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Black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV) is one of the most important viral pathogens of Rubus spp. In this study, a procedure combining in vitro culture and heat therapy on axillary buds of Rubusoccidentalis was developed to eliminate BRNV from infected plants. Axillary buds were grown aseptically at 4-h alternating periods of 29°C and 38°C with 14-h day length for 1-5 weeks. Shoots induced after thermotherapy were tested for the viruses by RT-PCR. BRNV was not detected in any shoots indicating that BRNV was heat labile. BRNV-free shoots were rooted in vitro and acclimatized in greenhouse. Regenerated plants remained virus-free after 2-month acclimatization, 3-month dormancy and 5-month growth periods.

The aim of the submitted work was to analyze the outlook of logging perspectives in the next two decades (2013-2032) for all forests in the territory of the Czech Republic. The analyses made use of the national database of forest management plans and guidelines. For the purpose of these analyses, the forests were divided into commercially exploitable forests and forests commercially exploitable with restrictions. The latter ones included protection forests and the category of special purpose forests, i.e. 31c - forests in the territory of national parks and national nature reserves, and 32a - forests occurring in the first zones of protected landscape areas, and forests occurring in nature preserves and nature monuments. In addition to the potential total volume of timber logging, perspectives were studied separately for coniferous and broadleaved tree species as well as for individual main tree species. The derived model mean annual cut of 15.51 mil. m³ corresponds to the current timber production in the Czech Republic. Results of the analyses indicate that reduced logging of coniferous, namely spruce, timber is to be expected in the next twenty years.

In the European Union, the support of Less Favoured Areas (LFA) has a long tradition as a part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Above all, it is the objective of the subsidies to maintain the agricultural production in LFAs, but also to consider the environmental aspects in LFAs and its funding schemes. Investigations of the latter are subject of this article. After having discussed the theoretical possibilities to influence environmental impacts by the funding scheme, several analyses are compiled and complemented by own calculations. The research has shown that agricultural practices within Less Favoured Areas are more environmentally friendly than in other areas. Environmentally friendly in this regard means e.g. a lower use of fertilisers and pesticides, but also a higher participation rate in agri-environmental measures. In addition, the crop structures of farms are analysed, e.g. the share of maize and wheat in farms inside and outside the LFAs. While the results presented in this paper relate mainly to Germany, the information on the European level is also taken into consideration. Finally, based on these investigations, recommendations for the revision of the funding programmes following 2013 are given.

Machines without satellite navigation in fields have a tendency to pass-to-pass errors, especially unwanted overlaps, resulting in waste of fuel and pesticides, longer working times and also environmental damage. This paper evaluates the accuracy of individual machinery passes in fields. Real pass-to-pass errors (omissions and overlaps) in a field were measured on different tractor-implement units with and without guidance system utilization and a comparison between observed guidance arrangements was made regarding final working accuracy and possible benefits from navigation utilization. Additionally, intensity of machinery passes, and repeated passes on soil, as a possible risk for soil compaction in fields, were monitored. The outcomes from our measurements revealed a statistically significant difference between the total area treated by machinery without any guidance system and machinery using precise guidance systems. Concerning the intensity of traffic in fields, it was found out that more than 86% of the total field area was run-over at least once during one cropping season when using conventional tillage practice. The usage of guidance systems can reduce machinery traffic in field to some extent as well and thus improve soil conditions.

