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What is the importance of social capital in Czech agriculture? An analysis of selected componentsPavel POSPĚCH, Daniela SPĚŠNÁAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2011, 57(6):279-287 | DOI: 10.17221/163/2010-AGRICECON The paper examines the role of social capital in Czech agricultural sector. It is argued that social capital, just like economic capital, can be employed as a resource for the improvement of economic performance of agricultural enterprises. This hypothesis is tested on a sample of primary data and an analysis of the selected indicators of social capital is presented. These include personal social networks, membership in agricultural associations and access to sources of information. Following the results, it is argued that the presence of informal personal ties displays a stronger relationship to the entrepreneurial success than formal membership in agricultural associations. This outcome suggests a comparatively strong role of social capital in the dynamics of the sector. |
Evaluation of 11 microsatellite loci for their use in paternity testing in Yugoslav Pied cattle (YU Simmental cattle)J. Stevanovic, Z. Stanimirovic, V. Dimitrijevic, M. MaleticCzech J. Anim. Sci., 2010, 55(6):221-226 | DOI: 10.17221/183/2009-CJAS Eleven microsatellite loci (TGLA227, BM2113, TGLA53, ETH10, SPS115, TGLA126, TGLA122, INRA023, ETH3, ETH225, BM1824) were evaluated for their use in paternity testing in the Yugoslav Pied cattle (YU Simmental cattle) population in Serbia. A total of 40 animals were tested. At the 11 tested loci, a total of 91 alleles were detected. The mean number of alleles per locus was 8.273. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.58 to 0.88 with the mean value of 0.72. The most informative loci were: TGLA53 (14 alleles, PIC = 0.88), TGLA227 (11 alleles, PIC = 0.82), INRA023 (11 alleles, PIC = 0.86), BM2113 (9 alleles, PIC = 0.80). Combined power of discrimination (CPD) for the 11 microsatellite loci was 0.999. The results of the present study confirm that the analysed set of 11 microsatellite markers recommended by ISAG is suitable for paternity testing in Yugoslav Pied cattle in Serbia. |
Earthworm (Lumbricidae) assemblages of forest ecosystems in the anthropogenicallyP. Švarc, E. KulaJ. For. Sci., 2011, 57(6):250-258 | DOI: 10.17221/16/2010-JFS Assemblages of earthworms were evaluated in spruce and beech stands in the Kienhaida Nature Reserve (Krušné hory Mts., Czech Republic) and its immediate surroundings, where site conditions were modified by the soil preparation for forest regeneration. The beech stands of the reserve showed low diversity but higher earthworm abundance than did the spruce stands, which in turn showed the lowest Lumbricidae abundance (18 individuals.m-2). The highest abundance of earthworms (124 individuals.m-2) was found in the soil of mounds created 30 years prior to sampling from the organic soil of the Ah horizon. The highest species diversity and low abundance were characteristic of areas between the mounds, the soil surface of which was greatly disturbed after removal of the Ah horizon to create those mounds. The degree to which the reforested clear-cuts created due to air pollution were overgrown with weeds contributed positively to the diversity and abundance of Lumbricidae. |
Changes in agricultural land ownership in Poland in the period of the market economyJerzy BAŃSKIAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2011, 57(2):93-101 | DOI: 10.17221/18/2010-AGRICECON The article concentrates on the changes of ownership ongoing in Polish agriculture in the period 1989-2004. Since Polish agriculture was above all private in nature throughout the period of communism, the changes in question were actually more limited than in other Central and East European Countries (CEEC). Those that have taken place have first and foremost involved the privatisation of the old State Farms, whose assets were taken over by individually-owned farms or commercial-law companies, with the intermediation of the Treasury Agricultural Property Agency established for the purpose. A major element of the assets undergoing privatisation was agricultural land. The size of the ownership change has varied from region to region. In the West and North, where more than half of all farmland was in the State Farm hands to 1989, there was a marked increase in the share of land under private ownership. On the other hand, in Central and Eastern Poland, the changes were very limited, concerning only the transfer of land between private farms. Important reasons accounting for the limited activity on the market for land in this part of Poland include the agrarian overpopulation and the widespread treatment of land as a form of the "insurance policy" against job losses. The ownership changes have further encouraged polarisation where farm size structure is concerned. Farms increased in size in the regions where the large average area has long been a typical feature. In turn, the areas characterised by the excessive agrarian fragmentation have not seen any more major changes in the size structure over the recent period. A detailed analysis of the changes in ownership over the market economy period is preceded by a discussion of the history of land ownership in Polish agriculture, with a particular emphasis being placed on the Communist era. The legal and social bases conditioning ownership change are also discussed. |
