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The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of excessive sulfur (S) supply on iron plaque formation and arsenic (As) accumulation in rice plants. A combined soil-sand pot experiment was conducted by using two As levels (0, 20 mg/kg) combined with three S concentrations (0, 60, 120 mg/kg). The results showed that excessive S supply significantly decreased As concentration in brown rice, but As concentration in root increased with increasing rate of S supply. Moreover, bioconcentration factors for leaves and stems were 8-35 fold of that for brown rice, indicating that As was mainly accumulated in rice leaves and stems instead of brown rice. Furthermore, excessive S supply significantly decreased translocation factor of As compared to treatment without S supply. These results indicated that excessive S may reduce As translocation from soils and roots to grain. The mechanism could be ascribed to excessive S that induced the decrease of As availability, the increase of iron plaque formation under As stress, and the increase of glutathione in rice leaves and roots. Therefore, excessive S can reduce As accumulation in brown rice exposed to As contaminated soils though it may result in loss of rice yield.

The microstructure and stability of aerated whey protein gels were determined. Foamed whey protein gels were obtained using a novel method applying a simultaneous gelation and aeration process. Whey protein gels were produced at different protein concentrations and pH by calcium ion induction at ambient temperature. Two concentrations of calcium ions were used: 20 and 30mM to produce foamed gels with different microstructure. Foamed gels obtained at 30mM Ca²⁺ were composed of thick strands and irregular, large air bubbles. For these gels, larger synaeresis and bubble size reduction were observed. Fine-stranded, small bubble size aerated gels obtained at 20mM Ca²⁺ were very stable during storage. Decreased protein concentration and increased pH of the gels resulted in an increased bubble size.

The impact of variation in economic conditions on the economic values of fourteen production and functional traits was examined for the Improved Valachian breed using a bio-economic model implemented in the ECOWEIGHT software. The following economic parameters were investigated: market prices of lambs, milk, and cheese (variation ± 40%), costs for roughage, concentrates, and total feeding rations , costs for labour and veterinary care, fixed costs (variation ± 20% for all costs), and discount rate of revenues and costs (0 and 3%). Results of the analyses were presented in detail for the marginal and relative economic values of the four most important traits: milk yield in the 150-day milking period, conception rate of ewes, litter size per lambed ewe, and productive lifetime of ewes. Furthermore, cumulative relative economic values of the four trait complexes - milk production, growth, functional, and wool traits - were presented. Prices for sheep products were found to be the most important factor for both the marginal and the relative economic values of the evaluated traits. The four traits with the highest relative economic values in the base calculation stayed the most important for all investigated economic parameters ranges. The relative economic values of the remaining 10 traits did not exceed 6.1%. The relative economic values of milk yield and litter size were the most sensitive to the variation in economic circumstances. For the investigated range of economic parameters, the relative economic value for the complex of milk production traits ranged 30.6-48.1%, for growth traits 6.3-9.4%, and that for functional traits 45.4-59.7%. The relative economic value for the wool trait did not exceed 0.3%.

In continuation of a previous study concerning tree performance and yield characteristics of 20 Holovousy-bred apple cultivars, their fruit characteristics and storage potential were evaluated during 2006-2011 in comparison to commercial standards (Golden Delicious and Jonagold). Fruits of Meteor cv. had the longest storage potential, exceeding six months. It was followed in this respect by cvs Rubimeg, Zuzana, Rucla and Angold that were better than both standards. Mean fruit sizes of cvs Meteor, Angold, Mivibe, Nabella and Zuzana were larger than the standards. Fruits of cultivar Rubin- step were evaluated as the most attractive. In this respect also Rubimeg, Meteor and Rucla were remarkable. Regarding total taste Rucla cv. was the clear winner, followed by cvs Meteor, Rubinstep, Rubimeg and Angold. Regarding total fruit quality cvs Meteor, Rucla and Rubinstep were better than standards. Besides these cultivars, Angold, Fragrance, Julia and Selena were evaluated on the level comparable to standards.

