Fulltext search in archive

Temporal changes in the concentrations of plant-available phosphorus (P) in soil (Olsen-P), total soil-P and P activation coefficient (the ratio of Olsen-P to residual-P (i.e. an approximation to total-P)) were measured in plots that received consistent inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus organic fertilizers annually. Maize and winter wheat crops were grown in rotation for 24 years. Olsen-P and P activation coefficient declined significantly in the earlier years (< 12 years) for treatments that did not include any P fertilizer, and increased over the same period for the P-fertilized treatments. The rates of change in the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient values were positively related to P balance. In the later years, the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient plateau values were positively related to the P balance.

For at least 25 years, processes involving structural changes have been growing more and more intense in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, with these processes including a decline in the number of small farms. The main aim of this paper is to present the mechanisms involved in, as well as barriers to and costs preventing the exit of farms from agriculture, including those that make it difficult to transfer production resources which are being released to other companies. This research takes the form of an overview and is based on the output of new institutional economics, and on transaction cost and rent-seeking theories in particular. The most frequent difficulties encountered in the process of exit from farming include low profitability of production and the shortage of capital among potential buyers, while the lack of sellers' financial resources and the necessity of incurring expenses related to preparing and finalising the sale of resources held by them (the actual transaction costs related to closing down farms) are frequently overlooked. The most important barriers preventing the complete liquidation of farms are the inherent transaction costs categorised as expenses, as well as the emotional costs and costs of alternatives, which are difficult to evaluate and estimate. The following notions are particularly helpful in explaining barriers to exit from farming: the concept of transaction costs and rent-seeking theory, which are both a part of the stream of thought of new institutional economics.

The development of Podzols is conditioned by many factors. One of them is vegetation cover. The aim of this study was to examine in detail special chemical properties, micromorphological features and water retention ability of Podzols under two different vegetation covers (spruce forest and grass). The study was performed in the Jizerské hory Mts., which were strongly influenced by atmospheric acidificant depositions in the past. The study was focused on the assessment of a 30-year grass amelioration impact on soils on the former forest land. It was shown that larger differences in the studied chemical properties (pH_KCl, pH_H2O, eCEC, content of Ca, Mg, Al_KCl, Al_H2O, Al(X)¹⁺, Al(Y)²⁺ and Al³⁺ species) were in the surface organic horizons and decreased with depth. Podzolization intensity was higher under the spruce forest than under the grass cover. Higher amounts of potentially dangerous Al forms were detected in the soils under the spruce forest than under the grass. Grass expansion on clear-cut areas (former forest) as a natural amelioration step results in the particular restoration of soil conditions. The micromorphological features studied on the soil thin sections using the optical microscope and soil water retention curves measured on the undisturbed 100 cm³ soil samples showed a significant influence of the organic matter presence on the soil structure and retention ability of H and Bhs horizons. Soil under the grass cover had denser structure (e.g. greater fraction of small capillary pores) and higher retention ability than soil under the spruce forest. Very similar retention curves were measured in the Ep and Bs horizons under both vegetation covers. Micromorphological features studied on the thin soil sections clearly documented a podzolization mechanism (e.g. organic material transport and its accumulation, weathering process and Fe oxidation and mobilization).

The genus Allium (Family: Alliaceae) is the most important among the bulbous vegetable crops. characterization of Alliums based on phenotypic traits is influenced by the environment and leads to biased diversity estimates. Recognizing the potential of DNA markers in plant breeding, researchers have adopted the molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and characterization of different quality traits in Alliums. This review presents details about the use of DNA markers in Alliums for cultivar identification, diversity studies, SSR development, colour improvement, total soluble solids (TSS), cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and efforts of DNA sequencing. As there are no such reports to describe the above work under a single heading, we decided to mine literature for those who are working in onion, garlic, chives and leek improvement to generate new insights in the subject.

