The article discusses the results of comprehensive studies histomorphological signs of skin and hair of sheep (Degeress) of various stripes, especially the thickness of the skin and its layers that are commonly identified indicators. Studies allow to bring the scientific basis for the proper development of activities aimed at increasing production of wool, quantity and quality of which skin microstructure largely depends on. Sheep of different colors have a specific feature on the histological structure of the skin, which is essential for the development of effective methods of selection that enhance productivity of sheep wool. The researches have established that brown suit sheep has thickened skin as compared to red and gray color (p is less than 0.01). In turn, pilar layer of the skin is also much thicker at brown coloration sheep (2029.7 ×10E-6 m) than in sheep red (1850.6×10E-6 m) and sulfur (1773.7×10E-6 m) suits, the difference is statistically highly significant (p is less than 0.001). The thickness of the pilar layer is up to 70% of the dermis, which varies depending on sheep lear ranging from 1773.7×10E-6 m to 2029.7×10E-6 m. Reticular layer thickness varies depending on sheep lear ranging from 743.5×10E-6 m to 826.4×10E-6 m.

During the controls for Trichinella in wild boar meat, Alaria spp. mesocercariae in the examined samples are diagnosed. There does not exist a routine veterinary inspection for diagnosis of alariosis (Alaria spp.) in Latvia. The aim of the study was to determine Alaria spp. mesocercariae distribution in wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat in Latvia. Laboratory examination was performed in Latvia University of Agriculture Faculty of Veterinary Medicine laboratory of Parasitology, from 2010 to 2013. Meat samples were examined using artificial digestion method, which in regulation No 2075/2005 is considered an official detection method for Trichinella. In total, 1233 wild boar meat samples from different hunting regions of Latvia were examined. The territory of Latvia was divided into four regions – Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme and Latgale. For examination we used meat samples from wild boar pillars of diaphragm. Samples were taken from wild boars of different age and gender. The prevalence of infection in the examined wild boar meat samples from all regions was 8.2%, but the intensity of infection 2.8.

In goats (Capra) the growth and functional development of certain parts of the multi-chambered stomach continue during the first few months after birth. The aim of this research was to clarify morphofunctional changes in the kids abomasa and rumina and live weight gain during the first 8 weeks of life. Research was performed in two parts. In the first part (P1) we used Saanen breed kids which were all kept in the same conditions and in the second part (P2) we used Saanen breed kids which were separated in two groups with different feeding diets. In P1 the stomach contents of the goat kids were collected after slaughter (on day 1, 17, 25 and 30), weighed full and empty. The gastrohromoscopical method proved that in the newborn kids the area where the abomasal pH is 3.0 and lower is about 10% of the surface of the abomasum, but in age of three weeks it is composing 80% of the mucosal surface of the abomasum. In P2 were two groups – in the first group (MMG) kids which were fed with dairy (mother) milk and lived with mothers, the second group (MRG) kids were fed with milk replacer and lived separate from mothers. The stomach contents were collected after slaughter(at day 45 and 60).We confirm that the most important age of stomach development and kids growth in postnatal period are the first 45 days. During this period the most significant differences can be observed. On day 60 there are no significant differences (p is greater than 0.05) between MMG and MRG stomach development.

Forest fires in Latvia occur every year. Research about vegetation and forest regeneration after forest fire is being carried out in Latvia, and sanitary conditions are being evaluated too; however, there are no large studies about the forest fire impact on radial growth dynamics of trees. The aim of the study was to analyse and compare the response reaction of a forest stand after fire in two forest site types – Hylocomiosa and Vacciniosa turf. mel. The object of the research was fire affected middle–aged managed Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands in the aforementioned forest site types. The study compares radial growth dynamics of trees, tree mortality and forest stand sanitary conditions after fire in Hylocomiosa and Vacciniosa turf. mel. The observed fire impact on radial growth dynamics of trees was negative in both forest site types. Negative fire impact on sanitary conditions was observed, too.

