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3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) is a tissue bound toxic metabolite derived from the nitrofuran antibiotic, furazolidone. AOZ is detected in the derivatised form of 3-{[(2-nitrophenyl) methylene] amino}-2-oxa-zolidinone (NP AOZ). 3-{[(3-carboxyphenyl)-methylene] amino-2-oxazolidinone (CP AOZ) was used as the immunising hapten for the production of monoclonal antibodies against NP AOZ. Monoclonal antibodies were produced using hybridomas from the fusion of murine myeloma cells and spleen cells isolated from BALB/c mice immunised with CP AOZ-ethylenediamine-human serum albumin (CP AOZ-ed-HSA). The antibody production in ascitic fluids from clones 3B8/2B9 and 2D11/A4 was monitored during a 16 month period. Repeated cultures of these hybridomas, followed by injection into mice and cloning did not change the assay parameters. Clone 2D11/A4 exhibited long term stability in antibody production throughout the experiment whereas clone 3B8/2B9 demonstrated variability in particular antibody yields whilst retaining assay sensitivity. Reasons for this production variability in clones are discussed. In an optimised direct ELISA format, the antibodies exhibited a 50% binding inhibition in the range of 0.52-1.15 ng/ml with NP AOZ (0.22 -0.50 ng/ml, respective AOZ equivalents) and showed high specificity towards this analyte. The sensitivity of monoclonal antibodies incorporated into the ELISA is compatible with the European Union MRLP and is currently in use for routine analysis.

The objective of this study was to determine some cultivars suitable for their antioxidant constituents, which can further be used in breeding programmes to breed superior varieties and F1 for higher quality attributes. Thirty cultivars of domesticated capsicums were grown and analyzed during 2006-2007; they showed significant variation in their ascorbic acid and capsaicinoids contents. On the basis of ascorbic acid, the rank order of cultivars was PBC-926 > Chilli Long Black > HC-201 > KT OV > Local D-2. On the basis of capsaicinoids content, five top cultivars were selected, namely DARL-210 > Naga Jalokia > Red Sabina > CO-6-1 > Chilli Long Black.

Nasopharyngeal polyps are non-neoplastic masses, originating from the mucosa of the nasopharynx, the tympanic bulla or the Eustachian tube. Inflammatory polyps extending into the tympanic bulla cavity are a common cause of otitis media in cats. In dogs, however, occurrence of middle ear polyps has rarely been reported. The present report describes the findings of the clinical examination, diagnostic imaging and histopathological appraisal of a ten year old male dog with an inflammatory middle ear polyp arising from the mucosa of the Eustachian tube. Clinically, the dog displayed a peripheral vestibular syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense soft tissue mass filling the right middle ear cavity. Following ventral bulla osteotomy, a polypoid growth with a stalk arising from the auditory tube was surgically excised from the tympanic bulla. Histologically, the polyp was composed of a fibrous connective tissue stroma with discreet infiltration of inflammatory cells and an overlying surface layer of partially ulcerated respiratory epithelium. Similarities and differences between the histological appearance of the present case and the few previously reported records of canine middle ear polyps are discussed, along with a comparative review of etiological, pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of middle ear polyps in cats and dogs

Papers on mycobacteria in food, feed and water, published between 1945 and 2010 and indexed in the database Web of Science^® (Thomson Reuters) were ranked according to authors, institutions, countries and source titles. The total number of papers on mycobacteria and food and mycobacteria and water were 1486 and 1419, respectively. More than 40% of papers have been published in the last five years. In addition to publications in peer reviewed journals the archives of ProMED-mail and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Union were also searched. It is evident that much attention is being paid to mycobacteria in food, feed and water as they likely pose a public health risk.