It is postulated that stabilized ammonium fertilizers improve fertilizer-N utilization by crops, leading thus to higher yields with the same fertilizer rate, especially on sandy soils. However, it must be taken into consideration that in clayey soil at least a part of the NH₄⁺ ions may be fixed by 2:1 clay minerals, thus delaying the effect of the N fertilizer. Because NH₄⁺ and K⁺ have similar size and valence properties and therefore compete for the same non-exchangeable sites of 2:1 clay minerals, we investigated the influence of time and K⁺ application rate on both fixation and release of NH₄⁺. Fixation of NH₄⁺ ions was higher when K⁺ was applied after NH₄⁺, while the influence of the K⁺ application rate was less pronounced. Mobilization of non-exchangeable NH₄⁺ was retarded when K⁺ was applied at the high rate after NH₄⁺. At the first harvest yield formation of ryegrass was neither influenced by the amount as well as the application time of K⁺, because plant available N was not growth limiting, while yield of the second harvest was significantly higher with the low K⁺ application rate after NH₄⁺. After the second harvest the blocking effect of K⁺ on the release of non-exchangeable NH₄⁺ was attenuated and the highest yields of the third cut were reached in the treatments with the high K⁺ application rate after NH₄⁺. Total dry matter yield was highest when K⁺ was applied at the low rate after NH₄⁺. Our results show that K⁺ governs fixation and release of non-exchangeable NH₄⁺, which should be taken into consideration when applying ammonium containing N fertilizers like ammonium sulfate, ammonium sulfate nitrate and ENTEC. Thus K⁺ can affect N availability when N is applied as NH₄⁺ in both the short and long term.

The objective of the present study was to determine the association between the uterine size and age, body weight, growth rate, and reproductive status in Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred gilts. Genital organs from 310 gilts (302.6 ± 2.9 days of age, 145.2 ± 1.2 kg body weight) were examined. The gilts were classified into two groups according to reproductive status: non-cyclic (n = 86) and cyclic (n = 224). The uterine weight in non-cyclic gilts was lower than that in cyclic ones (128 ± 8.1 and 694 ± 17.9 g, P < 0.001). Likewise, the length of the uterus in non-cyclic gilts was shorter than that in cyclic gilts (123 ± 2.9 and 252 ± 4.6 cm, P < 0.001). The weight of the uteri correlated with the body weight (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) and growth rate (r = 0.33, P < 0.001) of the gilts but not with their age (P > 0.05). For every 10 kg increase in the body weight of the gilts, an increase of 67 g in uterine weight (P < 0.001) and 21 cm in uterine length (P < 0.001) was observed.

Sulfonamides are widely used in treatment of animals and humans but pose a risk as environmental pollutants. An analysis of 1588 publications focused on sulfonamides is presented here. The review deals with environmental pollution with sulfonamides, described in papers indexed in the database Web of Science from 1938 to 2011. More in depth details are presented regarding publication activity during the last ten years in which 1255 papers have been published by authors from 1100 institutions. Papers, published during the last three years and mainly in 2011, are listed in comprehensive tables, sorted according to five criteria: reviews, contaminated niches, risk of contamination, sulfonamide transformation and methods of analysis. Key words and shortened abstracts direct the reader to the topics of interest. Hyperlinks to full papers, published in open access journals, are another aid in knowledge dissemination. This design of the review article allows easy navigation through vast amounts of information. Finally, a case report illustrates experiences from the author's laboratory with sulfamethazine determination in pig slurry by ELISA. The reported results highlight the need for updating the legal directives for environmental protection.

A two-year old male Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was brought to the Surgery Clinic at the Istanbul University, Veterinary Faculty, Research and Practice Hospital, with a non-healing wound on the right upper eyelid. An ulcerated, bleeding wound was observed and diagnosed as an eyelid mass. The eyelid mass was excised and submitted for histopathological examination, which resulted in a diagnosis of meibomian adenoma. After excision of the mass, the right upper eyelid became deformed and adopted an abnormal shape. The surgical site was examined two weeks later. No abnormality was observed and the appearance of the right eyelid had returned to normal. Although there are many reports on benign tumours such as polyps, adenomas, haemangiomas and papillomas in hamsters, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on a meibomian adenoma in a Syrian hamster which was resolved by surgery.

