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This material describes parameterization of allometric functions applicable to biomass estimation of European beech trees. It is based on field data from destructive measurements of 20 full-grown trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) from 5.7 to 62.1 cm. The parameterization was performed for total tree aboveground biomass (AB; besides stump), stem and branch biomass, respectively. The allometric functions contained two or three parameters and used dbh either as a single independent variable or in combination with tree height (H). These functions explained 97 to 99% of the variability in the measured AB. The most successful equation was that using both dbh and H as independent variables in combination with three fitted parameters. H, as the second independent variable, had rather a small effect on improving the estimation: in the case of AB, H as independent variable improved prediction accuracy by 1-2% whereas in the case of branch biomass by about 5%. The parameterized biomass equations are applicable to tree specimens of European beech grown in typically managed forests.

New possibilities of oak mildew (Microsphaera alphitoides) control were tested and compared with present methods. The results of three-year experiments in 6 localities (Cikar, Budkov, Planá nad Lužnicí, Vědomice, Voznice, Zadní Bor) clearly showed that the sulphur-based fungicides registered for the control of oak mildew (Sulikol K, Sulka) had a relatively good and stable effectiveness, and that two other newly tested preparations (Systhane 12 EC, Amistar) were even more effective when the percentage of infested plants did not exceed 2% (Systhane 12 EC) or 5% (Amistar) in any experimental locality. Their registration should be extended in this way. The biopreparations with fungicidal or fungistatic effects such as Supresivit, Polyversum and Ibefungin, known and used in forestry, showed that it was not possible to use them for oak mildew control, similar results were received in tentative testing of another preparation (PFR). Testing of preparations Bion 50 WG and Neem Triact 90 EC gave interesting and promising results. Besides their sufficient effectiveness in the control of oak infestation by the mildew, our experiments also indicated their generally positive influence on the health of plants; this could compensate their economic disadvantage compared to classical fungicides.

In the paper we evaluate the influence of crown thinning with positive selection, different intensity (moderate PRP III and heavy PRP IV) and 5-year frequency on development of growth, production, quality and leaf area index of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) monocultures growing on the series of three permanent research plots (PRP) Sikenica (Levice Forest Enterprise, Levice Forest District) as observed in 1978-2003. The trends of development of mean stem, basal area, standing volume and aboveground dendromass (in dry matter) were mainly influenced by heavy crown thinning. The index of growth was as follows: basal area 169.01%, standing volume 262.12%, aboveground dendromass (in dry matter) 324.48%. At the age of 64 years the black walnut monocultures tended by heavy crown thinning had the following parameters: basal area 31.03 m²/ha, standing volume 463.88 m³/ha and aboveground dendromass 194.98 t/ha. Mean periodic increment reached the values: basal area 0.51 m²/ha/year, standing volume 11.48 m³/ha/year and dendromass 5.39 t/ha/year. The index of increment percent growth was: basal area + 31.75%, growing stock + 30.85% and dendromass + 0.79%, compared to the control. The total production was also significantly influenced by heavy thinning. At the stand age of 64 years the tended stands had the total basal area of 4.92 m²/ha, total volume production of 572.77 m³/ha and total weight production of 246.04 t/ha. The total mean increment of basal area is 0.67 m²/ha/year, of volume 8.95 m³/ha/year and of weight 3.84 t/ha/year, which is by 24.07%, 23.96% and 16.01% more than on the control plot. The leaf area index at the age of 64 years ranges from 6.54 ha/ha (PRP III) to 7.82 ha/ha (PRP V). Dendrochronological analyses revealed minimum widths of annual rings in the years 1952, 1961, 1968, 1971, 1975, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1993, 2000, maximum ones in 1951, 1957, 1959, 1967, 1974, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1989, 1999.

Rare forest tree species that are necessary for the domestic processing industry, especially for the furniture industry, currently occur as scattered trees in many forest stands in theCzechRepublic. For their harvest and supply to the processing industry it is necessary to measure their dimensions and growing stock. Logging technologies are proposed that will enable to harvest and transport this scattered wood mass to buyers. These technologies and used conveyances must not cause any damage either to forest soil or to adjacent stands and they should be economic, i.e. increased costs of processing must be covered by selling price.

