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Urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity is associated with kidney disease. In our study, we focused on evaluating the ratio of NAG to the urinary creatinine concentration (NAG/Cr) in the German Shepherd breed. Sixty-two healthy dogs and thirteen dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were examined. The healthy dogs were divided into groups based on their sex and age (puppies and adolescent dogs under 2 years, adult dogs from 2 to 6 years and seniors over 6 years), while the dogs with CKD were divided based on the disease stage (CKD stage 1 and 2). No significant difference was detected between the males and females. Regarding the age dependence, significantly higher values were found in dogs older than 6 years (P = 0.020 3) compared to dogs aged 2–6 years. When comparing the healthy dogs to the dogs with CKD, the lowest NAG/Cr ratio was observed in the dogs with CKD stage 2. The reference interval for NAG/Cr in the German Shepherd was established in the range of 0.78–7.86 U/gCr. We observed no correlations with the commonly used markers of kidney disease such as creatinine, urea, or symmetrical dimethylarginine. Nevertheless, we encourage the further investigation of NAG in relation to CKD, taking the breed, sex and age of the patients into account.

Natural regeneration is a crucial factor in improving the economy of forest estates. The presented study analysed the economic parameters of three different approaches to forest regeneration: (i) artificial regeneration with Norway spruce, (ii) a 25% admixture of soil-improving and stabilising species (SSTS), and (iii) natural regeneration. The expenses for these specific operations related to individual regeneration methods were derived. These variants were investigated before the bark beetle calamity (2014) and after the outbreak (2023) for management sets (MS) 531, 551, 571, and 591, i.e. for acidic, nutrient-rich, gleyed, and waterlogged sites of higher elevations. In all cases, natural regeneration decreased expenses by approximately 2 000 EUR·ha^–1 (50 000 CZK·ha^–1) to 6 000 EUR·ha^–1 (150 000 CZK·ha^–1). The 25% admixture of SSTS increased the expenses. The proportion of natural regeneration subsequently decreased due to the bark beetle calamity from roughly 40% to 10% in recent years, which is comparable with the Czech Republic as a whole.

This study uses micro-financial data to examine the efficiency of agricultural enterprises in Germany and its neighbouring countries. The aim of the study is to introduce a model for the agricultural sector and conduct an efficiency analysis using these data, interpreting the results with specific knowledge in the management of an agriculture company. Both technical and allocative efficiencies were determined, and the companies were ranked. Possible correlations between company size, measured by turnover, and the determined efficiency were analysed. At present, there is a lack of studies in the agricultural sector with high aggregated financial data, which are the basis and necessity for well-founded decision support to increase efficiency. The data envelopment analysis method was used, as a non-parametric procedure from operations research and economics field. Both the constant returns to scale (CCR) and variable returns to scale (BCC) models were used to calculate the efficiency values. The results showed that large and very large companies achieved the highest levels of efficiency. Interestingly, very large companies lost efficiency compared to large companies, suggesting that the optimal efficiency level lies with the latter. Furthermore, the Netherlands was the absolute efficiency leader, while the other countries achieved similar lower efficiencies. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive efficiency analysis in the agricultural sector based on financial data, thus offering a basis for future studies and political decisions.

This study investigated methods to overcome seed dormancy in Crataegus pseudoheterophylla Pojarkova seeds. Seeds with and without endocarps were treated with gibberellic acid (GA₃) at different concentrations and four storage temperatures. Then they were stratified in an alternate temperature regime. The amount of absorbed water in seeds with endocarps was monitored by measuring the fresh weight of seeds for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of imbibition. The electrical conductivity (EC) and the percentage of water uptake by seeds stored for 12 months at laboratory temperature, in a refrigerator, in a freezer, and in freeze-thaw conditions were measured. The highest germination (59.7%) was recorded in seeds without endocarps treated with 3,000 mg.l^-1 GA₃ and stored either in a laboratory or a refrigerator (32.7-35.3%). All treatments of seeds without endocarps where GA₃ was applied showed statistically higher percentages of germination than the control. Seeds with endocarps stored at refrigerator temperature imbibed water up to 44.3% with increasing imbibition periods, whereas the amount of seeds that absorbed water in freezer and freeze-thaw conditions was almost the same. The tests showed the highest EC during storage in the freezer, with the lowest water uptake and viability in seeds stored during the freeze-thaw process.

