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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.

The effect of major weather factors on the quality of hops in Slovenia from 1994 to 2009 is analyzed and discussed. For this purpose, the three main varieties, namely Savinjski golding, Aurora and Bobek were merged into a model variety which we called Virtual. Through assessment of correlation coefficients, we tried to find specific times of the year when the weather conditions affect the alpha-acid content with a view toward prediction. The most significant time periods of weather that influenced the alpha-acid contents of hops during the growing season are identified as attributes of air temperatures calculated during the interval from the 24^th to the 31^st week (T₂₄₃₁; r = -0.92;P < 0.01), as attributes of rainfall and sunshine duration calculated during the interval from the 25^th to the 29^th week (R₂₅₂₉; r = 0.83; P < 0.01 and S₂₅₂₉, r = -0.76; P < 0.01), and as attributes of air humidity calculated during the interval from the 28^th to the 33^rd week (RH₂₈₃₃; r = 0.77; P < 0.01).

Metabolic diseases during early lactation in dairy cows can be routinely diagnosed assessing key indicators in blood. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the impact of interindividual along with intraday variation on specific metabolites and to investigate the effect of the sampling time point relative to calving. Serum samples of four high-yielding, clinically healthy, multiparous dairy cows (body weight 589 ± 27 kg) were obtained in 3-h intervals during 24-h intervals throughout the transition period and early lactation (week -2 antepartum (ap), weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12 postpartum (pp)). The lowest intraday variation (less than 15%) as indicated by relative coefficients of variation (CV) was found for glucose, cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Intraday variation characterized by a CV between 15 and 30% was typical of urea, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total bilirubin, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). The highest intraday variation (CV > 30%) was assessed for insulin. Week relative to calving had significant influence on interindividual means of BHB, NEFA, insulin, and cholesterol in blood, but did not affect the interindividual variation of all parameters investigated. No significant intraday variation patterns were found. It is concluded that the considerable intraday variation of especially BHB and NEFA has to be taken into account in herd health monitoring for estimating the proportional outcome in respect to animals exceeding thresholds for specific metabolic key parameters.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) plants were grown hydroponically in different ratio of sawdust (Saw-100), coco soil (Coc-100) and/or pumice (Pum-100) mixtures. Leaf number doubled in plants grown in Saw-100 while runners (stolons) number increased up to 70% in plants grown in Coc-100 compared with the control treatment (Pum-100). Fruit number increased (up to 50%) in plants grown in Pum-100. Leaf stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and internal concentration of CO₂ differentiated according to the plant vegetative or reproductive stage and/or substrate medium. Leaf and stem fresh weight as well as leaf area was increased (up to 32, 24 and 44%, respectively) in case of Coc-100 compared with the Saw-100 or Pum-100. Plant yield was doubled when Pum-Saw (50-50) was used compared with the Saw-100, which is due to the reduced fruit number produced rather than the difference in fruit fresh weight. Substrate affected fruit quality parameters. The present findings highlight the putative use of organic medium i.e. Sawdust on top of the widely used coco soil as substrate medium in strawberry culture.

The study was aimed at determining the chemical composition, in sacco ruminal dry matter and organic matter degradability of leaves and fruits of tropical condensed tannin rich multipurpose tree species (MPTS). The MPTS studied were Ekebergia capenesis, Ficus sycomorus, Maesa lanceolata, and Rhus glutinosa. Chemical composition of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), non-fibre carbohydrates (NFC), and condensed tannin (CT) was determined. In sacco rumen degradability was measured using three rumen fistulated Holstein Friesian-Boran cross steers at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The DM and organic matter (OM) degradability data were fitted to the equation Y = a + b(1 - e^-ct). The values for each chemical constituent ranged 5.43-11.49% (CA), 7.97-17.06% (CP), 1.57-31% (EE), 12.20-27.5% (CF), 5.84-39.30% (NFC), and 7.2-16.72% (CT). Ekebergia capensis leaves had the greatest values for slowly degradable fraction (b), effective degradability (ED), and rate of degradation (c) in DM (P < 0.001) whereas E. capensis fruit had significantly the greatest soluble fraction (a), potential degradability (b), and effective degradability (ED) values as compared to the a, PD, and ED values in the fruits of other plants(P < 0.001). Yet in OM degradation kinetics, the greatest and least values of potential degradability (PD) were recorded for F. sycomorus (89.89%) and E. capensis (55.90%) leaves (P < 0.001). Similar to the rapidly soluble fraction a, ED was found to be the greatest in fruits as compared to leaves of the plants (P < 0.001). Generally variation of plant parts led to significant differences in chemical composition, DM, and OM degradability and the degradable parameters. The leaves and fruits recorded more than 60% DM and OM degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all greatly degradable in the rumen.

