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Two monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to the outer structural protein E2 (spike peplomeric protein) and two MAb to the inner capsid protein N of bovine coronavirus (BCV) were prepared and identified by Western blotting to be used for increasing the specificity and sensitivity of BCV detection. The MAb were checked by the haemagglutination inhibition test and immunoperoxidase tests and no cross reactivity with rotavirus was demonstrated by the immunoperoxidase test and ELISA. A mixture of all the four MAb at predetermined optimum concentrations was first used in sandwich ELISA and then, in combination with an anti‑coronavirus polyclonal antibody, for the development of a simple and rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT). The results of which can be read visually within 10 min. The inclusion of MAb into ELISA and ICT allows the detection of both intact and incomplete BCV virions. ELISA and ICT were used in the examination of a set of 74 faecal samples collected from calves suffering from diarrhoea. ELISA, used as the golden standard verified by electron microscopy, detected BCV in 15 samples (20.3%) and ICT in 16 samples. Three of the ICT‑positive samples were negative by ELISA. On the other hand, two of the 58 ICT‑negative samples were positive by ELISA. Sensitivity and specificity of ICT were 94.9% and 86.7%, respectively

The objective of this work was to verify the effect of the lean meat proportion on the chemical composition of the meaty parts (loin and ham) of pork. A total of 116 finishing hybrid pigs commonly used in the Czech Republic were fattened for this purpose. The pigs were divided according to the lean meat proportion criterion into 3 groups, i.e. more than 60.0%, 55.0-59.9% and 50.0-54.9%. Representative muscle samples were taken from the right halves of these pigs. They were then homogenised and submitted to chemical analysis. The results of the measuring showed that the values of the water content, intramuscular fat (IMF), crude proteins, and ash matter ranged in the loin between 72.50-72.80%, 1.56-1.96%, 23.20-23.40%, and 1.37-1.40%, respectively, and in the ham between of 70.43-71.59%, 3.52-4.26%, 21.67-21.95%, and 1.42-1.56%, respectively. The ascertained values of the water content and crude proteins with regard to the increasing lean meat proportion in the carcasses did not show any developmental tendencies. As for the content of IMF, it was determined that the higher was the lean meat proportion, the lower was the IMF content. Concerned of sensoric quality traits it means that pork meat from supermeaty hybrid pigs shows lower quality. Concerning the content of ash matter, it was observed that the ash content increased with an increasing lean meat proportion. In the carcass part of the musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT), it was demonstrated that the higher was the lean meat proportion, the lower was the content of amino acids - threonine, isoleucine, lysine, aspartic acid, serine, and proline. From point of the production of exceedingly meaty pigs (over 60%), it can be expected a worse nutritional pork meat value. In the carcass portion of the musculus semimembranosus (MS), the contents of valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, serine, proline, and glycine increased with an increasing lean meat proportion. Within the framework of statistical evaluation of differences between the groups, the values of IMF ((P ≤ 0.01) in MLLT, water content, IMF, ash matter, threonine, valine, phenylalanine, lysine, aspartic acid, serine, glycine, and alanine in MS were highly significant ((P ≤ 0.05; (P ≤ 0.01 and (P ≤ 0.001).

In tests with artificial infestation of alfalfa by leaf weevils in the greenhouse and also in small-plot trials with natural infestation of sprouting alfalfa it was found that without protection alfalfa is seriously damaged by leaf weevil feeding. After evaluation of the feeding damage by weevils, the damage to plants in the untreated plot was classed as 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th degree on a five-level scale. Plant growth was seriously restricted and in warm and dry weather plants may die. The results demonstrate that in both kinds of trials the pre-sowing treatment of alfalfa seed significantly reduces the feeding of leaf weevils on sprouting alfalfa. No negative effects of insecticidal seed dressing on germination energy and germination were observed. On the basis of the three-year trials, the dressing insecticides Cruiser 350 FS (active ingredient thiamethoxan) and Elado 480 FS (active ingredients beta-cyfluthrin and clothianidin), both at a dose of 20 l/t, can be recommended as an effective method to protect alfalfa against leaf weevils.

In the framework of Slovakia entering into the European Union, there was done a PHARE-ACE survey in years 1999-2000. The name of this survey was "Micro-economic analysis of farming households restructuring in pre-accession period to the EU". The survey was finished in 2002. This survey was done in two regions of Slovakia, characterized by different natural conditions, production and economic conditions. This project was aiming not only at private farmers but also at other legal entities producing agricultural products. The monitored group consisted of 412 private farmers, farming in average 43.2 ha of agricultural land. Most of them are farming on 0-2 ha of agricultural land (20.8%) and on 25-100 ha of agricultural land (20.1%).