Fire blight is one of the most destructive diseases of pome fruits, especially pears. In current conditions when the demand for organic products is increasing, improvement of resistant rootstock and varieties is becoming important due to the lack of an effective disease management method against fire blight caused by Erwinia amy-lovora as well as the harmful effects of chemicals on environment, human and animal health. The findings of the researchers as to which variety performs well in terms of the transmission of fire blight resistance are quite important for new breeding programs. In the study, three varieties with high commercial value (Magness, Santa Maria and Williams) were identified as the maternal parents and 21 hybridization combinations were made with seven varieties (Akça, Ankara, Conference, Güz, Kaiser Alexandre, Kieffer and Taş) as pollinators. The Magness maternal parent was found superior when compared with the other maternal parents for the variety susceptibility level to fire blight. Apart from the differences in the susceptibility level of 21 different combinations of hybrids to fire blight, the commercially superior ten hybrids (I-15-24, II-13-1, II-13-19, II-13-34, II-13-73, II-27-21, II-27-55, II -32-44, III-22-638, III-27-590) have been determined via the weighted ranking method from the parameters of disease resistance and different fruit characteristics measuring the commercial preference of the fruits such as fruit quality, attractiveness, size, firmness and rustiness

Dimethyl sulphoxide has a variety of biological effects that have made it the subject of numerous pharmacological studies. The first dimethyl sulphoxide therapeutic indication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978 was for intravesical instillation in cases of interstitial cystitis. Since then, due to its distinctive properties, it has been the subject of studies in several areas. This review describes indications, adverse effects and contraindications, as takes a critical approach to the main articles addressing the clinical use of dimethyl sulphoxide.

The influence of the cultivation of a single crop (potato or winter rye) on mite assemblages was evaluated. Both crops were cultivated in a long-term monoculture (90 years). The response of mites to fertilisation treatment (mineral with manure or mineral alone) was also studied. It was hypothesised that the density of mites as a community and the density of particular mite groups are higher in winter rye crop in comparison with potato. Secondly, the fertilisation with manure is more beneficial for mites than the use of mineral fertilisers alone, both in winter rye and potato crops. Results showed significantly higher mite abundance in potato, mainly due to Prostigmata dominance. Oribatida and Gamasida groups were significantly more numerous in winter rye. The fertilisation type, except for the suborder Astigmata, had no significant influence on the mite community.

The placenta is the central foetal organ that ensures a sufficient exchange of nutrients and metabolites for adequate foetal growth. Specific data profiles for placental characteristics from modern pig lines with high fertility and today's genetics are not currently available. This study focuses on describing the placental weight and size of German Landrace pigs and any subsequent relationship to litter number and important fertility parameters for these sows. As a basis for data collection, 55 litters from primi- and multiparous German Landrace sows with a total of 832 piglets were used. From these births, 766 placentas were recovered and weighed, with their lengths measured and the placental efficiency per litter also calculated. Mean placental weights ranged from 179 ± 60 to 422 ± 96 g between litters, and the mean length was between 61 ± 12 and 145 ± 19 cm. The placental efficiency was at a level of 5.1 ± 0.7. The investigated parameters were only slightly affected by the litter number (r = 0.3), and the means did not significantly differ between different litter numbers. With increasing litter size, the piglet weights and placental lengths were significantly decreased (r = -0.4 and r = -0.3), possibly due to limited uterine space. However, litter size had a strong positive correlation with the total litter placental weight (r = 0.7); therefore, in this study, the placental efficiency was not affected by a higher number of piglets per sow. Higher means for placental weights (r = 0.7) and lengths (r = 0.7) in a particular litter significantly improved the piglet birth weights. The reported variability in placental characteristics between litters suggests that there is an opportunity to selectively breed for improved piglet weight and homogeneity and thus improved piglet health and survival.

Excessive nitrogen (N) and water input, which are threatening the sustainability of conventional agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP), can lead to serious leaching of nitrate-N (NO₃^--N). This study evaluates grain yield, N and water consumption, NO₃^--N accumulation and leaching in conventional and two optimized winter wheat-summer maize double-cropping systems and an organic alfalfa-winter wheat cropping system. The results showed that compared to the conventional cropping system, the optimized systems could reduce N, water consumption and NO₃^--N leaching by 33, 35 and 67-74%, respectively, while producing nearly identical grain yields. In optimized systems, soil NO₃^--N accumulation within the root zone was about 80 kg N/ha most of the time. In the organic system, N input, water consumption and NO₃^--N leaching was reduced even more (by 71, 43 and 92%, respectively, compared to the conventional system). However, grain yield also declined by 46%. In the organic system, NO₃^--N accumulation within the root zone was generally less than 30 kg N/ha. The optimized systems showed a considerable potential to reduce N and water consumption and NO₃^--N leaching while maintaining high grain yields, and thus should be considered for sustainable agricultural development in the NCP.

