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The bread-making quality of forty commercial winter wheat samples, grown in the western region of the CzechRepublic, and their flours (white flours with ash content of about 0.5%) prepared in a commercial mill was studied. Standard analytical methods (ash and protein content, wet gluten), amylolytic activity measurement (falling number), rheological investigation (alveograph, gluten index), sedimentation test and laboratory baking test were used for characterization of wheats and flours. In addition NIR method was used to calculate ash, wet gluten, sedimentation value and protein content. Statistically significant correlations were found practically between all tested quality parameters of wheat and corresponding flour samples. However, the strongest correlation (r = 0.69-0.70) significant at 0.01 level exists between specific bread volume and protein and wet gluten content, determined both by standard or by NIR methods.

: During the 18-year period (1974-1991), the lymphocytic thyroiditis with the finding of serum autoantibodies against thyroglobulin was diagnosed in 180 Beagle dogs (92 males and 88 females). In 107 of them (56 males and 51 females), hyperplasia of parafollicular cells was concurrently encountered. In further 11 cases (3 males and 8 females), solid cellular structures were found in the thyroid parenchyma, in 4 females combined with unilocular or multilocular lymphoepithelial cysts. Grimelius stain revealed the presence of parafollicular cells even at the periphery of cellular nests. Using the lectin histochemistry with Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA),Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) and Tritrichomonas mobilensis lectin (TML), the presence of sialylated molecules was demonstrated in the cell membranes and perinuclear cytoplasmic regions of parafollicular cells that formed hyperplastic nodules or were interspersed in "solid cell nests".

Contamination of cell cultures and sera used for animal virus propagation with mycoplasmas represents a serious problem, especially in virology. Therefore specific control measures must be used. To achieve this we introduced PCR for the detection of mycoplasma species in cell cultures and compared its results with ELISA and microbiological culture. Seven mycoplasma species which are the most common contaminants of cell lines (Mycoplasma arginini, M. fermentans, M. hyorhinis, M. bovis, M. orale, M. hominis, and Acholeplasma laidlawii) were used to verify the method. Then we assessed five selected cell lines and three bovine sera by the PCR, ELISA and culture methods and compared the results. PCR was positive for all of the mycoplasma species tested. ELISA kit used (Mycoplasma detection kit, Roche, Germany) allowed detection of only four species of contaminating mycoplasmas (Acholeplasma laidlawii, Mycoplasma arginini, M. hyorhinis, and M. orale). All the methods detected contamination of the VERO and RK13 cell lines. The agents of contamination were determined by the species-specific ELISA kit as Mycoplasma arginini and M. orale, respectively. Other cell lines and sera tested were not contaminated with mycoplasma. The results confirmed that the PCR method used in the present study is a sensitive, fast and specific detection method of mycoplasma contaminations and is suitable for routine mycoplasma detection in cell cultures and bovine sera.

A simple 1-D mathematical model for prediction of local temperatures in a layer of solid material during microwave heating (Houšová et al. 1998) and a sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the influence of process and material parameters on vertical temperature profiles in a layer of material during heating. The results of calculations are presented in graphs and discussed. The incident microwave power and heat capacity and density of heated material are parameters with great effect on all local and average temperatures and local and average heating rates. The shape of temperature profile is influenced only to a small extent by a change in the value of applied microwave power and also in the value of heat capacity or density of heated material. The whole profiles shift to higher or lower temperature values when the incident microwave power is changing. The distribution of applied microwave power between the upper and bottom layer surface very much influences the shape of the profile and the values and position of the highest and the lowest temperature in the layer. Depth of penetration and thermal conductivity of heated material influence on the shape of temperature profiles and the temperature spread in the layer (evenness of temperature distribution). Effect of penetration depth also depends on the relation to the layer thickness - its effect increases with the increasing layer thickness. At the low values of penetration depth relative to the layer thickness, an uneven temperature profile is to be expected. Effect of thermal conductivity value on temperature profile depends on the time of heating. Because of a short time of microwave heating, the effect of this parameter on temperature distribution is smaller compared to the conventional heating methods. At the beginning of heating its influence is quite negligible. Temperature of the air surrounding the layer and intensity of heat exchange between the air and layer surface are parameters with only small local effect on temperature distribution.