Demographic development of human society is influenced by economic and political changes. The demographic development of most EU countries, including the Czech Republic, is characterized by the change of the age structure, the increase in the share of the third biological generation and thereby by aging of the population. These changes do not proceed with the same intensity in all countries; there are differences in the development, both among the EU countries and also the regional ones in the frame of the country. The paper presents an evaluation of the demographic development in the EU countries and further in the particular CR regions. The aim is to judge the regional differentiation of this development and to find an analogy of the EU countries.

The subject of our research was to verify effects of the mechanical preparation of soil in the natural regeneration of pedunculate oak in a floodplain forest. On the site of a hard-wooded floodplain forest at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers (Czech Republic), several sample plots were established differing in the preparation of soil during regeneration, in weeding the plots and in the period of the implementation of soil surface scarification before and after the fall (or distribution) of acorns. On the basis of results obtained, mechanical preparation of soil on non-weed-infested plots in the heavy seed year is not necessary, however, it supports seedling emergence from acorns and eliminates weed tree emergence and weed. However, it is better to realize it only after the fall of acorns and to incorporate them into soil and thus their emergence will be increased. Soil scarification can be carried out also in the course of harvesting the parent stand through the extraction of wood and slash from the regenerating area. In weed-infested stands, however, the thorough preparation of soil before the fall of acorns appears to be a necessity.

Comprehensive analyses of soil properties of sites of native Scandinavian broadleaved tree species were performed in 36 habitats in East Norway. The material consisted of stands of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), white birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.), black alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.), speckled alder (Alnus incana Moench.), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl.). The main objective was to describe the vertical characteristics and variations in some selected soil variables of the soil profiles. Particular soil horizons of 15 Brunisolic soils, 11 Regosolic soils, 6 Gleysolic and 4 Podzolic were sampled and analyzed for soil texture, bulk density, specific density, porosity, oxidizable carbon, total nitrogen content, pH in water, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable cations and anions (Mg, Ca, Mn, Al, S, Fe, B, P and K), cation exchange capacity and base saturation. No regular patterns were found in selected soil properties when tested between various soil units in silver birch stands. Furthermore, silver birch stands were found on sites, which topsoil (i) significantly differed in their cation exchange capacities, (ii) did not differ significantly in their pH values, and (iii) mostly differed in their clay contents and (iv) mostly did not differ in BS. Differences among the Humic Regosols, Luvic Gleysols, Sombric Brunisols, Eutric Brunisols and Humo-Ferric Podzols for silver birch stands in their topmost horizons of humified organic matter intimately mixed with the mineral fraction horizons and differences among particular soil horizons for the main soil properties under all the selected broadleaved tree species stands are discussed.

Citrulline has been recently shown to behave as a novel compatible solute in the Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) growing under desert conditions. In the present study we have investigated some aspects of the relationship which might occur in leaves of melon seedlings, also known to produce citrulline, between the capacity to accumulate this ureido amino acid and salt tolerance. With this end in view, salt-induced changes at the citrulline level have been compared in two melon genotypes exhibiting contrasted abilities to withstand the damaging effects of high salinity. Progressive salinization of the growing solution occurred at 23 days after sowing. The final 250 mmol/l external NaCl concentration was reached within 5 days and further maintained for 16 days. In response to this treatment, it was found that the citrulline amount increased in fully expanded leaves of both genotypes according to different kinetics. The salt tolerant genotype Midyat was induced to accumulate citrulline 4 days before the salt sensitive Yuva and as a consequence the final amount of this amino acid was twice higher in the former than in the latter. Compared with citrulline, the free proline level was found to be relatively low and the changes induced in response to the salt treatment exhibited different trends according to the genotypes under study. Thus at the end of the treatment mature leaves of the salt sensitive Yuva contained higher amount of proline than those of Midyat. The changes in the calculated molar ratio between citrulline and free proline suggested that salt tolerance might be associated with high values for this ratio and vice et versa for sensitivity. The interest of citrulline as a biochemical marker for salt tolerance of melon genotypes is discussed.