Determination of soya protein in model meat products using image analysisZdeňka Randulová, Bohuslava Tremlová, Zuzana Řezáčová-Lukášková, Matej Pospiech, Ivan StrakaCzech J. Food Sci., 2011, 29(4):318-321 | DOI: 10.17221/57/2009-CJFS The addition of plant proteins into meat products is nowadays a commonly used practice especially for the technological and economical reasons. Their properties have been known and used in meat products production for a long time. In the past, wheat protein or flour had been used most frequently, however, in these days they are being replaced by soya protein which has much more favourable properties in its use. Considering the possible misuse of raw materials of plant origin for the adulteration of meat products, the existence of highly sensitive and accurate procedures for their detection is needed including the determination of their content. Soya protein can be detected using various methods. In our work, an immunohistochemical method was used with image analysis for the quantification of soya protein. Model meat products with the addition of known amounts of soya protein in various forms were made for this experiment. |
Modelling soil organic carbon changes on arable land under climate change - a case study analysis of the Kočín farm in SlovakiaOriginal PaperJuraj Balkovič, Erwin Schmid, Rastislav Skalský, Martina NovákováSoil & Water Res., 2011, 6(1):30-42 | DOI: 10.17221/29/2010-SWR We have estimated soil organic carbon and crop yield changes under distinct climate change scenarios for the Kočín farm in Slovakia. Two regional climate change scenarios, i.e. the A2 and B2 SRES emission scenarios, and a reference climate scenario have been included into the bio-physical process model EPIC to simulate the effects on the topsoil organic carbon stocks and crop yields for the period of 2010-2050. In addition, we have used the data from several fields of the Kočín farm including the soil data, crop rotational and management data as well as topographical data. The topsoil organic carbon stocks show a decreasing trend for the period of 2010-2050. Among all crop rotation systems and soil profiles, the losses over the period are 9.0%, 9.5%, and 10.7% for the reference, A2, and B2 climate scenarios, respectively. Increasing temperatures accelerate the decomposition of the soil organic carbon particularly when soils are intensively managed. The soil organic carbon changes are crop-rotation specific, which is partly due to the climate scenarios that affect the crop biomass production differently. This is shown by comparison of the crop yields. We conclude that EPIC is capable to reliably simulate effects of climate change on soil organic carbon and crop yields. |
Foetal and neonatal energy metabolism in pigs and humans: a reviewD. Mota-Rojas, H. Orozco-Gregorio, D. Villanueva-Garcia, H. Bonilla-Jaime, X. Suarez-Bonilla, R. Hernandez-Gonzalez, P. Roldan-Santiago, M.E. Trujillo-OrtegaVet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(5):215-225 | DOI: 10.17221/1565-VETMED The aim of this review was to elaborate a conceptual framework of the most important aspects of the main biochemical processes of synthesis and breakdown of energy substrates that human and pig foetuses and newborns can use during the transition from foetus to newborn. Under normal physiological conditions, the growth and development of the foetus depends upon nutrients such as glucose, lipids and amino acids. In addition to the maternal and foetal status, genetic factors are also reported to play a role. The main function of the placenta in all species is to promote the selective transport of nutrients and waste products between mother and foetus. This transport is facilitated by the close proximity of the maternal and foetal vascular systems in the placenta. The foetus depends on the placental supply of nutrients, which regulates energy reserves by means of glycogen storage. Also, the synthesis of foetal hepatic glycogen guarantees energy reserves during perinatal asphyxia or maternal hypoglycaemia. However, the foetus can also obtain energy from other resources, such as gluconeogenesis from the intermediary metabolism of the Krebs cycle and most amino acids. Later, when the placental glucose contribution ends during the transition to the postnatal period, the maturation of biological systems and essential metabolic adaptations for survival and growth is required. The maintenance of normoglycaemia depends on the conditions that determine nutrient status throughout life: the adequacy of glycogen stores, the maturation of the glycogenolytic and gluconeogenic pathway, and an integrated endocrine response. |
