Bożena Patkowska-Sokoła’s research while affiliated with Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences and other places

Dietary supplementation of ruminants with fish oil is a strategy for favorably modifying the fatty acid composition of milk fat. This study investigated the effect of supplementing cows’ diet with fish oil after low-temperature crystallisation (LTC-FO) compared to its raw form (FO) on milk yield, milk components (fat, protein, and lactose), and milk fatty acid profile. Twenty-four mid-lactating multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows fed a total-mix ration were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups (n = 12 cows each) and supplemented with LTC-FO or FO at 1% of dry matter. Milk samples were collected on days 14 and 30 of the 30-day experiment. No significant differences between the groups in terms of milk yield, milk protein, and lactose content were found, however, the fat yield and content decreased in the LTC-FO group. Milk fat from cows in the LTC-FO group contained significantly higher levels of C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, C18:3n − 3, C20:5, and C22:6, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids compared to the FO group (p < 0.05). Therefore, LTC-FO may be a more efficient feed additive than FO and may serve as a practical way to modify the fatty acid composition of milk fat.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with ethyl esters of linseed oil on the fatty acid profile in hair sebum, blood serum and erythrocyte membranes in healthy dogs. The material for the study included hair and blood samples of adult beagle dogs. The experiment was performed in two periods: summer and winter. Each time it lasted 16 weeks. During the first 8 weeks, the dogs received a supplement, the amount of which was determined individually so that the ratio of α-linolenic acid (ALA) to linoleic acid (LA) together in the feed and supplement was 1:1. Hair coat and blood samples were collected on days 0, 56 and 112; i.e., before the start of supplementation, after 8 weeks of supplementation and 8 weeks after supplementation was completed. The study included a determination of the fatty acid profile with a particular emphasis on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in hair sebum, blood serum and erythrocyte membranes. As a result of supplementation, a significant decrease in saturated acids and an increase in unsaturated acids was observed in hair sebum both in summer and winter and especially in omega-3 fatty acids; i.e., α-linolenic (ALA) and its derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The same relationships were observed in blood serum and in erythrocyte cell membranes in all the studied periods. Additionally, 8 weeks after the end of supplementation, the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids was still higher compared to the period before supplementation. Moreover, the supplementation resulted in a favorable decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 acids in the tested samples, which persisted even after the withdrawal period.

Textile industry is one of the most important branches of the economy of many countries in the world and the importance of wool is still huge. Due to the unique properties of natural animal fibers and their positive effect on the human organism, the authors decided to evaluate and compare the quality of fibers and yarn coming from three animal species, i.e., sheep, goats, and alpacas. The study was included the physico-mechanical analysis of properties of fiber and yarn: such as diameter, breaking force, elongation at break, Young modulus, breaking strain and strain energy. The study on the selected physical and mechanical properties of the fibers showed that goat fibers are the stiffest, but concurrently the most durable, while the yarn made of sheep fibers is the most resistant, the yarn of alpaca fibers is the most elastic, and that of goat fibers is the most rigid.

The most important nutrients affecting wool production include sulfur amino acids, such as methionine, and minerals, such as zinc, and their deficiency may cause wool production decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of zinc and methionine chelate addition on the qualitative characteristics of Merino ewes wool and zinc content in wool fibers and on their surface. Histological evaluation of fibers was also performed. The study included 22 Polish Merino ewes divided into two groups: control and experimental (0.4 g chelates daily per head). The experiment lasted for 4 months (3.5 months of pregnancy and 2 weeks of early lactation). The length, thickness and breaking force of wool fibers were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. Higher content of zinc in wool of sheep from the experimental group was also demonstrated. The histological structure of fibers from both groups did not differ, as the content of zinc on their surface. It can be concluded on the basis of the obtained results that the addition of chelates favorably influenced the thickness compensation of wool fibers and amount of wool obtained from sheep during pregnancy and early lactation, as well as mechanical features of wool.

