Fulltext search in archive

This paper evaluates the response on the rate of photosynthesis (P_n), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (g_s) and water use efficiency (WUE) in 15 genotypes of young hop plants (19 BBCH) grown in greenhouses in the conditions of water deficit for the period of 9 days. On the 9^th day, the relative content of water in the experimental plants fluctuated between 70.14-75.20%. The levels of P_n and g_s evidently dropped in the monitored species as a result of the water deficit. The decrease of P_n in the experimental plants compared with the control group was largest in the Saaz Os. cl. 72 (by 77.5%), Magnum (by 73.3%) and Columbus (by 62.3%). To the contrary, the lowest P_n decrease was noted in the case of genotypes Saaz Late (by 15.7%), Vital (by 23.9%) and Premiant (by 24.2%). All genotypes except for cv. H16 showed an evident decrease of E. Judging by the highest values of WUE, the most effective water management was shown by Premiant, Vital and Saaz Late genotypes. A significant stomatal limitation of photosynthesis due to water stress was identified in the most widely used Czech cultivar, Saaz Os. cl. 72, with low values of stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and transpiration.

The growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) and kefir was studied in substrates containing pomegranate juice, molasses, and cheese whey, at various conditions such as fermentation temperature, air supply, initial sugar concentration, and substrate composition. The results showed that, in the case of kefir, the highest production yield of biomass (0.24 g/g of utilised sugar) and productivity (6.5 g/l/day) was obtained in 40/60 and 20/80% of pomegranate/cheese whey. S. cerevisiae grew easily on all substrates with higher cell mass yields (0.34 g/g) and productivities (13.1 g/l/day) compared to kefir, with the best results obtained at the ratio of 40/60 and 20/80% of pomegranate/molasses. These results are promising regarding the exploitation of non-conventional substrates, such as the juice from discarded pomegranate fruits of a currently significantly increasing market, for microbial biomass production.

A nine-year-old, female Shih Tzu dog was referred to Chonnam National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a non-weight bearing lameness, pain in the right forelimb, increased appetite, and dermatological changes. A complete transverse fracture of the right ulnar trochlear notch was detected on survey radiographs. Cushing's disease was diagnosed using the adrenocorticotropic hormone test. The fracture site was repaired using an intramedullary (IM) pin, a 2.0 miniplate and screws, and 1 mg of bone forming peptide-1 (BFP-1) was applied to the fracture site. Post-operative radiographs were performed immediately, and at two and 17 weeks after the first surgery. After the first surgery, the patient fell from the bed, and the IM pin was broken. Thus, a second surgery was performed, and the broken IM pin was removed. To stimulate bone healing, we applied Matrigel containing 3 mg of BFP-1 to the fracture site 20 weeks after the first surgery. A narrowed fracture gap was seen radiographically three weeks after the second surgery, and a hard callus was observed on the cranial fracture line at eight weeks. Bone mineral density at the fracture site increased at 16 weeks. Gradual fracture healing was observed on radiographs over the 35 week period following the second surgery.

The main objective of our study was to compare the contents and quality of humic substances in selected soil types under different tillage regimes (deep, reduced, minimum). Non destructive spectroscopic methods such as UV-VIS and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy were applied. After three years of experiments, no statistically significant differences in the total carbon content, labile carbon content, and humic substances carbon content were found. Humic substances quality and the absorbance in UV-VIS spectral range was the highest in Haplic Chernozem (minimum tillage). Fluorescence intensity varied in dependence on the soil types, however, the same main fluorophores in all samples were detected. Fluorescence of humic substances was the highest in Haplic Chernozem (minimum tillage). The determination of HS spectroscopic characteristics was found as a sensitive indicator for HS quality assessment.

Pyrolysis of sandbox shell was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of pyrolysis parameters on the pyrolysis process and identifies production conditions for the yield of biochar. Parameters investigated were heating temperature (400, 500 and 600°C), heating time (10, 20, and 30 min) and particle size of feedstock (0-1.0, 1.0-2.5 and 2.5-5.0 mm) in a laboratory batch pyrolysis process. The experiment was designed by applying response surface methodology through a three-factor full factorial design. The quadratic polynomial model obtained explains adequately the modelled response with coefficient of correlation, R² value of 0.8698. All the three variables significantly affected the biochar yield from sandbox shell, with heating temperature being the most effective followed by heating time and particle size of feedstock. Maximum biochar yield of 39.65% wt. occurred at 400°C heating temperature and 10 min heating time with 1.0-2.5 mm particle size.

