Fulltext search in archive

A field campaign was conducted using six treatments under the summer rice-winter wheat cultivation system to evaluate the response of soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to long-term differentiated fertilisation regimes. The treatments included control, phosphorus plus potassium, nitrogen only, nitrogen plus phosphorus (NP), nitrogen plus potassium, and NP plus potassium (NPK). Compared to the control, mineral fertilisation increased CH₄ emissions during the rice season by 69% to 175%. Phosphorus amendment also enhanced seasonal CO₂ emissions by 21% to 34% when compared with the treatments without receiving P, while combined use of P and potassium suppressed seasonal N₂O emission to the same level of control. Net CO₂ and N₂O emissions from the dried fallow and wheat seasons and CH₄ emissions from the flooding rice season dominated annual budgets of individual GHGs. All of the soils under different treatments were net sources of global warming and the overall net global warming potential ranged from 9 799 to 14 178 kg CO₂ eq/ha/year with CO₂ emission contributing 52% to 76%, CH₄ contributing 20% to 40% and N₂O occupying the rest. The annual maximum grain yields and minimum GHG intensity was observed at the NPK treatment, suggesting it to be the environmental-friendly optimum fertilisation regime.

The removal of toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) is very urgent keeping their hazardous effects in view. In this work, seeds of Albizia lebbeck and Melia azedarach trees were converted into activated carbon adsorbents and applied for the adsorptive removal of Pb and Cd metals from an aqueous solution. The as prepared adsorbents were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The removal efficiencies of both metals were strongly dependent on their initial concentration, contact time, pH, temperature and the quantity of adsorbents. 0.2 g of both adsorbents removed respectively 75 and 62% Pb and 77 and 66% Cd from from 100 ml of a 40 mg/l concentrated solution in 120 min at pH 5 and a temperature of 20°C. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were well fitted to the experimental data. We believe that this work will provide a convenient way to synthesise low cost activated carbon adsorbents for the remediation of highly toxic metals from wastewater to safeguard our environment for future generations.

The contact, residual, and ingestion efficacy of two conventional insecticides was compared with that of another five environmentally friendly agrochemicals in a laboratory for the control of the European snout beetle. Very good efficacy was observed for the conventional product Reldan 22^® after all types of exposures. The conventional Mospilan^® 20 SP showed good efficacy after ingestion. SpinTor^® was very effective 72 h after ingestion and contact, and Siltac^® EC showed comparable efficacy with conventional insecticides 72 h after ingestion and residual contact. SpinTor^® and Siltac^® conform to the principles of organic farming and integrated pest management (IPM) and are able to replace both the tested conventional products in young fruit plantations and nurseries. Pyrethrum PNC - 17, FerrumOil, and Boundary SW did not sufficiently control the beetle.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of organic acids and the prebiotic fructans on egg production and eggshell quality when added to the layer diet with different levels of calcium and phosphorus. The experiment was carried out on 168 Bovans Brown hens, allocated to 14 groups of 12 replications. Each hen (replication) was kept in an individual cage 40 cm × 40 cm in size. A 2 × 7 factorial arrangement, with two dietary levels of calcium and phosphorus (normal - 3.70% Ca, 0.65% P, and reduced - 3.25% Ca, 0.60% P) and with diets supplemented by selected additives (none, 0.75% inulin, 0.75% oligofructose, 0.50% volatile fatty acids (VFA), 0.25% medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), 0.30% VFA + 0.20% MCFA, 0.75% inulin + 0.50% VFA) was used. The experiment was carried out over 34 weeks, from the age of 26 to 70 weeks. There were no statistically confirmed effects of the factors studied in this experiment on egg performance, i.e. laying rate, egg mass, feed intake and feed conversion. Reducing the dietary levels of Ca and P significantly decreased eggshell percent, thickness, density and breaking strength. The additives used had a considerable effect on eggshell quality at 46, 58 and 70 weeks of age, and these positive effects were most pronounced in the case of inulin and MCFA. There was no significant interaction between Ca and P dietary levels and the additives used. It was thus concluded that selected feed additives which lower the pH of the diet and intestinal content can beneficially influence eggshell quality in older high-producing laying hens.