The condition was evaluated of tissues of declining young spruce stands in selected localities of the Orlické hory Mts. It refers to stands occurring in top parts affected by an air pollution disaster in the last century. Several types of damage of a different symptomatic character were distinguished. A high NO_x input appears to be the risk factor of spruce dieback in the Orlické hory Mts. One of the main causes in the complex of factors is the unbalanced cause of meteorological factors during the year and unbalance in mineral nutrition. The result is decrease in lignification, immaturity of tissues before the winter period and increased susceptibility of damaged tissues to parasites. Several potentially pathogenic species of micromycetes have been identified which can be considered to be significant pathogenic agents in case of declining spruce in the Orlické hory Mts., however, not a main cause.

The effects of soil conditioners TerraCottem, Frisol, Bio-algeen and fertilisers Silvamix Forte and Cererit on the survival rate and growth of European ash seedlings until the stage called established plantation were observed on two experimental plots with different anthropogenic substrates. Eight-year experiments showed that under the given conditions the tested agents fulfilled the declared effects only partially. The application of TerraCottem was statistically insignificant both in the survival rate and in the growth. In the applied dose, Frisol manifested itself as an agent that may cause problems with the survival of plants, but at the same time also as a preparation improving the overall growth of young plants statistically significantly. Its effective dosage largely depends on the soil character. Bio-algeen had a very good effect on the survival rate of plants, but it did not surpass the control plants in the initial growth of plants. Silvamix Forte did not cause the mortality of seedlings and influenced the growth of plants statistically significantly for 1-3 years. In the applied dose, Cererit caused a high mortality of seedlings. The application of soil conditioners and Silvamix Forte did not markedly accelerate the growth and development until the stage of the established plantation. Until that time, the costs of the application of conditioners were higher by 4-13% as compared with the costs in the control plants.

The paper summarises main ideas concerning the structure of natural forest ecosystems at middle altitudes and documents the changes of humus forms and their chemistry in the natural forest of Žákova hora National Nature Reserve, in typical selected parts with different tree species composition: European beech - Norway spruce. The species composition, age and spatial structure are discussed and analysis of the uppermost soil layer is done in particular parts of the natural forest regeneration cycle, of different stages respectively. We compared the amount and layer composition of surface humus and basic pedochemical characteristics of holorganic and upper mineral horizons. The results document changes in the character of humus forms as a consequence of the tree species change. On the contrary, a high portion of uncertainty as for the species, age and spatial structure follows from discussion about the structure of natural forests at middle altitudes.

Presented study documents the effects of green alder (Alnus alnobetula [Ehrh.] C. Koch) on the uppermost forest soil layers in mountain areas, respectively in the top part of the Orlické hory Mts. Three variants effect to the forest soil have been studied: pure groups of green alder, pure groups of Norway spruce and Norway spruce stand under-planted by green alder. The effect of alder stands litter influenced some basic soil characteristics: the surface humus accumulation (low), the bases content and base saturation (decreased). The green alder increased the acidification trends in the forest soils of the humus forms on the studied locality and intensified the mineralization and nutrient losses from the soil profile.

Large areas were deforested as a consequence of the immission calamity in the Czech Republic in the last decades. As a part of restoration activities, preparatory species were utilized, both planted and sown, to cover forest soils, to prevent soil erosion and to regenerate forest microclimate, necessary for reintroduction of target, climax species. Birch (especially Betula pendula Roth.) was among the mostly common preparatory species. Presented paper documents the effects of birch in the case of its cultivation on an intact soil. In this case, birch was documented as a species suitable in a short-time perspective, improving soil characteristics and forming effective shelter against increased humus mineralization.

