Genetic basis of ear length in sheep breeds sampled across the region from the Middle East to the Alps

Ear length in sheep (Ovis aries) shows a wide range of natural variation, from the absence of an outer ear structure (anotia), to small outer ears (microtia), to regular ear length. Up until now, the underlying genetics of this phenotype has been studied in four sheep breeds from China, Jordan and Italy. These studies revealed a broad range of genes significantly associated with ear length, potentially indicating genetic heterogeneity across breeds or geographic regions. In the current study, we performed genome-wide SNP genotyping and haplotype-based mapping, in a population of 340 individuals, to identify loci influencing ear length variation in additional sheep breeds from Slovenia, Croatia, Cyprus and Greece. Additionally, two previously described candidate variants were also genotyped in our mapping population. The mapping model without candidate variant genotypes revealed only one genome-wide significant signal, which was located next to HMX1 on OAR6. This region was previously described as being associated with ear length variation in the Altay and Awassi sheep breeds. The mapping model including the candidate duplication genotype near HMX1 as a fixed effect explained the phenotypic variance on OAR6 and revealed an additional genome-wide significant locus on OAR13 associated with ear length. Our results, combined with published evidence, suggest that a duplication in the evolutionarily conserved region near HMX1 is the major regulator of ear length in sheep breeds descended from a larger region from Central Asia, to the Middle East, Cyprus, Greece and to the Alps. This distribution suggests an ancient origin of the derived allele.

Essential Trace and Toxic Element Content in Lacaune Sheep Milk during Lactation

The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of essential trace and toxic elements in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation in intensive rearing systems. This research was conducted with 30 Lacaune sheep that were monitored in the early (60 days of lactation), medium (120 days of lactation), and late (180 days of lactation) stages of lactation. The sheep were fed a pelleted feed mixture (1 kg/day), a cereal mixture (600 g/day), and alfalfa hay (ad libitum). The essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Mo, Se, Cr, and Ni) and toxic element (heavy metals: Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) concentrations in the feed and milk were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Significant variations in the main essential trace and toxic elements, except for the Mo, Se, Ni, As, and Hg concentrations, were found in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation. As lactation progressed, in the late stage of lactation, significantly higher concentrations of Co, Mn, Mo, Cr, and Pb were found, while Zn and Cu in the milk of Lacaune sheep decreased significantly (4.15 and 0.21 mg/kg) compared to their concentrations in the early stage of lactation (5.66 and 0.43 mg/kg). Significantly lower concentrations of Fe and higher concentrations of Cd were found in the medium stage (0.23 mg/kg and 1.08 µg/kg) of lactation compared to both the early and late stages of lactation. An analysis of the correlation coefficients between the essential trace and toxic elements in Lacaune sheep milk during lactation determined a significantly positive correlation between Fe:Cr, Fe:Mn, Fe:Co, Fe:Se, Zn:Ni, Zn:Se, Cr:Mn, Cr:Co, Cr:Se, Cr:Mo, Mn:Co, Mn:Pb, Co:Ni, Co:Se, Ni:Se, Se:Mo, Se:Pb, and Cd:Pb. A significantly negative correlation was also found between Cu:Mn, Zn:Mo, Cg:Hg, and Hg:Pb. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that the influence of the stage of lactation, as well as the breed of sheep, should be included when designing experiments. In general, sheep milk is rich in essential trace elements, but it also contains a very low content of toxic elements, which provides justification for increasing the breeding of Lacaune sheep and indicates the convenience of consuming their milk without risking the consumer's health.

Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment of Cadmium Accumulation in Three Tricholoma Mushroom Species Collected from Wild Habitats of Central and Coastal Croatia

This study deals with the biomonitoring of cadmium (Cd) heavy metal in the three selected Tricholoma mushroom species collected from wild habitats of central and coastal Croatia. For this, mushroom (T. columbetta: n = 38, T. portentosum: n = 35, and T. terreum: n = 34) and surface soil samples were collected from nine forest localities of Croatia and analyzed for Cd concentration using inductively coupled plasma−optical emission spectrometry (ICP−OES) through the acid digestion method. The findings revealed that Cd was present in Tricholoma spp. and surface soil. However, the maximum mean Cd concentration (mg/kg dry weight) was recorded in T. portentosum (cap: 0.98; stipe: 0.72), followed by T. columbetta (cap: 0.96; stipe: 0.73) and T. terreum (cap: 0.81; stipe: 0.63). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) value (>1) revealed that the selected Tricholoma spp. had the potential for Cd accumulation. Moreover, the principal component (PC) and hierarchical cluster (HC) analyses were used to derive the interactions and similarities between Cd levels Tricholoma spp. and sampling localities. The multivariate analysis suggested that central sampling localities had higher Cd levels as compared to coastal localities. However, the daily intake of metals (DIM < 0.426) and health risk index (HRI < 1) showed that there was no potential health risk associated with the consumption of selected Tricholoma spp. The findings of this study are helpful to understand the Cd accumulation behavior of wild edible Tricholoma spp. collected from Croatia.

Blood metabolic profile and acid base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system

The research aimed to determine the blood metabolic profile and acid-base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system. The research was carried out on 108 lactating Travnik ewes, with an average age of 3-4 years, in their 3rd lactation. The ewes were kept on pasture, and had water and animal salt ad libitum. Hematological indicators were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum, and acid-base status was determined in plasma. The determined average values of hematological parameters were mostly within reference values, except the lower MCHC content and higher MCV content, which indicates the instability of erythrocyte constants. Average mineral concentrations were within the reference values, except for Ca and Fe concentrations which were lower and were influenced by higher milk excretion. Most of the biochemical indicators, enzyme activity, and indicators of the acid-base balance of lactating Travnik ewes’ blood were within the reference values. A high concentration of urea above the reference values was found, and concentrations of total proteins, albumins, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at the upper limit or above the reference values were determined. Slightly lower GPx activity and higher SOD activity above reference values were determined. These indicators point to energy deficit, as well as poor grazing quality, and a lack of selenium in pasture plant species. When determining the blood metabolic profile of lactating Travnik ewes, the obtained results of the research should be considered, and they should be included in the development of reference values for the Travnik sheep breed.

The Impact of Age at First Lambing on Milk Yield and Lactation Length in a Population of Istrian Sheep under Semi-Intensive Management

This study aimed to examine the impact of ewe's age at first lambing (AFL) on days in milk (DIM), average daily milk yield (DMY), and total milk yield (TMY). Symmetrical bimodal distribution of AFL enabled classification of maidens in those mated in the first (47%) or second year of life (53%). After accounting for all available sources of phenotypic variability with the linear mixed model for repeated records, it was estimated that AFL had a statistically significant effect only on DIM (p < 0.001). The litter size had a significant effect only on TMY (p < 0.001), while the effect of the parity was significant for all the examined traits (p < 0.001). The results of the study suggest that prolongation of age at first mating to the second year of life is not justified in dairy-orientated sheep farms. However, more evidence on this issue is needed for generalization, especially considering some other traits that can impact profitability of dual-purpose sheep farms (reproduction traits, growth rate of lambs, etc.).

The effect of slaughter age and aging period on water-holding capacity and tenderness of mutton

Mutton samples (m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum; LL) originating from 30 Istrian ewes were used to determine EZ drip loss (DL), thaw loss (TL), cooking loss (CL), and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) in relation to age at slaughter and different post mortem aging periods (1, 7, and 14 days). DL was measured according to the EZ method after storage periods of 24 and 48 h. Determination of TL, CL, and WBSF was performed for samples aged prior to freezing for 1, 7, and 14 days. A significantly lower TL (P<0.05) was observed in the mutton samples that aged for 1 day (7.76%) prior to freezing compared to the mutton samples that aged for 7 days (9.91%) and 14 days (9.32%) prior to freezing. The WBSF revealed significant differences between the aging periods (P<0.05), indicating that mutton aged 7 (33.92 N) and 14 (28.23 N) days showed greater tenderness than mutton with a shorter aging period (43.89 N). Considering that there was no significant difference between mutton aged for 7 and 14 days in water-holding capacity and shear force, there is no reasonable reason for aging mutton longer than 7 days. Therefore, further research into shorter aging periods, the sensory quality of mutton, and its acceptability by consumers is needed.

