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We examined the influence of a diet containing 4% of rapeseed oil, 35 mg or 126 mg copper and supplement of 100 mg vitamin E per 1 kg on fatty acid profile and cholesterol content in raw and cooked broiler leg meat. Copper was added to feed mixtures as CuSO₄.5H₂O. The fatty acid profile and cholesterol content were also determined in raw, stewed and roasted meat of broilers receiving the same diet but with a supplement of 20 mg vitamin E. The results showed that 126 and 35 mg Cu/kg significantly increased oleic acid content. Monounsaturated fatty acids accounted for 51% and 52% of all fatty acids. The relatively low copper concentration of 35 mg/kg feed with a major portion of soybean, wheat and maize and vitamin E supplementation of 100 mg/kg reduced (P < 0.01) EPA by 17%, DPA by 16% and DHA by 11 and 15% (P < 0.05). All tested copper doses reduced cholesterol: 126 mg Cu by 22%, 35 mg by 6% and 126 mg in combination with 35 mg copper in relation to broiler age by 7% (P < 0.05); none of the cooking procedures influenced cholesterol. Meat cooking in experiment 1 did not influence the content of any fatty acid. Copper × cooking interactions were insignificant for all fatty acids and cholesterol. In experiment 2 more changes in the numerical values of fatty acids were caused by stewing compared to roasting. Among the valuable fatty acids n-3 long chain acids were influenced by both cooking procedures to the largest extent. Docosahexaenoic acid was reduced to about 60% of the original value (P < 0.05). On the other hand, a decrease in myristic acid by 14% in stewed meat and 12% in roasted meat (P < 0.05) was positive.

About 15% of the area of the Czech Republic is classified as territories with special status of protection, most of which is covered with forests. At present, at the time of integration of the country into the European structures, an increase in the area of such territories by approximately 20% is expected. The territories show significant variation of protection objectives, management restrictions, profound differentiation in natural conditions, structure of ownership and different levels of damage, especially that caused by anthropogenic pressure. This situation requires the formulation of long-term management strategies. The problem can be solved in the following successive steps: formulation of variants and alternatives of management strategies based on a retrospective analysis of forest development; prognosis of the forest condition development after application of the individual management strategies on the basis of growth and development simulations; addition of technological and economical bases; selection of optimal variants and alternatives from the viewpoint of the fulfilment of the owner's management goals, in accordance with the principles of forest policy and from the viewpoint of the fulfilment of the protection objective formulated for a specific territory with special status of protection. A set of methods for following the above-mentioned steps is specified in the presented contribution.

In this study an incremental load triangular exercise test has been performed on 20 Gallopers, divided into two groups, A and B, and the test has been customised to the two groups according to age and sex. The subjects being tested, after a 10 minutes warm-up, have undergone an incremental three workloads exercise test. All steps lasted for three minutes and were separated by 1 minute intervals (incremental loads triangular exercise test). The workload for each phase of the test has been set as follows: group A, speed of 400, 500 and 600 m/min over a distance of 1 200, 1 500 and 1 800 m; group B, speed of 500, 600 and 700 m/min over a distance of 1 500, 1 800 and 2 100 m. Each horse had a heart rate monitor for the assessment of the heart rate mean value at each phase. At rest, after warm up, and at the end of each phase, 30 and 45 minutes after the end of the test, all subjects underwent a blood test by means of an external jugular venipuncture for the immediate assessment of lactate on whole blood with a portable blood lactate analyser. For each horse the following physical attitude parameters have been calculated: VLa2, VLa4, V200, HR2, HR4. The highly significant correlation between heart rate and speed during the test has shown a linear increment for group A (r = 0.94; p < 0.01) and for group B (r = 0.87; p < 0.01), while the incremental trend of blood lactate as related to speed is exponentially correlated for group A (r= 0.84; p < 0. 01) and for group B (r = 0.85; p < 0.01). The following differences are of statistical significance: V200 of group A compared to V200 of group B (p < 0.01); La₁ of group A compared to La₁ of group B (p < 0.01); La_R30 of group A compared to La_R30 of group B (p < 0.05). V200 represents the horse's cardiac power, thus it is possible that adult subjects, as 4 years (and older) horses, have perfectly developed the efficiency of the cardiac pump. Furthermore the galloper in its effort draws from the anaerobic metabolism which starts timely and to a significantly higher extent in older subjects (group B). This implies a greater efficiency of this metabolic pathway during exercise in these subjects. This could be indicative of the type of training done by the galloper. The results are discussed on the base of a possible use of a triangular exercise test on track for the functional assessment of the galloper.