The paper presents the results of evaluating the growth and health of 20 different poplars from the Aigeiros group in 30-year populetum Leles on uninundated alluvia of the Latorica River in ecological conditions of the lowland Východoslovenská nížina. The populetum is situated on medium-heavy loamy soils in the group of forest site types Ulmeto-Fraxinetum carpineum. The results of evaluation document that out of the investigated poplar clones the poplars I-214, I-476, Blanc du Poitou, Flachslanden and P. nigra (Baka 5) had the best height and diameter growth and maximum volume production. Their health status was also very good. The lowest volume production was determined in P. nigra (009/66 ČR), I-455 and Grandis, and the worst health was found out in Grandis, P. nigra (Pavlovce 1) and P. nigra (Ivachnova 1). These results will facilitate to include the poplars I-476 and Flachslanden in the assortment of regionalized poplars for the lowland area of Východoslovenská nížina.

Volatile aroma compounds production by two autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, isolated from Istria region, and three other yeast strains (Saccharomyces bayanus and two commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeasts) was investigated on a small scale using synthetic VP4 medium and Graševina must at 12 and 20°C. The results obtained by gas chromatography analyses were compared with the aroma production properties of the native microflora, remaining after Graševina must sulphiting. In both media and at both temperatures, the wine yeasts investigated showed different metabolic profiles regarding the tested volatile aroma compounds, which should be taken in consideration for autochthonous wine production. Although the synthetic medium proved to be appropriate for the investigation of the fermentative properties, the determination of secondary aroma production by wine yeasts has to be conducted by must fermentation or possibly by fermentation of another synthetic medium whose composition would be more similar to must.

The phosphorus (P) availability was tested on hydromorphic soils located in theSavavalley. 480 soil profiles covering the area of31 227 hawas analysed in our study. The plant available P was determined by the Ammonium-Lactate method. The P availability in the surface layer (0-30 cm) is very low (up to 5 mg P2O5/100 g of soil) in about 30% of the tested agricultural land (9 440 ha), next 32% (9 897 ha) is in the range of a low P availability (from 5.1 to 10 mg), while only 17% (5 445 ha) has a good or very good P availability (above 20 mg). Especially high frequency of low P availability was found in vertic gley, amphygley and hypogley soils (total8 680 haor 28% of tested agricultural land).

The objective of the study was to identify genes for resistance to powdery mildew in wheat cultivars and land races from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The presence and distribution of resistance genes was compared to powdery mildew virulence structure in these countries. The different strategies in breeding for resistance were expressed in a different distribution of resistance genes, especially among Polish and Hungarian cultivars. In 20 of the 29 Hungarian common wheat cultivars the resistance gene Pm8 was found. Of the 32 Polish cultivars investigated, 16 possess a combination of genes Pm2+6. Resistance gene Pm4b did not occur in any Hungarian cultivar tested, and resistance gene pm5 was not detected in any Polish cultivar. Virulence in wheat powdery mildew populations was influenced by differences in distribution of resistance genes in host genotypes. The most significant difference was found between Polish and Hungarian powdery mildew populations. The two populations differed mainly in virulence against Pm2. Resistance gene MlAr was detected in three old Slovak cultivars.

In order to elucidate the distribution of soil nematodes in coastal wetlands and the effect of different distance from the sea line on soil nematode communities, we investigated the community structure of soil nematodes in one wetland perpendicularly oriented from Bohai sea coastline. In June 2006, soil samples were collected from the Yellow River Delta wetlands, in Dongying city of Shandong Province, China. Soil nematode communities were analyzed at the depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm. The results showed that plant parasite nematodes were the most abundant trophic groups in both depths and at four sites. The average relative abundance was 91.33% of the nematode community. Several ecological indices which reflected soil nematode community structure, diversity, maturity and plant parasitism were compared in these four sites. The results indicated that the maturity index (MI) and plant parasitism index (PPI) were more sensitive than the other indices for assessing the response of soil nematode communities to soil of coastal wetland.