Concentrations of mercury and other elements in ewes' milk: Effect of lactation stage

There is an increased production and demand for ewes' milk in the Republic of Croatia, as well as globally. There is also a growing concern about its quality, since milk from farm animals may become contaminated with mercury and other toxic elements. Thus, the aim of this paper is to determine the influence of lactation stage on the ewes' milk quality in western Croatia by considering concentrations of mercury and other elements in ewes' milk. The research was conducted on 36 Travnik pramenka sheep during different lactation stages. The digested milk samples were analysed with continuous flow hydride generation technique by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Samples were taken during 40th, 80th and 120th d of lactation. Yield and quality of ewes' milk was within lactation curve. As lactation progressed, significantly lower concentrations of Hg (on 80th d compared to 40th d) and of Cd (120th d compared to 80th d) were noted, and Hg on 120th d was below the detection limit. Concentrations of Ca and Cu were lower on the 120th d compared to 40th d, while P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se were lower on the 80th and 120th d compared to the 40th d. Concentrations of K, Mo, and Cr differed among all stages of lactation. Regarding toxic elements, the observed low concentrations of Hg, Co, Cd and As suggest that ewes' milk in western Croatia is safe for human or animal consumption.

Drip loss assessment by EZ and bag methods and their relationship with pH value and color in mutton

Drip loss, pH value, and color are among the important traits that determine meat quality. Contrary to pH and color, the method associated with drip loss is not yet standardized, and literature data are difficult to compare. Besides, to our knowledge, there is no research comparing drip loss methods and their relation with pH and color in mutton. This study aimed to assess drip loss measurements in mutton taken by different methods (EZ and bag – BM) and their relationship with pH values and color. Mutton samples (Musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum) originating from 20 ewes of Istrian sheep were used to examine the effect of the method on drip loss after 24 h (EZ24 vs. BM24) and 48 h (EZ48 vs. BM48). Furthermore, correlations between drip loss, pH value, and color were analyzed. The statistical analysis was conducted in R programming environment by using different packages. Within the EZ method there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between ventral and dorsal sample cores used for the assessment of EZ drip loss. Drip loss measured with the same method at two different points of time (24 and 48 h) differed significantly (p<0.001). There was also a significant difference in drip loss determined by different methods (EZ vs. BM) at the same point of time. There were significant (p<0.05) correlations between pH45min and all color parameters (L*4, a*, b*). The L*, a*, and b* parameters were highly correlated (p<0.001). The strongest correlation occurred between a* and b* parameter (r=0.93). Correlations between drip loss by EZ method and other meat quality attributes were low and not significant. The b* parameter correlated with BM24 (r=0.46) and BM48 (r=0.58), while a* correlated only with BM48 (r=0.50). The correlations between the EZ24 and BM24 as well as between the EZ48 and BM48 were both non-significant (p>0.05). Drip loss cannot be predicted with sufficient accuracy by using pH and color. EZ and BM method in mutton do not provide equivalent results for measuring drip loss. Comparisons of the results obtained with different methods should be avoided or at least performed with great precaution.