The response of 25 registered winter wheat varieties to autumnal infection with Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) was studied in small plot trials in two years. The materials were infected by vectors, leafhopper Psammotettix alienus Dahlbom, 1851 from three-leaf stage to tillering. The symptoms expression was monitored in spring and plant height, weight of above ground biomass and grain yield were observed in summer. All tested varieties were evaluated as susceptible and divided into three groups: varieties Banquet and Svitava with 87.3-93.1% grain yield reduction as moderately susceptible, varieties Clever, Drifter, Niagara and Rialto with 95.6-97.68% grain yield reduction as susceptible and varieties Apache, Batis, Bill, Complet, Contra, Corsaire, Ludwig, Mladka, Nela, Record, Rheia, Semper, Sepstra, Solara, Sulamit, Tower, Trend, Vlasta and Winsdor with 99.7-100% grain yield reduction as very susceptible. Statistically significant differences were observed between moderately susceptible and susceptible varieties as well as very susceptible ones in absorbency values by means of DAS-ELISA.

A revision of material from the stored product pest collection of the Research Institute of Crop Production, Prague, was carried out. While so far five species of Trogoderma (all synanthropic) have been known from the Czech Republic, the revision revealed two new species and two new stored product pests for the Czech Republic: T. longisetosum and T. variabile. A key to determine T. longisetosum and T. glabrum is given. Faunistic records of the former quarantine species T. granarium are listed.

Host range and growth of two Ditylenchus dipsaci (Stem and Bulb Nematode) populations on onion, garlic, leek, spinach and chicory were compared. Inoculation was conducted by placing a droplet of 1.5% CMC suspension containing nematodes between the first leaves. The life cycle of the parasite was completed in variants of the original host plants, i.e. salad chicory was infected with the chicory population, and garlic and onion with the garlic population. Survival of the nematodes on garlic and spinach inoculated with the chicory population, and on chicory inoculated with the garlic population was determined. Nematodes of the chicory population did not survive on onion and leek, nor did the garlic population survive on spinach and leek. Nematode infection did not affect the dry weight of aboveground parts of plants, although a reduction would probably occur if the experiments had lasted longer. Symptoms of the infections were apparent in chicory inoculated with the chicory population. Nematodes in the substrate in which the plants were grown were found only in those variants with plants in which the life cycle was completed.

Interference in PCR and transcription amplifications by mixed virus templates is described. The yields of PCR amplification of closely related PVY isolates in a mixture were lower than those of the separate amplification of each individual virus strain, i.e. the two virus templates mutually interfered in their amplification process. When PCR products of mixed PVY isolates served as templates for transcription, RNA synthesis was also inhibited. This interference could be avoided by applying strain-specific primers in the separate amplification of each target sequence in the mixture. The use of strain-specific primers in PCR amplification of a mixed virus infection thus enabled detection of each virus isolate without interference.

Hop downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli) and hop powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis) are the most important pathogens of hop (Humulus lupulus). The early detection and identification of these pathogens are often made difficult by symptomless or combined infection with another pathogens. Molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA is a novel and very effective method of species determination. Therefore, specific PCR assays were developed to detect the pathogens Pseudoperonospora humuli and Podosphaera macularis in naturally infected hop plants. The specific PCR primer combinations P1 + P2 and S1 + S2 amplified specific fragments from Pseudoperonospora humuli and Podosphaera macularis, respectively, and did not cross-react with hop DNA nor with DNA from other fungi. PCR primer combinations R1 + R2 and R3 + R4 could be used in multiplex PCR detection of Pseudoperonospora humuli, Podosphaera macularis, Verticillium albo-atrum and Fusarium sambucinum. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred for 42 species of the Erysiphales from nuclear rDNA (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2). The molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the species identification of hop powdery mildew. The PCR assays used in this study proved to be accurate and sensitive for detection, identification, classification and disease-monitoring of the major hop pathogens.

