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An incubation experiment with addition of EDTA and alfalfa into soils contaminated with heavy metal over 200 years was carried out in order to evaluate the EDTA effects on microbial properties. Alfalfa was added to soils together with EDTA to examine its abilities to improve microbial activities affected by EDTA. The obtained results showed that the addition of EDTA led to a significant decrease of microbial biomass C during the first 24 days of incubation. At the end of the experiment the microbial biomass C significantly increased quite close to the original level. The EDTA amendment caused, probably due to the toxic effects, a significant increase in respiratory activities and of the metabolic quotient qCO₂. An addition of alfalfa significantly improved the microbial biomass C contents in arable soils treated together with EDTA. Both, respiratory activities and qCO₂ significantly increased after the soil treatment with EDTA together with alfalfa. EDTA alone decreased the microbial biomass, alfalfa alone as organic substrate was mineralised and utilised by soil microorganisms for their metabolism.

Rhopalosiphum padi is a polyphagous species with a nearly worldwide distribution. Biological parameters of this aphid on six commonly grown wheat cultivars in the Fars province including Chamran, Darab2, Shiraz, Ghods, Marvdasht and Niknezhad were investigated at the two-leaf stage of wheat. The experiments were carried out at 24 ± 5°C, 65 ± 5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 14:10 h (L:D) in a greenhouse. The number of nymphs per female of R. padi was 62.05, 55.84, 49.89, 47.63, 42.76 and 40.65 (nymphs/female) on Niknezhad, Shiraz, Ghods, Marvdasht, Chamran, and Darab2, respectively. Also, the highest and the lowest r_m values of this aphid were obtained on Niknezhad (0.381 per day) and Darab2 (0.328 per day), respectively. In addition, other population growth indices were estimated. In general, a high level of antibiosis in Darab2 compared with the other tested cultivars may decrease the population density of R. padi on wheat and also cause a suppression of cereal viruses (e.g. BYDV) and reduce the pesticide application to wheat fields of Iran.

The relationships between conformation and longevity traits were analysed in 58 493 Czech Fleckvieh cows first calved from 1994 to 2003. All cows were scored for conformation during the first lactation. Genetic correlations between longevity and conformation traits were estimated by bivariate runs using the VCE 4.0 program for variance component estimation. The values of heritability for conformation traits were in the range from 0.06 to 0.63 and for longevity traits from 0.04 to 0.05. Low or intermediate genetic relationships between recorded linear traits and longevity trait were found. The correlations were lower for functional longevity. Body measurements showed negative genetic correlations with real as well as functional longevity (-0.12 to -0.29). The dairy character negatively correlated with longevity traits (-0.18 to -0.26). The muscularity and udder showed a zero correlation with functional longevity, while the feet and legs were not correlated with real longevity. The highest positive genetic correlations between real longevity and objectively scored linear type traits were found for hock (0.24), rear udder attachment (0.28), fore udder length (0.16) and central ligament (0.11). On the contrary, the correlation between the udder depth and the milk-corrected longevity was positive (0.28) and higher than in the case of real longevity.

This study was carried out to determine the whole cell protein profiles of Salmonella serovars from chicken, turkey and sheep faeces by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A total of 34 Salmonella strains were included in the study, 14 of them were isolated from chicken, 14 from turkey and six from sheep. SDS-PAGE was carried out using 12% (w/v) separating and 4% (w/v) stacking gels. The results showed more than 30 protein bands ranging in size from 97 kDa (kilodaltons) to below 14.4 kDa as determined by visual assessment of their approximate molecular masses. Protein bands of 78.1, 51.2, 41.5, 37.3, 35.1, 33.9, 30.7, 27.6, 25.4, and 24 kDa were detected in all Salmonella serovars. Salmonella strains used in this study were closely related and could not be differentiated depending on the whole cell protein profiles using SDS-PAGE.

Cutting down 20- to 30-years-old trees of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) (October, May) and cross-cutting them to sections of different volume (0.5-75 dm3) under conditions of half-shade × open area resulted in a potential food offer for cambiophages. Ips amitinus (Eichh.) and Pityogenes chalcographus (L.) reached the higher frequency of occurrence on sections placed in the open area than in half-shade and on stems felled in the autumn season than in the spring season. Dryocoetes autographus (Ratz.) was markedly profiled on sections in half-shade with the gradual desiccation of phloem. P. chalcographus preferring open areas occurred on branches being accompanied by Cryphalus abietis (Ratz.), which attacked branches located in half-shade. On stems of sections from both autumn and spring felling, one generation of I. amitinus developed, however, on autumn sections, the 2^nd generation developed unsuccessfully on the original nutritive material. P. chalcographus completed the development of one generation on stems and branches from autumn felling. On the spring material, the invasion was delayed and a part of wintering larvae did not complete their development. Logging residues of P. pungens were available for the development of I. amitinus and P. chalcographus during one growing season only.