This paper compares two different housing systems for laying hens producing table eggs, namely a conventional cage system and an aviary, during three summer months, starting from the 20^th week of the production cycle. Research was focused on airborne bacteria, fungi and dust levels and on the bacterial eggshell contamination. Levels of airborne bacteria determined in the aviary system were many times higher and ranged from 6.2 × 10⁴ CFU/m³ to 8.9 × 104 CFU/m3, and the levels of airborne fungi ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 1.9 × 104 CFU/m³, while the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi determined in the conventional cage system ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 2.5 × 10⁴ CFU/m3 and from 0.8 × 10⁴ to 1.3 × 10⁴ CFU/m³, respectively. Microbial air contamination was associated with eggshell contamination, with the levels in the aviary ranging from 5.4 × 10³ to 9.6 × 103 CFU/eggshell and those in the conventional cage system ranging from 2.3 × 10³ to 3.6 × 10³ CFU/eggshell. Airborne dust levels in the aviary and conventional cage system ranged from 3.2 to 4.6 mg/m³ and from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/m³, respectively. From the aspect of animal welfare and behavioural requirements, alternative systems, i.e. aviaries, appear more acceptable; however, they are not satisfactory from hygienic aspects because of a higher content of airborne pollutants which can represent a greater risk of horizontal contamination of the egg content.

Water scarcity makes necessary the use of tools for increasing water productivity such as regulated deficit irrigation strategies (RDI). The effect of RDI on fresh-cut white flesh extra-early nectarine was studied. Initially, the soluble solids content of nectarines from RDI was higher than in control and over-irrigated fruits (9.72 ± 0.20 vs. 8.57 ± 0.05°Brix, respectively) but after shelf-life storage no differences were found. During storage, RDI fruits had a more stable antioxidant capacity and soluble phenolic content. This treatment showed 10% more vitamin C than the other irrigation treatments, due to an increase in dehydroascorbic acid content. No pathogenic bacteria growth was found and all microbial counts were below the European legal limits. For all the irrigation treatments, the final sensorial scores were above the limit of marketability. Overall, RDI enabled savings of about 1,260 m³ of water/ha and year, without negatively affecting the quality of the fruit, allowing for their use as a fresh-cut product with a shelf-life of 8 days at 5°C.

The four-year trial was conducted in north-western Slavonia (main arable crop producing region in Croatia) to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems on the water content of silty loam soil (Albic Luvisol) and yields of maize (Zea mays L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The tillage systems compared were: conventional tillage; reduced conventional tillage; conservation tillage I; conservation tillage II (CM); no-tillage (NT). During the study period, there were one dry, two wet and one average season. Soil water content (SWC) was measured at 0-5, 15-20 and 30-35 cm depths on a monthly basis. Tillage systems had significant (P < 0.05) effects on SWC and yields. The highest average SWC in all seasons was measured under the NT system, followed by the CM system. In the second season, the highest yield was measured under the NT system while in all other seasons, it was under the CM system.

The effects of serotonin (5-HT), GnRH analogue (D-Ala⁶ LHRH, GnRH-A) and dopamine antagonist - pimozide (PIM), on luteinizing hormone (LH) release in mature Prussian carp female (Carassius gibelio Bloch) were examined at the time of gonad recrudescence. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with 5-HT (10 mg/kg), GnRH-A (20 μg/kg) or PIM (5 mg/kg) or the combinations: 5-HT+GnRH-A, 5-HT+PIM, 5-HT+GnRH-A+PIM. Before the injection and 3, 6, 12 or 24 h after treatment blood samples were collected for LH levels determination by ELISA method. The analysis of LH concentrations, expressed as the percentage of pre-treatment, showed that serotonin alone had no influence on the spontaneous LH release, however the additive effects of serotonin and GnRH-A was observed. Serotonin potentiated the GnRH-A-stimulated LH release and potentiated also the effect of PIM. Extremely strong response to PIM and also to the combination with GnRH-A masked the participation of serotonin in the process of LH release in fish with recrudescing gonads. The interaction of serotonin GnRH-A and PIM in the control of LH release is discussed.