Although various studies of codon usage bias have been reported in a broad spectrum of organisms, no studies to date have examined codon usage bias for herbicide target genes. In this study, we analysed codon usage patterns for the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene in eight monocot weeds and one model monocot. The base composition at the third codon position follows C3 > G3 > T3 > A3. The values of the effective number of codons (ENC or Nc) indicate low bias, and ENC or Nc vs. GC3 plot suggests that this low bias is due to mutational pressure. Low codon adaptation index and codon bias index values further supported the phenomenon of low bias. Additionally, the optimal codons, along with over- and under-represented codons, were identified. Gene design using optimal codons rather than overall abundant codons produce improved protein expression results. Our results can be used for further studies, including eliciting the mechanisms of herbicide resistance (occurring due to elevation of gene expression levels) and the development of new compounds, their efficiency and risk assessment for herbicide resistance evolution.

Anthocyanins are potent natural antioxidants with acclaimed health benefits and are also used as industrial colourants. These functions are based on the types and amounts of anthocyanins present in the food material. We identified and characterised mulberry fruit anthocyanins before and after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment. Three separate samples were differently treated at 200, 400, and 600 MPa for 20 min, respectively. Anthocyanins were identified and characterised using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI/MS), and the literature data. Cyanidin-3-O-glucopyranoside (55.56%) and cyanidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside (44.44%) were detected in the untreated sample, while two new anthocyanins [pelargonidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside (0.46%) and delphinidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside (5.8%)] were identified in the sample treated at 200 MPa for 20 minutes. One new anthocyanin, delphinidin-3-O-coumaroylglucoside (5.38%), was detected in the juice treated at 400 MPa for 20 minutes. At 600 MPa for 20 min, no new anthocyanins were detected.

Isoflavan equol has recently been assessed in human nutrition as a potent estrogen with various health benefits. It is produced by intestinal microflora from isoflavones (IF) formononetin and daidzein. These dietary precursors are present particularly in soy products. However, only 20-35% of the Western adult population is capable of producing equol from the ingested IF. Cow's milk was proved to be an important source of equol produced from the IF in the rumen and intestines. Among forages, red clover (Trifolium pratense) is by far the most important source of both the IF. Their contents in fresh red clover forage are affected by variety and by several environmental factors. Leaves have the highest IF contents. Available data on changes in IF contents during wilting, drying, and ensiling are ambiguous. Content of equol in milk produced by dairy cows fed fresh or ensiled red clover can be at the level of several hundreds μg per litre.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) management on soil water recharge, available soil water at sowing (ASWS), soil water depletion, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and water use efficiency (WUE) after long-term fertilization. We collected data from 2 experiments in 2 growing seasons. Treatments varied from no fertilization (CK), single N or phosphorus (P), N and P (NP), to NP plus manure (NPM). Comparing to CK and single N or P treatments, NP and NPM reduced rainfall infiltration depth by 20-60 cm, increased water recharge by 16-21 mm, and decreased ASWS by 89-133 mm in 0-300 cm profile. However, crop yield and WUE continuously increased in NP and NPM treatments after 22 years of fertilization. Yield ranged from 3458 to 3782 kg/ha in NP or NPM but was 1246-1531 kg/ha in CK and single N or P. WUE in CK and single N or P treatments was < 6 kg/ha/mm but increased to 12.1 kg/ha/mm in a NP treatment. The NP and NPM fertilization provided benefits for increased yield and WUE but resulted in lower ASWS. Increasing ASWS may be important for sustainable yield after long-term fertilization.

