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The experiment was started with 1,508 Rhode Island Red (RIR) and 1,820 Rhode Island White (RIW) type non-beak-trimmed day-old pullets, which were originated from 58 RIR and 70 RIW different pedigree cocks, respectively. From all of the 128 cocks 26 half sibling offspring were tested. The pure line pullets were raised up to 18 weeks of age in a closed building, in deep litter pens and moved to the laying house and placed into three types of keeping systems [furnished cage, alternative pen (litter and floor) and conventional cage] thereafter. The number of dead birds and the cause of mortality were recorded daily during the whole rearing and egg-laying period, up to 72 weeks of age. During the rearing period the most frequent cause of mortality was wasting, which accounted for nearly 36% of the total mortality. Aggression was responsible for 28.3% of the total mortality. Depending on the type of the pullets (RIR or RIW), differences were observed in the frequency of occurrence of mortality causes. For example, oedema and beak deformation occurred only in the RIR, whereas technological injury and aggression only in the RIW pullets during the rearing period. During the egg-laying period aggression was the most common cause of mortality. Its lowest occurrence was observed in the alternative pens. In both of the examined types there were found cocks, whose offspring died exclusively by aggression, and cocks, whose offspring did not show any loss due to aggression. The ratio of these cocks differed significantly (P

Simple Summary The spread of both alternative and non-cage laying hen housing systems and the more forceful European refusal of beak trimming generate new problems in commercial egg production. The hybrid layers, which have been genetically selected under cage housing conditions for more decades, have lively temperament, are more susceptible for feather pecking and, in more cases, they are expressly aggressive, which led to permanent conflict situations in the large group keeping systems. Therefore, the omission of beak trimming could lead to an increased risk for feather pecking and consequently to a risk for increased mortality in the hen house by using the current commercial layers. Therefore, changes in the live weight, plumage and body condition, egg production, and mortality of different TETRA pure line non-beak-trimmed laying hens were compared during the egg-production period in our study, where the plumage condition was considered as an indicator trait for feather pecking. Our results confirm the findings of former studies that the genetic background of the hens is an important factor impacting feather pecking and suggest that breeding for an improved plumage condition might be a potential way to improve animal welfare in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks. Abstract The experiment was carried out with altogether 1740 non-beak-trimmed laying hens, which originated from Bábolna TETRA Ltd., representing two different types (Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Rhode Island White (RIW)) and four different lines (Lines 1–2: RIR, Lines 3–4: RIW). The plumage and body condition of randomly selected 120 hens (30 hens/line) was examined at 20, 46, and 62 weeks of age. The egg production and the mortality of the sampled hens were recorded daily. Based on the results, it was established that the lines differ clearly in most of the examined traits. It was also pointed out that injurious pecking of the hens resulted not only in damages in the plumage but also in the body condition. The results obviously demonstrated that the highest egg production and the lowest mortality rate were reached by those hens, which had the best plumage and body condition. Because the occurrence of injurious pecking seems to depend on the genetic background, selection of the hens (lines, families, individuals) for calm temperament will be very important in the future in order to maintain the high production level in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks.

Growing rabbits’ (42 rabbits/group, 3 rabbits/cage, 14 cages/treatment) diet was supplemented with 5% Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and 3% thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) powder single (S or T) and in combination (ST) between 35 and 77 days of age. On day 0 (weaning at 35 days of age) 14 rabbits were vaccinated with 100 μg/animal ovalbumin to provoke immune response. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 14, 28 and 42 of the experimental period. Sampling dates significantly influenced total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, urea, creatinine concentration and enzyme (AST, ALT, GGT) activities, with a significant age × diet interaction in the case of TP and CREA. There was a significant increase in ALT (+45 and 74%) and GGT (+87 and 102%) activity after immunisation. While Spirulina and thyme significantly ameliorated the rise in AST activity, their effect was inefficient in the case of GGT. Spirulina, both single and in combination showed a tendency in higher IgG level as compared to control (P0.05). Higher MDA concentration was measured in the red blood cells of S, T and ST animals, while no other significant diet effect on the antioxidant parameters was detected, however, significant sampling date × diet interaction was found in the case of GPx activity. Plasma GGT (increase by 19-66%) was inversely associated with GSH (decrease by 66-113%) between days 0 to 42 of the experimental period (r=-0.57, P

