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Four sequential extraction procedures (Sposito, Tessier, Silveira and Bureau Communautaire de Reference (BCR)) were used to evaluate the distribution of some metals (Fe, Cu, Cd and Zn) in a contaminated soil around a mining area. The results showed that Fe and Zn were mainly recovered in the recalcitrant soil fractions, while Cd was primarily localized in the exchangeable fraction. Soil Cu was highly associated with organic matter fraction. The amorphous Fe fraction in Silveira could be recognized as part of the Fe-Mn oxide fraction in Tessier and BCR procedures, while the crystalline Fe oxide fraction was classified into the residual fraction in Sposito, BCR and Tessier schemes. Although the same reagent was used to extract target fraction, less carbonate-bound Cu, Cu and Zn were extracted in Tessier procedure as compared to Silveira method, while Tessier scheme yielded a higher proportion of Fe, Cu and Zn in the Fe-Mn oxide fraction than BCR method. Due to the lack of uniformity of experimental conditions and the differences in extraction reagents, the extraction efficiency of metal species varied with the sequential extraction schemes. Therefore, care should be taken when comparing the results obtained by different sequential extraction procedures.

Fertilization of crops with pig manure is a common practice throughout the world. Nevertheless, due to the relatively high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) contents in pig manure, continuous application of pig manure could have negative effects on soil and plant. The study aimed at the impacts of long-term applying different pig manure rates (equivalently 0, 100, 250 and 500 kg total N/ha/year from 2002 to 2008 and 0, 10, 25 and 50 t fresh weight/ha/year from 2009 to 2011, respectively) on Cu and Zn accumulation in soil and plant. During the 10 years of the experiment, a total of 2.04 to 10.20 kg/ha/year for Cu, 3.15 to 15.73 kg/ha/year for Zn were applied to the soil. Results from this study showed that long-term pig manure application resulted in serious accumulation of Cu and Zn in soil, total Cu and Zn concentrations increased by 204% and 107% at high application rates, respectively. Although topsoil Cu and Zn concentrations were below concentrations considered phytotoxic to crops, according to current Chinese legislation, it would take only less time than 16 and 27 years of high application rates to reach the allowable limits. Our result also suggested that Cu and Zn leaching occurred in the tested soil. The Cu and Zn concentrations in stalks and grains were not affected by the application of pig manure, and these values were lower than the threshold values for animal and human ingestion.

A total 20 074 230 sequencing reads were generated by Illumina HiSeq^™ 2500 from three different Toxicodendron vernicifluum tissue samples. In total, 48 693 unigenes with an average length of 703.34 bp were obtained by de novo assembly. 3392 potential EST-SSRs (expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat) were identified as potential molecular markers from unigenes with lengths exceeding 1 kb. A total of 80 pairs of PCR primers were randomly selected to validate the assembly quality and develop EST-SSR markers from genomic DNA. Of these primer pairs, 14 primer pairs successfully amplified DNA fragments and detected significant amounts of polymorphism within the lacquer tree population in Langao, Shaanxi province, China. There were high genetic diversities (number of alleles per locus (A) = 2.93, polymorphic information content (PIC) = 0.53, observed heterozygosity (Ho) = 0.62 and expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.85) in the lacquer tree natural population. The four loci were significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These results suggested high homozygosity in the population and low or deficiency in heterozygosity (inbreeding coefficient (Fis) = 0.27). These polymorphic EST-SSR markers will provide the base for further studies of genetic structure and breeding in T. vernicifluum.

Thirty-nine multiparous ewes (19 Pelibuey and 20 Romanov × Pelibuey) treated with fluorogestone acetate impregnated intravaginal sponges were used to evaluate the effects of low pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) doses and genotype on their reproductive efficiency under heat stress conditions. The sponge treatment lasted for 12 days, and 24 h before sponge removal, ewes of each genotype were injected with 140 or 280 IU of PMSG. Ewes showing estrus were naturally mated twice. Reproductive performance was not affected (P > 0.05) by the dose × genotype interaction. All treated ewes presented estrus signs within a 48-h period after sponge removal. Shorter (P < 0.05) estrus interval and higher (P < 0.05) fecundity were observed in ewes treated with 280 IU of PMSG compared to those treated with 140 IU. Pelibuey ewes exhibited shorter (P < 0.01) estrus interval and greater (P < 0.01) fertility as compared with Romanov × Pelibuey ewes. The response to estrus, gestation length, prolificacy, and percentage of single and multiple lambing were not affected (P > 0.05) by dose or genotype. In conclusion, under heat stress conditions, low PMSG doses as 140 or 280 IU can be used to successfully induce and/or synchronize the estrus in Pelibuey ewes and their crosses with Romanov, regardless of reduced fertility observed in crossed Pelibuey ewes. If a more predictable and compact estrus is required, administration of 280 IU of PMSG is recommended.