Streptococcus (S.) species are important pathogens that cause mastitis in sheep. The study aimed to examine Streptococcus species in sheep milk with subclinical mastitis, assessing their prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes. A total of 200 milk samples were collected from sheep farms in İzmir’s five districts. Out of 32 (28.6%) Streptococcus isolates identified by phenotypic methods, 25 were genotypically identified as S. uberis, 5 as S. agalactiae, and 2 as S. dysgalactiae. Disk diffusion was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. PCR was employed to identify antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in the isolates. The highest resistance was found for cloxacillin (100%), and the highest sensitivity was found for florfenicol (84%). The most common resistance gene combination was tetM+tetS (3/32) for S. uberis in 9.4%. A total of five virulence genes were detected. GapC+sua (56.2%) constituted the most common gene pattern. The highest virulence gene gapC was detected in 78.1% (25/32) of the isolates. The cylE gene was not detected (0%) in the isolates. Streptococcus species may play a role in mastitis in sheep, emphasising the need for meticulous hygienic milking practices.

This experiment aimed to study the effect of Broussonetia papyrifera leaf meal (BP) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal permeability, and caecal microbiota of growing rabbits. A total of 240 weaned Ira male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 10 rabbits each. The BP was added at 0% (CON), 3.0% (BP3), 6.0% (BP6), and 9.0% (BP9). All diets were isoenergetic, isonitrogenous, and isofibrous. The feeding trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that adding BP had no significant effect on the growth performance of rabbits. Compared with the CON group, groups BP6 and BP9 showed the reduced serum diamine oxidase content (P < 0.01). The jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A content in BP6 was higher than in the CON group (P < 0.01). The addition of BP had no significant effect on the jejunal antioxidant capacity. The BP9 increased the abundance of the caecal Firmicutes; BP3 and BP6 increased Bacteroidota; BP6 and BP9 increased Proteobacteria (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the BP can be used as a roughage source to reduce intestinal toxic markers, improve the intestinal immune function and the abundance of caecal microflora in growing rabbits.

Mercury belongs among the highly hazardous substances present in the environment and represents a great health risk for many animals including predatory and piscivorous birds. The aim of this study was to assess the total mercury content in the main detoxifying organs (liver and kidney) and in the muscles of adult great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) caught at two localities (the Krogulna ponds and the Nysa Kłodzka River) in southern Poland. The aim was to compare the locality with the iron ore mining history (the Krogulna ponds) with a site without such load (the Nysa Kłodzka River). The total mercury content in the great cormorants decreases as follows: kidneys > liver > muscle in both monitored localities and significantly differs between the localities. The average mercury content varied from 0.58 ± 0.38 mg/kg (muscle) to 1.39 ± 1.42 mg/kg (kidney) in the cormorant from the Krogulna ponds and from 1.09 ± 0.40 mg/kg (muscle) to 3.12 ± 1.55 mg/kg (kidney) in the cormorant from the Nysa Kłodzka River. The accumulation of mercury does not correlate with the mining history as it was higher at the Nysa Kłodzka River, but it is probably influenced by the different fish stocks in these two localities (omnivorous fish in the Krogulna ponds versus predatory fish in the Nysa Kłodzka River).

This study aimed to use lactic acid bacteria isolated from piglet faeces to develop probiotics, allowing for the effective control of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the faeces of suckling piglets and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, then examined for haemolysis; gelatinase activity; and resistance to acid, bile, and pancreatin. The antimicrobial activity of selected lactic acid bacteria isolates was examined for 8 E. coli and 7 Salmonella strains. One-hundred and sixty-four lactic acid bacteria isolates were identified from 118 piglet faecal samples, and 13 lactic acid bacteria isolates were selected from analyses of haemolysis; gelatinase activity; and resistance to acid, bile, and pancreatin. Of the selected 13 lactic acid bacteria isolates, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PF20-3 and PF30-3 strains had the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and Salmonella.