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.

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.

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.

Effects of age at first calving (AFC) on functional longevity of Czech Holstein cows and their reproduction traits in the first lactation were analyzed using the first lactation data of 605 538 Holstein cows first calved from 1993 to 2008. Three classes were formed for AFC: low age class (16-24 months), average age class (25-30 months), and high age class (33-46 months). Effects of AFC on length of productive life (LPL), days open (DO), days between calving and first service (CTFS), and days between first service and conception in the first lactation (FSTC) were estimated by survival and linear model analyses. It was found that LPL was on average slightly shorter for cows with higher AFC who showed also a lower proportion of higher lactations and tended to longer DO and longer CTFS in the first parity. The results of survival analysis indicate that cows with higher AFC had a tendency to shorter LPL (risk of culling 1.118) and to longer DO (risk of conception 0.758), CTFS (risk of conception 0.757), and FSTC (risk of conception 0.754) in comparison with cows with lower AFC. When the effect of fertility traits on LPL was analyzed, it was found that longer DO, CTFS, and FSTC were connected with a lower risk of culling (0.132, 0.183, 0.206) regardless of the particular AFC group. In linear model analysis, the effects of AFC group were estimated from two datasets, where the second dataset included also the missing values of fertility traits. It was found that the cows group with the highest AFC showed worse values of fertility traits (16.75, 19.69, 20.46 days) than the cows groups with lower AFC. Results of all analyses showed that a high AFC is connected with worse cow's fertility at the first lactation and with lower cow's LPL.

Degradation of proteins during maturation of meat, mediated by the calpain/calpastatin system and the ubiquitination system, largely affects the tenderness and the water holding capacity (WHC) of meat. The thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 12 (TRIP12) is known as a HECT domain-containing E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that recognizes protein substrates for ubiquitination. This study aims to identify polymorphisms of the TRIP12 gene and to evaluate the relationship between genotype, transcript abundance, and meat quality traits in pigs. Two synonymous SNPs (XM_003484315.1:c.2211T>C, c.4957A>C) were identified that segregated among animals of herds of the breed German Landrace (DL, n = 269) and the commercial crossbreed of Pietrain × (German Large White × German Landrace) (PiF1, n = 300). Statistical analysis revealed associations between TRIP12 polymorphisms and the organismal traits related to water holding capacity, i.e. conductivity 45 min postmortem (CON₁, P < 0.1) and pH 24 h postmortem (pH₂₄, P < 0.1). Haplotype analysis revealed consistent effects on muscle CON₁ in the two populations (P < 0.1). Carriers of the minor alleles C at the two polymorphic sites tended to have higher transcript abundance as well as higher water holding capacity. The integrated analysis of genotypic and haplotypic variation, transcript abundance, and technological parameters of WHC indicates that the XM_003484315.1:c.2211T>C and c.4957A>C of TRIP12 are in linkage disequilibrium with a causal factor located in a cis-regulatory region, which affects in the first instance gene expression and in the second traits related to water holding capacity. Our results provide statistical-genetical evidence supporting TRIP12 as a functional candidate gene for water holding capacity of porcine M. longissimus dorsi.

This study is focused on substitute European larch stands in the Krušné hory Mts. (northern part of the Czech Republic). Research was conducted within larch thinning experiment Kalek (780 m a.s.l. in the category Piceeto-Fagetum oligo-mesotrophicum - Calamagrostis villosa). Results showed that the aboveground biomass of the investigated substitute unthinned larch stand represented approximately 102 thousand kg of dry matter per ha at the age of 20 years. Stemwood (ca 59%) is the most important part of the aboveground biomass. Needles, live and dead branches accounted approximately for 6%, 17% and 11%, respectively, and stem bark only for 7%. At the age of20 years, the investigated substitute unthinned larch stand accumulated: nitrogen - 307 kg, phosphorus - 21 kg, potassium - 136 kg, calcium - 122 kg, magnesium - 53 kg per hectare. Thinning with consequent removal of aboveground biomass may result in nutrient losses. Especially, the removal of whole tree biomass by thinning for chipping in areas previously degraded by acid deposition may result in calcium and magnesium deficiency because of their low content in forest soil. On the other hand, thinning supported faster growth of trees left after thinning and consequently faster biomass and nutrient accumulation. Our results supported the recommendation that the use of biomass from thinning for chipping should be limited to stemwood only and the remaining aboveground biomass (mainly needles and branches) should be left in the forest ecosystem for decomposition in conditions of the historically disturbed area of the Krušné hory Mts.