A method for the rapid and nondestructive determination of total nitrogen content in soy sauce was explored. Prediction models were established using near-infrared spectroscopy combined with each of the following techniques: partial least squares (PLS), interval PLS, synergy interval PLS (siPLS), and backward interval PLS. Results showed that each improved forecast model was better than the PLS model. The siPLS method exhibited the best performance. The full spectrum of light soy sauce was divided into 20 subintervals. The combination of four subintervals, namely, 6, 11, 13, and 18, showed the best effect, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9977 and an RMSECV of 0.0198. The full spectrum of dark soy sauce was divided into 20 subintervals. The combination of three subintervals, namely, 14, 17, and 19, showed the best effect, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9818 and an RMSECV of 0.0640. Therefore, the siPLS method can realise a rapid and accurate detection of total nitrogen content in soy sauce.

Forest gaps remain the optimal forest management practice in modern forestry. Upon all the physical properties of forest gaps, the 'gap size' feature stands out as an essential property. The effect of gap size on tree species composition and diversity of natural regeneration in forest gaps of different sizes was investigated. Eight research forest gaps were selected from the Training Forest School Enterprise, also called Masaryk Forest in Křtiny, a temperate mixed forest in the Czech Republic. By given gap sizes, small (< 700 m²) and large gaps (≥ 700 m²) were defined. Forty-one (41) regeneration microsites (RSs) of 1 m² circular area at 2 m intervals were demarcated within each forest gap. These RSs served as data collection points. From the total of eleven (11) species enumerated, large gaps obtained higher species composition (10) and diversity (Simpson = 0.5 1-D; Shannon = 1.0 H and Pielou's evenness = 0.5 J indices) records, yet, small gaps presented favourable conditions for prolific natural regeneration significantly. Light-adapted species demonstrated no significant difference (P > 0.05) between small and large gaps, however, intermediate and shade-tolerant species were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in small gaps. There were progressive declines in height growth of natural regeneration from 0-20 cm to 21-50 cm and 51+ cm in small and large gaps at R² = 99% and 88%, respectively. The development of herbaceous vegetation in small and large gaps had positive and negative effects on the natural regeneration of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba species, respectively.

The effect of CO₂ concentrations on the preservation of sweet cherries in modified atmosphere packaging was greatly different. In the present paper, an accurate gas-regulating storage device was used to set the concentrations of CO₂ at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%, respectively (O₂ was set at 5% and the remaining parts were filled with N2) to store sweet cherries. Then the quality change of sweet cherries was determined aproximately from -1 to +1 °C and from 80 to 85% relative humidity. The results showed that all six air treatments had a certain inhibitory effect on deterioration of sweet cherries. In particular, the 10% CO₂ group could reduce rotting rate, maintain firmness, delay the change of soluble solids and vitamin C, reduce the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. This group always had good firmness, nutrition and taste after 120 days of storage. So the 10% CO₂ concentration provides suitable gas storage conditions of sweet cherries in modified atmosphere packaging.

We investigated the anther culture (AC) efficiency of thirteen F₄ combinations of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The genotype dependency was assessed during the induction of the androgenic entities, i.e. embryo-like structures (ELS), regenerated-, green-, albino-, and transplanted plantlets. The number of green plantlets per 100 anthers (GP/100A) varied from 0.36 to 24.74 GP/100A with a mean of 8.31 GP/100A. Albino plantlets (AP) occurred in each combination, ranging from 0.20 to 22.80 AP/100A with an average value of 5.59 AP/100A. Between 25-87.76 doubled haploid (DH) plants per 100 acclimatised plantlets (DH/100ADP), depending on the combination, with a mean of 59.74% were recovered. We have found the highest DH production in the combinations Béres/Midas, Kalász/Tacitus, Béres/Pamier, and Premio/5009. This improves remarkably the choice of basic genetic material in subsequent crossing programmes. These observations emphasise the usability and efficiency of in vitro AC in producing a large number of DH lines for breeding and the applied researches of winter wheat. Although albinism was found in each combination, it was mitigated by the in vitro AC application.