Population studies and tests on the relationship between density and damage were conducted in 1999 to 2001 to determine the pest status of Empoasca dolichi on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the Zaria area of northern Nigeria. Analyses showed that Empoasca numbers varied significantly from one year to another, and within each year the numbers of leafhoppers observed at the different growth stages of the plant were significantly different (P = 0.01). There was an inverse and highly significant relationship between the mean kernel yield and the Empoasca damage at the different growth stages of the plant. When natural population densities were plotted against economic injury level (EIL), the densities did not reach the EIL throughout the groundnut growing seasons. The insect was thus not an economic pest on groundnut in Zaria during the period of the study.

Measurement of the ammonia emissions by two different types of sensors (PHOTO ACOUSTICS analyzer INNOVA and SOLID STATE sensor SP-53) was carried out in laboratory with one material of litter, wood-shavings (with dry or wet material). The initial ammonia concentration and humidity of material were changed. The output data of these sensors were continually saved a processed. A small difference was found out between the output data of these sensors. The difference depends not only on ammonia concentration and humidity of material but also on the duration time from the beginning of measurement. All experiments of ammonia concentration were carried out with three initial values of humidity and ammonia concentrations within used material. The decrease of ammonia concentration (its velocity) in investigated material has been measured with laboratory device and registered for twelve or more hours during each experiment.

The aim of the study was to verify under experimental conditions the hypothesis that a reliable protection of piglets against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) infection can be obtained by colostrum-derived antibodies and/or a low-dose infection from sows naturally infected with App. Twenty-eight piglets were allocated into four groups. Piglets of groups 1A and 1B were the progeny of App-seronegative sows, piglets of groups 2A and 2B originated from App-seropositive sows. At the age of 4 weeks, piglets in groups 1A and 2A were exposed to a low infection dose with the pathogenic strain of App serotype 9 (4 × 10⁴ CFU/ml). At the age of 8 weeks, all four groups of piglets were exposed to the App serotype 9 challenge (2.5 × 10⁷ CFU/ml). We compared the differences in clinical, radiological, pathological changes and cytological findings in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples between groups with different levels of antigen-specific immunity after challenge. Piglets that obtained colostrum-derived antibodies and experienced a low-dose App infection were best protected against App challenge. More apparent clinical and pathological changes were observed in groups protected with either only colostrum-derived antibodies or active immunity induced by a preceding low-dose infection. However, none of the types of protection prevented developing of the disease and characteristic changes in the lungs. Cell counts changes in blood and lavage gave evidence of only bacterial infection in progress; however, between-group differences were not marked. Antibodies (IgG, IgA) present in the respiratory tract at the time of challenge played a major role in protection against App infection.

A rupture of one uterine horn at the region of small curvature and placentation was observed in a pregnant 8-year old Schnauzer bitch carrying a single foetus. It occurred at its second parturition. The first whelping at the age of 3 years had been without complications and the bitch reared eleven puppies. The uterine rupture occurred at the puppy's umbilical cord. An urgent obstetrical examination revealed one dead foetus in anterior presentation and ventral position. Caesarean delivery was indicated. Evisceration of puppy's intestine through its ruptured abdominal wall at the umbilical cord could be observed through the uterine wall rupture of 1.5 cm in diameter. The bitch underwent hysterectomy and recovered without complications.

Viruses cause many diseases in plants, animals, and humans. They are strict intracellular parasites with cellular specificity. Viral particles can be transmitted by different routes, such as contaminated food and water. People usually get infected orally, after ingestion of products contaminated during processing or subsequent handling or preparation. This review article is focused on the most severe foodborne viruses specific for humans, of the following genera: Norovirus, Enterovirus, Hepatovirus, Astrovirus, and some others. Methods for detecting viruses in food and strategies for preventing virus transmission via food are also discussed.

