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Different mastitis pathogens induce different courses of infection, i.e. more or less severe. Mammary epithelial cells play an important role in the initial combat against microorganisms by expression of cytokines and acute phase proteins that regulate the immune response. The objective of the present study was to investigate the involvement of the epithelial cells into the outcome of mastitis induced by different pathogens. Primary epithelial cell cultures isolated from milk were used to test the immune response by measuring the mRNA expression of immunomodulators and their influence on polymorph nuclear chemotaxis. Because the cells showed different responses to isolated bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, and peptidoglycans) compared to whole bacteria, they were treated with heat inactivated (10 MOI) gram-negative Escherichia coli, a very common pathogen causing acute intra-mammary infections, with Staphylococcus aureus, a prevalent cause of chronic, and, Streptococcus uberis, an inducer of acute and chronic mastitis. E. coli induced an increased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-8 within a 1 h treatment. A treatment for 6 h with E. coli and S. aureus induced increased mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-á and serum amyloid A (SAA). After a 24 h treatment the expression of these immunomodulators was still elevated, except in the E. coli treatment the SAA expression showed no differences to control cells anymore. Interestingly, Str. uberis in the same concentration did only induce the expression of IL-8 after a 6 h treatment but had no influence on other immunomodulator mRNA expression. Cell culture supernatants of E. coli and S. aureus treated cells for 12 h increased leukocyte chemotaxis in a 96-well MultiScreen^TMMIC-plate. S. aureus seemed to induce increased chemotaxis after shorter treatments than E. coli. In conclusion, mammary epithelial cells are involved in the different immune response to various mastitis pathogens, and the induction of chemotaxis of leukocytes from blood to milk during mastitis. Therefore, most likely epithelial cells play a role in the differential pattern of immunomediators stimulated by different pathogens.

We investigated chemoprotective effects of broccoli juice, treated with high pressure method, using 500 MPa for a period of 10 minutes. By the use of this method, the conservation of nutritionally important substances occurs (for example vitamins, polyphenolic compounds, glucosinolates and other constituent substances). We followed the inhibition of mutagenicity of the model mutagen, N-nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU), by means of in vivo micronucleus test. After fourteen-day application of broccoli juice (0.2 ml/10 g of body weight of mouse) and after a single administration of MNU mutagen (50 mg/kg), a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.01) occurred of the number of micronuclei induced by the application of MNU. Broccoli juice treated with high pressure therefore seems to have a preventive potential against MNU-induced micronuclei formation in BALB/C mouse bone marrow cells.

Nine Bornean river turtles (Orlitia borneensis, Gray, 1873) suffering from lethargy, ulcerations and caseous necrosis of the plastron were evaluated for haematology and plasma chemistry. Intra-erythrocytic haemogregarine parasites were associated with anaemia, low haemoglobin, basophilia, eosinophilia, heterophilia and azurophilia. After eight months of treatment consisting of antibiotics, debridement and scrubbing of lesions with enilconazole or povidone iodine, rehydration, deworming and tube feeding, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, heterophils and azurophils returned to the normal ranges. Haematocrit, RBC and haemoglobin concentration were under the normal ranges in 24 months. A progressive decrease in haemogregarine parasitaemia was also seen, however, haematologic changes could not be definitely attributed to these parasites.

The separation of stillage was tested by means of the pilot plantARNO600-BIO using three-channel ceramic membranes with the pore diameter range from microfiltration to ultrafiltration (1.4 µm-5 kDa). The permeate from the last membrane step was able to be recycled as technological water. The best results were achieved in the arrangement of series using 0.2 µm membrane as the first step supplemented by ultra-filtration membranes (50 kDa and 15 kDa), predominantly, where the reduction of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) extended 80%. With this process, we try to get some advantages over the conventional process in terms of eliminating both land and energy costs for the wastewater treatment process and improving the quality of the discharge water. The main goal in this study is to analyse different separation steps and conditions to find both the best separation options for the decrease of the final volume of distillery stillage, and the way how to make the bio ethanol production more profitable.

