Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: editors Title: Czech Journal of Animal Science - Content, Author Index, List of Reviewers Volume 54 Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: I-VIII Volume: 54 Issue: 12 Year: 2009 DOI: 10.17221/1747-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/1747-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:54:y:2009:i:12:id:1747-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: L. Zavadilová Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Štípková Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: E. Němcová Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Bouška Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Matějíčková Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Title: Analysis of the phenotypic relationships between type traits and functional survival in Czech Fleckvieh cows Abstract: The phenotypic relationships between type traits and functional traits were analyzed in 47 786 Czech Fleckvieh cows first calved from 1994 to 2003. Functional survival was defined as the number of days from first calving to culling. All the cows were scored for conformation during the first lactation. Type information consisted of phenotypic type scores for 17 objectively scored linear type traits (with 9 classes each) and of the measurements for 6 body traits (measured in cm). The impact of the chosen conformation traits on functional longevity was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. The statistical model included the combined time-dependent effects of lactation and stage of lactation, age of the first calving, effects of the herd of culling, effects of year-season of culling, effects of the first lactation milk yield calculated within herd-year deviation. Analysis was performed separately for each of 23 type traits. The relative culling risk was calculated for animals in each class after taking into account the previously mentioned effects. All the traits analysed showed a relationship with the functional survival. Among linear type traits, rump angle, body depth, rear legs side view and pastern, fore udder length, rear udder attachment, and teats traits exhibited an intermediate optimum. Height at the sacrum, muscularity, rump length, and rump width, hock, and hoof angle, central ligament, and udder depth tended toward a linear relationship to functional survival. Body measurement traits showed an almost linear relationship concerning longevity except for chest girth, which exhibited an intermediate optimum. Body measurement traits and body conformation traits had an impact on functional survival especially in extreme classes, e.g. extremely ascending rump. Larger, broader, muscular cows had a higher risk of being culled compared with smaller and narrower cows and, hence, a shorter length of productive live. Foot and leg traits had an important influence on functional longevity, especially rear legs side view and pastern. Among udder traits, fore udder length, rear udder attachment, and front teat placement showed a higher impact on cows' longevity than the other analyzed udder traits. Keywords: cattle, longevity, type traits, phenotypic relationship, survival analysis Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 521-531 Volume: 54 Issue: 12 Year: 2009 DOI: 10.17221/29/2009-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/29/2009-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-200912-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:54:y:2009:i:12:id:29-2009-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Frelich Author-Workplace-Name: University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Šlachta Author-Workplace-Name: University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: O. Hanuš Author-Workplace-Name: Research Institute for Cattle Breeding, Ltd., Rapotín, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Špička Author-Workplace-Name: University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: E. Samková Author-Workplace-Name: University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Title: Fatty acid composition of cow milk fat produced on low-input mountain farms Abstract: The fatty acid (FA) composition of bulk milk fat was examined on three mountain dairy farms in the Czech Republic. Milk samples were collected in the period of indoor grass silage feeding (November-April) and in the grazing period (May-October). In total fifty FAs were identified in the milk fat. The two-way ANOVA with factors of the farm and of the period of milk sample collection was used for the evaluation of variation in FA concentrations. Significant differences between the farms (P < 0.01) were found in the concentration of five FAs, which accounted for 30.40 g/100 g total FAs. Significant differences between the indoor and the grazing period (P < 0.01) were found in the concentration of sixteen FAs, which accounted for 63.86 g/100 g total FAs. The content of long-chain (> C16), mono- and polyunsaturated FAs in the milk fat was higher in the grazing period (49.22, 31.69 and 4.69 g/100 g total FAs) than in the indoor period (42.25, 27.55 and 4.15 g/100 g total FAs, respectively; P < 0.01). The proportion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was also higher in the grazing period (1.09 g/100 g total FAs) than in the indoor period (0.74 g/100 g total FAs; P < 0.01). The medium-chain (C12-C16) and the saturated FAs were more abundant in the milk fat in the indoor period (48.91 and 67.16 g/100 g total FAs) than in the grazing period (41.31 and 62.16 g/100 g total FAs; P < 0.001 and P < 0.01; respectively). These results indicated a positive influence of seasonal grazing on the FA profile of cow milk fat as regards its potential health effects in consumers. Keywords: milk, fatty acids, CLA, dairy cows, low-input farms, pasture Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 532-539 Volume: 54 Issue: 12 Year: 2009 DOI: 10.17221/226/2009-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/226/2009-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-200912-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:54:y:2009:i:12:id:226-2009-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: D. Strusińska Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: D. Minakowski Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: G. Bomba Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Pathology and Pharmacology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: I. Otrocka-Domagała Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Pathology and Pharmacology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: M. Wiśniewska Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Pathology and Pharmacology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: J. Tywończuk Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland Title: Effect of whole cereal grains contained in the ration on calf performance and selected morphometric parameters of the rumen and small intestine Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole maize and oat grains contained in starter concentrates on the performance of calves (during the first 90 days of their life) and selected morphometric parameters of the rumen and small intestine. The study