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The present study covers empirical research on the selected Agri-Biotech firms of Punjab. The sample has been chosen from the state of Punjab covering the sectors Food Processing Industry, Fertilizer and Pesticides Industry. On the basis of factor analysis, the study has also identified key factors influencing competitiveness. These are Threat of new competition; Threat of substitute products or services; Bargaining power of suppliers; Intensity of competitive rivalry; Bargaining power of customers; Rivalry among existing firms. The study also tries to evaluate the findings on the basis of the author-factor matrix. The aim is to identify the key factors influencing competiveness. It analyses the difference in competitive factors on the basis of the nature of the industry and on the basis of scale of the firms. Then finally it tries to determine the key competitive factors influencing the market share. The results indicate that the Threat of new competition and Threat of substitutes/services emerge as the important predictors. Intensity of competitive rivalry; Preparedness for Competition; and Bargaining power of suppliers also emerge as significant predictors. These variables explain 79.6% of variation in the model.

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 purpose of the current study was to develop a new tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) technique, by replacing the original titanium cage with a Ricinus communis polyurethane resin-made wedge polymer. The implants were manufactured using the same size and angles of the original titanium cages, though larger distally. The modified TTA technique (TTAm) was performed in 42 knees of 35 dogs diagnosed with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL). Animals were submitted to radiographic and gait assessments preoperatively, early postoperatively and following 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. All animals exhibited good clinical outcome. There were no cases of impaired healing or bone resorption until 120 days postoperatively and there was no patient with patellar distress after TTAm. Scores of gait evaluation revealed differences between time points. There were also differences between the evaluations of control and pre- and post-operative times. However, there was no difference among the assessment of 30 days and the following time points. The use of the polyurethane polymer for TTAm was advantageous, not only due to biocompatibility and osseointegration, but also for providing easy handling; it can be moulded intra-operatively if necessary. Moreover, it allows precise adaptation to the osteotomy site, as opposed to the original TTA metallic implants, which cannot be moulded. It is suggested that incision lengths for TTAm are slightly shorter than those required for the conventional TTA as this requires the distal fixation of the plate at the beginning of the middle third of the body of the tibia. The TTAm does not require the use of fixation plates and it is performed only at the cranial aspect of the tibia. The method of attachment of the tibial tuberosity in the craniocaudal direction was effective. The setting associated with the use of the polyurethane polymer allowed simplification of the technique for easier implementation, and the amount of implant material required to perform TTAm was reduced in comparison to the conventional TTA. This technique can be used for treating the knees of dogs with RCCL, and provides for easy execution, less invasiveness to the tissues of the knee joint and more versatility in comparison to conventional TTA.

The present study was aimed at the detection and describing the lesions of akabane virus in foetal and new-born calves tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Akabane virus lesions were evaluated in 12 foetuses and three new-born calves using serological and pathological methods and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Macroscopically, prominent arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly (A-H syndrome) were the main symptoms. At the histopathological examination, lesions were especially localised in the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata in the central nervous system (CNS) in calves naturally infected with akabane virus. In these areas, degenerative and necrotic neurons were observed. There was prominent mononuclear infiltration in perivascular areas. While akabane virus antigen was only detected in brain using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry against akabane virus yielded positive antigenic reactions in the cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, spleen and kidneys. In addition to these findings, there was a relationship between akabane virus infection and neurofilament (NF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) immunoreaction in astrocytes and neurons.

Chronic kidney disease alters the immune response in humans and dogs and it is thought to be one of the causes of immunosuppression in cats. Haematological, biochemical, and immunological examinations were performed on blood samples obtained from 20 cats with chronic kidney disease, and were compared with the results of 18 healthy cats. In cats with chronic kidney disease, statistically significantly lower numbers of total lymphocytes (P < 0.01), especially T lymphocytes (P < 0.001), were observed. When the results were compared with the lymphocyte transformation test in healthy cats, decreased responses to phytohaemaglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were found in cats with chronic kidney disease. Our results document an alteration of counts and activity of lymphocytes in cats with chronic kidney disease. Thus, higher susceptibility to infection may be expected in these patients.

Damage by the cottony cushion scale Icerya purchasi (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Monophlebidae: Iceryini) was found on Rosmarinus officinalis at the locality Suchohrad in Slovakia. Icerya purchasi is a cosmopolitan plant pest of warmer climates. In Central Europe it is a pest of glasshouses. It is the first observation of the cottony cushion scale (at least short-term) occurrence in the outdoor conditions in Slovakia.