Plum fruits of the cultivars Stanley and Valjevka picked at the beginning of climacteric were stored in different storage atmospheres for 31 days at 3°C. The relations between the O₂ and CO₂ content during this period and after removal from the gas mixture to ethanol, acetaldehyde, non-volatile compounds and some textural values of fruits were investigated. Concentrations of ethanol in the flesh were related to levels of oxygen and CO₂ in ambient atmosphere. In anaerobic conditions (< 0.2% O₂) ethanol reached 1,109 mg/l for the cultivar Valjevka and 628 mg/l for Stanley. The results of single fruit analysis showed a steeply increasing concave curve of ethanol production in the period of anaerobic conditions, followed by the phase of a drop of the production rate in air stored fruit. The concentration of oxygen at a level of 0.9% (ultra low oxygen - ULO) does not physiologically harm the tissues of plums by producing mostly negligible content of ethanol and acetaldehyde, but an ethanol increase to half concentration after 31 days was observed to compare with anaerobic conditions in the cultivar Valjevka. From this aspect plums seem to be relatively sensitive to low oxygen. The post-storage period was extended up to 53 to 63 days, respectively. The senescence caused an increase in ethanol production rate that was exponentially increased after 20 days of cold storage atmosphere. The final concentration after 53 days was still higher for cv. Valjevka than for cv. Stanley at the respective content of 828 mg/land 498 mg/l. Skin firmness was differentiated for both cultivars, and softness was higher for the cultivar Valjevka.

Two GC/MS methods for acrylamide determination in potato crisps were used. By the method without derivatisation the presence of acrylamide was confirmed. The quantities of acrylamide were compared by the bromination method with ¹³C₃-acrylamide and D₃-acrylamide as internal standards. A suitable agreement between the results obtained from two independent laboratories was achieved; the difference was less than 5%. Using average level of acrylamide in crisps 986.5 μg/kg and mean consumption data on potato crisps in Slovakia it was calculated that consumers are exposed to 8.5 μg acrylamide daily from its which means 0.12 μg/kg body weight/day. This amount contributes to 20-40% of daily acrylamide intake from food.

Feeding selectivity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) juveniles (9.3-20.9 g) to four aquatic macrophyte species and tilapia growth were studied in 4 consecutive experiments. Plant diet was provided to 8 tanks containing 20 fishes for 5 days. The fish were fed a carp diet between 4 experiments for 14 days. The consumption of 4 aquatic macrophyte species differed significantly [F(3,252) = 39.6; P < 10^-6]. Elodea canadensis was the most preferred plant (Chesson selectivity index = 0.50 ± 0.05, n = 4). Potamogeton pectinatus and Spirodela polyrhiza were consumed with about equal preference. Myriophyllum spicatum was the least preferred species. Elodea canadensis contained relatively more phosphorus, potassium and ash than the other three species. The daily plant dry weight intake ranged between 0.79 and 2.26% of body weight. The fish grew during the first two experiments (SGR = 2.54 and 3.18%/d, respectively), but lost weight during the 3rd and 4th experiments (SGR = -1.75 and -1.71%/d, respectively).

The aim of this work was to determine the heating effect on the thermo-degradation process of rapeseed oil (RO) by rapid fluorescence method. Reference measurements were carried out by chromatographic methods in order to compare results with those obtained by fluorescence spectroscopy. The main compounds which were monitored are polar compounds and tocopherols. During heating process, two temperatures were used: 171°C and 189°C for 4.5 h. The results have showed that the tocopherol content decreases, especially at the highest temperature, and the polar content increases of 20% at the end of heating. These results are in agreement with literature. PLS model was built in order to predict polar and tocopherol contents. The results obtained from this method were satisfactory.

