Fulltext search in archive

The purpose of the present work was to investigate the impact of somatic cell count (SCC) on the content of milk casein and to compare the sensitivity of different methods for the determination of the casein level in milk. Two different methods were employed in order to determine the casein level: routine method - infrared spectrophotometry and reference method - Kjeldahl. Data array of 26, 169 milk samples of the livestock control was used to analyse milk casein variation by SCC limits. Mean casein values (investigated by the routine method) varied from 2.47% to 2.8% (2.65 ± 0.09) and casein number (in % on crude protein basis) - CN% varied from 79.5% to 81.1%. The present analysis showed that the relation between SCC and casein content obtained by the routine method correlated significantly (Pearson correlation r_p = 0.644, P < 0.05, R² = 0.414, Spearman correlation r_s = 0.786, P < 0.05). Evaluated results obtained by the least squares method, and linear approximation of variation indicators presented a noticeable decline in casein percentage - 0.27%, when SCC increased by 80 × 10³/ml, but only when the studies were done by the reference method.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various fertilization depths on NH₃ volatilization loss in Moso bamboo forests in the Huanshan county, Anhui province, China. A complete randomized block design with five treatments was used, including 0 (T₀); 10 (T₁₀); 20 (T₂₀) and 30 (T₃₀) cm application depths and no fertilizer treatment (control). Results showed that NH₃ volatilization was detected in a single peak curve after fertilization, peaking at the third day for T₀ and T₁₀ treatments, and the sixth day for T₂₀ and T₃₀ treatments, respectively. Twelve days later, the fluxes declined to a low level similar to the control. The mean NH₃ volatilization flux decreased with the increase of fertilization depth, ranged from 0.71 kg/ha/day for T₃₀ treatment to 1.68 kg/ha/day for T₀ treatment. More than 80% of total NH₃ volatilization occurred within the first eight days. After the experiment, the cumulative NH₃ volatilization of T₀ treatment was 26.8 kg/ha, accounting for 20.8% of the total nitrogen (N) application. Compared with the surface application, deep application of N fertilizer was effective in reducing N loss through NH₃ volatilization. T₂₀ treatment is recommended in terms of increasing N absorption, diminishing N leaching loss and labor cost.

This study investigated the effects of administration of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) on serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels, libido and testicular histomorphology of male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty-two WAD goats (28 males and four females) were used for the study. The 28 males were randomly assigned to seven groups (A, B^O, B^S, C^O, C^S, D^O and D^S) of four goats each. Goats in groups B^O, C^O, and D^O were given MSG orally at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight respectively for 28 days, while groups B^S, C^S and D^S goats were given MSG subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Group A goats served as untreated control. The four female goats did not receive MSG, but were used to assess the levels of expression of libido by all the males. Serum luteinising hormone and testosterone were assayed prior to MSG administration (Day 0) and on Days 2, 14 and 28 of MSG administration, while serum cholesterol was assayed on Days 0, 14 and 28 of MSG administration. Libido scores and testicular histomorphology were evaluated on Days 26 and 28 of MSG administration, respectively. Results showed that on Days 14 and 28 of MSG administration the mean serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels of the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the control group. The mean libido scores of all the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. Sections of the testes of the male WAD goats that received varying doses of MSG orally or subcutaneously showed no obvious lesions; the seminiferous tubules and interstices were normal and comparable to those of the untreated control. It was concluded that MSG administration for up to 14 and 28 days led to a significant lowering of serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol, as well as libido scores.

The homeobox A11 (HOXA11) gene, a well-known transcriptional regulator, plays a critical role in normal development of the uterus. In this study, the porcine HOXA11 gene, including its promoter region, was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. KF724933). Differential expression levels of HOXA11 in the endometrium at one stage of the estrous cycle and three stages of gestation for Meishan and Large White pigs were investigated. Association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and litter size was conducted. Results suggested that expression of the HOXA11 gene was the highest on day 15 and decreased on day 26 of gestation, reaching a minimum level of expression on day 50 of gestation in Large White pigs. Expression of the HOXA11 gene tended to be consistent between day 15 of the estrous cycle and day 26 of gestation, and decreased on day 50 of gestation in Meishan pigs. Series deletion analysis and reporter expression assays identified a promoter region of the HOXA11 gene which possessed a five times higher promoter activity than the pGL3-Basic vector. Using comparative sequencing, a candidate SNP (KF724933:g.2325C>A) was identified. In a Large White pig population, this polymorphism was associated with the number of piglets. In a combined analysis containing all parity groups, sows with the AC genotype had greater total number of born (1.80; P < 0.05) and number of born alive (1.82; P < 0.05) piglets compared with the CC genotype sows. These results indicate HOXA11 may play a role in the regulation of embryo implantation in pigs.