The differences in C isotope ratio of C₃ and C₄ plant species have been used to determine relative contributions of carbon (C) sources to total CO₂ efflux. The objective of this study was to estimate the contribution of soil organic C and C₃ sugar to total CO₂ of corn and wheat monocultures during a short-term incubation. Control soils and soils amended with sugar were incubated at 25°C for 48 hours and total CO₂ concentration and δ¹³C values of evolved CO₂ were measured. The proportional contribution of C sources on CO₂ efflux was determined by using isotopic composition of soil organic C and C₃ sugar. δ¹³C values of soils are highly affected by the type of vegetation and the soil management. The C₃ sugar addition in soils double the CO₂ efflux in the corn soil, but it did not affect CO₂ efflux in the wheat soil. This indicated a larger turnover of microbial biomass in the corn soil. The greatest significant (P < 0.05) difference in δ¹³C values between the control and sugar added soils occurred at 12 hours in the corn soil (11.2‰) and at 24 hours in the wheat soil (9.4‰). The estimated relative contribution of sugar to CO₂efflux was stronger at 12 hours incubation in the corn soil.

Land market in the Czech Republic is monitored by the Research Institute of Agricultural Economics on the sample of 24 districts (1/3 of the CR). Land prices depend on the area, culture and region of the plot. Sales of small plots (up to 1 ha) prevail. These plots are usually purchased for non-agricultural use and their prices are many times higher than prices of large plots (above 5 ha) which are usually bought for agricultural purpose. Land market is not well developed, only 0.2-0.4% of the monitored area is sold each year. But in the last years, it is increasing. Compared with land prices in the west EU countries, land market prices in the CR are low.

In this study, pathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica were identified by microbiological and PCR methods. The samples were collected from pigs, cattle, poultry, and slaughter houses. Three common techniques were used to isolate Y. enterocolitica from the samples - ITC, PSB, and direct on the CIN. Primers A1/A2, Y1/Y2, and rfbC 1/rfbC 2 were used for the specific detection of the pathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica. Traditional microbiological methods were found to be insufficient for the specific identification of the Y. enterocolitica pathogen. In comparison with PCR which was able to detect 149 strains, the biochemical test could detect only 138 species. These results show that the use of biochemical methods of cultivation did not allow the identification of all Y. enterocolitica pathogens. In total, 149 strains of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica were examined of which 120 were from pigs, 19 from poultry, 8 were cattle strains, and 2 came from the environments of slaughterhouses.

The efficiency of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponges in combination with either pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) or cloprostenol (PGF_2α) for inducing and synchronizing the estrous cycle in non-lactating Kivircik ewes was investigated during the natural non-breeding season. All ewes (n = 69) were treated with 60 mg MAP sponges for 12 days. In addition, each ewe received an intramuscular injection of either 1.5 ml sterile saline solution (n = 18); 125 μg PGF_2α (n = 14); 500 IU PMSG (n = 18) or 500 IU PMSG and 125 μg PGF_2α (n = 19), 48 h before the sponge removal. Cervical artificial insemination (AI) with diluted fresh semen was performed at a fixed time (48 and 60 h) following progestagen withdrawal. The different groups estrous response for the first 24 ± 6 h and within 120 h, time to onset and duration of the induced estrous, and pregnancy rate was found to be 36.2%, 81.6%, 41.7 ± 2.3 h, 29.6 ± 1.5 h, and 54.5%, respectively. There were significant differences between groups MAP and MAP/PGF_2α and their with the two latter groups (MAP/PMSG, MAP/PMSG/PGF_2α) in terms of the onset of induced estrous (P < 0.05) and between groups MAP and MAP/PGF_2α in terms of the duration of induced estrous (P < 0.05) and between the first two groups (MAP, MAP/PGF_2α) and the latter two groups (MAP/PMSG, MAP/PMSG/PGF_2α) in terms of estrous response at the first 24 ± 6 h (P < 0.05). These results indicate that, the use of MAP/PMSG, rather than MAP or MAP/PGF_2α, was effective in the attainment of early and compact induction and synchronization of estrous in non-lactating Kivircik ewes during the natural non-breeding season.