We have examined 35 samples of fine cottage cheese, 14 samples of whole winter "bryndza", 29 samples of Ondava cheese, 18 samples of skim kephir milk, 18 samples of whole acidophilous milk, 5 samples of yoghurt milk with strawberry flavour and 50 samples of fresh butter (Rajo) for the presence of staphylococci focusing onStaphylococcus aureus. All samples intended for microbiological analysis were taken directly from market establishments. None of the examined samples of yoghurt milk complied with the Codex Alimentarius because they contained Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the level of 100, 65, 5, 75, and 60 CFU/ml. The other analysed food products satisfied the current standards with regard to the presence of staphylococci.

In the Slovak Republic during the years 1996-2000, total 30 278 blood samples from sheep and 4 756 from goats were examined serologically by the method of a complement fixation. The IgG antibodies against Chlamydia psittaci in sheep and goats according to individual years were as follows: 1996 - 6.37% sheep/3.94% goats, 1997 - 9.25%/10.02%, 1998 - 9.57%/2.96%, 1999 - 7.91%/3.69%, 2000 - 10.99%/6.08%, respectively. In most clinically healthy animals, the low levels of IgG antibodies in dilution of 1 : 16 to 1 : 32 were detected. In sheep during the years of 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 the high levels of IgG antibodies 1 : 256 to 1 : 1 024 were caught unambiguously testify to the chlamydial abortion in sheep. In goats, the high titres were caught in 1997 and 2000 - 1 : 256 to 1 : 512, also confirm the chlamydial aetiology of the infectious process.

The studies were performed involving qualitative and quantitative cytometric analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy carps at various stages of their ontogeny, i.e., in 3- to 29-month old carps. Three populations of leukocyte line cells were distinguished, which differed in forward scatter (FSC) and side scatter (90o, SSC) of laser light. The most abundant leukocyte pool was present in the eldest (23- to 29-month old) fish. Lower numbers of the cells were observed in the youngest (3- to 9-month old) carps while the lowest levels of the cells were detected in carps of the moderate age (11- to 21-month old). The leukocyte populations, distinguished on grounds of FSC/SSC characteristics, were suggested to correspond to lymphocytes/thrombocytes (low FSC, low SSC), granulocytes (high FSC, high SSC) and monocytes (high FSC, low SSC).

The astringent taste is important for the sensory quality of beverages. Perception thresholds of two important astringent compounds - tannic acid and (+)-catechin were determined using two procedures. The concentration-intensity dependence was linear at low concentrations and up to medium intensities of the astringent taste if unstructured graphical scales were used, but the saturation threshold was soon attained in the case of tannic acid. Recording the results on printed forms gave similar results as using a touch-sensitive monitor. The optimum tasting was achieved at swallowing after degustation of 5 s. The duration of degustation increased the intensity. The astringent flavour was suppressed by sugar, but was not significantly influenced by ethanol, citric acid or quinine hydrochloride. Astringent substances were accurately perceived and rated in wine, tea infusion and orange drink, but the increase of astringency was smaller than in model solutions. The astringent taste was easily distinguished from the bitter taste.

In August 1999 there were netted and ringed passerines in the Naděje fishpond system in Třeboň area. 14 individuals of blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) of both sexes and various age were caught. All individuals of this species had expressive pathological changes on feet. Histological investigations proved bird-pox (variola avium). No symptoms of this disease were found in other caught 11 species.

The changes in microbiological and chemical parameters during the fermentation and ripening of sheep cheese were observed. The cheese was produced from raw sheep's milk at different temperatures on the sheep farm. The following parameters were determined: total plate count, coliform count, Staphylococcus aureus count, pH value, titrimetric acidity, and the amount of lactic acid. As our results indicate, the fermentation at temperatures of between 18-22°C reduces the number of undesirable micro-organisms due to the presence of lactic acid being produced by lactic-acid bacteria. During the fermentation at lower temperatures (below 18°C) the amount of lactic acid is insufficient, and the undesirable microorganisms can survive.

A programme for evaluating the strict morphological analysis of sperm was developed. The programme was verified by conducting 552 morphological analyses of bull, stallion, boar and human ejaculates. The method was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by routinely used morphological examinations with the results received by the automatic method SASMO. The following advantages of the programme were demonstrated: it is possible to obtain information on the proportion of normal and pathological spermatozoa, to determine the frequency of the respective characteristics analysed, to express detected alterations per pathological spermatozoon (teratosperm index), to express frequency of respective alterations per total number of spermatozoa examined, to display alterations according to their frequency and differentiate between developmental and acquired alterations. It was proved that using the detailed morphological evaluation of sperm by the survival test, it is possible to get statistically significant information on the prediction of sperm survival. The programme represents an important aid for making the morphological evaluation of sperm quality more objective both in veterinary and human medicine and in all insemination stations and assisted reproduction centres.