The genetic diversity of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) was evaluated in 4 isolates sampled from naturally infected grapevines from South Moravia (Czech Republic) and 2 Italian isolates from Bari (Italy). Conserved regions within sequences in databases were found and new primers corresponding to these regions were designed and tested for RT-PCR amplification of the CP codifying region. After sequencing of obtained amplicons the similarity of isolates was analysed via alignments of sequences and by means of dendrograms

The main obstacle in assessing the financial impact of foot-and-mouth disease inTurkeyis unavailability of reliable data. Considering this issue, this study aimed at using a Delphi Expert Opinion Survey (DEOS) method to obtain data required for economic analysis of FMD inTurkey. This study concluded that although there were problems in obtaining some information from the experts, in general theDelphitechnique is a promising way of obtaining animal health data, which is otherwise missing and/or not regularly recorded in developing countries.

The effects of root pruning on the vegetative growth and fruit quality of six-year-old Zhanhuadongzao (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) trees were evaluated. Three root pruning treatments (severe, moderate and light degree) were conducted at the distance of 3, 5 and 7 times trunk diameter from trunk on both inter-row sides of the trees, respectively. The results showed that the severe root pruning decreased the length of primary branch by 27.9% and the number of primary branches by 12.1% in contrast to the control of no root pruning. Compared to the control, both severe and moderate root pruning had no apparent effects on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of leaves after 35 days, but had significant effects after 161 days. Severe root pruning had larger effectiveness of controlling vegetative growth than the moderate one. By root pruning, the contents of vitamin C and total sugar were increased but the content of cypermethrin was decreased in fruits and no effects were found on total acid content of fruit and yield at harvest. In the rhizosphere soil, root pruning decreased the microbial populations and enzymes activities but increased the concentrations of cypermethrin, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It is proposed that the removal of root at 3 times trunk diameter distance from trunk was feasible to regulate the vegetative growth and fruit quality of Zhanhuadongzao tree.

Fresh and frozen seafood products (fish, shellfish, crustaceans, molluscs) in wide use in Croatia and typical of the Mediterranean diet, were examined for the presence of microbiological contamination through the winter and summer seasons. Total bacterial counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AB), aerobic psychrophilic bacteria (AP), Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, sulphite-reducing clostridia (SRC), Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were measured. The microbiological quality of individual samples varied widely between animal species and also between winter/summer seasons regarding total counts of aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria. The poorest quality was for (both summer and winter) fish samples, where 66.6 % of fresh and frozen fish were found unacceptable by Croatian standards. The overall prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was 5%. Its recovery rate was higher in fresh/frozen shellfish in both seasons than in other specimens or other storage/season conditions. Fresh crustaceans sampled in winter demonstrated significantly higher aerobic mesophilic counts than frozen ones. Unacceptable Enterobacteriaceae levels were obtained in 40% of the fresh fish summer samples. The results of this survey constitute an indicator of bacteriological contamination of a variety of seafood. The findings could serve as a basis for future testing of seafood, and possibly as a template for developing a regional/Mediterranean testing scheme on the microbial contamination of seafood in order to establish data with comparative epidemiological and statistical values.

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the impacts of four different sterilising modes (110°C 100 min, 115°C 32 min, 120°C 10 min, and 125°C 3.2 min - with a constant lethal effect on microorganisms) on some chemical (pH, total and bio-available lysine, and ammonia content), microbiological, and sensory (shade and acceptability) properties of processed cheese depending on the lactose additions (0.0-2.0% w/w). All sterilising modes used were sufficient to inactivate the microorganism groups observed (total number of microorganisms, colony forming units of yeasts and/or moulds, number of spore-forming microorganisms). The falling sterilisation temperature kept for an adequately prolonged period of time caused darkening of the processed cheese and a decline of their acceptability. Consequently, greater losses of lysine and ammonia content increase occurred when the sterilisation temperature decreased. Compared to non-sterilised products, the smallest changes were detected in the cheese treated with temperatures 125°C for 3.2 min, and 120°C for 10 minutes. The decrease of the processed cheese quality was more apparent with the growing lactose concentration.