Field experiment was conducted on clay loam soil during winter season of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 at the Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to study the influence of sulphur (S) levels and irrigation on quality and yield of mustard (cv. Varuna, T-59). Results revealed that yield attributes and yield of crop were highest with 60 kg S/ha, mostly at par with 45 kg S/ha. Double irrigation at flower initiation (30 days after sowing (DAS)) and siliqua development stages (60 DAS) was best with respect to growth, yield attributes, yield, S uptake and oil percent in seed. Effects of both S levels and irrigations on glucosinolate and fatty acid content were non-significant except on progoitrin. The erucic:oleic acid ratio was inversely related to the subsequent increase in S doses, thereby suggesting the qualitative improvement of oil with S application. Oil percent has a negative correlation with sinigrin and gluconapin content. The uptake of S was positively correlated with oleic acid content but showed lower or even negative correlation with other fatty acids. Therefore, irrigation (twice at 30 DAS and 60 DAS) in combination with 45 kg S/ha are recommended for improving yield attributes, yield, oil percent and S uptake of Indian mustard.

The aim of this study was to determine whether meat and bone meal (MBM) can be used as NP fertilizer for spring barley grown for fodder. A two-factorial field experiment was conducted in Poland. Experimental factor I was MBM dose (0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 t/ha/year) which was compared to the mineral fertilization (NPK), factor II was the year of the study (two consecutive years). MBM used in doses higher than 1.0 t/ha had a more beneficial influence on the grain yield of spring barley and grain plumpness than mineral fertilizers. The positive yield-forming effect of MBM doses 2.0 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha was statistically significant. The nitrogen (N) content of grain was similar in treatments with MBM and mineral fertilization. The two highest MBM doses contributed to a significant decrease in the phosphorus (P) content of grain, particularly in the second year of the study, in comparison with the remaining MBM doses and mineral fertilizers. Grain yield and N content were also affected by the year of the study, due to weather conditions and the residual effect of MBM. The optimal MBM dose was 1.5 t/ha, which allowed to produce 5.1 t/ha of the plumpest grain whose N and P content was consistent with the feeding standards for livestock.

Human scent is a complex combination of many chemical substances. Skin is supposed to be one of sources of scent traces. The values of the boiling points of human scent compounds were supposed to be lower than 300°C. The purpose of the study was to determine the temperature at which the human scent is degraded so that a dog would not be able to identify it. In contrast to expectations, eight dogs used in the experiment almost flawlessly identified human scents from five scent donors exposed to temperatures of 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C. Only two of the dogs were able to identify 5 of 15 scent samples exposed to 900°C. No dog identified a scent exposed to 1000°C. Our study verified heat survivability of human scent far beyond existing expectations. There may be an extremely heat resistant, previously undetected, compound of human scent, unsusceptible to heat which exceeds standard temperatures used for sterilization. We anticipate our results to be a starting point for cardinal change of our view of factors affecting the vulnerability of human scent, resulting in the need to alter the approach of forensic methodology dealing with identification of human scent.

The study deals with differences in the growth of 2-year mix of poplar clones MAX 4, MAX 5 in the first rotation period at a site with the average moisture regime and at a neighbouring site affected by waterlogging. Average diameter at breast height (DBH) at the site without the observable water influence was 19.6 mm (average height 380 cm). Average DBH at the water-affected site was 8.1 mm (height 220 cm). The difference was statistically significant, which corroborates the hypothesis of the adverse influence of waterlogging on the growth of poplar clones. Furthermore, moisture content was ascertained in wood samples. A comparison was made of samples from the butt, middle part and top part of the stem. Differences between the respective stem parts were not statistically significant. Total average wood moisture content at the time of harvest (January 2012) was 59.7%.