Respiratory and cardiovascular changes in normocapnic dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy are described in this report. To-date, changes during a standardised ventilation pattern, irrespective of end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) levels, have not been reported. This study was undertaken to describe these changes. Forty bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were enrolled in a prospective double-blind randomised clinical trial. They were first anaesthetised with medetomidine-butorphanol-propofol and then maintained with isoflurane in oxygen-air. Ventilation pattern was pressure-controlled, volume-limited. After stabilisation, atracurium 0.4 mg/kg (ATR group, n = 20) or saline 0.04 ml/kg (SAL group, n = 20) was administered intravenously. Capnoperitoneum was then established with an intra-abdominal pressure setting of 10 mmHg. Collected data included heart rate (HR), non-invasive blood pressure, EtCO₂, oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, and tidal volume and neuromuscular blockade (train-of-four). Data were recorded before administration of atracurium or saline, and at 2, 5, and 10 min thereafter. Subsequently, insufflation of CO₂ was commenced. After capnoperitoneum was established, data were recorded at 2, 5 and 10 min. Time of capnoperitoneum induction and duration, time of ovary searching and excision and total time of capnoperitoneum and surgery were also recorded. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro Wilk test, ANOVA with repeated measures and Student's t-test for independent samples were used (P < 0.05). Significant increases in EtCO₂ were observed in patients 5 min after atracurium administration and 5 min after capnoperitoneum was established in the ATR group, when compared to the SAL group. No other differences were found. Administration of atracurium in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy with a standardised ventilation pattern did not result in clinically important differences in selected cardiovascular and respiratory variables and surgical times in comparison with non-relaxed dogs. Thus, the use of atracurium in laparoscopic ovariectomy does not result in any benefit for patients or surgeons.

The present study was conducted to compare the stemness and morphobiometry of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from the Doom pig on different days of culture (9^th, 30^th and 65^th day) for the development of long-term culture method. The testes from 7-15-day old piglets were collected and two-step enzymatic digestion was used to isolate SSCs. Before in vitro culture of SSC-like cells on the Sertoli cell feeder layer, the cells were enriched by differential plating and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. The isolated SSCs were characterised by alkaline phosphatase and immunofluorescence staining and qPCR analysis of SSC specific marker genes. Stemness was compared based on the expression of different SSC specific marker genes. The putative spermatogonial stem cells (PSSCs) from all the days of culture were found to be positive for alkaline phosphatase and immunofluorescence staining. The results from qPCR analysis showed that PSSCs were positive for SSC marker genes, though their expression decreased gradually from day 9 to day 65 of culture. The shape of the cells was found to change from compact round or oval to amorphous shape on day 65 of culture. Colony diameter ranged from 68.92 ± 1.20 µm (day 9) to 213.53 ± 12.52 µm (day 65) and differed significantly from each other. The number of colonies on day 65 of culture was significantly lower than on days 9 and 30. These results suggest that the enriched SSCs from Doom pigs can be maintained up to two months in vitro in the present culture system.

This study quantifies the effects of weather conditions, irrigation, and plant age on yield and alpha-acids content of Czech hop cultivars Saaz, Sládek, Premiant and Agnus in a 25-year long period, i.e., from 1993 to 2018. The yields of Czech hop cultivars were increasing for the first three years of plant age until they stabilized and then started to decline slightly for 15 to 20 years until they reached the optimal time for replanting. The highest alpha-acids content in hop cones was achieved in the first year of cultivation, followed by a logarithmic decline in the upcoming years. Rainfall was the most significant factor that positively influenced the yield of Saaz hops with correlations of r = 0.59 and 0.61 (P < 0.01) for total seasonal rainfall (April-August), 0.65 (P < 0.001) and 0.60 (P < 0.01) for daily rainfall above 3 mm, 0.37 (P < 0.05) and 0.58 (P < 0.01) for rainfall in May and 0.50 (P < 0.01) and 0.32 (P < 0.05) in July in the Saaz region and the Stekník farm, respectively. The yield of cultivars Sládek, Premiant and Agnus was not statistically influenced by the amount of precipitation, but there was a positive effect of irrigation level on yield increase with correlations 0.58 (P < 0.01), 0.55 and 0.49 (P < 0.05), respectively. High air temperatures during summer were the most significant factor that negatively influenced the alpha-acids content with the correlations ranging from -0.56 to -0.83. However, cv. Agnus showed a stable weather-independent alpha-acids content.

The reductions of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are an essential objective of the European Union (EU) to achieving the reduction target by 20% by 2020. Along with energy consumption and agriculture, trade has a diverse impact on climate change. International trade usually negatively affects the environment, while the influence of intra-industry trade is more favourable. The paper investigates the impact of energy use, agriculture, and intra-industry trade on environmental pollution in EU countries using panel data for the period 2000-2014. The research frames the theoretical hypothesis that describing the relationship between agricultural intra-industry trade and climate change. The assumptions are confirmed by panel fixed effects, and Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) estimations, and the panel cointegration test. The empirical results have supported by the literature, and all variables used in this study are stationary applying panel unit root test. Results show that agricultural intra-industry trade, renewable energy is negatively correlated with climate change, confirming the less pollutant hypothesis, while economic growth and agricultural productivity induce environmental problems. This study confirms the theoretical hypotheses explaining the effect of intra-industry trade for agricultural products as well as the impacts of renewable energy use, agricultural land productivity, and economic growth on CO2 emissions.