The study was undertaken to identify the responses of antioxidant enzyme activities and their isozyme patterns in seedlings of 10 oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivars under drought stress conditions. Plants were grown under three irrigation regimes (FC; field capacity, 60% FC and 30% FC) in a greenhouse. Drought stress preferentially enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) whereas it decreased catalase (CAT) activity. Licord with the highest level of enzyme activity under both optimum and limited irrigation regimes is reported as the most tolerant cultivar. Whereas Hyola 308 and Okapy, having the lowest enzymes activities, are mentioned as cultivars sensitive to drought stress. The native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis detected eight SOD isozymes. Oilseed rape leaves contained three isoforms of Mn-SOD and five isoforms of Cu/Zn-SOD. The expression of Mn-SOD was preferentially enhanced by drought stress. Five POD isoforms were detected in oilseed rape leaves. The intensities of POD-4 and -5 were enhanced under drought stress. According to the results, the appearance of new isozyme bands under drought stress conditions may be used as a biochemical marker to differentiate drought tolerant cultivars under drought stress.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of raising the rear end when replacing the prolapsed uterus in cows on the outcome and reproductive performance. A total of 76 cows with uterine prolapse were investigated, 10 of which had died before treatment. According to the posture, cows were divided into standing (Standing: n = 11) and recumbent (Recumbent: n = 55). Recumbent cows were subdivided randomly into lying (Lying: n = 24), lifting up using a cow-lift (Cow-lift: n = 18), and raising hind legs using a tractor (Raising: n = 13). Recovery rate after treatment of all cows was 60.6%. The recovery rate of Recumbent (52.7%) was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than Standing (100%). Among the recumbent cows, Lying showed the lowest recovery rate (37.5%), which was significantly lower than the recovery rate (64.5%) of the combined Cow-lift and Raising groups. The mean nonpregnant term of Raising (144 days) was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter than of Cow-lift (297 days). In conclusion, the method of replacing the uterus by raising the hind legs during treatment of uterine prolapse in cows could improve the recovery rate and breeding performance.

This work was carried out to determine the relationship between seed coat color and seed quality in Crimson sweet watermelon. Seed lots (1, 2, 3, and 4) were prepared taking into consideration seed coat colors in fresh seeds with naked eye. The color parameters of these prepared seed lots were determined using Minolta colorimeter. To determine quality differences between the seed lots, standard germination test, seed weight, water uptake ratio, mean germination time, emergence percentage, mean emergence time, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight and electrical conductivity values were determined. The seed weight (57.22 mg), germination percentage (86.5%), emergence percentage (77.5% total and 76.5% normal), seedling fresh weight (978.7 mg), and dry weight (64.7 mg) of the brown seed lot (Lot 1) were markedly higher than lots having lighter seed coat (2, 3, and 4). On the other hand the mean emergence time (7.7 days) and electrical conductivity value (128.8 μS/cm g in 24 h) of the brown seed lot (Lot 1) were lower than lots having lighter seed coat (2, 3, and 4). The obtained data indicated that seed quality differences can be determined according to the seed coat color of Crimson sweet seeds. It was found that seed lot 1 had higher seed vigor and viability than seed lots 2, 3, and 4. Color parameters b*, C*, L*, and H°, determined by Minolta colorimeter, showed significant correlation with seeds quality parameters.

The aim of this study was the determination of lactoferrin in goat milk using HPLC method. Milk samples were collected at a goat farm in the South Moravia Region, the Czech Republic. It were established bulk tank samples of raw milk (n = 24) and pasteurised milk (nn = 27) that were collected during lactation. Lactoferrin contents were analysed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with diode-array detector PDA 2996. Detection was carried out at the wavelength 205 nm. The average concentration of lactoferrin in goat milk was 120 ± 18 μg/ml. The lactoferrin content was increasing within the lactation period in the ranges of 98 ± 170 μg/ml in April to 149 ± 19 μg/ml in November. The heat treatment (pasteurisation at 72°C for 20 s) resulted in no significant effect on the lactoferrin content. No statistically significant differences (P = 0.05) were found between the values of raw and pasteurised goat milk.