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of production system on the meat quality of slow- and medium-growing chickens. A total of 1075 1-d-old male chicks were equally divided into 6 experimental groups, represented by three strains (SG: TETRA-H, MG1: TETRA HB Color, MG2: Shaver Farm) and were reared in a poultry house in floor pens (12 males/m(2)). 2. On d 49, 150 healthy birds (50/genotype) were placed in a free-range family farm while the rest of the birds remained indoors. All birds were fed ad libitum and consumed the same diet. On d 70, 20 birds of each experimental group were slaughtered and muscle samples were taken from the left breast and thigh muscles. 3. Thigh muscle of SG males kept on free range was darker (L* = 75.12 vs. 78.33) with lower frying loss (45.9% vs. 55.9%) compared with the indoor group. Similar results were obtained from the MG1 group. Free-range MG2 males had lighter thigh meat (L* = 50.7 vs. 57.8) and lower frying loss compared to the indoor group. 4. In general, the indoor treatment had a lower impact on breast meat than the outdoor system. Regardless of the rearing system, genotypic differences were more pronounced in thigh than in breast muscle.

Non-invasive computerized tomography was performed on commercial broiler chickens, in both sexes, between 4 to 18 weeks of age, with the aim of body composition measurement. On the basis of 16–32 scans gathered from each bird during the scanning procedure, volumetric measurement of the breast muscle was performed. These values were at the 259; 493; 786 cm3 and 195; 460; 668 cm3 in male and female birds at the age of 6, 12 and 18 weeks, respectively. The total body fat content was characterized by the so called „fat index”, a value independent of the live weight. This indices were 7,3; 7,14; 9,48 and 8,8; 13,3; 21,6 following the above order. Total body fat and crude protein was determined both by CT and chemical analysis. The variables of the prediction equations were taken from the density values of the Hounsfield scale between −140 and +150, by summarizing the frequencies within each interval of 10 values. Several models were developed with Principal Component Analysis. The R² values of the estimations were high (R2 = 0,89; 0,88) for total body fat but moderate (R2 = 0,39; 0,44) in the prediction of crude protein content. The investigation of the tissue development in the body was carried out by means of 3D histograms.

1. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in the production and in the body and egg composition of 45 TETRA SL brown egg layers and 45 TETRA BLANCA white egg layers during the first egg-laying period. 2. Changes in the body composition of the hens were followed in vivo by means of computed tomography (CT) four-weekly, between 20 and 72 weeks of age. The measurements covered the whole body of the hens using overlapping 10 mm slice thicknesses on a Siemens Somatom Emotion 6 multislice CT scanner. 3. The yolk, albumen and shell ratio of the eggs, produced on the days of the CT measurements by the hens, were determined and their composition was analysed chemically. 4. The body fat content of the hens increased continuously until 44 weeks of age and plateaued thereafter in both genotypes. However, the body fat content of the white egg layers was always higher than that of the brown egg layers. 5. The yolk ratio and the dry matter and crude fat content of the eggs of white egg layers were higher than the brown egg layers throughout the experiment. 6. Moderate correlations were observed in both genotypes between the body fat content of the hens and egg yolk ratio of their eggs.