Pelleted fertiliser production represents improvements in fertiliser management and ensures several benefits, such as a more accurate dosing (less applications), the slow-release of long-lasting nutrients, the possible application during the whole year, easier storage and transportation and better separation of fertilisers and pesticides. The present research investigated the physical-mechanical properties of a pelleted chicken litter organic fertiliser. The pellet samples' particle density ρ (kg.m^-3), mechanical durability DU (%), compressive strengths in the cleft σc (N.mm^-1) and in simple pressure σp (MPa) were investigated. The last two indicators, σc and σp, demonstrated the pellets' resistance to the compressive stress. The resulting values proved ρ = 1 289.73 kg.m^-3, DU = 95.5%, σc = 58.61 N.mm^-1 and σp = 20.02 MPa, while all the results were evaluated positively. The observed level of the DU (%) did not achieve the mandatory level for the commercial production of pellets (DU = 97.5%), however, such a level is stated for a pellet solid biofuel intended for energy production. Therefore, the achieved level of the DU (%) represents a satisfactory result within the investigated pellet samples' mechanical quality. In general, the viability and practicability of chicken litter pellet production was proven, as well as, the suitability of such a feedstock for pellet production. Moreover, the observed results proved a high level of the investigated pellet samples' mechanical quality.

Both yogurt and dates are functional foods known for their valuable nutrients and health benefits. Therefore, this study was conducted to produce two types of date-enriched yogurts (20% wt/wt) to enhance their nutritive value and health benefits. While yogurt A was made with dates blended with milk, yogurt B was produced using small pieces of dates that were added to milk before fermentation. Both date-enriched yogurts were assessed for their physicochemical composition, total polyphenol content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity (RSA). The results showed that the addition of dates significantly enhanced carbohydrate, mineral and total solids contents of yogurts A and B (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dates significantly enhanced the TPC (34 and 37 mg GAE 100 g-1 for yogurt A and B, respectively) and the RSA (51% for yogurt A versus 57% for yogurt B) of date-enriched yogurts especially when dates were added as small pieces. During cold storage, both TPC and RSA decreased in all yogurt samples; however, they were maintained higher in date-enriched yogurts.

Toxicity is a major limitation to successful spermatozoa cryopreservation of fish. Due to this problem, it is critical to find potential cryoprotectants which are more environmental-friendly, non-toxic, easily prepared, and available at affordable prices. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate several natural cryoprotectants for optimal cryopreservation of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822 (Pisces: Clariidae) spermatozoa. Three natural cryoprotectants were tested - egg yolk, glucose, and honey, while DMSO was used as a control at different concentrations (5, 10, and 15%). Sperms were diluted with coconut water at a dilution level of 1 : 20 sperm to extender (v/v). Diluted sperms were kept at 4°C for 5 min, then at 0, -4, and -79°C for 5 min respectively, and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for 45 days. The cryopreserved sperms were thawed in a water bath (37°C) for 5 min and evaluated for fertilization and hatching rates. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by comparison of means using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The fertilization and hatching rates of African catfish in all cryoprotectants improved with concentration increasing from 5 to 10% but then decreased when concentration was increased to 15%. The ANOVA test showed that the differences in cryoprotectants used significantly affected fertilization and hatching rates of African catfish. Overall, the fertilization and hatching rates were higher in DMSO for all concentrations compared to other cryoprotectants. However, 10% egg yolk resulted in higher fertilization and hatching rates compared to other natural cryoprotectants. It was concluded that 10% egg yolk was the most suitable concentration for African catfish spermatozoa cryopreservation compared to other natural cryoprotectants tested.