The practical aspect of utilization of digital photogrammetry methods and their products in Slovak forestry is presented. We deal with the comparison of various data obtained by digital cameras, their accuracy, utilization and effectiveness for mapping. Based on presented results we summarize the main conclusions in the field of forest mapping. We also deal with the process of pan-sharpening for the preparation of image data for the interpretation and classification of forestry features. Also, the statistical characteristics of two photogrammetric projects with different geometric resolution photos (Ultracam D digital camera with ground sample distance of 10 cm and UltracamX digital camera with ground sample distance of 20 cm) from the same experimental area of the University Forest Enterprise Zvolen are described with the aim of finding an appropriate solution suitable for forest mapping. In both cases, the horizontal accuracy of the photogrammetric projects is presented. Finally, the process of true orthophoto generation and its utilization in forestry is the focus. Both experiments in this paper presented results which fulfil the accuracy standards defined by the state cadastre within the mapping of large scale maps. All projects, apart from the project of direct georeferencing, fulfilled the third accuracy class of mapping, so they can be used within cadastral mapping, land consolidations and, of course, within forested land mapping. Still, all the projects meet the accuracy requirements within the forest mapping standard, where the forestry features and forest spatial distribution units are mapped.

The antioxidative activities and mechanism of action were studied of eight synthesised cinnamoyl- and hydroxycinnamoyl amides of biogenic amines (caffeoyldopamine, cinnamoyldopamine, p-coumaroyldopamine, feruloyldopamine, sinapoyldopamine, caffeoylphenylethylamine, caffeoyltyramine, and caffeoyltryptamine) in a wide concentration range (2.5-20 × 10^-4M) during autoxidation of triacylglycerols of sunflower oil. It was established that all amides exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, higher than or comparable with that of caffeic acid. The best activity was shown by caffeoyldopamine followed by cinnamoyldopamine and caffeoyltyramine. The analysis of the kinetic data obtained showed that the presence of hydroxyl groups in the amino part (derivatives of dopamine and tyramine) led to direct oxidation of the molecules during the process and stabilisation of the resulting radicals. In contrast, the amides without hydroxyl groups in the amino part participated in the side reaction with peroxides and the resulting radicals took part in one side reaction of the chain propagation as did caffeic acid.

The study was aimed at determining the chemical composition, in sacco ruminal dry matter and organic matter degradability of leaves and fruits of tropical condensed tannin rich multipurpose tree species (MPTS). The MPTS studied were Ekebergia capenesis, Ficus sycomorus, Maesa lanceolata, and Rhus glutinosa. Chemical composition of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), non-fibre carbohydrates (NFC), and condensed tannin (CT) was determined. In sacco rumen degradability was measured using three rumen fistulated Holstein Friesian-Boran cross steers at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The DM and organic matter (OM) degradability data were fitted to the equation Y = a + b(1 - e^-ct). The values for each chemical constituent ranged 5.43-11.49% (CA), 7.97-17.06% (CP), 1.57-31% (EE), 12.20-27.5% (CF), 5.84-39.30% (NFC), and 7.2-16.72% (CT). Ekebergia capensis leaves had the greatest values for slowly degradable fraction (b), effective degradability (ED), and rate of degradation (c) in DM (P < 0.001) whereas E. capensis fruit had significantly the greatest soluble fraction (a), potential degradability (b), and effective degradability (ED) values as compared to the a, PD, and ED values in the fruits of other plants(P < 0.001). Yet in OM degradation kinetics, the greatest and least values of potential degradability (PD) were recorded for F. sycomorus (89.89%) and E. capensis (55.90%) leaves (P < 0.001). Similar to the rapidly soluble fraction a, ED was found to be the greatest in fruits as compared to leaves of the plants (P < 0.001). Generally variation of plant parts led to significant differences in chemical composition, DM, and OM degradability and the degradable parameters. The leaves and fruits recorded more than 60% DM and OM degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all greatly degradable in the rumen.

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9 and cytokeratin AE-1/AE-3 using the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunoperoxidase technique in 20 goats with enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA). Clinically, dyspnoea and nasal discharge were observed in all cases. Macroscopically, polypoid and sessile masses were seen in the ethmoidal area. At the histopathological examination, tubular, papillary and mixed patterns of ENA were diagnosed. Immunohistochemically, strong positive reactions were generally seen for caspase-3, while strong to moderate and slight reactions were observed for caspase-7 and caspase-9 in the cytoplasm of the tumour cells. Positive reactions for cytokeratin AE-1/AE-3 were only seen in epithelial cells. In addition, the causative agent of ENA, retrovirus, was detected immunohistochemically in tumour cells.