This paper deals with the classic and contemporary sociological research of countryside in the Czech Republic, carried out with a monographic procedure. It mentions basic social factors and theoretical and methodological assumptions of the monographic study of the Czech and Moravian countryside until the 30's of the 20^th century. It briefly introduces one of the classical studies Dolní Roveň. Then comes a part that provides information on post-war monographic research. Last part of the paper aims at present sociological study of countryside using the monographic procedure. It characterizes its new approach, different from the classic studies due to accepting interpretativistic paradigm and regarding empirical methods. This last chapter is based on empirical experience of the author of this paper.

Sweet cherry is a species that is characterized by self-incompatibility, which causes difficulties in obtaining high yields of sweet cherry fruit. Determination of the composition of the S-alleles of sweet cherry cultivars is useful both to growers producing the fruit and breeders when selecting cultivars for cross-fertilizations. In this work, S-alleles have been identified for 47 sweet cherry cultivars from Central and Eastern Europe, mostly from Ukraine and the Czech Republic, with S-genotypes of 43 cultivars identified for the first time. To identify the S-alleles, PCR-based methods were used. In each cultivar, two of the following eight S-alleles were identified: S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, S₅, S₆, S₉ and S₁₃. In the cultivars from the Czech Republic, the most frequently occurring were the alleles S₃, S₁ and S₄. In the cultivars originating in Ukraine, the most frequently found were the alleles S₅ and S₉, which makes them differ considerably from the sweet cherry cultivars from other regions of Europe. The tested sweet cherry cultivars were assigned to 20 of the existing incompatibility groups.

A micro-plot field experiment with reduced urea ¹⁵N application was conducted to study the effects of urease inhibitor NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) and nitrification inhibitor DMPP(3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolium dihydrogen) on the fate of applied urea ¹⁵N; it aimed to find an efficient way to reduce the urea N application rate while improving the agronomic and environmental benefits. Five treatments were installed, i.e., 180 kg N/ha (N₁, conventional application rate), 126 kg N/ha (N₂, reduced to 70% conventional application rate), N₂ + NBPT, N₂ + DMPP, and N₂ + NBPT + DMPP. Compared with treatment N₁, all the other treatments had a significantly higher total ¹⁵N recovery by both soil and plant (P < 0.05 48.20, 41.39, 37.69, 38.85 and 34.83% soil recovery for N₂ + NBPT + DMPP, N₂ + DMPP, N₂ + NBPT, N₂ and N₁treatment, respectively; and 42.68, 40.86, 40.25, 37.18 and 36.30% plant recovery for N₂ + NBPT + DMPP, N₂ + DMPP, N₂ + NBPT, N₂, and N₁ treatment, respectively). In the plant ¹⁵N recovery, the ¹⁵N absorbed in grain/stem was highest in treatment N₂ + NBPT + DMPP. The maize biomass and the maize yield had a slight increase in treatment N₂ + NBPT + DMPP, compared with those in treatment N₁. In sum, for the maize production in study area, N₂ + NBPT + DMPP application method would be a feasible way to ensure the normal maize yield while improving yield quality, saving urea fertilizer, and protecting the environment.

Fourteen clonal apple rootstocks (M.9, M.26, M.27, MM.106, J-TE-E, J-TE-F, J-TE-G, J-TE-H, J-OH-A, Jork 9, Pajam 1, Pajam 2, Burgmer M.9-751, and Burgmer M.9-984) were tested in two experimental orchards established in the Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy using scion cultivars Golden Delicious, Melrose, Jonagold, Rubin, and Florina. Following characteristics were recorded: yield, trunk circumference, suckering. Rootstocks Jork 9, Pajam 1, Pajam 2, M.9-751, and M.9-984 produced better results than original rootstock M.9. Clone J-TE-E favourably affected fruit-bearing of the Rubin cultivar. The growth vigour of trees grafted on Pajam 2, M.9-751, and M.9-984 was somewhat larger than those on M.9. Rootstock J-TE-H was semi-vigorous and grafted trees had low yield efficiency. Clone Pajam 1 had the similar growth vigour as M.9. Trees on Jork 9 grew significantly weakly in comparison with M.9. The rootstocks J-OH-A and J-TE-F produced a lot of suckers. The following rootstocks were recommended for growing in commercial plantations: Jork 9, Pajam 1, Pajam 2, M.9-751, and M.9-984.

