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The article is a pleading for the introduction of sensory evaluation in several areas of the food industry and its use as a valuable tool for evaluating the degree of acceptability of a food, by the consumers. A series standard guidelines of good practice used in sensory evaluation are presented, which refer both to the layout of the laboratory, as well as to the samples and to the evaluation specialists, as well as the tools used by them to describe and evaluate the sensory aspects of a food product.
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Sensory Evaluation Techniques of Food

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
An important canine virus that are spread among the dog population is the canine distemper virus (CDV) which affects domestic and wild animals all over the world, particularly due to the fact that it passes the species. Canine distemper virus is an important veterinary issue in areas with a high number of dogs that are not vaccinated against the virus and also where the disease is present in wild animals. A useful tule in diagnosis of this disease is the real time PCR that can detect the viral genome from oral swabs, ocular swabs, LCR (cerebrospinal fluid), feces or urine, depending on the clinical stage of the disease. This paper presents a reviewed analysis of three case-studies conducted by the Universities of Bari (Italy), Liège (Belgium) and Pécs (Hungary) concerning clinical manifestations of the infection with the Canine Distemper Virus and the efficiency of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests in the detection of viral RNA. The emergence of CDV cases in wildlife is also explored, as is the opportunity of vaccination against CDV infection as a means of protecting domestic dogs in shelters and homes.
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Reviewed Comparative Analysis of Three Case-Studies Using RT-PCR to Detect Canine Distemper Virus

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In order to study the adaptive behavior of two tomato varieties (Solanumlicopersicum L.) Safa and Assila subjected to salt stress with concentrations of (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) in (NaCl+CaCl2) during the growth phase, a morphological (number of leaves, stem length, stomatal density, length of the main root axis) and physio-biochemical (relative water content, chlorophyll pigments content, soluble sugars content) evaluation was conducted. Our results confirm the sensitivity of both varieties to applied salt stress; this sensitivity was manifested by a statistically significant decrease in: number of leaves, length of the stem and the contents of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll. While, the soluble sugars content at the leaf level increased associated with an increase stomatal density on both ventral and dorsal epiderms. On the other hand, the ratio of root dry weight and shoot dry weight (RDW/SDW) was decreased with an elongation of the main root according to the different doses of salts.
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Adaptation of Two Tomato Varieties (<italic>Solanum lycopersicon</italic> L.) Under Salinity Stress

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Sheep breeding is a traditional activity in Romania and wool production has been for a long period the main resource for the farmers’ prosperity. The opportunity of this study was generated by two main aspects: the change of the exploitation directions of sheep towards milk and meat production, which contributed to the lack of interest in selection and breeding for wool and to the reduction of the productive level and quality parameters of the wool; the absence of a national standard for classifying raw wool adapted to the current breeds structure, the conditions of sheep farming and the market requirements for this animal product
An extensive study was carried out over 5 years on flocks of sheep belonging to the main local breeds Merinos de Palas, Tsigaie, Tsurcana, the newly created breeds at ICDCOC Palas Constanta respective Palas Meat Breed, Palas Milk Breed, Palas Prolific Breed as well as on some hybrids obtained through crossbreeding of new breeds with imported sheep breeds specialised for meat production (Texel and Rouge de l’ Ouest). The main goals of this study were: to establish the average level of wool production, the limits of variation and the potential for selection for wool quantity, by individual weighing of the wool fleeces harvested during the shearing season; to evaluate the wool quality level in the flocks analysed on the basis of the objective determination, by laboratory analysis on randomly collected samples, of the average fibre diameter, relative length of the staples, individual fibre length, degree of crimp, degree of impurity and the limits of variation of these quality parameters. This paper presents a summary of the values obtained for the quantity of raw wool and the fineness of wool as an essential quality parameter for the classification and valorisation of this natural resource.
The results obtained in the study revealed in general a large variability in the productivity level of local sheep breeds and their hybrids with specialised imported breeds. The existence in the analysed herds of a percentage of 40-50 % of sheep performing above the flocks average (plusvariants) shows a potential for selection for the quantitative level of wool production. Thus, for these selected flocks (lines) an additional 10.23 ≈ 24.09 % wool production can be obtained compared to the averages levels.
In terms of average fineness the analysis of the data shows that : the Palas Merino sheep, fall into the category of fine wool breeds; the three new sheep breeds created at ICDCOC Palas and the Tsigaie breed belonging to the Reghin - Mures Experimental Base have semi-fine wool (fiber diameter over 25 microns); the flock of White Tsurcana breed from the Bilciuresti - Dambovita Experimental Base falls into the category of sheep with semi coarse - coarse wool.
The range of variation in diameter was very wide for all the breeds analysed. Thus in the Palas Merino breed differences of 5-7.5 μm between the maximum and minimum diameter measured represent according to the Bradford classification (English system) a difference of 7 fineness classes . The Tsigai breed has also a large uneveness of this parameter, CV over 20 % in rams and sheep yearlings. The analysis of the data on wool diameter revealed that more than 40% of the studied sheeps had above-average fineness, they could constitute selected flocks (lines) with higher values of the main wool quality parameter that determines the market value. Thus an increase in wool fineness of 3.63 ≈ 11.52 % can be achieved within a selected flock .
The results presented showed that, under the current conditions of breeding and exploitation of sheep in the analized flocks, there is a potential of selection for wool production and for fibre diameter as the main quality parameter . Also, on the basis of the analysis carried out on the grading/classing/sorting of wool worldwide and the results obtained within this study, proposals were made to improve the quantity and increase the commercial value of wool production obtained from the sheep breeds reared in Romania.
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Evaluation of the Wool Production on Romanian Sheep Breeds