Certain physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the flavoured kefir drink were studied during refrigerated storage. Kefir drink batches were prepared using 2% addition of kefir grains, incubation for 18 h and subsequent filtration. The batches were then flavoured with blackberry, raspberry and strawberry aromas in the concentrations of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15%, respectively. The samples were taken for analysis on 1^st, 4^th, 7^th, and 10^th days of storage at 4 ± 1°C. The sensory analysis of the flavoured kefir samples revealed the best acceptability level on the 4^th day of storage. Nevertheless, the samples were acceptable all throughout the storage. The percentage of the aroma addition significantly influenced the odour, flavour, texture, and mouth-feel, and the overall acceptability ratings. The higher percentage of the added aroma the more sensed, however, the lowest aroma addition was preferable. The pHs of the flavoured kefir drinks decreased throughout the storage time whereas, the titratable acidity, alcohol content and CO₂ values increased.

Campylobacter species, in particular C. jejuni and C. coli, cause infections which vary in symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic to severe chronic illness. The only ISO method for the detection of Campylobacter spp. until now has been the cultivation by selective enrichment and distinct conditions of growth taking several days to complete. We compared the Singlepath^® Campylobacter test which involved 24 h of enrichment in Bolton broth, with PCR-based identification. Chicken meat salad with mayonnaise was spiked with C. jejuni and C. coli and the detection limit was determined. PCR provided the same detection limit of 10² CFU/ml for both strains. The immunotest Singlepath^® was positive with C. jejuni only, the quantity of cells being 10³ CFU/ml. C. coli was undetectable by Singlepath^®, even the concentration of 10⁵ did not reveal a positive reaction.

A method based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) principle was validated for detecting cow's milk in goat and sheep cheeses. DNA was isolated from the cheeses using the isolation kit Invisorb Spin Food I by Invitek Co., designed for the samples of animal origin. The PCR method applied utilizes the sequence of the mitochondrial gene coding cytochrome b which is specific for mammals. It uses the common forward primer and the reverse primer species-specific. After electrophoresis, cow DNA was characterised by the fragment of the size of 274 bp, goat DNA by the fragment of 157 bp, and sheep DNA by the fragment of 331 bp. The detection limit of the PCR method described (1%) was determined with model samples made from pure goat cheese with a defined addition of cheese made from cow's milk. The method validated was applied in the analysis of 17 goat cheeses and 7 sheep cheeses obtained from retail trade. Products of Czech, Slovak, French, Dutch, and Italian origin were examined. The presence of undeclared cow's milk was detected in three kinds of goat cheese and in one of sheep cheese.

Forty-seven Kivircik ram lambs, aged 2 months, raised and managed under an intensive system were used to measure the development of testis diameter and length, and scrotum circumference, length and volume, and their association with the development of body growth. The effects of age and body weight of lambs, type of birth and dam age on the development of the five testicular parameters from weaning at 2-6 months of age were investigated. In ram lambs, the respective least-squares means of testis measurements: testis diameter, testis length, scrotum circumference, scrotum length and scrotum volume were 2.55 ± 0.099 cm, 5.83 ± 0.165 cm, 15.23 ± 0.650 cm, 7.24 ± 0.287 cm and 87.57 ± 5.921 cm³ at 2 months; and 2.99 ± 0.099 cm, 6.59 ± 0.164 cm, 14.24 ± 0.657 cm, 10.60 ± 0.290 cm and 157.49 ± 5.987 cm³ at 6 months. The effect of birth type on testis diameter and the effect of dam age on testis length were significant (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), besides the effects of lamb age and live weight of lambs on the whole testis measurements were significant (P < 0.01).

The quality of produced milk and piglet growth were investigated in three groups of lactating Large White sows fed three mixtures containing different levels of lysine, threonine and crude protein. Piglets were weighed immediately after delivery and then in weekly intervals. At the age of 21 days the litter weight was the highest in group B (67.96 kg; P < 0.05), i.e. in the group with the highest dietary content of amino acids. Milk from lactating sows was sampled and analysed. An increased level of dietary amino acids became evident in milk at the first milk sampling (i.e. three days after delivery), when the content of lysine and threonine in milk was significantly the highest in group B (lysine 11.96 g/16 g N; threonine 6.72 g/16 g N; P < 0.05). The level of amino acids in milk and the differences between groups diminished in the following samplings. The changes of crude protein in milk were similar.