1. Computed tomography was used for the in vivo determination of yolk ratio in 7000 domestic hen eggs, originated from two markedly different genotypes, in order to examine the effect of egg yolk ratio, gender and genotype on the development of hatched chicks. 2. Eggs with extremely low, average and extremely high yolk ratio were chosen for further investigation (n = 350 in each group in both genotypes). After incubating the selected eggs, hatched birds were reared and slaughtered at 11 weeks of age. 3. The yolk ratio of eggs significantly affected the body composition of the chickens at hatching and during rearing to 8-9 weeks of age. 4. Chickens of a genotype selected partly for weight gain had significantly higher live weight from hatching to the end of the rearing period and had better slaughter characteristics than those of the dual purpose TETRA-H genotype. 5. At hatching, only the dry matter content of the body was affected by the gender of the birds. The effect of gender on the live weight and body composition of chickens was evident from the 5th week of age to the time of slaughter. 6. It was concluded that eggs with a low yolk ratio were most beneficial for broiler production, because chickens hatched from these eggs had the highest slaughter weight and muscle index and the lowest fat index for their body mass.

The effect of different weaning ages, that is, 21 (G21), 28 (G28) or 35 (G35) days, on growth and certain parameters of the digestive tract was examined in rabbits to assess the risk of early weaning attributable to the less-developed digestive system. On days 35 and 42, G35 rabbits had 10% to 14% and 10% higher BW, respectively (P < 0.05), than those weaned at days 21 and 28. In the 4th week of life, early weaned animals had 75% higher feed intake than G28 and G35 rabbits (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver increased by 62% between 21 and 28 days of age, and thereafter it decreased by 76% between 35 and 42 days of age (P < 0.05), with G21 rabbits having 29% higher weight compared with G35 animals on day 35 (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract increased by 49% and 22% after weaning in G21 and G28 rabbits, respectively (P < 0.05). On day 28, the relative weight of the GI tract was 19% higher in G21 than in G28 rabbits, whereas on day 35 G21 and G28 animals had a 12% heavier GI tract compared with G35 rabbits (P < 0.05). Age influenced the ratio of stomach, small intestine and caecum within the GI tract; however, no effect of different weaning age was demonstrated. The pH value of the stomach and caecum decreased from 5.7 to 1.6 and from 7.1 to 6.3, respectively, whereas that of the small intestine increased from 6.8 to 8.4 (P < 0.05); the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Strictly anaerobic culturable bacteria were present in the caecum in high amounts (108), already at 14 days of age; no significant difference attributable to weaning age was demonstrable. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids (tVFA) was higher in G21 than in G28 and G35 throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). The proportion of acetic and butyric acid within tVFA increased, whereas that of propionic acid decreased, resulting in a C3 : C4 ratio decreasing with age. Early weaning (G21) resulted in higher butyric acid and lower propionic acid proportions on day 28 (P < 0.05). No interaction between age and treatment was found, except in relative weight of the GI tract and caecal content. In conclusion, early weaning did not cause considerable changes in the digestive physiological parameters measured, but it resulted in 10% lower growth in rabbits.

The effect of a non-medicated diet with or without a grain extract feed additive (benzoquinones as main active ingredients) on the growth of rabbits and certain physiological indicators of the digestive tract was examined. One-day-old rabbits of average birth weight were distributed into litters of eight, and these litters were randomly divided into three groups (21-22 litters/group). The control group (Group C) received a basal diet. The diet fed to rabbits of Group IM, was supplemented with a feed additive containing natural basic ingredients (Immunovet-HBM, 1 kg/t); the diet fed to Group M was medicated (tiamulin, oxytetracycline and diclazuril). Three days prior to kindling and up to weaning at 21 days of age of the pups, the does were fed one of the three diets ad libitum. Young rabbits were allowed to consume the same diets beside their mother’s milk before weaning. Significant (p < 0.05) difference in body weight between groups was detected only at the ages of 4 and 8 weeks. The pH of the gastric content remained significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Group IM after weaning. Rabbits in Group IM showed the highest pancreatic enzyme (trypsin, lipase, α-amylase) activities throughout the period studied. The composition of microflora of the caecum was only slightly altered by the treatment. The total volatile fatty acid content (tVFA) increased with age and from day 28 it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the C and IM group than in M rabbits. The proportion of butyric acid was lower than that of propionic acid even on the 42nd day in Group M. From the results of this study it is clear that the early weaning of rabbits can be accomplished by the use of a non-medicated diet without any decrease in weight gain. In our study the grain extract feed additive exerted a beneficial effect by increasing the pancreatic enzyme activity and maintaining a better VFA ratio.