In a time of a constant change, a company with high-quality, talented employees not only has an advantage in the competitive environment but it is also a more attractive proposition for the potential employees. It is also a 'great place to work' for the existing employees. The article therefore focuses on the approaches to implementing the strategic talent management which are taken by the agricultural and forestry companies. The paper investigates the position taken regarding the talent management in theory. It is based on the aims of a primary survey, the purpose of which was to develop a deeper understanding of the supporting theoretical concepts underpinning the company approaches to talent. The objective of the work is to identify the main components of the strategic talent management based on the primary survey of companies operating in agriculture and forestry. This is accomplished by evaluating the data obtained from the primary analysis of the methods and approaches used on 101 farms and other agricultural companies. The data comes from the manager surveys for which a single manager represented the given company. The mono-dimensional and multi-dimensional statistics were used to evaluate the data. The results indicate that in 62% of the companies examined are familiar with the principles of the talent management and that the talent management forms part of the mission of the company (48%). A deeper analysis is used to further examine the differences in the approach of the companies included in the study. The paper contains an in depth discussion of the concept of the strategic talent management, as well as identifying the main processes connected with it. Moreover, the paper presents new research findings by defining and validating the main attributes of the strategic talent management (TM); additionally the gap between the awareness of the top management of the talent management concept and its use in practice is found and discussed.

Respiratory and cardiovascular changes in normocapnic dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy are described in this report. To-date, changes during a standardised ventilation pattern, irrespective of end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) levels, have not been reported. This study was undertaken to describe these changes. Forty bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were enrolled in a prospective double-blind randomised clinical trial. They were first anaesthetised with medetomidine-butorphanol-propofol and then maintained with isoflurane in oxygen-air. Ventilation pattern was pressure-controlled, volume-limited. After stabilisation, atracurium 0.4 mg/kg (ATR group, n = 20) or saline 0.04 ml/kg (SAL group, n = 20) was administered intravenously. Capnoperitoneum was then established with an intra-abdominal pressure setting of 10 mmHg. Collected data included heart rate (HR), non-invasive blood pressure, EtCO₂, oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, and tidal volume and neuromuscular blockade (train-of-four). Data were recorded before administration of atracurium or saline, and at 2, 5, and 10 min thereafter. Subsequently, insufflation of CO₂ was commenced. After capnoperitoneum was established, data were recorded at 2, 5 and 10 min. Time of capnoperitoneum induction and duration, time of ovary searching and excision and total time of capnoperitoneum and surgery were also recorded. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro Wilk test, ANOVA with repeated measures and Student's t-test for independent samples were used (P < 0.05). Significant increases in EtCO₂ were observed in patients 5 min after atracurium administration and 5 min after capnoperitoneum was established in the ATR group, when compared to the SAL group. No other differences were found. Administration of atracurium in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy with a standardised ventilation pattern did not result in clinically important differences in selected cardiovascular and respiratory variables and surgical times in comparison with non-relaxed dogs. Thus, the use of atracurium in laparoscopic ovariectomy does not result in any benefit for patients or surgeons.

"Hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules" (HTBS), or "mucoperiosteal exostoses" (ME, syn.) are small, globular (≥ 1 mm in diameter), mostly stalked and drumstick-like, bony structures, which arise from the inner wall of the tympanic bulla and project into the middle ear cavity. HTBS present as mineral densities inside the tympanic bulla on radiographs or computed tomographic (CT) images. They have previously been referred to as "otoliths" and were thought to represent mineral concretions secondary to otitis media. Recently, it was shown that HTBS actually consist of regularly composed bone tissue, covered by normal middle ear mucosa. So far, HTBS have only extensively been described in dogs, where they occur with a prevalence of up to > 45%. A recent study detected ME, most likely representing HTBS, in the tympanic cavities of skeletonised skull bones of African lions. To estimate the occurrence of HTBS in other mammal species, the middle ears of adult animals of 78 different domestic, wild, and zoo species undergoing routine necropsy at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the LMU Munich, Germany were examined in the present study. HTBS were found in the tympanic bullae of carnivorous species, such as canids (wolf, fox), and in several large felid species (lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah). In contrast, HTBS were not present in domestic cats (more than to 200 cases), small carnivorous species such as mustelids, nor in any primate, ungulate, ruminant, pig, insectivore, or rodent species. The detectability of HTBS by CT of the tympanic bullae of large felids was demonstrated in an African lion. Histologically, HTBS consisted of mature lamellar bone, covered by periosteum and a partially ciliated, flat epithelium, regularly without any apparent inflammatory alterations. The present study demonstrates that HTBS may frequently occur in large felids and in different canid species. These findings should be taken into account when examining the middle ear, or interpreting bulla radiographs/CT-images of the respective species. However, the factors triggering the development of HTBS remain to be identified.