The aim of this work was to find out how repeated low doses of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T-2 toxin would influence the Chinese hamster and if the amplifying of these effects would occur with the application of both toxins together. The animals were treated with 10 ml/kg of 7% dimethylsulfoxid (DMSO) in the control group (C), 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1 in group A, 1.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin in group T2, and 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1 + 1.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin in group T2/A. All mycotoxins were dissolved in 10 ml/kg of 7% DMSO. These doses were administered intragastrically twice a week for a period of three weeks. General health condition, histological picture of some internal organs, some biochemical blood serum indicators of liver and kidney functions, and leucogram were monitored. No differences in prosperity or weight gains appeared during the course of the experiment. The histological examination did not show any changes in the investigated organs in any experimental group. On the contrary, differences were found in the biochemical blood serum profile. ALT and AST activities decreased significantly in T2/A group animals compared with the other medicated groups (T2 - 24.46 µkat/l; 45.18 µkat/l; A - 18.17; 41.84; T2/A - 4.74; 14.21). A similar decrease appeared in GMT activity as well, but it was significant only in comparison with the T2 group (T2 - 0.6 µkat/l; T2/A - 0.25). ALP activity was increased in the experimental groups compared with the control, significantly in the T2 group (C - 5.0 µkat/l; T2 - 6.92). LDH activity was lower in the T2 and T2/A groups, significantly when the T2/A group was compared with the A group (A - 94.05 µkat/l; T2/A - 37.48). The cholesterol level was significantly increased in group A compared with the C and T2 groups. A smaller increase in the T2/A group was significant when compared with the T2 group as well (C - 3.05 mmol/l; T2 - 2.85; A - 3.59; T2/A - 3.27). Total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations decreased in group order A - C - T2 - T2/A, when differences among the A, T2 and T2/A groups were significant (T2 - 1.0 mmol/l; 0.36 mmol/l; A - 2.36; 0.85; T2/A - 0.69; 0.21). A glycemia decrease in medicated groups was significant in the T2/A group, while it approached a significant level in the T2 group (C - 10.46 mmol/l; T2 - 9.01; T2/A - 8.91). The main liver condition indicators seemed to be influenced by the T-2 toxin and AFB1 combination more than by individually applied toxins. We assume the amplification of the mycotoxin effects on proteosynthesis. The ALT activity especially was probably influenced more than in the additive manner. All the medicated groups showed a significant increase in the monocyte percent count (T2 - 9.8%; A - 9.62; T2/A - 8.85; C - 6.65). The differences observed in other leucocyte types were not significant. There were no differences in the effects of individual mycotoxins and their combination on the leucogram level.

Experimental groups of pigs were treated orally with 120 mg (Group O 120), or 480 mg (Group O 480) of iodine per animal, or intramuscularly with 240 mg (Group I 240) of iodine per animal. Iodine was administered in the form of iodised fatty acid esters (IFAE). The treatment resulted in significantly increased iodine concentrations in tissues and a single dose was sufficient to meet the requirement for the whole fattening period (180 days). Urinary iodine concentrations in all the experimental groups were higher than in the control group C receiving iodine only from conventional feed. Urinary excretion of iodine between days 2 and 5 was more distinctive in orally treated than in intramuscularly treated animals (Figure 1). Iodine concentrations at the end of the fattening period (day 180) were higher in the treated than in the control groups. The treatment effect was more marked in Groups O 480 and I 240 than in Group O 120. The dynamics of blood serum iodine concentrations was similar to urinary concentrations (Figure 2). Mean thyroid gland weights in the groups O 120, O 480, I 240, and C were 9.19, 8.51, 7.10, and 12.01 g, respectively. An opposite tendency was observed for iodine concentrations in thyroid gland dry matter (Figure 3). No effects of any of the treatments on total protein, albumin, total lipids, or cholesterol concentrations in blood serum were observed. Group C showed lower tissue iodine concentrations than any of the experimental groups. The only exception was hepatic tissue in which approximately the same iodine concentrations were found in all the groups. Data obtained in Groups O 120, O 480, and I 240 indicate that decisive for tissue concentrations was rather the dose of iodine than the route of administration. Iodine is stored above all in the thyroid gland and adipose tissue. As can be seen in Figure 4, its concentration was higher in muscles with a higher proportion of fat (neck) than in lean muscles (ham).