Soil samples (from Czech and German long-term field experiments) were used to estimate different soil phosphorus (P) fractions. More than 200 topsoil (0-30 cm) samples from different fertilizing treatments were taken. These were analyzed for P in soil solution (P_CaCl2) [0.01M CaCl₂ extract], exchangeable sorbed P (P_ex) [anion exchange (AE) membranes] and bioavailable P [Doppel-Lactat and Mehlich 3 (P_DL and P_M3)]. Other fractions analyzed were total inorganic (P_in), total (P_M-tot) and organic (P_org) P [fractionation after Marks], P sorbed on Fe and Al (P_FeAl) [fractionation after Schwertmann] and residual P (P_ar) [aqua regia extract]. Comparison of medians appeared to be better for evaluating extraction abilities. Phosphorus fractions were in the following order: (P_ar = 100%); P_CaCl2 (0.2%) < P_ex (9%) < P_DL (10%) < P_M3 (16%) < P_in (24%) < P_org (37%) < P_FeAl (55%) < P_M-tot (59%). Low amounts of P_in, P_org and P_M-tot did not verify the applicability of the Marks' fractionation for the set of studied soils. Close correlations at P ≤ 0.001 were found for all methods for estimating the fractions of bioavailable phosphates (P_CaCl2, P_ex, P_DL and P_M3). Statistically significant relations were observed between P_in with P_ar, P_M-tot and P_FeAl.

The contamination of bulk samples of cow's raw milk (n = 491) by psychrotrophic lipolytic bacteria (PLiBC), total count of psychrotrophic bacteria (PBC) and mesophilic bacteria (TBC) was monitored for two years on eight dairy farms and the correlations among these groups of bacteria were analysed. An increase in TBC, PBC and PLiBC and in the values of free fatty acids (FFA) was tested experimentally in three milk samples in relation to time (analyses were done in 24-hour intervals until 96 hours) and storage temperature of milk samples (4; 6.5 and 10°C). Bacterial contamination of milk was determined by culture methods in accordance with IDF standards, the values of FFA were determined by an extraction-titration method. These mean values were determined in the set of samples (n = 491): PLiBC 659 CFU/ml, PBC 2 932 CFU/ml and TBC 18 932 CFU/ml. A high correlation was proved between values of PBC and PLiBC (r = 0.87; P < 0.001) while the correlation between TBC and PBC (r = 0.65; P < 0.001) and between PLiBC and TBC (r = 0.59; P < 0.001) was on a medium level. The proportional index p_I for PLiBC/PBC was 0.20, for PLiBC/TBC 0.03 and for PBC/TBC 0.16. In seasonal dynamics a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001; P < 0.05) between the increased values of TBC in the summer season was proved compared to the winter and spring season. The differences in the seasonal variation of PBC and PLiBC values were not significant. Experimental investigation of an increase in the values of tested parameters showed that at temperatures of milk sample storage 4 and 6.5°C TBC did not exceed the permissible hygienic value (100 000 CFU/ml) even after 96 hours while at 10°C it amounted to 90 000 CFU/ml after 48 hours and the limit for TBC was exceeded several times after 96 hours. PBC, which is not inhibited by cold storage to such a large extent, did not exceed the hygienic limit value for PBC (50 000 CFU/ml) even after 96 hours when milk samples were stored at 4°C, but at 6.5°C after 72 hours and at 10°C already after 48 hours the values 6 and 20 times higher, respectively, than the hygienic limit were recorded. A similar trend was observed in PLiBC, which exceeded the hazardous limit (43 000 CFU/ml) at 6.5°C after 96 hours and at 10°C already after 48 hours whereas at 4°C the limit value was not exceeded even after 96 hours. The content of FFA also increased in relation to the storage time and temperature of milk samples but in comparison with the increase in the tested groups of microorganisms the increase in FFA showed a higher correlation with storage time compared to storage temperature. A medium correlation was calculated between PLiBC and/or PBC and FFA content (r = 0.52; r = 0.57; P < 0.001).

The influence of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) on histopathological changes in the small intestine and the intensity of invasion of T. spiralis in mice were investigated in this study. The animals were infected with doses of 500 and 250 T. spiralis larvae per mouse. A SCFA solution containing acetic, propionic and butyric acid (30 : 15 : 20mM) was administered orally to the mice starting from the 5^th day before infection to the 20^th day after infection (day). Fragments of the jejunum collected during dissection on the 7th and 10th day were used to prepare specimens to assess the histopathological changes. In the infected animals, the intestinal trichinellae were counted on the 7^th and 10^th day, while on the 42^nd day the muscle larvae number were determined. The strongest host reaction in the intestine was observed on the 7^th day at a dose of T. spiralis 500 larvae, and on the 10^th day at a dose of 250 larvae. Numerous inflammatory infiltrations, strong shortening of the intestinal villi, extension of the intestinal crypts, and the lowest ratio of the villi length to the intestinal crypts depth were observed. The ratio was 1.3 ± 0.3 on the 7^th day at a dose of 500 larvae, and on the 10^th day, at dose of 250 larvae the ratio reached 1.5 ± 0.5. Both values differed significantly from the control group: 3.3 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Administration of SCFA to the animals infected with T. spiralis caused remission of local histopathological changes resulting from the presence of the parasite in the small intestine after the mentioned periods. This manifested as limited villi shortening and reduced deepening of intestinal crypts. At the higher infectious dose, in animals receiving the acid solution, on the 7^th day the intestinal villi were considerably longer (356 µm ± 35) than in the group infected with T. spiralis but not treated with the acids (279 µm ± 57; P < 0.01). At a lower dose of parasites, on the 10^th day these values were 339 µm ± 88 and 306 µm ± 47 respectively and the observed differences were not statistically significant. The solution of SCFA also caused a decrease in the numbers of mature parasites in the intestine and the muscle larvae at a dose of 500 larvae/mouse. In animals receiving the SCFA, 24 050 ± 10 415 larvae were observed in muscles, while in the infected mice, which did not receive the acids, 32 875 ± 16 762 larvae were detected (P < 0.05). An increase in the intensity of infection accelerated the rate of host reaction to the presence of T. spiralis in the intestines (self-cure). To summarize, the administered solution of short chain fatty acids alleviated the formation of histopathological changes in the intestine in response to the parasite's presence, and lowered the intensity of T. spiralis invasion after infection with a higher dose of larvae.