The purpose of this study was to characterise the radiographic appearance of abomasal phytobezoars in sheep as well as to evaluate the utility of abdominal radiography to identify them. Twenty-seven fat-tailed Herrick sheep with a clinical suspicion of abomasal impaction were examined radiographically. Abdominal survey radiographs in right lateral recumbency were taken. Abomasal phytobezoars (AP) were seen in abdominal survey radiographs in 25/27 sheep (92%). Their radiographic survey appearance was round-to-oval masses with radiopaque margins and radiopacity similar to the ingesta centrally. An additional gastrographic barium study was performed in six of the sheep, followed by exploratory laparotomy where phytobezoars were removed through abomasotomy. The optimal time to visualise the APs was 48 h post-contrast. A significant correlation was noted between phytobezoars size in radiology and surgery (r = 0.651, P < 0.001). Use of the barium study can improve the phytobezoar-ingesta contrast and visibility of the phytobezoars. Plain radiography with sheep positioned in right lateral recumbency is a useful supplementary technique which can be used to evaluate abomasal phytobezoariasis. This study shows that radiography is a suitable diagnostic method for detecting the presence of, but not the number of, abomasal phytobezoars in sheep.

Six onion cultivars Bingo, Dormo, Elenka, Elbrus, Spirit, and Sturon grown in the Czech Republic for commercial purposes were analysed to investigate the content of health-promoting compounds. The results showed that at harvest time, cysteine sulfoxide content varied from 32.38 to 44.16 g/kg of dry weight, polyphenol content was between 2.66 and 3.37 g/kg of dry weight, and antioxidant activity ranged from 0.75 to 0.83 g/kg. Cv. Bingo had the highest level of the analysed compounds. The cultivars were concurrently analysed by DNA (microsatellite) markers. Dendrograms based on the chemical composition and DNA analysis were almost identical. This finding confirms the dependence of the secondary metabolite content on onion genotype.

The effects of six essential oils (EO) on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation were evaluated under in vitro conditions. Three doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/l) of EO were evaluated using in vitro 24 h batch culture of rumen fluid with a 55 : 45 forage : concentrate diet. Treatments were control (CON), control with Siberian fir needle oil (FNO), citronella oil (CTO), rosemary oil (RMO), sage oil (SAO), white thyme oil (WTO), and clove oil (CLO). Treatments were incubated in triplicate in 125 ml flasks containing 500 mg of finely ground total mixed ration (TMR), 25 mg of soybean oil, 10 ml of the strained ruminal fluid, 40 ml of media, and 2 ml of reducing solution. After 24 h, the pH was determined and samples were collected to analyze ammonia N, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and fatty acids (FA). Cultures pH was not affected by EO averaging 6.6 ± 0.2. In general, high EO doses reduced the total VFA concentration except for SAO and RMO. Relative to CON, all EO decreased (P < 0.05) ammonia N concentrations except for the highest dose of WTO. Except for SAO, EO did not modify acetate to propionate ratio. Relative to CON, the addition of CTO and FNO increased (P < 0.05) the proportions of isobutyrate and decreased (P < 0.05) the proportions of valerate and isovalerate. The concentrations (mg/culture) of C18:0 and C18:1 trans FA decreased (P < 0.05) with CTO, FNO, RMO, and SAO relative to CON. Most tested EO in this study had little to no effects on conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), and linoleic and linolenic acids concentrations. In conclusion, results from this study showed that except for effects on ammonia N, EO tested in this study had moderate effects on rumen fermentation. The reduction in the formation of trans FA and C18:0 with some EO may indicate shifts in the biohydrogenation pathways toward the formation of other unidentified intermediate FA.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and heritability of elbow dysplasia in the Estrela mountain dog breed, to investigate genetic trends over the last 20 years (1990-2009) and to evaluate the association of individual records with breeding values. The elbows of 351 Estrela mountain dogs were examined using the flexed mediolateral radiographic view and evaluated using the International Elbow Working Group scoring system. Heritability and breeding values were estimated using a linear model. Elbow Dysplasia was found in 16.5% (59/351) of the dogs; males (27%, 34/127) were more affected than females (11%, 24/224) (P < 0.05). The heritability was very low (0.065) and the genetic trend showed a slight positive slope with an improvement in 2004 and 2005. The mean breeding values in elbow dysplasia grades were different but the overlap among grades was very pronounced. The prevalence and heritability of elbow dysplasia in the breed are thus low. Mass selection using individual phenotypes may not be effective. Elbow dysplasia genetic trends are similar to trends for hip dysplasia and passive hip laxity, so the use of selection against hip dysplasia may also result in genetic progress for elbow dysplasia.