A total 120 laying hens (60 TETRA BLANCA white egg layers and 60 TETRA SL brown egg layers) were selected from 250 TETRA BLANCA and 250 TETRA SL pullets based on their predicted body fat content by means of computed tomography (CT) at 16 weeks of age. Three groups of pullets were chosen for the investigation with the highest (n = 20), lowest (n = 20) and average (n = 20) body fat content. Changes in the live weight, body fat content, egg production and egg composition of the chosen animals were recorded at 32, 52 and 72 weeks of age. Based on the results, it was established that differences in starting body fat content of the hens remained the same during the experimental period. The differences between the two extreme groups were statistically significant at each age. The starting body fat content of the hens affected the rate of egg production, i.e. hens with high starting body fat content produced 11-14 eggs fewer than the hens with a low or average body fat content but had no effect on the composition of the eggs. Genotype affected almost all of the examined traits: TETRA BLANCA hens had lower live weight and higher body fat content during the experimental period and produced fewer eggs with lower albumen and higher yolk, dry matter and crude fat content than the TETRA SL hens.

non-destructive method to predict the total lipid content and the lean body mass (LBM) was evaluated by measuring the total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) with common carp. This technique is based on the principle that body fat and fat-free mass differ in electric properties which can be measured in a low-frequency electromagnetic field. Experimental fish with average body weight of 1225 ± 298 g originated from a commercial stock. Fish were slaughtered immediately after the measurements and homogenized samples were taken from the grinded whole-body. The fat content of the homogenates was analysed using Soxhlet extraction after hydrochloric acid digestion. The weight of lean body mass (LBM) was calculated as the difference between the live weight and the weight of fat determined. The TOBEC method provided very precise estimation of lean body mass (R2 = 0.99). Total body lipid content (in gram) can also be predicted from the E value and live weight with adequate accuracy (R2 = 0.66) in the size range of 706–1989 g in common carp. The predictibility of the crude fat content (in %) was moderate (R2 = 0.37) in the present investigation. It could not be increased significantly by including other body measurements as standard lenght, height and circumference. Fat content of table-sized, sexually matured common carp can be estimated at a precision level that may be adequate only if high selection pressure has to be applied in a breeding program.

Title of the paper: Effect of selection on body fat content by means of the TOBEC method on some reproductive traits of rabbit does and on the body composition of growing rabbits In this experiment body fat content of Pannon White growing rabbits was determined at 10 weeks of age using an EM-SCAN SA-3152 type Small Animal Body Composition Analyser (TOBEC method). Based on the fat content determined the best and worst 16% of the does and the best and worst 8% of the bucks were chosen and mated with each other (fatty doe with fatty buck and lean doe with lean buck). It was found that the conception rate was significantly higher and the number of inseminations needed for the second kindling significantly lower in the case of fatty rabbits. An important, but not significant difference was observed in the case of total litter size at birth, which decreased in the case of live born litter size. This reason was the significantly higher ratio of the dead born pups in the case of non-fatty rabbits. Due to the higher ratio of total litter loss and suckling mortality in the case of fatty rabbits the litter size at 21 days differed notably, but again not significantly. In the offsprings of the F1 generation it was found that the fat content estimated and also the ratio of scapular and abdominal fat to the live weight calculated differed significantly (P < 0.05) from each other in the two experimental groups. The estimated fat content was 42% higher in the offsprings of fatty than in the offsprings of non-fatty rabbits. The differences in the ratio of the scapular and abdominal fat content to the live weight were 26% and 51%, respectively.