Six adult male meat-type guinea pigs were subjected to three subsequent digestibility trials with 100% alfalfa, 50% alfalfa and 50% sugar cane and 50% alfalfa and 50% concentrate. For each animal in each period, feed intakes were recorded and all faeces were collected and stored at -20°C until analysis. Feeds and faeces were analysed for dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, ether-extract, crude fibre and acid-insoluble ash. Coefficients of apparent digestibility were calculated according to both the total collection method and the marker method with acid-insoluble ash as internal marker. The present study suggests that acid-insoluble ash is not valid as an internal marker when looking at differences between individuals, but might be useful to demonstrate differences between diets, albeit with lack of accuracy for estimating the absolute digestibility coefficients obtained through the total collection method. Sugar cane was slightly less digestible than alfalfa in meat-type guinea-pigs.

Effects of age at first calving (AFC) on functional longevity of Czech Holstein cows and their reproduction traits in the first lactation were analyzed using the first lactation data of 605 538 Holstein cows first calved from 1993 to 2008. Three classes were formed for AFC: low age class (16-24 months), average age class (25-30 months), and high age class (33-46 months). Effects of AFC on length of productive life (LPL), days open (DO), days between calving and first service (CTFS), and days between first service and conception in the first lactation (FSTC) were estimated by survival and linear model analyses. It was found that LPL was on average slightly shorter for cows with higher AFC who showed also a lower proportion of higher lactations and tended to longer DO and longer CTFS in the first parity. The results of survival analysis indicate that cows with higher AFC had a tendency to shorter LPL (risk of culling 1.118) and to longer DO (risk of conception 0.758), CTFS (risk of conception 0.757), and FSTC (risk of conception 0.754) in comparison with cows with lower AFC. When the effect of fertility traits on LPL was analyzed, it was found that longer DO, CTFS, and FSTC were connected with a lower risk of culling (0.132, 0.183, 0.206) regardless of the particular AFC group. In linear model analysis, the effects of AFC group were estimated from two datasets, where the second dataset included also the missing values of fertility traits. It was found that the cows group with the highest AFC showed worse values of fertility traits (16.75, 19.69, 20.46 days) than the cows groups with lower AFC. Results of all analyses showed that a high AFC is connected with worse cow's fertility at the first lactation and with lower cow's LPL.

The aim of this study was to compare some depressors of the central nervous system combined with ketamine in order to find an adequate scombination for anaesthesia in mice, coupled with a simple, easy to use and reliable method. Forty Swiss OF-1 mice (Mus musculus), 20 females and 20 males with a body weight from 35 to 45 g aged from 12 to 16 weeks, were used to evaluate one of the following central nervous system depressors (CNSD): acepromazine (5 mg/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg), medetomidine (1 mg/kg), midazolam (5 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg) combined with the dissociative anaesthetic ketamine (100 mg/kg) by the intraperitoneal route. Different parameters were evaluated at regular intervals to assess the depth of anaesthesia (time of induction, time of loss and recovery of pedal withdrawal reflex, time of recovery from the anaesthesia), and respiratory and heart rate and oxygen saturation. Most of the assessment times and physiological parameters were exhibited earlier in females than in males but, in most cases, these differences were not significant. The diazepam combination resulted in death in half of the male group. Significant differences for the combination comparison were found for induction, pedal withdrawal reflex and recovery from anaesthesia, as well as for respiratory and heart rate and oxygen saturation. The best results for mice of both genders, i.e. induction, maintenance and recovery from anaesthesia were more stable with α₂-agonists than with other combinations (benzodiazepines or acepromazine), which did not reach a good anaesthetic level, that is, an adequate anaesthetic plane with an absence of the pedal withdrawal reflex and the maintenance of stable vital constants.