The brain arteries derived from 50 adult degu individuals of both sexes were injected with synthetic latex introduced with a syringe into the left ventricle of the heart under constant pressure. After fixation in 5% formalin and brain preparation, it was found that the sources of the brain's supply of blood are vertebral arteries and the basilar artery formed as a result of their anastomosis. The basilar artery gave rise to caudal cerebellar arteries and then divided into two branches which formed the arterial circle of the brain. The internal carotid arteries in degus, except for one case, were heavily reduced and did not play an important role in the blood supply to the brain. The arterial circle of the brain in 48% of the cases was open from the rostral side. Variation was identified in the anatomy and the pattern of the arteries of the base of the brain in the degu which involved an asymmetry of the descent of caudal cerebellar arteries (6.0%), rostral cerebellar arteries (8%) as well as middle cerebral arteries (12%). In 6% of the individuals double middle cerebral arteries were found. In one out of 50 cases there was observed a reduction in the left vertebral artery and the appearance of the internal carotid artery on the same side. In that case the left part of the arterial circle of the brain was supplied with blood by an internal carotid artery, which was present only in that animal.

Despite some progresses in the political situation, the effects of the economic crisis and widespread food insecurity are expected to persist. Humanitarian assistance is now needed to support the needs of the most vulnerable. In the longer term, countries have the significant goal of consolidating peace and security and strengthening the overall governance, while at the same time, reconstructing and rehabilitating their economy.

Eretmocerus mundus Mercet is one of the key natural enemies of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). In this study, the sublethal effects of LC₂₅ of imidacloprid and field-recommended concentration of buprofezin on the functional response of E. mundus to different densities of second instar B. tabaci nymphs were evaluated. The results revealed a type III functional response in the control and imidacloprid treatment. The type III functional response was altered into a type II by buprofezin. Although imidacloprid did not alter the type of functional response of E. mundus compared to the control, it negatively affected the handling time and maximum attack rate of the parasitoid. Therefore, the use of this insecticide should be evaluated carefully in IPM programs.

The stability of olive and sunflower oils for domestic uses after frying cow steak or only heating were evaluated in the presence or absence of the carvacrol-rich essential oil of Thymbra capitata. The treatments consisted of sunflower and olive oils either enriched with 200 mg/l of T. capitata oil or without it, heating at 180°C for 20 min, or frying 100 g cow steak at the same temperature and for the same period of time. In all assays, acid, peroxide, and p-anisidine values were followed over time. The fatty acid profile was estimated before heating or frying as well as at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the type of fat as well as the type of treatment (frying or heating) was determinant for the acid, peroxide, and p-anisidine values found. The presence of the essential oil also demonstrated to affect those values depending on the type of the oil as well as on the type of the treatment (frying or heating). In contrast, the fatty acid profile did not change greatly.

Nitrogen plays a vital role in the growth, development and nutritional quality of Chinese chive, which is an important leafy vegetable. The effects of improved Hoagland nutrient solutions on the nutritional quality and physiological characteristics of three Chinese chive cultivars (Saisong, Pingjiu No. 4 and Pingjiu No. 8) were investigated by modulating the ratio of nitrite nitrogen (NO₃^--N) to ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N). Improved Hoagland nutrient solutions with NO₃^--N to NH₄⁺-N ratios of 50:50 and 75:25 could effectively promote the accumulation of soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C and proline; decrease the malondialdehyde content; and induce the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of the three cultivars. It is strongly suggested that NO₃^--N to NH₄⁺-N ratios of 50:50 and 75:25 improve nutritional quality and promote growth and are thus suitable for Chinese chive growth under hydroponic culture.

Using a pot experiment with slightly acidic and alkaline soils anthropogenically contaminated by As, Cd, Pb, and Zn, we assessed how the establishment of Bryum argenteum and concentrations of elements (P, Ca, Mg, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in its biomass are affected by the pH of the substrate, mobility of trace elements, and by quick lime (CaO) and superphosphate (P) additives. Over one vegetation season, in pots naturally colonised by B. argenteum, a substantially higher cover of B. argenteum was recorded on acidic soil that was heavily contaminated with Cd, Pb, and Zn than on alkaline soil with higher As but lower Cd, Pb, and Zn mobility. In acidic soil, the establishment of B. argenteum was substantially improved by CaO additive, which reduced the mobility of Zn and Cd, and by P additive, which improved the P nutritional status and reduced the extremely high concentrations of many elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in its biomass. Although B. argenteum can be used for the monitoring of soil contamination, concentrations of trace elements in its biomass must be evaluated with caution as they can be affected by total and mobile concentrations of elements in the substrate, and by other soil chemical properties.