Five hundred and eighty-four Pannon White kits of 73 newborn litters were submitted to one of five treatments. Control litters (SS) were nursed once a day for 35 days post partum (traditional method of nursing). DD litters were raised by two does and the kits were nursed both in the morning and in the evening until day 35 post partum. DS litters were nursed twice a day for 23 days, and then once a day until weaning at 35 days. Part of the DS litters were nursed at 08:00 and 20:00 h (i.e. every 12 h, DS12), the rest were nursed at 08:00 and at 16:00 h (DS8). Kits of the fifth treatment (D0) were nursed twice a day until day 23, and then immediately weaned.Rabbit kits that were nursed twice a day (DD, DS12, DS8, D0) consumed on average 1·89 more milk compared with SS individuals until day 23 (overall treatment effect P < 0·001). The 21-day body weight of these young was 1·7 times greater than that of the SS kits (overall P < 0·001). D0 rabbits were weaned early and their growth curve showed a slight break at this point. However, they compensated for this lag by the end of the fattening period. SS rabbits and DD ones were respectively the first and the last to start consuming solid food. The food consumption of DS rabbits was similar to that of DD until day 23 and from then until day 35 it was not significantly different from that of SS. After having been weaned on day 23, D0 kits consumed only very small quantities of pellets for 2 days. Afterwards their food intake increased abruptly. Rabbits that were nursed twice a day (DD, DS12, DS8 and D0) consumed more food as compared with the SS individuals throughout the total period of fattening (157 v. 137 g/day; P < 0·05). The weight at 10 weeks of age was 2·49 v. 2·88 kg (overall P < 0·001), respectively for SS and doublenursed (DD, DS, D0) rabbits. Nursing twice a day did not affect dressing proportion but the proportion of the carcass in the front part of the body decreased slightly (318 v. 323 g/kg; P < 0·05) while that in intermediate part increased (321 v. 307 g/kg; P < 0·05). Nevertheless, rabbits that were nursed twice a day had more (P < 0·05) perirenal + scapular fat and produced heavier livers. Total fat content of the empty body, however, was not significantly higher, with the one exception of the DD rabbits which had higher levels than any other group. The results of our experiment show clearly that the growth potential of rabbit kits is strongly limited by the milk availability during the first weeks post partum.

Applicability of computer tomography (CT) was examined for the in vivo determination of egg yolk ratio in commercial hen’s eggs. Altogether 60 eggs were measured by CT, and two different evaluation methods were tested for the prediction of the egg yolk ratio. Because of the overlapping of the X-ray density values of the yolk and albumen, the evaluation based on the X-ray absorption seems not to be useful for the in vivo prediction of the egg yolk ratio. The determination of the surface of the egg yolk on the cross-sectional images resulted in a 69.3-74.1% accuracy of prediction, depending on the number of scans involved in the evaluation.

In this paper authors reviewed the history of the International Symposium „Animal Science Days” from the beginning up to now. After showing the antecedents of this scientific meeting the places and topics of the former symposiums were demonstrated. After reviewing the development of this event in the last 18 years, collaborations based on the quadrilateral cooperation of the partner universities were demonstrated. As results of these scientific cooperations common publications and also the importance of collaboration in the field of education were evaluated. For further collaborations the fields of common interests and also the internationally available funding were demonstrated. Based on this review it was concluded that “Animal Science Days” symposium contributed significantly to the scientific and educational life of each partner university and the agriculture of the Alps-Adriatic region. The partner universities have further possibilities to extend their collaborations, but a joint lobby for creating new funding possibilities would be a great help for them., U ovom radu prikazana je povijest odvijanja međunarodnog znanstvenog simpozija „Stočarski znanstveni dani” od njegovog početka do danas. Nakon prikaza samog početka ovog simpozija, pobrojana su mjesta i teme kojima su se bavili dosadašnji simpoziji. Također prikazana je suradnja između sveučilišta koja sudjeluju u organizaciji ovog simpozija. Kao rezultat te suradnje objavljen je velik broj zajedničkih publikacija te je naglašeno značenje suradnje u polju edukacije. Također su navedene područja moguće suradnje u budućnosti kao i mogućnosti korištenja međunarodnih izvora financiranja simpozija. na osnovu ovog pregleda može se zaključiti da „stočarski znanstveni dani” daju značajan doprinos poboljšanju znanstvene i nastavne kvalitete na partnerskim sveučilištima kao i poljoprivredi uopće na području regije Alpe –adira. Partnerska sveučilišta imaju mogućnosti proširenja suradnje, ali je pri tome potrebno zajedničko lobiranje za dobivanje sredstava koja bi im pomogla u tome.