The effect of Humisol organic fertiliser (150 g humic acid/l + 20 g/l mineral nutrients) on plant survival and growth of five walnut cultivars grown over a period of two years in the nursery were evaluated. Walnut plants treated with Humisol at the total annual rate of 0.75 ml/plant had a significantly higher survival rate in the first year, greater height and diameter in both years, and a higher percentage of first-class plants at the end of the second year, as compared to untreated control plants. Soil application of Humisol led to better performance of nursery grafted plants, compared to foliar application. Nursery plants receiving 1.5 ml Humisol per year through both soil and foliar application exhibited the best performance in the parameters analysed. In the first year, a decrease in plant growth rate in all treatments was observed in August and September; in the second year, growth rate started to significantly decline in the second half of August.

In order to improve the nutritional value of two-rowed barley grain, two foliar selenium (Se) fertilizers (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) at four rates (0-10-20-40 g/ha) were applied during the growing seasons 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 in a field experiment conducted under semiarid Mediterranean conditions. The grain harvested in the 2010/2011 season accumulated a greater amount of total Se than the grain of the 2011/2012 season. Sodium selenate was much more effectively taken by plants than sodium selenite, and there was a strong and linear relationship between total Se concentration and Se rate in both sodium selenate and selenite. For each gram of Se fertilization, applied as sodium selenate or sodium selenite, the increases of total Se concentration in grain were 44 and 9 μg/kg dry weight, respectively. No increments in total or available Se were observed in soil after harvesting even at the highest doses of either fertilizer. It can be concluded that two-rowed barley would be a good candidate to be included in biofortification programs under Mediterranean conditions to increase Se in animal feeding and in the human diet through beer production.

We applicate the bioluminescent assay system for evaluating the toxicity of Ochratoxin A (OTA). The optimum conditions for the growth and bioluminescence of V. harveyi BA were investigated, including NaCl concentration and pH in the medium, incubation temperature, and OTA action time. The growth and luminescence reached the perfect phase with the NaCl concentration in the range of 1% to 2%, pH 8-9, incubation temperature 25-30°C, and OTA acting for1 hour. Based on these optimum conditions for bioluminescence, the inhibitory effect of OTA on luminosity was pursued. When OTA concentration fell into the range of 0.1-1.0 µg/l, bioluminescence inhibition followed a linear pattern with a good correlation coefficient (R² = 0.944). The calculated recovery percentages fell into the range of 81-102% within the spiking range of 20-200 µg/kg. This system provided a screening method for the measurement of toxic OTA by monitoring the changes in luminescence.

The paper addresses the problem of estimating future stand development in heterogeneously structured forests in Sweden; specifically, multi-layered spruce stands and mature pine stands with advanced spruce undergrowth. We first introduce various supporting concepts and models with their empirical databases, model validation and constraints. Secondly, Swedish single-tree growth functions designed for more heterogeneously structured forest are tested using data from inventory plots, a thinning experiment in an uneven-aged forest stand, and yield plots in pristine forest. Future growth of a managed, multi-layered forest was simulated and is compared with other selected functions. Simulation results, expected errors and time constraints are discussed. For most models, projected stand basal area growth deviated 10-20% from the observed growth in individual stands. In single stands, the deviation ranged from 0 to 60%. Validation periods were often 5-15 years, sometimes even more than 30 years. For Swedish single-tree basal area growth functions, on average, a 5% overestimate was found for heterogeneously structured forest across Sweden. Observed growth in a boreal single-tree selection forest was underestimated by 12.5% fifteen years after thinning from above.