This paper deals with the Reynoutria × bohemica and Reynoutria japonica under conditions of the Czech Republic. It evaluates the impact of soil, weather conditions and various terms of harvest (autumn, spring) on the yield, dry matter content, phytomass loss, ash content, and basic elements content change in plants. Heavy metals content was determined in soil where plants were grown and consequently in plants themselves. The average yield of dry matter at the fully closed stands of Reynoutria japonica were 9.06 t/ha in autumn, Reynoutria × bohemica from 13.23 to 21.41 t/ha, according to the site. The yield losses within the winter period were found on average 42% for Reynoutria japonica and 34% for Reynoutria × bohemica. The moisture decrease of Reynoutria japonica was found from 68% in the autumn to 24% in the spring, and of Reynoutria × bohemica from 67% to 23%, respectively. Decreased content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the knotweed phytomass was found during the latter (spring) harvest periods in comparison with the earlier harvest periods. Decreased elements content in phytomass during the latter harvest period (spring) increases the phytomass quality as a fuel from both aspects - technical and emissions generation. The ash content in plants varied according to the site, on average from 3.12% in Ruzyně to 4.6% in Chomutov. None of the heavy metals monitored in knotweed plants reached the maximum admissible values determined for the food or feed purposes in the Czech Republic. From the results of combustion experiments, it is evident that Reynoutria × bohemica is a good fuel. Energy sorrel shows the extreme CO concentration in flue gases in comparison with other monitored fuels. According to the ČSN EN 12809 (2001) standard it does not meet even the third class of requirements. On the contrary, knotweed and wood bark fulfill the requirements for the first class. The surprising fact is that both of these fuels show the lower level of CO emissions, than the wooden briquettes. Concentrations of nitrogen oxids are comparable with biofuels, except of wood, and probably are related to the nitrogen content in heating material.

The aim of the paper was to contribute to the acquisition of background data for the specification of safe boron levels in soils in relation to diagnostics by multi-nutrient soil tests and to CEC (cation exchange capacity) value of soil, pH and soil organic matter. The research was conducted on 24 soils. Sorption was determined after 97 days from the application of B at the rates of 0, 1, 2.5, 5 mg B/kg in H₃BO₃. The closest regression of B-sorption was with the CEC value of soil in NH₄-acetate and water tests and it increased with the increasing application of B (regression at a rate of 5 ppm B; NH₄-acetate: linear R

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dihydropyridine supplementation on growth performance and lipid metabolism of broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old female Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups, each group had six replications of 20 birds. Each group was fed a maize-soybean meal diet supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg dihydropyridine, respectively, for six weeks. At 42 days of age, body weight and feed intake were not affected by dihydropyridine, while feed efficiency was significantly increased by 8.4%, 15.0% and 12.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The percentage of abdominal fat and the percentage of liver fat were reduced by 24.5%, 25.9%, 23.3%, and 23.6%, 26.7%, 26.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The higher level of dietary dihydropyridine (200 or 300 mg/kg) increased the hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase activity in liver and abdominal fat (P < 0.05). The lipoprotein lipase activity in abdominal fat was significantly decreased by dihydropyridine (P < 0.05). The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase in liver was significantly reduced, whereas the isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in liver was not affected by dietary dihydropyridine. The content of cAMP was significantly increased by dihydropyridine, but malondialdehyde content was decreased (P < 0.05). Dihydropyridine at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg increased apolipoprotein B (P < 0.05), but 300 mg/kg dihydropyridine had no effect on apolipoprotein B compared with the control group. Triiodothyronine was significantly increased by dietary dihydropyridine (P < 0.05). There were no differences in apolipoprotein A, cholesterol, trigly-cerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, thyroxine and insulin among dietary treatments. It is concluded that supplementing dihydropyridine has a beneficial effect on feed efficiency and lipid metabolism of broilers, and that 200 mg/kg dihydropyridine supplementation is the optimum dose.