In conjunction with soil type and climate, the use of nitrogen fertilizers is a major factor affecting nitrous oxide emissions. This study compares injection of pig slurry and pig slurry digestate at 15 or 20 cm depths with trailing-hose application followed by immediate incorporation. The work was based on a laboratory microcosm experiment with undisturbed soil cylinders (0-30 cm depth) from three arable soils (Histosol, Gleysol and Plaggic Anthrosol). Soil cylinders were fertilized with pig slurry and pig slurry digestate (150 kg N/ha) and emissions of N₂O, CH₄ and CO₂ were monitored. The comparison of application techniques over a 37-day period show that soil type and application technique, had a strong (P < 0.001) impact on N₂O emissions. Fertilization with pig slurry showed no significantly higher N₂O emissions than pig slurry digestate. Fertilizer injection significantly increased N₂O emissions compared to fertilization with a trailing-hose with incorporation.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Persian oak (Quercus persica) were studied in relation to altitude and slope variations in Ilam province. A total area of 1,500 m2 (30 × 50 m) was covered in five altitudinal classes ranging from 800 to 1,800 m a.s.l. Samples were taken based on a systematic random sampling method with 24 sample plots at each class. In total, 120 sample plots (in five classes) were collected covering four gradient categories ranging from < 20 to > 60%. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to compare differences between group means in gradient categories and Duncan's post-hoc test was performed to reveal differences between the means of various quantitative characteristics (e.g. growing stock, basal area, diameter at breast height, tree height and regeneration) and the altitudinal classes. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine the differences between the means of qualitative variables and different altitudes and slopes categories. The results indicated that variations with altitudes may have a higher impact than slopes on the quantitative characteristics of the oak stands in the region while the qualitative variables of the native species were influenced by both altitudes and slope variations.

The paper deals with the greying process, melanoma, and vitiligo depigmentation occurrence in Old Kladruber horses (OKH). The study includes 376 animals of both sexes at the age of 1-25 years. The evaluation was performed repeatedly during 4 consecutive years. The greying status was measured spectrophotometrically on four body parts using L*a*b* colour system. Melanoma and vitiligo were detected visually and by palpation in all the animals and classified using 5 (3) grade scale. The GLM procedure of SAS package was used to examine the influence of the effects of line, age, sex, stud, and year of evaluation. The GLM analysis confirmed a significant impact of age on greying. Parameter L* showed progressive increase until 10 years of age when all horses reached final grey level. Subsequent analyses suggested the influence of sex, i.e. a notably higher level of greying in mares. The incidence of melanoma was confirmed. Melanoma in OKH most frequently occurs on the bottom of the tail or at the anal and perineal area. Probably only benign forms of melanoma have been detected. The global occurrence of melanoma in OKH (ca. 13%) is substantially lower than in Lipizzan and Camargue horses. Overall incidence of melanoma in horses at the age of 15 and older reached 68%. Genetic parameters were estimated for melanoma grade, grey level, and vitiligo. Greying is strictly influenced by age (h² = 0.52 ± 0.07). Prevalence of melanoma progresses with age (h² = 0.07 ± 0.04). Vitiligos of both facial and anal parts are influenced by the effects studied (h² = 0.20 ± 0.05 and 0.34 ± 0.06 for vitiligo A and vitiligo F, respectively).

Studies on glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) have focused on soil aggregation and fungal physiology, whereas it is not known how exogenous GRSP could positively impact on these processes, soil enzyme activity and plant growth. Easily extractable GRSP [EE-GRSP, 0.022 mg protein/mL citrate buffer (20 mmol, pH 7.0)] from a 26-year-old citrus orchard was exogenously applied into 5-month-old potted trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) for 3 months to evaluate effects on soil water-stable aggregate distribution, relevant soil enzyme activities and plant growth. Depending on the applied concentrations as 1/2, 1/4 or full strength, exogenous EE-GRSP generally significantly increased the distribution of soil water-stable aggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD, an aggregate stability indicator). Values of MWD and plant biomass production curvilinearly positively correlated with exogenous EE-GRSP applications. Exogenous EE-GRSP generally significantly increased the activity of rhizospheric polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase. Both the 1/2-strength and 1/4-strength, but not the full-strength exogenous EE-GRSP, significantly stimulated plant growth performance. Our results firstly demonstrated the positive contribution of exogenous EE-GRSP to soil aggregation, relevant rhizospheric enzyme activities and/or plant growth, which has important implications for exploring GRSP in enhancing soil structure and/or plant performance.