Polyphenols are important antioxidant constituents of apples and they contribute positively to human health because they possess an antiradical activity. Fifteen apple varieties were analysed for their total polyphenol content (TP) by two methods - by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent (FC) and by EBC method with carboxylmethylcellulose/sodium ethylendiamintetraacetate (CMC/EDTA) and their antiradical activity (ARA) by DPPH method using stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.). TP and ARA were determined in freshly expressed apple juice and apples and obtained results were statistically evaluated. The differences between varieties were significant. The correlation between TP content determined by FC method determining all free aromatic hydroxyls and EBC method determining mainly ortho-aromatic hydroxyls was found with r = 0.73. The highest differences among analysed varieties were found for ARA values in both, juice and apples and for TP content determined by FC in apples. High polyphenol content was found in Jonagold, Jonalord, Melodie and Melrose varieties both, in apples and juices; on the contrary low TP contents were estimated in Gloster and Rosana varieties. The highest ARA levels were found inRajka,Bohemia andMelrose varieties, compared to low ARA levels found in apple fruits of Šampion and Topaz varieties.

The aim of the experiment was to compare the carcass composition of 20 Montbeliarde bulls (M) and 20 Czech Pied bulls (C). The carcass weight of the animals in one group varied minimally and was about 380 kg. The Montbeliarde bulls showed a higher growth rate, expressed by a significantly lower (P < 0.01) age at slaughter (562.6 vs. 626 days) while the live weight (682.9 vs. 690.6 kg) and carcass weight (380.4 vs. 382.6 kg) were comparable, which resulted in a significantly higher (P < 0.01) daily weight gain (1.142 vs. 1.045 kg) and net weight gain (0.676 vs. 0.615 kg). The Montbeliarde bulls showed a greater (P < 0.05) height at rump (144.0 vs. 140.2 cm), worse carcass conformation according to SEUROP (3.24 vs. 2.84), lower proportion of forequarter (44.7 vs. 45.7%) and higher proportion of hindquarter (55.3 vs. 54.3%). As for the carcass composition, no significant inter-breed differences were found in weights and proportions of shanks, meat trimmings, separable fat, bones, round, loin, filet, flank with rib, flank, shoulder and chuck. The Montbeliarde bulls had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) weight and proportion of neck (10.1 vs. 11.1 kg and 5.4 vs. 5.9%) and weight of brisket and rib (17.6 vs. 18.7 kg) and proportion of brisket and rib (9.4 vs. 9.9%, P < 0.01).

ISA Brown laying hens at 24 weeks of age, housed in laying battery cages, were used in this 4-group experiment. One group was fed a basal diet containing primarily maize, soybean meal and wheat. Selenium (Se) content of the basal diet was 0.07 mg/kg dry matter. The other hens received diets supplemented with Na₂SeO₃, Se-enriched yeast and Se-enriched alga Chlorella, respectively, in a concentration of 0.3 mg Se/kg. The experiment lasted twenty-seven weeks. Egg production, feed consumption, egg weight, physical parameters of egg white, yolk and egg shell were examined every third week and egg white and yolk Se content repeatedly. Se was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All three sources of added Se increased the egg white and egg yolk Se content (P < 0.001). Selenium in the organic form increased further Se in the egg components compared to sodium selenite (P < 0.001). More Se was deposited in egg white than in egg yolk, especially in relation to the increasing time of the experiment. The increase of Se concentration in egg white corresponded with increasing egg white weight in both organic selenium sources (P < 0.05). Higher egg white thickness and better Haugh units were observed only in the Se-Chlorella group. Hens receiving the diet with Se-Chlorella also had better egg production compared to the basal diet (P < 0.05). Egg weight was significantly higher in the Se-Chlorella and Se-yeast groups compared to the basal diet and the diet with sodium selenite (P < 0.05). The Se-enriched alga Chlorella showed summarily best results.