Soil erosion by water has become an issue in the cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) on sloping lands in recent years. The following three technologies of tillage have been assessed: disc cultivator, strip-till and no-till (raw land). Seeding machine Kinze 3500 was used for sowing maize cultivar Silvinio FAO 210. The experiments were conducted within the years 2013, 2014 and 2016. Erosion was evaluated under simulated rain in three stages of maize growth. The following parameters of each tested tillage treatment were measured: water infiltration (mm), soil loss (converted to t/ha), dry matter yield of the aboveground biomass and grain yield. The results confirmed that no-till technology reduced water erosion to the value of 0.40 t/ha. This technology along with the row spacing of 0.75 m tended to bring higher yields of aboveground biomass (13.40 t/ha). Tillage and phacelia as a catch crop increased water infiltration in the soil.

At the colder peach production regions it is important to know the cold hardiness of peach cultivars at different phenological stages of flowering. In our experiment, artificial freezing tests were conducted in a climate chamber in five selected years between the period of 2007 and 2016 to determine the freeze tolerance of generative organs of three peach cultivars ('Venus', 'Redhaven', 'Piroska') at different phenological stages of bloom. Based on the results of the laboratory freezing tests LT₅₀ values were calculated. Our results showed that LT₅₀ values of examined peach cultivars in swelled bud stage averaged over five years were between -6.8 and -11.2°C according to cultivar, and as phenological phases progressed, cold hardiness of generative organs decreased. At the end of bloom LT₅₀ values varied between -1.7 and -4.1°C. Cultivar 'Piroska' had the highest freeze tolerance and cultivar 'Venus' showed the lowest in each year studied. This study shows that trees with delayed development are more prone to cold damage to flowers.

Foreign bodies that affect airways are a well-recognised problem in small-animal practice. Cats in par­ticular, may be especially at risk of aspiration due to their predatory behaviour. Here, we report a case of an insect as a foreign body, namely a beetle in the tracheal bifurcation of a cat. Radiographs suggested a wide range of possibilities for differential diagnosis, but the presence of a foreign body was initially suspected. A final diagnosis was not pursued by the owner and the cat was euthanised. The presence of a summer chafer was then confirmed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time such a foreign body and radiographic findings are reported in the literature.

We here report the diagnosis and surgical outcomes of a cat and three dogs with persistent right aortic arch causing oesophageal enlargement. The chief complaint in all cases was regurgitation just after solid food intake. Barium oesophagographic examinations revealed enlarged oesophaguses cranial to the heart and strictures due to arteriosus ligament constriction of the oesophagus. Surgical correction was carried out using left fourth intercostal thoracotomy and severance of the ligamentum arteriosum. The cases frequently displayed residual clinical signs and still required modified diets after a mean follow-up period of 8.6 months, but owner satisfaction was acceptable.

We investigated moth larvae (Lepidoptera) developing in temperate forests in Central Europe shortly after the tree budburst (the "brumata-viridana complex"). Larvae were collected in southern Slovakia in May 2015 and May 2016 from young and mature trees of late flushing Quercus cerris L. and early flushing Q. pubescens Willd. Although Q. cerris yielded fewer species (40 species) than Q. pubescens (47 species), the rarefied number of species and the Chao index suggested a similar number of species on mature trees of both oak species. Both the total number of moth larvae in assemblages and the abundance of dominant species (pests) were significantly lower on Q. cerris than Q. pubescens. The results suggest the release of Q. cerris with delayed budburst from heavy infestations by folivorous moth larvae. Knowledge obtained can be applied in silvicultural and horticultural practices aimed to protect and maintain forest, fruit, and ornamental trees.