Clonal propagation is widely used for Acacia breeding and commercial planting. When a large number of clones are handled, problems with mixings are commonly confronted. Detection of admixture in Acacia clones based on morphology particularly at seedling stage is not feasible. However, molecular markers are commonly used to test the genetic fidelity of planting materials. This paper reports the detection of mislabelling in Acacia clonal progenies using a sequence tagged microsatellite (STMS) genetic marker system. Progenies from two mapping populations were clonally propagated and field planted for phenotypic and genotypic evaluation at three locations in Malaysia: (a) Forest Research Institute Malaysia field station at Segamat, Johor, (b) Borneo Tree Seeds and Seedlings Supplies Sdn, Bhd. (BTS) field trial site at Bintulu, Sarawak and (c) Asiaprima RCF field trial site at Lancang, Pahang. During field planting mislabelling was reported at Segamat, Johor and similar was suspected for Bintulu, Sarawak. Screening revealed mislabelling events in both populations. A total of 18.52% mislabelling incidences were detected from both sites, of which 17.39% of mislabelling was detected for fibre length cross and 20% for wood density cross. The assignment test efficiently reestablished the mislabelled ramets to the respective clones. Future studies should be focused on the utilization of a higher number of markers, e.g. SSR or SNPs to increase a discrimination power. A high number of SNPs can be generated within a short period of time compared to SSR, but SNPs could be cost inhibitory. Multiplexing microsatellite combinations along with sample bulking will further reduce the processing time when screening large populations. The use of assignment test would efficiently assign mislabelled individuals to the respective clones. It is concluded that checking for mislabelling is imperative for future breeding and for analyses such as QTL mapping where a correlation between genotypic and phenotypic data is determined.

Previous studies showed that cyclooxygenase 1 (COX) enzyme has an important role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hypophagia in mammals but the effect of COX on LPS-induced hypophagia has not been studied in avian species. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of Indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, Aspirin (irreversible cyclooxygenase inhibitor), Piroxicam (a selective COX-1 inhibitor), and Celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) on LPS-induced hypophagia in 3-h food-deprived (FD₃) cockerels. One hundred and sixty ROSS 308 chickens were randomly divided into 5 experiments and 4 treatment groups (8 replicates in each group of experiments). Guide cannula was surgically implanted into the lateral ventricle of chickens. In Experiment 1, birds received LPS (5, 10, and 20 ng) intracerebroventricularly (ICV). In Experiment 2, chickens were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with Indomethacin (5 mg/kg) prior to LPS injection (20 ng; ICV). In Experiment 3, birds were i.p. injected with Aspirin (50 mg/kg) followed by LPS injection (20 ng; ICV). In Experiment 4, chickens were given LPS (20 ng; ICV) after Piroxicam injection (10 mg/kg; i.p.). In Experiment 5, chickens were injected with Celecoxib (10 mg/kg; i.p.) prior to LPS injection (20 ng; ICV). Cumulative feed intake was determined until 8 h post-injection. According to the results, LPS significantly decreased feed intake at 4 and 8 h post injection in birds (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, LPS-induced hypophagia was attenuated by pre-injection with Indomethacin, Aspirin, and Celecoxib (P ≤ 0.05). However, Piroxicam had no effect on LPS-induced hypophagia (P ≥ 0.05). These results suggest that presumably COX-2 mediates LPS-induced hypophagia in broilers.