Parturition and post partum period are susceptible for antioxidative/oxidative imbalance as well as inflammatory processes related to either uterus or mammary gland. Fifteen Holstein-Friesian cows were used to examine the relationship between the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and inflammatory enzyme N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAGase) in colostrum and milk during 12 days after parturition. Samples from each udder quarter were collected immediately after parturition, after 24 h and 48 h as well as after 6 and 12 days post partum. The activity of GSH-Px was measured spectrophotometrically and NAGase spectrofluorimetrically. NAGase activity generally remained constant during the examined period confirming no inflammation and healthy udder. Moreover, no significant differences in the activity among quarters were detected. The activity of GSH-Px rose significantly (P < 0.05) in the examined period suggesting the dynamic balance of antioxidative defence. No differences among quarters confirmed that in healthy quarters metabolic processes are on a similar level but positive correlations between the antioxidative and inflammatory enzyme in quarters and with regard to time may suggest a possible relationship during inflammation.

This study provides new information on the distribution of the chestnut blight agent Cryphonectria parasitica and its vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) in the Czech Republic. This study has revealed the presence of the disease in six localities. The VCG tests showed that each locality was represented by a single distinct VCG, which was different from the others collected in the country. The tests with 31 European testers of C. parasitica VCGs (EU-1 to EU-31) had assigned Czech isolates to VCGs EU-1, EU-4, EU-12, EU-13, EU-15, and EU-19. Moreover, the study showed that in the Czech Republic chestnut blight attacks young trees, not exceeding 35 years of age, and that climatic conditions in the country are suitable for C. parasitica. As two of the diseased localities were ornamental tree nurseries, one might expect its further spread over the country as a result of plant trade. The origin of infection remains unknown in all the localities where C. parasitica was detected.

Selected parameters characterizing the chemical composition of bones were determined in 60 male and 60 female hybrid Ross 308 chickens aged 40 days at the end of the fattening period. The chickens received a complete feed mixture intended for pre-feeding (starter) in a period from the start of the experiment until Day 10, followed by the feed mixture intended for fattening until Day 30 (grower), and the feed mixture for the third phase of fattening, i.e. until Day 40 (finisher). The feed mixtures and drinking water were provided ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, chickens were slaughtered and the femur and the tibiotarsus from the right pelvic limb were collected and the following parameters were determined in wet tissue: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) (N × 6.25), fat, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg); the content of organic matter was calculated. The resultant values were recalculated to 100% of DM. Differences between males and females in the chemical composition of retrieved bones were investigated. The content of CP in wet tissue from both bones ranged from 354.0 ± 11.8 to 365.1 ± 14.3 g/kg being significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the tibiotarsus. Differences between sexes were very small. The content of fat in the bones ranged from 16.12 ± 8.71 to 16.17 ± 8.85 g/kg, with higher levels of fat being detected in female chickens (17.16 ± 8.53 to 17.24 ± 8.28 g/kg) as compared to male chickens (15.01 ± 9.05 to 15.19 ± 9.12 g/kg). No statistically significant differences between the femur and the tibiotarsus were detected. The levels of ash ranged from 472.2 ± 13.1 to 480.1 ± 10.83 g/kg, being statistically higher in the tibiotarsus in both male and female chickens (P < 0.01; P < 0.001). The levels of Ca ranged from 180.4 ± 8.57 to 181.6 ± 12.32 g/kg, showing higher values in both bones from female chickens (181.7 ± 9.17 to 183.8 ± 14.71 g/kg), as compared to male chickens (179.2 ± 7.8 to 179.3 ± 8.91 g/kg). No statistically significant changes were found. The levels of P ranged from 83.17 ± 9.82 to 83.29 ± 7.42 g/kg, with higher levels being observed in female chickens (84.1 ± 9.21 to 89.8 ± 7.47 g/kg), as compared to male chickens (76.5 ± 6.93 to 82.5 ± 5.00 g/kg). The levels of P were significantly higher in the femur (P < 0.001) in female chickens and in the tibiotarsus (P < 0.001) in male chickens. The Ca:P ratios for both analysed bones was greater in males (femur 2.20, tibiotarsus 2.21), as compared to females (femur 1.98, tibiotarsus 2.09). The mean weight of male and female broiler chickens on Day 40 was 2 694 ± 32.6 g and 2 345 ± 23.9 g, respectively. In comparison with the expected performance parameters of ROSS 308 hybrid chickens, the weight increased in both male and female chickens by 8.2% and 10.6%, respectively. Although the chickens grew very quickly, no clinical signs indicating pathological changes in the bone system were found.