The effects of in vitro exposure to different concentrations of copper sulphate for different durations on the mortality and locomotor behaviour of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus were evaluated. Copper sulphate showed strong effects against the nematode B. xylophilus at a low concentration (5 mg/l). The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) at 8, 24, 48, and 72 h were 31.634, 7.353, 6.557, and 5.568 mg/l, respectively. Mortality rate of B. xylophilus after treatment with various concentrations of copper sulphate for 6, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h were significantly different compared with control animals exposed to distilled water (P < 0.01). Locomotor activity of the nematodes decreased with increased duration of exposure and was completely lost after 8 h of exposure to 100 mg/l copper sulphate. Our results indicate that copper sulphate is effective against B. xylophilus and restricts their harmful effects on plants at least in part by inhibiting their movement.

Sterol composition was studied for three successive crop seasons in some olive oils extracted from Italian cultivars grown in Reggio Calabria Province, Southern Italy. Three autochthonous cultivars from Calabria Region: Cassanese, Ottobratica, and Sinopolese and seven allochthonous cultivars: Coratina, Itrana, Leccino, Nocellara Messinese, Nociara, Pendolino, and Picholine were investigated. The studied olive oils showed an acceptable sterol composition in accordance with either the European Union or International Olive Oil Council regulations. The Picholine cultivar showed the highest content of total sterol, β-sitosterol, chlerosterol, campesterol, and of cholesterol. The contents of Δ⁵-avenasterol, Δ^5,24-stigmastadienol, 24-methylene-cholesterol, and Δ⁷-avenasterol were high in Nociara cultivar, whereas Pendolino cultivar had the highest content of sitostanol and Sinopolese cultivar gave the highest content of stigmasterol. Results confirmed the existing significant differences (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in the cultivar, crop season, and crop season × cultivar.

Tanniferous forages may have bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal effect on different rumen microbial populations. We investigated the influence of the tropical tanniferous plants Styzolobium aterrimum (STA), Styzolobium deeringianum (STD), Leucaena leucocephala (LEU), and Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia (MIC) containing 20, 64, 56, and 105 g condensed tannis (CT)/kg dry matter (DM) and Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85 (CYN) as control on Fibrobacter succinogenes and methanogenic microbes in rumen liquor from sheep using the in vitro gas production technique (Hohenheim gas test). The relative gene expression of F. succinogenes at t_1/2 (time point when 50% of the maximal gas production has been reached) analyzed by quantitative PCR was 0.20- and 0.28- fold lower than the control when LEU and STA was applied and 0.91- and 0.85-fold lower with MIC and STD. Methanogenic population was 0.29- and 0.58- fold reduced with STA and LEU compared to the control, but 5.50- and 1.43- fold higher with MIC and STD. At 24 h, F. succinogenes was reduced for all legumes as well as methanogenic bacteria, except for MIC which increased 4.15-fold. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the methanogenic community resulted in different band patterns: CYN presented some strong bands, which became weaker in the analyzed treatments. Some bands appeared weaker, especially in MIC and STD, but not in STA and LEU. MIC seemed to increase the total number of weak bands. Overall, the tannin-rich plants negatively affected the F. succinogenes population and caused changes in the structure of the methanogenic community.

Sow batch management systems have become more popular due to advantages in labour planning, piglet batch sizes, all-in all-out practices and health management. The present study investigated the potential health advantages of 10 selected farrow-to-finish pig herds before and after transition from a one week batch management system to a four or five week batch management system. Five different animal categories (gilts, sows, piglets, growers and finishers) were sampled at three time points (T0, T1 and T2) before and after transition to a four or five week batch management system. Different matrices of the animals were collected: blood, nasal swabs and faeces. Several economically important diseases were monitored through serology: Lawsonia intracellularis, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; and PCR-testing: Pasteurella multocida dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) and Brachyspira species, especially the major pathogenic Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. Following serological analysis, the percentage of positive animals per category and sampling occasion were calculated. Health improvement based on serology was defined as the reduction in the percentage of positive animals for a specific disease in a specified animal category. All samples were negative for P. multocida DNT and B. hyodysenteriae. Little to no improvement could be observed for PRRSv. For L. intracellularis an improvement could be observed in piglets (71%) and growers (56%; P < 0.05). For both of the respiratory pathogens, M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae, significant improvement was observed in finishers (34 and 24%, respectively). In growers, only M. hyopneumoniae showed a significant improvement (34%). In conclusion, the transition from a one week batch management system to a four or five week batch management system in the present herds resulted in a reduction of the percentage of seropositive animals for three of the monitored economically important diseases: L. intracellularis, M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae.