Haemato-biochemical profile and acid-base status of Croatian spotted goats of different ages

The aim of the present research was to determine the haemato-biochemical profile and blood acid–base status of Croatian spotted goats in a traditional Mediterranean production system. The 60 non-gravid female Croatian spotted goats of different ages were included in the research. They were divided into four groups of 15 goats according to age: group I – ≤1 year old; group II – 2–3 years; group III – 3–6 years; and group IV – 7–10 years. Haematological parameters were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum and acid–base status in plasma by automatic analyser. Total leukocyte number (WBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the blood were the highest, while mean haemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes (MCHCs) was the lowest in yearlings compared to other groups. Concentrations of urea, Mg, Cl, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and lactate were the highest in yearlings. Concentrations of Ca, Na, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher in older goats compared to yearlings, while the opposite was determined for the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Values of pH, the strong ion difference (SID), anion gap (AG) and z values as well as the content of HCO3 and total pressure of carbon dioxide (ctCO2) were higher in older goats compared to yearlings. The results obtained may help in monitoring the health and nutritional status and improve the management of Croatian spotted goats. Based on the results of the present study, the effect of age needs to be included in the model when preparing the reference values for the haemato-biochemical profile and acid–base status of goats.

Production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in organic lambs' feed

Abstract. The aim of this research was to investigate the production traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acids of meat and tallow in response to the partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' feed. The research was conducted on 30 Merinolandschaf lambs of 90 days' age over 30 days. Lambs were fed with feed mixture (1000 g day−1 lamb−1). In the control group protein supplement was soybean meal (SC), while in the experimental groups soybean meal was partially replaced with 13 % peas (P13) and 26 % peas (P26). In the haematological parameters of lambs' blood, concentrations of minerals (Ca, P, Mg and Fe) and biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulins, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, β-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids) as well as enzyme activity (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and CK) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of m. semimembranosus and tallow were taken in which concentrations of fatty acids were analysed. Values of meat pH and colour were taken 45 min 24 h post mortem, and water-holding capacity was calculated. By analysing the production properties of lamb, we found that slaughtering characteristics of lamb carcasses, haematological and most of the biochemical indicators did not differ. Urea concentrations were reduced in the blood of lambs in P13 and P26. Concentration of C18:2 n-6 increased in tallow of lambs of group SC compared to group P26 of lambs. The above-mentioned results indicate the possibility of partial replacement of soybean meal with peas in lambs' diets in organic farming without changes in production.

The 1.78-kb insertion in the 3'-untranslated region of RXFP2 does not segregate with horn status in sheep breeds with variable horn status

BACKGROUND

The mode of inheritance of horn status in sheep is far more complex than a superficial analysis might suggest. Observations, which were mostly based on crossbreeding experiments, indicated that the allele that results in horns is dominant in males and recessive in females, and some authors even speculated about the involvement of more than two alleles. However, all recent genome-wide association analyses point towards a very strong effect of a single autosomal locus on ovine chromosome 10, which was narrowed down to a putatively causal insertion polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 gene (RXFP2). The main objective of this study was to test this insertion polymorphism as the causal mutation in diverse sheep breeds, including breeds with a variable and/or sex-dependent horn status.

RESULTS

After re-sequencing a region of about 246 kb that covered the RFXP2 gene and its flanking regions for 24 sheep from six completely horned and six completely polled breeds, we identified the same insertion polymorphism that was previously published as segregating with horn status in these breeds. Multiplex PCR genotyping of 489 sheep from 34 breeds and some crosses between sheep breeds showed a nearly perfect segregation of the insertion polymorphism with horn status in sheep breeds of Central and Western European origin. In these breeds and their crossings, heterozygous males were horned and heterozygous females were polled. However, this segregation pattern was not, or at least not completely, reproducible in breeds with sex-dependent and/or variable horn status, especially in sheep that originated from even more southern European regions and from Africa. In such breeds, we observed almost all possible combinations of genotype, sex and horn status phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1.78-kb insertion polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of RXFP2 and SNPs in the 3'-UTR, exon 14 and intron 11 of this gene that we analyzed in this study cannot be considered as the only cause of polledness in sheep and are not useful as a universal marker to define the genetic horn status in sheep.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation by wild edible saprophytic and ectomycorrhizal mushrooms