Optimization of the Land Offices organisation in the Czech RepublicZdeněk TRÁVNÍČEK, Jaromír ŠTOLCPART, Václav Alexandr MAZÍNAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2011, 57(10):506-515 | DOI: 10.17221/92/2010-AGRICECON The land consolidation is a significant instrument for the ownership relations issue and for ensuring the maintenance of land functions and the increase of the ecological stability. Despite of the demonstrable arguments, this activity is not fully valued by the society, which is retroactively reflected from the long term point of view into the processes and structures of land consolidation in countryside. The analysis of the current organisation and management of the Land Offices pointed at substantial regional differences in the process management effectiveness, the utilisation of expert capacities during the land consolidation realisation and further administration actions. There is proposed an optimisation of the institutional structure that will be sufficiently flexible towards the changes of the demanded actions. The need for change of organisation and activities requires also the agro-environmental policies of the European Union. |
Resistance to rusts in Bangladeshi wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)P. K. MALAKER, M.M.A. REZACzech J. Genet. Plant Breed., 2011, 47(10):S155-S159 | DOI: 10.17221/3271-CJGPB Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is the most important disease among the three rusts of wheat in Bangladesh. The disease occurs in all wheat growing areas of the country with varying degrees of severity. Stem rust caused by P. graminis f.sp. tritici was last observed during the mid 1980s, while yellow rust caused by P. striiformis f.sp. tritici occurs occasionally in the north-western region, where a relatively cooler climate prevails during the winter months. None of the rusts has yet reached an epidemic level, but damaging epidemics may occur in future, particularly if a virulent race develops or is introduced. The genes conferring rust resistance in the breeding lines and wheat varieties released in Bangladesh were investigated at CIMMYT-Mexico and DWR-India. The resistance genes Lr1, Lr3, Lr10, Lr13, Lr23 and Lr26, Sr2, Sr5, Sr7b, Sr8b, Sr9b, Sr11 and Sr31; and Yr2KS and Yr9 were found. An adult plant slow rusting resistance gene Lr34 was also identified in some of the breeding lines and varieties based on the presence of clear leaf tip necrosis under field conditions. Considering the possible risk of migration of the devastating Ug99 race of stem rust into the Indo-Pak subcontinent, the Bangladeshi wheat lines and cultivars are being regularly sent to KARI in Kenya for testing their resistance against this race. The resistant lines have been included in multi-location yield trials and multiplied for future use in order to mitigate the threat of Ug99. The resistant lines have also been included in crossing schemes to develop genetic diversity of rust resistance. |
Use of three forms of decapsulated Artemia cysts as food for juvenile noble crayfish (Astacus astacus)A. Kouba, J. Hamáčková, M. Buřič, T. Policar, P. KozákCzech J. Anim. Sci., 2011, 56(3):114-118 | DOI: 10.17221/1301-CJAS Summerling (six-month old) noble crayfish fed two forms of freshly decapsulated (FD) Artemia cysts more than tripled their weight during a 75-day experiment under controlled conditions. Final survival rates were at the level of 90%. Feeding commercially available industrially decapsulated cysts resulted in both poor growth and reduced survival (22.2%). Therefore FD Artemia cysts may be an effective diet for crayfish culture, but dehydrated industrially decapsulated (DID) cysts should be used with caution to avoid products of low quality. That should be considered especially in slow feeders such as crayfish because of leaching of nutrients from DID cysts. Costs of the processing of freshly decapsulated cysts are discussed. |
Soil fertility status of 20 seed production areas of Tectona grandis Linn. f. in Karnataka, IndiaR.P. Gunaga, A.H. Kanfade, R. VasudevaJ. For. Sci., 2011, 57(11):483-490 | DOI: 10.17221/119/2010-JFS The seed production area (SPA) is an improved plantation managed for production of quality seeds for a large-scale plantation programme. The soil nutrient is one of several factors affecting seed production among SPAs. The status of soil nutrients and their effect on seed production are poorly understood. Hence, the present study was undertaken in 20 seed production areas located in different seed zones of Karnataka, South India. Results showed that there was a greater variation among SPAs in various soil properties like soil pH, organic carbon, available NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Some of the studied parameters recorded significant variations among three different depths: 0-20 (top), 20-40 (middle) and 40-60 