Fulltext search in archive

The articleanalyses the agricultural HUF and FX loans and trends between 1995 and 2012. The authors use the linear and exponential analysis in trends of loans for agriculture in Hungary. During the period of 1995-2012, the bank loan for agriculture in percentage of the total bank loan in Hungary was at the highest level, namely 9.76%, when the total loan amount was 192.1 billion HUF in 1998, and this was at the lowest level, namely 3.69%, when the total loan amount was 265.6 billion HUF in 2010. The authors draw a growing linear trend of loans until 2005, namely the loan amount was 358.8 HUF billion, after that little decreasing occurred until 2008, and the loan amount has considerably decreased since 2008, when the economic and financial crisis started; while a decreasing trend of the loan ratio was going on. The average yearly credit increase is 24.486 billion HUF. The Hungarian agricultural sector is in a better position than other sectors of the economy.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of four anaesthetics on the haematological and blood biochemical profiles of vimba bream (Vimba vimba). The haematological and blood biochemical profiles of vimba bream were evaluated 10 min and 24 h after anaesthesia with MS 222 (100 mg/l), clove oil (33 mg/l), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.4 ml/l), Propiscin (1.0 ml/l) and compared to non-anaesthetised controls. The 10 min exposure to any of the anaesthetics did not show any effects on haematological profiles. The exposure to 2-phenoxyethanol and Propiscin significantly (P < 0.01) influenced levels of glucose and ammonia, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase compared with the control group. The level of triacylglycerols was significantly (P < 0.01) increased and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by exposure to MS 222. The use of clove oil showed no effects on the haematological and blood biochemical profiles and is recommended as a suitable anaesthetic for vimba bream. Other anaesthetics tested affected blood biochemical profiles to some extent.

In a long-term field experiment winter wheat was grown in crop rotations with 40, 60 and 80% proportion of cereals. Two levels of fertilization were used: H₁ - mineral fertilization N, P, K + organic fertilization Veget®; H₂ - only mineral fertilization N, P, K. Winter what was grown after two preceding crops: pea and winter barley. In 2010-2012 the grain yield of winter wheat after pea was statistically higher at fertilization with mineral fertilizers N, P, K and organic manure Veget® (7.15 t/ha) in comparison with mineral fertilizers only (6.65 t/ha). In crop rotation with 80% of cereals the grain yield of winter wheat after pea as a preceding crop was statistically higher (6.81 t/ha) than after winter barley (5.59 t/ha). The rising of grain yield at 1.9 t/ha was achieved by suitable preceding crop (pea) and by combined fertilization (mineral fertilizers N, P, K + organic manure Veget®). The grain yield of winter wheat 5.24 t was obtained by mineral fertilization N, P, K only and after winter barley. By mineral fertilization N, P, K + organic manure Veget®) and after pea as a preceding crop the grain yield of winter wheat 7.14 t/ha was reached.

Genetic correlations between longevity and conformation traits were estimated using data on Czech Holstein cows first calved in the years 1993-2008. Longevity traits considered were length of productive life and number of lactations initiated and their functional equivalents (i.e. the longevity traits corrected for milk production). Conformation traits were twenty one linear descriptive type traits, six composite traits and height at sacrum measured in cm. A possible nonlinear relationship between conformation and longevity traits was also investigated. The heritabilities ranged from 0.05 to 0.43 for conformation traits and from 0.03 to 0.05 for longevity traits. Low to moderate genetic relationships between conformation and longevity traits were found. The genetic correlations were higher for functional longevity than for direct longevity traits. Negative genetic correlations with all longevity traits were found for height at the sacrum, stature, dairy form, body conformation, and capacity. Final score showed weak genetic correlation with all analyzed longevity traits. Positive genetic correlations occurred between feet and legs and direct longevity and functional longevity (0.19, 0.14) and between udder and direct longevity (0.10). Body condition score and angularity showed strong genetic correlations with functional longevity (body condition score 0.30, angularity -0.31). Foot and leg traits showed weak genetic correlations with longevity traits except rear legs set (side view) (-0.24) and hock quality (0.19). The udder traits showed inconsistent and rather weak genetic correlations with longevity traits, with the exception of a stronger genetic correlation between rear udder width and functional longevity (-0.22) and between central ligament and number of lactations (-0.18, -0.19). The teat traits showed always negative genetic correlations with longevity traits. The strongest correlations were found for rear teat position (-0.28) and the weakest for teat length (-0.03). Some conformation traits showed markedly stronger genetic correlations with functional longevity than with direct longevity (rear udder width and rear udder height, dairy form, body condition score, angularity, rear legs set (side view), rear legs rear view). A quadratic relationship between conformation and longevity traits did exist. Even if the linear relationship generally prevailed, the quadratic relationship should be taken into account.