Guinea pigs are common patients in veterinary clinics. Knowledge of the urine composition is necessary for the evaluation of their health. We, therefore, analysed the urine of fifty guinea pigs, thirty-two males, and eighteen females, aged between four months and seven years. None of these guinea pigs showed clinical signs of urinary tract diseases. The urine samples were obtained as part of a preventive check-up, during a regular dental check-up or another minor procedure. The urine was acquired by spontaneous micturition after inducing a short-term, light isoflurane anaesthesia. A macroscopic evaluation of the urine samples and a urine dipstick test were used for the preliminary examination. The average pH was determined to be 8.5 ± 0.5, and in three animals, moderate glycosuria was detected using the urine dipsticks. No urobilinogen, ketone bodies, haemoglobin, or blood traces were present in any of the samples. Severe proteinuria was detected in all the samples. The samples were subsequently evaluated in a laboratory for the following values: specific gravity 1 024.40 ± 1.83 kg/m³, osmolality 601.14 ± 52.28 mOsm/kg, total protein 290.16 ± 34.73 mg/l, albumin 12.04 ± 1.92 mg/l, glucose 0.77 ± 0.20 mmol/l, urea 217.60 ± 24.23 mmol/l, creatinine 3.98 ± 0.48 mmol/l, bilirubin 9.63 ± 1.73 μmol/l, calcium 6.14 ± 0.40 mmol/l, phosphorus 4.95 ± 1.30 mmol/l, magnesium 9.86 ± 0.57 mmol/l, sodium 49.15 ± 6.67 mmol/l, potassium 152.21 ± 10.62 mmol/l, chloride 51.14 ± 5.81 mmol/l, activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase 0.72 ± 0.14 μkat/l, alkaline phosphatase 0.56 ± 0.11 μkat/l and lactate dehydrogenase 0.68 ± 0.14 μkat/l. The descriptive values of the urine biochemical parameters of guinea pigs were determined for the first time in this study.

Phenolic compounds (PCs) - with special reference to secondary plant metabolites - were characterised in two Mediterranean olive groves (Olea europaea L.). Representative pedological profiles were dug to identify and characterise the pedotype. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out on soil core samples gathered at fixed depths (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm) and olive leaf methanol extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The total PCs content reflected the soil organic carbon distribution, especially carbon of humic and fulvic acids, corroborating their crucial role in humification pathways. Among the analysed plant secondary metabolites, luteolin-4'-O-glucoside and verbascoside were the most abundant in leaves and soils, respectively. Most of the easily hydrolysed/metabolised phenols were not found in soils. Rutin and verbascoside, despite containing glucose, strongly persisted in the soil environment, probably due to their allelopathic effect. Oleuropein was not found in soils because it is highly soluble and mobile in the soil environment. Furthermore, the presence of clay in soil seemed to determine the accumulation of specific PCs. Our data suggest that PCs persistence in soil seems to be mainly determined by a balance between physicochemical and biochemical instability and allelopathic stability rather than their abundance in the plant.

Bee pollen is used as a food supplement by humans as it is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Bee pollen has many biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and antioxidant. Fresh bee pollen is not suitable for long-term storage because of its moisture content. In order to protect the nutrient content and freshness, the bee pollen can be dried by using different drying techniques. In this study, the biochemical characterization of the bee pollen samples dried by different techniques and drying effects on the biochemical properties of bee pollen were determined. Moisture, total lipid and protein, pH and total phenolic content of pollen samples were determined. The results ranged 6.23-20.62%, 4.98-5.57%, 16.812-1.477%, 4.08-4.33 and 15.2-22.73 mg GAE g^-1, respectively. All samples are rich in squalene and methyl octadecanoate. It is clear that bee pollen bioactive components will be less damaged by using drying methods performed under more moderate conditions like lyophilization than when the traditional method is used.

The high prophylactic doses of ZnO commonly used to control post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets have become an environmental problem. The possibility of partial replacement of ZnO by sodium humate (HNa) in PWD treatment was investigated in this study. Weaned piglets (32) were challenged with two enterotoxigenic E. coli strains (ETEC/O149/F4/LT and ETEC/O147/F18/LT) and allocated into four treatments maintained for three weeks: C (no supplementation); ZnO2.5 (2.5 g ZnO/kg diet); HNa + ZnO1.0; HNa + ZnO1.5; HNa + ZnO1.7 (20 g HNa and 1.0, 1.5 and 1.7 g ZnO/kg diet, respectively). The effects on incidence, severity and duration of diarrhoea, faecal shedding of total E. coli and both ETEC strains, growth rate and selected blood parameters were investigated. In contrast with ZnO2.5 and HNa + ZnO1.7, high daily diarrhoea scores, incidence and duration and mortality due to severe dehydration were seen in C, HNa + ZnO1.0 and HNa + ZnO1.5 groups. The administration of ZnO and HNa did not affect the faecal shedding of the challenged ETEC strains for eght days, even in clinically healthy piglets in ZnO2.5 and HNa + ZnO1.7 groups. Signs of growth depression were found in C; HNa + ZnO1.0 and HNa + ZnO1.5 groups during the first week. No difference in growth performance was observed in ZnO2.5 and HNa + ZnO1.7 piglets. Most of the selected biochemical and haematological parameters did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, a significantly higher serum Zn as a result of high dietary ZnO intake in the ZnO2.5 group compared to the control and HNa groups was detected. Significantly lower serum P in ZnO2.5; HNa + ZnO1.7 and HNa + ZnO1.0 groups compared to the control group was most likely induced by the increased Zn in serum. The results indicate the possibility of reducing the high pharmacological levels of ZnO in the prophylaxis of PWD through partial replacement with HNa. Such a treatment maintains the favourable prophylactic effect while lowering the Zn content in faeces.