Bunium persicum (Boiss.) is an economically important medicinal plant growing wildly in arid regions in Iran. The fruit of B. persicum is widely used in traditional Iranian medicine to control colic pain and dysmenorrhoea. The aim of the current study was to determine antinociceptive mechanisms of B. persicum essential oil using an acetic acid-induced writhing test as a model of visceral pain and to determine the possible involvement of opioidergic, serotoninergic and histaminergic systems on antinociceptive mechanisms of B. persicum in male mice. In experiment 1, B. persicum was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected (0.001, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1%; 10 ml/kg) in Tween-80 (0.5%) and a writhing test served as a model of visceral pain. In experiments 2-5, opioidergic receptor antagonist (naloxone, 2 mg/kg), serotonergic receptor antagonist (cyproheptadine, 4 mg/kg), histamine H₁-receptor antagonist (chlorpheniramine, 20 mg/kg) and histamine H₂-receptor antagonist (cimetidine, 12.5mg/kg) injection was followed by B. persicum (0.01%; 10 ml/kg) and the writhing test response was measured for 30 min. According to the results, essential oil of B. persicum, administered i.p. (0.001, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1%; 10 ml/kg) in Tween-80 (0.5%), elicited antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of B. persicum was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with naloxone, chlorpheniramine and cimetidine (P < 0.001). These results suggest that B. persicum-induced analgesia may be mediated via opioidergic and histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors.

Service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is a significant species with regard to the biodiversity of specific habitats. Its reproduction in natural conditions appears to be problematic and in the interest of preserving the countryside, forests and their biodiversity, it is necessary to apply controlled reproduction procedures. Therefore, when applying such procedures it is of crucial importance to optimize the storage and use of seed material. The objective of the present article is to evaluate the germination rates of seeds which were stored in the long term. 95% of the seeds preserved at low temperatures above zero in a normal refrigerator for 8 years germinated after stratification in wet sand. The germination rate of the same seeds when moistened without stratification was 0%. However, after removal of the seed coat, 76% of these seeds germinated without stratification. Storage of air-dried seeds in the cold (at temperatures above zero) is ideal and is better than freezing them to -20°C, as reported in the literature. Wet peat is completely unsuitable for stratification.

The molecular techniques (C-PCR, RT-PCR) in the detection and quantification of allergic substances of hazelnut in various categories of food commodities, e.g. breakfast cereals, chocolates and biscuits, frequently involved in allergic outbreaks was implemented. For the detection of hazelnut a gene coding the major allergenic protein Cor a1 was selected. In some instances, the presence of hazelnuts is not declared on the label and the products may carry no warning for potentially allergenic substances, usually referred to as "traces". A total of 150 samples were collected from local supermarkets and analysed for the purpose of the study. From these, a total of 38 (25.3%) specimens contained hazelnut, 30 (20.0%) contained "traces" of hazelnut, 26 (17.3%) contained a label warning for the possible presence of "traces" of allergenic substances, and 56 (37.3%) specimens contained no food allergy labels. Among them, using the C-PCR, 36 (94.7%), 10 (33.3%), 5 (19.2%), and 5 (8.9%) specimens were detected as positive, respectively. Using the RT-PCR, 38 (100%), 15 (50%), 7 (26.9%) and 8 (14.3%) specimens were detected as positive, respectively. Finally, by combining both methods, 38 (100%), 17 (56.7%), 9 (34.6%), and 10 (17.9%) specimens were identified as positive, respectively.

The effect of grazing on the productive performance and meat quality was evaluated for chickens (Ross 308, n = 192). Chickens were kept in two pens on wooden shavings (2 × 96) from one day of age. On day 23 of age, one group was moved to a pasture and kept in a portable floorless pen with an area of 0.11 m² per chicken. The field portion of the experiment was conducted from the 1^st till the 18^th of June 2013. A control group was kept in the original pen until the end of the experiment at 6 weeks of age. Both groups were fed the same pelleted feed ad libitum. For the pasture-reared group, the moveable shelter was moved twice daily around the pasture with a predominance of grass species. The herbage intake of chickens was indirectly assessed by compressed sward height measurement after each cage movement, which employed a rising plate-meter. In the pasture, chickens preferred grass over clover. There was no significant effect of grazing observed on chicken body weight. The mortality of chickens in the grazing group was lower than that in the control group. Pasture treatment improved meat flavour by 9% (P = 0.014), produced breast meat with significantly higher (P = 0.009) redness, and almost doubled the concentration of α-tocopherol (P < 0.001). There were no significant effects of grazing on the dry matter, fat, cholesterol or pH of the meat. The production of TBARS in the breast meat of the pasture group after storage at 4°C for 5 days was lower (P = 0.013) than that in the breast meat of the control chickens. Although the differences between K, Ca, P, Mg, and N concentrations in pasture and soil before and after grazing reached 20%, these differences were not significant.