The objective of the present work was to determine changes in total sugars, reducing sugars and sucrose content in potato tubers under conditions involving an application of biostimulants and herbicides. Research material included table potato tubers obtained in a three-year field experiment. The experiment was a split-plot design with three replicates. The factors were as follows: factor I - three table potato cultivars (Bartek, Gawin and Honorata), factor II - five methods of biostimulant and herbicide application (1. control - without biostimulants or herbicides; 2. Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + chlomazon); 3. Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + chlomazon) and growth regulator Kelpak^®SL; 4. Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin); 5. Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin) and growth regulator Asahi^®SL. Variance analysis demonstrated that total sugars, reducing sugars and sucrose content were affected by the biostimulants and herbicides applied as well as cultivars and weather conditions. Compared with control, a significant increase in total sugars followed an application of Sencor 70 WG as well as Sencor 70 WG and the growth regulator Asahi^®SL whereas reducing sugars and sucrose content significantly increased after Sencor 70 WG and the growth regulator Asahi^®SL were applied.

Influence of plant growth regulators chlormequat chloride, chlormequat chloride + ethephon, ethephon, and mepiquat chloride + prohexadione-Ca + pyraclostrobin + ammonium sulphate (BAS67800F + BAS00800D) on decreasing sunflower height was evaluated. It was determined that sunflower height can be reduced by as much as 30 cm. In the case of BAS67800F + ammonium sulphate, there was a slight difference between application at BBCH 31-33 and BBCH 50-51, whereas for ethephon better application time was at BBCH 50-51. For chlormequat chloride, application at BBCH 31-33 was better, but height reduction did not endure until harvest. Flower head diameter shortly before harvest was not affected at any tested regulator. Flowering was delayed primarily at applications at BBCH 50-51.

In this study the texture profile, total soluble solids (TSS) and the fruit skin colour of four day-neutral strawberry cultivars cultivated in Italy ('Anabelle', 'Murano*', 'Portola*' and 'Triumph') was evaluated at four harvest times. The interrelationships of the analysed parameters were determined using principal component analysis in order to suggest the best commercial scenario (local market, supermarket retailer or export) for each cultivar. Data analysis related to texture and TSS contents revealed that 'Anabelle', 'Portola*' and 'Murano*' displayed unique characteristics, and that 'Triumph' showed lower values for these parameters. Due to its low hardness and cohesiveness values 'Anabelle' could be suited to a short supply chain; 'Portola*', meanwhile, might meet the requirements of a long supply chain, due to its high hardness and low TSS (P £ 0.05); 'Murano*' could be distinguished from the other cultivars by its high luminosity (ranging from 41.46-46.21 L*); while 'Triumph', due to its darkness (36.83-37.13 L*), could be suitable for a local/farmers' market.

The fall of the communist system in Central Europe was followed by dynamic social and economic change that also had its clear impact on the food sector. One of the key factors shaping the contemporary condition of the agricultural sector in region has been change of ownership, with the collapse of the nationalised sector and restitution of property to former owners. The work presented here considers the main directions of changes and assessment of selected economic processes ongoing in the farming sector over the last quarter-century throughout the region under consideration. This analysis may be further broken down in relation to the three suggested phases of change, i.e. transformation, integration and polarisation. The work took in five countries of the former Eastern Bloc, i.e. the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

Lighvan cheese from ewe and goat milk was produced according to a traditional protocol, and with the addition of 9 log₁₀ cfu/g fresh cells of Bifidobacterium lactis subsp. animalis. Probiotic Lighvan cheese was studied to determine the survival of B. lactis subsp. animalis and biochemical changes during 60 days of ripening of probiotic Lighvan cheese. Lipolysis level and organoleptic assessments were analysed. B. lactis subsp. animalis cells survived in cheese samples at concentrations up to 6.84 log₁₀ cfu/g for at least 60 days of storage time. The lipolysis level increased continuously until the end of the ripening period.The ripening stage was the main factor affecting the cheese sensory properties.