cm (bottom). For instance, organic carbon and available potassium showed significant variations at different depths, where the highest content was recorded in the top layer, followed by middle and bottom layers. Considering associations between soil properties and tree growth, organic carbon was positively associated with dbh (diameter at breast height; r = 0.500), stem roundness (r = 0.351) and stem volume (r = 0.250). Similarly, available nitrogen positively influenced the stem volume (r = 0.250). Though the fruit yield varied among SPAs, none of the studied soil parameters showed a significant influence on fruit yield indicating that some other factors like genetic ones, phenology, rainfall overlapping with peak flowering might control it. Data on site quality showed that all existing SPAs studied were growing in poor site conditions, however, this could be one of the factors affecting overall seed yield among SPAs. Hence, it is recommended to undertake a few important silvicultural interventions like application of fertilizer/organic manure, soil working, spraying of floral hormone and others to improve the existing seed production level. |
Rural development and regional disparities of the new EU Member StatesJosef ABRHÁMAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2011, 57(6):288-296 | DOI: 10.17221/6/2011-AGRICECON The integration of Central and Eastern Europe into both the European and the world economy was in the last decade associated with a relatively high growth of gross domestic product and with a gradual increase in the economic level. The processes of convergence at the national level, however, were accompanied by an unbalanced spatial development. The paper analyzes, on the basis of the empirical statistical data, the impacts of the first years of the membership in the European Union on the development of regional differentiation and on development disparities between rural and urban regions. The evaluation of regional development is performed in regional units at the levels NUTS 2 and NUTS 3. Rural regions are monitored at the level of regional units NUTS 3. The examination based on the NUTS 2 units would not allow identifying of such a large number of rural areas. |
Forest visitors' opinions on the importance of forest operations, forest functions and sourcesof their financingL. ŠišákJ. For. Sci., 2011, 57(6):266-270 | DOI: 10.17221/135/2010-JFS The survey was conducted in three selected areas of the Czech Republic in 2008, with the results processed in 2009. Forests visitors received inquiry forms (face to face interviews, random sample). The total number of visitors on 8 survey days was 7,369. The total number of filled-in questionnaires in the three areas was 1,122. Tree planting and tree protection are considered as the most important forest operations, followed by road and stream bank maintenance. On the contrary, timber transport and harvesting are considered as the least important activities. The nature-protecting function is considered as the most important forest function, followed by soil-conservation, climatic, hydrological and health (recreational) functions. Timber production and non-timber production are the least important functions according to the respondents. 20% of respondents claimed that increased costs needed to improve non-market forest functions, used by the visitors, should be partially or fully financed from the timber sales revenues, while only 6.5% of respondents say the costs should be partially or fully financed from payments by the users of forest functions. |
Financial position of food industry in vojvodina during transition periodVeljko VUKOJE, Ivan DOBRENOVAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2011, 57(4):185-198 | DOI: 10.17221/99/2010-AGRICECON The paper analyzes the main indicators of the economic position of companies in the field of food industry in Vojvodina. The examined nine-year period coincides with the final stage of the ownership transformation in the Republic of Serbia. Given the length of the examined period, a considerable devaluation of the national currency (60.6%) and a high inflation rate (125.7%), all values are shown in Euros. The increasing business activity in the period of interest is not accompanied by the appropriate financial effects. Food industry enterprises achieved a positive financial result for most of the years in the given period, but with modest profit rates (0.15-3.18%). Net working capital covers only 42.5% in average of the base stock, indicating an unfavourable financial structure and serious liquidity problems. An unacceptably high level of indebtness has been achieved (58.1%), which significantly reduces financial results due to the high financing expense. A further increase of export, combined with the recapitalization by the owners and a partial refinancing of credits, is the way to the companies' financial recovery. |