The effect of three different anaesthetics, 2-phenoxyethanol (0.6 ml/l), Propiscin (0.75 ml/l)and clove oil (0.033 ml/l), on adult tench (Tinca tinca L.) of mean body weight 260 g (66-583 g), of both sexes was tested at four different water temperatures (17.9; 20.4; 22.6 and 25.1°C). The time periods necessary for the induction of particular characteristic phases of anaesthetisation and recovery were evaluated. At all temperatures, the statistically longest induction of anaesthesia (p < 0.05) and longest recovery (p < 0.01) were registered with Propiscin. With clove oil and 2-phenoxyethanol, the time period necessary for induction of phase II b anaesthesia statistically declined (p < 0.05) with rising temperature, however, this phenomenon was not seen with Propiscin.

Spatial variability of soil mineral nitrogen N_min (N-NH₄⁺, N-NO₃^-) in a soil profile down to 60 cm was determined in a 19-ha experimental field in Prague-Ruzyně for four years. Winter wheat was grown in the years 2000 and 2001, oats in 2002 and mustard in 2003. Root length distribution and depth of the crops were determined at four locations representing different soil conditions within the experimental field. The coefficient of variation as the measure of the variability of nitrate N in topsoil and subsoil (0-30 and 30-60 cm, respectively) in the experimental years ranged between 18-39 and 20-37%, respectively. It was mostly the same or slightly greater in subsoil than in topsoil in respective years. The variability of ammonium N in topsoil and subsoil ranged between 4-58 and 11-27%, respectively. It was similar in topsoil and subsoil, except for autumn 2000. There was a positive relation between nitrate content in top and subsoil on all sampling terms. We did not find a relationship between N_min contents in experimental years. Spatial dependencies were evaluated on the basis of model variogram parameters. The nugget value expressed as a percentage value of the total variogram's sill was used for the class of spatial dependence determination. When a spatial dependence of the observed factor was found it was within a range of medium-strong dependence. Only in two cases a strong spatial dependence was found. A considerable variability was also found out in the variogram's range, which was between 61 and396 m. All these facts pose a problem for further actions, such as appropriate design of a sampling grid, measured data spatial interpolation and application maps design.

Rice yellow mottle virus genus sobemovirus (RYMV) was first reported in Kenya in 1966. The disease caused by this virus is fast becoming a major limiting factor in the rice production in Africa and neighbouring islands. It is known to occur in eastern, western and southern African countries and, since very recently, in Central Africa. It is transmitted by insect vectors such as Chaectonema spp., Sesselia pusilla Gerst. and Trichispa sericea Guerin (all Coleoptera) and also by mechanical means. About six strains of the virus now exist. Yield losses caused by the virus range from 20 to 100%. Integrated pest management has been suggested to minimise damage caused by this disease to rice. This paper reviews the characteristics of the virus, symptomatology, host range, distribution, strains, transmission, vector dynamics and virus spread, the economic importance, and management strategies. The need of future research of RYMV is also highlighted.