The possibility of increasing maximal drawbar pull of tractor working on the soil was evaluated. The increase in drawbar pull occurred due to special wheels mounted on the drive axle. The special wheels were equipped with auto-extensible blades and designed at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The main advantage of the special wheels is an automatic extension of steel blades to increase the drawbar pull during a wheel slip and automatic return to the base position to allow the transport of tractor by the route. The testing operation points at the decrease of wheel slip resulted in the increase of drawbar pull. The drawbar pull of tractor equipped with standard tyres and special wheels was compared in different soil moisture conditions. The higher increase in drawbar pull was measured during the tractor operation on the soil with higher moisture in comparison to the soil with lower moisture level.

Forest soils in western parts of Iran are being degraded by inappropriate management. The soil organic carbon (SOC) stock was dominantly affected by this type of degradation. On the other hand, SOC is an important sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and can play a key role in global warming. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 15 different physical and 8 different management factors on the SOC content and to determine relative importance of these exploratory variables for SOC estimation in a semiarid forest using multiple least-squares regression, tree-based model, and neural network model. Results showed that the CART model with all physical and management variables and 24-2-1 neural networks had the highest predictive ability that explained 81 and 76% of SOC variability, respectively. Neural network models slightly overestimate SOC content. ANNs have a higher ability to detect the effects of management variables on SOC variability and the advantage of CART was to distinguish the effects of physical variables. In both methods the management system dominantly controlled SOC variability in these semiarid forest conditions.

At present, the fundamental development way of agricultural production lies in science and technology to achieve the agricultural sustainable and stable development and ensure the effective supply of agricultural products for a long time. Many Chinese scholars had done many researches about the agricultural science and technology innovation. Numerous scholars got much valuable research conclusions for improving the construction of agricultural science and technology innovation system. However, there were still some problems existing in the current agricultural science research system, such as that the agricultural science and technology studies were divorced from the agricultural production, the mechanism of the market was still imperfect, there was an unreasonable layout in the agricultural science and technology. Therefore, we wanted to know the dynamic and the evolution path of the international agricultural science and technology innovation. What is more, we wanted to know whether there was a significant difference between the domestic and overseas agricultural science and technology innovation and if the international experience was good for the development of the Chinese agricultural science and technology innovation. So, there was analysed the research theme, the hot-spots and frontiers of international agricultural science and technology innovation based on the Citespace III to get the situation and character of the relevant international research.

Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau is among the most problematic rice weeds in Malaysia and is also reported to have developed multiple resistance to AHAS inhibitor bensulfuron-methyl and synthetic auxin 2,4-D. In this study, resistance across different AHAS inhibitors was characterised in a L. flava population infesting rice fields in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Dose-response experiments were conducted to determine the level of resistance to sulfonylureas, imidazolinone, triazolopyrimidine, and pyrimidinyl-thiobenzoate. Cross-resistance across different AHAS inhibitors was observed in the resistant L. flava population, exhibiting a high level of resistance to bensulfuron-methyl, while exhibiting a moderate level of resistance to metsulfuron-methyl and a low level of resistance to pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and pyribenzoxim. However, all resistant L. flava individuals were still sensitive to imazethapyr, penoxsulam, and bispyribac-sodium. Based on the results, it is likely that resistance to AHAS inhibitors in L. flava is conferred by target-site resistance mechanisms.

Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) are recognised as food- and water-borne infections and shellfish are a well-documented source of these viruses. The presence of HAV and HEV in mussels has not previously been investigated in Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey, and therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of HAV and HEV in mussels collected from this location. A total of 92 pooled samples representing 736 mussels originating along the Bosphorus coast were collected from fish distributors. RNA was extracted using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit and a TaqMan real-time RT-PCR was performed using primers specific to HAV and HEV. Amongst the 92 pooled samples tested, 3 (3.3%) were found to be positive for HAV by the TaqMan real-time RT-PCR. No HEV was detected in any of the mussels tested. A 174 bp product was observed on gel electrophoresis with HAV positive samples detected by SYBR Green real-time PCR after reverse transcription. This product was sequenced and confirmed to contain HAV sequences by alignment using the data in GenBank. This is the first report describing the presence of HAV in mussels harvested in the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey, indicating the potential contamination of aquatic environment and risk to public health.