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.

The total content of fat soluble vitamins and their percentages in the recommended daily intake for humans per 100 g portion, fatty acids composition, the atherogenic (IA) and thrombogenicity (IT) indices in two freshwater fish species - Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and European catfish (Sillurus glanis) were investigated. Retinol contents in fresh edible tissues of the Common carp and European catfish were found to be 30.8 ± 3.4 mg/100 g wet weight (ww) for the Common carp 30.8 ± 3.4 µg/100 g ww and 1.9 ± 0.1 µg/100 g ww for the European catfish, cholecalciferol contents 14.8 ± 1.0 and 3.1 ± 0.1 µg/100 g ww, and α-tocopherol contents 2764.5 ± 44.0 and 2182.5 ± 31.5 µg/100 g ww, respectively. The sum of monounsaturated FA accounted for 50.02% (catfish) and 23.15% (carp). Polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) showed a higher level in the carp (36.75%) and a lower one in the catfish (21.64%). Both fishes are good sources of cholecalciferol in terms of the recommended daily intake of vitamins established in Bulgaria. Three fat soluble vitamins, n-3 PUFAs content, and IA value were higher in carp. IT values were similar for both species.

The effects of Aroclor 1254 on the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-P) in female Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio Bloch) at the time of their natural spawning were determined. Aroclor 1254 at doses of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg body weight was dissolved in 500 ml of oil and was administered three times intraperitoneally or rectally to female Prussian carp every 24 h for three days. Blood samples were collected after 3 days of Aroclor 1254 administration to determine the LH and 17,20β-P concentrations using ELISA. At 6, 12, and 24 h after injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-A) blood samples were collected for stimulated LH secretion determination. Aroclor 1254 administered intraperitoneally (0.1 and 1 mg/kg)and rectally (0.01 and 1 mg/kg) significantly increased spontaneous LH secretion. In the case of GnRH-A-stimulated LH release, Aroclor 1254 (administered intraperitoneally only) at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg significantly decreased gonadotropin release. The intraperitoneal injections of the lowest tested concentration of Aroclor 1254 also significantly decreased 17,20β-P secretion. The results show that Aroclor 1254 can affect the reproductive system of Prussian carp by changing the secretion of two very important hormones, LH and 17,20β-P, at the time of natural spawning.

Monilinia laxa (Monilia laxa), Monilinia fructicola (Monilia fructicola) and Monilinia fructigena (Monilia fructigena) are the causal agents of brown rot on pome and stone fruits in Hungary. Forty-five isolates collected from different hosts, different years in several orchards were used for characterization of the M. laxa and M. fructigena population in Hungary. The isolates were identified on species level based on morphological and molecular biological methods; out of these 24 were M. laxa, 20 were M. fructigena and 1 was M. fructicola. Populations of the three Monilinia species were studied with microsatellite primers and the degree of genetic diversity within the species was measured. The population structure analysis revealed that genetic diversity within M. laxa subpopulations was H_S= 0.1599, while within M. fructigena subpopulations was H_S= 0.2551. The total genetic diversity was H_T= 0.3846, while genetic diversity between M. laxa and M. fructigena subpopulations was D_ST= 0.1771. No clustering relationship was observed among isolates by the different years or hosts.

The antioxidant potential of a leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) - LEMO was studied for the stabilisation of butter at refrigeration temperature. LEMO was obtained by extracting the ground and dried leaves with 80% ethanol at room temperature for 48 hours. LEMO was added into butter at three different concentrations, i.e. 400 ppm (T₁), 600 ppm (T₂), and 800 ppm (T₃) and compared with a treatment which was not supplemented with LEMO, i.e. control (T₀). The addition of LEMO at all three levels did not have any effect on butter composition. Free fatty acids, peroxide value and p-anisidine value (AnV) of T₂ after 90 days of storage were 0.10%, 0.71 meq/kg and 14.85 as compared to the control 0.16%, 1.24 meq/kg and 28.85, respectively. Peroxide value of the control and T₂ in Schaal oven test after 5 days in oven was 8.19 and 2.99 meq/kg, respectively. Induction period and overall acceptability score of the control and T₂ were 6.35 h, 8.91 h and 7.6, 7.2, respectively. The results of this study suggest that LEMO at 600 ppm may be used for reasonable storage stability of butter at refrigeration temperate with acceptable sensory characteristics.