In 2003 to 2005, Chrysomela populi L. gradated on yearly cut Populus nigra var. italica in street alleys in Brno and elsewhere. Imagoes occurred on trees from the end of April or from the beginning of May. In rearing, the chrysomelid consumed unwillingly leaves of 2-year shoots and laid on average 142 eggs. On leaves of shoots, imagoes damaged 100 to 200 cm² during 5 to 7 weeks, produced 480 to 900 frass pellets and laid on average 506 eggs. Oviposition was continual with breaks amounting to on average 2.6 days. Embryonal development took 6 to 8 (in the laboratory 5) days. Larvae of the 1^st generation occurred from mid-May to mid-July. In the course of 2 weeks (in the laboratory during 10 days) of life, they damaged about 20 cm² leaves and produced about 300 frass pallets. In the laboratory, prepupae took 2 days and pupae 4 days. Imagoes of the 1^st generation occurred from June to September. They damaged on average 113 cm² and produced on average 553 frass pellets and 653 eggs. At a temperature of 24 to 28°C, imagoes damaged on average 84 cm² during 2 to 3 weeks and diapaused until the next year. On growing up leaves, imagoes lived longer showing higher consumption of food and higher fecundity as against new fully-grown leaves. Larvae of the 2^nd generation destroyed on average 2 cm² smaller area than larvae of the 1^st generation. Part or all imagoes of the 2^nd generation diapaused. Imagoes of the 3^rd generation damaged 40 to 70 cm² leaves before departure to wintering grounds. In our natural conditions, the prospective 3^rd generation is always incomplete. Cleonice callida Meig. and Schizonotus sieboldi (Ratz.) rank among important enemies.

This study was performed to determine the influence of fermented goat and cow milk produced by the use of Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 on pathogenic Serratia marcescens and Campylobacter jejuni strains. The correlation between the inhibitory effect and some fermentation parameters (the number of viable probiotic cells and pH of fermented milk) was also determined. Bifidobacterium longum counts and pH values were also measured in milk samples during fermentation. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 fermented goat milk on Serratia marcescens increased with the fermentation time. The highest inhibitory effect of fermented cow milk occurred in the middle course of fermentation. Statistically significant correlation between the inhibition degree of Serratia marcescens growth and pH values of fermented goat milk was noted as opposed to the correlation between the inhibition degree of Serratia marcescens growth and pH values of fermented cow milk which was not statistically significant. All samples of goat and cow fermented milk exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of Campylobacter jejuni.

The object of the study was to determine if apoptosis of neutrophils and their subsequent elimination from the mammary gland by macrophages are modulated by an infection of Streptococcus uberis. The experiments were carried out in 5 clinically normal Holstein × Bohemian Red Pied crossbred heifers, aged 14 to 18 months. Before the experimental infection mammary glands were stimulated by PBS as a control. The samples of cell populations were obtained by lavages of the mammary glands in 4 intervals (24, 48, 72 and 168 h) after the PBS and after the experimental infection. Flow cytometry was used to determine the Annexin V positive and propidium jodide negative neutrophils (Annexin V⁺/PI^-). The light microscopy was used to determine apoptotic neutrophils and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive macrophages. After PBS and S. uberis administration the total number of both Annexin V⁺/PI^- neutrophils and karyopycnotic neutrophils peaked at 24 hours. The highest percentages of Annexin V⁺/PI^- neutrophils were detected at 72 h after PBS and S. uberis, respectively. The highest percentages of karyopycnotic neutrophils were detected at 72 h after PBS and 168 h after S. uberis, respectively. The total number of MPO+ macrophages was the highest at 24 h after PBS and 72 h after S. uberis. The percentage of MPO+ macrophages was the highest at 72 h after PBS and S. uberis. The results of this study demonstrate that during experimental infection of the mammary gland by S. uberis, the apoptosis of neutrophils is modulated. Apoptosis of neutrophils and the subsequent phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages were delayed. This may cause the transition of the acute inflammatory reaction to a chronic state.