Four clones of short rotation coppice (SRCs) were investigated for phytoextraction of soil contaminated by risk elements (REs), especially Cd, Pb and Zn. As a main experimental factor, the influence of rotation length on the removal of REs was assessed. The field experiment with two Salix clones (S1 - (Salix schwerinii × Salix viminalis) ×S. viminalis; S2 - S. × smithiana) and two Populus clones (P1 - Populus maximowiczii × Populus nigra; P2 - P. nigra) was established in April 2008 on moderately contaminated soil. For the first time, all clones were harvested in February 2012 (2012_4y) after 4 years. Subsequently each plot was equally split into halves. The first half of the SRC clones was harvested in February 2014 after 2 years (2014_2y) and again it was harvested in February 2016 after further 2 years (2016_2y). The second half was harvested in February 2016 after 4 years (2016_4y). The results showed that the biomass production for the second 4-year harvest period was significantly higher for all clones but the metal concentration was lower in the mentioned period. 4-year rotation seems to be more advantageous for the phytoextraction than two 2-year rotations. The highest metal removal presented by remediation factors (RFs) per 4 years for Cd (6.39%) and for Zn (2.55%) were found for S2 in the harvest 2016_4y treatment. Removal of Pb was the highest by P1 clone with very low RF per 4 years (0.04%). Longer rotation is also economically superior.

Soil erosion by water has become an issue in the cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) on sloping lands in recent years. The following three technologies of tillage have been assessed: disc cultivator, strip-till and no-till (raw land). Seeding machine Kinze 3500 was used for sowing maize cultivar Silvinio FAO 210. The experiments were conducted within the years 2013, 2014 and 2016. Erosion was evaluated under simulated rain in three stages of maize growth. The following parameters of each tested tillage treatment were measured: water infiltration (mm), soil loss (converted to t/ha), dry matter yield of the aboveground biomass and grain yield. The results confirmed that no-till technology reduced water erosion to the value of 0.40 t/ha. This technology along with the row spacing of 0.75 m tended to bring higher yields of aboveground biomass (13.40 t/ha). Tillage and phacelia as a catch crop increased water infiltration in the soil.

Data on blood chemistry values can make fundamental contributions to our understanding of physiological changes. However, there is a lack of information regarding blood chemistry in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). Thus, the objects of this study were to determine reference ranges for 29 blood chemistry variables, and to evaluate differences between age groups and between seasons. Blood samples (n = 138) were collected from 44 (20 males, 24 females; age range, 1-15 years) clinically healthy, captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Republic of Korea. Young and adult bears showed significantly higher levels of creatinine and total cholesterol, and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB during hibernation compared to during non-hibernation. Adults also showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride, but lower levels of inorganic phosphorus, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatine phosphokinase during hibernation than during non-hibernation. During hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase in young bears were significantly higher than in adults, whereas creatinine levels were lower than in adults. During non-hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and creatine kinase MB in young bears were significantly higher, whereas creatinine, total protein, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and haemoglobin levels were lower than in adults. The results of this study provide reference values that will aid in understanding the physiology of Asiatic black bears and in assessing the health of these animals in captive environments.

This 12-year study was conducted to evaluate the performance of new plum cultivars from the Czech Republic. A new cultivar, 'Stáňa', was the most productive, followed by 'Kamir' and the standard cultivar 'Stanley'. The new plum cultivar 'Stáňa' also had the highest mean yield per cubic meter of tree canopy. Next in order of production efficiency were 'Stanley', 'Amátka', 'Kamir' and 'Čačanska lepotica'. According to canopy volume, the most vigorous cultivar was 'Kamir' followed by 'Samera' and 'Stáňa'. The least vigorous was 'Dwarf', having a canopy volume distinctly smaller than 'Amátka', which was next in the order. The shape of tree canopies ranged from 'Dwarf', which had the most upright canopy, to 'Simona' with a more distinctly overhanging canopy at the opposite extreme. The highest percentages of fruiting on first and second year wood were observed on trees of 'Simona' and 'Čačanska lepotica'.

Organic farming has become a topic that receives an increasing academic as well as popular attention. This study examines the financial differences between the organic and conventional farmers, as well as their income volatility. Based on the Student's t-test, the regression analysis and the matched-pair investigation on a sample of Czech 291 organic and 4045 conventional farmers over the period 2009-2013, the study indicates that the organic agricultural companies outperform the conventional companies in the terms of profitability. However, their asset turnover is considerably lower. No evidence of different income volatility has been found.