Control of the nosema disease poses a major challenge, and therefore, treatment of this serious parasitic disease using natural preparations could be of great benefit. The aim of this study was to test the performance of zeolite clinoptilolite as a curative measure against honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) naturally infected by Nosema ceranae. The histopathological structure, and the content and distribution of mucosubstances and histochemical activity of aminopeptidase and non-specific esterase in the midgut mucosa of honeybees originating from colonies fed sugar syrup supplemented with zeolite minerals was studied. A decline in the number of spores in honeybees fed with zeolite clinoliptolite was observed on the first sampling day (Day 10; 53.25 ± 15.15 million spores/bee), though a statistically lower number of spores in comparison to the control was confirmed on Day 20 (41.08 ± 9.4 million spores/bee), Day 30 (28.42 ± 7.79 million spores/bee) and Day 40 (24 ± 6.25 million spores/bee). The possibility of using natural zeolites as a dietary supplement for honeybee colonies as a preventative measure and for the reduction of the deleterious effects of nosemosis is discussed.

The efficiency of two types of pheromone dispensers (ECOLURE classic and ECOLURE tubus) was compared in 2008. Pheromone-baited traps were checked 13 times in 10-day intervals (this guaranteed the efficiency of ECOLURE tubus all time). ECOLURE classic trapped more beetles on average in all samples. Differences among the first 4 samples (checkings) were statistically insignificant, differences among another 9 samples were significant (used statistic tests - two choice t-test, α = 0.05 from data with normal distribution, Wilcoxon matched pairs test in the case of other data distribution).

The tissue-specific mRNA expression profiles of GDF9, BMP15, and BMPR1B genes in goats were investigated. The mRNA expression of the genes was detected in prolific Jining Grey goats and non-prolific Liaoning Cashmere goats by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that GDF9 and BMPR1B were widely expressed in 20 tissues, while BMP15 gene was expressed exclusively in ovary and pituitary. The expression levels of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes were the highest in ovary. The expression level of BMP15 gene in the ovary of Jining Grey goat was 4.96-fold higher than that in Liaoning Cashmere goat (P < 0.05), but there were no differences (P > 0.05) in the expression level of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes. This is the first study to analyze the tissue expression pattern of GDF9, BMP15, and BMPR1B genes in goat, and the BMP15 might be a major gene for the prolificacy of Jining Grey goat.

The aim of this study was to determine the extent of the hormonal response of Arctic fox females exposed to two types of stress: short-term and long-term, combined with adaptation to new environmental conditions. Short-term stress (20 min) was investigated in 34 females on farm A in the Wielkopolska province. The testing procedure involved capturing of the animals, their immobilisation, phenotype evaluation, and placing in target cages. Blood for laboratory examinations was collected from the vena cephalica antebrachii three times: on the day of the test, directly after the procedure and after three days. Long-term stress (8 h), combined with adaptation to new environmental conditions, was examined in 30 females which were purchased from a farm in the Lodzkie province (farm B). The testing procedure involved selection and capture of the animals, immobilisation and transfer from the pavilion, blood collection and placing of animals in a transport cage. Transport of the animals to the target farm (farm A) lasted approximately 8 h. Blood was collected five times in total, i.e. before transport (on farm B), after the transport to farm A, and then after three days, whereas the last two samplings were conducted at a 5- and 15-day interval from the third blood collection. The control group consisted of 20 randomly selected females from farm A. Blood from these animals was collected twice - at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Changes in hormone concentrations (cortisol and testosterone) were adopted as a measure of sensitivity to a stressor. Blood hormones were analysed using a radio-immunological method. The course of stress reaction was affected by exposure time and stressor intensity, and significant changes in cortisol (P ≤ 0.01) and testosterone (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations were noted among individuals subjected to both short-term and long-term stress. Increased cortisol concentrations were maintained for a longer time in the group of Arctic fox females exposed to a long-term stress. In conclusion, the course of a stress reaction is affected by the duration of exposure and intensity of the stressor, and the strong stress reaction to zootechnical treatments and transport confirms the lack of complete domestication of this species.