The origin of the differences in the water regime components of 0-0.6 m soil profile was identified in extensively managed permanent grasslands (PG, variants: once cut - 1C, twice cut - 2C, nocut - NC, mulched June - MVI, mulched July - MVII) using the method of the soil water balance (drainage lysimeters). The differences in the water regime of the experimental variants manifested themselves depending on adequate soil water storage in the period when the amounts of transpiring biomass in individual variants differed markedly: (i) at the beginning of the vegetation period, when the surface litter in the NC and 1C variants reduced the actual evapotranspiration (ETA), (ii) at the time of mowing and mulching (M), when these treatments (mainly M) increased the soil water supply by ca 10-20 mm per month and decreased the ETA values by 1-2.5 mm per day for about 2-4 weeks as compared to non-mown variants on the given date, and (iii) as a result of the presence of different agrobotanical groups with distinct transpiration intensity (leguminous plants with a higher transpiration intensity in the 2C variant compared to grasses). The post-M reduction in evaporation was compensated by a higher total transpiration resulting from an increase in the aboveground phytomass. The lowest water consumption with the highest supply to the groundwater resources was recorded in the NC and 1C variants. The 2C variant containing leguminous plants with high water requirements had the highest consumption of water for evaporation and the lowest amount of water runoff from the soil profile. The identification of the water regime differences in individual variants helped determine the appropriate PG management with the aim to increase the underground water levels in the protection zones of water resources. The 1C variant of management is recommended mainly in the source areas of groundwater with lower productivity soils. In the accumulation areas of water resources (floodplain areas) with a deep soil profile and highly productive grassland, the 2C variant is required; mulching, which would largely support the yielding capacity of grassland, should be avoided. Mulching may occasionally be used as a relatively suitable method for the sites with a low yielding capacity in the source area.

In recent years, the Czech part of the Silesian Beskids has been affected by strong yellowing of Norway spruce stands and gradual decline of individual trees. Similar damage has also been observed in the neighbouring parts of Poland and Slovakia. The article presents the results of an investigation in the Forest District Jablunkov - part Nýdek. To evaluate the situation, monitoring plots were established and a regional survey was carried out together with tree-ring analysis. The results show a mosaic distribution of damage in the region studied, independent of the altitude and forest type. Defoliation was lower in 20-40 years old stands. Even these young classes, however, show yellowing symptoms. The decline of stands started to be visible at the end of the 1990s; significant loss of vitality was observed in the most affected stands in 2003, after an extremely hot and dry vegetation period. Actual development of meteorological conditions plays an important role in the stand damage. Lastly, possible causes of damage and further development are discussed.

Water stress is a frequent and critical limit to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in North China. It has been shown that photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) is closely related to crop production. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation and winter wheat varieties on the PAR capture ration, PAR utilization and grain yield. Field experiments involved Jimai 20 (J; high yield variety) and Lainong 0153 (L; dryland variety) with non-irrigation and irrigated at jointing stage. The results showed that whether irrigated at jointing stage or not, there was no significant difference between J and L with respect to the amount of PAR intercepted by the winter wheat canopies. However, significant differences were observed between the varieties with respect to the amount of PAR intercepted by plants that were 60-80 cm above the ground surface. This result was mainly caused by the changes in the vertical distributions of leaf area index (LAI). As a result, the effects of the varieties and deficit irrigation on the radiation use efficiency (RUE) and grain yield of winter wheat were due to the vertical distribution of PAR in the winter wheat canopies. During the late growing season of winter wheat, irrespective of the irrigation regime, the RUE and grain yield of J were significantly (LSD, P < 0.05) higher than those of L. These results suggest that a combination of deficit irrigation and a suitable winter wheat variety should be applied in North China.

Stomach contents of 331 specimens of Perccottus glenii (Perciformes: Odontobutidae) were analysed. Chironomids and ephemeropterans dominated the diet of all size classes of fish; however, the frequency of crustaceans was also high. Micro-crustaceans (ostracods, copepods and cladocerans) dominated in lower size classes (20-39 mm); macro-crustaceans (Isopoda, Amphipoda) dominated in higher size classes (up to 79 mm). The proportion of crustaceans decreased from the size class 80-89 mm. With the increasing size of fish the frequency of molluscs (Gastropoda) increased, the maximum was in size class 70-79 mm. Cannibalism occurred from 60 mm, and it was significant from 80 mm. The highly mobile invertebrates (Coleoptera, Heteroptera) were found in the largest size classes. In middle size classes (40-59 mm), the widest spectrum of prey units was documented; the food variability of small (90 mm) individuals was poor. Differences in the diet composition of small individuals were negligible; the diet of the largest ones differed significantly. According to diet, two feeding size class groups were recognised: the first