The paper presents data on the induction of necroses after small injuries to beech stems caused by electrodes during measuring cambium electric resistance. Altogether 121 beech stems of tree class 1-3 (according to Kraft) were evaluated. Among 2,904 mechanical injuries in 121 stems evaluated (24 per stem), 155 injuries induced necroses, hence each 19^th injury induced necrosis. Most stems (33.06%) showed one necrosis, few stems (4.96%) showed even four necroses. 28.93% of stems did not show any necrosis. In order to prevent the infection of wounds and subsequent induction of necroses the authors recommend to treat any wounds with a suitable fungicide after using an equipment causing even negligible wounds of stems.

The factors important for the acrylamide formation in model systems were studied. The effects of two starch matrices (potato, wheat), the share of two monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) on the formation of acrylamide, and the impact of water addition were compared in model systems under isothermal conditions. Acrylamide was determined by GC/MS-NCI technique. The results showed that the water content is one of the most important factors in the formation of acrylamide, besides the reaction temperature and time. The minimum of acrylamide formation was observed at the water content between 25 and 40%; outside of this range, the acrylamide concentration was higher. The presence of starch reduced the amount of acrylamide formed from asparagine and saccharide, moreover, the effects of potato and wheat starches were similar. Fructose was more effective for the acrylamide formation in comparison with glucose. The combined contribution of glucose and fructose in the mixture with asparagine and starch to the acrylamide level corresponded to the sum of separate contributions of saccharides only at the middle content of added water.

Two ruminally cannulated Jersey cows were used to determine in situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of raw (E0) soybeans and soybeans extruded at 145°C (E145), 155°C (E155) and 165°C (E165). The degradation of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was estimated using nylon bags suspended in rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h calculating the effective ruminal degradabilities (ERD) for an assumed outflow rate of 0.06/h. Four extra sample bags were incubated for 12 h to determine CP digestibility using the mobile nylon bag method. Cows were fed a ration of 30% concentrate and 70% meadow hay. Soybean extrusion at all temperatures decreased the effective protein degradability significantly (P < 0.05). Soybean processing at the highest heat input (E165) decreased ERD (44.0%) in the rumen significantly while the values for E145 and E155 were similar, 50.8 and 50.3% respectively. Soybean extrusion at all tested temperatures was followed by a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the proportion of the rapidly degraded DM and CP fractions a, and both the increased proportions and reduced breakdown rate (c) of the fraction b. The intestinal protein digestibility values of the rumen-undegraded protein of extruded soybean were somewhat higher, however the observed differences between treatments were not significant (P < 0.05). Estimated intestinal digestibilities were 87.2, 89.7, 92.0 and 92.6% for E0, E145, E155 and E165, respectively.

The effect of various storage temperatures (3 ± 2°C; 24 ± 1°C and -18 ± 1°C) on the formation of biogenic amines in the muscle tissue of four hybrid lines of carp (Cyprinus carpio) with respect to microbial contamination was studied. Biogenic amines were determined by fluorescence detection HPLC based on pre-column dansylchloride derivatization. The studied microbiological parameters included total plate count, coliform bacteria count and psychrotrophic bacteria count. Concentrations of biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, tyramine, histamine and tryptamine) determined in the muscle tissue of hybrids of individual lines varied depending on temperature and storage period. All four lines showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine and tyramine concentrations over 7-day storage at 3 ± 2°C (mean values 9.7 ± 9.5, 3.4 ± 4.2, 10.1 ± 13.4, 6.3 ± 2.1 and 26.2 ± 4.7 mg/kg, respectively). No histamine was detected throughout the storage period. A health-threatening level of histamine was detected in samples stored at 24 ± 1°C for 2 days, accompanied by marked sensory changes. The highest mean value was 333.0 ± 100.0 mg/kg. Higher levels reaching significance (P < 0.01) compared with fresh fish were determined for putrescine (91.3 ± 54.6 mg/kg), cadaverine (213.0 ± 83.7 mg/kg), and tyramine (138.0 ± 45.1 mg/kg). In samples stored at -18 ± 1°C for 3 months, the content of biogenic amines did not differ at the level of significance from the values determined in the fresh muscle tissue. Putrescine and cadaverine levels were the best correlates of growing bacteria count. Significant differences between individual hybrid lines of carp were detected at none of the storage temperatures, neither between individual biogenic amines nor between the microbiological indicators determined.