Tritrichomonas blagburni (previously called T. foetus) has been implicated as an aetiological agent of long-term large-bowel diarrhoea in cats in many countries worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of, and risk factors for T. blagburni among a cohort of cats living in different conditions in the Czech Republic. Samples were collected from 170 cats living in different environments. The InPouch™ TF-Feline medium method was used for diagnosis of feline trichomonosis. A single case (0.6%) with motile trichomonads identified as Pentatrichomonas hominis was found in a cat from a multi-cat household. Our study suggests that trichomonads and in particular, T. blagburni, infection may be much less common in the Czech Republic than in neighbouring countries, despite the inclusion of cats that were likely to be from higher-risk groups. A review of studies of the association of trichomonads and feline diarrhoea carried out in different countries revealed variation in the frequency of trichomonads detected. Different combinations of PCR or culture methods for screening or confirmation have been utilised, with or without species differentiation; however, this could not solely account for the variation in the occurrence between countries. From those studies where differentiation was performed, we calculated from the combined studies that T. blagburni occurred in six cats without diarrhoea (1.1%) and 47 cases with diarrhoea (5%). This finding supports an association with diarrhoea as well as the occurrence of asymptomatic cases. We note that in many studies, including our own, the occurrence of T. blagburni may well be underestimated and suggest that future studies use a combination of PCR screening of both faeces and faecal cultures, with differentiation of trichomonad species.

The epidemiological situation regarding the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) population in Europe as well as the presence of predominant IBV strains is well described. The aim of this epidemiological study was to describe the real field situation in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as no data are available for the last ten years. The study was also focused on differentiation between field IBV strains and vaccine/vaccine origin IBV strains in different poultry segments including backyard flocks. Between July 2013 and July 2016, cloacal, tracheal and/or visceral swab samples were collected from 145 Czech and Slovak chicken broiler, breeder and layer flocks. The majority of flocks was kept for production purposes, but to enable a more complete picture of the situation in the field backyard flocks with more than 50 birds were also included. As in other cases which were reported worldwide and based on collaboration with x-Ovo laboratories, samples were analysed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to detect the presence of the RNA of IBV. When positive, approximately 400 base pairs encoding the hypervariable region of the IBV S1 protein were sequenced. Sequencing results, cycle threshold values and vaccination history were used as criteria to try and distinguish vaccine strains from field strains. A significant percentage of all flocks presented clinical signs suggestive of IBV infection. From the total number of samples examined, 16.5% were negative. In 12.4% of the samples that did contain RNA from IBV, the genotype could not be determined. In most cases, this was due to the recovery of RNA quantities below the lower limit of detection of the sequencing PCR. The remaining positive samples predominantly contained RNA from IBV strains that belonged to the 4/91 - 793B - CR88 (44.7%), Massachusetts (30%), D274 - D207 (11.6%) and D388 - QX (8.7%) genotypes. Estimations indicated that approximately 23.9%, 48.4%, 58.3% and 0% of these detections, respectively, were vaccine strains. Infections with types UKR/27/2011, CK/CH/Guandong/Xindadi/0903 and K33/09 were observed sporadically. The results confirm that IBV infections are highly prevalent in Czech and Slovak chickens and that at least seven different IBV types were circulating during the monitored period. This underlines the necessity of providing flocks with a strong and broad protective immunity against IBV.

Relation between wheat (Triticum aestivum) nutritional status determined at the beginning of stem elongation and during anthesis, respectively, and available content of phosphorus (P-M3) and zinc (Zn-M3) determined by the Mehlich 3 extractant was studied. Both one-year pot experiment with spring wheat and two-year on-farm trials with winter wheat were run on various calcareous soils (pH values of 7.18-7.94, median 7.80, P-M3 1-289 ppm, median 54, and Zn-M3 2-14 ppm, median 4), in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). Phosphorus nutrition index (ratio of phosphorus concentration in shoot biomass to critical phosphorus concentration - P_c) was calculated using the Belanger et al.'s model: P_c = -0.677 + 0.221N - 0.00292N(2), where both phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations were expressed in g/kg shoot dry matter. Unlike phosphorus concentration in shoot biomass, phosphorus nutrition index significantly correlated with P-M3 content in soil. Optimal values of the phosphorus nutrition index were recorded if P-M3 was 51-68 ppm. Zinc concentration in shoot biomass more strongly correlated with P:Zn ratio (M3) in soil compared to Zn-M3 content in soil. P:Zn ratio in shoot biomass of 130:1 did not lead to phosphorus deficiency and corresponded to P:Zn (M3) ratio in soil of 9.3:1-14.3:1.