The sucrose monoesters of capric and lauric acid were tested for their antibacterial activity towards two foodborne enteropathogenic bacteria - Escherichia coli (CCM 3954 - serotype O6 and E22 - serotype O103) and Clostridium perfringens (CNCTC 5459 and CIP 105178). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the plating technique. Sucrose monocaprate significantly decreased the number of viable cells of E. coli at all tested concentrations (0.1-5 mg/ml). The overnight incubation of C. perfringens with the sucrose ester of lauric acid at 0.1-5 mg/ml reduced the number of viable cells below the detection limit (2 log₁₀ CFU/ml). Incubating E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with monoesters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) did not influence the K⁺ permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane in cells during a 2.5-minute treatment. A 30-minute incubation of E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with esters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) revealed damage to cytoplasmic structures, as observed by transmission electron microscopy.

The aim of this study was to determine reference values of carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen in 32 clinically healthy bitches. The average age of the bitches in each group was as follows: small breeds 3.50 ± 2.30, medium breeds 3.83 ± 3.21, large breeds 6.00 ± 3.22 and giant breeds 2.40 ± 2.43. The average weight in each group was as follows: 1^st group 7.94 kg ± 1.84, 2^nd group 22.38 kg ± 2.77, 3^rd group 35.94 kg ± 7.16, and 4^th group 52.75 kg ± 5.04. The cancer markers were determined using human kits. The mean values of the carcinoembryotic antigen markers ± SD were as follows: 1^st group 0.18 ± 0.03, 2^nd group 0.20 ± 0.03, 3^rd group 0.22 ± 0.01, 4^th group 0.18 ± 0.04. The statistical significance for the carcinoembryonic antigen markers was P = 0.0042**. The values of cancer antigen markers ± SD were: 4.90 ± 1.04, 4.80 ± 1.13, 5.90 ± 1.22, and 4.72 ± 0.97, respectively. The cancer antigen values were statistically insignificant (P = 0.1762). Based on obtained values of the mean 95%, we expect a standard for carcinoembryonic antigen of 0.00-0.23 ng/ml and for cancer antigen 0.0-7.00 IU/ml. The results of the present study show that it is possible to use human kits for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen in clinically healthy bitches using the radioimmunoassay method.

A 6-week trial was conducted to investigate the effects of animal skin protein sources from swine and cattle on growth performance, body condition and blood characteristics in growing pigs. A total of 96 pigs (23.50 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly allotted into four dietary treatment groups as follows: (1) basal diet (BD); (2) basal diet with 1.5% hydrolysed render meal (HRM); (3) basal diet with 1.5% swine skin meal (SSM); (4) basal diet with 1.5% cattle hide meal (CHM). There were six replicate pens per treatment with four pigs per pen. The average daily gain (ADG) was improved in response to SSM treatment compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). Pigs fed with HRM, SSM and CHM diets showed increases in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and decreased gain-to-feed (G : F) ratios compared with pigs fed with BD (P < 0.05). There were no differences in dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and energy (E) digestibility among treatments. The backfat thickness and lean percentage of pigs was unaffected by the treatments. Similarly, there was no difference in blood characteristics among treatments. In conclusion, the supplementation of SSM in growing pig diets improved the growth rate and Feed Intake (FI), but its usage in swine diets is limited by the poor protein quality.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of herb mixture (summer shield) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and plasma lipid profiles in broiler chickens. Thirty-six male chicks at 15 days of age were divided into three groups with three replicates of four birds. The control group of chicks was fed a basal diet and the remaining two groups of chicks were fed the basal diet supplemented with summer shield at a concentration of 1 g/kg or 2 g/kg, respectively, until 37 days of age. Although feed intake was not different among the three groups, both body weight gain and breast muscle weight were increased in chicks fed a summer shield-supplemented diet. Summer shield supplementation decreased abdominal fat weight and consequently feed efficiency was improved. Both protein and fat utilisation was improved in chickens fed a summer shield-supplemented diet although dry matter content was not influenced. In addition, summer shield supplementation improved plasma lipid profiles, i.e., total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased. Furthermore, summer shield supplementation increased total protein, albumin, and globulin levels in plasma, while neither glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase nor glutamate pyruvate transaminase were affected. These results suggest that summer shield supplementation has positive effects on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and plasma lipid profiles in broiler chickens.