To study the effects of long-term and short-term high temperature stress and recovery on the physiological functions and appearance quality of chrysanthemums, a controlled experiment with chrysanthemums was conducted. The treatments were 25 °C for 3 days (T1D3), 25 °C for 9 days (T1D9), 41 °C for 3 days (T2D3) and 41°C for 9 days (T2D9). The results indicated that there is no significant difference between the T1D3 and T1D9 groups. Conversely, the total chlorophyll content (Chl), net photosynthetic rate (PN), and maximum quantum yield of Photosystem II (PSII) (FV/FM) under T2D3 and T2D9 decreased by 27.07%, 43.30%, 5.62%, and 44.85%, 68.22%, 8.29%, respectively. The JIP-test results showed that the T2D9-stressed plants had a lower efficiency and functional antenna size, and a higher activity of the reaction centre than T2D3. The contents of malondialdehyde, soluble protein and proline increased by 3.67 nmol/g FM, 298.75 μg/g, and 192.99 μg/g, and the antioxidant enzymes activities were inhibited significantly under T2D9. After the stress was relieved, Chl, PN, and FV/FM under T2D3 recovered to the same level as T1D3, while T2D9 did not. Furthermore, the diameter of the flowers in T2D3 showed no significant difference with the chrysanthemums under T1D3. However, the plants in T2D9 recovered poorly. Both the diameter of the flowers and the anthocyanin under T2D9 reduced significantly comparing with T1D9, indicating that the damage in the chrysanthemum seedlings caused by long-term high temperature was irreversible.

In this experiment, we investigated the effects of drought combined with exogenous silicon (Si) and potassium application on super sweet corn growth and development. Drought stress caused decreases in the stem diameter, leaf area, cob length, cob diameter, 100 seed weight, seed number, cob yield, biologic yield, and relative water content (RWC), but proline content and catalase activity were higher under drought stress conditions. The results of a two-year experiment showed that potassium sulfate application and foliar application significantly increased RWC in drought stress conditions, and the highest increase was related to treatment with potassium sulfate in an amount of 25 kg/ha. Under normal irrigation conditions, with 25 kg of potassium sulfate per ha and Si foliar application, the maximum cob diameter (5.85 cm) was observed. Si application did not significantly affect proline content under normal irrigation conditions but increased proline content under drought stress. The highest proline content (10.77 mmol/g fresh weight) was recorded in the Si application using 25 kg of potassium sulfate per ha under drought stress conditions. Also, applying potassium sulfate with silicone foliar spraying had no significant effect on biologic yield under normal irrigation conditions. However, under drought stress treatments, biologic yield increased by applying 15 and 25 kg/ha of potassium sulfate and Si foliar spraying. In summary, applying potassium sulfate and exogenous Si can enhance the antioxidant system of the plant, promote the RWC, thus improving biologic and cob yield, and enhance the drought resistance of super sweet corn.

The present study compares the six crop residue management techniques in main plots (since 2008) and three split nitrogen (N) levels, i.e., 75, 100 and 125 kg N/ha in subplots for rice crops for two years, i.e., 2019 and 2020, in sandy loam soil under field conditions. This experiment evaluated the long-term effect on rice productivity, soil organic carbon content and nutrient requirement in rice-wheat cropping system. The results revealed that different crop residue management practices and N levels significantly influenced rice growth, yield and yield attributes and improved nutrient uptake by grain and straw. Maximum grain yields of 20.8% and 17.8% higher over the conventional (no straw) treatment during 2019 and 2020, respectively, were recorded where the rice and wheat residue was retained or incorporated. The rice grain yield without residue responded significantly up to 125 kg N/ha. Whereas, with rice and wheat residue, rice grain yield did not respond to the application of N beyond 75 kg N/ha during both years.