A geographic information system was used for the analysis of ecological conditions of distribution of natural foci of brucellosis in the European hare (Lepus europaeus) and their long-term persistence in the Czech Republic. The European hare is a reservoir host of Brucella suis biotype 2. A close correlation was found between the geographic distribution and numbers of natural foci of brucellosis in the Czech Republic in 1971 to 1985 and 1986 to 2000 (r = 0.65, n = 814, P = 0.01). Natural foci of brucellosis were persistent, but not stationary, over the period of 30 years. Natural foci of brucellosis were most abundant in habitats of beech forests and the mosaic of fields and forests (x_b = 3.19 and 2.95, respectively), geographic areas of 201-400 m of elevation above sea level (x_b = 2.53), 0.0-2.0°C of mean annual air temperature (x_b = 3.62), 1 401-1 800 mm of mean annual precipitation (x_b = 4.52), 1 601-1 800 h of mean annual sunshine duration (x_b = 2.64), and areas of the European hare population density of 51-100 individuals per 10 km² (x_b = 3.33). Natural foci of brucellosis seem to be independent of the population density of European hare.

Routine access to the bovine oviduct for in vivo culture accomplishes various demands on embryo production for scientific as well as commercial purposes. The experiments conducted in the present study focused on the efficiency of recovery methods after temporary in vivo culture of bovine embryos in oviducts of the homologous species using transvaginal endoscopy (Experiment I) and on the quality assessment of recovered blastocysts (Experiment II). In Experiment I in vitro matured oocytes were fertilized, cultured for 1 to 3 days and transferred unilaterally into the ipsilateral oviducts of 54 heifers by the means of transvaginal endoscopy. After 4 to 6 days of in vivo culture embryos were re-collected either by non-surgical flushing of uterine horns (U-group) or by combined flushing of the oviducts and uterine horns (OU-group). In total the recovery rate was 38.4% (780/2029). After flushing at day seven, 106 blastocysts (blastocyst rate: 13.6% ) were found. The additional 24 h of in vitro culture (day eight) resulted in 153 blastocysts (blastocyst rate: 19.6% ). The recovery rate in the OU-group was twice as efficient as in the U-group (390/1358 vs. 390/671, P < 0.01). The recovery rates among the different stages of transferred embryos did not differ significantly; likewise cross-effects among the stages and the recovery methods were non-significant. The recovery methods (P < 0.001) and the interaction between the recovery methods and the stages of transferred embryos (P < 0.01) had an influence on blastocyst yields on day seven (U-group 37/1358 vs. OU-group 69/671) and day eight (U-group 48/1358 vs. OU-group 105/671). In Experiment II embryo quality was assessed by the survival rate of blastocysts after freezing in ethylene glycol. Day seven embryos were produced in vitro (in vitro group D7) or by IVM/IVF followed by a combined culture procedure (2 to 3 days in vitro prior to 4 to 5 days in vivo) (in vivo group D7) or after superovulation and collection at day seven (superovulation group). Embryos from in vitro group D7 re-expanded only for 6 h after thawing, embryos from in vivo group D7 and superovulation group were alive for 24 h and 72 h of culture, respectively. Only embryos derived by superovulation showed hatching activity. Blastocysts from the in vitro group D7 and the in vivo group D7 that were held in culture medium for additional 24 h (day eight) showed an analogous post-thawing culture behaviour. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that some embryos transferred for in vivo culture remain in the oviduct even at day seven. Hence, combined flushing of oviducts and uterine horns after in vivo culture in the bovine oviduct is necessary for effective embryo re-collection. The quality of recovered embryos after temporary in vivo culture assessed by cryotolerance was in-between those produced in vitro or recovered after superovulation.

The prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. was evaluated in the caecum and on carcasses of pigs at slaughter and in the facilities of slaughterhouses in the period of 2001- 2003. During that timeframe, prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in both the pigs and the environment of slaughterhouses decreased. In 2001, Campylobacter spp. were detected in 34% of 316 samples; in 2002 there were 27% of positive findings out of the 624 samples; and in 2003, Campylobacter spp. were detected in 16% out of 300 samples. Campylobacter spp. were mostly found primarily in the caecum (292 isolates) and in smears collected from carcasses (21 isolates), while Campylobacter spp. were isolated only sporadically from the work surfaces of equipment in slaughterhouses. The majority of isolates were identified as C. coli. In 2001, 16 out of 109 strains of Campylobacter spp. were identified as C. jejuni; in 2002, 8 out of 167 strains were C. jejuni; and in 2003, none of 47 isolates was identified as C. jejuni.