The chemical and fatty acid composition were evaluated of commercially important fish species (common carp, silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, Wels catfish, and zander) which were collected from retail stores in the area of Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia. The amount of protein was the highest in zander (19.27%) and the lowest in grass carp fillets (14.73%). The percentage of fat ranged from 1.8 in zander to 10.07 in common carp. The total cholesterol content was the highest in Chinese carps fillets (approximately 65.38 mg/100 g), and the lowest in Wels catfish (33.14 mg/100 g). SFA were lowest in zander (28.6%). Bighead carp meat contained the highest percentage of PUFA (33.73%) while the lowest percentage was detected in common carp (20.1%). The chemical and fatty acid compositions of fish vary greatly between different species and within the same species. The quality of fish meat in Serbian retail stores is quite good but it should be improved by using feed mixtures on fish ponds.

The goal of this study was the determination of basic physical properties such as density, calorific value and rheological properties of liquid biofuels. Biofuels on the base of bioethanol and rapeseed methyl ester were chosen. Following control samples were selected: diesel oil without admixture of methyl esters and commercially available diesel oils with small amount of methyl ester admixture (6.2 and 6.5%). Dynamic viscosities of individual samples were measured in the range from -10°C to 50°C. Then dependence of shear rate on shear stress was measured at temperatures -10, 0, 20 and 40°C. The most of samples showed the Newtonian behaviour. However, samples with high content of methyl esters or pure methyl esters showed thixotropy behaviour at the low temperature.

The effects were evaluated of different factors on the level of spontaneous (SPO) and induced (IND) lipolysis as defined by the content of free fatty acids (FFA) in milk. Milk samples were collected at monthly intervals throughout the year from both morning and evening milkings either individually in a milking parlour (SPO; n = 10) or from the bulk tank (IND; n = 10). The data were analysed using SAS 9.1. More intensive SPO was observed from March to May with higher FFA contents (+0.034 to +0.523 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05-0.01), and also from September to November (+0.077 to +0.292 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05). More intensive SPO was also detected in the evening milk than in that coming from morning milking (+0.062 to +0.556 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05-0.01). SPO measured immediately after milking was affected by the season and time of milking. The content of FFA characterising IND in bulk milk (0.33-1.10 mmol/100 g of fat) was higher (P < 0.05-0.001) than that due to SPO in individual samples (0.21-0.86 mmol/100 g of fat), especially in those from evening milking compared to morning milking (+0.10 to +0.47 vs. +0.12 to +0.22 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05-0.001).

With increasing mechanization of forest harvesting operations the impacts on soil have increased quite dramatically. The objective of this paper was to examine the relationship of slope and soil loss. This research was carried out in parcels 14 and 26 of the third district of Nav-Asalem forest in the north of Iran. Erosion plots were 75, 150 and 225 m² with two slope classes. After each rainfall event the amount of runoff was measured; then, a sample was taken to determine the weight of soil loss. The results of correlation analysis by Pearson's test between soil loss and slope classes, soil loss and slope length showed that there was a significant (P < 0.05) and positive correlation between the mentioned factors. Also, linear regression between soil loss, slope length and slope gradient was significant. It could be concluded that studying and underlying factors that increase soil loss such as soil type, rainfall intensity, should also be taken into consideration in future. Skid trail construction and skidding should be limited to the slope of < 20%; machine traffic should be restricted. The above-mentioned conclusions can be applied to proper harvesting and management of forest ecosystems.

Anaerobic fermentation is a suitable method of energetic and material utilisation of waste coming from restaurants and canteens. Laboratory experiments of wet anaerobic fermentation were performed in a continuous reactor and in batch reactors under mesophilic conditions. Effects of hydraulic retention time, organic loading rate, period of feeding and recirculation of digestate were examined in the continuous reactor. Effects of substrate pre-treatment (crushing, heating, freezing) were examined in the batch reactors. Degree of substrate degradation ranged between 83-85% within hydraulic retention time of 2-30 days. Appropriate organic loading rate was found in the range 2-3 kg of volatile solids per m3/day. Recirculation of digestate (both an inoculum for fresh substrate and replacement of fresh water supply) caused an increase in ammonia concentration and led to immediate inhibition of the process. The results further showed a positive effect of substrate pre-treatment in the initial phase of fermentation. However, degree of degradation did not show a significant increase for the period of 20 days of fermentation.