The most appropriate model for genetic parameters estimation for calving ease and birth weight in beef cattle was selected. A total of 27 402 field records were available from the Czech Charolais breed. For estimation of genetic parameters for calving ease and body weight, three bivariate models were tested: a linear-linear animal model (L-LM) with calving ease classified into four categories (1 - easy; 2-4 - most difficult), a linear-linear animal model (SC-LM) in which calving ease scores were transformed into Snell scores (Snell 1964) and expressed as percentage of assisted calving (ranging 0-100%), and a bivariate threshold-linear animal model (T-LM) with calving ease classified into four categories (1 - easy, 2-4 - most difficult). All tested models included fixed effects for contemporary group (herd × year × season), age of dam, sex and breed of a calf. Random effects included direct and maternal genetic effects, maternal permanent environmental effect, and residual error. Direct heritability estimates for calving ease and birth weight were, with the use of L-LM, SC-LM, and T-LM, from 0.096 ± 0.013 to 0.226 ± 0.024 and from 0.210 ± 0.024 to 0.225 ± 0.026, respectively. Maternal heritability estimates for calving ease and birth weight were, with the use of L-LM, SC-LM, and T-LM, from 0.060 ± 0.031 to 0.104 ± 0.125 and from 0.074 ± 0.041 to 0.075 ± 0.040, respectively. Genetic correlations of direct calving ease with direct birth weight ranged from 0.46 ± 0.06 to 0.50 ± 0.06 for all tested models; whereas maternal genetic correlations between these two traits ranged from 0.24 ± 0.17 to 0.25 ± 0.53. Correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects within-trait were negative and substantial for all tested models (ranging from -0.574 ± 0.125 to -0.680 ± 0.141 for calving ease and from -0.553 ± 0.122 to -0.558 ± 0.118 for birth weight, respectively), illustrating the importance of including this parameter in calving ease evaluations. Results indicate that any of the tested models could be used to reliably estimate genetic parameters for calving ease for beef cattle in the Czech Republic. However, because of advantages in computation time and practical considerations, genetic analysis using SC-LM (transformed data) is recommended.

The proposed research paper analyses power consumption in grinding rolls of a flour mill. The observed mill has 15 grinding passages. The hourly efficiency of grinding roll on the first passage is 3,006.72 kg/h. The specific power consumption of individual grinding rolls ranges from 4.955 to 24.26 kWh/t. The thesis also contains results of research of grinding effects on grist. The greatest effect on grist was observed on the first grinding passage, where particle size after grinding was only 12% of the original grain size, as determined by sieve analysis. On the second through fifth passage, it was 85 to 96% (or 78 to 85% with shelling) of the original size. It was discovered during scouring that, in some cases, the sieve size of particles after grinding increased from 101 to 104% of the original size. This is due to shear force causing trituration of grist.

Adapting forests to climate change involves silvicultural measures such as use of a range of species and the fostering of mixed stands. We tested these in a Sitka spruce forest in southern Scotland, employing the Ecological Site Classification to match suitability of 24 species to six climatic and edaphic variables under values of accumulated temperature and moisture deficit projected for a medium emissions scenario for the present century. Both median and 90^th percentile values were contrasted. In the first case there was a small change in species suitability with Sitka spruce, noble fir, downy birch, sycamore and aspen being the most suitable species. When the 90^th percentile values were employed, the suitability of Sitka spruce and similar conifers had declined by the 2050's due to soil moisture deficits. The actual performance of a range of species in a long-term experiment on a similar, warmer site showed several productive conifers including Sitka spruce that maintained reasonable growth when planted in mixture. Mixed plots were developing into pure stands of the most productive species. Species diversification was the most practical adaptation measure for this forest and should concentrate on areas of the greatest risk like south-facing slopes with free-draining soils.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the histomorphometric features of the skin of the Iranian native sheep (Bakhtiari breed). A total of 24 apparently healthy Iranian Bakhtiari sheep, aged 1-2 years were analysed and categorised on the basis of sex (12 females and 12 males). Samples were taken as small pieces from different regions of the skin, fixed and stained with H&E. The quantitative evaluations of different regions of skin were carried out using lattice line graticule (5 × 5) and light microscopy. The Student t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data and detect significant differences. Results showed that the volume densities of different histological structures varied between sexes and among the different regions. No significant difference was observed in volume densities of sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscles and blood vessels, but the other parameters studied differed significantly among the regions. Except for the arrector pili muscle and connective tissue, the volume densities of other tissue structures were significantly affected by sex.