Assimilation (A) and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency value light response curves [A/PPFD and PSII/PPFD curves (PPFD – photosynthetic photon flux density)] of promising black locust clones (NK2 and PL251) and the registered Üllői clone were analysed to study the net assimilation rates and PSII efficiency within the function of PPFD levels. The natural logarithmic regression functions fitted well to the measured data points for A/PPFD, R² values varied between 0.9515–0.9884. For PSII/PPFD values, we used the exponential regression function with R² ranging from 0.9948 to 0.9989. Except for PL251, the A/PPFD curves of the tested clones increased steadily with increasing illumination levels but flattened at the 600 µmol·m^–2·s^–1 PPFD level due to the effect of photorespiration on the assimilation rate. For PL251, the A/PPFD curve decreased at the 1 200 µmol·m^–2·s^–1 PPFD level. Unlike A/PPFD results, the PSII/PPFD exponential curve decreased as the PPFD level increased. Europe is forecast to experience significant negative climate change factors, including increased drought, heat, and irregular precipitation. Under such conditions, relatively drought-tolerant tree species such as black locust will play a vital role in new afforestation and uninterrupted wood supply. Consequently, growing and improving newly bred black locust clones, including the ecophysiological studies of relatively drought-tolerant clones, is increasingly vital.

To better explore the effects of adding phytosterol (PS) microcapsules to feed on pig growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum biochemical indicators, 200 healthy ternary hybrid Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets with an average initial weight of 7.53 ± 0.57 kg) were used as experimental subjects, and randomly divided into five groups with four replicates in each group. The control group of pigs was fed the basic diet, while the experimental group received diets supplemented with different PS levels. They were divided into experimental groups 1 to 4 (100 mg/kg to 5 502 mg/kg) according to different dosage added components. The duration of the experiment was 54 days. The results showed that the total triglyceride (TG) index and diarrhoea status in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The increase in PS addition levels was more significant in the change of pig average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and the difference in average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio between PS-400 and PS-550 was significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant differences in crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), average digestible energy (ADE), metabolizable energy, xylan, and calcium (P < 0.05), with a maximum increase of 7.02% in calcium content. The addition of PS can be effective in making the experimental and control groups show a significant difference in value changes in high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) indicators (P < 0.05), while no significant changes were revealed in the other indicators (P > 0.05). From the above, plant sterol microcapsules can effectively improve pig growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility, and improve their blood lipid status.

The effects of large granular slow-controlled release fertiliser prepared by a double coating of sulfur and sodium alginate on peanut growth, nitrogen fertiliser utilisation, and soil microbial community were investigated through peanut pot experiments, with a view to providing a theoretical and practical basis for the development of large granular slow-controlled release fertiliser. The results showed that the homemade large granular fertiliser could promote the root development of peanuts, and the root volume increased by 45.10% compared with the uncoated fertiliser at the fruiting stage. At the same time, the soil NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^–-N content were reduced at the seedling stage and increased at the fruiting stage to achieve the fertiliser’s slow and controlled release effect. A significant contribution to the net photosynthetic rate was made for growth development and yield in the middle and late stages. Pod dry weight was significantly higher at the blooming stage than uncoated fertiliser, 4.8% higher at the fruiting stage, and 22.9% higher in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). In terms of microbial bacterial communities, the large granular slow-release fertiliser promoted the diversity of the treated bacterial communities to some extent, with little difference in the relative abundance of soil bacterial communities. These results showed that a one-time application of homemade large granular slow-release fertiliser positively affected peanuts in terms of yield increase, promotion of nitrogen uptake and improved nitrogen utilisation under nitrogen application with urea equivalent, but the overall effect on soil microbial community was small.

One of several important pests that attack tomato plants is the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). An eco-friendly method to control B. tabaci utilizes the entomopathogenic fungus, namely Aschersonia aleyrodis. This study aimed to determine the effect of A. aleyrodis conidia density and the frequency of its application to control silverleaf whitefly (B. tabaci) pest on tomato plants under screen house conditions. This study used a randomized completely block design (RCBD) to test ten combination treatments. Each treatment was repeated three times. The results showed that application of A. aleyrodis at conidia densities of 106 conidia/mL, 107 conidia/mL, and 108 conidia/mL with an application frequency of up to once every three weeks was still effective in controlling B. tabaci populations on tomato plants. The highest population suppression rates for B. tabaci (90.6%), tomato yield (1 009 g/plant and 16 fruits/plant), percentage of mycosis (96.6%), and percentage of mummification (97.3%) were found to occur at a conidia density of 108 conidia/mL with the application frequency of once a week.

