This study analyzed the internal and external quality traits of eggs derived from hens of different breeds, including Silkie, Sultan, Cochin Bantam, Brahma and White Leghorn. The highest mean weight was noted for eggs originating from the White Leghorns breed, and the lowest was for eggs from the Cochin Bantams. Simultaneously, both a positive correlation between the egg weight and the percentage of albumen (r = 0.876) and a negative correlation between egg weight and the percentage of yolk (r = - 0.842) were found. The eggshell composition varied significantly in mean phosphorus amount, whereas the calcium content did not differ significantly. Despite this, eggshell strength varied significantly between breeds. Regarding cholesterol and fatty acid levels, the highest amount of cholesterol was noted in the Cochin Bantam breed, and the lowest was in the White Leghorn, although Leghorn was the breed characterized by the highest saturated fatty acid levels, and Cochin Bantam was the lowest. Regarding the polyunsaturated fatty acids (which have been proven to positively influence the cardiovascular system), the highest levels were obtained by Leghorn eggs, and the lowest were obtained by Silkie eggs. In conclusion, the study indicates that ornamental chicken breeds are a source of high-quality products, which could be attractive to consumers, additionally supporting traditional farming and animal genetic resources.

In our study, we estimated the frequency of haplotype for cholesterol deficiency (HCD) carriers in the Russian Holstein cattle population. We studied 1817 random samples of cows born in 2010-2017 from ten herds and 331 cows and heifers from the other three herds born in 2016-2019, fathers or fathers of mothers of which were HCD carriers. The method of AS-PCR was used for animals genotyping. In the first group of animals, the incidence of HCD carriers was 8.09%, and in the second one - 23.26%. Our results demonstrated the necessity to test cows for the carriage of the HCD genetic defect in the Russian population of Holstein cattle.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components is a growing issue, including pediatric populations. However, because of many definitions used, it is difficult to assess the true fre-quency of these problems.
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of MetS and its components as well as the frequency of problems with inadequate nutritional status among adolescents.
One hundred ninety-six teenagers aged 15–18 years, living in Krakow and its vicinity were examined including measurement of blood pressure, anthropometric parameters and blood levels of cholesterol and glucose.
The prevalence of MetS was low and varied from 0.5% to 2.0% depending on the definition. Based on Cook’s definition of MetS, the most common components were hypertension (12.8%) and hypertriglycer-idemia (12.8%). Improper body weight (based on BMI) was found in 23.5% of adolescents, including 5.1% underweight, and 18.4% overweight or obese. According to the body fat percentage (BF%), 45.8% of the boys were underfat and 6.3% had too much body fat, while only 4% of the girls were below the BF% reference values and 15% above. All girls and 86.5% of boys had too low total body water. In conclusion, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in population of Krakow adolescents was relatively low, but more than 12% of the adolescents had a hypertension or hypertriglyceridemia. Based on BMI most of adolescents were found to have adequate body weight, but examination of fat content in the body high prevalence of underfat was observed, especially among boys.

The present study aimed to determine the role of job components and individual parameters on the raised blood pressure among male workers of textile industry who were exposed to continuous high noise level. Information of all eligible subjects including demographic and individual characteristics, medical history and job characteristics were obtained by direct interview and referring to the medical records. All blood pressure measurements were done using mercury sphygmomanometer in the morning before work. The 8-hours equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level, the level of blood cholesterol and triglyceride, and noise annoyance was determined for each worker. As the result of weighted regression in path analysis (direct effect), only the work shift did not have a significant effect on blood pressure among the studied variables. It can be seen that variables including the level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and noise exposure have the most direct effects on blood pressure. The results of total effects showed that variables, including using the hearing protection device, age, work experience and visibility of sound source, did not have a significant effect on blood pressure. The results of this study indicate that occupational noise exposure alone and combined with other job components and individual parameters is associated with raised blood pressure. However, noise exposure was probably a stronger stressor for increased blood pressure.