The yield of soybeans, an economically important crop worldwide, is substantially reduced by different abiotic and biotic factors, including insect pests. Different insecticides are applied to control soybean insect pests. The application of insecticides may also affect the plants along with the pests. The effects of four insecticides (fenitrothion, etofenprox, thiamethoxam, and lambda-cyhalothrin-cum-thiamethoxam; LT) on the growth and yield of two soybean cultivars over two years were investigated. The plant height (PH), pod number, shoot dry matter without seed (SDWS), total shoot dry matter, seed yield per plant (SYP), harvest index (HI), and hundred-seed weight significantly varied with the insecticides. However, the primary branch number was not significantly affected by the insecticides. Significant interactions between the year and insecticide, except for the SDWS and HI, indicated that the growing environment also affected the influence of the insecticides. The PH was significantly tall in the thiamethoxam (50.07 cm) and short for the LT (46.66 cm) application. The SYP was significantly high for the LT (20.51 g) and low for the fenitrothion (11.51 g). This study showed that the type of insecticide could significantly affect the plant growth and yield of the soybean.

This study aimed to determine the associative effects (AEs) of 28 feed combinations of concentrate/soybean pod/alfalfa at different concentrate-roughage ratios that were incubated for 72 h in single tubes (120 ml) which were added 30 ml rumen buffered fluid. The gas production (GP) at 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 h was recorded. A single exponential equation was applied to calculate the GP parameters a (rapid GP), b (slow GP), a + b (GP potential) and c (rate constant of slow GP that can reflect the specific process of GP, rapid and slow GP and GP rate). The AEs were calculated by 72 h GP and weighted estimation value of each combination. After 72 h incubation, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD) were determined the incubation fluid and residues. The single-factor AE index (SFAEI) and multiple-factor AE index (MFAEI) were computed. The results showed that the groups 50 : 50 : 0, 40 : 60 : 0, 60 : 20 : 20, 60 : 10 : 30, 50 : 30 : 20, 50 : 20 : 30, 40 : 50 : 10, 30 : 55 : 15, 30 : 40 : 30, 20 : 65 : 15, 20 : 50 : 30 had higher GP_{72 h}, a, b, DMD, OMD, NH₃-N, in addition, higher AE of GP, DMD, OMD, total VFA and NH₃-N than those of the other groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), especially the group 30 : 55 : 15 was optimal. In conclusion, in vitro data reveal reliable fermentability and the highest SFAEI and MFAEI occurred when concentrate, soybean pod and alfalfa were combined at the ratios of 50 : 50 : 0, 40 : 60 : 0, 60 : 20 : 20, 60 : 10 : 30, 50 : 30 : 20, 50 : 20 : 30, 40 : 50 : 10, 30 : 55 : 15, 30 : 40 : 30, 20 : 65 : 15, 20 : 50 : 30.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the straw mulch and compost application on the soil losses in potatoes cultivation. The three-year (2016-2018) exact field plot trials with the potato cv. Dicolora was carried out at the experimental station in Prague-Uhříněves. Wheat straw mulch in two doses 2.5 t/ha (SM1) and 4.5 t/ha (SM2) was applied on the soil surface; the compost in a dose of 20 t/ha (CM) was shuffled to the surface soil layer. Both straw mulch and compost application contributed to the significant reduction of the soil losses compared to control untreated (C). In the average of 2016-2018, the lowest soil loss 17.54 g/m² (amount of the soil sediment caught) was found for the variant with the straw mulch treatment (SM2); it means the decrease of soil losses by 71.9% compared to C. Variant SM1 (lower rate of straw mulch in dose 2.5 t/ha) showed the soil loss 18.6 g/m² (the decrease by 70.2% compared to C). The similar results for both variants indicate that for effective soil protection, it is not necessary to use the high doses of the straw mulch. Regarding the distribution of precipitation during the vegetation season, intensive precipitation during the short time, especially when they came after the longer period of drought led to higher soil losses compared to the precipitation distributed regularly.