The effects of wheat flour replacement at different levels (5, 7.5, 10, and 20%) by celery root and sugar beet pulp powder on rheological parameters and quality properties of enriched pasta were studied. Sensory evaluation was also investigated. Incorporation of fibre powders increased water absorption and prolonged dough stability and dough development time. Enriched pasta had higher moisture content than control pasta. Addition of fibre powders also modified the cooking quality of pasta (cooking loss and water absorption were increased and optimal cooking time was reduced). Moreover cooked pasta with the higher addition level of celery root powder was characterised by higher intensity of vegetable taste and had pleasant flavour and colour. Sensory evaluation showed that pasta with the addition of 7.5% celery root powder was the most acceptable for assessors.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a major index of soil quality assessment because it is one of the key soil properties controlling nutrient budgets in agricultural production systems. The aim of the in situ near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for SOM prediction in paddy area is evaluation of the potential of SOM and prediction of other soil properties. There are keys for soil fertility and soil quality assessments. A spectral reflectance of 130 soil samples was collected by field spectroradiometer in a region of near-infrared. Spectral reflectance collections were processed by the first derivative transformation with the Savitsky-Golay algorithms. Partial least square regression method was used to develop a calibration model between soil properties and spectral reflectance, which was used for prediction and validation processes. Finally, the results of this study demonstrate that NIRS is an effective method that can be used to predict SOM (R² = 0.73, RPD (ratio of performance to deviation) = 1.82) and total nitrogen (R² = 0.72, RPD = 1.78). Therefore, NIRS is a potential tool for soil properties predictions. The use of these techniques will facilitate the implementation of soil management with a decreasing cost and time of soil study in a large scale. However, further works are necessary to develop more accurate soil properties prediction and to apply this method to other areas.

Influence of plant growth regulators chlormequat chloride, chlormequat chloride + ethephon, ethephon, and mepiquat chloride + prohexadione-Ca + pyraclostrobin + ammonium sulphate (BAS67800F + BAS00800D) on decreasing sunflower height was evaluated. It was determined that sunflower height can be reduced by as much as 30 cm. In the case of BAS67800F + ammonium sulphate, there was a slight difference between application at BBCH 31-33 and BBCH 50-51, whereas for ethephon better application time was at BBCH 50-51. For chlormequat chloride, application at BBCH 31-33 was better, but height reduction did not endure until harvest. Flower head diameter shortly before harvest was not affected at any tested regulator. Flowering was delayed primarily at applications at BBCH 50-51.

Cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands, is an endogenous glucocorticoid hormone that delivers its hormonal message to cells by acting on glucocorticoid receptors. It is one of the main stress hormones responsible for stress responses in animals and humans, and its overproduction is characteristic of certain diseases. While acute stress disorder can be evaluated by means of measuring the cortisol concentration in blood and urine, chronic stress disorder can be detected by monitoring the cortisol concentration in fur or hair. Hair collection is simple, inexpensive and non-invasive, and can be performed easily and rapidly; thus, it appears to be a suitable method for determining the level of stress in dogs from shelters, abused dogs or dogs involved in different types of animal interactions. Since it is a relatively new method, monitoring cortisol in hair or fur requires further research in order to definitively prove its efficacy, and possibly to determine reference range values for different breeds of dogs.

Proper vascularisation is necessary for the correct functioning of all organs. The kidneys of various mammalian species have been examined in order to understand the functioning of this organ. This article presents the first classification of the renal artery division in the kidneys of adult cattle. We collected and analysed specimens of arteries from bovine kidneys with the aim of improving our understanding of their morphology and functioning. The study was conducted on 50 kidneys, 25 right ones and 25 left ones, taken from cattle of both sexes. The examined kidneys were dissected and corrosion casts were made. Division of the renal artery into between two and four primary segmental arteries takes place just before entering the renal hilum. Cranial primary segmental arteries number from one to two (most frequently one), whereas the hilar and caudal ones always occur singly. The mentioned vessels are then divided into between one and four secondary segmental arteries running within the renal sinus. The hilar region (mid-zone) of the kidney exhibits the most variation in terms of vascularisation. The vascularisation of the caudal pole exhibits the lowest degree of variation. Taking into consideration the range of vascularisation of the organ by the particular divisions of the renal artery, three renal branching pattern types were distinguished: type I (84.1% of cases; this type consists of Ia, Ib, Ic and Ic subtypes) - two branches - the renal artery is divided into cranial and caudal primary segmental arteries; type II (11.36% of cases; with IIa and IIb subtypes) - three branches - the renal artery is divided into the cranial, hilar and caudal primary segmental arteries; type III (4.54% of cases) - four branches - the renal artery is divided into two cranial, one hilar and one caudal primary segmental artery. The division of the renal artery takes place along the long axis of the organ. Bovine kidneys are characterised by asymmetry, which may influence the length and diameter of the main arteries. The caudal primary segmental artery has the biggest mean length and mean diameter. The division of the renal artery occurs just before it enters the renal hilum or in the renal sinus.