Yields of winter wheat, winter rape and oats were evaluated in the field; the field was divided into the site-specific zones and treated with variable doses of nitrogen fertilizer in years 2004-2006. Measurements of the yields were carried out with a yield monitor placed in a combine harvester. The measured data were processed into the yield maps by means of ArcGIS 9.2 software. Variable application of fertilizer should balance yield potential of the field. Generally, total yield variability on the field after the application of various doses of experimental fertilizer was similar in the years 2004 (11.3%), 2005 (14.7%) and 2006 (11.7%) in comparison with the year 2003 (25.02%). Variable application of nitrogen in the site-specific zones, created on the basis of the yield levels, decreased the yield variability in comparison with the uniform dose. Different doses of nitrogen fertilizer also enabled to increase utilization of production potential of the experimental field.

The must characteristics of some old varieties (present on the list of varieties allowed for land wine making) were compared with their commercial relatives, in order to estimate their specific benefits and advantages for wine processing. In the case of Portuguese blue and Pinot noir pr飯ce, we additionally identified the influences of environmental conditions on their must composition and wine quality. Clear differences in sugar accumulation among varieties were detected, as well as differences in earliness.

Twenty fungal species were isolated from sclerotia of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) originating from rye. In in vitro tests with the anamorphic stage of ergot (known as Sphacelia segetum) high mycoparasitic activity was exhibited only by two of them - Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum, moderate mycoparasitic activity was detected in Ulocladium sp., Clonostachys catenulata, Trichoderma hamatum, and Trichothecium roseum. In in vitro tests of mycoparasitic activity with sclerotia of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum their rapid and total destruction was brought about only by the fungi Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum. The viability of overwintering ergot sclerotia in the soil was influenced by their placement, age, depth of placement and treatment with a conidial suspension of the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The highest viability values were reported in fresh one-year-old sclerotia. In two-year-old sclerotia their viability was reduced and their sensitivity to microbial activity was higher. The sclerotia aged 3 years or more did not germinate and were all microbiologically degraded in the soil. More than 80% of degradation of sclerotia which were 1 to 2 years old was caused by the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The degradation of sclerotia aged 3 to 4 years was brought about by bacteria, soil edafauna (mites, nematodes) and fungi of the genera Trichoderma, Fusarium, Clonostachys, etc.

The objective of this study was to assess the sperm membrane integrity in extended boar semen during storage time using specific spectrum laboratory methods. Boar semen was diluted with the long-term liquid commercial extenders Androhep (A), Androstar (AS), Androstar plus (AS⁺), LD and M III and was stored up to 96 h. The sperm membrane integrity was evaluated by motility, viable spermatozoa, short hypoosmotic swelling test (sHOST) and by the activity of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Negative changes in the quality of sperm membrane in relation to storage time were observed after 48 h for sHOST, after 72 h for viable spermatozoa and after 72 h for motility. The percentage of viable spermatozoa was decreased by 0.27% each hour. A statistically significant difference between extenders A and LD was observed in sHOST after 72 h and 96 h storage (P < 0.05). The AST activity did not show any statistically significant differences in extenders and in storage time. In overall assessment Androhep was the best of the tested extenders, followed by AS, AS⁺, M III and LD in terms of motility, viable spermatozoa and sHOST. The correlations among laboratory methods were highly significant (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the results documented that the sperm membrane integrity was statistically significantly affected by extenders and storage time (P < 0.001). Boar semen quality was the best in extender A. sHOST is a very sensitive and relatively simple method for the assessment of sperm membrane integrity in diluted semen.