Choke of grasses caused by Epichloë typhina occurred in 2008 and 2009 in more than 25% of grass seed stands of timothy (Phleum pratense and P. nodosum); a lower incidence was reported in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). A decline in disease incidence in 2010 was caused partly by a reduction in the total area of grasses grown for seed production and partly by a decrease of older grass seed stands. The incidence of choke in timothy varieties Odenwälder and Pampas was very high; they differed statistically from the other 24 grown cultivars. No difference was found among 21 varieties of orchard grass. The highest incidence of choke was observed in varieties Comer and Dolina (timothy) and Amera (orchard grass). The incidence of choke in cultivated varieties of Phleum spp. and D. glomerata was affected by stand age (the incidence of the disease in timothy was recorded in 13% of stands in the first cropping year and in 50% of stands in the fifth cropping year). Choke disease occurred in all regions where the species were grown for seed.

The infection process of Cercospora zeae-maydis type II (syn. Cercospora zeina Meisel and Korsman) in resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible maize genotypes was studied in the greenhouse under artificial inoculation. The percent spore germination, germ tube growth and formation of mature appressorium on leaves at 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after inoculation did not differ between resistant, moderately resistant, and susceptible maize genotypes (P ≤ 0.05). More germlings were established after penetration on susceptible than resistant and moderately resistant maize genotypes at 72, 96, 120, and 144 h after inoculation. The hyphal wefts in cells of resistant and moderately resistant genotypes were shorter than in susceptible genotypes (P ≤ 0.05). The slow pathogen growth was associated with a reduced number of conidiophores per stroma, spores per unit area and smaller lesions. The reduced pathogen growth after penetration suggests possible involvement of pathogen growth inhibitory substances in maize resistance to C. zeae-maydis type II.

Oxidant and antioxidant activity in seminal plasma was compared with that in spermatozoa of teleost (common carp Cyprinus carpio and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis) and chondrostean (Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii, and sterlet Acipenser ruthenus) fishes. No differences were found between seminal plasma and spermatozoa in the level of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance (0.24 ± 0.08 to 0.33 ± 0.04 nmol/mg proteins) in Russian sturgeon, Siberian sturgeon, and sterlet. Carbonyl protein concentration was significantly higher in spermatozoa than in seminal plasma of all studied species. Analyzed antioxidants included superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected between seminal plasma and spermatozoa in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Total glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly higher in brook trout (12.56 ± 3.23 mU/mg proteins) and Russian sturgeon (11.56 ± 3.12 mU/mg proteins) spermatozoa compared to seminal plasma (6.81 ± 1.56 mU/mg proteins in brook trout and 9.56 ± 3.12 mU/mg proteins in Russian sturgeon). This study provides new data on oxidant and antioxidant balance between spermatozoa and seminal plasma that may be of value in the development of methods for artificial reproduction of teleost and chondrostean species.

Design discharges in a small experimental catchment in Žarošice (Czech Republic) were evaluated using various methods for peak discharge assessment applying 24-h storm rainfalls reduced to short duration. Rainfall-runoff models HEC-HMS based on standard Natural Resources Conservation Service hydrologic methods and KINFIL, which combines the Morel-Seytoux infiltration and kinematic wave direct runoff transformation, were used to compute runoff hydrographs. The approach of technical standard and Froehlich's method determined the peak discharges only. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of these methods to predict design peak discharge in comparison with the data obtained from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI), which is the authority for providing hydrological data in the Czech Republic. The results demonstrate that the peak discharges computed by Froehlich's method are mostly closest to the data provided by CHMI. For the 100-year flood, HEC-HMS based on the Curve Number method showed the best agreement.