One hundred and twenty captive chukars (Alectoris chukar) and other hosts from a pheasant farm in Jinacovice (Czech Republic) were searched for chewing lice from July 2003 to April 2004. Seven species of chewing lice were found on chukars: Amyrsidea perdicis, Menacanthus pallidulus, Menopon gallinae (Amblycera); Goniodes colchici, Lipeurus maculosus, Goniocotes microthorax and Cuclotogaster heterographus (Ischnocera). Except for the last two mentioned species, the other five louse species are recorded for the first time on chukars. The prevalence, mean intensity of infestation and mean abundance of the lice from chukars were recorded. The species diversity and distribution of chewing lice from another eight species of gallinaceous birds kept in the pheasant farm were also recorded.

Contamination of cell cultures and sera used for animal virus propagation with mycoplasmas represents a serious problem, especially in virology. Therefore specific control measures must be used. To achieve this we introduced PCR for the detection of mycoplasma species in cell cultures and compared its results with ELISA and microbiological culture. Seven mycoplasma species which are the most common contaminants of cell lines (Mycoplasma arginini, M. fermentans, M. hyorhinis, M. bovis, M. orale, M. hominis, and Acholeplasma laidlawii) were used to verify the method. Then we assessed five selected cell lines and three bovine sera by the PCR, ELISA and culture methods and compared the results. PCR was positive for all of the mycoplasma species tested. ELISA kit used (Mycoplasma detection kit, Roche, Germany) allowed detection of only four species of contaminating mycoplasmas (Acholeplasma laidlawii, Mycoplasma arginini, M. hyorhinis, and M. orale). All the methods detected contamination of the VERO and RK13 cell lines. The agents of contamination were determined by the species-specific ELISA kit as Mycoplasma arginini and M. orale, respectively. Other cell lines and sera tested were not contaminated with mycoplasma. The results confirmed that the PCR method used in the present study is a sensitive, fast and specific detection method of mycoplasma contaminations and is suitable for routine mycoplasma detection in cell cultures and bovine sera.

The aim of the study was to investigate acute toxicity of clove oil for common carp and, using values of haematological and biochemical profiles of blood and histological tissue examinations, to assess the effects of the fish exposure to that anaesthetic. Acute toxicity values of clove oil for carp were found 10 minLC50 74.3 mg/l; 10minLC0.1 51.6 mg/l; 10minLC99.9 110.1 mg/l; 96hLC50 18.10 mg/l; 96hLC0.1 15.45 mg/l; and 96hLC99.9 19.80 mg/l. The fish were divided into four groups for haematological and biochemical examinations of blood and histological examinations of tissues. The groups were Control I (before the anaesthetic administration), Experiment I (immediately after 10 min anaesthesia at the concentration of 30 mg/l), Experiment II (24 hrs after 10 min anaesthesia) and Control II (controls examined in parallel with Experiment II). A total of 40 carp were examined. Clove oil anaesthesia had not effect on the haematological profile. The 10-min exposure to clove oil at a concentration of 30 mg/l caused a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the concentration of glucose (GLU) and inorganic phosphate (PHOS) immediately after anaesthesia. Clove oil anaesthesia had not effect on other biochemical indices. Histological examination showed capillary ectasia of gill filaments immediately after clove oil anaesthesia. Twenty-four hours after anaesthesia, no ectasia was observed. No histopathological changes were demonstrated in other tissues following anaesthesia. Results of the examinations suggest that the use of clove oil at a concentration of 30 mg/l does not cause irreversible damage in carp.

A combined congenital heart defect of aortic stenosis and mitral dysplasia was diagnosed in three Black Russian Terrier puppies two months old. The aortic stenosis component included both fixed and dynamic obstructions. The fixed obstruction was subvalvularly located at the entrance to the left ventricular outflow tract. The dynamic obstruction was caused by the septal leaflet of the mitral valve protruding into the left ventricular outflow tract. Mitral dysplasia resulted in mitral insufficiency leading to regurgitation through the mitral valve closer to the septal side. The maximum pressure gradient across the aortic valve amounting to 103 mmHg measured in one puppy was consistent with the most severe grade of stenosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy in all three puppies that were males and originated in one litter, so genetic influences are supposed.

