Milk protein content represents a key economic trait in dairy production, yet the genetic architecture underlying this trait remains unexplored in Romanian dual-purpose cattle breeds. This study conducted a genome-wide association analysis for milk protein content in 313 Romanian Simmental (n = 271) and Romanian Brown (n = 42) cows belonging to the Research and Development Station for Bovine Arad, Romania. Following quality control, 33,531 SNPs were tested for association with protein percentage adjusted for other effects (breed, days in milk, season, year, parity) using linear regression with the first five principal components as covariates to control population stratification. Although no SNP reached genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10⁻⁸), one SNP achieved significance (p < 2.98 × 10⁻⁵) and seven additional SNPs exceeded the nominal threshold (p < 1 × 10⁻⁴) across six chromosomes. The strongest association (p = 9.56 × 10⁻⁶) mapped to chromosome 25 near C7orf61. Biologically relevant candidate genes included KLF6 on chromosome 13, previously associated with milk traits in Chinese Holstein, and AHCYL1 on chromosome 3, involved in calcium homeostasis. These findings provide initial insights into genomic regions influencing milk protein content in Romanian dual-purpose cattle, though validation in larger cohorts needs to be carried out.

Heat stress (HS) is a critical challenge in dairy farming, affecting metabolism, milk production, and overall cow health. This review explores the impact of HS on fatty acid metabolism, milk fatty acid composition, and lipid metabolism shifts under elevated temperatures. While HS typically induces a negative energy balance (NEBAL), studies reveal paradoxical findings regarding non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) dynamics, with some reporting increased fat mobilization and others showing blunted NEFA responses. Additionally, short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SCFAs and MCFAs) decline under heat stress, whereas certain long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), particularly unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) like C18:1 cis-9, increase, suggesting their role as biomarkers for HS adaptation. The primary tools in this review are the academic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar). These databases were used for literature retrieval based on defined search terms and Boolean operators. The review also highlights genetic variations in fatty acid responses to HS and the potential of specific fatty acids in monitoring heat stress effects. Understanding these metabolic alterations is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress in dairy cattle.

Heat stress poses a significant challenge to dairy cattle by disrupting physiological homeostasis, reducing productivity, and altering nutrient metabolism. A central adaptive mechanism to HS involves enhanced proteolysis and mobilization of skeletal muscle, supplying amino acids for energy production via gluconeogenesis. This review synthesizes current findings on the effects of HS on intracellular, circulating, and milk amino acid profiles in dairy cows, with an emphasis on identifying potential biomarkers of thermal stress. Multiple studies demonstrate that heat stress modulates amino acid metabolism across tissues, with notable compartment-specific changes. Intracellular concentrations of certain amino acids such as proline, glutamine, and valine often increase under heat stress, while their systemic and milk levels tend to decline, suggesting increased cellular retention and utilization. Essential AAs like lysine, methionine, and isoleucine consistently decrease in blood and milk, reflecting compromised availability and altered mammary uptake. Moreover, heat stress impacts amino acids involved in immune modulation (e.g., threonine), nitrogen metabolism (e.g., arginine, citrulline, ornithine), and neurotransmitter biosynthesis (e.g., Triptophan, Tyrosine), underscoring their regulatory roles in stress adaptation. The differential response of amino acids across biological compartments highlights the complexity of their metabolic regulation under heat stress. Milk and blood amino acid profiling emerges as a promising tool for monitoring thermal stress, with lysine, glutamine, and proline among the most responsive candidates. Overall, the evidence underscores the value of targeted AA analysis for understanding and potentially mitigating the metabolic impacts of heat stress in dairy cattle.

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a protected species within the European community. In Romania, associations and rehabilitation centers play a vital role in conserving the species and aiding the recovery of injured or orphaned individuals. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the bacterial microbiota associated with this species, particularly in the context of captivity and physiological stress. To achieve this, 44 biological samples were collected from 22 white storks under the care of a wildlife protection association in Sibiu County, and sub-sequently analyzed. The birds originated from various regions of the country and were rescued following incidents such as nest falls, electrocution, abandonment, or poaching. The primary objective of this study was the isolation and identification of pure bacterial strains from the collected samples. Identification was performed using VITEK®2 Compact, resulting in a number of 52 isolated bacterial strains, including seven different species. The findings offer relevant data for understanding the commensal and potentially pathogenic bacterial microbiota of these birds, contributing to the improvement of hygiene, prophylaxis, and treatment measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Additionally, due to the mobility and feeding behavior of the white stork, these birds may play a key role in spreading bacterial species with zoonotic potential into the environment, acting as a vector and source of infection for humans. Consequently, this study opens new research opportunities regarding the risks associated with pathogen transmission and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance observed in this bird species.

Wild birds, due to their ability to migrate over long distances and exploit highly anthropized habitats, act as ecological vectors in the circulation of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, thereby influencing both human and animal health. The white stork (Ciconia ciconia), an opportunistic migratory species closely associated with human-altered habitats, plays a significant role in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant and potentially zoonotic bacterial strains across ecological and geographical boundaries. This review synthesizes microbiological evidence from recent studies evaluating bacterial isolation, resistance profiles, and genetic determinants in C. ciconia populations across Europe and neighboring regions. Reported findings indicate consistently high isolation rates of Escherichia coli, along with frequent detection of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., and other enteric bacteria. Genes such as blaCTX-M, mcr-1, blaSHV-12, mecC, and tet variants were commonly identified, reflecting complex multidrug-resistance mechanisms of clinical and ecological significance. Foraging at solid waste disposal sites and and proximity to human settlements were consistently associated with increased resistance prevalence. Ecological and behavioral factors, including parental feeding habits and habitat type, were shown to modulate both microbiota composition and the resistome structure. Collectively, these findings emphasize the role of the white stork as a bioindicator of environmental antimicrobial resistance and a potential ecological link in the transmission of zoonotic and resistant bacteria. The inclusion of wild avifauna in AMR surveillance strategies remains essential for understanding the complex interactions among humans, domestic animals, and the environment under the One Health paradigm.

Background: Endurance performance depends on progressive conditioning, controlled metabolic adaptation, and close veterinary supervision. This study documents the physiological and metabolic changes in two Arabian geldings during a 12-week structured conditioning program designed on Long Slow Distance (LSD) principles. Both horses underwent a four-phase training protocol including walking, trotting, cantering, and tapering, with continuous heart-rate and lactate monitoring. Data were recorded weekly for resting heart rate (HRrest), post-exercise heart rate (HR10), lactate concentration, and recovery time. Feeding emphasized slow-release energy substrates (fibre and oil) and electrolyte supplementation. Both horses demonstrated significant cardiovascular and metabolic adaptation. In Horse A, HRrest decreased from 44 to 36 bpm, HR10 from 108 to 68 bpm, and blood lactate from 7.1 to 2.9 mmol/L. Horse B showed a decline from 48 to 38 bpm (HRrest) and from 115 to 72 bpm (HR10), with lactate falling from 7.8 to 3.2 mmol/L. Recovery time improved from >20 min to 8 min. Progressive conditioning improved aerobic fitness, reduced lactic acidosis, and enhanced recovery efficiency. The veterinary role remains essential in designing individualized programs and ensuring physiological adaptation without metabolic or orthopedic compromise