility coefficients of protein were lower and amino acid higher when determined by CHE technique.

Copyright of Lietuvos Archeologija is the property of Lithuanian Institute of History and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The third Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Research Student Symposium (NEBARSS) was held at the UCL Institute of Archaeology November 18th-19th, 2016. The conference explored how archaeological research can aid our understanding of social change during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age periods (c. 4000-1500 BCE) through the theme 'anarchy in the UK?'. This theme challenged speakers to create pasts that disrupt or diverge from linear narratives of social evolution and this review outlines the speakers' responses to this challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Em dois ensaios simultâneos avaliou-se níveis de energia metabolizável (EM) e de lisina digestível (LIS) para suínos de linhagem específica, na fase de crescimento, criados em condições de isolamento sanitário. Foram utilizados 72 machos castrados com 23,34 ± 1,62 kg e 72 marrãs com 21,56 ± 2,86 kg. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3, com seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos decorreram da combinação dos fatores EM (3.270 e 3.500 kcal/kg de ração) e LIS (0,83; 1,03 e 1,23%). Não houve interação dos fatores, mas foram constatados efeitos principais de EM e LIS sobre as variáveis de desempenho. Os machos castrados apresentaram respostas diferenciadas aos níveis crescentes de lisina dietética, com aumento linear no ganho em peso, enquanto no consumo de ração e na conversão alimentar ocorreu respostas quadráticas. As marrãs apresentaram redução linear na conversão alimentar em resposta à elevação da concentração de lisina na dieta. Criados com separação de sexo e em condições desejáveis de saúde, na fase de crescimento, suínos machos castrados e marrãs da linhagem genética estudada, responderam eficientemente ao acréscimo de lisina digestível nas dietas. Os benefícios dietéticos da lisina no desempenho dos machos castrados não dependeram dos níveis estudados de energia. Nas marrãs, a melhor conversão alimentar foi obtida com dietas de 3.500 kcal EM, caracterizando a maior eficiência na utilização dos nutrientes para as necessidades de desempenho, em comparação aos machos castrados.Two assays run simultaneously to evaluate the levels of metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible lysine (LYS) for growing pigs from specific strain on sanitary isolation conditions. Seventy-two castrated males averaging 23.34 ± 1.62 kg and 72 gilts averaging 21.56 ± 2.86 kg were assigned to a randomized blocks design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement and six replications of two animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of the combination of energy (3,270 and 3,500 kcal of ME/kg) and lysine levels (0.83, 1.03, and 1.23% digestible). No interaction of energy x protein levels was observed, although effects of the main factors on performance variables were detected. Castrated males showed linear increase of weight gain and quadractic of feed intake and feed:gain ratio, as the dietary lysine levels increased. Linear decrease on feed: gain ratio in response to the dietary lysine concentration was noticed for gilts. Castrated males and gilts in the growing phase on sanitary isolation conditions and healthy conditions showed positive response to the dietary digestible lysine increase. Effects of dietary lysine levels on performance of castrated males did not depend on the energy levels. Gilts fed diets with 3,500 kcal of ME/kg showed the best feed:gain ratio, that confirmed the greatest results of nutrient efficiency utilization in relation to the castrated males.