Heavy metals cause serious problems in the environment, and they can be accumulated in organisms, especially in the higher fungi. The concentration of Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Hg in 10 species of edible mushrooms in Medvednica Nature Park, Croatia was therefore determined. In addition, the similarity between the studied species was determined by cluster analysis based on concentrations of the aforementioned metals in the fruiting bodies. The contents of nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium, and mercury in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms were obtained by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The highest concentrations of Ni (3.62 mg kg(-1)), Cr (3.01 mg kg(-1)), and Cd (2.67 mg kg(-1)) were determined in Agaricus campestris. The highest concentration of Pb (1.67 mg kg(-1)) was determined in Macrolepiota procera, and the highest concentration of Hg (2.39 mg kg(-1)) was determined in Boletus edulis. The concentration of all heavy metals significantly differed (p < 0.001) between examined saprophytic and ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. Considering anatomical part of the fruiting body (cap-stipe), a considerably higher concentration of the analyzed elements was found in the cap for all mushroom species. According to calculated bioconcentration factors, all the examined species were found to be bioexclusors of Ni, Cr, and Pb and bioaccumulators of Cd and Hg. Cluster analysis performed on the basis of the accumulation of the studied metals revealed great phenotypic similarity of mushroom species belonging to the same genus and partial similarity of species of the same ecological affiliation.

Meta-analysis of intramuscular fatty acid composition of Mediterranean lambs

Abstract. The aim of this work was to study the intramuscular fatty acid profile of Mediterranean lambs using a meta-analysis. The database was created from five journal articles and one doctoral dissertation, and included lambs of the Talaverana, Comisana, Churra Tensina, Merino Branco and Pramenka breeds. All analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and R statistical software. According to the overall pooled result, lambs of Mediterranean breeds included in our meta-analysis had 22.85 % of palmitic (C16:0), 14.78 % of stearic (C18:0) and 5.32 % of myristic acid (C14:0). The overall pooled result for oleic acid (C18:1) was 32.53 %, and it was 5.60 % for linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and 1.95 % for α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3). Regardless of the proportions of the main fatty acids, Mediterranean lambs had 47.85 % of SFA (saturated fatty acid), 37.87 % of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid) and 11.50 % of PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid). The overall pooled result for the PUFA / SFA ratio was 0.23, and it was 2.22 for the n-6 /n-3 ratio. The results of our meta-analysis enabled us to gain an important scientific insight into the lipid profile of intramuscular fat in Mediterranean lambs. A systematic combination of quantitative data from several carefully selected studies provided estimates of greater statistical power and enabled a more truthful comparison of results originating from different independent studies than any previously published research on this issue.

The genetic diversity and structure of 18 sheep breeds exposed to isolation and selection

The phylogenetic layout of the genotyped (30 microsatellite) 18 sheep breeds in this study demands and provides the opportunity to evaluate both neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity in a naturally and artificially selected and subdivided sheep population. Seven Pramenka strains from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia characterized by a very low intensity of artificial selection, preserved the highest neutral genetic variability. Eight central and north-western European breeds under considerable artificial isolation and selection preserved the lowest genetic variability. Only combinations of various phylogenetic parameters offer a reasonable explanation for underlying evolutionary forces working in the investigated island and mainland sheep breeds under variable natural and artificial selection. More than 60% of total genetic, diversity was allocated to virtually unselected Pramenka strains, and an additional 25% to native moderately selected Graue Gehoernte Heidschnucke and intensively selected Ostfriesische Milchschafe. Some economically very important breeds and strains did not contribute to a pool with maximal genetic diversity, while they play an important role in the cultural heritage of respective countries.