In four-year experiments, hop was treated with 7 biologically active substances in two terms during vegetation: Lignohumate max (a mixture of humic acids and fulvic acids), Lexin (a mixture of humic acids and fulvic acids enriched with auxins), Lexenzym (a mixture of humic acids and fulvic acids enriched with auxins, phytohormones and enzymes precursors), Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract, synthetic auxin, humic acids and fulvic acids alone. The chlorophyll content was monitored after the application both in the vine leaves and in the branch leaves. After harvesting of the hops from the individual treatments, the yield of dry hops was determined and the cones were analysed for the content of alpha bitter acids. The results show that the most effective hop treatment was the application of Lexin and Lexenzym. The Lexenzym treatment provided a yield of dry hops of 1.86 t/ha, i.e. 0.47 t/ha higher compared with untreated control. The Lexin treatment provided yield higher by 0.41 t/ha of dry hops compared with the untreated control, while the harvested cones contained the most alpha-bitter acids (4.57%).

The paper analyses the structure and level of international cooperation among African states in the area of agriculture and rural development. It focuses on the AU and its eight Regional Economic Communities. The international cooperation schemes between the World Bank, EU, FAO and African countries in agricultural policy are reviewed. The paper concludes that, despite numerous cross-border initiatives, governance of agricultural policies in the pan-African context remains fragmented. Policy-making and cooperation schemes need to be stepped up to address continent-wide challenges in the sector. There is an urgent need for the AU and the EU to intensify their cooperation in agricultural policies and development. The AU in collaboration with its regional bodies should establish a common agricultural policy for the continent. Such initiatives need to be Africa-driven and adapted to African needs. The EU should only provide technical know-how and institutional support if welcomed by African partners. Collective action towards rural areas via greater coordination of African agricultural policies and actions would help to develop the missing institutional framework needed for agricultural development in the continent. Fostering economic growth through agricultural development and reforms may also lead to a reduction of migration as witnessed by the EU in the sixties.

This paper describes the process of digitizing Montenegro's legacy soil data, and an initial attempt to use it for digital soil mapping (DSM) purposes. The handwritten legacy numerical records of physical and chemical properties for more than 10 000 soil profiles and semi-profiles covering whole Montenegro have been digitized, and, out of those, more than 3000 have been georeferenced. Problems and challenges of digitization addressed in the paper are: processing of non-uniform handwritten numerical records, parsing a complex textual representation of those records, georeferencing the records using digitized (scanned) legacy soil maps, creating a single computer database containing all digitized records, transforming, cleaning and validating the data. For an initial assessment of the suitability of these data for mapping purposes, inverse distance weighting (IDW), ordinary kriging (OK), multiple linear regression (LR), and regression-kriging (RK) interpolation models were applied to create thematic maps of soil phosphorus. The area chosen for mapping is a 400 km² area near the city of Cetinje, containing 125 data points. LR and RK models were developed using publicly available digital elevation model (DEM) data and satellite global land survey (GLS) data as predictor variables. The digitized phosphorus quantities were normalized and scaled. The predictor variables were scaled, and principal component analysis was performed. For the best performing RK model an R² value of 0.23 was obtained.

Traditional hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivars have been used in the brewing industry for a long time. Globally, about ten new breeding lines were released to the market in each decade from ~1970 to 1999. Since 2006, the rate of release of new cultivars has increased tenfold. It is, therefore, important to identify their genotype and origin. Molecular genetic methods based on DNA are the most appropriate technology for this purpose. Recently, we developed an efficient marker system for the authenticity control of hop genotypes based on expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSR). In the present study, we enlarged the previously established EST-SSR set with 27 new polymorphic markers and evaluated molecular genetic variability within 135 traditional and new world hop cultivars. Two sets of 10 markers effectively differentiated all used cultivars, with the exception of cultivars derived from the same original genotype such as Saaz, Spalt, Tettnang and Nadwislawsky. Results of molecular genetic variability analyses corresponded with the genealogical and geographical origin of the key cultivars.