Oocyte ageing is a complex of processes that occur when matured in vitro oocytes are, after reaching the metaphase II stage, exposed to further in vitro culture. Aged oocytes remaining at the metaphase II stage undergo spontaneous parthenogenetic activation, or cellular death, through apoptosis (fragmentation) or lysis. The key factor in apoptotic pathway regulation is c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), stress kinase from the mitogene-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. To investigate the effect of JNK inhibition on porcine oocytes ageing, cleavage rate, and embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation, DNA fragmentation, and pro-apoptotic factor Bax expression, we cultured in vitro matured oocytes for another 1-4 days in the presence of a JNK inhibitor. The inhibition of JNK significantly protected the oocytes from fragmentation (0% of fragmented oocytes under JNK inhibition vs. 13.4% of fragmented oocytes in the control group, 2^nd day of ageing) and increased the percentage of parthenogenetically activated oocytes (82 vs 57.7%, 2^nd day of ageing). The embryonic development of oocytes parthenogenetically activated after 24 h of ageing was influenced by JNK inhibition as well. The percentage of oocytes at the morula stage, after seven days of cultivation, was significantly increased when oocytes aged in the presence of a JNK inhibitor (42.5%) by comparison to the percentage of oocytes exposed to ageing in an inhibitor-free medium (23.3%). DNA fragmentation was significantly suppressed by JNK inhibition from the 1^st day of ageing, but the expression of pro-apoptotic factor Bax in the oocytes was not influenced. On the basis of our experiments, we can conclude that JNK inhibition suppresses apoptosis and DNA fragmentation of aged oocytes and improves their embryonic development following the parthenogenetic activation. However, to completely eliminate all ageing related processes is insufficient.

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 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.

This study evaluated the effect of five different periods of antemortem lairage without food on the energy metabolism, gas exchange, mineral and blood acid-base balances of 1174 hybrid barrows, which were divided into six treatment groups according to the lairage period: 130 barrows were considered for the evaluation of the baseline levels (G_B); 214 had 0 h of lairage (R₀); 228 had 4 h of lairage (R₄); 204 had 8 h of lairage (R₈); 192 had 12 h of lairage (R₁₂); and 206 had 24 h (R₂₄). In all groups, increasing lairage periods triggered a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in pH, accumulation of lactic acid and percentage of hematocrit. These findings led to the conclusion that antemortem lairage periods longer than 4 h cause hyperglycaemia, hypercalcaemia, hyperlactataemia, hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia, acidosis, and more severe dehydration in barrows.

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.

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.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of orally administered borax on milk yield and on several blood variables related to metabolism in early lactation in Austrian Simmental cows (Fleckvieh). Twenty primiparous cows were selected at parturition and then assigned to one of two groups, the control group or the borax group. The study lasted for four weeks. Borax was administered orally at 0.2 mg/kg/day (Boron group) to all treatment cows shortly after the noon milking, whereas cows in the control group were not treated. All cows consumed the same diet. All feeds in the diet were analysed for crude cellulose, protein, ether extract, ash, and dry matter according to the Weende Analysis Systems, in addition to ADF and NDF, according to Van Soest. Blood samples were collected from all cows via the vena jugularis on lactation Days 0, 7, 15, 21 and 28 and analysed for the following: serum boron (B), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), total cholesterol (TChol), high density lipids (HDL), total protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), creatine (CRE), uric acid (UA), glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) concentrations. Serum B concentration was higher in the borax group than in the control group at Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the experiment. Serum B concentration did not change in the control group during these weeks, but it gradually increased in the borax group week by week (P < 0.05). Borax administration increased serum TP and decreased the serum UA concentration at Week 4, and decreased serum HDL concentration at Week 3 of the experiment. Serum TChol, BHBA, and BUN concentrations increased (P < 0.05), while NEFA decreased (P < 0.05) after parturition in both groups. The BHBA concentration gradually increased in the control group, but it began to decrease in the borax group during the final week of the experiment. Moreover, milk yield did not differ between the groups for 14 weeks. The results indicate that borax administration did not have any negative effects on the health of Austrian Simmental (Fleckvieh) cows during early lactation. However, studies of longer duration are needed to reveal the effectiveness of borax administration with respect to early lactation in cows.