The aim of this study was to characterise and compare Pasteurella multocida isolates originating from pigs (n = 43), calves (n = 31), rabbits (n = 27), and to a lesser extent from other hosts (n = 6). A total of 107 P. multocida isolates were obtained from various locations in the Czech Republic. They were analysed by capsular PCR typing and ribotyping, and tested for the production of dermonecrotoxin. Most frequently, serogroup A isolates (n = 74) were found, followed by serogroup D (n = 25) and serogroup F (n = 8) isolates. From a total of fifteen different ribotypes (1-15) generated by restriction endonuclease MspI, four ribotypes (1, 3, 4, and 7) were predominant. The prevalence of predominant ribotypes was different in isolates originating from different hosts. Ribotype 1 was characteristic for rabbit isolates, ribotype 3 was primarily found in pig isolates, and ribotype 7 dominated among calf isolates. Sixteen (mainly porcine) isolates produced dermonecrotoxin but significant correlation among ribotypes and dermonecrotoxin production was not observed.

Amphibians are interesting animals, very often kept by aquarists and vivarists. Their ability of intraspecific chemical signalization belongs to very interesting biological features. The skin glands of anurans secrete various biologically active compounds. The pheromones are peptides consisting of various numbers of amino acid residues and their synthesis is regulated by hormones (e.g. prolactin and androgens). Similarly, the responsiveness of the vomeronasal epithelium to some of these compounds is enhanced by some hormonal substances (prolactin and oestrogen). Hypophyseal hormones, arginine vasotocin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone are involved in the humoral regulation of pheromone discharge. The storage of some compounds with pheromonal activity in a biologically inactive form was also proved. The pheromones have an important role in sexual relationships. These chemosignals increase female receptivity and are probably involved in the mate choice. The courtship pheromone signals may be conserved across related species. Chemosignals play an important role in female attraction and/or territorial announcement. In addition to sex pheromones, various neuropeptides, antimicrobial and other biologically active peptides were found in skin glands of these amphibians. The infochemical system can be disturbed by a chemical influence in the environment.

Probiotics have been used with increasing frequency in nutrition and for prophylactic purposes during the last years. In the present study we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 - canine isolate on selected intestinal microbial groups, weight gain, organic acids, haematology, glutathione peroxidase and phagocytosis of leucocytes in 2-days-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The results demonstrated that the 4-day application of this strain significantly increased the population of lactic acid bacteria - lactobacilli and enterococci in faeces (P < 0.01 and/or P < 0.001) and caecum of quail (P < 0.001) and significantly decreased the counts of E. coli in faeces (P < 0.05). The daily weight gain was increased by 14%. Although intestinal pH of both groups of birds was similar, the concentration of lactic acid was significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The concentration of other organic acids (acetic, acetoacetic, formic, succinic, valeric, propionic, butyric) as well as blood glutathione peroxidase was not influenced. The index of phagocytic activity of leucocytes was significantly improved (P < 0.01).

Nine Bornean river turtles (Orlitia borneensis, Gray, 1873) suffering from lethargy, ulcerations and caseous necrosis of the plastron were evaluated for haematology and plasma chemistry. Intra-erythrocytic haemogregarine parasites were associated with anaemia, low haemoglobin, basophilia, eosinophilia, heterophilia and azurophilia. After eight months of treatment consisting of antibiotics, debridement and scrubbing of lesions with enilconazole or povidone iodine, rehydration, deworming and tube feeding, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, heterophils and azurophils returned to the normal ranges. Haematocrit, RBC and haemoglobin concentration were under the normal ranges in 24 months. A progressive decrease in haemogregarine parasitaemia was also seen, however, haematologic changes could not be definitely attributed to these parasites.