The host resistance level of pure line materials was assessed in the genepool for the purpose of breeding. The highest resistance to the pathogen was observed in bell-type pepper. Moreover, genetic diversity of pure lines was investigated using selected inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. Generally, genetic markers showed genetic diversity, so that long-type pure lines were separated from the other accessions. This is the first report on host reactions of Turkish pure lines as breeding material. These results provide significant information for future pepper breeding programs.

In order to establish a clear limit between protective and harmful effects of alcohol consumption, it is necessary to define patterns of consumption. However, there is no universally recognized quantitative classification for patterns of consumption by alcohol doses. This is because the pattern of alcohol consumption does not only describe how much alcohol was consumed, but also takes into account a number of boundary conditions. This review deals with variabilities in the definitions of standard alcohol doses and patterns of alcohol consumption. These terms are being discussed with respect to the benefits and harms associated with alcohol consumption as well as the risks intrinsic to studies of such a complex phenomenon as the effect of alcoholic beverages on human health.

Dimethyl sulphoxide has a variety of biological effects that have made it the subject of numerous pharmacological studies. The first dimethyl sulphoxide therapeutic indication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978 was for intravesical instillation in cases of interstitial cystitis. Since then, due to its distinctive properties, it has been the subject of studies in several areas. This review describes indications, adverse effects and contraindications, as takes a critical approach to the main articles addressing the clinical use of dimethyl sulphoxide.

Lamb growth performance traits in relation to parental breeding values (BVs) for these traits were evaluated in a purebred Suffolk sheep population in the Czech Republic. The research lasted over 8 years and included 24 886 lambs. Four relevant parental BVs were observed: BV predicted for lamb live weight direct effect (BVLW-DE), BV predicted for lamb live weight maternal effect (BVLW-ME), BV predicted for lamb musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis depth (BV-MLLT), and BV predicted for lamb backfat thickness (BV-BT). The lamb live weight (LW; kg), musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis depth (MLLT; mm), and backfat thickness (BT; mm) were assessed at 100 days of age. A dataset was created using the most current parental BVs for each year (2007-2014) and subsequent growth traits of their lambs in the next season (2008-2015). Linear regressions showed an increased tendency when one point in dam BVs was associated with an increase in lamb LW (0.393 kg; P < 0.01 in BVLW-DE and 0.090 kg; P < 0.05 in BVLW-ME), MLLT (0.340 mm; P < 0.01 in BV-MLLT), or BT (0.243; P < 0.01 mm in BV-BT). Lower (but significant - P < 0.01) values on linear regression were detected for sire BVs, when 0.135 kg of LW, 0.217 mm of MLLT, and 0.214 mm of BT corresponded to 1-point increases of BVLW-DE, BV-MLLT, or BV-BT. This was confirmed by ANOVA evaluation, especially for LW and MLLT traits. Maximal differences (P < 0.05) in lamb LW were 1.84 kg or 0.88 kg regarding to dam or sire BVLW-DE groups. Similarly, the difference (P < 0.05) in lamb MLLT reached 0.82 mm in dam BV-MLLT, while 0.57 mm was detected in sire BV-MLLT groups. These results have practical implications for the objectives of selection schemes used in the Suffolk sheep population in the Czech Republic.

According to the Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan released in May 2016, the soil quality of 666 666.7 ha of agricultural soil requires remediation before 2020. Despite the survey on the environmental quality of soil in China released in 2014, detailed data on current pollutant concentrations remain unavailable. To date, reports on soil environmental quality on the national scale are few. The current research aimed to gain a detailed understanding of soil pollution in China through literature study and data analysis. Data for eight potentially toxic elements (i.e., arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)) and two organic pollutants (i.e., hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs)) were collected from 367 areas involving 163 prefecture-level cities. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis were conducted to understand the relationships among pollutants. Results indicated that organic pollution was less severe than inorganic pollution. In terms of land-use types, garden soil showed the heaviest pollution, followed by arable land and woodland. Regarding geographic distribution, the south central and southwest areas displayed heavy pollution. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed that As, Hg, HCH, and DDTs were mainly contributed by anthropogenic sources; Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were primarily caused by natural background; and Cd and Pb were contributed by both sources. The soil pollution status varied among land-use types and geographic areas. The implementation of proper remediation strategies requires detailed investigations on soil environmental quality.