In North America, Gremmeniella abietina, European race (GaEU), was reported in 1975. Our objective was to follow the spread of GaEU on red pines growing on flat land and on slope. Annual height infection varied significantly on flat land, ranging from 60 to 110 cm in 1991 to 0 to 50 cm in 1992. On the slope, pines in the bottom were killed by the disease, but survived on the top. Favorable conditions follow a horizontal line about 10 m over the lower elevation and are probably related to fog or mist. The horizontal disease spread over a 3-year period was only 20 m and this is mainly explained by the absence of ascospores in North America.

The effect of short duration thermal treatments (60 and 65°C for 1 min) and low intensity high pressure treatments (15 and 30 MPa for 10 min) on the sprouting of potato tubers was applied individually and sequentially, as an attempt to achieve higher inhibitory effects. Thermal treatments only slightly reduced sprouting, evaluated by the number of sprouted tubers, number of sprouts per sprouted tuber, sprout elongation rate, and sprout length. The pressure treatments alone resulted in a slightly higher inhibitory effect compared to the thermal treatments alone. However, it was for the combined treatments when the highest inhibitory effect on sprouting was observed, particularly when potatoes were stored under controlled temperature and humidity conditions that promoted faster sprouting. The combined treatments versus the control led to a much lower number of sprouted tubers (50% vs 100%), number of sprouts per sprouted tuber (4 vs 20), sprout elongation rate (1.48 ± 0.24 mm/day vs 38.5 ± 2.80mm/day), and sprout length (71 mm vs 1542 mm). These inhibitory effects on sprouting can be of interest and potential for industrial application.

The response surface method was used to study the ultrasonic extraction of traditional Chinese medicine Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. phenolic acid. By measuring the total phenolic content, the liquid/solid ratio, ultrasonic power, temperature, time and ethanol solubility were determined to be the significant influencing factors. The total phenolic content reached the highest value (30.3708 mg g-1) under the conditions of the liquid/solid ratio 30%, ultrasonic power 160 w, temperature 40 °C, time 20 min, and ethanol solubility 60%, compared with the traditional boiling method. The total phenolic content was improved, and it was close to the predicted value (29.6548 mg g-1), which proves that the scheme is feasible. After testing, the phenolic acid extracted under these conditions has a good antioxidation effect. The study suggests that ultrasonic extraction methods have the potential to extract antioxidants from traditional Chinese medicines. Also, the influence parameters affecting the process can be further optimized for industrial production.

It has been claimed that artificial insemination (AI) of cows with frozen-thawed semen treated with commercially produced kits, Heiferplus^TM (HP, in favour of female gender) and Bullplus^TM (BP, in favour of male gender), increases the birth chance of calves with desired sex ratio by at least 20-25% and pregnancy rates by at least 5-20%. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of HP and BP kits as combined with AI on the pregnancy rates, foetal sex ratios and some reproductive parameters in cows. For this, a total of 200 cows (100 Holsteins and 100 Simmentals) from three to five years old were used. Fifty Holstein and 50 Simmental cows served as controls. The other half of Holstein and Simmental cows was artificially inseminated with frozen-thawed semen treated with HP and BP, respectively. Findings showed that the AI of cows with frozen-thawed semen treated with HP had no significant effect on the pregnancy rate [52.0% (26/50) in HP group; 56.0% (28/50) in control group], female calf ratio [52.0% (13/25) in HP group; 44.4% (12/27) in control group], embryonic death, abortion, stillbirth, twinning and gestation length as compared to the control group. Similarly, AI of cows with frozen-thawed semen treated with BP did not lead to any significant effect on the pregnancy rate [64.0% (32/50) in BP group; 58.0% (29/50) in control group], male calf ratio [53.1% (17/32) in BP group; 39.3% (11/28) in control group] and other reproductive parameters as compared to the control group. In conclusion, HP and BP treatments of semen used in the AI provided only slight, non-significant increases in female (7.6%) and male (13.8%) calf ratios, respectively.