Evaluation of soil erosion by existing models is needed as an important tool for managerial purposes in designation of proper water and soil conservation techniques. The present study aimed to assess the applicability of hillslope erosion model (HEM) as one of the newest erosion models for prediction of storm-wise sediment yield in Khosbijan rangeland with 20% slope steepness by using soil erosion standard plots. In order to run the model, runoff depth, land surface cover, soil texture, slope steepness and length were determined for 16 storm events. The results showed that the uncalibrated HEM did not simulate the observed sediment yields properly. Calibration of soil erodibility parameter and developing regression between observed and estimated data indicated that the model was capable of predicting sediment yield in plots by applying soil erodibility parameter of 0.15 with determination coefficient of 0.64 and estimate error of 40%.

The present study investigated the effect of 1 and 2% feed supplementation with biomass of Chlorella grown through heterotrophic fermentation on the concentration of total and individual carotenoids in egg yolks. A total of twenty-four Hisex Brown laying hens aged 56 weeks were included in the experiment. The layers were kept individually in cages. They were divided into three groups of eight birds and fed a diet typical for laying hens. Control birds (C) received only a basal diet, while experimental diets (P1 and P2) were supplemented with 1 and 2% (i.e. 10 and 20 g/kg) dry disintegrated Chlorella biomass. Egg yolk deposition of total carotenoids was significantly (P < 0.01) increased by 46% (P1) and 119% (P2). The rising curves of total carotenoids reached their plateau during the fourth experimental week. The respective values oscillated around 25 mg (P1) and 40 mg (P2) per g of yolk during the following weeks. Lutein and zeaxanthin were equally deposited and they represented more than 90% of total carotenoids in yolk. The deposition of carotenoids significantly (P < 0.01) increased the colour characteristics of yolks measured using the Roche Yolk Colour Fan scale. Supplementation with Chlorella biomass significantly decreased the egg yolk weight of P2 in comparison with P1 (P < 0.05) and C (P < 0.01). These effects were probably related to lower feed consumption in these hens. The daily feed intake per hen, as well as its consumption per egg, was lower by 5-7 g in both supplemented groups. Recalculation of the diet consumption per kg of egg and yolk mass eliminated these differences. There were no differences among laying hens in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and cholesterol.

We analysed the fatty acid (FA) composition of plant and fish oil supplements available in the Czech Republic. Total lipid FA composition was analysed by gas chromatography. A total of 62 plant and 50 fish oil supplements were analysed. Their FA composition ranged widely. Linoleic acid was a dominant FA in soya lecithin (45-60%), evening primrose (65-75%), amaranth (20-50%), pumpkin seed (45-55%), and borage oil supplements (40%). α-Linolenic acid ranged between 2% and 8% in soya lecithin and from 0.2% to 1% in the majority of the other plant oil supplements. Saw palmetto oil supplements were rich in saturated FA (40-90%). γ-Linolenic acid was found in evening primrose and borage oil supplements (10-20%). Sea buckthorn oil composition varied according to the part of the plant used. The majority of fish oil supplements contained 12-23% of eicosapentaenoic and 7-17% of docosahexaenoic acids. Oil supplements may be beneficial for patients with metabolic disorders because of their FA as well as antioxidant and phytosterol content.