Left cranial lung torsion in a Bernese Mountain dog: a case reportR. Tamburro, M. Pietra, G. Militerno, A. Diana, A. Spadari, S. ValentiniVet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(8):416-422 | DOI: 10.17221/1553-VETMED Lung lobe torsion (LLT) is an uncommon pathology in small animal practice. In large breed dogs LLT effects are localized mainly to the middle lobe of the right lung. This report describes a case of left cranial lung torsion in a Bernese Mountain dog: the patient was referred with a two-day history of asthenia, anorexia, dyspnea and haemoptysis. No trauma was reported. Physical examination showed the presence of bilateral pleural effusion confirmed by radiography and ultrasonography. Broncoscopy revealed that the left cranial lobe appeared to be compressed laterally with complete occlusion of the lumen. Thoracoscopy was performed to exclude other pathologies of the pleural space. The pathological lobe was removed. Histological examination revealed aspects consistent with lung lobe torsion. Clinical follow up carried out after three months showed a normal clinical course. |
Findings regarding ectotrophic stability of Norway spruce forest of the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains based on mycorrhiza studiesV. Pešková, J. Landa, F. SoukupJ. For. Sci., 2011, 57(11):500-513 | DOI: 10.17221/139/2010-JFS Analyses of root mycorrhizal samples and monitoring of fruiting bodies of macromycetes from Norway spruce stands at mountain and foothill localities in the Krkonoše and Orlické Mts. provided several data series allowing to assess and compare (albeit somewhat preliminarily) mycorrhizal conditions and macromycete incidence related to stand ages and location conditions. The overall mycorrhizal conditions in young (10 years old) and older (80 years old) stands on formerly agricultural soils are comparable to those in 80- and 90-year-old forests growing on standard forest soils, but young spruce stands in the Orlické Mts. replanted on forest soils do not surprisingly show any favourable mycorrhizal characteristics. The research documents a marked diversity of macromycete species composition in mountain spruce stands compared to foothill spruce stands on former agricultural soils. While in the younger mountain spruce stands of the Orlické Mts. the expansion of macromycete species composition began to develop in a similar fashion to that in the Krkonoše Mts., the comparison of older (80-year-old) stands on formerly agricultural soils in the Orlické Mts. foothills and Krkonoše Mts. implies that the macromycete species composition developed quite differently but with a similar success. |
Matthew Reed: Rebels for the soil: The rise of the global organic food and farming movementL. ZagataAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2011, 57(6):308-309 | DOI: 10.17221/44/2011-AGRICECON |
Natural regeneration of sessile oak under different light conditionsI. Březina, L. DobrovolnýJ. For. Sci., 2011, 57(8):359-368 | DOI: 10.17221/12/2011-JFS Different variants of regeneration felling or different light conditions (total site factor 15-95%) and weed control were evaluated in relation to the 4-year development of individuals of regenerated sessile oak. The regeneration density is not dependent on light conditions. The highest mortality occurs on the open area of clear felling. For a certain time in youth, it is possible to consider oak as a shade-tolerating species. With the increasing light intensity the diameter and height growth of oak seedlings increases proportionally, being the highest at 100% light intensity. However, to support at least medium-fast growth, the species requires minimally 50% light intensity (smaller closed clear-felled areas). On the other hand, more extensive unprotected cleared areas appear to be quite unsuitable at the initial stages of regeneration. The positive effect of weed control on the success and growth of natural regeneration is questionable. We recommend developing the regenerated stand by means of a series of small-area (about ≤ 0.3 ha) two-stage felling with a medium-long regeneration period (15-20 years). |
Sediment Load and Suspended Sediment Concentration PredictionOriginal PaperMartin BečvářSoil & Water Res., 2006, 1(1):23-31 | DOI: 10.17221/6502-SWR Sediment is a natural component of riverine environments and its presence in river systems is essential. However, in many ways and many places river systems and the landscape have been strongly affected by human activities which have destroyed naturally balanced sediment supply and sediment transport within catchments. As a consequence a number of severe environmental problems and failures have been identified, in particular the link between sediments and chemicals is crucial and has become a subject of major scientific interest. Sediment load and sediment concentration are therefore highly important variables that may play a key role in environment quality assessment and help to evaluate the extent of potential adverse impacts. This paper introduces a methodology to predict sediment loads and suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in large European river basins. The methodology was developed within an MSc research study that was conducted in order to improve sediment modelling in the GREAT-ER point source pollution river modelling package. Currently GREAT-ER uses suspended sediment concentration of 15 mg/l for all rivers in Europe which is an obvious oversimplification. The basic principle of the methodology to predict sediment concentration is to estimate annual sediment load at the point of interest and the amount of water that transports it. The amount of transported material is then redistributed in that corresponding water volume (using the flow characteristic) which determines sediment concentrations. Across the continent, 44 river basins belonging to major European rivers were investigated. Suspended sediment concentration data were collected from various European basins in order to obtain observed sediment yields. These were then compared against the traditional empiric sediment yield estimators. Three good approaches for sediment yield prediction were introduced based on the comparison. The three approaches were applied to predict annual sediment yields which were consequently translated into suspended sediment concentrations. SSC were predicted at 47 locations widely distributed around Europe. The verification of the methodology was carried out using data from the Czech Republic. Observed SSC were compared against the predicted ones which validated the methodology for SSC prediction. |
An analysis of the profitability and choice of metropolitan waste-use in urban agriculture of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, NigeriaC.J. Arene, G.I.O. MbataAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2008, 54(6):269-275 | DOI: 10.17221/284-AGRICECON The study attempts to analyse the profitability of urban agriculture using metropolitan organic waste in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The results show that the enterprise is profitable, and that output price is the most important determinant of the maximum variable profit. Other price factors, specifically planting materials, labour, and metropolitan waste (organic manure), account for less. Further analysis shows that level of education, age of farmers, per capita farm income, and household size are important determinants of choice of urban agriculture for food security and improvement of environmental quality. The chances of farmers willing to pay for urban agriculture will increase when their level of education and per capita income increase, while the chances of not willing to pay for such venture will increase when their ages and household size increase. The creation of more market outlets for urban produced foods is recommended, among others. |
Thermal inactivation of Enterococcus faeciumVladimiír Špelina, Ljuba Schlemmerová, Aleš Landfeld, Karel Kýhos, Pavel Měřička, Milan HouškaCzech J. Food Sci., 2007, 25(5):283-290 | DOI: 10.17221/682-CJFS Data for thermal inactivation of working suspension of Enterococcus faecium in model solutions were acquired and used to develop a mathematical model for thermal inactivation of the bacterium. The model is valid within the water activity range 0.97 to 0.99; pH range 6.0 to 7.6; temperature range 60°C to 65°C, and was determined for the microorganism concentration ranges of 102 per ml to 108 per ml of the model inactivation solution. An Excel procedure was developed in Visual Basic language which enables the calculation of the final concentration of the microorganism from the input data for pH, aw, logN0, temperature, and holding time of the treatment. The proposed model was verified in experiments using cow and human milks. With cow milk, the correspondence between the experimental and the predicted data is highly satisfactory. With human milk, the model predicts a smaller effect of heating than is that manifested experimentally. |
Evaluating the knowledge, relevance and experience of expert decision makers utilizing the Fuzzy-AHPS. Aly, I. VranaAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2008, 54(11):529-535 | DOI: 10.17221/264-AGRICECON The reliance on experts' decision is considered a very efficient solution especially in case of ill-structured and vague decision making situations. This necessitates being able to identify the expert or experts group whose decision must be particularly assigned a greater weight or importance. This paper is concerned with a method of how to determine the weights of a group of expert decision makers, taking into account the vagueness associated with such evaluation. |