The aim of this study was to analyse ovarian activity and pregnancy in 140 Pura Raza Espanola mares over a period of two consecutive years. The data were analysed using SPSS software to evaluate the effects of age, category of mares and season on pre-ovulatory follicle size, ovulation rate, interval from foaling to pregnancy, gestation length, incidence of twin pregnancies and pregnancy losses. The results showed that follicular diameter was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller in fillies (3-year-old) and maiden mares than in older and multiparous mares. Within the group of animals treated with gonadotropin hormone hCG, 87.23% ovulated 48 h following administration. Length of gestation varied from 305 to 356 days and all gestation pregnancies of less than 305 days resulted in a non-viable foal. In addition, foaling season affected (P < 0.05) the post-partum conception interval and the length of gestation, which were shorter and longer in the winter foaling, respectively. Regarding the other parameters, mares of this stud exhibited relatively very low rates of double ovulations, twin pregnancies and pregnancy losses. We conclude that age and category of mares and foaling season influence fertility and foaling rates by affecting pre-ovulatory follicle size, pregnancy loss and gestation length.

Twenty European shorthair cats with neurological disorders, aged 1-3 years and with body weights of 2.6-4.05 kg, were studied in low-field and high-field magnetic resonance imaging systems. Aims of the study were to evaluate the dilation of lateral ventricles in the examined population of cats with the use of quantitative analysis methods and to identify any differences in the results of low- and high-field magnetic resonance imaging. The average brain height was determined to 27.3 mm, and the average volume of the brain was 10 699.7 mm³. Moderately enlarged ventricles were observed in 16 symptomatic cats. Moderate unilateral enlargement was observed in one cat. Mild ventricular asymmetry was described in four animals. The average difference in ventricular height between measurements obtained in low- and high-field magnetic resonance imaging was 0.37 ± 0.16% and for ventricular volume it was 0.62 ± 0.29%. The magnetic resonance imaging scan did not reveal statistically significant differences in brain height or volume between healthy and cats with ventriculomegaly. The differences in the results of low- and high-field magnetic resonance imaging were not statistically significant. Described findings could facilitate the interpretation of magnetic resonance images in cats with ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus.

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the legal content of animal protection legislation in the Slovak Republic with that of Italian legislation. Firstly, we compare the legal systems in the Slovak Republic and Italy with respect to the animal protection laws, especially criminal law in both countries. This comparison of the two different legislations allows detection of identical or different characteristics in the area of animal protection, which could be used later as an inspiration for lawmakers in both countries.

Egg quality and eggshell ultrastructural properties of four Saudi native chicken breeds were compared to detect genetic differences. A total of 480 laying hens at 28 weeks of age, representing four Saudi native breeds of chicken (black, black-barred, gray, and brown) kept under hot environmental conditions (34 ± 1°C) were randomly assigned to the current experiment. Laying hens were housed in individual cages in an open-sided house during hot summer season. A total of 360 intact eggs were randomly collected (90 from each breed) for egg quality assessment. Eggshell samples were prepared to evaluate ultrastructural measurements using a scanning electron microscope. No significant variations between the breeds concerning egg weight, egg-shape index, yolk index, albumen (%), yolk (%), shell (%), and shell thickness traits were detected. Brown breed showed significantly higher Haugh units compared to the other breeds. Moreover, brown breed scored the best for eggshell breaking strength trait (the highest crack resistance), followed by gray, black, and black-barred breeds, respectively (P < 0.005). Total ultrastructural score for mammillary layer measurements was significantly higher in black-barred breed if compared with black, brown, and gray breeds. Gray, brown, and black Saudi native breeds had an outstanding eggshell ultrastructure and, in turn, stiffer and stronger eggshell comparable with black-barred counterpart under high ambient temperatures. At the national level, for cross-breeding and selection programs aimed at producing good quality table and hatching eggs the use of gray, brown, and black breeds can be recommended due to excellent ultrastructural properties of their eggshell.