The objective of this study was to find out the amino acid composition of pig meat in relation to live weight and sex. In total 80 (40 barrows/40 gilts) finishing pigs of the final hybrid kept in the Czech Republic [(CL × CLW) × (D × PN)] = [(Czech Landrace × Czech Large White) × (Duroc × Pietrain)] were used in this experiment. The pigs were slaughtered at the average age of 168–171 days after birth, at the average live weight of 112.2 kg. The samples of meat were taken from the musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT) 24 hours post mortem and subsequently subjected to the chemical analysis. As for the essential and semi-essential amino acids (EAA/SEAA), the highest content was found out in lysine, leucine and arginine. Among the nonessential amino acids (NEAA) glutamic and aspartic acid were present. The highest values of threonine (6.81%), isoleucine (6.13%), leucine (9.21%), lysine (10.54%), arginine (7.88%), serine (6.13%), glutamic acid (15.65%), glycine (6.04%) and alanine (6.25%) were found out in gilts, of valine (6.36%) and proline (5.56%) in the group of barrows with the highest live weight, i.e. 115.1 kg and more. The highest value of phenylalanine (1.34%) was measured in the group with the lowest live weight. The indirect dependence between the content of amino acids and live weight was determined only for valine in gilts. The influence of live weight was found in proline and the influence of sex as statistically significant on the probability level P ≤ 0.05 was found in lysine. The highest/lowest values of water content in barrows as well as in gilts were measured in the group of 115.1 kg and more/105.1–115 kg live weight. 
A decreasing tendency of the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) was recorded with the increasing live weight. The values of water content, IMF and ash content were found to be significant on the probability level P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01. In barrows with the growth of live weight the content of crude proteins also increased. In gilts the content of crude proteins reached the point of inflexion already in the group of 105.1–115 kg live weight. In the values of crude protein content the influence of live weight was not significant. With the growth of live weight the content of ash also slightly increased.

A modified electrometric method was described in sheep, goats and cattle and used to demonstrate in vitro inhibition of plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities by the organophosphate and carbamate insecticides dichlorvos and carbaryl, respectively. A typical reaction mixture for the measurement of cholinesterase activity contained 3 ml distilled water, 3 ml barbital-phosphate buffer (pH 8.1), 0.2 ml plasma or erythrocytes and 0.1 ml acetylthiocholine iodide (7.5%) as a substrate. The mixture was incubated at 37^οC for 30 min in sheep, 40 min in goats and 20 min in cattle. The pH of the reaction mixture was determined by a pH meter before and after the incubation. The initial pH was measured before the substrate addition. The enzyme activity was expressed as ∆pH/incubation time = (pH1 - pH2) - ∆pH of blank. The method of inhibitor-cholinesterase incubation was used to measure the in vitro inhibition of plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities. Dichlorvos in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 μm inhibited plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities by 24-85%, whereas carbaryl in concentrations of 5 and 10 μm inhibited them by 50-89%. The results suggest that the described electrometric method could be efficiently used for detecting cholinesterase inhibition in ruminants, and further point to the value of the present experimental protocol of in vitro cholinesterase inhibition in preliminary toxicological examinations of anticholinesterase compounds

An association between yield components and their direct and indirect influence on the grain yield of wheat were investigated. 24 breeding lines were tested in a randomized complete block experiment design with three replications. According to the results the phenotypic correlation among the traits and their path coefficient were estimated. Positive significant correlation coefficients were obtained for association between survival rate treatment I (0.35*) and III (0.34*), leaf venation (0.51*), stomatal frequency (0.39*), osmotic pressure (0.30*), flag leaf area (0.85*), number of tillers per plant (0.70*) with grain yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. A negatively significant correlation between hygrophilic colloids (-0.15*) and epidermal cell size (-0.22*) with grain yield per plant was obtained at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path coefficients were also computed to estimate the contribution of character to the yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that flag leaf area (1.34), root/shoot ratio (0.51) and survival rate II (0.56) had the highest positive direct effects on grain yield, while hygrophilic colloids (-0.24) and osmotic pressure (-0.07) had a negative direct effect on grain yield. The results thus obtained suggested that flag leaf area is an important component of yield and hence needs a special attention in selection strategies.