Forests occupy one third of the world's land area and govern carbon (C) transfers and influence nitrogen (N) content in the biosphere. Afforestation leads to soil changes of specific dynamics, often accompanied by acidification. Especially at higher altitudes this effect is accelerated and increased with the stand age since forestation. The change in soil C and N content following afforestation is controlled by a number of factors, including: previous land use (grasslands, cropland, etc.), tree species, soil cultivation method, soil properties (clay content, pH), stand age, site management, topography, and climate. In the Czech Republic, large area changes in land use took place in the last centuries - forests covering roughly 20% in the 18^th century currently occupy almost 34%, with still increasing tendencies. This paper compares basic soil properties (soil reaction, total soil organic carbon as well as total nitrogen contents) of the agricultural land and land afforested 40-60 years ago. The results confirmed the key role of afforestation in the change of soil organic matter dynamics after establishing new forests on the former agricultural lands in the uppermost mineral soil part of the Orlické hory Mts. region in the Czech Republic. During that time, comparatively substantial changes in soil organic matter and nitrogen were registered. Afforestation considerably increased organic matter content in the studied A-horizons of different land use types. Soil development resulted in a high production of C and N pools under the forest stands, contrary to agricultural land. In general, afforestation caused significant soil acidification. The common tendency of higher acidity of forest soils compared to agricultural ones was documented in the studied case as well. The general tendencies of soil reaction and soil organic matter dynamics at the studied sites are comparable to those in other regions of the Czech Republic.

Forest roads are the most important ways of access; nevertheless, they are the main source of sediment production. The delivered sediment by forest roads causes environmental problems and pollution of water resources. This study has been done to present a model for estimating the sediment yield of forest road using a multiple regression analysis on the Caspian southern coasts (north of Iran, Lomir watershed). For this purpose, 45 wood dams were created and their sediment volume (dependent variable) was measured. The following independent variables were estimated: road length, road width, road slope, vegetation cover, height of cut slope and road age. Then, a regression analysis was done using SPSS software to present a linear model. In the next step, the accuracy and capability of the presented model were considered and validated using the model for estimating the wood dam sediment. The results showed that road length and road width have significant effects in sediment generation. Also, the presented model can estimate the forest road sediment in northern Iran.

Agriculture represents a significant part of the national economy. It secures production of food and influences many related processing industries. Although the volume of agricultural production and its proportion in the gross domestic product has been decreasing, there is a huge interest in increasing the performance of agriculture companies. One of the ways to enhance the company performance, to gain new markets or to achieve cost savings is a merger. Mergers are not very usual in the field of agriculture currently - their proportion in the total number of mergers in the Czech Republic in 2001-2013 was 3.07%. The aim of this paper is to analyse mergers in the field of agriculture. The analysis focuses on the consequences of mergers from the perspective of changes in the financial position and the company performance in the year before the merger and three years after the merger. The analysis proved that the company size (measured by the balance sheet total) decreased as a consequence of mergers and their performance increased.

In the period 2009-2011 monitoring of the incidence of phoma stem canker was carried out at selected sites of the Czech Republic (Šumperk and Opava regions in North Moravia). The risk of infection was evaluated by assessing the autumn release of Leptosphaeria spp. ascospores and with the proPlant prediction model. In recent years, the incidence of phoma stem canker has been relatively low and this corresponded with the total count of ascospores released in the autumn period but not with an increased level of infection risk announced by the proPlant model. During the monitored period the ascospore concentration reached maximally 2 ascospores/1 m³ per day. Maximum ascospore release was recorded in 2010 as a result of favourable weather conditions. The first incidence of phoma leaf spot has been observed in mid-October. The higher values of ascospores concentration were recorded in the Opava region, but the total number of the trapped ascospores was more often higher in the Šumperk region.