The experiment included testing of rheological properties of dough as well as the baking quality of bread flour and bran obtained by grinding coloured wheat grains with purple pericarp (cultivars Rosso, Konini and PS Karkulka) and blue aleurone (cv. Scorpion). Common wheat cv. Mulan was used for comparison. Formulas containing 10, 15 and 20% of bran were prepared. The addition of bran increased the water loss during baking by an average of 1.28%, specific volume of bread decreased by 2 to 10 mL, and the ratio number decreased from 0.57 to 0.51. The dynamic oscillatory rheometry simulated processes occurring during baking. A higher content of bran increased the complex viscosity of dough. In the initial stages of heating, the increasing presence of bran promoted dough weakening. Starch gelatinization was also influenced by the content of bran.

In a three-year experiment, three types of soil conservation techniques were tested in the legumes cultivation systems. Our treatment types were no-till, standard tillage to the depth of 8 cm and deep tillage to 20 cm. The study evaluated winter pea (cv. Enduro), spring pea (cv. Eso), white lupine (cv. Amiga), narrow-leaved lupine (cv. Boregine) and soybean (cv. Merlin) in two autumn terms (winter pea only) and in spring term (all legume species). In no-till technology, the average yield of all legumes was 2.24 t/ha. For standard tillage (2.58 t/ha) and deep tillage (2.62 t/ha), yields were significantly higher than in no-till technology. From the monitored parameters, deep tillage appeared as the best soil treatment. Although the yield was similar to standard tillage, the soil was less stiffened, resulting in a higher content of nitrogen in the seed and a better use of the pre-crop value of the legumes. In the experiment, winter pea spring sowing term (2.93 t/ha) was better than both autumn sowings (2.68 t/ha and 2.65 t/ha).

This study assessed the gross calorific values (GCV) of crop and bio-energy residues. In addition, it assessed the calorific values of sweet sorghum to clarify its potential as energy crop in the region. Furthermore, it statistically analysed the ash remaining after burning three bio-energy residues, bagasse, oil cakes and fermented sludge of biogas production, to identify their potential for agricultural use. Finally, the study calculated alkali content based on nutrient content and GCVs. Significant differences were found among the GCVs of the investigated materials. Among the crop residues, the least significant difference (LSD) (P ≤ 0.05) of the calorimetric values was 76.26 kJ/kg, and among the by-products of bio-energy production, it was 20.80 kJ/kg. Significant differences were also found in nutrient content. In the case of the alkali content of bio-energy residues, the LSD was 0.04 kJ.kg^-1. For the bagasse and compost, the study recommends some technical operations to avoid slagging.

Recently the use of fungal entomopathogens against bark beetles has gained increasing attention throughout the world and researchers continue to seek highly pathogenic fungal isolates for controlling beetle pests. In the present study, the efficacy of three entomopathogenic fungi, namely Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (Metchnikoff) Sorokin and Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Zare & Gams, was tested against Polygraphus major Stebbing, 1903 under laboratory conditions. Each fungal suspension contained 1.0 × 10⁹ spores of fungi in 1 ml. An insecticide - Cyclone was also used as positive control in the experiment. The mortality caused by these fungi was recorded in treated branches and petri plate assay. In treated branches, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae s. l. caused higher mortality, i.e. 57.77 and 46%, respectively, after 10 days of treatment and 98 and 92.77%, respectively, after 20 days of treatment. The results of the petri plate assay revealed that P. major adults were highly susceptible to both applied fungal species and insecticide. However, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae s. l. caused higher percentage mortalities after six days of treatment, i.e. 100 and 91.66%, respectively. The percentage mortality caused by application of the insecticide was 69%. L. lecanii was observed to be significantly less virulent (mortality 46.66%) in all fugal treatments. After observing the promising nature of the three entomopathogenic fungi by testing them, we arrive at the conclusion that the tested fungi have a potential for the control of P. major, and further field experiments are warranted to investigate their efficacy under more practical conditions.

Double fixed-time insemination after ovulation induction is commonly used in pigs to obtain in vivo produced embryos at defined stages of development for downstream biotechnological applications. However, variations in the time of ovulation and fertilisation of the ovulated oocytes by spermatozoa, mainly in one of the inseminations, can cause diversities in embryo development. The aim of the present study was to reduce embryo diversity and to achieve a 'uniform outcome' of porcine embryo stages using single laparoscopic fixed-time insemination (LIUI). Altogether, 48 puberal German Landrace gilts were included in the study. Estrus of gilts was synchronized by 15-day long altrenogest (Regumate^®) feeding and follicle development was stimulated with 850 IU eCG 24 h after the final altrenogest application. Ovulation was induced with 500 IU hCG 80 h after eCG. LIUI was performed 31 h after hCG treatment. Gilts under general anaesthesia were fixed in a dorsal position, a pneumoperitoneum was produced and three trocar cannulas were inserted into the abdomen for optics and instruments. Each uterine horn was carefully punctured 10-15 cm caudal from the utero-tubal junction with a 2.5 mm trocar. A 2.2 mm catheter was inserted about 3 cm into the uterine lumen and 20 ml of extended fresh boar semen (32.2 × 106 sperm cells/ml) were injected. Embryos were surgically flushed from the genital tract two (Day 2) and three (Day 3) days after insemination. Altogether, 778 oocytes/embryos were recovered (recovery rate 68 ± 17%); 45 of 48 gilts (93.8%) revealed fertilisation and 76.1% of the recovered embryos (n = 592) were at the 2- and 4-cell stage. On Day 2 (n = 22 gilts), a higher percentage of gilts (72.7%, P < 0.05) displayed only 2-cell embryos compared with gilts which had 2- and 4-cell (22.7%), or only 4-cell embryos (4.6%). On Day 3 (n = 23 gilts), the proportion of gilts with 2-cell, 2- and 4-cell, and only 4-cell embryos shifted to 4.3%, 0% and 95.7%, respectively (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate high rates of fertilisation and homogenously developed embryos after single fixed-time laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in gilts. Additionally, these results were achieved by inseminating a 60% lower number of sperm cells per insemination dose compared to usual doses used for transcervical insemination. In conclusion, LIUI can be recommended for the in vivo production of embryos in a homogeneous developmental stage, and also as an alternative method for low-dose insemination.