In this study, productivity rate and operation cost of farm tractor were evaluated in a mountainous natural forest. Data for the study came from a detailed time study in the Research and Educational Forest of Tarbiat Modares University (REFTMU) and was used to develop a multiple linear regression model to predict the skidding cycle time. The results showed that effective independent variables of skidding time were skidding distance and slope of skid trail (P = 0.01). Average productivity rate ranged from 2.43 to 2.60 m².h^-1. Total time and effective time, respectively. Total cost of the system was 10.24 USD.h^-1 whereas 4.58% of the cost of skidding resulted from personal delay. The cost and productivity resulting from this study emphasized the importance for foresters to consider a farm tractor when designing skidding operations in young stands or prescribing a combination of two machines in mature stands.

Freeze-dried bovine bone transplantation is commonly used for orthopaedic surgery. Equine bone, which is available in great quantity, can be obtained as easily as bovine bone, and so represents a potential source of bone for transplantation. In the present study freeze-dried equine cortical bones were transplanted into experimentally-induced fibular defects in canines to evaluate xenogenic implantation of equine bone. Cortical bones that had been freed of antigens and defatted with chloroform and methanol were freeze-dried at -80 °C for preservation of bone morphogenetic protein, sterilized with ethylene oxide gas and stored at room temperature. The experimental osteotomy was performed in a 15 mm-long bilateral region of each proximal metaphyseal fibula. The area of defect in eight beagle dogs (n = 16) received a transplanted freeze-dried equine cortical implant. The control group consisting of two beagles dogs (n = 4) received an autograft of a similar implant. The experiment region was radiographically monitored for bone union and host serum osteocalcin level was determined to assess osteoblast activity every two weeks for 24 weeks. In 14 of the 16 experimental cases, the graft was not associated with new bone formation. Resorption after new bone formation and remodelling with new bone formation each occurred in a single case. The results support the potential of using freeze-dried equine cortical bones as a xenogenic bone graft material in canines.

The commercial probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb12 was encapsulated using emulsion encapsulation into milk protein matrix without and with the addition of 0.5% w/w lecithin into the oil. Different agitation speeds were used during the encapsulation process. The examination of microcapsules was carried out by optical microscope and fluorescence in situ hybridisation. The particle size distribution as volume based median d_0.5 was evaluated by the laser diffraction method. In the case of no lecithin addition, the agitation speed did not influence significantly the size of the microcapsules. The addition of 0.5% (w/w) of lecithin into the oil caused a decrease of d_0.5 value from 196 ± 37 µm to 79 ± 3 µm at an agitation speed of 500 rpm, and from 193 ± 24 µm to 39 ± 3 µm at 1200 rpm. It can improve the sensory properties of the products with the added microcapsules.

Avian metapneumovirus causes an acute highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection primarily of turkeys and chickens. The disease can cause significant economic losses in turkey and chicken flocks, particularly when exacerbated by secondary pathogens. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of avian metapneumovirus antibodies in broiler and broiler breeder flocks in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. All the flocks had not been vaccinated against avian metapneumovirus. The province were divided into four geographic areas; southwest, southeast, northwest, and northeast. Flocks in each area, and 14-15 birds in each flock, were randomly sampled. The blood samples were taken regardless of the presence of any signs of respiratory or any other clinical disease in the flocks. A total of 435 blood samples were collected from 30 commercial chicken flocks (24 broiler flocks, aged between six and eight weeks, and six broiler breeder flocks, aged between 56 and 72 weeks). The presence of antibodies against avian metapneumovirus in each serum sample was tested twice by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercial kit which was able to determine antibodies against A, B and C subtypes of avian metapneumovirus. Out of 347 serum samples obtained from broiler chickens, 167 (48.1%) were positive to avian metapneumovirus antibodies, which represented 20 (83.3%) of 24 examined broiler flocks. Out of 88 samples obtained from broiler breeder chickens, 82 (93.2%) were positive to avian metapneumovirus antibodies, which belonged to six (100%) of examined broiler breeder flocks. Detection of anti-avian metapneumovirus antibodies among broiler breeder (100%) was higher than broiler (83.3%) flocks. A higher rate of seropositivity (83.3% of samples and 100% of broiler flocks) was observed in northwest. The results of this study may indicate the possible involvement of avian metapneumovirus in the respiratory disease we are seeing in chickens in Iran. Its prevalence has to be investigated in other parts of Iran. Future work may and should include the use of molecular methods and isolation of the virus. Isolation of avian metapneumovirus will allow the possibility of making autogenous vaccines.