Phenolic compounds were extracted from rye caryopses with 80% (v/v) methanol. Phenolic acids were determined as free compounds and those liberated from soluble esters and glycosides. The analyses were performed using a Waters HPLC system equipped with a diode array detector (DAD). The following free phenolic acids were found: p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic; the phenolic acids liberated from soluble esters were as follows: vanillic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic; and those liberated from soluble glycosides were the following: vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic. In rye caryopses, phenolic acids were chiefly in the form of soluble esters. A diode array detector was especially useful for the determination of vanillic acid: the UV spectrum of this compound showed a maximum at 260 nm whereas UV spectra of other phenolic acids were characterised by maxima at longer wavelengths.

The task of applied research is not only to acquire new knowledge, through which it contributes to the development of economy, to the consumer protection or to the training of qualified experts. For state-supported veterinary research, this means striving to protect people's health against diseases transmitted from animals, food-born diseases, contamination of feed and foodstuffs by toxic xenobiotics, a reduction in food quality through the use of low-grade raw materials and an adverse effect of environmental pollution. The territory of the state must be protected against the infectious diseases and animals against the negative effects of environment and technologies which often strive irresponsibly for the highest profits without regard for the consequences. The contributions of the Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, and other Czech research facilities to increasing knowledge on cattle health and reproduction are documented by the list of 105 references of papers published in peer reviewed journals since 1992. This article is available on http://www.vri.cz/vetmed.asp and the reprints of cited references can be requested by e-mail to <vri@vri.cz>

The objective of this work was the morphologic analysis of apoptosis of neutrophilic granulocytes (hereinafter referred to as neutrophils) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in comparison with morphological features distinguishable by light microscopy. This study was performed on 12 bovine virgin mammary glands washed with physiological buffered solution (PBS) prior to the induction of cell influx by PBS. Twenty-four hours after influx induction the cell suspension was obtained by the lavage of mammary glands with PBS. The particular lavages were cytologicaly and bacteriologicaly examined. all bacteriological examinations were negative. Mononuclear phagocytes (MoP), lymphocytes and neutrophils were distinguished in the cell suspension of the lavages by means of light microscopy. The neutrophils predominated in differential cell count. Neutrophil population showed some signs of structural features typical for the process of apoptosis that were distinguished in haemocytometer and light microscopy on stained microscopical smears. The process of apoptosis consisted of three structurally different stages: karyopyknosis, zeiosis and the stage of apoptotic bodies. These stages of neutrophil apoptosis were distinguished also by SEM. Karyopyknotic neutrophils assumed spherical shape while they lost all of their superficial pseudopodia. Neutrophils in zeiosis stage showed prominent surface protumberances, bubble-shaped vesicles causing a bizarre deformation of the cells. After the membrane vesicles had split off, they began to form spherical formations (apoptotic bodies). On the basis of neutrophils. specific structural properties it could easily distinguish all the three stages of neutrophil apoptosis by means of SEM technique as well as other morphological methods.

Several ways are recommended how to avoid iodine deficiency in food of many countries' population. In addition to the common use of salt fortified with KI, KJO₃ can also be used in bakery products. It is also a strong oxidizer improving rheological properties of dough. In this paper the effect of KJO₃ on rheological properties of wheat dough and baked products was studied using farinograph and extensograph data and the baking test. The effect of KJO₃ was tested in combination with a commercial complex improver. Loaf volume was increased by the addition of 2 or 3 ppm of iodate to flour. The dose of iodine improving bread volume showed satisfactory correspondence to 50% of recommended daily intake that is allowed for bakery products by the Czech law.