A total of 90 Escherichia coli O157 isolates recovered from humans, cattle, and pigs, were examined for the presence of the H7 antigen, ability to produce Shiga toxins and enterohemolysin as well as for antimicrobial resistance and biochemical properties. Fourteen of the human strains (n = 23) and 21 of the bovine isolates (n = 29) were of the O157:H7 serotype as determined by agglutination and PCR methods. All E. coli O157 of porcine origin (n = 38) were H-negative. Based on the ability to produce Shiga toxins (Stxs), all human and cattle isolates and 11 strains recovered from swine were identified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Among STEC, most human strains (18 isolates) were Stx1- and Stx2-positive whereas cattle strains were mostly Stx2-positive. Eleven porcine STEC produced either Stx1 (7 isolates) or Stx2 (4 strains) toxins; an additional 20 isolates recovered from these animals had the Stx2e toxin gene as previously determined by PCR. All human and cattle E. coli O157 produced enterohemolysin whereas only 4 strains recovered from pigs were ehly-positive. Moreover, the PCR identification of the lpf_O113 gene performed earlier revealed that this putative virulence marker was present in all porcine isolates, only in 5 strains of bovine origin but in none of E. coli O157 recovered from humans. All 90 E. coli O157 strains tested displayed 10 biochemical profiles that were different at least in one of the reaction tested. The most common atypical reaction observed among porcine O157 isolates was ability to ferment sorbitol (all strains) and production of β-glucuronidase (25 isolates). Moreover, none of the sorbitol-positive strains was able to produce indol. Four antimicrobial resistance profiles among 90 E. coli O157 strains tested were observed. Most of the isolates recovered from humans and all strains from cattle were resistant only to rifampicin whereas the porcine strains showed resistance to either 3 antimicrobials (4 isolates) or to 4 drugs tested (34 isolates). The phenotypic data shown in the present study, together with the previously published genotypic analyses of these strains, confirm earlier suggestions that the porcine E. coli O157 strains are mostly different from those of bovine and human O157 isolates and could therefore play less important role in human STEC O157 infections.

An average dry matter yield structure (three cuts per growing season) in relation to agronomically valuable characteristics of six forage grass species and a year of herbage utilization was studied over the period of 1989-2002 in Lithuania. The most productive species of the first cut of two years of herbage utilization were Phleum pratense (P < 0.01) and Festulolium hybrids (P < 0.05) (average dry matter yield were 7.42 and 6.66 t/ha, respectively), moderately productive - Festuca pratensis, Dactylis glomerata and Lolium perenne (5.58, 5.42 and 5.20 t/ha), significantly lower (P < 0.01) yielding was Poa pratensis (4.19 t/ha). During two years of herbage utilization Dactylis glomerata produced significantly (P < 0.01) higher dry matter yield of aftermath - 7.30 t/ha. Other grass species were ranked in the following order: Festulolium hybrids 5.85 t/ha, Festuca pratensis 4.94 t/ha, Poa pratensis 4.57 t/ha, Lolium perenne 4.48 t/ha, and Phleum pratense 3.92 t/ha. Dactylis glomerata and Poa pratensis distinguished by the highest aftermath percent in the structure of the annual dry matter yield (57.7 and 52.2%). Phleum pratense formed an especially poor aftermath - only 34.6%. An average annual dry matter yield data analysis of two years of herbage utilization over the period of 1989-2002 showed that Dactylis glomerata and Festulolium hybrids were most productive (P < 0.01) species.

In the present work, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with chemiluminescent detection for the determination of carbofuran, carbaryl and methiocarb were developed and the analytical parameters of these assays were compared with those of ELISAs with colorimetric detection. The sensitivity of immunochemical methods was expressed as detection limit, linear working range, and I₅₀ value. In comparison with colorimetric ELISA, the ability of the chemiluminescent reagents to detect lower concentrations of HRP allowed to decrease the optimal antibody and conjugate concentrations and to reach better analytical parameters. The experimental comparison of the analytical performance of the ELISAs was carried out by analysing simply diluted fruit juices, spiked at different concentration levels with the above mentioned pesticides. Recovery values for both ELISAs were around 100% and no matrix effects were observed when fruit juices were diluted 1:20 or more.

