Given the significant expansion of alien predator species that may negatively affect native animal species, especially waterbirds, this study undertook an analysis of the occurrence of American mink (Neogale vison), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) in the Natura 2000 – Wełtyńskie Lakes area of 2811.2 ha, and an assessment of the impact of these animals on the occurrence of the greylag goose (Anas anser). A camera trapping inventory for the three non-native carnivore species was carried out from April to September 2022, parallel to the inventory of the greylag goose. Results confirmed the presence of all three non-native species in the analyzed area. Among the species, raccoons were characterized by the highest population size, density rate and reproductive success. At the same time, a declining population of the greylag goose was found compared to the previous breeding season. This population achieved low breeding success.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the genotype and ageing time on pH, water holding capacity, shear force and energy, and the myofibrillar index of m. longissimus lumborum and m. semitendinosus muscles in semi-intensively fed bulls. Carcass value indices and the chemical composition of the muscles depending on the genetic group were assessed as well. The study involved 46 young bulls from four genetic groups, i.e. the Hereford breed (HER, 8 bulls), the Limousin breed (LIM, 8 bulls), commercial cross-breeds (MT, 14 bulls), and the Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian breed (PHF, 16 bulls). The analyses showed that the semi-intensive fattening system ensures production of carcasses with satisfactory slaughter yield and quality parameters (good musculature and moderate fatness). The best quality parameters were determined in the meat from the LIM and MT young bulls, whereas the poorest results were exhibited by the PHF beef. The ageing time had a positive effect on the meat quality parameters (especially tenderness and color), contributing to a significant reduction in the differences between the genotypes observed in the initial postmortem period. The results of the shear force and myofibrillar index, i.e. parameters of meat tenderness, suggest that a 14-day ageing period seems to be the necessary minimum. This period should even be extended in the case of the LL muscle of HER and PHF young bulls or the ST muscle of HER, MT, and PHF young bulls. Further research with consumer assessment is therefore advisable to determine the optimal ageing time of beef produced in the country.

The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of additives used in food in a random group of Polish consumers. It was based on the results of a consumer survey addressed to the inhabitants of Poland via the Internet. The questions in the survey concerned the knowledge and behaviour of respondents regarding food additives. The analysis showed that the respondents pay attention to additives used in food to a large extent, but their general knowledge on this subject is at an average level. Pro-health attitudes regarding the purchase of food without additives were most often shown by females and younger people and those with higher education and living in urban agglomerations. Since the survey did not confirm the respondents’ opinion about their extensive knowledge of additives used in food production, it should be assumed that this largely reflects the state of awareness in this area in a large part of society. Actions should be taken to educate the public about the use of additives in the food industry to raise awareness about the safety and scale of consumption of food additives.

Bactencins belong to the bovine cathelicidin family of proteins, and their role in the body is significant. The study analyzed the relationship between polymorphisms within the CATHL2 and CATHL3 genes encoding the Bac-5 and Bac-7 proteins. The study included a herd of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows of the black-and-white breed. Tests were conducted using the PCR-RFLP method with the introduction of the ACRS modification. The study showed that different genetic variants within the polymorphisms studied were significantly associated with selected parameters of milk performance, such as milk yield (P ≤ 0.01), fat (P ≤ 0.01), protein (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05) and lactose (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05) content and somatic cell count (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05).

The aim of this study was to compare the rearing of mink in nests insulated with different materials. The study was conducted on a large-scale mink farm located in northwestern Poland. The results of rearing mink from 144 females of the pearl variety, aged one and two years, were analyzed. Four groups were created, taking into account the type of nest lining material and the age of the females. Two weeks prior to the scheduled birth, the nesting houses were lined with two types of insulating material - sawdust from deciduous trees and a mixture of barley straw and hay from meadow vegetation. Data were collected on: the number of born and live-born cubs per litter, the number of reared mink per litter, and the mortality of mink during the rearing period at the mothers. It was found that the material with which mink nests are insulated has an effect on the number of born, live-born and weaned mink. Better reproductive results were reported for females whose nests were insulated with barley straw mixed with meadow hay. They gave birth to larger litters, with more live mink, and raised more young. The mortality rate of young mink was lower in nests insulated with a mixture of straw and hay. The results showed that the use of sawdust as a nest insulating material is associated with a lower survival rate of reared mink. The study shows that the choice of a suitable nest insulating material can favorably affect the number of reared young mink.

The widespread availability of legal pneumatic weapons is commonly abused to hurt animals. Determining the shotgun based on animal injuries is complex and requires the knowledge of gunshot wounds and animal tissues. In this study, a detailed gunshot wound analysis was conducted on bird carcasses. An attempt was made to examine damaged soft and hard tissues in Japanese quail. A ballistic device of low energy was used. It was found that the shot of an average velocity of 83 m · s–1 thoroughly penetrates a bird carcass of an average mass of 205.5 g. A head or a neck shot with the same velocity can lead to immediate death. The shot velocity of 110 m · s–1 generates enough energy to move a carcass. These prove how dangerous the weapon is when used to harm small animals. Further studies may contribute to creating a model of bird injuries produced by various shots and result in strict law on possession of low-energy pneumatic weapons in Poland.

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the stifle is one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in middle-aged and old dogs. The treatment of choice involves surgical extra- or intra-capsular stabilization of the knee joint, or the increasingly preferred tibial osteotomy techniques. Postoperative rehabilitation of the affected limb is an equally important part of the treatment. The paper describes three cases of rupture of the cruciate ligament in dogs and the methods of physiotherapeutic treatment applied to them. The techniques of passive and active exercises were used along with massage and physical therapy, such as magnetotherapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and laser therapy. The development of the correct physiotherapeutic treatment plan, the selection of techniques, and the duration of therapy is crucial for its effectiveness. It has been shown that rehabilitation has a positive effect on the tissue healing process. It also shortens the time needed to restore full mobility of the affected limb, both during the non-complicated healing process and in the event of problematic cases.