[EN] An experiment using Magnetic Resonance lmaging (MRI) tomography were done inwlving 87 rabbits el four genotypes, 12 or 16 weeks old. MRI was applied on the day before slaughter. The slices were taken in three orthogonal planes. The resufting pictures indicate that MRI provides very detailed slices. The volume of the fat deposit around the kldneys, the tml body fat volume of the body and the muscle el the hind part was collected from the MRI pictures. Correlation coefficients were computad between the volume of the perirenal fat ancl its weight, the muscle volume el the hind part ancl its weight, the tctal body fat volume and the crude fat content. The correlation values were found to be very high (O. n to 0.94) in the group of age 16 proving that the MRI tomograph is a excellent In vivo method to determine the volumes of fat and muscle. The la.ver correlation values in the group el age 12 (0.39 to 0.76) indicate that the MRI tomography is sensitiva to the digital sampling errors., [FR] Un total de 87 laplns appartensnt lt 4 génotypes ~s de 12 lt 16 semalnes ont été étudlés par lmsgerie en résonance magnétique (IRM). Les laplns ont été ana/ysés par IRM Is vei//e de fsbattage. Les "coupes• ont été réalisées dans 3 p/Bns orthogonaux. Les images obtenues pour chaque coupe sont tres détaillées. Le volume de la masse adipeuse p(riénBle, de fensemble des masses adipeuses du COITJS et ce/ui des masses musculaires de farrilJre de fanimal ont été détermlnées par analyse de coupes. Les coefficients de corrélation entre ces volumes détermlnés par IRM et /eur poids mesuré par dissection aprés abattage sont de O, 77 lt 0,94 chez les laplns de 16 semalnes. Ceci atieste que f/RM est une bonne méthode pour la mesure in vivo des volumes de tissu adipeux ou musculaire. Les vBleurs beaucoup plus faibles des corrélations obtenues chez les laplns de 12 semalnes, (0,39 it O, 76) montrent la limite de f/RM pour ce type d'étude (faible masse des tissus adipeux) en raison de se sensibilité aux erreurs d'analyse des images infonnatiques numérlsées, This work was supported by the E.C. (Copernicus) as a part of project CIPA-CT93-0206. The authors gratefully ackowledge E. Biro-Németh, L. Radnai and the staff of the CT Biological Centre of the Pannon Agricultural University for their expert assistance