Analysis of sperm parameters is very important for predicting the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques and is necessary for determination of fertility potential of males tested for artificial insemination. In our study we have determined the level of bull and boar sperm DNA damage by Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). This test is based on increased susceptibility of altered DNA (strand breaks) in sperm nuclear chromatinto in situ denaturation measured by flow cytometry after staining with acridine orange (AO). Sperm chromatin damage was quantified by percentages of spermatozoa with detectable DNA Fragmentation Index - DFI divided into moderate (m-DFI) and high (h-DFI) DFI. Percentage of immature cells (HDS; cells with High DNA Stainability) was also evaluated. We measured sperm SCSA parameters in a total of 37 bulls in two groups from different localities and 68 boar samples from one locality. Significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa with detectable DFI was detected in six bulls (16.2%) and a significantly higher percentage of immature cell forms (HDS) was found in other six bulls (16.2%) among all tested bulls. The mean percentages of spermatozoa with h-DFI and HDS of bulls from the second group were statistically higher than those from the first group (P < 0.01). Five boars (7.4%) of all tested boars had significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa with DFI and 18 boars (26.5%) had significantly higher percentage of sperm with HDS compared to the other boars. Both percentages of spermatozoa with DFI and HDS were significantly higher in one boar compared to the others. Boars had significantly higher percentages of spermatozoa with h-DFI and HDS (P < 0.0001) in comparison to bulls. For individual bulls, the highest percentages of spermatozoa with DFI and HDS were 20.8% and 3.5%, respectively while for boars these were 17.6% and 10.2%, respectively. No significant correlations were found between percentages of spermatozoa with DFI and HDS. This sensitive procedure seems to be convenient as additional method for semen quality detection in farm animals before their exploitation in breeding.

Two trials were designed to determine the quality of pig carcasses, chemical composition and physical indicators of meat and fatty acid composition of backfat. Growing pigs were offered adequate diets containing field beans (20-25%), sweet lupines (15-20%) or extruded soybeans (18-15.4%) instead of soybean or sunflower oil meal (control). The weight and length of the carcass, dressing percentage, weight of ham, chemical composition and physical indicators of meat of pigs fed diets with different leguminous seeds did not differ significantly from those of pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing field beans had 5.7-8.2 mm lower backfat thickness, while pigs fed extruded soybeans had 6.6-7.9% smaller loin lean area and 4.57% lower content of oleic acid in the backfat, but the content of linoleic acid was 5.11% higher.

Pot trials and field studies were carried out to describe the influence of soil pH and rainfall on the phytotoxic effect of the herbicide Merlin 750 WG (isoxaflutole) in maize. Symptoms as bleaching, and root and shoot weight reduction in early growth of maize were found. In pot trials, a statistically significant crop injury in early growth of maize was found only at the herbicide dose of 100 and 130 g/ha followed by 30 mm precipitation directly after herbicide application in soils with pH 6.5 and 7.2. Bleaching and significant weight reduction of maize up to growth stage BBCH 13 were observed in field trials at treatments with early post-emergence application of Merlin and 20 mm precipitations. Bleaching symptoms recovered up to BBCH 19. Significant differences were found in maize shoot weight and cob yield between treatments with and without watering (20 mm irrigation), and between pre- and post-emergence application of Merlin under field conditions. No significant differences were found between herbicide doses tested.

A long-term study carried out within the 1967 All-Poland Larch Provenance Experiment investigated genetic variation in 20 Polish provenances of larch growing under the site conditions of the Beskid Sądecki Mts. (at a test site in Krynica). The study was based on the measurements of tree height made in individual larch populations during 1969-1999, i.e. when trees were 5, 8, 11, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years old. The results showed a considerable adaptation stability of the provenances tested at the Krynica site. This stability, however, tended to decrease with increasing mean height of trees. An estimation of the effect of the "genotype (provenance) × years of observation (age)" interaction revealed a high stability of height growth in larch populations having extreme values of this trait. As follows from the study, it is possible, especially in the case of the latter group of provenances, to carry out effective selection in the early stage of tree growth, thus ensuring a permanent genetic gain.

Flavonoids are a large group of secondary plant metabolites with hydroxyl groups. The flavonol quercetin is commonly found in onions. In the edible fleshy scales of yellow onions quercetin mono- and diglucosides are present. The aim of this work was to study quercetin glucosides during technological processing of yellow onion bulb. Onion was boiled in water under reflux for 30 min. The cooking was performed at three different onion/water ratios (1/5, 1/10, 1/20; w/w). The resulting soup, boiled onion solids and the control raw onion samples were lyophilised, extracted with ac. methanol and analysed for quercetin and its derivatives (3-β-D-glucoside, 4'-β-D-glucoside, 3,4'-β-D-glucoside) using HPLC-UV. Major flavonoid components identified in yellow onion were quercetin-4'-β-D-glucosideand 3,4'-β-D-glucoside with a decreasing concentration from outer toward inner rings of the raw bulb. These substances were rapidly transferred into cooking water during thirty minutes boiling making the resulting soup a good source of flavonoids. The effect of water amount added on flavonoid concentration was followed.