was conducted on two groups of Holstein-Friesian calves (each of 3 males and 9 females) during the first 90 days of their life. After colostrum feeding all calves were given a milk replacer. Group 1 (control) received a concentrate (containing ground cereal grains) and meadow hay. Until 4 weeks of age group 2 (experimental) received a concentrate mixed with 25% of whole maize grains, followed by a concentrate mixed with 25% of whole maize grains and 25% of whole oat grains. The rations were supplemented with hay in the last two weeks of the experiment. Feeding the concentrates based on ground cereal components to calves (until 30 days of age) enabled to increase both feed intake and daily body weight gains. The addition of whole maize and oat grains to diets for the calves of experimental group significantly increased their mean daily gains throughout the experimental period, compared to the calves of control group (906 g vs. 769 g). At 90 days of age, the bulls of experimental group were characterised by thinner (P < 0.01) ruminal epithelium, including a thinner cornified layer (17.50 vs. 33.39 µm). Those calves also had thicker duodenal epithelium (P < 0.01) and thicker jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). Moreover, the calves of experimental group had regular and tall intestinal villi, which were irregular in the calves of control group and varied in length and shape. The obtained results indicate that it is recommended to supplement whole maize and oat grains to diets for calves, starting from the second month of life. Keywords: whole cereal grains, calf performance, morphometric parameters, rumen, small intestine Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 540-551 Volume: 54 Issue: 12 Year: 2009 DOI: 10.17221/133/2009-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/133/2009-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-200912-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:54:y:2009:i:12:id:133-2009-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: E. Vlková Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Grmanová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: V. Rada Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: I. Homutová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: S. Dubná Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Title: Selection of probiotic bifidobacteria for lambs Abstract: Twenty-six bifidobacteria were isolated from faecal samples of lambs. The isolates were identified, functional properties (survival ability at low pH and bile conditions) and antimicrobial activities against potential pathogens were determined. From the isolates with suitable properties (13 strains) rifampicin-resistant mutants were prepared by gradient plate techniques. This property enabled us to differentiate the administered organism from wild strains because resistance to rifampicin is rare among bifidobacteria. Rifampicin-resistant bifidobacteria (RRBifs) were administered to 3-days-old lambs in two trials. In the first trial the strain B. ruminantium L29 was applied to 3 lambs and was detected in faecal samples at high counts (6 log CFU/g on average) for one week. In the second trial 3 lambs received a "cocktail" of 12 strains and RRBifs survived in the intestinal tract at counts of about 6 log CFU/g for 25 days. The control group without probiotic treatment consisted of 6 animals. In both treated groups RRBifs dominated among bifidobacteria after their administration. Total bifidobacterial counts (5.64-7.32 log CFU/g) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treated groups compared to 2.31-2.85 log CFU/g detected in the control group during the first month of lamb life. Lactobacilli counts were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treated groups compared to the control. The administered bifidobacteria did not affect any other monitored bacterial groups. On the basis of in vitro test results, suitable probiotic bifidobacterial strains for lambs were chosen. Some of them survived for 30 days in the gastrointestinal tract of treated lambs, but no tested strain was able to colonise the lamb's tract permanently. The administration of bifidobacterial "cocktail" and consequent identification of the best survived strain seems to be an effective method for selection of potential probiotics. Keywords: bifidobacteria, lambs, probiotics, faecal flora Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 552-565 Volume: 54 Issue: 12 Year: 2009 DOI: 10.17221/151/2009-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/151/2009-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-200912-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:54:y:2009:i:12:id:151-2009-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: E. Chronowska Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Department of Biology of Reproduction, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Tománek Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Department of Biology of Reproduction, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: T. Kott Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Department of Molecular Genetics, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Title: Effect of aromatase inhibitor (fadrozole) on proliferation, estradiol production and telomerase activity in pig granulosa cells in vitro Abstract: The objective of the present work was to study the effect of a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (fadrozole) on proliferation, estradiol production, aromatase expression and telomerase activity (TA) in pig granulosa cells (GC) from small (1-2 mm) and large (5-7 mm) follicles. The cells were treated with fadrozole for 48 h and 72 h in basal and FSH-stimulated conditions. Fadrozole caused a decrease (P < 0.05) of 3H-thymidine incorporation in granulosa cells derived from small (1-2 mm) and large follicles (5-7 mm). The proliferative potential of small-follicle GC was significantly higher (P < 0.01) under all culture conditions. Estradiol production was suppressed (P < 0.01) in both granulosa cell populations cultured in the presence of fadrozole for 48 and 72 h. Fadrozole caused a decrease (P < 0.05) of aromatase gene expression in small-follicle granulosa cell incubated for 72 h and in large-follicle GC after 48 h of culture. Large-follicle GC were characterized by a higher (P < 0.01) level of estradiol production and aromatase gene expression. Telomerase activity decreased (P < 0.05) in large-follicle granulosa cells incubated in the presence of an aromatase inhibitor for 72 h. The TA level in large-follicle granulosa cells was higher (P < 0.01) in comparison to small-follicle GC in all culture conditions after 72 h of incubation. The results of the present study suggest the important role of telomerase in the process of follicular growth and development. Keywords: granulosa cells, aromatase inhibitor, proliferation, telomerase, estradiol Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 566-574 Volume: 54 Issue: 12 Year: 2009 DOI: 10.17221/136/2009-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/136/2009-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-200912-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:54:y:2009:i:12:id:136-2009-CJAS