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that induces several of human illnesses. The staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) production as the results of previous growth of toxigenic strains is the most crucial problem which may lead to the staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks in humans. That is why the growth of three strains of Staphylococcus aureus was characterised in milk and modelled in dependence of temperature. For the lag phase duration of S. aureus 2064, the Davey model was used with the following result: ln(1/lag) = 1.973 - 87.92/T + 285.09/T² (R² = 0.962). The dependence of the growth rate on incubation temperature was modelled by the Ratkowsky square root model and Gibson in sub-optimal and whole temperature range, respectively. The validation of both models showed high significance of the growth rate data fitting. The optimal temperature of T_opt = 38.5°C was resulted from Gibson model for the S. aureus 2064 growth in milk. For practical purpose, the time necessary for the increase of S. aureus by 3 log counts was also calculated within the growth temperature range. These data may provide useful information e.g. for the producers using raw milk in their artisanal cheese practice as the specific strains were used in this study.

Antioxidant capacity of foods and food supplements based on berries and flowers of medicinal plant elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) was assessed. Reducing properties of the samples and extracts were evaluated using amperometric detection at working electrode potential -0.8 V after HPLC separation. Moreover, antiradical activity of selected samples was determined by the means of spectrophotometric DPPH radical scavenging method. Electrochemical activity (EA) of fresh juice pressed from elder fruits amounted to 0.71 g AAE/l with anthocyanins as minor contributors (10.2%). Catechins and phenolic acids were the major active groups. During production of elder berry spread, even more than 90% of the EA compounds found in raw elder berry material can be destroyed. Comparable activity may be found also in the products from elder flowers. Although elder blossom syrups possessed similar EA regardless of the technology used (0.033-0.054 g AAE/kg), their chromatographic patterns were often very different. For example, no flavonols were present in the syrups, if traditional preparation comprising 24-h maceration with citric acid was applied. Analyzing the chromatographic patterns, one can distinguish different base materials and technology, which can be used for the authenticity confirmation. Herbal infusions from elder flowers, which contain more flavonols than are in syrups, were 16-27 times richer in EA than drinks prepared from the syrups after recommended dilution. Only the syrup designed for preventing and treating upper-respiratory viral infections showed the EA (0.09 g AAE/kg) comparable to that of herbal infusion (0.13 g AAE/l).

The use of cleaned and cut fresh vegetables for direct consumption without cooking is limited by the short shelf life caused by the fast growth of contaminating microflora. With the aim of reducing the contamination, we tested the possible use of peroxyacetic acid (brand name Persteril) as an additive. Peroxyacetic acid breaks down quickly into oxygen and acetic acid; with the latter quickly vaporising through the packaging. Tests were carried out on a model of pre-washed, cut, and re-washed carrots, which were left naturally contaminated to resemble real grocery store conditions. Four decontamination regimens were applied: (1) rinsing with ordinary tap (drinking) water, (2) rinsing with a 0.2% solution of Persteril, (3) rinsing with a 0.2% solution of Persteril + the addition of concentrated Persteril into the packaging before sealing, and (4) rinsing with a 0.2% solution of Persteril + the addition of concentrated Persteril into the packaging before sealing + another addition of concentrated Persteril after 24 hours. The total number of aerobe mesophilic microorganisms (TNM) and the numbers of yeasts and molds were monitored in the samples taken during 28-days of storage. The last decontamination regimen reduced the initial contamination by TNM by about 1× 104 CFU/g or 4 log units and no further microbial growth was observed during storage. Yeasts and molds were reduced by about 3.16 × 103 CFU/g or 3.5 log units. No statistically significant changes in colour, texture or taste were noted during storage. There was a slight change immediately after the application in the odour of samples treated with concentrated Persteril; however, the odour returned to original levels during storage.

These traits of fruit colour were evaluated in 24 apricot genotypes for six years: basic colour, overcolour, flesh colour and attractiveness. The evaluation involved variability of colour traits and correlations between these traits in a six-year period. The evaluated genotypes were significantly different in colour traits; it will facilitate the selection of commercially interesting genotypes. Highly significant correlation coefficients (r = 0.56⁺⁺ to r = 0.96⁺⁺) were calculated for the rank of the values of particular traits in 1994-1999; it confirmed that the traits are genetically conditioned. As for the correlations between the traits, the closest correlation was found out between basic colour of fruit and flesh colour (r = 0.53⁺⁺ to r = 0.96⁺⁺) and between basic colour and overcolour (r = 0.45⁺⁺ to r = 0.65⁺⁺). In the six-year period fruit attractiveness showed the lowest variability expressed by average coefficient of variation (v = 14.98%) while fruit overcolour had the highest variability (v = 41.14%). The coefficients of variation for basic colour and flesh colour were at a medium level. Harogem and Harlayne were the most interesting varieties by their colour traits. Among the registered and most frequently grown varieties in the CR it was Velkopavlovická LE-6/2. The varieties Lednická M-90-A and Vynoslivyj were the most promising for producers by their colour.