The Odra River, 55.2 kmof its length, is winding through the Poodří Protected Landscape Area, which has total area of 81,5 km². More than 80% of its stream has retained the natural character of its riverbed and the hydrological regime with regular floods. Ichthyologic research was carried out in the period 1997-2001. It took place in 7 localities comprising 3 localities situated in main tributaries and 4 localities of former river arms. Gill nets and electrofishing were used for the research on limnetic biotopes. A total of 22 fish species in the streams (Odra, Lubina, Ondřejnice, and Bílovka Rivers) and 4 other species in stagnant water bodies were found. Out of all identified species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Pseudorasbora parva, and Carassius auratus are not native species. Anglers identified further 7 species in their catches. The studied river sections are inhabited by the Barbus - Chondrostoma fish community. The highest biomass belongs to the most frequent species Leuciscus cephalus, Rutilus rutilus, and Barbus barbus. Total abundance in the individual localities ranged from 2 416 to 20 392 fishes/ha and total biomass was in the range from 174 to 788.8 kg/ha. The species diversity index H' of ichthyocenoses fluctuated between 2.238 to 3.108 in the area. There were 4-8 species in low numbers in 4 searched pools. The biomass was also low and the diversity index H' ranged from 1.390 to 1.737.

Seedling emergence is one of the most important factors in the establishment of optimum plant density for a maximum yield. Seed quality and seedbed conditions affect seedling emergence. Seedbed condition is affected by soil content, especially soil organic matter. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of soil organic matter on germination and seedling emergence of three hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars. This research was conducted in 2000 and2001 in field and glasshouse conditions. Perlite and 20 soils with different organic matter contents were used as seedbed conditions. Soil organic matter, environment, and soil organic matter × environment factors had significant effects on seedling emergence. Decreasing soil organic matter content resulted in a decrease of seedling emergence due to the decreases in water content of the soil. This effect was clearer in adverse environmental conditions, especially in the soils with less than 2% organic matter.

Dothistroma needle blight Mycosphaerella pini is an important pathogen of pine needles. In addition to different species of pine, M. pini was found in blue spruce Picea pungens in the proximity of infected Pinus nigra in the region of southern Moravia about 20 km SE of Brno.

The aim of the present study was to correlate the milk production and the kinetic variables in milk of cephalothin administered to goats. Twenty healthy creole goats in milk production were used. Cephalothin was administered by intravenous route (20 mg/kg b.w.). Milk samples were collected at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 12.0 hours postadministration of the antibiotic. Cephalothin concentrations were measured in milk samples by high performance liquid chromatography. The values (mean ± standard error) of milk production collected during 24 hours previous to the administration of the antibiotic were 761.5 ± 111.1 ml. The results of the kinetic variables (mean ± standard error) of cephalothin in milk were: AUC = 5.4 ± 1.6 µg/ml/h; C_max= 1.1 ± 0.3 µg/ml and t_max = 1.7 ± 0.1 h. The correlation coefficients AUC-milk production, C_max-milk production and t_max-milk production were: 0.602 (P < 0.01), 0.596 (P < 0.01) and 0.398 (P < 0.1), respectively. In conclusion, the areas under the curve and the maximum concentrations and the time to reach them in milk are in fact related to the volume of milk produced by the goats