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This paperwork highlights the role that plays the animal nutrition, in terms of level and quality, in relation to interdependence with other animal welfare criteria. It is necessary to apply nutritional strategies, taking into account the optimization of feeding conditions and nutritional intakes, in order to meet the objectives of animal welfare, which must take into account both health and environmental conditions, their maintenance and their service. In this way, the administration of food and the provision of all the necessary nutrients, depending on the species, the category of production, the physiological state must be applied in such a way that each animal has the freedom to express its normal behavior under conditions of well-being.
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Nutritional Level and Quality – Condition and Component of Animal Welfare

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The future of Romania’s mountain areas is based on living mountains on which sustainable and integrated development and a good quality of life are promoted and which can sustain the national mountain economy over time. Mountain products can be approached as a healthy solution to help a nation’s economic development leading to higher living standards. The main challenges related to mountain products and the effects of their development are presented, taking into account the quality of all products obtained on the mountain. This study analyzes the effects of the Covid-19 crisis on the producer market in the mountain areas in Romania, trying to provide solutions and development proposals. Analyzing the post Covid-19 trends of the mountain products market and taking into account the unique and natural specificities and properties, we will propose some solutions that could be considered for the development of this market. Only strategic planning can lead to a sustainable development of the mountain products market in Romania.
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The Mountain Products Market - Post Covid-19 Period

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Biodiversity may be the medicine that can save humanity in the long term, giving it the sustainability to ensure its survival. The current trend in the evolution of animal biodiversity is its drastic reduction. Local populations and breeds, in addition to their economic importance, play a crucial ecological role, especially in less developed areas where intensive agriculture is less common. The main purpose of research is to identify biodiversity losses in indigenous cattle breeds. The number of individuals in the cattle herd during the transition to a market economy has continuously drastically decreased from 5380780 head in 1990 to 1826845 because after 1990 the problems in agriculture were not solved in a system that met the requirements of a capitalist economy. The novelty of the paper is that interest in local breeds is growing because, following evidence on the combination of best management techniques and the integration of non-commercial advantages, such as resistance to parasites, in to productivity evaluations, local breeds can gain an advantage. The strategies for the development of zootechnical biodiversity applicable in the short and medium term for the Romanian indigenous cattle breeds within the national genetics: Breeding of pure breeds specialized for milk production from two distinct body types: the large type, selected for the quantity of milk milked per calendar year, intensively reared, with free-range animals, recommended for areas with rich cereal production, allowing diets with high energy concentration per kg dry matter, and the small type, selected for the quantity of dry matter per kg milk production, intensively reared, with free-range animals, recommended for areas with access to natural or cultivated pastures and satisfactory resources for fibrous fodder needed during the stabling period. Buffalo are desirable as a species with low market supplies and which can exploit the coarser grassy vegetation in certain areas with particular natural environments. For any artificial populations of these species, it is desirable to practice breeding programmers of their own, based on reproductive isolation, in order to avoid value added from genetic progress leaking out of the breeding area. The creation of the most complete databases, the evaluation of the breeding sector and the conservation of the genetic potential of breeds threatened with extinction are national priorities in the protection of animal science biodiversity.
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Identification of Biodiversity Losses in Indigenous Cattle Breeds in Romania