A method to obtain an oligopeptide with high Fischer ratio is described. Corn gluten meal (CGM) was hydrolysed with Alcalase 2.4L using a two-step hydrolysis. In the first-step hydrolysis, the enzyme reaction conditions for hydrolysing CGM were optimised by using the orthogonal experimental design, while pH = 8.0, temperature = 55°C, enzyme to substrate ratio (3:97, w/w), and the substrate concentration = 5% were identified as the optimum conditions, under which up to 11.62% degree of hydrolysis (DH) could be obtained. The hydrolysate was then fractionated by ultrafiltration using a membrane with the molecular cutoff of over 10 kD at 20 kPa. For the second-step hydrolysis, the filtrate was adjusted to pH 6.0, then papain was added at 50°C and the mixture was maintained for 3 hours. The hydrolysate was obtained after inactivating papain and centrifuging. Then the salt (mainly NaCl) in the hydrolysate was removed with an ion exchange resin at the speed of 8 times bed volume per hour, and aromatic amino acids were removed through absorption by active carbon. By using Sephadex G-25 gel filtration chromatography, a peptide mixture with low molecular weights between 1000 and 1300 was obtained. Finally, tests on amino acid composition and free amino acid concentration of oligopeptide solution showed that the oligopeptide had a high Fischer ratio of 34.71 and the yield of 11.59%.

Exercise induces a variety of physiological and laboratorial changes of different magnitude and direction, depending on the characteristics of the performed exercise (duration and intensity) and on the fitness and training level of the dog. The present research aims to describe the normal response to a session of search and rescue exercise in trained dogs in order to distinguish these changes from those derived from exhaustion or diseases. Nine healthy and trained dogs of both sexes (five females and four males), aged between 24 months and seven years (mean: 3.5 years) were studied. Exercise consisted in a normal session of searching and rescue training of 20 min of duration, carried out in an open terrain. During the exercise, heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously with a HR-meter. Furthermore, respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured and venous blood samples were extracted at rest (R), immediately after exercise (E) and at 5, 15 and 30 min of a passive recuperation (5REC, 15REC and 30REC). The following laboratorial parameters were studied: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HB), packed cell volume (PCV), RBC volumetric indices, white blood cells (WBC), creatinine (CREAT), total plasma protein (TPP), lactate (LA), glucose (GLU), triacylglycerols (TAG), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Na, K, Cl, cortisol (CORT) and insulin (INS). Clinical signs indicative of exhaustion or exercise intolerance were not observed in the dogs during the study. HR increased with E and remained over the reference range until 30REC. RR and RT also rose with E, with the highest RR at 5REC. RBC, HB and PCV were not affected by E, whereas WBC increased at E. TPP, GLU, AST and K were not affect by E neither by REC. E induced elevations in CK, LDH, LA and INS, reaching R values at 30REC, 30REC, 15REC and 5REC, respectively. Plasma Na decreased with E and recovered at 30REC. Plasma Cl decreased with E, without additional significant changes. Circulating CORT concentrations were reduced with E, with the highest reduction at 10REC. Modifications of RR, RT, WBC, CREAT and TAG persisted throughout the recovery period. In conclusion, significant modifications in physiological and laboratorial parameters were induced by the searching and rescue exercise, with values outside the reference range for healthy dogs. These data provide a data base for evaluating ill or injured dogs during this type of exercise. In addition, there was not evidence of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and stress or muscle disorders in the studied dogs.

Four protein fractions: 1 - albumins and globulins, 2 - gliadins, 3 - glutenins (extracted in NaOH), 4 - glutenins (extracted in SDS) separated by SDS-PAGE were used as biochemical markers for evaluation of polymorphism level in three spelt wheat cultivars - Hercule, Altgold and Rouquin, three new-breeders' spelt lines - H92.27, H92.28 and M92.20 (originated from hybridisation between spelt and common wheat) and reference common wheat cultivar Brea. Electrophoretic phenotypes and zymograms were evaluated by means of digital image analysis and Nei and Li coefficient of similarity was used to evaluate the relation of analysed genotypes. Entire evaluation of all four-marker systems showed differences between common wheat cultivarBreaand spelt cultivars and spelt breeders' lines. Also significant differences between old spelt cultivars (Hercule, Altgold and Rouquin) and new spelt breeders' lines were found. The reality of the mutual passing of protein fractions (gliadins and glutenins), based on Osborne extraction was confirmed. In this sense it is necessary to see both fractions as dynamic overlapping structures.