The impact of rhizosphere aeration on the composition of xylem sap in cucumber grown in soil was studied to determine its effects on (i) water and nutrient uptake, (ii) xylem transport, and (iii) amino acid synthesis in the roots. Plants grown under three different aeration conditions were subjected to progressive gas stress throughout the whole growth period. The shoot and root growth, xylem nitrate (NO₃^–) concentration, potassium (K⁺) concentration, xylem sap flow rate, and amino acid concentrations were higher in the Z1 treatment plants than in the control (CK) plants, and the former also showed a lower CO₂ (0.25–0.84%) and a higher O₂ (18.22–20.02%). However, the Z3 treatment plants exhibited decreased xylem loading of amino acids, NO₃^– concentrations, and K+ concentrations and a lower flow rate of xylem sap, which restricted shoot and root growth due to poor aeration caused by a higher CO₂ (0.75–3.68%) and a lower O₂ (11.51–18.6%). Furthermore, the xylem pH in these plants was lower by approximately 0.17 units, and the conductivity was decreased by approximately 0.31 mS/cm. Based on the observed results, the CO₂ and O₂ in the soil can potentially regulate root and shoot growth and the xylem sap composition in cucumber. Therefore, rhizosphere aeration is important for the vigorous growth of plants.

Determining gallic acid in honey can provide information for assessing the nutritional value and tracing the source of honey. However, the complex matrix of honey and the low content of gallic acid may hamper the detection. Therefore, it is important to select an appropriate sample preparation method. This work established an air-assisted dispersive micro-solid phase extraction combined with a high-performance liquid chromatography method to determine gallic acid in honey. Zinc/nickel/aluminium layered double hydroxides were selected as the adsorbent to extract gallic acids in diluted honey samples. Under air-assisted extraction, the adsorbents adsorbed gallic acid in honey via anion exchange. Subsequently, the isolated adsorbents were dissolved in a 1% phosphoric acid solution. A high-performance liquid chromatography-UV-Vis detector was used for gallic acid detection. Under the optimised conditions, gallic acid showed good linearity over the concentration range of 0.005–10.0 mg·L^–1 with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.999. The detection limit and quantification limit were 13.5 and 45 ng·g^–1, respectively. The recoveries were 89.8–93.4%, with the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations in the range of 0.71–1.17% and 0.76–1.27%, respectively. The method possesses the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, economy and environmental friendliness and is suitable for detecting gallic acid in honey.

New cropping practices such as single-grain seeding, lower seed densities with stronger cultivars, wide inter-row spacings and camera-guided side-shift control for weed hoeing facilitate mechanical weed control in oilseed rape. In a two-year field study in Southwestern Germany, camera-guided inter-row hoeing was compared to standard herbicide treatments and untreated control. Seeding with 12.5, 25 and 50 cm inter-row spacing was included as a second factor in the experiment. Weed and crop density were measured directly after treatment. Weed and crop biomass, oilseed rape root diameter and nitrogen uptake were assessed before winter. Seed yield was measured at harvest with a plot combine harvester. In 2021, hoeing in 50 cm inter-row spacing achieved equal weed control efficacy as the herbicide treatment (65–75%). In 2022, hoeing did not reduce weed density, probably due to heavy rainfalls during the first and second pass of hoeing. However, herbicide treatments controlled 92% of the weeds. In 2021, hoeing significantly increased oilseed rape shoot biomass and root diameter compared to the herbicide treatment and the untreated control. Hoeing in 50 cm inter-row spacing resulted in equal yield as the herbicide treatment. In 2022, weed control treatments and inter-row spacing had no effect on oilseed rape biomass, root diameter and yield. This study shows the potential and limitations of weed hoeing in oilseed rape. It also underlines the strong ability of modern oilseed rape cultivars to suppress annual broadleaved weeds.

Determination of the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important tool in the quantification of proteinuria in animals. However, the result may be affected by the different methods of determining the urinary protein concentration. The aim of this study was to compare the turbidimetric method using benzethonium chloride and the colorimetric method using pyrogallol red in the measurement of the urinary protein concentration in dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses. A total of 464, 192, 216 and 119 urine samples from dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were examined in the study, respectively. The group consisted of animals of both sexes and different ages, and, in the dogs and cats, it included both healthy animals and those with various health problems. In the group of horses and guinea pigs, only clinically healthy animals were included. A total of 347, 185, 103 and 100 samples from the dogs, cats, guinea pigs and horses were used in the statistical analysis; the other values were excluded as they were below the detection limit. According to the Passing-Bablok analysis, there was a significant constant and proportional difference in the horses. In the dogs, cats and guinea pigs, there was a significant constant difference, but no proportional difference. The Bland-Altman method showed significant bias between the two methods in the horses and cats, but not in the dogs and guinea pigs. In the dogs and cats, the agreement between the two methods was tested and expressed as Cohen’s kappa (κ). In the cats, it was almost perfect for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.823 3) and significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.804 9). In the dogs, the agreement was significant for the non-proteinuric samples (κ = 0.621 5) and only moderate for the proteinuric samples (κ = 0.527 5). The influence of the method used to determine the urinary protein concentration should be taken into account when evaluating the UPC. Repeated examinations in one patient should be performed with the same method.

Due to increased climate change, crop productivity worldwide is in danger. Drought stress is considered one of the major environmental factors in relation to world food security. Previous studies showed that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation alleviates drought stress in various plants. However, whether AMF inoculation efficiency is based on gas exchange or water status and whether the effects differ among plants and AMF species remain unclear. To evaluate the effect of AMF on drought stress alleviation, a meta-analysis was conducted based on random-effect models accounting for effect size variation. Results revealed that photosynthetic rate had the highest effect size among gas exchange traits compared to stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Our results also showed a significant positive impact on relative water content, water potential, and water use efficiency in AMF-inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated plants. Furthermore, among AMF species, Funneliformis mosseae, followed by Rhizophagus irrgularis, was an efficient AM fungi for drought stress alleviation. Therefore, this study suggests that a higher water use efficiency supports water transport to the leaf surface and keeps the stomatal opening, enhancing photosynthetic responses.

Abstract: Management of inbreeding is one of the crucial parts of breeding programs in livestock populations. Traditionally, the inbreeding coefficient is calculated using pedigree data; however, it can also be estimated from genomic data. Nowadays, various approaches to estimating genomic-based inbreeding coefficients are increasingly integrated into research and breeding practices. These genomic estimators can supplement or replace pedigree-based coefficients. Each genomic-based inbreeding coefficient has its own properties and different ranges of values, and some of them need specific settings for calculation. Moreover, depending on the methodological approach, genomic estimators are sensitive to the population structure, genotyping technology applied, and the quality control of obtained genomic data. It is important to consider all these factors when calculating and especially when interpreting the final genomic inbreeding values. For these reasons, using genomic-based inbreeding coefficients can be more challenging than using pedigree-based ones. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the most commonly used genomic estimators of individual inbreeding in livestock, providing an in-depth analysis of their advantages and limitations while offering insights into the methodological considerations and best practices for their accurate calculation and interpretation.

Negative energy balance (NEB) after calving leads to unique metabolic changes in cows and it provides important information on the period when nutrient output prevails over nutrient intake associated with a number of physiological changes in the organism suitable for detection using biochemical blood analyses. The aim of this paper is to summarise current knowledge of the changes in blood parameters during the period of NEB in relation to non-esterified fatty acids, ketone bodies, and immunologic and stress indicators. The impact of these changes on bovine reproduction and health is also discussed in the sequel. The period of NEB is still a very pertinent area of research as it provides a new insight into connections between physiological systems, to wit, ​​immunology, manifestation of various stress indicators, including oxidative stress, and heat shock proteins inter alia. Understanding the physiological changes during NEB is crucial for successful management of the transition period and subsequent overall good animal health and productivity.

Lactic acid has gained considerable attention globally due to its multi-purpose application. Commercial lactic acid production uses the fungal species Rhizopus oryzae, which produces other organic acids. A crucial point of effective fungal organic acid production is matching the fungal strains’ requirements, where the carbon source plays a major role. The highest production rate is achieved when glucose is used as a carbon source. Alternatively, we can apply carbon-rich agricultural residues as carbon sources. Using agricultural waste for lactic acid production provides a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock but also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, polylactic acid (PLA) produced from lactic acid monomers can occur in numerous agricultural applications. We should delve deeper into sustainable methods of using carbon residues to recycle waste, foster the circular economy, and advance sustainable agriculture. Therefore, there is a need for further research on the commercial use of agricultural and food industry wastes for lactic acid production.

We explored the role of yttrium nitrate (Y(NO3)3) in extending the longevity of campanula cut flowers. The results showed that Y(NO3)3 significantly enhanced the enzymatic antioxidant system, including the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. In this way, Y(NO3)3 increased the DPPH scavenging activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage, which implied that Y(NO3)3 strengthened the antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, Y(NO3)3 significantly improved the production of the soluble sugars, proline, and soluble protein, relative water content, average fresh weight change rate, and average water balance value, which indicated that Y(NO3)3 could maintain the water balance. Besides, Y(NO3)3 dramatically increased the flower diameter and extended the longevity. Our current research demonstrated that Y(NO3)3 improved the longevity by reinforcing the enzymatic antioxidant system and water balance, which added new information and a supportive base for the utilisation of Y(NO3)3 in the preservation of campanula cut flowers.

Iron chlorin is known to affect plant growth, but its potential applications in watermelon production have rarely been explored. To better understand its effects on the growth, photosynthesis, yield, and quality of watermelon in a greenhouse setting, a series of experiments were conducted using the variety ‘Sumeng 6’. At the flowering and early fruit expansion stages, the plants were sprayed with iron chlorin with mass concentrations of 0.001, 0.002, 0.004, and 0.008 μg/L (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Control plants were sprayed with water (CK). The growth index, root activity, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, yield, and fruit quality of all plants were measured. The results showed: compared with CK, the T3-treated plants showed significant improvements in several aspects: the leaf contents of photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid, increased by 19.51%, 14.29%, and 29.17%, respectively (P < 0.05); the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) increased by 23.60% (P < 0.05); and the soluble solids content, vitamin C content, and yield increased by 7.89%, 34.13%, and 16.27%, respectively (P < 0.05). In summary, it was found that spraying 0.004 μg/L iron chlorin on facility watermelon plants at the flowering and the early fruit expansion stages has a significant effect on the promotion of growth and development, leading to improved quality and yield. This study provides a theoretical reference and technical guide for high-quality and efficient watermelon production.

The present study aimed to determine the incidence and coincidence of white striping (WS), woody breast (WB) and spaghetti meat (SM) in raw chicken breast meat (n = 300) collected 3–3.5 h post mortem from commercial broiler flocks (Ross 708 males, 56 days of age). The fillets were scored for the occurrence and severity of WS, WB and SM using visual and tactile methods, and the relationship between myopathies and breast weight was evaluated. A total of 88% of samples (out of 300) had either one or a combination of three myopathies, leaving only 12% without any myopathies. Approximately 29% of the fillets had only one myopathy present, with 59% of the samples demonstrating the cooccurrence of breast myopathies. In the present study, 47.7% of WB samples also exhibited WS, while the cooccurrence of WB and SM was exhibited in 14.7%. Based on binomial logistic regression, an increase in WB scores decreases the odds that the fillet may be affected by SM myopathy. No association was found between SM and fillet weight. Multinomial logistic regression showed that the weight of breast fillets was positively associated with WB1 (P = 0.011), WB2 (P < 0.001), and WB3 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, positive associations were found between WS1 and WB3 (P = 0.004) as well as between WS2 and WB3 (P < 0.001). The percentage distribution changes of each WB and WS myopathy score were used in relation to the 10 weight groups. The percentages of WB3 increased and WB0 decreased as the average fillet weight increased. Regarding linear regression, these results exhibited a positive linear relationship for both WB (R² = 0.91, P < 0.001) and WS (R² = 0.71, P = 0.002) myopathy with fillet weight. A high prevalence of myopathies was observed. The incidence of severe WB categories and the overall high cooccurrence rate are alarming.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency significantly affects crop productivity, especially legume crops. Therefore, it is important to understand the P-acquisition strategies of different leguminous crops. In this study, we undertook a pot experiment with 11 legume crops (soybean, faba bean, pea, cowpea, common bean, lentil, adzuki bean, chickpea, grass pea, red kidney bean and common vetch) to investigate P-acquisition strategies related to root morphology, organic acid and acid phosphatase exudations, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonisation under low (4.4 mg/kg) and optimal (40 mg/kg) P conditions. The results revealed that P deficiency significantly decreased biomass and P accumulation, root length (10.5%), and root surface area (7.9%), increased organic acid exudation (80.2%) and acid phosphatase activity (16.8%), and did not affect root diameter or root AMF colonisation rate. Principal component analysis revealed a positive correlation between organic acid exudation and acid phosphatase activity, while root length and root surface area negatively correlated with organic acid exudation, acid phosphatase activity and root AMF colonisation rate. P accumulation positively correlated with root length, surface area, and diameter but negatively correlated with organic acid exudation, acid phosphatase activity, and AMF colonisation rate. These findings confirmed the following: (1) legume crops use a P-mobilisation strategy related to organic acid exudation and acid phosphatase activity to acquire P under low soil P conditions; (2) organic acid exudation coincided with acid phosphatase activity to mobilise soil inorganic and organic P, improving P accumulation; (3) a trade-off exists between the P-scavenging strategy related to root morphology traits and mobilisation strategy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rumination time, eating time and season on milk yield and on milk component content in the context of milk recording. The experiment was carried out with two breeds – Czech Fleckvieh cattle and Holstein cattle – for one year. Vitalimetr 5P neck responders were used to monitor eating and rumination time. For statistical evaluation, the time of eating and rumination was divided into three groups according to the length of eating and ruminating, with each breed being categorised separately. The highest protein content, which was 3.6%, was calculated for the group with an average eating time. The fat content was highest for the group with a below-average eating time. On the other hand, the highest milk yield was statistically significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the group with the longest eating time. In terms of rumination, the trend was similar to that of the eating period. In the evaluation of the effect of rumination time, there was no difference in protein %, fat kg and fat % content. A significant (P < 0.05) increase of protein kg was observed with higher rumination time. Changes in milk yield and milk components also occurred throughout the year. During the winter months, the yield decreased, but there was an increase in milk constituent content. During the summer months, the reverse results were obtained. The findings of this study highlight the importance of evaluating eating and rumination time as a potential predictor of milk yield and milk solids content, which are important in milk monetization.

By choosing appropriate candidate reference genes (CRGs) and standardizing qPCR data, more accurate experimental data can be obtained. Herein, the expression stability of alpha-tubulin1 (TUA1), beta-tubulin (TUB), beta-tubulin 1 (TUB1), beta-tubulin 5 (TUB5), actin 1 (ACT1), actin 97 (ACT97), molecular chaperone dnaj (DNAJ), adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APT), and histone H4 (HIS4) genes from Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl. under different experimental conditions (different tissues, drought, salinity, Cd, and Cr treatments) was assessed with four statistical tools: RefFinder, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and geNorm. Notably, TUA1 and TUB5 were identified as CRGs for different tissues, ACT97 and TUB1 for drought treatment, ACT97 and APT for salinity treatment, TUB1 and ACT97 for Cd treatment, and DNAJ, TUB1 and TUB5 for Cr treatment. Furthermore, the results of “total” group, V₄/V₅ > 0.15 and V₅/V₆ < 0.15 revealed that the CRGs or gene combinations, which could meet all the test conditions, were not easy to identify. To further verify the reliability of CRGs, the expression levels of paulownia fortunei cellulose synthase A catalytic subunit2 (PfCesA2) and paulownia fortunei glutathione reductase (GR) genes were analysed. The expression patterns were different when the unstable CRGs were used for normalization compared to when the stable CRGs and combination were used for normalization. This study will lay a foundation for study on the expression levels of key genes from P. fortunei seedlings.