Ten autoaggregating vaginal Lactobacillus strains (five of these strains were selected among isolates from sows' vaginal swabs and the other five among isolates from cows' vaginal swabs) were investigated for their ability to bind type Icollagen (Cn-I). All 10 autoaggregating strains in the range of A_570nm readings 0.118-1.806 bound to immobilised Cn-I (at concentration of 100 μg/ml) in wells of microtitre plates, however, Lactobacillus acidophilus SV31 was much more adherent than the rest of the tested strains. The influence of culture medium on Cn-I binding was confirmed only in 50% of the tested strains when agar-grown cells bound significantly more Cn-I than broth-grown cells. The specificity of the binding was confirmed since the Cn-I binding by lactobacilli was abolished after their preincubation with this protein. The effect of heparan sulphate and hyaluronic acid was tested on 5 vaginal strains displaying the best Cn-I binding in microtitre plates after their cultivationon MRS agar plates. Both selected inhibitors significantly (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01) reduced Cn-I binding by the majority of strains. The presence of the gene coding APF (aggregation-promoting factor) was detected in seven strains (all five sows' and two cows' Lactobacillus strains) by PCR.

The content of ferulic acid in sugar beet pulp was determined by reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV/VIS-spectroscopy. The acid extracts of pectin carrying feruloyl groups were prepared for analysis. To release ferulic acid from pectin the hydrolysis in alkaline medium (pH = 12.5) was performed. Both non-hydrolysed and hydrolysed extracts were measured by UV/VIS-spectroscopy after pH adjustment to the value of 10. The absorbance maximum was observed at 372 nm (ester of ferulic acid) for non-hydrolysed extracts and at 345 nm (sodium ferulate) for hydrolysed extracts. The HPLC estimation of ferulic acid was made in hydrolysed extracts only. The content of ferulic acid in sugar beet pulp was in the range of 0.3-0.9% (m/m). The data obtained by application of the particular methods to one set of samples were statistically compared. The results of all methods were in good agreement with each other\

More than 4 000 E. coli strains isolated from diarrhoeic piglets in 111 pig herds in the Czech Republic during the period 1995-2000 were examined for serogroup and virulence factors. Gene typing of the K88 marker by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the examination of 283 enterotoxigenic strains (ETEC) which agglutinated with antisera against K88 or adhered to intestinal brush borders. The K88 gene was detected in 237 strains; among them 232 strains possesed the K88 variant. Genotype K88ab was found in two strains of the serogroup O8 from one herd and the gene K88ad was detected in three strains of the serogroup O8 originating from another herd. The results show that the type K88ac is predominant in ETEC strains with colonisation factors K88 in pig herds in the Czech Republic.

The storage of lipid foods is mostly affected by the oxidation of lipid fraction. Dry foods are particularly sensitive because lipids are not protected by hydrated proteins against oxidation. A method suitable for testing dry foods was studied in model mixtures of rapeseed oil with albumin or cellulose. Oxipres apparatus was used, where the course of oxidation is monitored by changes of oxygen pressure. The end of induction period was more evident than in bulk oils as the contact of lipids with oxygen is better. The induction period was longer in mixtures of edible oil with albumin than in mixtures with cellulose. The induction period moderately decreased with increasing oxygen pressure, while the effect of sample weight was nearly negligible. The induction period length was a semilogarithmic function of reaction temperature. Variation coefficients and differences between the duplicates showed good reproducibility; they were lower in mixtures with albumin than in mixtures with cellulose, but both were of the same order as the respective values in bulk oils. At 120°C and 0.5 MPa oxygen, the induction periods could be usually measured within a working day.

Distribution of leukocyte types present in virgin bovine mammary glands was analysed in dot plots obtained by flow cytometry (FACS) of samples collected from 10 non-pregnant heifers after induction of leukocyte influx. Changes of percentage of leukocyte types during development and resolution of induced influx in comparison with blood leukocyte pattern allow identification of these cell types on FACS dot plot. The positions of mammary gland granulocyte and lymphocyte regions were identical with those of the corresponding peripheral blood cells. Two basic morphologically distinct types occupying separate regions in dot plots were observed in the population of mononuclear phagocytes (MoP): non-vacuolised monocyte-like macrophages (MoMAC) and vacuolised macrophages (MAC). Influx resolution was characterised by a marked shift of the MoMAC region towards that of MAC recognisable in dot plots by a separate region of intermediate MoP forms. The study provides a pattern of dynamics of percentages of mammary gland leukocyte types during influx development and resolution as imaged by FACS.