The aim of the study was to analyze the pattern of oviposition time in laying sequences in broiler breeder hens and to determine a relationship between egg position in the sequence and egg quality. The sequences were described using mean oviposition time (hour) within a sequence, mean lag of oviposition time between successive ovipositions, and mean and cumulative lag of oviposition for a sequence. Egg weight, percentage of egg components and shape index were determined for successive eggs in a sequence. The 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- to 6- and 7- to 9-egg sequences were considered. The light/dark regime was 16 h/8 h (05:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m.). Hens laid the first egg in a sequence about 3.5 h after the beginning of the photoperiod. With increasing sequence length, the first egg was laid sooner after the beginning of the photoperiod and the intervals between successive ovipositions shortened. This suggests that when planning the frequency of egg collection in a flock of broiler breeder hens, one should account for changes in the egg sequence length during the production period. No significant relationship between egg position in the sequence and quality of egg components was observed.

We report three pigeons euthanized in a small household breeding facility, where there was suspicion of an avian tuberculosis outbreak. For rapid identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium direct conventional multiplex PCR was used. Nodular lesions were found on the livers of all three birds, the intestine of one bird and the kidney and ovaries of another. The liver samples and a further 18 tissue samples were examined. Acid-fast rods were detected in all the tissue samples after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Isolation and diagnosis of M. a. avium (serotype 1 containing IS901) from 17 tissue samples was confirmed using conventional multiplex PCR.

An 8-hour-old Andalusian colt was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to weakness, lateral recumbence, diarrhoea and absent sucking reflex. At admission the foal was obnubilated, with cold limbs, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia and diarrhoea. Laboratory results revealed increased hematocrit and total protein concentration, hyperfibrinogenemia, leukopenia, azoetemia, hypertrygliceridemia and a decreased IgG level. A diagnose of failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins and hyperlipaemia was made. On the third day of hospitalization the foal presented painful and swollen joints, abdominal distension and fever. The ultrasonographic study at this point showed abundant hypoechogenic free fluid content in the peritoneal cavity. Abdominocentesis demonstrated a high peritoneal creatinine:serum creatinine ratio. Culture of the peritoneal fluid was Clostridium spp. positive. Necropsy revealed a tear in the internal umbilical remnant. The final diagnosis was uroperitoneum secondary to rupture of the urachus associated with a Clostridium spp. infection. New emerging aetiologies responsible for uroperitoneum, either by septic urachitis or omphalophlebitis, are emerging. Nonetheless, cases of uroperitoneum induced by Clostridium spp. infection are rare and constitute a new and important finding for equine neonatal medicine. In addition, the hyperlipaemic status in this animal could be a plausible cause leading to septicemia and subsequent uroperitoneum.

Natural mixed beech-fir forests were quite widely replaced by spruce dominated stands in Slovakia. Given the demands on the assessment of the forest status as well as on stopping the biodiversity loss it is required to evaluate the influence of Picea abies (L.) Karst. on the species composition. In a case study from the Veporské vrchy Mts. natural beech dominated forests were compared to stands with different spruce proportion. Within three groups of relevés with no, less and more than a half proportion of Picea abies the species diversity and Ellenberg indicator values were compared. The response of particular species to the proportion of Picea abies was evaluated by partial relation in direct gradient analysis. The increasing spruce proportion causes particularly higher occurrence of acidophytes and a decrease in nitrophytes. Species with the highest positive response to spruce are mostly shallow-rooted or characteristic of natural spruce forests. Greater richness along with the highest diversity was found in mixed stands with less than a half proportion of Picea abies. The most significant difference in species composition was between natural and spruce dominated stands. However the proportion of Picea abies does not reduce the species diversity in general, it causes significant changes in the species composition. As the results show, to avoid the negative effect and loss of phytodiversity it is required not to grow spruce dominated stands out of the natural occurrence of Picea abies.

