The Aubrac cattle breed, native to France and increasingly adopted in Eastern Europe, is known for producing tender, flavorful, and well-marbled beef. Despite its growing popularity, limited data exist on its nutritional profile and implications for human health. This study evaluates carcass traits and protein quality in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of male and female Aubrac cattle raised under semi-intensive systems. Special attention was given to essential and semi-essential amino acids, which exceeded FAO/WHO reference requirements by 60.25%, 97.43%, and 221.49% for children, youth individuals, and adults, respectively, confirming superior protein quality. The high amino acid concentration (up to 30.59 g/100 g protein) and biological value confirm superior protein quality. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile reveals a favorable balance between saturated and unsaturated fats, with oleic acid predominance and a moderate atherogenic index, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. These findings support classifying Aubrac beef as a functional protein source with potential health advantages, reinforcing its role in sustainable cattle production, dietary planning, and consumer education. This study provides insights into factors influencing beef quality, connecting cattle breed and production system with nutritional value and health benefits.

The absence of standardized reference values for wild rodent species underscores the need for comprehensive hematological and biochemical profiles. This study established robust reference intervals (RIs) for Myocastor coypus raised in captivity, analyzing 30 nutrias (10 males, 10 females, and 10 juveniles) at a private farm in northeastern Romania. Leukocyte (WBC) counts averaged 11.85 (10³/µL) in males, 10.51 (10³/µL) in females, and 11.63 (10³/µL) in juveniles, indicating a consistent immune response. Hemoglobin was 11.81 g/dL in males, 11.97 g/dL in females, and 15.42 g/dL in juveniles, with hematocrit levels around 45%. Juveniles displayed higher MCH (38.59 pg) and MCHC (38.58 g/dL), reflecting growth-related adaptations. Platelet counts were lower in adults. Biochemical findings showed lower cholesterol (14.89 mg/dL) and higher glucose (236.26 mg/dL) in juveniles, indicating intense energy metabolism. Total proteins were significantly elevated in juveniles (33.17 g/dL). Creatinine and uric acid levels were higher in adults, although calcium exceeded reference ranges in males (12.04 mg/dL). Hepatic enzyme ALT was higher in males. These findings establish baseline health parameters for captive nutrias, aiding in monitoring and improving rearing practices.

Understanding physiological variability in wild ungulates is essential for ecological monitoring and sustainable wildlife management. This study aimed to examine whether sex and season (autumn vs. early winter) significantly influence hematological and biochemical parameters in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. A total of 40 legally harvested adult individuals (20 males, 20 females) were included, and blood samples were collected post-mortem under standardized conditions to minimize pre-analytical variability. Hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLTs) and serum biochemical markers (glucose, urea, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein) were analyzed using automated veterinary analyzers. Statistically significant sex-related differences were found in hematocrit during autumn and hemoglobin concentration during winter, with higher values in males. Seasonal variation within sex groups was not significant but indicated a physiological trend toward hemoconcentration in winter. Biochemical values remained within reference ranges and showed no significant differences across groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong association between hematocrit and urea, and moderate correlations were observed between WBC and glucose, suggesting links between oxygen transport, protein metabolism, and energy balance. Environmental factors such as reduced food availability and temperature shifts during winter likely contribute to these physiological adjustments. These results provide baseline data for the physiological assessment of red deer populations and support the development of ecological health indicators in wildlife monitoring programs. Future studies incorporating hormonal and immunological biomarkers across multiple seasons are encouraged to further understand adaptive responses in cervids.