Biochemical and hematological examination of blood and individual assessment of the birds were performed in Lohman Brown laying hens at 45 weeks of age housed in different systems. The biochemical examination revealed higher (p < .01) corticosterone levels, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase activity and lower (p < .01) levels of lactate, triglycerides, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus in aviary hens compared to hens housed in furnished cages. Hematological examination of hens housed in aviaries revealed higher (p < .05) hematocrit, leukocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and H/L ratio. Furthermore, hens housed in aviaries had lower (p < .01) body weight than hens in furnished cages, they were worse feathered (p < .001), had more damaged combs (p < .05), and poorer physical condition (p < .01). In contrast, caged hens showed worse (p < .01) feather condition of the wings due to abrasion and claws due to overgrowth. The results have shown that the housing system has a significant impact on the internal environment and condition of birds and that housing in aviaries without taking into account the specifics of such housing may lead to significant stress and disturbance to the welfare of laying hens.

• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat * MeSH
• chov zvířat * MeSH
• kladení vajíček MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• kreatinkinasa krev   MeSH
• kur domácí metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• peří patologie   MeSH
• pohoda zvířat MeSH
• tělesná hmotnost MeSH
• životní prostředí * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

During transport rabbits may be exposed to various stressors which can compromise both their welfare and meat quality. Mortality related to the commercial transport of rabbits for slaughter was analyzed in the Czech Republic in the period from 2009 to 2016. The overall transport-related mortality of rabbits was 0.19%. Transport distance was found to have an impact on rabbit mortality; significantly (p < .001) greater losses were found in rabbits transported over longer distances. Mortality rates ranged from 0.02% in rabbits transported over distances of less than 50 km to 0.29% in rabbits transported over distances exceeding 400 km. A significantly (p < .001) increased risk was also associated with shipments in which 500 and more rabbits were delivered per batch. No effect of season was found. Our results show that rabbits can be transported within a wide range of temperatures (from -5 to 19.9°C) with no negative impact on mortality in transit. However, journeys carried out at temperatures below -5°C and above 20°C were associated with increased death losses (0.17% and 0.15%, respectively).

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• doprava metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• jatka * MeSH
• králíci * MeSH
• kvalita jídla * MeSH
• maso * MeSH
• mortalita * MeSH
• pohoda zvířat MeSH
• riziko MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• králíci * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Records of 4,455 sheltered dogs were analyzed to compare the numbers of traceable (able to be reunited with original caregivers) and untraceable (unable to be reunited with original caregivers) dogs before (Period 1) and after (Period 2) introduction of a mandatory microchipping. Records were also used to compare the numbers of microchipped dogs, to compare dogs' reunification with caregivers, and to estimate possible financial savings. In Period 1, 51.8% of the dogs were untraceable (median length of stay = 14 days) and 48.2% were traceable (median length of stay = 1 day). Of all traceable dogs, 24.5% were microchipped, and 67.5% of microchipped dogs were traceable. In Period 2, 57.1% of dogs were traceable (median length of stay = 0 days), and 42.9% were untraceable (median length of stay = 12 days). Of all traceable dogs, 61.4% had a microchip, and 80% of microchipped dogs were traceable. In Period 2, authorities saved more than US$43,400 on unreclaimed dog care. Mandatory microchipping of dogs appears to be an effective measure to increase reunification of sheltered dogs, decrease length of stay, and save authority funds.

• MeSH
• identifikační systémy pro zvířata ekonomika   veterinární   MeSH
• pohoda zvířat MeSH
• povinné programy ekonomika   MeSH
• psi * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Overall mortality among turkeys transported for slaughter in the Czech Republic from 2009 to 2014 was 0.147%. The lowest mortality (0.023%) was found in turkeys transported for distances up to 50 km; longer distances were associated with increasing death rates, with the highest losses (0.543%) recorded for distances from 201 to 300 km. Differences were also found when comparing transport-related mortality rates according to the season of the year. The highest mortality (0.228%) was associated with transports carried out in summer, whereas the lowest death rates were found in turkeys transported for slaughter in winter (0.105%) and autumn (0.113%). According to the ambient temperatures in which transports associated with the highest death rates among turkeys were carried out (14 to 21°C), it appears that heat stress can be a major factor in the birds' mortality. However, low ambient temperatures (i.e. below -2°C) also appear to increase transport-related mortality, as shown by our results. In addition to shortening the lengths of transport distances, appropriate consideration of prevailing climatic conditions and the sensitivity of turkeys to high and low temperatures during transport may also lead to a reduction in the number of turkeys dying during transport for slaughter.