The aim of this paper was to register the domestic animals appearing in the iconography of Christian saints and to explain their association. The source of knowledge was literature dealing with hagiographies of saints, sacral iconography and liturgy along with visiting churches, monasteries and museums throughout Croatia. After research in sacral literature and works of art lasting several years, it was observed that the following domestic animals appear as accompanying about seventy Christian saints: bees, bull, camel, cow, dog, donkey, goose, dove, horse, lamb, pig, sheep, steer. Reasons and explanations of their association are most often in practical relations (the animal serves and helps the man). However, in the animal, the most varied symbolic, especially ethical and morality messages are personified very often. Especially interesting are saints honoured as patrons of particular animals and of professionals occupied with animals. In human medicine, they are most frequently protectors from zoonoses, too. In some cases, animals are attributed to saints because of the linguistic association resulting from similarity of the names of animals and saints. In the same way, domestic animals are present in sacral art as a part of ambient decoration, too. In addition, it can also be interesting from the historical and ethnic veterinary point of view. Presented examples show how, by interdisciplinary approach to sacral art and tradition, we can come to other numerous findings surpassing mere religious messages. In this case, these are contributions to the history of veterinary medicine in the widest sense.

Effects of sodium humate (HuNa), containing 61.9% of humic acids in dry matter, on utilisation and retention of dietary iodine were investigated in balance experiments carried out in pigs. A control group was fed a commercial diet containing 0.1 mg of iodine per kg. The daily intake of iodine was 129.2 µg per animal or 4.08 µg per kg live weight. The recommended intake of dietary iodine is 0.25 to 0.30 mg per kg at 88% dry matter. The experimental group (HuNa) was fed the same diet supplemented with 3% of sodium humate which contained 0.5 mg of iodine per kg at 90.04% dry matter. The supplementation increased the daily intake to 141.4 µg per animal, or 4.45 µg per kg live weight. The supplementation of HuNa increased significantly the amount of iodine excreted in faeces (53.2 ± 11.0 vs. 43.0 ± 6.47 µg per animal per day; P < 0.05) and nonsignificantly the urinary iodine excretion (31.8 ± 8.93 vs. 29.0 ± 11.3 µg per animal per day). Differences between the HuNa and the control groups in blood serum iodine concentrations (18.8 vs. 18.1 µg per litre) and urinary iodine concentrations (32.5 vs. 34.4 µg per litre) were nonsignificant. It is evident from the concentrations that the pigs suffered from a serious iodine deficiency. Compared with controls, the HuNa group showed significantly higher triiodothyronine concentration (P < 0.05) and nonsignificantly lower thyroxine and iodine concentrations in blood serum. Dietary iodine utilisation was lower in the HuNa than in the control group (62.3 vs. 66.6%). The results show that utilisation of dietary iodine was limited and that sodium humate (humic acids) reduced iodine utilisation and retention and affected also other parameters indicating their goitrogenic effects.

Total content and composition of essential oils in caraway seed (Carum carvi L.) from a selection of caraway varieties grown in different production areas were determined after supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and steam distillation. Different procedures of sample pretreatment (homogenization) and methods of isolation were compared from the point of view of efficiency, reproducibility and accuracy. The effect of storage period was also examined.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E and selenium administration on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and selected parameters of cellular immunity (metabolic activity, phagocytic activity, lymphocyte blastogenic response). Nine pregnant sheep with body weight of 42 to 66 kg were divided into two groups. Before lambing, the first group (n = 5) was given subcutaneously 5 mg vitamin E and 0.4 mg selenium per kg body weight while the second group (n = 4) was given no treatment and served as control. Blood samples from all sheep were collected before the treatment, 14 days after lambing and 30 days after lambing. Whole blood GSH-Px activities were significantly higher in the vitamin E and selenium treated sheep than in the control in the samples taken 14 days after lambing and 30 days after lambing (P < 0.01; P < 0.001, respectively). The evaluation of immunological parameters showed declines in immunological parameters measured on days 14 and 30 after lambing. The administered preparation led to significant effects (P < 0.001; P < 0.05) on phagocytic activity index of leukocytes and phagocytic activity index of neutrophils, respectively.

Based on extensive literature review, the characteristics of a learning organisation are depicted as a starting point to define a pragmatic tool to assess the level to which an organisation meets the individual characteristics of learning organisation. The tool is designed as a matrix combining eight characteristics of learning organisation with four improvement levels including feedback loop. This tool has been tested in 9 organisations and the examples of information gathered through this exercise are provided and discussed.