[EN] For 267 Pannon White growing rabbits of both sexes slaughtered at a body weight of 2.2-2.4, 2.4-2.6, 2.6-2.8, 2.8-3.0, 3.0- 3.2, 3.2-3.4 and 3.4-3.5 kg, the average dressing percentage was 59.5, 60.7, 61.9, 62.2, 61.4, 62.4 and 62.1 % respectively. While the weight of live animals increased by about 50 % between 2.29 and 3.42 kg the change in the weight of blood (23 %), full gastrointestinal tract (26 %) and head (35 %) were the lowest, whereas the intermediate part (65 %), liver (82 %), skin (73 %), meat on hind legs (74 %), meat on the intermediate part (85 %) and perirenal fat (326 %) gained weight the most rapidly. 129 Pannon White rabbits were slaughtered between 2.2 and 3.5 kg live weight. The water, protein, fat and ash content of their meat was analyzed in the M. longissimus dorsi (LD), hind leg (HL) and M. /ongíssimus dorsi + belly (LD + B). Water content averaged 74.8, 73.8 and 71.0 % in LO, HL and LD + B respectively, whereas protein, fat and ash content averaged 23.1, 22.1 and 21.7 %, 1.08, 3.24 and 6.39 %, 1.15, 1.09 and 1.04 % respectively, in the arder of the meat parts Usted above. Water content decreased and fat content increased with increasing weight (r = -0.47, -0.33 and -0.51, r = 0.38, 0.31 and 0.45 for water and fat contents of LD, HL and LD + B respectively). Protein and ash content did not change significantly with weight., [FR] Pour 267 /apins en croissance de génotype Pannon White, des deux sexes, abattus au poids vif de 2,2-2,4; 2,4-2,6; 2,6-2,8; 2,8-3,0; 3,0- 3,2 ; 3,2-3,4 ; 3,4-3,5 kg, le rendement moyen a /'abattage a été de 59,5 - 60, 7 - 61,9 - 62,2 - 61,4 - 62,4 et 62, 1% respectivement. A/ors que le poids vif des animaux augmente d'environ 50% entre 2,29 et 3,42 kg, les augmentations de poids du sang (23%), du tractus gastrointestinal plein (26%), et de la téte (35%) ont été inférieures a cene du poids vif. A /'inverse, les augmentations de poids du rSble (65%), du foie (72%), de la peau (73%), des muse/es des pattes arriares ou du rSble (7 4% et 85%) et surtout du gras périrénal (326%) ont été plus rapides que ce/le du poids vif. Par ailleurs, 129 lapins Pannon White ont été abattus entre 2,2 et 3,5 kg de poids vif. Les teneurs en eau, protéines, lipides et matiares minéra/es ont été déterminées pour le muse/e longissimus dorsi (LO), /es muse/es d'une patte arriare (HL) et /'ensemble muscu/aire longissimus dorsi + paroi abdominale (LO + B). La teneur moyenne en eau est de 74,8- 73,8 et 71,0% pour LO, HL et LO+ B, tandis que les teneurs moyennes en protéines, lipides et minéraux des mémes ensemb/es muscu/aires sont de 23, 1 - 22, 1 et 21, 7 % ; 1,08 - 3,24 et 6,39% ; 1, 15 - 1,09 et 1,04 respectivement. Quand le poids vif augmente, la teneur en eau diminue et la teneur en lipides augmente (r = -0,47, -0,33 et -0,51 ; r = +0,38 ; +0,31 et +0,45 pour /'eau et les lipides de LO, HL et LO + B, respectivement). Les teneurs en protéines et en matiares minérales ne varient pes significativement avec le poíds vif.

1. Using the so-called TOBEC (Total Body Electrical Conductivity) method, which allows the determination of egg composition in vivo, correlations between egg composition, hatchability and hatched chicks' development were studied. 2. A total of 1500 hen eggs (Ross-308) were measured by TOBEC, and eggs with extremely high (10%, n = 150), extremely low (10%, n = 150) and average (10%, n = 150) electrical conductivity values were chosen for further investigation. 3. During the incubation period, it was observed that eggs with high electrical conductivity had a significantly higher mortality than eggs with low electrical conductivity. 4. It was observed that both the increase in electrical conductivity at the same egg weight, and the increase in egg weight at the same electrical conductivity resulted in an increase in the hatching weight. 5. It was found that the dry matter, protein and fat content of the chicks hatched from eggs with low electrical conductivity was higher at hatching than that of the chicks hatched from eggs with high electrical conductivity. 6. At 42 d of age the liveweight of cocks and pullets hatched from eggs with low electrical conductivity was 3.2 and 8.2% higher than the liveweight of cocks and pullets hatched from eggs with high electrical conductivity. 7. Because of the higher liveweight at slaughter, there was a significant superiority of the chicks hatched from eggs with low electrical conductivity in the case of the examined carcase traits at slaughter. 8. Similar tendencies were found also in the ratios of carcase variables to liveweight, but the between group differences were not statistically significant in this case. 9. Based on the results it was concluded that TOBEC seems to be a useful method for separating eggs with different composition. 10. This could be a good starting point for further in vivo investigations in order to clarify the effect of egg composition on hatchability and further development.