Changes in biochemical and hematological parameters and metabolic hormones in Tsigai ewes blood in the first third of lactation

Abstract. The aim of this investigation is to determine changes in concentrations of biochemical and haematological parameters, as well as metabolic hormones in the blood of Tsigai ewes in the first third of lactation. The study included 10 ewes Tsigai breed monitored during three periods of lactation: 20 days, 40 and 60 days of lactation. Ewes were fed feed mixture (300 g/day) and meadow hay ad libitum. A significant decrease of concentrations of Ca and Na was recorded in the blood of sheep at the 40th day of lactation and later an increase at the 60th day of lactation. The opposite trend was determined for concentrations of P-inorganic. Also it was determined a significant decrease in Fe content and an increase in the concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and total protein in the first third of lactation. In the blood of ewes at 40th day of lactation it was found a significant decrease of the activity of AST and LDH in contrast to ewes at 20th day of lactation. Concentrations of T3 and T4 hormones were slightly increasing in the first third of lactation, but the differences were not significant. The blood insulin concentrations were significant increased in the first third of lactation. Haematological blood parameters in lactating ewes did not differ significantly and was within the reference values. Determining the concentration of biochemical and haematological parameters and concentrations of blood thyroid hormones and insulin in the first third of lactation are imposed as a precaution in order to better monitoring of Tsigai ewes during lactation.

Effect of roasted cereals and soybean in feed mixtures on fattening and slaughter traits as well as blood composition in fattening lambs

Abstract. The study examined the effect of raw and roasted cereals (corn, oat and barley) and soybean in diet on growth performance and blood parameters of lambs fattening. Totally 60 lambs after ablactation at average of 50 days, were tested and equally divided into three groups: an experimental I (E I), experimental II (E II) and a control (C) group. The fattening period lasted 56 days. Lambs of the C group were fed on mixture with crude forages, those from the E I on mixture with roasted cereals and lambs of the E II on mixture with both roasted cereals and soybean. The lambs from E I and E II groups grew faster (by 13.62 and 19.40 %), gained higher final body weight (by 6.72 and 8.08 %) and spent less food per kg of daily gain weights (by 14.03 and 13.24 %) although feed consumption in E I was lower (by 2.33 %) but in E II higher (3.49 %) in comparison with the C group. The blood serum concentrations of cholesterol-total and cholesterol-HDL were lower for lambs EI groups compared with lambs C and E II groups. ALP activity was higher for lambs EI and EII groups compared with C group. Urea concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) lower, and that of albumin higher in E II group compared to C group. There were no differences among groups for the serum minerals content, other biochemical indicators and enzymes. Obtained differences in slaughter properties of lambs (carcass weight and dressing) indicate their better productive effects. Concerning the gained production results may be concluded that the use of roasted cereals and soybean in feed mixture in lambs fattening is justified.

Partial replacement of soybean meal with pumpkin seed cake in lamb diets: Effects on carcass traits, haemato-chemical parameters and fatty acids in meat

The composition of lamb diets has an effect on production traits and meat quality, especially fatty acid proportions. Recently, in organic farming, soybean meal has frequently been replaced with feedstuffs that are rich in protein. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of partial replacement of soybean meal with pumpkin seed cake on carcass traits, biochemical parameters and fatty acids of lamb meat produced in organic farming. The research was carried out on 70-day-old lambs of the Merinolandschaf breed. Thirty-six lambs were grouped by gender, and allotted to three treatment groups, which were given one of the three diets: control diet with no pumpkin seed cake; a diet in which 10% of soybean meal was replaced with 10% pumpkin seed cake; and a diet in which 15% of soybean meal was replaced with 15% pumpkin seed cake. The experimental feeding period was 30 days. Hay and water were provided ad libitum. Differential blood tests and haematological parameters were determined, and the concentrations of minerals and biochemical parameters, and enzyme activity were ascertained in blood serum. Carcass traits and lamb meat colour did not differ among dietary treatments. Significant differences were observed in the concentrations of some biochemical parameters, which indicated good energy and protein balance, and changes in fat metabolism that did not impair antioxidant status. Compared with the control, the concentration of linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) was higher in diets containing 10% and 15% of pumpkin seed cake replacements. The results indicated that partial replacement of soybean meal with 10% or 15% of pumpkin seed cake could be implemented in lamb feeding in organic farming without major changes in carcass traits, haemato-chemical parameters and the fatty acid profile in meat.Keywords: Blood parameters, meat quality, Merinolandschaf lambs, organic farming