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cadmium (10, 20, 30 and 40 mg Cd/kg of soil) contamination in soil with the application of different substances (compost, brown coal, lime and bentonite) on the intake of nitrogen by some plants. The correlations between the nitrogen content in the plants and the cadmium concentration in the soil, as well as the plant yield and the content of micro- and macroelements in the plants were determined. Plant species and cadmium dose determined the effects of soil contamination with cadmium on the content of nitrogen. Large doses of cadmium caused an increase in nitrogen content in the Avena sativa straw and roots and in the Zea mays roots. Soil contamination with cadmium resulted in a decrease of nitrogen content in the Avena sativa grain, in above-ground parts and roots of the Lupinus luteus, in the above-ground parts of the Zea mays and in the above-ground parts and roots of Phacelia tanacaetifolia. Among the experimental different substances, the application of bentonite had the strongest and a usually negative effect on the nitrogen content in plants. The greatest effect of bentonite was on Avena sativa grain, above-ground parts Zea mays and Lupinus luteus and Phacelia tanacaetifolia. The content of nitrogen in the plants was generally positively correlated with the content of the macroelements and some of the microelements, regardless of the substances added to the soil.

The effects of reducing fat level (9% and 12%), substituting pork fat with olive oil and adding locust bean/xanthan gum on emulsion stability, jelly and fat separation, cook loss, and hardness of frankfurters were investigated and compared with control sample elaborated with 20% of fat content. Results showed that addition of locust bean/xanthan gum produced a significant increase in hydration/binding properties, characterised by lower cook losses, increasing yield, better emulsion stability and lower jelly and fat separation. The substitution of fat pork by olive oil did not affect these parameters. Multivariate comparison between elaborated low-fat products and commercial frankfurters (normal and low-fat) were carried out using a factorial analysis. Results showed that addition of locust bean/xanthan gum results in products similar to commercial frankfurters with higher fat contents.

This study investigates the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses from seven villages in the province of Kars in north-eastern Turkey. A total of 189 serum samples from clinically healthy, local crossbred horses were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies using the Sabin-Feldman dye test. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 39 (20.6%) horses, with specific titres of 1 : 16 (27), 1 : 64 (11) and 1 : 256 (1). The 95% confidence interval for the population proportion ranged from 13.3 to 27.9%. The number of seropositive horses in Yucelen village (40%) was considerably higher than in other villages, whereas in the villages of Caglayan (8%) and Cerme (10.5%) the seroprevalence was lower than elsewhere. However, the differences in seroprevalence between the seven villages were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In contrast, the overall seroprevalence in the province of Kars was significantly higher than that reported previously in studies carried out on army and private horse stud farms elsewhere in Turkey (P < 0.05). The relevance of these findings to the epizootiology of toxoplasmosis in Kars and Turkey is discussed.

The aim of this paper was to analyse alternatives of Pinzgau breeding program. Alternatives were optimised for genetic gain of selection index composed of parameters of milk efficiency traits and increase in inbreeding per generation. A scheme using the mating of 70% old proven sires led to a lower increase in inbreeding per generation from 0.248% to 1.903% than a young sires scheme with 0.313-2.177% or 0.303-2.18% without MOET when 2, 5, 10 and 20 proven sires were used in the population. Schemes using 70% mating of young sires resulted in a shorter generation interval of 3.46 years in comparison with proven sires scheme with 4.06 years. Young sires breeding program yielded lower genetic gain from 420.1 SKK per year when 20 proven sires were used to 578.44 SKK per year when 2 proven bulls were selected in the population. Proven sires breeding program led to higher genetic gain from 400.17 SKK (with 20 proven bulls) to 629.72 SKK (2 proven bulls). In a group with 20 proven bulls young sires breeding program with MOET resulted in genetic gain 466.38 SKK comparable to young sires breeding program without MOET with 10 proven sires. In groups with 10 or 5 proven bulls this alternative led to the highest genetic gain 515.45 SKK and 565.25 SKK, respectively. A group with 2 proven bulls in MOET scheme achieved similar genetic gain (629.14 SKK) like the proven sires scheme.