The main objective of this research was to verify the effect of feed mixtures supplemented with clinoptilolite-containing ZeoFeed (at a level of 1% and 2%) on the performance traits of broiler chickens in the period of their growth. Experimental results confirmed a positive effect of clinoptilolite on the performance of chickens which was demonstrated by a highly significant increase in the average live weight (P ≤ 0.01) of broiler chickens at 40 days of age. The average live weight of broiler chickens was 2.24 kg (at a dose of 1%) and 2.28 kg (at a dose of 2%) with feed conversion of 1.84 kg (at a dose of 1%) and 1.95 kg (at a dose of 2%) while the average live weight of control broiler chickens was 2.12 kg with feed conversion of 1.83 kg. No differences between both groups were found in water consumption. Chickens in all monitored groups showed very good health and a very low rate of mortality (3.75% in control group, 1.25% at a dose of 1% and 3.75% at a dose of 2%). It follows from the experiments that the clinoptilolite-containing product may serve as a suitable feed supplement to feed mixtures for broiler chickens.

The work objective is to differentiate rural land of Slovakia with aspect to the possibility of effective rye growing. The differentiation is based on pedo-climatic and production economic parameters. At soil categorization, correlation relationships between the site properties (soil and climatic conditions) and crop biological and agro-technological requirements were considered. Rye requirements were included into yield databases using the software filters in the way that the given site property excluded or limited rye growing, what was reflected in predicted production. The prediction was subsequently interpolated into four suitability categories: soils not suitable for rye growing, less suitable soils, suitable soils and very suitable soils. The database was formed and each of the Bonited Soil-Ecological Units (BSEU) was added in it as well as particular category of suitability for rye growing. By mediation of the Geographic Information System on BSEU distribution in Slovakia, the map of categories of soil suitability for rye growing was also generated. In Slovakia, there is 21% of farmland very suitable for rye growing, 23% suitable, 24% less suitable and 32% non-suitable soils for rye growing according to our calculation. In the paper, these categories are characterized in details and specified from the view of geographic, soil, climatic, productivity, economic and energetic parameters.

The imbibition of triticale kernels with a different degree of sprouting and with no visible sprouting symptoms was studied using digital image analysis and the classical weight method. Measurements were performed at two-hour intervals for the first 14 hours of imbibition, and at 24 and 26 hours. The area, perimeter, length and width of kernel images, and ten different shape factors were determined along with the weight of imbibing kernels. The germination capacity was determined on the seeds used for measurements. Kernels showing the lowest degree of sprouting were characterized by the highest rate of water uptake in comparison with the control. Most of shape descriptors were significantly correlated with kernel weight, especially image area (r = 0.688) and two shape factors (calculated on the basis of image perimeter and area) of S₉ and S₁₀ (r = 0.742 and 0.958, respectively), which makes them the best descriptors of image of imbibing seeds.

The study was aimed at determining potential differences in seed quality of spring and winter barley in relation to varieties (four winter and two spring barley varieties) and growing conditions (six locations, two years). Three tests were performed on each seed sample, i.e. (1) the standard germination test; (2) the low temperature and drought stress germination test and (3) the germination test in a salt solution. The effects of the factors of variety, provenance and year on seed vigour were estimated by the analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. The germination of winter varieties was influenced by provenance, both measures of vigour (2 and 3) by year, and significant differences between varieties were found in all three traits. Spring varieties differed only in germination and vigour (3) in one year when the influence of provenance prevailed. The results show different effects of variety and provenance on seed vigour. This could be promising for the breeding of high vigour barley varieties. Some preliminary results were obtained by using controlled deterioration (CD) as a vigour testing method for barley. The suitable conditions seem to be the combination of 45°C and 24% moisture content for the period of 24 hours.