Ante mortem and post mortem carcass condemnation records could be of use as a potential database for the study of swine diseases, epidemiology or animal welfare. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the causes of ante mortem rejections and post mortem carcass condemnation of pigs intended for human consumption during a 78-month period. The records considered for study were, date of slaughter, total pigs slaughtered and total number of ante mortem rejections (deaths during transportation and deaths in the pens) and post mortem carcass condemnations (osteomyelitis, caseous lymphadenitis, erysipelas, cachexia, pale, soft and exudative meat (PSE), bloody meat, muscular necrosis, purulent nephritis, purulent metritis, jaundice, meats from febrile pigs and peritonitis). The influence of several factors such as year, season, mandatory fulfilment of a food chain information form (FCIf) and compulsory certification of swine drivers/transporters on ante mortem rejections and post mortem carcass condemnation was also studied. A total of 161 001 pigs slaughtered resulted in 238 (0.15%) ante mortem deaths, 160 763 pigs processed for meat consumption (99.7%) and 392 (0.24%) carcass condemnations. The ante mortem rejections revealed that 146 pigs (61.3%) died during transportation whereas 92 (38.7%) were rejected due to death in pens. The main causes of carcass condemnations were osteomyelitis (38.5%), granulomatous lymphadenitis (22.7%) and pleurisy/pneumonia (21.2%). A relationship was found between the month and ante mortem condemnations (P < 0.01), death losses during transport (P < 0.01) and between compulsory certification of animal transporters and deaths by transportation (P < 0.05). During the cold season, the probability of ante mortem rejections (OR = 1.84; CI 95%: 1.32-2.59) and death in pens (OR = 1.62; CI 95%: 1.02-2.57) was higher. The compulsory fulfilment of a food chain information form was not revealed to be significantly linked with the total number of carcass condemnations although the odds of ante mortem rejections were higher (OR = 2.10; CI 95%: 1.44-3.08) when it was not mandatory. Higher post mortem condemnations compared to ante mortem condemnations can be explained by the fact that several post mortem findings are asymptomatic in live animals. A progressive decrease in losses during transport was associated with on-farm improvements in animal welfare measures in addition with compulsory training of animal transporters. However, the consistent values of deaths in pens throughout the study period, with an increase during the winter, indicate a need for an improvement in the thermal conditions of the holding area in slaughterhouse. Regarding the post mortem condemnations, the improvement in animal welfare conditions may explain the decrease in osteomyelitis condemnations while the environmental origin of granulomatous lymphadenitis may be associated with region, climate or with the presence of hosts that may explain the influence of the time of year on its variations. The FCIf was implemented as a measure to improve the transparency of food safety and animal h

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the influence of the soil application of sulphur (S) on concentrations of micronutrients in the root residues, straw and oil cake of white and Indian mustard. The plant material for chemical analyses originated from a controlled field experiment conducted in experimental fields at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland (2006-2008). In both white and Indian mustard, the richest source of Cu (7.2; 7.0 mg/kg dry matter (DM)) and Zn (64.6; 55.3 mg/kg DM) was the oil cake from mustard seeds. Regarding Mn, both white and Indian mustard accumulated the highest content of this element in roots (48.2; 50.8 mg/kg DM), less in oil cake (31.9; 35.5 mg/kg DM) and the least Mn was determined in straw of both species (24.0; 17.1 mg/kg DM). The application of sulphur caused a significant increase in the concentration of Zn and Mn in white mustard roots. The content of micronutrients in roots of Indian mustard was not differentiated significantly by S fertilization. The application of sulphur caused a significant decrease in the content of Mn in white mustard straw and Cu in Indian mustard straw. The content of micronutrients in white mustard oil cake and Indian mustard oil cake was not significantly changed by S fertilization.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation in organic (lactate-protein complex) or inorganic (sodium selenite) forms on Se concentrations in the blood and organs of goat kids. The experiment involved nineteen male goat kids divided into three groups: C, Se-I, and Se-O. Control group C (n = 5) was without Se supplementation, group Se-I (n = 7) received sodium selenite supplement (0.30 mg Se per animal/day), and group Se-O (n = 7) received lactate-protein selenium complex (0.28 mg Se per animal/day). The supplementation started on the day of weaning and continued for 13 weeks till the day of slaughter. Blood samples for determination of Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity were collected on the day of weaning and during weeks 4, 8, and 13 thereafter. Samples of liver tissue, spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart, tongue, diaphragm, shoulder, back, and thigh muscles were taken immediately after slaughter. Significantly higher concentration of Se in group Se-O in comparison with group C was found in thigh muscles (110.4 vs 71.0 µg/kg, P ≤ 0.01), shoulder (105.0 vs 67.2 µg/kg, P ≤ 0.01), back (102.9 vs 61.7 µg/kg, P ≤ 0.01), and heart (180.8 vs 116.7 µg/kg, P ≤ 0.01). Significantly higher concentration of Se in group Se-I in comparison with group C was found in shoulder (83.2 vs 67.2 µg/kg, P ≤ 0.01) and diaphragm (93.6 vs 72.8 µg/kg, P ≤ 0.01). The comparison of the groups Se-I and Se-O showed significantly higher Se concentrations in thigh muscles, heart, back, shoulder, and lungs in group Se-O. Mean Se concentration in tissues of experimental groups was 125.8% in Se-O group and 110.7% in Se-I group in comparison with group C. Our results are suggesting that supplementation of Se in the form of lactate-protein complex is more efficient in comparison with sodium selenite.