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The dairy industry stands at the intersection of two critical global challenges: the need to meet rising demands for high-quality dairy products and the imperative to reduce its environmental impact. This study’s primary aim is to bridge the historical-to-modern gap in dairy cattle management practices and to provide a comprehensive perspective that encompasses the industry’s historical evolution and contemporary realities. It engages in a meticulous examination of the multifaceted dimensions of dairy cattle management, commencing with an exploration of historical methodologies and advancing into the realms of modern breeding and genetics, nutritional advancements, innovations in housing and welfare, environmental sustainability, and the integration of precision farming technologies. Throughout this research, there is an unwavering emphasis on the compelling necessity for sustainable and innovative approaches to confront prevailing challenges, particularly in domains such as animal health, welfare, and the reduction of the industry’s environmental footprint. The findings of this study shed light on the critical importance of adopting sustainable and inventive methodologies in the realm of dairy cattle management. It not only encourages cattle managers but deems it crucial for them to fuse historical practices with contemporary technologies, with a special focus on enhancing breeding strategies, refining precision farming techniques, and upholding principles of ecological responsibility. Paramount in these considerations are the promotion of animal welfare, the minimization of environmental impact, and the pursuit of heightened productivity, all of which are indispensable for the industry’s long-term sustainability. From a pragmatic standpoint, this research offers actionable recommendations for dairy farmers. For example, the implementation of sustainable practices holds the promise of not only enhancing economic viability but also of bringing the operations of dairy farms in alignment with societal expectations. These practices have the dual potential to amplify profitability while mitigating environmental repercussions, thereby fostering societal acceptance. While the study duly acknowledges the inherent limitations associated with the complex and multifaceted nature of the dairy industry, it confidently lays the foundation for prospective research endeavours. In conclusion, this research serves as a pivotal starting point for the advancement of dairy cattle management in terms of sustainability, economic viability, and societal alignment.
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Innovations in Dairy Cattle Management: Enhancing Productivity and Environmental Sustainability

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<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Agriculture is reinventing itself, in a world in constant motion, where the current generation of farmers seems to be much more informed about new technologies (sensors, software, agrobots, tractors guided by GPS, satellites, etc.) that have direct results in increasing business efficiency which they develop in the agricultural field, while protecting their yields. The new regulations at the level of the European Union create pressure on farmers, who are forced to rethink the business model they are developing, based on sustainability principles and with new technologies, which once implemented can create new economic opportunities for farmers and for the communities from which they are part, as well for the environment. SMART Livestock Farming (S - simple, specific; M - measurable; A - acceptable and achieved; R - realistic; T - temporal, that is mean with a time limit) should include a repetitive cycle of collecting and processing data, namely: ⇒ Observation (by sensors) ⇒ Diagnostics (interpretation of the data transmitted by the sensors) ⇒ Decisions (in real-time and informed) ⇒ Implementation (evaluation and action).
At the European Union level, an important percentage of the value of agricultural output is represented by milk production (approximately 154 million tonnes/year, 70% being produced in Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Italy and Ireland).
In Romania, animal husbandry was, is and will be for the future, a prime occupation, in guaranteeing the agri-food goods necessary to feed the population. Without a doubt, cattle in Romania are one of the most valuable farm animals, due to the multiple advantages they offer us. Cow farms need to ensure optimal environmental conditions with constant parameters for performance and competition, in obtaining milk and meat production from a quantitative and qualitative point of view, as well as animal health. Following the research carried out on the farm for the breeding of milk cows, the necessary parameters for the assessment of the main microclimate factors were determined and the results obtained were compared with the existing norms in the specialized literature, regarding the conditions for raising and exploiting cattle. Animal health is an element that must concern us permanently. Only a healthy animal will perform in the production, to benefit the farm, farmers and consumers.
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Analysis of the Microclimate Conditions and Parameters in the Shelters for Dairy Cows and their Influence on the Animals Welfare

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