In recent years, the effective immunostimulating properties of β-glucans have been widely proven not only in mammals, but also in aquatic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary β-glucan supplements on the percentage of individual types of leukocytes and the haematocrit of the sea trout (Salmo trutta L.). Investigations were performed at the state fish farm ‘Tome’, hatchery ‘Pelči’ of the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment ‘BIOR’, during a six month period (September 2018 – February 2019). On the basis of feeding with immunostimulant diets, a total of 15 000 sea trout were assigned into five groups. For blood collection healthy fish were randomly selected once a month, five 5 individuals from each group. Blood smears were made to determine the leukocyte differential count. Sampling was done once a month (September 2018 – January 2019) (n=125). Haematocrit was determined by the standard microhaematocrit method. Sampling was done once a month (January 2019 – February 2019) (n=50). We concluded that the dietary β-glucan supplements can improve the haematocrit level and effect the percentage of individual types of leukocytes of the sea trout, stimulation of the preparation for parr-smolt transformation.

Plywood overlaid with resin impregnated paper films is used in various decorative applications for which high stability of aesthetic qualities is of great importance. The top veneer of the plywood for these materials is perfectly protected from a direct contact with water as far as the covering film is not damaged. However, in case of film damage water can cause clearly visible defects in a relatively short period of time. To reduce these types of defects, unsophisticated and efficient way was developed. It involves filling the vessel system of the top veneer with industrial phenol-formaldehyde resin by using a hot-press. Influence of some phenol-formaldehyde resin properties on its penetration in birch veneer as well as the effect of wood moisture content were tested. The proposed top veneer pre-treatment method with phenol-formaldehyde resin reduced the average swelling zone distance from damage site by half for oven pre-dried plywood with 3% moisture content before treatment. Moreover, it was found that using plywood with moisture content of 9% the swelling zone distance was reduced by two thirds compared to untreated overlaid plywood.

Kvass is an aromatic soft drink which in a form of powder could be used in dairy or bakery products, or sugar confectionary to expand the diversity of flavours. Spray drying is one of the techniques used for producing powders; however, liquids with high sugar content become sticky during drying process and need additional drying aids to increase glass transition temperature and improve powder stability. The aim of this research was to evaluate the characteristics of dry naturally fermented kvass. Maltodextrin was used in 50, 40 and 25% quantity to kvass dry matter in order to aid the spray drying of naturally fermented non-pasteurised, non-filtered bread kvass. Spray drying of 8 l naturally fermented kvass returned approximately 500 g dry naturally fermented kvass powder with a light brown colour, a pronounced aroma of rye bread and moisture content of 7 ± 0.1%. Microstructure analysis of the spray dried naturally fermented kvass showed irregularly spherical shaped particles, having many shrinkages, breakages and dents on the surface in general. Total viable microorganism count in dry naturally fermented kvass powder was within the recommended levels, traces of lactic acid bacteria were found in all samples. The presence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was established in dry naturally fermented kvass powders, with possible contamination from spray dryer.

The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) extract on Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves. Sea buckthorn is a good source of vitamins, carotenoids, organic acids and tannins. It has been reported that it possesses anti-inflammatory effect, as well as anthelmintic and antibacterial activity. Research was conducted in a dairy cattle farm ‘Mežacīruļi’ during April and July 2015. Experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups of calves were used. The experimental group received a mix of aqueous alcohol sea buckthorn leaf and berry pomace extract, administered with milk, at dose of 5 – 8 mL twice a day for 20 days. The control group received only milk. Samples were analysed with the concentration McMaster technique. The results showed that there is no significant (p is greater than 0.05) difference in the number of oocysts per gram of faeces between the experimental and control groups. It was concluded that the administration of sea buckthorn leaf and berry pomace extract had no effect on Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves. Studies will be continued with a higher dose of extract.