The soluble proteins extracted from the first leaf tissues of cultivated tetraploid (Triticum durum Desf., genome AB) and hexaploid (T. aestivum L., genome ABD) wheat species and their diploid wild progenitors [T. monococcum L. (A), Aegilops speltoides Tausch (B), and Aegilops tauschii Cosson (D)] exposed to 100 mmol/l NaCl stress were separated by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. There was no newly synthesized protein in the NaCl treatment compared to the control treatment in all species. However, protein profiles showed some differences among species. Most of these proteins had acidic character; their isoelectric point (pI = pH - acidity of proteins) ranged between 5.1-6.9 and low-mol weight (LMW) between 20.3-30.6 kDa. Salt stress caused some proteins to increase or decrease. In the same MW and pI, 11 LMW and 3 intermediate-mol weight (IMW, 34.8-35.4 kDa) proteins increased and/or decreased in amounts were common between at least two species. The remarkable changes in Ae. speltoides were detected as decreases or losses in protein profiles. As a result of salt stress, all the remarkable changes in T. durum were detected as the increases in proteins. However, some proteins increased in T. aestivum, T. monococcum and Ae. tauschii. It is suggested that an increase in the amount of the proteins may lead to an increase in the tolerance mechanisms towards NaCl salinity of wheat species which has A and/or genome(s).

The phenophase course in a group of 20 apricot genotypes was evaluated in South Moravian conditions in Lednice, Czech Republic, from 1994 to 1999. The evaluated phases were as follows: "beginning of blossoming", "beginning of picking maturity" and "end of picking maturity". The aim was to evaluate the variability of these phenophases and their relationships. The amplitude of the phenophase "beginning of blossoming" did not exceed 9 days. The amplitude of phenophases between the different years was about three times higher than the average amplitude between the genotypes. The average amplitude of the factor "beginning of picking maturity" observed in all genotypes was 39 days, but a comparison between the years showed that the largest amplitude for a given genotype was only 16 days. No statistical correlation was found between the phenophases "beginning of blossoming" and "beginning of picking maturity" in any of the six observed years. The genotypes whose maturity occurs at the beginning or at the end of picking season showed higher year to year variability of the phenophase "beginning of picking maturity" than the genotypes maturing in the middle of the season. The rate of fruit development from blossoming to picking was considerably different depending on the apricot genotype. The number of days between the beginning of blossoming and the beginning of picking maturity was characteristic of each genotype. The variability of this interval for the six years was very low and the value of variation coefficients did not exceed 10%. This amplitude observed in the control variety Velkopavlovická LE-6/2 was on average 100 days. A very high statistically significant correlation (r = 0.996⁺⁺) was observed between the intervals from the "beginning of blossoming" to the "beginning of picking maturity" and to the "end of picking maturity".

The influence of different fertilizer forms and rates on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents, nitrate accumulation and yield in red head chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum L.) was investigated. Field fertilization trials were set up at two localities inNorthwest Croatia in 1999 and 2000. Trials were laid out according to the Latin square scheme in five fertilization treatments: manure 5 kg/m2, three rates of complex mineral fertilizer NPK (5:20:30) - 50, 100 and 150 g/m2, and an unfertilized control variant. The results of investigations indicate that there were no significant differences between treatments in the plant nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Significant fluctuations of the chicory potassium content (3.27-4.75% K) depending on the fertilization variant were recorded only in 1999 while in 2000 all values (4.13-5.12% K) were uniform. Plant nitrate levels were influenced by weather conditions more significantly than by the form and rates of fertilizers. All the recorded values are within the limits tolerated for leafy vegetables. Comparing the trial years, yields were generally higher in 1999 (1.58-4.95 kg/m2) than in 2000 (0.40-2.70 kg/m2). No significant differences in yield were recorded between the application of stable manure and the lowest mineral fertilizer rate.