The phenological stages, flower characteristics, shoot growth and flower bud differentiation of sweet cherries, cv. Hongdeng and Van, were investigated in different climatic zones in China, subtropical monsoon climatic zone (Shanghai, 31°14'N, 121°29'E) and temperate climatic zone (Qingdao, 37°09'N, 121°20'E). Sweet cherry trees grown in subtropical monsoon climatic zone had earlier phenological stage and longer blooming duration than those grown in temperate climatic zone. Fruit growth periods of Hongdeng and Van in Qingdao were 38 days and 51 days, respectively, but only 29 days and 45 days in Shanghai. Both cultivars showed more abnormal flowers under subtropical monsoon climate. The percentage of fruit set under open pollination in Hongdeng and Van were 31% and 24% in Qingdao, respectively, but only 0.4% and 3.2% in Shanghai. The trees grew more vigorous in Shanghai; flower bud differentiation was delayed by high temperature and superabundant rainfall in subtropical monsoon climate zone and more easily affected by the overlap of current shoot growth.

We studied the optimal conditions for the biofilm development by Listeria monocytogenes on a model system represented by microtiter plates, and also for determined some effective disinfectant agents. Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932 and an industrial isolate of Listeria monocytogenes Lm-24 were compared as to their abilities to form biofilms. The starting concentration of the cells leading to the most reproducible results was 0.5 McFarland. The temperatures tested ranged between 8°C to 37°C, the optimal values to form biofilm in buffered peptone water (BPW) with 0.05% glucose were 25°C and 30°C. Under comparable conditions the persistent strain L. monocytogenes Lm-24 constituted more massive biofilm than did the reference strain. The following disinfectants were applied: Savo, Merades Alco, benzalalkonium chloride. A persistent industry in isolate Listeria monocytogenes Lm-24 was used as the model organism for these tests. Benzalalkonium chloride treatment was found to be the most efficient way to damage the biofilm. One minute treatment with 500 mg/l was lethal for the biofilm cells, and that with 125 mg/l for planctonic cells. Savo suppresed the viability of the biofilm cells only by about 20% on average while being lethal for planctonic cells. Merades Alco exhibited only a weak effect on both the biofilm and planctonic cells.

: In chick hatcheries, males of laying hybrids are considered to be "waste" and the majority of these males are killed just after hatching. On the other hand, the interest of consumers in products from alternative systems (organic, free-range) is increasing. The idea was to evaluate the meat quality of these males when they have access to free range because there is not such a study available. The aim of this study was to compare the physical and sensory quality of the meat of layer males with fast-growing broilers at the same age when they had both access to free range and when they were fed to 49 and 90 days of age. Slow-growing ISABROWN (IB) layer males and fast-growing Ross 308 (RS) chickens were kept in free-range conditions to evaluate carcass and meat quality at 49 days and 90 days of age. Live weight, carcass yield, breast meat yield and the proportion of abdominal fat were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in RS at both ages. The proportions of fat in the breast meat were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in IB at both ages. The value of pH 24 h was significantly higher in IB and the meat was darker (P < 0.001) in these chickens. The overall acceptability was significantly better (P < 0.01) in IB at 90 days of age. The laying males are acceptable for an alternative system of poultry meat production from the aspect of meat quality. The quality was comparable or even higher in comparison with fast-growing chickens.

The effect of supplementing dietary selenium (Se) and vitamin E was investigated in 330 24-week-old laying hens. The hens were fed a basal diet containing Se and α-tocopherol at 0.11 and 26 mg/kg, respectively, or a diet supplemented with Se at 0.3 mg/kg and vitamin E between 0 and 625 mg/kg. Se was supplied as Se-methionine or sodium selenite. The eggs were collected for analysis during the third, seventh and eleventh weeks of the experiment. Supplementation of either form of Se significantly increased the Se concentration in egg yolks and whites, with a more pronounced effect caused by Se-methionine. The egg yolk α-tocopherol concentration paralleled the dietary α-tocopherol concentration. At a high dietary α-tocopherol concentration (632 mg/kg), the retinol content in egg yolks from hens fed Se-methionine increased significantly. Supplementation of Se-methionine significantly increased the α-tocopherol content in the eggs in the third and seventh weeks of the experiment. A moderate decrease in yolk cholesterol was observed in hens fed Se-methionine and α-tocopherol at 119 mg/kg. The concentration of products from lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS) in egg yolks increased marginally during the refrigerated storage of the eggs for 2 weeks. The effect of dietary vitamin E on TBARS formation was generally small, although a more significant effect was observed at the highest dose tested.