Stand heterogeneity of total carbon and nitrogen, and C/N ratio in soil of mountain meadowsOriginal PaperValerie Vranová, Pavel Formánek, Klement Rejšek, Dalibor JanoušSoil & Water Res., 2007, 2(4):149-155 | DOI: 10.17221/2107-SWR This study was aimed at monitoring the relative and absolute stand heterogeneity of total carbon, total nitrogen and C/N ratio in Ah-Ae-Btg-Bt horizons of Gleyic Luvisol on one mountain meadow divided into two study plots: one moderately (once a season) mown (plant community of the Nardo-Callunetea class) and one abandoned for about 12 years (plant community of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class). The heterogeneities were evaluated more than 2 months after the mowing of the moderately mown meadow at the end of July 2005. Relative stand heterogeneity was expressed using coefficient of variation (CV), absolute stand heterogeneity using the differences between maximum and minimum value. When both meadows were taken into account, the relative stand heterogeneity of total carbon in individual horizons was < 65%, < 73% (total nitrogen), and < 93% (C/N). Lower relative and absolute stand heterogeneity of these parameters was mostly on the abandoned meadow. Relatively higher differences of stand heterogeneity between the meadows were evident in deeper parts of the soil (horizon Btg) and the lowest mainly in horizon Ah (or Bt). The accelerated accumulation of dead organic matter in the autumn caused the natural difference of these inputs not to be substantially eliminated by the presence or absence of mowing. Accelerated eluviation of organic compounds of higher nitrogen content significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the C/N ratio in the Bt horizon (n = 6-8) of the abandoned meadow. |
Testing stands for laboratory tests of hydrostatic pumps of agricultural machineryZ. Tkáč, Š. Drabant, R. Majdan, P. CvíčelaRes. Agr. Eng., 2008, 54(4):183-191 | DOI: 10.17221/704-RAE In this paper, a design of testing stands for the durability tests of hydrostatic pumps of agricultural tractors is presented. The designed testing stands will be used for the laboratory verification of the influence of biodegradable oils on the durability of tractor hydrostatic pumps. The designed testing stands were built and tried out. On the basis of the results achieved in the system function tests, we can say that the testing stands are suitable for the durability tests of hydrostatic pumps. |
The bonsai managementP. TomšíkAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2007, 53(7):291-297 | DOI: 10.17221/1150-AGRICECON Management can be understood as a "bonsai" integrating its roots in long-term bases with the trunk of general management growing from it supporting a cultivated treetop branching out in the real time. Managers need to develop a new understanding of the management process that will respond to global trends in the world's economy. More precisely it needs to create more progressive management styles. Management will be successful if it is based upon people's own knowledge and their development. In addition it has to look beyond the confines of the company and even of the country and to take into account the on-going and permanent development of technology. With particular regard to technology, man should be seen as a bearer of knowledge, regarded as an investment and seen as a source of long-term profit. |
Relationships among body condition score, milk yield and reproduction in Czech Fleckvieh cowsF. Jílek, P. Pytloun, M. Kubešová, M. Štípková, J. Bouška, J. Volek, J. Frelich, R. RajmonCzech J. Anim. Sci., 2008, 53(9):357-367 | DOI: 10.17221/335-CJAS The objective of this study was to confirm the relationship among body condition score at the time around parturition, milk yield in subsequent lactation, reproductive efficiency and BCS development in Czech Fleckvieh dairy cows. The BCS and milk yield were measured once a month and the cows were divided into groups according to their BCS before and after calving. Next, data from the database of cattle reproduction of the Czech Fleckvieh herd book were used. The dataset was analyzed by multifactorial analysis of variance using procedures COOR and GLM of the statistical program SAS. Cows with lower BCS in the 1st month after calving showed an increase in both milk yield and fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) yield. No significant relationship was found between the BCS level before calving and subsequent milk yield. The body condition level in the last month before parturition influenced its subsequent decrease in the first phase of lactation. The group of cows with the highest BCS level before calving retained a high BCS level in the first five months of lactation. Adequately, the group of cows with the lowest BCS in the first month of lactation had the lowest BCS in the next four months. BCS before calving was not related to reproduction indicators, but the significant effect of BCS in the 1st month after calving on the length of calving to the first service interval was confirmed. The group of cows with BCS > 3.5 in the 1st month after calving had the most favourable reproduction indicators, also when the milk yield level was taken into account. |