The application rate of a nitrogen fertiliser is one of the most important factors that affect the nitrous oxide (N₂O) flux. Calk ammonium nitrate with 27% nitrogen content was spread by a fertiliser spreader VICON RS-L connected with a tractor Zetor 16145 and incorporated into the soil by a power harrow Pöttinger Lion 301 six hours after spreading. Monitoring points were selected based on the size of application rate 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha and were measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after fertiliser application and incorporation into the soil. Nitrous oxide emissions were measured by a photoacoustic field gas monitor INNOVA 1412 with a multipoint sampler INNOVA 1309. Based on the data obtained, there were found statistically significant differences among time intervals and among the size of the application rate at a 95.0% confidence level. Results have shown impacts of the size of fertiliser application rate and time interval after fertilisation on nitrous oxide flux.

Mushrooms have been long valued as tasty and nutritional foods for human beings and assumed to contain beneficial fibres, so the objective of this study was to analyse 20 species of wild growing edible mushrooms for their total dietary fibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), and soluble dietary fibre (SDF) contents. The TDF, IDF, and SDF contents ranged between 24-37, 12-21, and 2-4 g/100 g dry weight, respectively. The SDF as % of TDF was low in Phellinus florida (5.5%) and Phellinus rimosus (5.8%), and high in Sparassis crispa, Lentinus squarrulosus, and Lactarius sanguifluus (12.5%). Interestingly, the majority of the mushrooms had 10-11% of TDF as SDF. The TDF was high in Pleurotus djamor (37%) Cantharellus cibarius, Cantharellus clavatus, and Phellinus florida (36%), and low in Lactarius sanguifluus (24%). Also, the majority of mushrooms had average 31.6% TDF and 2.85% SDF. These results indicate that mushrooms such as Sparassis crispa, Lentinus squarrulosus, Lentinus delicious, and Cantharellus clavatus are rich sources of TDF and SDF.

Four peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (cvs. TPT-1, TPT-4, JL-24 and TMV-2) were grown in open-top chambers at 350 and 600 µmol CO₂/mol in soil amended with 0 (control), 50, 100 and 200 mmol solutions of NaCl. The net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration (E) and dry biomass of leaf, stem and root were measured on 60 days after sowing. The plant growth and photosynthesis increased in both NaCl treated and control plants with elevated CO₂. The g_s and E decreased under elevated CO₂ and the CO₂ effect was highly significant under salt stress mitigating the adverse effect on these components in all the four cultivars tested. A positive correlation was observed between P_n and dry biomass under elevated CO₂ and salt stress. Enhanced CO₂ helps to increase growth and photosynthesis in peanut cultivars and it ameliorates the adverse effects induced by salt stress.

A four-year-old cross-breed and neutered bitch weighing 24 kg, was presented with vaginal bleeding for one month and a vaginal mass identified two previously. An ovariohysterectomy operation was performed at two years of age; however, mating subsequently continued. Vaginal bleeding and an irregular-shaped, oedematous vaginal mass (12 × 9 × 7 cm) were detected on clinical examination. The bitch also exhibited leukocytosis and erythrocytopenia. Abundant erythrocytes together with neutrophils, lymphocytes, intermedier cells and transmissible venereal tumour cells were observed in vaginal cytology. Abdominal ultrasonography showed cystic ovarian tissue (2.42 × 1.36 cm) next to the right kidney. Chemotherapy was performed once a week for six weeks leading to a gradual declined in the size and oedema of the mass and to a stop in bleeding. Subsequently, the vaginal mass was extirpated and the ovarian remnant tissue was removed via laparotomy on the same day. The bitch was found to be healthy on examination fourmonths later.