Consumption of minimally processed fruits has been increased lately mainly due to their fresh-like quality characteristics. One of the major alterations that limit the shelf-life of these products is browning caused by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity on phenolic compounds. Six yellow-flesh peach cultivars, Spring Lady, Royal Glory, Ruby Rich, Summer Rich, Ryan Sun, and O'Henry, were selected. Peaches were hygienised and then samples were processed in a clean room. Slices were washed in cold tap water, dried, packaged in modified atmosphere, and stored at 4°C during 9 days; physicochemical and other quality parameters were studied. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation study were carried out in order to evaluate the relation between variables and cultivars. In conclusion, Spring Lady, Royal Glory, and Ruby Rich cultivars were the cultivars that offered the most suitable fruits for fresh-cut processing, mainly due to their low BP and PPO activity.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tillage systems and nitrogen fertilization on the grain yield and quality of spring wheat and on selected chemical and biological properties of soil. The first order factor was the tillage system: (1) conventional (CT) - shallow ploughing and harrowing after harvest of the previous crop, and pre-winter ploughing; (2) reduced (RT) - only a cultivator after harvest of the previous crop, and (3) no-tillage (NT) - only Roundup 360 SL herbicide (a.s. glyphosate) after harvest of the previous crop. The second order factor was nitrogen dose: (1) 90 kg N/ha and (2) 150 kg N/ha. Higher yields were demonstrated for spring wheat sown in CT and RT systems, compared to the NT system. In addition, grain yield was increased by a nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha, compared to 90 kg/ha. Contents of protein and wet gluten in the grain were also increased by the higher nitrogen dose. The RT and NT systems were observed to increase the content of organic C, total N and available phosphorus in the soil, compared to the CT system. They also increased the number and mass of earthworms in the soil, compared to the CT system.

Statistical methods of imputation allow predicting genotypes of markers (which were not genotyped in the whole population) based on known linkage disequilibrium relationships between the flanking polymorphisms and the information obtained from reference datasets used as a pattern. In this study we attempted to predict genotypes of two bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) susceptibility associated indel polymorphisms located in the promoter region of PRNP gene relying on the data obtained from middle density SNPs arrays in a sample of the population of Holstein cattle. The two SNPs panels spanning PRNP locus were tested in terms of imputation efficiency. Both panels gave satisfactory imputation results showing high accuracy and high probabilities of imputed genotypes. Our results suggest that the approach applied can be used to evaluate the frequency of the disease associated polymorphisms in large populations of animals genotyped with whole-genome SNPs panels based on a limited-size reference population and small financial outlays.

Secretion of adequate levels of progesterone from a proper corpus luteum (CL), which develops out of the cells of a healthy preovulatory follicle, is a key-factor for establishment of a pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between morphological and secretory characteristics of preovulatory follicles and their corresponding corpus luteum with regard to the post-partum period in high-yielding dairy cows. Therefore, ultrasound-guided aspirations of preovulatory follicles were performed repeatedly, using 20 first lactating cows between 26 and 121 days after parturition. Heat was induced with a PGF analogon followed by administration of a GnRH analogon. The dominant follicle was aspirated 21 h after administration of the GnRH analogon. The diameters of the follicles were estimated at aspiration and the morphology of the resulting luteal tissue was examined on day 14 after follicle aspiration using ultrasonographic examinations. Concentrations of progesterone (P₄) and 17-beta-oestradiol (E₂) were determined in the follicular fluids (FF) and P₄ concentration was estimated at the time of CL examination in plasma. A CL development occurred in 82% after dominant follicle aspiration. The interval of time between parturition and follicle aspiration did not affect the investigated variables. The diameter of the aspirated preovulatory follicle was positively correlated to the cross-section area of the developed luteal tissue (R = 0.60; P < 0.01) as well as to the plasma P₄ concentration on day 14 after follicle aspiration (R = 0.47; P < 0.05). Also, E₂ concentrations in FF were positively correlated to cross-section area of the luteal tissue (R = 0.54; P < 0.05). Comparing the FF of the follicles that gave rise to a CL after aspiration to follicles that did not, both types had comparable P₄, but the former type harboured higher E₂ concentrations. In conclusion, preovulatory follicle diameter as well as steroid concentrations in the follicular fluid could be used prospectively to identify cows which will have well-developed CLs and high plasma P₄ levels later. On the other hand, CL development after follicle aspiration can be used as a retrospective quality parameter of dominant follicles. These results will help to identify suitable animals for breeding or recipients for embryo transfer.