Verification of continual measuring methodology of ammonia emissions in animal husbandryA. Jelínek, J. PecenRes. Agr. Eng., 2003, 49(1):1-6 | DOI: 10.17221/4944-RAE Measuring of the burden gases emissions within the agricultural activity is increasingly significant with respect to the international obligations of the Czech Republic. For the principal agricultural burden gas - ammonia - there was suggested and tested a continual measuring method including concrete, precise, single measurement for verification of its accuracy. In the paper are presented first results of measuring emissions from litter in chicken broilers farming. |
Comparative analysis of less-favoured areas payments in the EU statesM. ŠtolbováAgric. Econ. - Czech, 2007, 53(10):455-465 | DOI: 10.17221/1220-AGRICECON The core objectives for rural development support for the period 2007-2013 are: (1) improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry, (2) improving the environment and the countryside, and (3) improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging the diversification of economic activity. The Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005 includes an unambiguous targeting of smaller and micro-enterprises to sustain job opportunity in rural areas. For this scheduled period, a minimum funding of 10% of the total EU contribution has been withheld by the Council Regulation for the measures connected with the quality of life and diversification of the rural economy outside agriculture and forestry. In spite of this, the EU Court of Auditors has concluded that rural development policy in Europe is ineffective because it continues to allow member states to adopt a predominantly sectoral approach with the primary focus on the agricultural sector (Special Report No. 17/2006). This paper deals with the possible impact of one RDP measure - the reduction of LFA payments according to farm size. Taking into account the variety of regions in Europe and the different situations at national level, it is difficult to provide a single guideline to solve the problem. Implementation without a deep analysis could lead to undesirable consequences. A specific adjustment to the situation of the given country will be advisable. |
Effect of housing system on the calcium requirement of laying hens and on eggshell qualityM. Lichovníková, L. ZemanCzech J. Anim. Sci., 2008, 53(4):162-168 | DOI: 10.17221/375-CJAS The effects of housing systems on the calcium requirement for eggshell production, eggshell quality and on the breaking strength of the hen's tibia were evaluated. Unenriched cages (UN) (24 laying hens), enriched cages (EN) (16 laying hens) and floor system (FS) (24 laying hens) were used in this experiment. The eggshell production of laying hens from 19 to 66 weeks of age was higher (P < 0.01) in the cage systems (UN 39.6 g/hen/week and EN 39.2 g/hen/week) than it was in FS (35.0 g/hen/week). Consequently, the amount of calcium deposited in the eggshells (g/hen/week) was higher (P < 0.01) in the cage systems (14.2 and 14.0 g/hen/week) than in FS (12.6 g/hen/week). Despite of the same calcium intake of the hens housed in EN and FS the eggshell thickness (0.39 and 0.38 mm, respectively) and eggshell strength (38.04 and 36.43 N respect.) were higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively) in EN. The tibia breaking strength was higher (P < 0.05) in FS (156.6 N) in comparison with UN (92.7 N). The rate of calcium intake deposited in the eggshells was higher in the cage systems than in FS, namely by 1.7 to 8.9% depending on the age of laying hens. When determining the correct calcium requirements in the diets of laying hens, the housing system should be taken into account. |
Risk analysis in Turkey milk productionHalil Kizilaslan, Nuray KizilaslanCzech J. Food Sci., 2007, 25(3):144-150 | DOI: 10.17221/743-CJFS The present study has been done in order to determine the risks inherent in the milk production in Turkey. For that objective, factors such as the milk yield, the gross revenues realised, and the price levels as reflected to the producer's benefits, have been taken into account. Upon the calculation of the measures for variables, fluctuations were found in the milk yield, prices, and gross revenues. Based on the hypothesis that the information possessed by the producer on the economic and technological developments is scarce and restrained, the variable coefficient has been calculated as 10.81% for yield, 23.26% for prices, and 30.01% for gross revenues, respectively. With the hypothesis that the producers are aware of and informed on the economic and technological developments, these ratios, that is to say, the fortuitous variable coefficients would be, respectively, 2.07%, 15.96%, and 16.07%. According to the conclusions reached, an environment in which the producers can take rational decisions concerning the milk production can be said not to exist. For this reason, the government intervention through efficient measures for the dairy production will be necessary. Furthermore, the producers should be given informational support through the published studies in the agricultural extension. |