The Cd and Zn accumulation and phytoextraction potential of seven willow clones was investigated in a pot experiment for two vegetation periods. Heavily polluted Fluvisol-Litavka, moderately contaminated Cambisol-Pribram, and unpolluted control Chernozem-Suchdol were used. Significant differences were found in Cd and Zn accumulation between the willow clones. Cd and Zn were transferred from roots to aboveground tissues and all tested clones confirmed higher Cd and Zn accumulation in leaves than in twigs. Cd and Zn amounts removed by willow leaves were the highest from the most polluted soil (up to 83% Cd and 71% Zn of total removal). Therefore the harvest of leaves is necessary if willows are planted for heavy metal phytoextraction. Although the extremely high Zn contamination of Fluvisol-Litavka significantly reduced biomass production, willows planted in this soil showed the highest Zn removal because of extremely high Zn accumulation (max. 5061 ppm in leaves). Clones planted in moderately contaminated soil achieved the highest Cd removal. Clones showed different abilities to remove Cd and Zn, which was dependent on soil type and contamination level. Remediation factors were determined less than 1% for Zn in the heavily polluted soil and also unsatisfactory for Cd. However, it was shown that willows were suitable phytoextractors of moderately contaminated soil. About 20% of Cd and 4% of Zn were removed by harvested biomass from the total content of soil after two vegetation periods.

120 selected layers (Bovans Goldline hybrid) aged 19 weeks with an average weight of 1 735 g were divided into two balanced groups: control group (Group C) and experimental (Group E). Layers were reared in three-tier cages with automatic watering, manual feeding, and at controlled light and temperature regimens. One cage accommodated two layers, the floor surface area was 0.1125 m² per layer. The experiment started after a 20-day adaptation period with layers aged 22 weeks (Week 22) and ended when layers were 68 weeks old (Week 68). In a period of initiation (i.e. Weeks 19-38), layers were fed the complete feeding mixture N1. Then they received the feeding mixture N2 until the end of the experiment. Feeding mixtures in both groups (C and E) had the same composition; the only difference between mixtures was that the feeding mixture in the experimental group was enriched with 1% clinoptilolite (i.e. the commercially available additive ZeoFeed). Layers received feeding mixtures and drinking water ad libitum. In the course of the experimental period, control layers laid 16 289 eggs while experimental layers laid 16 474 eggs. It follows from the results that the laying intensity in experimental layers was 1.7% higher as compared to control layers, i.e. the number of laid eggs in experimental layers increased by 5.6 eggs per layer. The mean weight of all laid eggs was 66.3 ± 6.25 g in the control group and 65.6 ± 5.44 g in the experimental group (P ≤ 0.01). Such performance was achieved at the consumption of feeding mixture being 141.7 g per laid egg in the control group and 137.6 g per laid egg in the experimental group. The consumption of feeding mixture in the experimental group was 4.1 g lower than that in the control group. The mean values of parameters monitored in blood plasma such as uric acid, cholesterol, glucose, lactose, calcium, phosphorus, ALP, and LDH in both groups of layers ranged within reference intervals, with no significant differences being detected between both groups.However, statistically significant differences between both groups were found in total plasma protein (P ≤ 0.01), triacylglycerol levels (P ≤ 0.05), and magnesium (P ≤ 0.01), which were elevated in the control group, and in AST (P ≤ 0.05) whose level in the control group was significantly lower than that in the experimental group. The results of haematological tests performed with layers' blood revealed statistically significant changes in parameters such as the erythrocyte count (P ≤ 0.01), haemoglobin level (P ≤ 0.01), and MCHC (P ≤ 0.05), which were elevated in the experimental group, and in the leukocyte count (P ≤ 0.05), which was lower in the experimental group, as compared with the control. However, the values found varied within physiological ranges.

Three hundred 21-day-old male Qingjiaoma broilers were randomly assigned to six groups to investigate the effect of dietary stems and leaves of Astragalus mongholicus (AMSLs), Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs), Lactobacillus (Lac) and their combinations on finishing broilers in a 42-day feeding experiment. Supplementary 1% AMSLs, 1 000 mg/kg APSs and 4.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/kg Lac improved significantly growth performance. Dietary AMSLs, APSs and Lac increased the serum concentrations of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and complements C3 and C4. Furthermore, AMSLs increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total antioxidation capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both serum and liver tissue. Compared with individual supplementation, the combination of Lac and AMSLs or APSs increased serum IgA, IgG, C3 and C4 concentrations. The combination of AMSLs and Lac increased serum GSH-Px activity and reduced the MDA content in the serum and liver tissue. These results suggested that AMSLs, APSs and Lac are beneficial feed additives, and the applications of combined Lac and AMSLs or APSs could synergistically improve immunity in broilers.