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), is one of the most prevalent and costly infectious diseases of livestock, particularly sheep and cattle herds. The aim of this study was to estimate true animal, within-herd, and between-herd prevalence of Map antibodies in sheep herds of the Kars Region in the Northeast part of Turkey. A seroprevalence study was carried out using a commercial ELISA kit. Twenty six sheep herds, non-vaccinated against Map, were randomly selected in different regions and in total 450 sheep aged 24 months and more were sampled. Herds were declared positive if one or more sheep in the herd tested positive for Map antibodies. The animal, within-herd, and between-herd apparent prevalences were calculated as 6.2% (95% CI = 4.3 to 8.8%), 10.2% (95 CI = 7.1 to 14.3%) and 57.7% (95% CI = 38.9 to 74.5%), respectively. True prevalences were estimated by conversion from apparent prevalences via the Rogan-Gladen estimator. True animal, within-herd, and between-herd prevalences were calculated as 8.3% (95% CI = 4.7 to 11.8), 14.6% (95 CI = 8.9 to 20.2) and 90% (95 CI = 59.8 to 120.1), respectively. The results provide useful information regarding the prevalence of Map infection in sheep herds in the Kars Region and will hopefully attract the special attention of veterinarians and promote the establishment of an efficient control programme.

The cell wall regeneration in mesophyll protoplasts of yellow lupin and grass pea was studied. The occurrence of cell wall components: cellulose, callose and arabinogalactan proteins was analysed during 15 days of culture. Protoplasts were cultured in different media to test the effect of culture environment on the cell wall regeneration. Medium supplementation with 2 mg/l chitosan resulted in prolonged viability, more balanced cellulose resynthesis, increased callose formation and induction of mitotic divisions in protoplast-derived cells of both examined legumes. In chitosan-enriched medium arabinogalactan proteins were detected in cell plates of divided cells. Medium rich in additional organic compounds, i.e. free amino acids, organic acids and monosaccharides, was inferior to media of simpler composition. In both species the relatively quick cellulose resynthesis negatively affected the viability of protoplast-derived cells. In grass pea cellulose appeared during 24 h of culture. In yellow lupin the process started significantly later and after 10 days the frequency of walled cells did not exceed 50%. Callose was detected in cultures of both species and its pattern suggested that the synthesis was unlikely to be a result of protoplast wounding. Arabinogalactan proteins were localized in cell walls of different types of cells: dividing, elongating, but predominantly in degenerating ones. Occurrence and organization of the cell wall components studied were discussed in relation to recalcitrance of grass pea and yellow lupin protoplasts.

The objective was to determine the efficiency of utilization of lysine and to describe the responses of pullets to different digestible lysine intakes using three mathematical functions to estimate an optimal intake maximizing body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The trials were conducted using 2-6-, 8-12-, and 14-18-week-old birds and a completely randomized experimental design with eight treatments and six replicates. The digestible lysine levels ranged 3.20-10.67 g/kg (in 2-6-week-old animals), 2.24-7.48 g/kg (in 8-12-week-old animals), and 1.73-5.78 g/kg (in 14-18-week-old animals) and were obtained using a dilution technique. The efficiency of utilization was determined by a linear regression between lysine deposition and intake for pullets aged 2-4, 8-10, and 14-16 weeks. Three mathematical functions (quadratic polynomial, broken-line, and broken-line with quadratic ascending function) were used to fit the body weight gain and feed conversion responses. The optimal digestible lysine intake was obtained from the first intercept of the quadratic curve with the broken-line plateau. Based on the body weight gain, the responses obtained from the broken-line function and the broken-line with quadratic ascending were similar to those from the quadratic polynomial function. The feed conversion ratio from the first intercept of the quadratic curve with the broken-line plateau was similar to the value obtained from the broken-line with quadratic ascending function only in 2-6-week-old animals. The digestible lysine intakes required to optimize the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio responses were 202, 338, and 300 and 146, 312, and 259 mg/day and the efficiencies were 80, 76, and 80% for 2-6-, 8-12-, and 14-18-week-old animals, respectively.

The effects of three different ages of natural fallow vegetation on runoff and sediment loss were investigated in a part of the rainforest zone of Nigeria. Measurements of runoff amount and sediment loss were made for the months of March to November in 2012 rainy season using runoff plots of 40 m². The average runoff amount for the 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and farmland plots were 0.47, 0.26, and 0.41 mm respectively. The average sediment loss on the 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and farmland plots were 209.24, 50.54, and 124.68 kg/ha, respectively. The lowest losses for both runoff and sediment were recorded on the 3-year-old plot, while the 5-year-old plot experienced the highest losses. The variations in runoff and sediment loss among the treatments were significant at P < 0.001. The results evidently showed that rainfall was principally responsible for the erosional losses on all the fallow treatments, and that ground cover (density of herbs) and girth helped to reduce sediment loss on the 3-year-old and farmland surfaces, respectively. The high amount of erosional losses experienced on the 5-year-old fallow than on the 3-year-old fallow and farmland plots imply that fallow that is not adequately protected by ground cover experiences accelerated soil erosion. The continuous loss in topsoil rich in plant nutrients may prolong the optimal capacity of the soil to regain its loss nutrient for subsequent food crop cultivation.