The composition and selected physical and chemical parameters of 44 samples of fresh goat cheeses produced on a farm in the Czech Republic were determined. The following average values were obtained for the parameters analysed: pH 4.87 ± 0.14, titratable acidity (SH) 98.09 ± 4.93, dry matter 46.83 ± 1.57%, fat in dry matter 52.74 ± 5.24%, sodium chloride (NaCl) 2.08 ± 0.54%, and a_w 0.979 ± 0.007. All samples showed excellent sensory characteristics and their compositions corresponded to those declared by the producer. Microbiological tests were used for the detection of Enterobacteriaceae spp., lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Under the applicable regulations, the analysed fresh goat's cheeses were microbiologically safe and had the appropriate physical and chemical characteristics.

Spring wheat var. Vánek was cultivated in pots in a soil naturally contaminated with heavy metals. Experimental plants were treated with three different types of brassinosteroids (BRs; 24-epibrassinolide, 24-epicastasterone and 4154) during two different growth stages 29-31 DC (off shooting) and 59-60 DC (beginning of anthesis). Content of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn) was determined using AAS method in the plant growth stages 47-49 DC (visible awns), 73-75 DC (30-50% of final grain size) and 90-92 DC (full ripeness). At the stages 47-49 DC and 73-75 DC, the content of the heavy metals was determined in the biomass of whole plants, while at the stage 90-92 DC it was determined separately in straw and grains. After the treatment of plants with BRs a decrease in heavy metals content was observed in the growth stage 73-75 DC (i.e. during the period when the plants are harvested for ensilage purposes. Likewise, a decrease of lead content in the grains by 70-74% in the plants treated at both stages 29-31 DC and 59-60 DC and by 48-70% in the plants of the third group (plants treated at stage 59-60 DC) was determined as compared with the untreated plants.

By 2008, twelve localities had been investigated. At each location we assessed the degree of threats to the wild grapevine. Flowering plants were seldom found. The plants found were localized geographically, and 149 vines were described using the characteristics of shoot types and leaves, using the O.I.V. descriptor list. Morphological differences of the leaf shape, hair or bristle density are high. A few seeds which were found in dry black berries are much smaller in size than the seeds of Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa. From plants that were easily attainable, cuttings were taken with the objective to multiply the Vitis sylvestris and to establish an ex situ collection. In 2008, we repeated the procedure with 54 vines. The state of health of the vines in situ is very good. No fungal diseases were visible, and mites occurred only rarely. In the nursery, some plants were contaminated by mildew.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of lycopene on lipid profile and quality of meat of broiler chickens Ross 308 at a different form of selenium. 540 broiler cockerels were randomly divided into 6 groups: without lycopene supplement (groups C and E3), supplemented with 50 mg/kg lycopene (groups E1 and E4), supplemented with 100 mg/kg lycopene (groups E2 and E5) while the source of selenium was sodium selenite (groups C, E1, E2) and Se-enriched yeast (groups E3, E4, E5). The experimental period was from 14 to 35 days of broiler age and was terminated by slaughter. The organic form of dietary selenium increased (P ≤ 0.05) its content in breast meat (E3 - 174.2 μg/kg, E4 - 186.4 μg/kg, E5 - 191.9 μg/kg) compared to selenite (C - 125.4 μg/kg, E1 - 123.3 μg/kg, E2 - 128.5 μg/kg). The shear force of meat was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in groups receiving the organic form of Se (E3 - 0.026 kN, E4 - 0.025 kN, E5 - 0.024 kN) in comparison with group C (0.017 kN), E1 (0.016 kN) and E2 (0.014 kN). Se in Se-enriched yeast reduced (P ≤ 0.05) the concentration of malondialdehyde in breast meat after 5 days of storage. There were no significant differences in concentrations of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and lipase in plasma. The higher content of HDL cholesterol in plasma was recorded in groups supplemented with 50 mg of lycopene, followed by groups with 100 mg of lycopene and the lowest values were measured in groups without lycopene supplementation when the difference between group E1 (1.64 mmol/l) and E3 (1.51 mmol/l) was significant (P ≤ 0.05). Concentrations of LDL cholesterol showed an opposite trend. The lycopene supplement had a positive effect on the lipid profile of blood plasma of broiler chickens.