A potted experiment was conducted to explore the accumulation of arsenic (As) and predict the uptake of As by a wheat-maize rotation system in calcareous soil with different rates of sewage sludge (SS) amendment over two consecutive years. The SS amendment decreased the pH value of calcareous soil but increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium carbonate (CC), organic carbon (OC) and As accumulation in soil and crops with increasing SS addition. The As bioconcentration factor (BCF) of wheat and maize had a significant negative correlation with pH, CC and a significant positive correlation with OC. Soil CEC had a significant positive correlation only with the As BCF of wheat. Regression analysis showed that soil As, pH, OC, CC and CEC were good predictors of the As concentration in wheat/maize. The regression model for each part of the wheat/maize plants had a high model efficiency value and explained 67~88% of the variability. The R2 values of the wheat and maize grain prediction models were 79% and 76%, respectively. Thus, these models contribute to the study of As risk assessment for sewage sludge utilisation in calcareous soil-wheat/maize rotation systems.

Echinacea species are popular herbal medicine and food supplements for enhancing the immune system. This study was conducted with the aim of developing an efficient heat reflux extraction of caffeic acid derivatives from dried adventitious roots of Echinacea purpurea obtained in bioreactor cultures. Water, methanol (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%), and ethanol (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) were used as solvents for the extraction of caffeic acid derivatives. Another parameter used for the optimisation was the solvent temperature during extraction. The treatment of samples with 60% ethanol at 60°C for 2 h proved to be the most suitable procedure. This treatment was also responsible for the higher yields of total phenolics, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.

One hundred and eighty (180) day-old broiler chickens were used to investigate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on growth performance, carcass composition, and the serum concentrations of several lipid metabolic hormones and metabolic parameters (indicators). The broilers received the same basal diets, with DHEA added at 0 (control), 5 and 20 mg/kg feed. During the experimental period, broilers fed DHEA exhibited lower levels of triglycerides (TG), total serum cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) as compared to the control animals, but a marked increase in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Adding DHEA to the diet significantly decreased serum concentrations of thyroxine (T₄), serum free triiodothyronine (FT₃), and serum free thyroxine (FT₄), but significantly increased the serum leptin (LEP) and glucogon (GLU) levels in male broiler chickens. However, female broiler chickens showed pronounced differences in LEP, FT₃ and FT₄ only, while there were no differences in the other three metabolic hormones (T₃, T₄ and GLU). Overall, these results indicate that DHEA improves lipid metabolism through the regulation of metabolic hormones and metabolic parameters, while not adversely affecting growth performance in broiler chickens.

We performed 28-day mesophilic fermentation of a mixture of pig slurry and primary (raw) sludge from the sedimentation stage of a wastewater treatment plant at a 1:1 ratio. The components and the original and fermented mixture of slurry and sludge were subjected to acid hydrolysis. Dry matter of the solid phase of both components and both mixtures was incubated with sandy-loamy Cambisol at a weight ratio 3:1 at 25°C for 20 weeks; in 14-day intervals lipids, crude protein, hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin, total nitrogen and hot-water-insoluble solids were determined. Changes in ion-exchange and buffering capacity of the test materials were recorded. Labile organic matters were determined after 20 weeks of incubation. Liquid fractions of both components and their mixtures were analysed before and after anaerobic fermentation. It was concluded that beneficial effects of wastes as fertilisers from anaerobic digestion could be attributed to their liquid fraction. After anaerobic digestion the solid fraction of these wastes has relatively increased ion exchange capacity as well as buffering capacity but it is very stable, hardly degradable organic matter, and therefore it cannot play the role of organic matter in soil. This is the reason why it should not be considered as an organic fertiliser.

In this field study, embryos were derived from genetically highly valuable cows excluded from breeding due to reproductive disorders. Cows, 5 to 10 years old, of Czech Siemmental, Holstein Dairy and Beef Cattle breeds were used as oocyte donors. Oocytes were obtained either in the growth phase of the first follicular wave from cows with synchronized oestrus or in any other phases of follicular development from cows without oestrus synchronization. The embryos were prepared by a standard protocol described previously. The mean number of usable oocytes, transferable and freezable embryos per donor, and the mean percentage of usable, transferable and freezable embryos were assessed. The results were analyzed by Student's-t and Chi-squared tests. The embryos were frozen according to a slow freezing protocol. After thawing, they were transferred to recipients on Day 7 after oestrus. Irrespective of the breed, the mean numbers of usable oocytes and transferable and freezable embryos collected per donor were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the synchronized than for the nonsynchronized donors (20.4 vs 11.7, 4.3 vs 1.0 and 3.2 vs 0.8, respectively). Similarly, the mean percentages of usable oocytes, transferable and freezable embryos were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the synchronized than for the nonsynchronized donors (28.5% vs 20.5%, 20.9% vs 9.0% and 15.8% vs 6.5%, respectively). On comparison of the synchronized and nonsynchronized donors of each breed, the difference in the mean percentage of usable oocytes was significant (P < 0.01) in cows of all three breeds, the difference in the mean percentage of transferable embryos was significant in Czech Siemmental and Holstein Dairy cows (P < 0.01) and the difference in the mean percentage of freezable embryos was significant only in Holstein Dairy cows (P < 0.01). After the transfer of 41 frozen-thawed embryos and 43 fresh embryos, 20 heifers and 24 heifers became pregnant, respectively. In conclusion: (a) higher number of oocytes from infertile, genetically valuable cows was recovered in the growth phase compared with the other phases of follicular development; (b) greater development of these oocytes resulted in more embryos for transfer and cryopreservation; (c) the transfer of frozen-thawed and fresh embryos resulted in pregnancy rates of 48.8% and 55.8% , respectively.

The content of total anthocyanins was determined in grapes of nine grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties belonging to the traditional blue vine varieties grown in south Moravia (Czech Republic) within the period of 2002-2007. Factors of vintage and health condition of grapes were observed. The material balance of the colour substances in grapes was related to the dry matter of skins of berries and that of fresh grapes used as raw material for vinification. The highest content of pigments was found in the variety Neronet (2.15-4.49 g/kg of fresh grapes), which belongs to the so-called Teinturier varieties. Besides the variety Neronet (containing 30.6-73.4 mg/g of dry skin), high contents of total anthocyanins in dry skins were found in the varieties Dornfelder (24.7-59.0 mg/g of dry skin) and Cabernet Moravia (20.1-59.3 mg/g of dry skin). In the long run, the lowest concentrations of pigments were determined in grapes of the varieties Blauer Portugieser (0.51-1.02 g/kg of fresh grapes) and Pinot noir (0.27-0.60 g/kg of fresh grapes). The highest colour capacity was found in grapes harvested in the 2003 and 2006. Contents of anthocyanins were significantly lower (P = 0.001) in damaged grapes. Grapes containing more than 40% of rotten berries revealed in skins and whole grapes only 41% and 55%, respectively, of the colour capacity of the healthy raw material.

An alum-based drinking water treatment residue (DWTR) is the by-product from the production of potable water. Land application of DWTR has received a considerable attention for its potential as a low-cost disposal alternative. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of DWTR on bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in plant tissue and to determine the effects of the DWTR on soil aluminum and aluminum phytotoxicity for the corn plants in alkaline soils. The results indicated that land application of DWTR significantly decreased extractable heavy metals in all studied soils. Combined analyses of all soils and rates of DWTR application showed significant relationship between DTPA-extractable heavy metals and heavy metals uptake of corn plants. Addition of DWTR with different rates (10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg) to different soil types did not cause aluminum phytotoxicity symptoms for corn plants grown in all studied alkaline agricultural soils because the application rates of DWTR did not increase extractable Al in amended soils > 8 mg Al/kg and the Al phytotoxicity may occur below pH 5.5. Extractable Al is associated with pH of the studied soils, combined analyses of all soils and rates of DWTR application showed a significant relationship between extractable Al and pH. Based on the results of current study, the DWTR is considered an ameliorating material for heavy metals removal from soils; however, additional studies are necessary to confirm these results under field conditions.

This study was carried out in a steep and difficult terrain. Trees were logged downhill to the landing by a wheeled skidder Timberjack 450C. Selection cutting was performed on a 66-hectare tract with an average slope of 30%. The elemental time study method was applied to develop the skidding time predicting model. In this study 43 working cycles were included. The skidding cycle time was mainly affected by skidding distance, winching distance and interaction between skidding distance and slope. The gross and net production rate was 20.51 and 22.93 m³/h, respectively. The unit cost considering the gross and net production rate was 6.31 and 6.22 USD/m³, respectively.