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• doprava metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• jatka MeSH
• krocani * MeSH
• mortalita * MeSH
• podnebí MeSH
• pohoda zvířat * MeSH
• reakce na tepelný šok MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

The number of animals that die during transport to a slaughterhouse or shortly after being delivered to a slaughterhouse may serve as an indicator of animal welfare during transport. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality rate in cattle resulting from transport to slaughter in the Czech Republic in the period from 2009 to 2014, and to investigate the effect of travel distance and season of the year. Transport-related mortality rates were recorded for all categories of cattle for the following travel distances: up to 50 km, 51-100 km, 101-200 km and over 200 km. Higher mortality rates occurred with shorter travel distances (<50 km and 51-100 km) when compared to longer travel distances (101-200 km and > 200 km), with a significant difference (P < 0.01) between short and long travel distances being found in feeders and dairy cows. Also, the season of the year had a significant impact on the mortality rate among transported cattle. The highest mortality rate in all categories was observed in spring months. The lowest mortality rate was found in autumn months for fat cattle and dairy cows and in winter months for feeders and calves.

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• doprava statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• jatka * MeSH
• mortalita * MeSH
• pohoda zvířat statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• roční období * MeSH
• skot * MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• skot * MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Tato studie je zaměřena na sledování a hodnocení dopadu povinného čipování na počty opuštěných psů ve městě. Bylo prokázáno, že povinné čipování významně snižuje počty opuštěných psů přijatých do útulku a zkracuje jejich dobu pobytu. Před zavedením povinného čipování (první období, 2004–2008) bylo do útulku přijato více psů opuštěných (51,8%) s mediánem doby pobytu 14 dní než psů ztracených (48,2%) s mediánem doby pobytu 1 den. Po zavedení povinného čipování (druhé období, 2010–2014) bylo přijato statisticky významně méně psů opuštěných (42,88%) s mediánem doby pobytu 12 dní v porovnání se psy ztracenými (57,12%) s mediánem doby pobytu 0 dní. V roce 2010, po zavedení povinného čipování, byl zaznamenán statisticky významný, ale dočasný nárůst počtu přijatých opuštěných psů. Povinné čipování psů se zdá být efektivním opatřením v problematice opuštěných zvířat. Díky zkrácení doby pobytu má povinné čipování také vliv na celkový welfare zvířat v útulku. Problémy s registrací čipovaných zvířat však limitují praktické uplatnění této metody permanentního a unikátního označení zvířat.

This study focused on monitoring and evaluation of impact of mandatory microchipping on numbers of abandoned dogs in city of Děčín. It has been demonstrated that mandatory microchipping of dogs significantly decreased numbers of abandoned dogs admitted to the shelter. In the Period 1 (2004-2008) before the mandatory microchipping was established, more abandoned dogs (51.8%, median length of stay “LOS” 14 days), entered the shelter, compared to lost dogs (48.2%) with median LOS 1 day. In the Period 2 (2010-2014), after the mandatory microchipping was established significantly less abandoned dogs (42.88%, median LOS 12 days) were admitted to the shelter compared to lost dogs (57.12%) with median LOS 0 days. There was significant, but temporary increase in the number of abanbdoned sheltered dogs in the year 2010, after introduction of the mandatory microchipping. Mandatory microchipping seems to be effective measure to fight animal abandonment. Shortening of the LOS of the dogs in the shelter can also improve welfare of sheltered animals. Problems with registration of microchipped animals limit the practical application of this method of permanent and unique identification of the animals.

• Klíčová slova
• povinné čipování, opuštěný pes, útulky pro psy, útulky pro psi,
• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat MeSH
• hodnocení programu * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• identifikační systémy pro zvířata * statistika a číselné údaje   veterinární   MeSH
• pohoda zvířat organizace a řízení   MeSH
• povinné programy organizace a řízení   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• psi * MeSH
• registrace MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH

Records on sheltered dogs were collected from 3 municipal dog shelters situated in different regions of the Czech Republic from 2010 to 2013. A total of 3,875 dogs were analyzed in this study. Among these, 1,614 dogs were subsequently reclaimed (lost dogs) and 2,261 dogs were abandoned and offered for adoption. The ratio of purebred dogs and crossbred dogs differed significantly when comparing lost (66.4% vs. 33.6%) and abandoned dogs (35.0% vs. 65.0%). The median time until lost dogs were reclaimed was 1 day, and it was not affected by purebred status. The median time until abandoned dogs were adopted was 23 days. In abandoned dogs, purebred status had a significant effect on the time the dog spent at the shelter before adoption. The median time until adoption for crossbred dogs was 27 days, whereas the median time until adoption for purebred dogs was 19 days. The breed group influenced the length of stay (LOS) in abandoned dogs. Small companion dogs had the shortest LOS (median = 15 days) and guard dogs had the longest LOS (median = 25 days).

• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• pohoda zvířat statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• psi * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

The development of selected haematological and biochemical parameters during the laying period was monitored in common pheasant hens housed in an enhanced cage system. The cages were enhanced by the addition of two perches and a shelter formed by strips of cloth hanging in the corner of the cage. The results showed significant changes in the haematological and biochemical parameters monitored during egg laying. At the time when laying capacity approached a maximum, a decrease was observed (P < 0.05) in haematocrit, erythrocytes, and haemoglobin values, whereas monocytes, eosinophils, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, phosphorus, and calcium exhibited an increase (P < 0.05). At the end of the laying period, an increase (P < 0.05) was recorded in the count of leukocytes, heterophils, lymphocytes and basophils, the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, phosphorus, and calcium, whereas lower values (P < 0.05) were recorded for haematocrit and plasma total protein in comparison with the values of the indicators at the beginning of the laying period. The results provide new information about dynamic changes in selected haematological and biochemical parameters in clinically healthy common pheasant hens during the laying period.

• MeSH
• analýza rozptylu MeSH
• aspartátaminotransferasy krev   MeSH
• bydlení zvířat * MeSH
• cholesterol krev   MeSH
• erytrocyty cytologie   MeSH
• fosfor krev   MeSH
• Galliformes fyziologie   MeSH
• hematokrit MeSH
• hemoglobiny metabolismus   MeSH
• hospodářská zvířata MeSH
• kladení vajíček fyziologie   MeSH
• krevní obraz MeSH
• vápník krev   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of crate type (particularly its height) on selected biochemical indices in captive-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). The physiological changes in response to 2-h crating in crates of either 20 cm or 26 cm height were monitored in 6-week-old mallards. Plasma corticosterone concentrations showed an increase (P = 0.036) in mallards crated in crates of 26 cm height in comparison with control non-crated birds, whereas no difference in plasma corticosterone levels was found between mallards crated in crates of 20 cm height and control non-crated birds. Lower concentrations of plasma triglycerides (P < 0.05) and uric acid (P < 0.05) were found in crated mallards in comparison with control non-crated birds; the height of the crates had no effect. Mallards crated in crates of 26 cm height also exhibited a higher (P = 0.032) plasma lactate dehydrogenase concentration in comparison with control non-crated birds, whereas no difference (P > 0.05) was found in lactate dehydrogenase concentrations in mallards crated in crates of 20 cm height. Our results suggest that crating mallards in lower crates (20 cm) may be less stressful than keeping them in crates allowing vertical movements of the birds.

• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat MeSH
• doprava * MeSH
• kachny fyziologie   MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• kyselina močová krev   MeSH
• laktátdehydrogenasy krev   MeSH
• triglyceridy krev   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of subchronic exposure to sublethal levels of diclofenac on growth, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in Danio rerio. The juvenile growth tests were performed on Danio rerio according to OECD method number 215. Fish at the age of 20 days were exposed to the diclofenac environmental concentration commonly detected in the Czech rivers (0.02 mg L(-1)) and the range of sublethal concentrations of diclofenac (5, 15, 30, and 60 mg L(-1)) for 28 days. A significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the fish growth caused by diclofenac was observed in the concentrations of 30 and 60 mg L(-1). The identified value of LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) was 15 mg L(-1) of diclofenac and NOEC (no observed effect concentration) value was 5 mg L(-1) of diclofenac. We did not find histopathological changes and changes of selected parameters of oxidative stress (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase) in tested fish. The environmental concentration of diclofenac in Czech rivers did not have any effect on growth, selected oxidative stress parameters (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase), or histopathological changes in Danio rerio but it could have an influence on lipid peroxidation.

• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita   MeSH
• dánio pruhované anatomie a histologie   růst a vývoj   metabolismus   MeSH
• diklofenak toxicita   MeSH
• oxidační stres účinky léků   MeSH
• velikost těla účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH