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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.

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.

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.

The effect of chemical weed control with reduced herbicide rates (pre-em., pre-em. + post-em., post-em.) on weed population density and maize yield was compared in three tillage systems (mouldboard, chisel, disk harrowing) for lessive pseudogleyic soil in north-eastern Croatia(1997-1999). These main weeds were present in all tillage variants: Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) PB., Chenopodium album L., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Polygonum lapathifolium L., Equisetum arvense L. and Calystegia sepium (L.) R.Br. The density of all weeds was significantly affected by tillage and it ranged from 204 plants on untreated plots with mouldboard to 372 and 421 plants per m2 with chisel ploughing and disk harrowing, respectively. In comparison with standard tank-mixture of atrazine herbicide (metolachlor 50% & atrazine 20%) at the recommended rate, atrazine-free herbicide combinations (metolachlor + 50% prosulfuron & 30% primisulfuron-methyl; sulcotrione + bromoxynil; thifensulfuron-methyl + nicosulfuron) showed a similar total efficacy of weed control (95-96%). Band spraying with standard treatment at a half-recommended rate combined with mechanical weed control brought a satisfactory total weed reduction (83-87%). The weed control methods had no effects on maize yields that were significantly affected by year and tillage. Compared to the highest yield with mouldboard ploughing (10.2 t/ha), average percent yield depressions with chisel ploughing and disk harrowing were 10 and 22%, 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.

Parameters evaluating soil organic matter quantity (organic C and N content) and quality (hot water extractable C content, aliphatic compounds, microbial biomass C content, basal respiration activity) were determined in soils differently fertilized (NPK - mineral fertilization 64.6 kg N/ha/year, FYM - farmyard manure 38.6 kg N/ha/year, FYM + NPK - 103.3 kg N/ha/year) in long-term field experiment established in 1955 in Prague. Variant without any fertilization was used as a control. Nine years crop rotation (45% cereals, 33% root crops, 22% fodder crops) is practiced in this long-term experiment. Soil samples were taken from the arable layer (0-20 cm) in spring over the period of 1994-2004. Continual application of FYM and FYM + NPK increased the organic carbon content, hot water extractable C (HWC) content, aliphatic compounds content and microbial biomass C content significantly compared to control variant. Mineral fertilization (NPK) increased only organic C content significantly compared to control variant; HWC content, aliphatic compounds content and microbial biomass C content were increased not significantly. Basal respiration activity did not differ significantly between the variants but the influence of plants cropped in individual years on the basal respiration was observed. The total N content was increased significantly only in FYM + NPK variant as compared to control variant. Presence of lucerne in crop rotation contributed positively to the total nitrogen content in soil of all variants due to the symbiotic N₂ fixation. C:N ratio varied from 9.96 to 10.46. Significant positive relationships (r = 0.30 to 0.68; P < 0.05) among the all parameters were determined with exception of basal respiration activity. The most of measured characteristics tended to be constant or slightly increase in the period of observation that shows evidence of stability of this soil management system.

The objective of this field trial was to evaluate the impact of a control program based on systematic clinical examination on Day 10 ± 3 post partum (pp) and treatment in the case of puerperal metritis on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Cows having serious dystocia as well as cows treated for retained placenta were not involved in the trial. The evaluation was performed by comparing reproductive performance between systematically examined cows (Group E, n = 83) and cows that were examined and treated occasionally on the basis of farmers' notifications of a pathological condition (Group C, n = 95). In Group E, reproductive performance was compared between cows with a mild form of metritis (Group E1, n = 18), cows with a severe form of metritis (Group E2, n = 14) and cows without puerperal metritis (Group E0, n = 51). Clinical examination consisted in rectal and vaginal palpation with inspection of the lochia manually withdrawn from the vagina. Cows with puerperal metritis were treated with an intramuscular administration of PGF_2α analogue - dinoprost. An intrauterine antibiotic (rifaximin foam) was added in cases of severe metritis. The examination and treatment (in cases of a pathological condition, n = 10) were repeated in Group E on Day 24 ± 3 pp. In addition, the incidence of puerperal metritis in the year seasons was evaluated. Occurrence of ovarian disorders (30.1 vs. 24.2%) and clinical endometritis (27.7 vs. 23.2%), calving to first service interval (83.2 vs. 85.4 days), pregnancy until Day 100 pp (30.8 vs. 35.3%) as well as until Day 150 pp (64.6 vs. 64.7%), services per conception (2.45 vs. 2.16), calving to conception interval (141.6 vs. 136.4 days), total culling rate (20.5 vs. 28.4%) and culling rate due to (sub)infertility (8.4 vs. 6.3) in Group E compared to Group C were not different. Only the first service pregnancy rate was lower in Group E (30.3 vs. 47.1%, P < 0.05). Even though no significant differences were found in the reproduction parameters between groups E1, E2 and E0, the worst parameters were in Group E2. The incidence of puerperal metritis in the year seasons was not different. The trial did not prove that there was a beneficial effect of systematic clinical examination on Day 10 ± 3 pp nor of treatment in cases of puerperal metritis, using PGF_2α and intrauterine antibiotic, on reproductive performance in dairy cows.

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.

A serosurvey for mosquito-borne viruses was carried out in 93 wild boars (Sus scrofa), using a plaque-reduction neutralization microtest with Vero cells. The boars were sampled on 24 hunting grounds of the Breclav district (South Moravia) from 2000 to 2002. Specific antibodies to Flavivirus West Nile (WNV) were detected in six (6.5%) animals, and only in Lanzhot and Kostice, i.e., in the area of the "Soutok" game reserve where WNV was previously isolated from mosquitoes in South Moravia. However, the antibody titres were comparatively low (1:20-1:40). A substantially higher seroprevalence was revealed against Orthobunyavirus Tahyna (TAHV): 18 (19.4%) wild boars were positive, and the titres ranged from 1:20 up to 1:640. Only one animal (1.1%) seroreacted with Orthobunyavirus Batai (Calovo), at a low titre of 1:20. The sera were additionally examined by a haemagglutination-inhibition test against Alphavirus Sindbis: two boars (2.2%) revealed antibodies, the titres were 1:20 and 1:80. The serosurvey indicates that the activity of mosquito-borne viruses in South Moravia has decreased compared with the past decades, but that surveillance for these viruses is still necessary.

An in vitro propagation of an economic leguminous tree, Acacia chundra, has been standardized. Induction of bud sprout was obtained from shoot tip and nodal explants derived from in vitro grown plants of A. chundra on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) (1.0 mg/l) and 20 mg/l adenine sulfate (Ads). The rate of multiplication was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BA, 0.01 to 0.05 mg/l (indole-3-acetic acid) IAA and 50 mg/l Ads. The multiplication rate varied from 3 to 6 shoots depending on the growth regulators used. Excised shoots were rooted on half-strength MS basal salts supplemented with 0.25 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or IAA and 20 g/l (w/v) sucrose after 10 to 12 days of culture. The micropropagated plantlets have been acclimatized and successfully transferred to soil.

Aquatic plants are known to accumulate heavy metals. In this study, Duckweed plants (Lemna polyrrhiza L.) were exposed to different concentrations of Cd and Pb. Various physio-biochemical parameters (fresh weight, chlorophyll content, soluble protein, soluble sugars, proline content and metal absorption) were studied. At lower metal concentrations, an increase in proline, protein and sugar was observed but at higher concentrations (above 30 mg/l) their decrease was noticed. Uptake of the metals was concentration and time dependent. Treatment with 1, 10 and 20 mg/l of Cd and Pb showed synergistic relation while 30 and 40 mg/l treatments showed antagonistic relation during the metal uptake. The results suggest that the L. polyrrhiza can be effectively used as a phytoremediator for wastewater polluted with more than one heavy metal at moderate concentrations.

This paper describes carotenes extraction from carrot under different conditions involving different temperatures, treatment of samples, and solvents (ethanol, 2-propanol). Carrot roots (Daucus carota L. cv. Nevis F1) were tested for the extraction yields of carotenes at temperatures 20°C, 40°C, and 60°C, the samples having been examined after harvest, after cold storage (stored at 5°C), and after freezing (-18°C). In connection with the technology of the carotenoid concentrate production from carrots, it was found that the solubility and yield of carotene from carrot depend on the temperature and the time of extraction as well as the treatment of the sample. It was revealed that the best extraction efficiency was achieved with the samples treated by freezing and using the extraction 60°C for 2-4 hours. Higher temperatures caused an increase in the carotenoid concentrations. The carrot variety Nevis F1 and the extraction at 60°C were used for the model production of carotenoid concentrate.

Soil temperatures were analysed for the climatological station Pohořelice during the period of 1961-2000. According to the agroclimatic zoning, this region is a part of warm macroarea, mainly warm area, mainly dry subarea, and a district of mainly cold winter. The average annual air temperature is 9°C and the average year precipitation total is 475 mm. For the characterisation of the soil temperature were used the average monthly soil temperature determined from daily averages, maximal monthly soil temperature determined on the basis of daily maximums, and minimal monthly value determined on the basis of daily minimums. In the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the soil temperature was measured in the observation terms at 7:00, 14:00 and 21:00 local mean time. These temperature characteristics were assessed for the depths of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 cm. The longterm average annual temperature for the depths measured varies from 10.0°C (at 20 cm) to 10.4°C (at 100 cm). From the longterm viewpoint, the warmest month for the depths of 5, 10, and 20 cm is July, the coldest one is January, and for the depths of 50 and 100 cm the warmest month is August and the coldest one is February. For the classification of single months, the average monthly soil temperature for the respective month was compared with the longterm average soil temperature of 1961-2000. According to the average monthly soil temperature and its standard deviation, the months of the evaluated period were divided into seven categories: thermally normal months, warm months, very warm months, extraordinary warm months, cold months, very cold months, and extraordinary cold months.

Investigations were carried out to assess the efficiency of five plant essential oils: thyme, myrtle, laurel, sage, and orange oils as natural food preservatives. The effect of the plant essential oils against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans at concentrations of 5-20 µl/disk (diameter 6 mm) and 0.5-3% (v/v) was studied in agar diffusion test medium and milk medium. The essential oils of these extracts exhibited markedly antibacterial and bacteriostatic activity, with thyme showing the highest inhibition and orange the lowest. However, with thyme extract, high inhibitory activity was observed for all tested concentrations, L. monocytogenes showed less sensitivity towards essential oil extracts.

The occurrence and content of some polyphenols and the antioxidant activity of compounds present in grape berries, stems and leaves of Vitis vinifera L. were evaluated. Three white and three blue varieties of grapevine were investigated. The contents were determined of trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid, caftaric acid, tryptophan, catechin, epicatechin, total polyphenols, and flavanols, both in healthy material and in the samples of the plant material infested with microorganisms (Botryotinia fuckeliana Whetzel anamorph Botrytis cinerea Pers.; Uncinula necator (Schw.) Burr; Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl & De Toni). The antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained was determined by different methods: FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) and TAC-PCL (Total Antioxidant Capacity of Photochemiluminescence). The content of trans-resveratrol varied between 0.3-2.3 mg/kg and 0.7-12.1 mg/kg in non-infested and infested grape berries, respectively. The content of trans-piceid between 0.6-2.9 mg/kg and 1.5-6.3 mg/kg in non-infested and infested grape berries, respectively. The content of trans-resveratrol varied between 2.5-10.3 mg/kg and 3.7-20.9 mg/kg in healthy and in infected leaves, respectively. The content trans-piceid varied between 11.3-58.4 mg/kg and 18.5-60.9 mg/kg in the healthy and in the infected leaves, respectively. The highest content of trans-resveratrol was found in stems (16.3-276.3 mg/kg). In young lateral shoots, the highest levels of trans-piceid (12.6-99.7 mg/kg) and caftaric acid (474-2257 mg/kg) were determined. The infested grape berries showed a higher antioxidant activity, which was most closely correlated with the content of total polyphenols (correlation coefficient = 0.8336-0.9952).

The influence of cadmium (Cd) on the last stage of Prussian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio B.) oocyte maturation and embryonic development was investigated. The (postvitellogenic) oocytes were incubated with carp pituitary homogenate (Chh), 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α,20βOH-P) and Cd at the concentrations of 20, 100 and 200μM. Cd was found to stimulate spontaneous oocyte maturation, however it inhibited Chh-stimulated maturation. Cd had no influence on the effects of 17α,20βOH-P (MIS - maturation inducing steroid). It seems that the action of Cd on the last stage of oocyte maturation takes place before the MIS production. In an in vivo study Prussian carp eggs were incubated in the water containing Cd at the concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/l. There were no differences between the final numbers of hatched larvae in the respective groups, however Cd at the highest concentration accelerated hatching and increased the number of deformed larvae. These results suggest that Prussian carp eggs are very resistant to waterborne Cd.

The objective of the study was to characterize the effect of the oestrous cycle stage on the yield, morphology and meiotic competence of porcine oocytes. A total of 46 cycling gilts, at 8.5-9 months of age, were used as oocyte donors. Their oestrous cycle was synchronized by Regumate and the onset of oestrus was checked (Day 0). The gilts were slaughtered at the early (Days 1-5), middle (6-10) and late (11-14) luteal or early (Days 15-16), middle (17-19) and late (20-21) follicular phase. Oocytes were isolated separately from medium (5-9 mm) and small (≤ 4 mm) follicles. Cumulus-oocyte complexes with dark, evenly granulated cytoplasm and at least two compact layers of cumulus cells were selected as useful for maturation. They were matured by a standard protocol, denuded from cumulus cells, fixed in glutaraldehyde, stained with 33258-Hoechst and examined by epifluorescence. The oocytes collected from small and medium follicles differed in their yield, morphology and meiotic competence regardless of the phase. The mean number (± S.E.M.) of oocytes isolated per donor was higher (187.7 ± 48.4 vs. 16.9 ± 6.1) but the mean percentage (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes was lower (22.4 ± 7.5% vs. 80.2 ± 6.8%; P < 0.01) for small than for medium follicles. The mean number (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes per donor was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (42.1 ± 16.8 vs. 11.9 ± 4.3) but the mean percentage of matured oocytes was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (48.4 ± 17.8% vs. 79.9 ± 7.9%) for small than for medium follicles. The oocyte population collected from small follicles varied during the oestrous cycle. The mean number (± S.E.M.) of oocytes isolated per donor from small follicles increased during the luteal and decreased during the follicular phase, except for the late follicular phase when it increased again. The mean percentage (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes did not differ too much during this period, except for the late follicular phase when it decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The mean number (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes per donor increased during the luteal and decreased during the follicular phase, but the differences were not significant except for the late follicular phase (P < 0.01). Similarly, the mean percentage (± S.E.M.) of matured oocytes increased during the luteal and decreased during the follicular phase, and the differences were significant. Compared with the oocyte population from small follicles, the oocyte population from medium follicles was less variable in the period from the middle luteal to middle follicular phase, when these follicles were present on the ovaries. It can be concluded that the porcine oocyte population changes in terms of quantity, morphological quality and meiotic competence according to the stage of follicular development. The late luteal and early follicular phases appeared to be most productive for oocyte recovery, because more morphologically normal oocytes with greater meiotic competence were collected, as compared with the other stages of the oestrous cycle.

Problems concerning total dry weight and distribution of underground phytomass were studied in a pasture trial at Rapotin near Šumperk, the CzechRepublicin the period 1995-1999. The total weight of dry underground pasture phytomass (DUP) was 976 g/m² (5-year average) in a soil layer of 0-200 mm (both live and dead roots). The DUP was significantly increased by mineral fertilizers (90 kg N/ha, 30 kg P/ha a 90 kg K/ha). The weight of DUP was not significantly influenced by a grazing system, renewal or resowing of the original grassland. In unfertilized plots, DUP weight amounted to 989 g/m², i.e. 92 g/m² (8.6%) less than in fertilized plots in the period 1996-1999. In the same period, under the grassland exploited by rotational grazing 1142 and under continuous grazing 1082 g/m² DUP were determined, i.e. by 60 g/m² (5.5%) less. The highest DUP weight in the period 1996-1999 was found in autumn 1997 (1222 g/m2) immediately before achieving the maximum forage yield in May 1998. In a layer of 0-20 mm, 54.6% of the total DUP was found. In this surface layer, significant increase in the DUP weight was found in fertilized plots. In 1999, some 88.5 and 90.2% of DUP were concentrated in unfertilized (903 g/m²) and fertilized (952 g/m²) plots, respectively in a layer of 0-100 mm.

The power function was used to show the dependence of gross, final and sold output on the gross value of total fixed assets and on the ratios of this value to the productivity of these three production categories. Further elaboration included the characteristics of variable features. The system of independent variables employed in the study allowed for the estimation of both extensive and intensive utilisation of fixed assets in Polish agriculture from 2002-2005. The study showed the diminishing impact of the productivity of fixed assets and the decreasing productive efficiency of Polish agriculture from 2002-2005. This situation was caused by the relative stability in the generic structure of fixed assets and by a slow average annual rate of increase in new fixed assets (8.74%).

Clearcuts are one of the results of forest management. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of clearcuts on bird communities in a managed forest in Western Poland. I applied the method of point transect counts. 20 points were located near clearcuts (less than 100 m from the nearest clearcut) and 25 points in the forest interior. In total, 36 bird species were recorded. On average, I found 9.20 bird species at points located near clearcuts and 6.72 species at points situated in the forest interior, and the difference was significant. The cumulative number of bird species for a given number of sampling points in the vicinity of clearcuts was higher than in the forest interior. The obtained results indicate that in managed, even-aged forests the generation of clearcuts can lead to an increase in local bird species richness.

The colour of the laboratory prepared pasta was evaluated with respect to wheat flour types (M1 bright, M2 semi-bright, and M3 semolina), egg-ratio (0, 1, 2), and non-traditional cereals (archaic wheat species, tritordeum, spring barley, millet, lupin, buckwheat, and soya) supplements. The flour colour measurement confirmed its dependence on the wheat species milled - M3 obtained from durum wheat had a lower whiteness L* (89.6) and a higher yellowness b* (22.2) than the flour from common wheat (e.g. 93.6 and 8.1 for M1, respectively). As presumed, with the rising egg-ratio pasta yellowness increased - for M1-pasta, the calculated colour differences ∆E in pairs one-egg/eggless and two-egg/eggless were 1.1 and 4.7, respectively, while for M2- and M3-pasta ∆E values were only 0.8 and 1.5, respectively. The colour impacts of non-traditional cereals as 10% supplements differed between archaic wheat species, tritordeum, barley, and alternative cereals (millet, lupin, roasted buckwheat). In comparison to the standard, the greatest positive colour gain was brought by the lupin fortification (130% yellowness increase), while the worst appesred roasted buckwheat (10% decrease of whiteness, 210% increase of redness). At 20% non-traditional cereals supplements compared for M2- and M3-pasta, the highest positive increase of the pasta colour sensory perception was caused by corn and lupin additions in both pasta samples. The increase was slightly higher with M1-pasta (175%) than with M3-pasta (170%). In the mean of both pasta samples, yellowness L* increased from the standard pasta value 13.6 to 24.0 as measured for corn and lupin fortified pasta.

A study was conducted in the Shandong province in North China to investigate the effects of different planting patterns on water potential characteristics of soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) and yield of summer maize. Three planting patterns were applied, i.e. bed planting (BE), furrow planting (FU) and flat planting (FL). The results showed that although soil moisture content in 0-20 cm soil layer in BE was decreased, soil temperature was increased; as a result, soil water potential in BE was increased. Compared with FL, leaf water potential in BE and FU was enhanced, but water transfer resistance between soil-leaf and leaf-atmosphere was decreased; feasible water supply conditions were thus created for crops colony. Maize yield of BE and FU was significantly (LSD, P < 0.05) higher than that of FL, by 1326.45 and 1243.76 kg/ha, respectively. These results obtained in field crop conditions support the idea that planting patterns affect soil water potential, leaf water potential, water transfer resistance between soil-leaf and leaf-gas of summer maize in North China.

The effect of carbon monoxide was studied on the colour stabilisation of minced meat and on oxidation of lipids. The meat colour was evaluated using reflectance spectrophotometry and video image analysis (software LUCIA 5.20). Minced meat (beef and mixture of beef and pork) was packed under industrial conditions into three different modified atmospheres (MA) consisting of combinations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen. Carbon monoxide prevented the oxidation of lipids and haem pigments in minced meat and thus stabilised the red colour of minced meat. The redness a* of the meat packed under CO was constant during storage (nearly a* = 20), whereas in MA containing oxygen this value decreased (a* = 5). The thiobarbituric acid reactant substances content rose in the samples packed under MA to 2 mg/kg, whereas in CO atmosphere it did not exceed 0.1 mg/kg.

Levels of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs, including those with 20 and 22 carbon-chains, in concentrate-fed Asturiana de los Valles (AV) yearling bulls with and without the double muscling gene (mh/mh = 24, mh/+ = 26, +/+ = 25) were measured to examine if this gene influences the pattern of PUFA deposition in different adipose tissues. Fatty acid compositions of muscle tissue (longissimus thoracis) and intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues were determined by gas chromatography. The composition of intramuscular fat was unique compared to the other two adipose tissues which were similar in composition. In general, n-6 and n-3 fatty acid elongation and desaturation products were affected by AV genotype and this effect was most evident in n-3 PUFAs of the intramuscular fat of mh/mh (n-6/n-3 = 11.8 and 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 = 25.3) compared to mh/+ and +/+ animals (mean values of n-6/n-3 = 9.86 and 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 = 15.5). PUFA elongation and desaturation end products did not accumulate to any great extent in intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Beef from mh/mh cattle showed greater deposition rates of n-3 elongation and desaturation products but their absolute content of total n-3 fatty acids was lower (21 mg/100 g meat) in comparison with mh/+ and +/+ cattle (mean value of 25 mg/100 g meat).

Three-year trials were conducted to study germination and emergence of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) achenes, increments of shoot dry matter and susceptibility of the weed to selected herbicides. The germination rates of achenes at10°C (92%),20°C (97%) and30°C (95%) did not indicate any significant differences within 20 days from sowing. The highest percentage emergence of prickly lettuce achenes was determined after their sowing into a depth of1 mm. Differences from the variants of sowing onto the soil surface (0 mm), into a depth of 10 and20 mm were significant. There were no differences in the emergence rates from a depth of 10 and20 mm. The highest increments of shoot dry matter were observed when prickly lettuce plants were grown for 4-7 weeks after sowing at20°C. The effect of selected herbicides on prickly lettuce plants treated at the stage of 2-3 true leaves was evaluated on the basis of a change in the content of shoot dry matter. A significant decrease in dry matter against the control was recorded in all variants after herbicide application. The effect (expressed by a lower dry matter content) was significantly higher after the combination amidosulfuron + iodosulfuron-methyl + mefenpyr-diethyl (10 + 2.5 + 25 g/ha) was used than after the application of tribenuron (10.85 g/ha) and picolinafen + cyanazine (120 g + 480 h). The effect of amidosulfuron (22.5 g/ha) was significantly higher than in the variants treated with tribenuron, picloram + clopyralid (16.75 + 66.75 g/ha), clopyralid (90 g/ha) and picolinafen + cyanazine (150 + 600 g/ha). The best effects were produced by herbicides containing amidosulfuron and iodosulfuron as active ingredients.

Soon after bark-beetle attack as well as after clear cutting, grown-up mountain Norway spruce forest cast the following mass of needles: 50-60 kg of dry matter per tree, or 18-20 tons per hectare, containing 8,800-10,000 kg/ha of carbon, 190 to 250 kg/ha of nitrogen, 13-16 kg/ha of phosphorus, 65-91 kg/ha of calcium, 9-13 kg/ha of magnesium and 56-67 kg/ha of potassium. These values were obtained by application of equations assessing needle mass from measured tree and plot parameters, and from chemical analyses of two types of needle material (from living and dead trees).

Fruit bodies (separately pilei and stems) of mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus (four strains) and Pleurotus eryngii were characterised as a source of polysaccharides. The contents of glucans and dietary fibres were determined with using the respective Megazyme enzymatic kits. Enzymatic analysis of the fruit bodies confirmed significant differences in the contents of these components among the species and strains. The stems contained more insoluble dietary fibres than the pilei in all the cases and more β-glucans in most cases. However, relatively high contents of β-glucan (20-50% of dry matter) could be a result of incomplete enzymatic hydrolysis of insoluble α-1,3-glucans. Nevertheless, low food quality stems of mushrooms Pleurotus sp. could be a valuable source of cell wall glucans for the preparation of food supplements.

The paper deals with statistical analysis of the registered regional unemployment rate in regions and districts of the Czech Republic from 1998 to 2002. Regional unemployment reaches significantly different levels; moreover, within the examined period, differences were increasing: variance between the minimum and the maximum increased approx. from 12% to 20% in the respective districts. By means of cluster analysis, regions are divided into more homogenous groups according to the registered unemployment rate by 31 December 2002. The following districts may be identified as the best ones: Praha-západ (Prague-West), Praha-východ (Prague-East), Praha (Prague) and Benešov; the following as the worst ones: Most and Karviná. Concerning regions, the lowest unemployment level may be identified in Praha (Prague); on the contrary, the highest levels were reached in Ústecký region and Moravskoslezský region. Variability, skewness and peak characteristics were calculated to evaluate the development of regional unemployment distribution. The average rose from 5.63% to 9.94%, the standard deviation rose from 2.53% to 4.15%, the variation coefficient stayed around 0.4. Thus, together with the increase in unemployment level, the absolute variability rose while the relative variability stayed approx. constant. The rate distribution was left-sided and increasing; the peak was only slightly higher than the standard peak. The development trend of the characteristics was evaluated by means of linear functions and higher order polynomials; their seasonal variation is described by seasonal indices differing in the degree of their seasonality and distribution in the course of a year. A correlation matrix demonstrates the relations between the trend of the characteristics and their seasonal indices.

Estimation of stand growth is crucial for forest planning. Estimations were usually done using fixed values, and recently growth equations have been used. An alternative is through stand growth models. The objective was to develop a simple model for Nothofagus pumilio stands with full density along site quality and age gradients. The sample was obtained from 125 stands. Data on forest structure and samples for tree-ring measurement were taken in all trees to estimate growths using biometric models previously developed. The growth values of each plot during the last twenty years were calculated to fit the model, using the ratio of total volume increment/basal area as an independent variable. The developed model gives a ratio between stand volume increment and basal area (m/year) in relation to the site quality and stand age. The statistics (r² = 0.819, mean error = 0.019, absolute mean error = 0.033), residual analysis and biological performance were satisfactory. The obtained stand growths varied between 1 and 20 m³/ha/year. This simple model allowed to estimate growth values at a stand level from easy field measurements from forest inventories.