Response surface methodology-central composite rotatable design (RSM-CCRD) was applied to explore the optimum media formulation for maximising canthaxanthin (CTX) biosynthesis by Dietzia natronolimnaea HS-1. The effects of three variables of enzymatically hydrolysed molasses (EHM) (16.6-33.4 g/l), sodium (Na)-citrate (21.64-28.36mM), and yeast extract (6.32-9.68 g/l) concentrations on the production of CTX, total carotenoid (TCT), and biomass dry weight (BDW) were appraised. The results showed that the quadratic effects of EHM, yeast extract, and Na-citrate contents in terms of second-order polynomial regression equations (R² = 0.968-0.986), respectively, had the most significant effects on the produced TCT and CTX. The predicted maximum accumulation of BDW (8.88 g/l), TCT (7.24 mg/l), and CTX (6.40 mg/l) under the optimum concentrations of the media variables (26.16 g/l EHM, 8.29 g/l yeast extract, and 25.86mM Na-citrate) was very close to the experimental values determined in batch experiments. The high BDW content suggested EHM and Na-citrate as very promising feedstocks for CTX bioproduction by the bacterium studied.

Double fixed-time insemination after ovulation induction is commonly used in pigs to obtain in vivo produced embryos at defined stages of development for downstream biotechnological applications. However, variations in the time of ovulation and fertilisation of the ovulated oocytes by spermatozoa, mainly in one of the inseminations, can cause diversities in embryo development. The aim of the present study was to reduce embryo diversity and to achieve a 'uniform outcome' of porcine embryo stages using single laparoscopic fixed-time insemination (LIUI). Altogether, 48 puberal German Landrace gilts were included in the study. Estrus of gilts was synchronized by 15-day long altrenogest (Regumate^®) feeding and follicle development was stimulated with 850 IU eCG 24 h after the final altrenogest application. Ovulation was induced with 500 IU hCG 80 h after eCG. LIUI was performed 31 h after hCG treatment. Gilts under general anaesthesia were fixed in a dorsal position, a pneumoperitoneum was produced and three trocar cannulas were inserted into the abdomen for optics and instruments. Each uterine horn was carefully punctured 10-15 cm caudal from the utero-tubal junction with a 2.5 mm trocar. A 2.2 mm catheter was inserted about 3 cm into the uterine lumen and 20 ml of extended fresh boar semen (32.2 × 106 sperm cells/ml) were injected. Embryos were surgically flushed from the genital tract two (Day 2) and three (Day 3) days after insemination. Altogether, 778 oocytes/embryos were recovered (recovery rate 68 ± 17%); 45 of 48 gilts (93.8%) revealed fertilisation and 76.1% of the recovered embryos (n = 592) were at the 2- and 4-cell stage. On Day 2 (n = 22 gilts), a higher percentage of gilts (72.7%, P < 0.05) displayed only 2-cell embryos compared with gilts which had 2- and 4-cell (22.7%), or only 4-cell embryos (4.6%). On Day 3 (n = 23 gilts), the proportion of gilts with 2-cell, 2- and 4-cell, and only 4-cell embryos shifted to 4.3%, 0% and 95.7%, respectively (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate high rates of fertilisation and homogenously developed embryos after single fixed-time laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in gilts. Additionally, these results were achieved by inseminating a 60% lower number of sperm cells per insemination dose compared to usual doses used for transcervical insemination. In conclusion, LIUI can be recommended for the in vivo production of embryos in a homogeneous developmental stage, and also as an alternative method for low-dose insemination.

These experiments were performed to determine the effects of dietary β-glucan on stress responses of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Fish were fed for nine weeks with a diet containing 0 (control), 0.5% (G1), 1% (G2) and 2% (G3 group) β-glucan. Subsequently, stress responses were studied by evaluating serum cortisol and glucose levels following a constant 24 h cold shock (from 28 °C to 15 °C). Serum cortisol and glucose concentrations were measured after cold treatments of varying durations (prior to, and after one, 12 and 24 h of cold shock stress, respectively). No differences in serum cortisol and glucose levels were found between control and β-glucan-treated fish. However, the mortality rate was significantly lowered in cold challenged fish fed appropriate doses of β-glucan (in G1 and G2 vs. G3 and control group). The results of the present study demonstrate that a proper administrationβ--glucan in the diet could ameliorate the detrimental effects of a severe stress resulting in a reduction in fish mortality.

The tolerance, accumulation and subcellular distribution characteristics of cadmium (Cd) in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud.) were investigated using a 2-year field experiment. The results indicated that ramie has a certain extent of tolerance to soil Cd (≤ 20 mg/kg) contamination with no significant decrease in shoot biomass and fibre yield relative to control conditions. Although ramie did not hyperaccumulate Cd, it accumulated considerable amount of Cd in the aboveground parts (approximately 0.19 to 1.09 kg/ha annually). The Cd contents retained in ramie tissues were found in order of roots > stems > leaves. Further, regarding the subcellular distribution of Cd in ramie tissues, 80% of the total Cd was bound to the cell walls of the roots and stems, whereas in leaves the proportion of Cd stored in the cell wall fraction was around 60% and a lesser amount of Cd was stored in the soluble fraction (24.1-25.5%). Our collective results indicated that ramie adapts to Cd stress via the store of a large amount of Cd in cell walls, and suggested potential usefulness of ramie in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated farmlands.

Thirty-nine multiparous ewes (19 Pelibuey and 20 Romanov × Pelibuey) treated with fluorogestone acetate impregnated intravaginal sponges were used to evaluate the effects of low pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) doses and genotype on their reproductive efficiency under heat stress conditions. The sponge treatment lasted for 12 days, and 24 h before sponge removal, ewes of each genotype were injected with 140 or 280 IU of PMSG. Ewes showing estrus were naturally mated twice. Reproductive performance was not affected (P > 0.05) by the dose × genotype interaction. All treated ewes presented estrus signs within a 48-h period after sponge removal. Shorter (P < 0.05) estrus interval and higher (P < 0.05) fecundity were observed in ewes treated with 280 IU of PMSG compared to those treated with 140 IU. Pelibuey ewes exhibited shorter (P < 0.01) estrus interval and greater (P < 0.01) fertility as compared with Romanov × Pelibuey ewes. The response to estrus, gestation length, prolificacy, and percentage of single and multiple lambing were not affected (P > 0.05) by dose or genotype. In conclusion, under heat stress conditions, low PMSG doses as 140 or 280 IU can be used to successfully induce and/or synchronize the estrus in Pelibuey ewes and their crosses with Romanov, regardless of reduced fertility observed in crossed Pelibuey ewes. If a more predictable and compact estrus is required, administration of 280 IU of PMSG is recommended.

The effects of adding essential oils (EO) at different levels (125, 250, 500 mg/l) on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation were examined in a rumen batch culture study. Treatments were: control without EO (CON), control with anise oil (ANO), cedar wood oil (CWO), cinnamon oil (CNO), eucalyptus oil (EUO), and tea tree oil (TEO). Essential oils, each dissolved in 1 ml of ethanol, were added to the culture flask containing 40 ml of buffer solution, 2 ml of reduction solution, 10 ml of rumen fluid, 25 mg of soybean oil, and 0.5 g of the diet. After 24 h of incubation in a water batch at 39°C, three samples were collected from each flask and analyzed for ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and fatty acids (FA). Expect for CNO, the proportions of acetate, propionate, and acetate to propionate ratios were not affected (P > 0.05) by EO addition. Addition of CWO, CNO, and TEO reduced total VFA concentrations (P < 0.05) regardless of dose level. The ammonia-N concentration was greater in cultures incubated with EO regardless of dose level. Compared with the CON, the concentrations of C18:0 and trans C18:1 were reduced (P < 0.05) with EO addition regardless of dose level. Compared with the CON, the concentration of linoleic acid was greater (P < 0.05) when EO were added at 500 mg/l. EO tested in this study had no effects on VFA profile but significantly reduced the formation of biohydrogenation products (C18:0 and trans C18:1).

The effect of wort filling time on the process of fermentation, maturation, and acetaldehyde content in beer was determined. The experiments were performed on an industrial scale, the fermentation and maturation took place in fermentation tanks. Three tanks were filled using three different intervals. Worts were aerated with sterile air and yeast was added after the second fermentation (third passage). During fermentation and maturation, changes in the content of the apparent extract and the amount of acetaldehyde were investigated. Experiments have shown that different filling times have a significant impact on the course of fermentation and the amount of acetaldehyde. With the increase of wort filling time, fermentation speed improved and acetaldehyde content decreased.