The usefulness of compression anastomotic clips (CAC) for small bowel anastomosis in animals was evaluated. Implants made of nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) in the form of elliptical double-coil springs with one-way and two-way shape memory were applied. The studied animals were subjected to jejunal resection and side-to-side bowel anastomosis with the use of CACs. The experiment was conducted on 10 pigs divided into three groups. The speed and ease of the surgical procedure, implant excretion time and leak tightness were evaluated by macroscopic observations and X-ray examinations. Tissue samples from the anastomotic site were subjected to histopathological analysis. The applied method was characterised by tight connections between fused tissue, the absence of complications and ease of use. The results of the study indicate that shape memory NiTi clips are a promising tool in veterinary gastrointestinal surgery.

The first case of post anaesthetic myelopathy in a horse is described. A two year old 530 kg Shire stallion underwent surgical removal of a granuloma in the ventral sternal region under general inhalation anaesthesia in dorsal recumbency. Total duration of the operation was 85 min. The anaesthesia was uneventful except for profuse sweating and arterial hypertension observed during the whole period. During recovery the horse was not able to stand, and flaccid paralysis of hind limbs, absence of reaction to an induced pain stimulus on the hind limbs and no patellar or anal reflex was recorded; in addition, tail tonus was weak. Panniculus reflex was absent distally from the 17^th intercostal space. Head, neck and front limb movement was not affected. The horse did not respond to treatment by intravenous administration of dexamethasone, hypertonic or isotonic saline. The status deteriorated and the horse was euthanised 4 h after the end of anaesthesia. The main pathological findings were haemorrhage, oedema and malacia of L5-L6 spinal cord segments and cauda equina. Histological examination of the spinal cord revealed haemorrhage and areas of necrosis predominantly in the grey matter of L5 and L6 segments. Impairment of spinal cord perfusion due to haemodynamic changes associated with dorsal recumbency and general anaesthesia is presumed. Predisposition factors could include young age, dorsal recumbency and high weight.

The development of Podzols is conditioned by many factors. One of them is vegetation cover. The aim of this study was to examine in detail special chemical properties, micromorphological features and water retention ability of Podzols under two different vegetation covers (spruce forest and grass). The study was performed in the Jizerské hory Mts., which were strongly influenced by atmospheric acidificant depositions in the past. The study was focused on the assessment of a 30-year grass amelioration impact on soils on the former forest land. It was shown that larger differences in the studied chemical properties (pH_KCl, pH_H2O, eCEC, content of Ca, Mg, Al_KCl, Al_H2O, Al(X)¹⁺, Al(Y)²⁺ and Al³⁺ species) were in the surface organic horizons and decreased with depth. Podzolization intensity was higher under the spruce forest than under the grass cover. Higher amounts of potentially dangerous Al forms were detected in the soils under the spruce forest than under the grass. Grass expansion on clear-cut areas (former forest) as a natural amelioration step results in the particular restoration of soil conditions. The micromorphological features studied on the soil thin sections using the optical microscope and soil water retention curves measured on the undisturbed 100 cm³ soil samples showed a significant influence of the organic matter presence on the soil structure and retention ability of H and Bhs horizons. Soil under the grass cover had denser structure (e.g. greater fraction of small capillary pores) and higher retention ability than soil under the spruce forest. Very similar retention curves were measured in the Ep and Bs horizons under both vegetation covers. Micromorphological features studied on the thin soil sections clearly documented a podzolization mechanism (e.g. organic material transport and its accumulation, weathering process and Fe oxidation and mobilization).