The research reported in this article attempts to address the ammonia problem by quantifying the effect of several variables on ammonia concentrations and emissions. These variables include litter temperature, litter age and ventilation rate. Data was collected in a commercial tunnel-ventilated grow-out facility with deep litter, designed for 25 000 broilers, during 6 consecutive flocks. Birds were housed from hatching to approximately 40 days of age. Litter temperature and litter age were positively correlated (P < 0.0001) with the production of ammonia gas. The amount of ammonia emissions increased with the litter age (P < 0.0001) as a consequence of both the increased ammonia concentration and the ventilation rate (P < 0.0001). The lowest concentrations of NH3 were observed in a "summer" period, although ammonia emissions tended to be higher just in summer months because of a higher ventilation rate. The elevated levels of ammonia in winter were attributed to the lower ventilation rate during cold weather. After the evaluation of ammonia emissions it can be concluded that during the grow-out period of broilers kept on renewed litter there is an average loss of 6.18 g ammonia per bird and/or 0.043 kg of ammonia per bird yearly. The increase in litter temperature during grow-out periods is a process which could be controlled to prevent excessive ammonia volatilization from housing facilities.

The assessment study of the global ecological impact tries to highlight the main factors and negative ecological determinants, due to a lack or excess, and it also focuses on highlighting the main negative ecological effects with the aim to rehabilitate and restore the ecological balance within degraded ecosystems. The methodology used in the assessment process was based on graphs, tables in the shape of Leopold matrix, considerably improved by authors. In order to assess qualitatively the negative ecological effects, a reliability scale with 3 indicators and 3 graduations was used, designed to underline the importance of the impact (minor, medium, and major), the quality of the impact (neutral, negative, and positive) and the certainty of the appearance of a negative impact (improbable, probable, and certain). Our research was accomplished in the pasture ecosystem degraded by pluvial erosion from the Tutova Hills, located in the Eastern part of Romania. This ecosystem is characterized through active geo-morphological processes in the depth and on the surface and it drew attention to the presence of 8 negative ecological factors grouped in 3 main categories: geo-climatic, pedological, and anthropogenic. 8 main negative effects were identified and quantified by means of 3 qualitative indicators with 3 graduation scales. The analysis of the current state of the effects of the complex ecological impact upon the degraded ecosystem ask for a series of urgent measures elaborated by scientists, researchers, and representatives of the local administration system. The aim of these measures is to improve the ecological balance and to eliminate the negative anthropogenic impact that augments and aggravates the action of the negative geo-climatic and pedological factors, in of with the protection of soil quality.

The possibility of peat replacement with crushed water absorbent rockwool in growing substrates in the amount of 35% vol. was verified in the experiment with perennials in containers. Three types of substrates, i.e. peat, and two mixtures of peat with alternative components - green waste compost (25% vol.) or composted spruce bark (40% vol.) were compared. A sand box in the range of -0.5 to -10 kPa was used to determine retention curves and other physical properties of the components and substrates. The addition of rockwool to the peat substrate increased content of air and easy available water, the plant growth was not affected. Plants grown in substrates with alternative organic components were smaller in comparison to peat substrate. The growth of perennials significantly decreased, mainly in substrates with bark, but the plants had good market value. The addition of rockwool to these substrates had no significant effect on the growth. Crushed rockwool in the amount of 35% vol. can replace peat in peat substrates and in mixtures with alternative components.

A young adult labrador was presented for evaluation of hind leg weakness, depression, vomiting and severe icterus of skin and mucosa. Physical examination and laboratory findings suggested cerebral babesiosis. Unresponsiveness to treatment and unknown vaccinal status aroused suspicion of rabies which was confirmed post mortem.