The aim of this study was to determine selected characteristics of hair originating from adult females of three primate species: lar gibbon, crested black macaque and common chimpanzee. The research material consisted of 300 hairs collected from the top of the head. The analysis included the length, diameter, strength, breaking load, elongation and cross-section area of the hairs, and the hair index. Additionally, the scale number per 1 mm of hair length was determined using scanning electron microscope images. Lar gibbon hairs were the thinnest and the longest, while common chimpanzee hairs were the thickest and the shortest, and concurrently the least resistant. Hairs from various primate species differ in terms of their morphological structure and histological features and thus can be used for differentiation and identification of species.

Cardiovascular diseases are described as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in modern societies. Therefore, the importance of cardiovascular diseases prevention is widely reflected in the increasing number of reports on the topic among the key scientific research efforts of the recent period. The importance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) has been recognized in the fields of cardiac science and cardiac medicine, with the significant effects of various fatty acids having been confirmed by experimental studies. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered to be important versatile mediators for improving and maintaining human health over the entire lifespan, however, only the cardiac effect has been extensively documented. Recently, it has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids may play a beneficial role in several human pathologies, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2, and are also associated with a reduced incidence of stroke and atherosclerosis, and decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. A reasonable diet and wise supplementation of omega-3 EFAs are essential in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases prevention and treatment.

The aim of the work was a comparative analysis of milk of Polish Merino sheep in terms of fat content and fatty acids depending on the type of births (single and twin litters). The animal material consisted of a flock of Polish Merino sheep of the wool-meat type, from Mokrzeszów (Agrominor sp. Z. O. O.). The samples were taken from 86 mothers were selected based on breeding documentation and age (3 years). From each mother, 50-70 ml of milk were taken - 40 mothers, single litters, 36 mothers: twin litters. The research on the basic composition of milk was carried out in the Labolatory of Milk Evaluation and Analysis (WBiHZ, UPWr) on the MILKOSCAN apparat. The chromatography was performed at the Institute of Industrial Chemistry in Warsaw. The body weight of lambs at 56 days of age was determined based on the documentation. A comparative analysis of ewes giving birth to single and twin litters showed variation in the level of lactose, because the milk of mothers with single litters was characterized by a higher content of lactose. In contrast, the milk of twins' mothers was characterized by a higher PUFA content and lower SFA compared to mothers of only twins. It was also characterized by a higher content of oleic acid (C 18: 1), linoleic (C 18: 2), linolenic (C 18: 3) and cis-9 and trans-11 isomers than milk of only mothers. In addition, the study showed that lambs from single litters were larger than those from twin litters at 56 days of age.

The aim of the work was a comparative analysis of milk of Polish Merino sheep in terms of fat content and fatty acids depending on the typeof births (single and twin litters).

The aim of the work was a comparative analysis of milk of Polish Merino sheep in terms of fat content and fatty acids depending on the type of births (single and twin litters). The animal material consisted of a flock of Polish Merino sheep of the wool-meat type, from Mokrzeszów (Agrominor sp. Z. O. O.). The samples were taken from 86 mothers were selected based on breeding documentation and age (3 years). From each mother, 50-70 ml of milk were taken - 40 mothers, single litters, 36 mothers: twin litters. The research on the basic composition of milk was carried out in the Labolatory of Milk Evaluation and Analysis (WBiHZ, UPWr) on the MILKOSCAN apparat. The chromatography was performed at the Institute of Industrial Chemistry in Warsaw. The body weight of lambs at 56 days of age was determined based on the documentation. A comparative analysis of ewes giving birth to single and twin litters showed variation in the level of lactose, because the milk of mothers with single litters was characterized by a higher content of lactose. In contrast, the milk of twins' mothers was characterized by a higher PUFA content and lower SFA compared to mothers of only twins. It was also characterized by a higher content of oleic acid (C 18: 1), linoleic (C 18: 2), linolenic (C 18: 3) and cis-9 and trans-11 isomers than milk of only mothers. In addition, the study showed that lambs from single litters were larger than those from twin litters at 56 days of age.