A total of 140 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (b.w.) of 6.75 ± 1.48 kg were used in a six-week trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of four experimental treatments according to their initial b.w. (seven pens per treatment with five pigs per pen). Dietary treatments were: CON = control diet, T1 = CON + 0.05% bromelain, T2 = CON + 0.10% bromelain, T3 = CON + 0.20% bromelain. The experiment was divided into two phases (Days 1 to 14 and Days 15 to 42). All diets, in mash form, were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements (NRC, 2012) for weanling pigs. Feed intake and b.w. were monitored at the end of each phase. T3 treatment had greater (342 vs. 305 g; 409 vs. 387 g; P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) than CON treatment in Phase 1. In Phase 2, the ADG was improved (from T1 to T3: 612, 616, 637 vs. 583 g; P < 0.05) in all bromelain treatments compared with CON treatment, ADFI and growth efficiency (G : F) ratio of T3 treatment were higher (833 vs. 803 g; 0.765 vs. 0.726 g; P < 0.05) compared with CON treatment. Overall, T3 treatment showed greater (539 vs. 490 g; 691 vs. 664 g; P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI than CON. Moreover, pigs fed bromelain diets exhibited increased (0.769, 0.770, 0.780 vs. 0.738; P < 0.05) G : F ratios compared with those fed CON diet. Pigs fed bromelain diets exhibited increased (two weeks: 79.06, 79.97, 79.42 vs. 77.98%; 78.51, 78.86, 78.43 vs. 75.69%; six weeks: 74.49, 74.67, 75.02 vs. 72.70 %; 69.43, 70.78, 71.32 vs. 73.39%; P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and nitrogen compared with those fed CON diet at Week 2 and Week 6. On Day 42, the blood creatinine in the CON group was higher (1.30 vs. 1.04, 0.97, 0.88 mg/dl; P < 0.05) compared with the bromelain treatment groups. Faecal E. coli counts were decreased (6.22 vs. 6.41 log₁₀ cfu/g; P < 0.05) in T2 treatment compared with CON treatment. The faecal ammonia (NH₃) gas emission in T2 and T3 treatments decreased (17.72, 17.33 vs. 22.95 ppm; P < 0.05) compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.2% bromelain has here been shown to improve the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and N and to decrease E. coli and faecal NH₃ gas emission in weanling pigs.

To better understand how water stress and availability affect the enzyme activity and microbial communities in soil, we measured the changes of organic carbon (OC), bacteria and fungi populations, and endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities in a semiarid soil treated with air-dried primary sewage sludge at a rate of 20 g/kg. The water potentials established for soil incubation were: saturation (SA, 0 bar), field capacity (FC, -0.3 bar), and permanent wilting point (PWP, -15 bar). An irrigation treatment was a drying-rewetting cycle (DWC) between -0.3 to -15 bars. After 0, 20, 60 and 90 days of incubation soils were sampled for analysis. The addition of sewage sludge increased soil OC, endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities significantly. The effects of soil moisture, incubation time and their interactions on OC, and endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities in soil were significant. During 20 days of incubation, OC, endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities decreased significantly. Soils incubated in DWC and FC compared to soils incubated in SA and PWP had lower OC contents due to organic matter mineralization. Organic C, exoglucanase and endoglucanase activities significantly increased with increasing soil water potential. The activities of exoglucanase and endoglucanase in soils incubated in SA were significantly higher than those in soils incubated in PWP.

The content of lipophilic vitamins A and E was determined in samples of sheep and goat milk of different breeds coming from 9 farms in central, eastern, and southern Bohemia. Samples were collected throughout the period of lactation (from April to September). Vitamins A and E were determined by HPLC using DAD and FLD detectors. Vitamin A was determined in all samples but only α-tocopherol (out of various forms of vitamin E) was detected in all samples. The total average content of vitamins A and E in raw milk of all sheep breeds during lactation was 0.93 ± 0.07 and 2.93 ± 0.87 mg/kg, levels of these vitamins in goat milk were 0.79 ± 0.08 and 1.29 ± 0.35 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed a significantly medium and strong correlation between the content of vitamin A and E and the content of fat (R² = 0.57 and 0.75, respectively). The year did not have any statistically significant influence on the content of monitored vitamins. The content of both vitamins is dependent on the phase of lactation. The levels of vitamins A and E were significantly lower in the early phase and significantly higher in the late phase of lactation. The amount of monitored vitamins slightly decreased during pasteurisation. A strong decrease in the content of both vitamins was observed during the first two weeks after milk storage in a freezing box at the temperature of -20°C (about 11-55%).