A 12-year-old intact female poodle was presented with a history of an acute episode of tenesmus and passage of ribbon-shaped stools. Anaemia, leucocytosis, hypoalbuminaemia, hyperglycaemia, and elevated ALP were found. Faecal floatation and wet mount preparation were negative for parasites. Anaerobic faecal culture resulted in a heavy growth of Clostridium. Survey abdominal radiographs revealed extensive intramural emphysema of colon and rectum. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed bright echoes within the layers of the colon wall, confirming the accumulation of intramural gas. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extraluminal gas tracking along the colon and the rectum. Based on the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic findings, the present case was diagnosed as pneumatosis coli with an underlying cause of bacterial overgrowth. The patient was treated with antibiotics for seventeen days. Clinical signs were resolved after three days of treatment. Decreased intramural gas accumulation was evident during radiography of the abdomen performed at fourteen days after the initial evaluation. Therefore, pneumatosis coli should be considered when a dog is presented with clinical signs of colitis.

To investigate the effects of osmotic stress on plant growth, and ions and compatible solutes accumulations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), in the present study, two-month-old plants were subjected to different degrees of osmotic stress (-0.5, -1.0, and -1.5 MPa) induced by sorbitol for 7 days. The results showed that fresh weight and water content in both leaf blade and leaf petiole significantly decreased by osmotic stress. With the increase of osmotic stress, Na⁺ concentration in leaf blade showed the significantly increasing trend. However, osmotic stress significantly reduced K⁺ concentration in lateral root. It was observed that osmotic stress of -1.5 MPa remarkably increased sucrose accumulation in storage root compared to control. In addition, plants accumulated more sucrose and fructose in storage root than in other tissues. Proline concentrations in leaf blade, leaf petiole and storage root significantly increased by osmotic stress of -1.0 MPa and -1.5 MPa; in leaf blade it was to a higher degree than in leaf petiole and storage root. These results suggested that sugar beet plants can adapt to osmotic stress by accumulating more osmolytes, such as Na⁺, sucrose and proline.

Knowledge of genetic relationship is an important control mechanism for animal performance-testing schemes. Genetic relationship between and within pig herds was calculated for two dam breeds, Czech Large White (CLW) and Czech Landrace (CLA). The impacts of different field data types (production and reproduction) and various numbers of generations within the pedigrees on genetic relationship were studied. The degree of genetic relationship between analyzed herds was generally low. It ranged from 1.01% (for CLW based on reproduction data and considering three generations of ancestors within the pedigree) to 2.57% (for CLA based on production data with seven generations of ancestors in the pedigree). In contrast, relationship within herds was high and ranged from 16.62% to 44.69% (when three and seven generations within the pedigree were taken into account, respectively), both for production data of the CLA breed. When considering the type of data, an impact on the observed genetic relationship between and within herds was found. Slightly higher genetic relationship between herds was determined in both breeds when using production data (1.64%) compared to reproduction data (1.40%). In contrast, a negligible influence between herds on genetic relationship was found from the number of ancestors' generations included into the calculations. That was especially so after five or six generations. Our results show that the relationship between herds is population specific and, consequently, must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Knowledge of genetic relationship between and within herds should be taken into account in regard to the complexity of genetic evaluation.

Breeding of hybrids between wild boars and domestic pigs is in the consumer interest because of the need to ensure food security and diversification via widening the genetic basis of animals reared for meat. To expand the knowledge about their nutritional requirements, this study aimed to investigate hindgut fermentation in these animals. Caecal and colon cultures were incubated for 12 h in vitro with or without wheat bran as a supplementary substrate. Short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, methane, and total gas production were determined. The total concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in unincubated caecal and colon samples were 93.1 and 115 mmol/kg, respectively. The short-chain fatty acid profile in fresh hindgut contents was characterized by a high molar proportion of acetate (74.8-75.0 mol%), followed by propionate (18.2-18.5 mol%) and butyrate (5.4-5.5 mol%). The presence of wheat bran lowered acetate and increased butyrate, propionate, and valerate molar proportions. The ammonia level remained low (1.3-2.43 mmol/kg) regardless of the addition of the substrate. The relatively low pH and ammonia concentration in wild boar/pig hybrids may be caused by the low level of crude protein in diet of these animals. The rate of methanogenesis increased during the fermentation simultaneously with an increase in the production of gases after wheat bran addition. Methane production in the caecal and colon samples incubated with the substrate reached 15.6 and 16.1 mmol/kg, respectively. The hindgut fermentation pattern in wild boar/pig hybrids generally resembled that described earlier in domestic pigs, although some observed dissimilarities may be caused by distinct microbial activity.