Downy mildew of sunflower is a recurrent threat for crop production and a permanent challenge for resistance breeding. Since 2016, a new pathotype of the oomycete Plasmopara halstedii has been found in fields of cutting sunflower in Southern Germany. Infection assays based on sunflower differential lines identified the pathogen as pathotype 354 which has not yet been described anywhere else. The new pathotype readily infected the host lines Ha-304, RHA-265, PM13, 803-1, and Ha-335, whereas RHA-274, PM17, HAR-4, and QHP1 remained uninfected. It is the first isolate of Plasmopara halstedii to overcome the Pl-6 resistance of sunflower in Germany.

The harvest season of apricots is short and fruit cannot be protected in cold stores for a long time. For those reasons, apricot production and consumption are lower than in other fruit species. This study was conducted for the purpose of breeding new late ripening apricot varieties. To this aim, a total of 3718 hybrid genotypes of apricots were obtained from 42 crosses. Phenological, pomological and yield analyses were performed and variations of fruit development period, fruit size, polarimetric dry matter (Brix), total acidity, yield and other traits were determined. Two years of results for important traits are given for 12 promising genotypes. Fruit development period varied between 148 and 167 days, fruit weight 25.2 and 41.2 g, Brix 16.3 and 22.6% and total acidity 0.56 and 1.25%.

Excessive nitrogen (N) and water input, which are threatening the sustainability of conventional agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP), can lead to serious leaching of nitrate-N (NO₃^--N). This study evaluates grain yield, N and water consumption, NO₃^--N accumulation and leaching in conventional and two optimized winter wheat-summer maize double-cropping systems and an organic alfalfa-winter wheat cropping system. The results showed that compared to the conventional cropping system, the optimized systems could reduce N, water consumption and NO₃^--N leaching by 33, 35 and 67-74%, respectively, while producing nearly identical grain yields. In optimized systems, soil NO₃^--N accumulation within the root zone was about 80 kg N/ha most of the time. In the organic system, N input, water consumption and NO₃^--N leaching was reduced even more (by 71, 43 and 92%, respectively, compared to the conventional system). However, grain yield also declined by 46%. In the organic system, NO₃^--N accumulation within the root zone was generally less than 30 kg N/ha. The optimized systems showed a considerable potential to reduce N and water consumption and NO₃^--N leaching while maintaining high grain yields, and thus should be considered for sustainable agricultural development in the NCP.

Recycling of phosphorus (P) from municipal waste for the use as a fertiliser can be an alternative to the non-renewable resources of this element as well as a method in the management of civilisation by-products that are a burden to the environment. An innovative phosphorus suspension fertiliser, produced on the basis of ash from incineration of sewage sludge and phosphorus solubilising bacteria Bacillus megaterium was compared in field trials with spring wheat conducted in 2014 and 2015 with superphosphate and phosphorite. The new fertiliser was not inferior to the commercial fertilisers in terms of the effect on wheat yield volumes, the uptake of P by wheat and the sanitary condition of the wheat field, especially when grown protected from weeds, pathogens and pests. It is expected that such a fertiliser can be an alternative to fertilisers produced from non-renewable resources, provided it does not deteriorate the quality of agricultural production and will be safe for the environment.

In this case report, we describe the clinical and radiological features of a calf mandibular symphyseal fracture and evaluate the treatment results. A 1.5-month-old male Holstein weighing 65 kg was presented to the Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University with a history of salivation and anorexia for three days. After clinical and radiographic assessments, a mandibular symphyseal fracture was determined. Stabilisation of the fracture region was achieved using cerclage wire with a continuous wire-loop technique under general anaesthesia. The cerclage wire was removed five weeks post-surgery. The calf was clinically healthy.

valuation of 22 dwarfing and semi-dwarfing apple rootstocks for several scion cultivars was conducted on fertile soil in the years 1995-2010. It was found that most of the new rootstocks performed similarly to M.9 EMLA with respect to vigour, yield, cropping efficiency and fruit mass. These rootstocks would not be, therefore, a good replacement for M.9 in Polish climatic conditions. The most promising rootstock was B 9 and some of its derivatives, e.g., B 146, B 396, P 59 and P 60. However, their suitability may be limited to particular cultivars grown under similar soil conditions.