The overall objective of this study was to improve the reproductive efficiency of lactating dairy cows and to improve the resulting total farm profit. The hypothesis is that a dairy farm can substantially improve its economic and environmental performance through increasing pregnancy rate, i.e. increasing the number of eligible cows that become pregnant for a given breeding period. This paper presents a tool which was designed with a view to comparing the reproductive efficiency. The tool was developed using dynamic programming in R (Shiny) and shows the changes in costs, revenues and net return projected for a given change in pregnancy rate. The model calculates from the first day in milk and stops when the last calf was born after successful insemination of each cow. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the economic return associated with reproductive performance is greatly affected by the input parameters and therefore real farm and market values are crucial. The average economic gain per percentage point of 21-d (21-day) pregnancy rate (PR) was 14.6 EUR per cow/year. The milk price showed the largest impact on the overall net return. A 10% increase in milk price increased the net return on average by 268 EUR (10% 21-d PR), 292 EUR (20% 21-d PR) and 299 EUR per cow/year (30% 21-d PR). Our study had the same set values of milk yield during lactations for all four evaluated farms and it was found that the milk income over feed cost increased with the reproductive performance in all evaluated farms on an individual cow level. Poor fertility means that cows spend longer producing lower amounts of less efficiently produced milk.

The three-year field experiment (2015-2017) with graded doses of magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S) was carried out at the Humpolec experimental station (49.5546239N, 15.3485489E; Czech Republic). The interactions between boron (B), Mg and S in the soil were studied. No boron was applied into soils. Contents of B, S and Mg in the soil were determined by the Mehlich 3 and NH₄ acetate methods. The crop rotation was: spring barley-oilseed rape-winter wheat. Three Kieserite doses (S and Mg fertiliser) were applied. Sulphur treatments were 10-20-40 kg S/ha to cereals and 20-40-80 kg S/ha to oilseed rape. The doses of Mg were: 13-26-52 kg Mg/ha to cereals and 26-52-104 kg Mg/ha to oilseed rape. A significant gradual decrease of B-Mehlich 3 was observed under Kieserite treatments during the experiment (from 1.24 mg B/kg in control in the 1^st year to 0.92 mg B/kg in the 3^rd year). On the contrary, B-NH₄ acetate contents in soils remained similar during 2015-2017 in control soils (0.33-0.39 mg B/kg) and significantly decreased under Kieserite treatments, namely by 55-57% in 2016 and by 43-48% in 2017. A significant decrease of B content in soils was noted since the second year of experiment after oilseed rape. The boron contents in soils were affected in several ways - by adsorption of B on magnesium oxides and other substances, exchange with SO₄^2- anions and possible leaching, and also by the uptake by grown crops, mainly oilseed rape.

The effect of pre-processing conditions such as speed, die sizes and moisture content on durability of cassava flour was investigated. Densification of cassava flour was done by pelletizing the flour through die and it is necessary to determine optimum conditions for designing and constructing a suitable processing plant. The flour was mixed with water at different blend ratios to form cassava mash of different moisture contents. The pellet quality was evaluated in terms of the durability of the pellets against the moisture content of the mash (18, 20 and 22% w.b.), die size (4, 6 and 8 mm) and the screw speed (90, 100 and 120 rpm). Test results showed that maximum durability of 84.437% was recorded at 20% (w.b.) moisture content using 4 mm die and low durability of 61.26% with using 8 mm die at 18% (w.b.) moisture content. The durability result shows that it decreased with increase in die size. Statistical analysis revealed that the die size had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on the durability.

The paper presents the results of a study on the impact of forest stand structure and development in 1998 to 2018 on the occurrence of dog's tooth violets (Erythronium dens-canis L.) in the Medník National Nature Monument, Czech Republic. The research was carried out in mixed European hornbeam and sessile oak stands, herb-rich European beech stands and the Sázava-river Norway spruce ecotype stands. The site and stand characteristics of the following three forest stand types were compared: 1) oak-hornbeam forests, 2) herb-rich beech forests and 3) secondary spruce forests. The results showed that the ratio of sterile and fertile plants was 2.9 to 1. The occurrence of E. dens-canis was higher in older stands with differentiated structure. On the contrary, stands characterized by a higher number of trees and basal area negatively affected the population size of E. dens‑canis. Significantly, the density of E. dens-canis decreased with increasing stand density index (SDI) and increased with increasing diameter differentiation index in relation to tree neighbours (TM_d). During the period of 20 years, the E. dens-canis population increased by 40.4% on permanent research plots, while the highest changes were observed on spruce plots (+92.1%) and the lowest increase was in oak-hornbeam forests (+18.0%). The highest numbers of E. dens-canis plants were found in herb-rich beech forests (1 774 plants.ha^-1), lower numbers occurred in oak-hornbeam forests (784 plants.ha^-1) and minimal in secondary spruce forests (51 plants.ha^-1).