Establishing a core collection that represents the genetic diversity of the entire collection with a minimum loss of its original diversity and minimal redundancies is an important problem for gene bank curators and crop breeders. In this paper, we assess the representativeness of the original genetic diversity in core collections consisting of one-tenth of the entire collection obtained according to 23 sampling strategies. The study was performed using the Polish orchardgrass Dactylis glomerata L. germplasm collection as a model. The representativeness of the core collections was validated by the difference of means (MD%) and difference of mean squared Euclidean distance (d‒D%) for the studied traits in the core subsets and the entire collection. In this way, we compared the efficiency of a simple random and 22 (20 cluster-based and 2 direct cluster-based) stratified sampling strategies. Each cluster-based stratified sampling strategy is a combination of 2 clusterings, 5 allocations and 2 methods of sampling in a group. We used the accession genotypic predicted values for 8 quantitative traits tested in field trials. A sampling strategy is considered more effective for establishing core collections if the means of the traits in a core are maintained at the same level as the means in the entire collection (i.e., the mean of MD% in the simulated samples is close to zero) and, simultaneously, when the overall variation in a core collection is greater than in the entire collection (i.e., the mean of d‒D% in the simulated samples is greater than that obtained for the simple random sampling strategy). Both cluster analyses (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean UPGMA and Ward) were similarly useful in constructing those sampling strategies capable of establishing representative core collections. Among the allocation methods that are relatively most useful for constructing efficient samplings were proportional and D2 (including variation). Within the Ward clusters, the random sampling was better than the cluster-based sampling, but not within the UPGMA clusters.

The efficiency of embryo recovery in a superovulatory treatment was studied by perfusing the oviduct or the uterine horn in 3.5 and 7 days after sponge withdrawal, respectively. Eighty-four and seventy ewes of Aragonesa breed were used as embryo donors and receptors, respectively. The donors were distributed in 3 replications. The oestrus was synchronized with the insertion of FGA intravaginal sponges (30 mg) for 13 days. Six intramuscular injections of 18 mg pFSH were applied in decreasing doses at 12 hour intervals starting 48 hours after sponge withdrawal. The recovery rate (RR) (83.2 vs. 75.8%), the viability rate (VR) (73.5 vs. 47.2%) and the number of viable embryos (VE) per donor ewe (5.9 ± 0.79 vs. 3.0 ± 0.37) were higher (P < 0.01) in ewes whose perfusion was done directly in oviducts. The interval from sponge withdrawal to oestrus had no influence on RR in any groups; however it had an effect on the VR in 3.5 and 7 days old embryos. Embryos from ewes showing the oestrus within 20 hours after sponge withdrawal had a higher viability. On the other hand, using morphologic criteria, 26.5% and 52.7% of 3.5 and 7 days old embryos, respectively, were discarded before transfer. The percentage of ewes in each group that became pregnant was similar in both groups. We conclude that in superovulated ewes the embryo recovery rate, viability and number of viable embryos are higher in embryos recovered from the oviduct compared to those recovered from the uterus, without decreasing the conception rate and the viability rate is higher in ewes that show the oestrus 20 hours before sponge withdrawal.

ISA Brown hens were fed diets supplemented with the synthetic carotenoids Carophyll Red and Carophyll Yellow at 20 and 15 mg/kg, respectively, lutein at 250 mg/kg, and the algae Chlorella at 12.5 g/kg. The synthetic carotenoids, lutein, and Chlorella significantly increased egg weight (P < 0.001), shell weight (P < 0.001), and thickness (P = 0.017) and decreased the yolk/albumen ratio (P = 0.035) of the eggs. Lutein but not the Carophylls or Chlorella significantly increased the shell breaking strength (P = 0.032). Furthermore, the carotenoids and Chlorella significantly (P < 0.001) increased yolk colour, and the yolk redness increased significantly (P < 0.001) in the following order: control < Chlorella < Carophyll < lutein. Lutein and Chlorella increased the yellowness of the yolks, and boiling the eggs for 5 min increased the redness of the yolks, while boiling them for 10 min increased the lightness and reduced the colour of the yolks. Supplementation of feed with lutein and Chlorella significantly (P < 0.001) increased the concentration of lutein (from 12.8 to 133.9 and 49.0 mg/kg dry matter) and zeaxanthin (from 9.2 to 123.9 and 40.1 mg/kg dry matter) in the yolks, and all carotenoids and Chlorella significantly (P < 0.001) increased the oxidative stability of the lipids of fresh eggs and eggs that had been stored at 18°C for 28 days.