The effect of nursing method and ingestion of maternal faeces on the development of the bacteroides, lactobacillus and coliform flora of the caecum in the first 10 days of life were examined in freely nursed pups having access to maternal faeces (Group FF), pups nursed once a day and having access (Group CF), or having no access (Group CN) to maternal faeces. Colonisation of the caecum by Bacteroides commenced already on day 3 after birth. On day 2 the bacteroides counts were below 100, while on day 4 they were already between 100 and 10000. In Group CN, the Bacteroides counts were lower (by 14 to 40%) throughout the 10-day period studied than in the groups having access to maternal faeces. Differences between groups were significant only on days 4 and 6. The average number of maternal faecal pellets left behind the doe in Group CN was 3-4 (between 0.5 and 6.4 per doe). In Groups FF and CF the pellets became smaller, crumbled and finally disappeared from the nest box, they were consumed by the pups and could be found in their gastric content. The lactobacillus counts decreased in all three groups with age, from 6.0 to 3.5 loglO CFU·g -1 (FF), 4.6 to 2.8 log 10 CFU·g -1 (CF) and 5.1 to3.1 log10 CFU·g -1 (CN), respectively. The coliform counts were higher in the first 4 days in FF (5.6 log10 CFU·g -1 ) than in CF (< 2 log10 CFU·g -1 ) and CN (2-3.6 log10 CFU·g -1 ) animals. Bacteroides could be cultured from the surface of the vulvar labia (max. 1000 colony count) and the vagina (max. 190 colony count), so young rabbits could become "infected" by them already in the doe's vagina. Thus prevention of ingestion of maternal faeces only slightly influenced the development of the bacteroides flora, the faeces left behind by the doe did not play an exclusive role in their colonisation.

Pannon White rabbits of average ± 1 S.D. live weight at 10 weeks and of average ± 1 S.D. daily weight gain between 6 and 10 weeks of age were chosen from the experimental stock of our university, and their fat content was determined with an EM-SCAN SA-3152 type small animal body composition analyser (by means of TOBEC method) at 10 weeks of age. Based on the fat content determined, the best and worst 16% of the does and the best and worst 8% of the bucks were chosen and mated with each other (fatty doe with fatty buck and lean doe with lean buck). Their offspring were examined by computer tomography (CT) weekly between 6 and 11 weeks of age. Cross-sectional images (scans) were taken from the scapular arch to the end of the femur on each animal. From this scans the amount of fat was determined and its ratio to the total amount of body was calculated in the scapular, perirenal and pelvic region. In the most cases it was established that the total body fat content and also fat content in the scapular, perirenal and pelvic regions are significantly higher in the offspring of fatty rabbits as in the offspring of non-fatty ones. In the group of non-fatty rabbits the scapular fat increased intensively from the age of 7 weeks. The perirenal fat content began to grow rapidly at 8 weeks in fatty group and at 10 weeks of age in the non-fatty rabbits. Based on the results of this experiment TOBEC method seems to be a useful thing for selecting rabbits based on their body fat content.

The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour and the production and slaughter traits of growing rabbits reared in different alternative rearing systems and in conventional fattening cages. The experiment was carried out with 312 Pannon White growing rabbits between 5 and 11 weeks of age. According to the pen size, floor type and stocking density 8 experimental groups were created. For analyzing the different behavioural patterns 24 h video recordings were performed weekly by using infrared cameras. The body weight and the feed consumption of the rabbits were also measured weekly. At 11 weeks of age all of the animals were slaughtered and dissected. For the comparison of the behaviour and production of the experimental and control animals the Dunnett-test was used. It was established that the different alternative rearing methods have a significant effect only on the social and stereotype behaviour of the rabbits. The daily weight gain was highest in the control animals, while lowest in the rabbits reared on deep litter. The feed consumption, the feed conversion ratio and the slaughter characteristics were not affected by the rearing method. It was concluded that from the ethological point of view housing rabbits in pens – particularly on deep litter – has a favourable effect on both of the social and stereotype behaviours’ frequency. However, when rabbits are reared on deep litter, some consumption of the litter material should be calculated, but it does not decrease the pellet consumption and the final liveweight of the animals significantly.