Colic was treated surgically in 576 horses (545 individuals). Twenty-seven horses were subjected to surgery twice and two horses three times during the period of this study. A total of 371 horses (64.4%) were discharged from the hospital, 205 animals (35.6%) died or were euthanised; 16 of them died during anaesthesia, 102 horses were subjected to euthanasia during surgery, 24 patients did not recover from anaesthesia after surgery completion, and 63 horses did not survive the postoperative period. Ileus of the small intestine was diagnosed in 267 cases (46.4%), affection of the large colon in 239 cases (41.5%), lesion of the small colon in 22 cases (3.8%), lesion of the caecum in 19 cases (3.3%), and affection of stomach and rectum in four and one cases, respectively. In 14 animals (2.4%), lesions were located at two different sites of the gastrointestinal tract. In four horses, the cause of colic was located outside the gastrointestinal tract. Three animals were affected by diffuse peritonitis. No gastrointestinal lesion could be identified during surgery in three horses with recurrent colic. The most common causes of small intestine ileus included incarceration in inguinal hernia (50 of 267 horses, 18.7%), hernia of the omental foramen (31 of 267 horses, 11.6%), anterior enteritis (19 of 267 horses, 7.1%), mesenterial volvulus (18 of 267 horses, 6.7%), and ileal impaction (18 of 267 horses, 6.7%). The most common caecal disorder was acute constipation/dysfunction (5 of 19 horses, 26.3%). Frequent causes of the large colon colic were torsion (63 of 239 horses, 26.4%), left dorsal displacement (36 of 239 horses, 15.1%), and right dorsal displacement (23 of 239 horses, 9.6%). The small colon was most often affected by focal obstruction/constipation (9 out of 22 horses, 40.9%). Surgical treatment of colic of the small intestine, caecum, large colon, and small colon was successful in 59.6%, 36.8%, 73.3%, and 63.6% of the cases, respectively.

Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is the most industrial commercial tree species among more than 80 broadleaved trees and shrubs in Hyrcanian forests. In this study some of the silvicultural properties of beech were studied under a shelterwood cutting system in a regeneration unit of 25 years old stand in Sangdeh forests of Iran. Tree height, diameter, canopy cover, variety of species, frequency at different stages of growth (seedling, sapling, thicket and pole) and tree density at juvenile phase were recorded in 431 circular 1,000 m² sample plots before and after shelterwood cutting. Results indicated that tree density in the diameter at breast height (dbh) class of < 20 cm increased during shelterwood cutting. Canopy cover of regeneration unit was 78.5% in 1957, while in 2000 and after the shelterwood cutting it reached 59%. Growing stages of regeneration were 14% sapling, 21% thicket, 24% small pole and 41% pole. The shelterwood method has not been very successful in our study area due to a number of technical and potential problems.

The effects of high power ultrasound of 24 kHz and ultrasound bath of 24 kHz frequency on the textural and pasting properties of corn starch suspensions was examined. Suspensions were treated with different intensities and treatment times (15 min and 30 min) using an ultrasound probe set and bath. The treatments with high power ultrasound probes caused a significant lowering of the starting gelatinisation temperatures of corn starch. The ultrasound treatment caused disruption of starch granules by cavitational forces and made the granules more permeable to water. The highest viscosity was observed for the treatment with 300 W probe. Also, a statistically significant increase in solubility in water (20°C) was observed, being caused by the disruption of starch granules and molecules by ultrasound treatment. When applying more powerful ultrasound, starch granules, specifically in the amorphous region, are much more mechanically damaged. The texture profile analyses of the starch gel prepared from the suspensions that had been treated with ultrasound probe presented higher hardness and higher values of adhesiveness and cohesiveness when compared with untreated suspensions or those treated with ultrasound bath. Micrography showed an obvious impact of ultrasound on the structure of starch granules. Ultrasound treatment ruptures and mechanically damages the starch granules causing collapse of cavitation bubbles which induces high pressure gradients and high local velocities of the liquid layers in their vicinity.

The growth and survival of rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.) were evaluated in a laboratory at 25°C. In 20-day Experiment 1, first-feeding larvae at the age of 4 days post-hatch (initially: TL = 5.7 mm, BW = 0.9 mg) were fed live Artemia nauplii or commercial dry feed (Aller Futura Larvae, AFL) or combinations of both. Even the longest period of initial feeding of nauplii (6 days) was insufficient to obtain satisfactory larval growth after weaning to AFL (TL = 12.4 mm and BW = 17.7 mg vs. TL = 18.9 mm and BW = 68.5 mg for the nauplii-fed fish, significant differences). Nauplii-fed older larvae (24 days post-hatch) were then used in Experiment 2, in which they were fed AFL or Ewos AgloNorse (EAN) dry feeds for 40 days. The EAN diet proved to be significantly (P ≤ 0.05) superior to AFL regarding the final fish growth (TL = 36.5 mm and BW = 506.8 mg vs. TL = 33.4 mm and BW = 392.0 mg ), final survival rates (97.6% vs. 100%) and the incidence of spinal deformities (0% vs. 13.5%).