Tested soils (1991-2002) were defined by chemical, textural and microbial characteristics. From the tests which describe cambisols, the following parameters have to be stressed. The higher level of C_org (1.20-1.76%), which resulted in quite high microbial biomass carbon content (396-625 µg/g dry soil), high control respiration (0.45-0.80 mg CO₂/h/100 g dry soil) and potential nitrification with (NH₄)₂SO₄ (6.7-18.4 mg N-NO₃/8 days/100 g dry soil). Studied luvisols reached typical levels: C_org (0.97-1.22%), C_MB (398-503 µg/g dry soil), control respiration (0.46-0.57 mg CO₂/h/100 g dry soil), potential nitrification with (NH₄)₂SO₄ (3.2-9.9 mg N-NO₃/8 days/100 g dry soil). Lower levels of organic carbon and a medium level of microbial biomass raised in higher ratio C_MB/C_org (average 4.0%). Highly significant differences (p < 0.01) between cambisols and luvisols were determined for C_org, N_t, pH(KCl), C_MB, C_MB/C_org, C_E, control respiration and potential nitrification, while the difference in potential ammonification with peptone was at level p < 0.05. With the exemption of ratio C_MB/C_org all cambisol characteristics were higher than luvisol ones. Studied soils were evaluated by six biological criteria (C_MB; ratios: C_MB/C_org, C_E/C_MB, potential/control respiration, potential/control ammonification, potential/control nitrification). These criteria distinguished tested soils into three groups. The first one includes two localities in the mountain region (Červená Voda 809, 810; altitude 565-590 m) defined as stagnic cambisols with higher content of C_org (1.40, respective 1.76%) and simultaneously with the highest biomass of micro-organisms from all tested soils (C_MB,625, respective 621 µg/g dry soil). It is not surprising that microbial activities (respiration, nitrification) at these localities were also high. The majority of the studied localities (one eutric cambisol and four luvisols) belongs to the medium group. The third group includes two localities (Neumětely - haplic luvisol, Čistá u Rakovníka - eutric cambisol) where biological criteria was mostly the worst. In the period 1993-2002 microbial biomass carbon was for both sites in the range of 357-458 µg/g dry soil which are not so bad values, but in comparison with localities in mountain wet region they are low. This status was issued in the lower ratio C_MB/C_org (2.71-3.77%).

In 2002, height and diameter growth of spruce was investigated in the Orlické hory Mts. (the Czech Republic). The aim was to confirm and to quantify a growth increase in stands of different age, and to reveal the relation between growth and climate, and level of nitrogen deposition. Stem analyses of ten sample trees of mature spruce stand (average age 163 years) confirmed a significant increase in height and diameter growth since the mid-eighties of the 20^th century. Nearly 75% of radial increment variability could be explained by climatic factors. Growth in the last 10 years corresponded well to weather conditions. Analysis of the growth - nitrogen deposition relationship showed negative correlations, but the results were not statistically significant. Comparison of the height growth curves of young stands (11-47 years) proved that the younger the stand, the steeper the growth curve. The height of the youngest stands was on average the double of the height of older stands at the same age. The values of the height growth of young stands significantly overreached the yield table values in all the age classes analyzed.

Extract of red bean seeds was prepared using 80% acetone. Crude extract was applied onto a Sephadex LH-20 column. Fraction I of low molecular weight phenolic compounds was eluted from the column by ethanol. Fraction II of tannins was eluted from the column using water-acetone (1:1, v/v) as a mobile phase. Phenolic compounds present in the extracts and in the fractions I and II showed antioxidant and antiradical properties investigated using a β-carotene-linoleate model system, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Crude extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in a β-carotene-linoleate model system. However, tannins fraction was the strongest scavengers of DPPH radical. The content of total phenolics in the fraction II was found the highest (139 mg/g).

In the course of the 20^th century, the production of beer was substantially changed. Economic pressures led to the concentration, modernisation and automation of the beer and malt production. These changes were reflected in a new view of malting barley varieties' quality. In two last decades, the varieties possessing a strong enzymatic activity, high extract contents and high final attenuation have been promoted. Due to historical reasons, the traditional production of pale lager has been preserved in the Czech brewing. For the production of the Czech-type beer, those varieties of malting spring barley are suitable that enable the production of beer with a higher level of residual extract, strong and full palate, excellent foaming power, and relatively lower alcohol content.