An eight-year-old gelding, Wielkopolski Horse was presented with a pink tumour, which filled the entire palpebral fissure of the left eye. Ultrasonography revealed it to be well-demarcated from the cornea mass, which covered its entire surface. Due to the extensive size of the lesion and the lack of owner's consent to post-operative treatment, it was decided to perform enucleation. A histopathological examination revealed corneal squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The primary cause of the tumour has not been established. Immunohistochemistry was negative for p16 immunoreactivity which is typical for the E7 oncoprotein in PV infection, and is suspected of involvement in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

The investigation of the hydrothermal exposure effect on the glue-line strength is obvious when outdoor application of wood products is in option. In our research the bonding quality of oak (Quercus L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood was tested in different conditions according to EN 205. After each exposure the lap joint test specified the shear strength of wood bonded with PVAC and PU adhesive. In our research different behaviour concerning both types of adhesives and selected wood species was observed. The most significant decrease (-80%) of the shear strength was found when the PVAC was used to bond oak wood. Therefore the PVAC adhesive is most likely less suitable for the bonding of the block board in outdoor conditions. On the contrary, the best results in the same conditions were obtained by the oak when the polyurethane adhesive was used. It indicates that the PU adhesive is more suitable for the bonding of oak wood. Considering results of beech wood, there were not found this interaction.

Using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected in 31 out of 132 symptomatic leaf samples collected from different hosts of Urmia province of Iran, during 2011-2012. In biological assays, five different host isolates caused severe mosaic in Nicotiana species and Capsicum annum without significant difference in severity. Based on phylogenetic analysis of coat protein nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence, two isolates were clustered into subgroup IA, while other three isolates were grouped into IB subgroup of CMV. All Urmian isolates shared a common MspI, and no EcoRI and BsuRI restriction sites. In contrast to S-IA isolates, the second MspI site was found at 473-476 position of only S-IB isolates, which could be used to differentiate two S-IA and S-IB subgroups. Here, we report the first case of Abutilon theophrasti infection, as a new reservoir weed host for CMV in the world.

The study presents the impact of management practices on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and nitrogen (N) losses calculated with a denitrification-decomposition model. Two cropping systems were analysed. The first rotation (A) consisted of potato, winter wheat, spring barley and corn. The second (B) included potato, winter wheat, spring barley and clover with grasses mixture. In A1 and B1 scenarios, fluxes were estimated on the basis of mineral fertilizers input, whereas in A2 and B2 scenarios the assessment of emissions was made with regards to manure. The results indicated that the application of manure in A rotation led to the increase of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission, N leaching, N surplus, crop yields, and the decrease of nitrogen use efficiency higher than in B rotation. Additional doses of manure in A2 scenario increased the potential of the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and global warming potential (GWP) by 157%. In B2 scenario, SOC augmented more than three-fold but GWP increased only by 10%. The N losses and GHG emissions could be minimised by controlling N application through the implementation of nutrient management plan in which N doses are defined based on the crop needs and soil quality.

Supplementation of bovine colostrum (BC) has shown to improve growth performance, intestinal development, and immune response in early-weaned pigs. Little is known about whether BC may have similar effects in neonatal piglets. In the present study, the effect of BC supplementation on mortality, growth performance, and blood parameters (plasma proteins and white blood count) of suckling piglets in the first 10 days of life was investigated under practical conditions with special emphasis on low birth weight piglets. In total, 258 newborn piglets from 30 multiparous sows in a commercial breeding unit were randomly assigned to two different treatment groups. Piglets received either 1 ml of BC orally on days 1-3 of life (group BC, n = 128) or 1 ml of saline (0.9%) (control (CON) group; n = 130). Body weight was measured on days 1, 4, and 10 of life. Blood was collected on days 1 and 4 from 60 piglets per group. No differences in mortality, body weight, and average daily weight gain were observed between treatment groups in days 1-10. However, compared to CON, particularly in low birth weight piglets the administration of BC supported (P < 0.01) their survival. Group BC exhibited lower plasma total protein (P = 0.03) and beta-globulin (P = 0.02) concentrations compared to group CON. In conclusion, BC improved low and normal birth weight piglets' survival during their first 10 days of life. Further research is needed to clarify whether the survival rate is related to earlier gut closure indicated by lower plasma protein levels, which might be beneficial due to a lower uptake of potential antigenic substances.

The effect of pre-processing conditions such as speed, die sizes and moisture content on durability of cassava flour was investigated. Densification of cassava flour was done by pelletizing the flour through die and it is necessary to determine optimum conditions for designing and constructing a suitable processing plant. The flour was mixed with water at different blend ratios to form cassava mash of different moisture contents. The pellet quality was evaluated in terms of the durability of the pellets against the moisture content of the mash (18, 20 and 22% w.b.), die size (4, 6 and 8 mm) and the screw speed (90, 100 and 120 rpm). Test results showed that maximum durability of 84.437% was recorded at 20% (w.b.) moisture content using 4 mm die and low durability of 61.26% with using 8 mm die at 18% (w.b.) moisture content. The durability result shows that it decreased with increase in die size. Statistical analysis revealed that the die size had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on the durability.