The study was focused on the wild pathosystem Lactuca serriola-lettuce downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) and lettuce powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum). Observations were focused mainly on recording natural infection of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) by downy and powdery mildews in the East Bohemia and Moravia (the Czech Republic) in the May-September period of 2007-2011, and on the influence of environmental conditions on disease incidence. Only data for July and August were used for the detailed comparisons of occurrence of both pathogens, because intensity of disease in this period was the highest. Data were linked with the average monthly temperature and rainfall rate in the Czech Republic. G. cichoracearum prefers rather low levels of precipitation and temperatures around 20°C, therefore significantly higher incidence of this pathogen was recorded in August 2007. On the other hand in July 2009 and 2010, when the intensities of precipitation were higher, incidence of Bremia lactucae prevailed. In August 2010 and 2011 incidence of both pathogens were more or less similar at all locations. Our observations showed that climatic conditions influence the incidence and prevalence of both pathogens in weedy growing populations of Lactuca serriola.

The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of propofol and ketofol on intraocular pressure, tear production and cardiorespiratory variables in dogs premedicated with midazolam. Six castrated adult mixed-breed dogs were used in a cross-over design with a one-week interval. Twenty minutes after premedication with midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), animals were assigned randomly to two groups and received either propofol (6 mg/kg) or ketofol (3 mg/kg; 1 : 1 mg/ml ratio) treatments intravenously. Intraocular pressure, tear production, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature and direct mean arterial blood pressure were measured at base (before induction), and at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min after induction of anaesthesia. Blood gas samples were obtained at base (before induction), and at 5, 15 and 30 min after administration of treatments. Intraocular pressure showed significantly higher values at 5 min after induction in ketofol compared with propofol (16.1 ± 4.5 mm Hg vs 8.2 ± 1.2 mm Hg, respectively). There were no significant changes in tear production in either group. Significantly higher heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were detected in ketofol at several time points. Respiratory depression occurred in both groups with no significant differences between them. In conclusion, although ketofol improved heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure and did not elicit more pronounced respiratory depression than propofol, it resulted in significantly higher values of intraocular pressure at 5 min after administration in dogs. Despite the small number of dogs in this study, our results indicate that ketofol should not be recommended for ophthalmic surgical procedures in dogs. Appropriate oxygenation should be provided when propofol is used for ophthalmic surgeries.

Genetic parameters for total number of piglets born per litter, number of piglets weaned per litter, lean meat content, and average daily gain from birth till the end of the field test were estimated for Czech Large White (445 589 records) and Czech Landrace (149 057 records) pigs using a four-trait animal model. The following heritabilities were estimated (first number: Large White, second number: Landrace): 0.10 ± 0.004 and 0.09 ± 0.007 for total number born; 0.09 ± 0.005 and 0.07 ± 0.008 for number weaned; 0.39 ± 0.004 and 0.36 ± 0.009 for lean meat content; 0.21 ± 0.004 and 0.18 ± 0.006 for daily gain. The highest genetic correlation (approximately 0.85 in both breeds) was estimated between both litter size traits. In Czech Landrace, all remaining genetic correlations were < 0.20 in their absolute value. Negative correlations of approximately ‑0.25 were estimated in Czech Large White between daily gain and both reproduction traits. All remaining correlations in Czech Large White were also < 0.20 in their absolute value. The estimated non-zero correlations between production and reproduction traits are, besides of other arguments, one reason to recommend a joint genetic evaluation of production and reproduction traits. If more than one litter trait is included in the genetic evaluation, repeatability models should be used instead of separate treating the first and the second and subsequent litters; this is because of the high correlations among litter size traits which are expected to cause numerical problems if multi-parity models are used.

A field study was conducted to ascertain the effect of three zinc (Zn) levels: 0, 20 kg ZnSO₄/ha and 20 kg ZnSO₄/ha + foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO₄, on wheat grain Zn content and factors contributing to or hindering in its bioavailability. Increasing Zn levels were established as serviceable in improving the nutritional status of genotypes. Soil application + foliar spray proved to be paramount for all the traits leading to an 80% increase in grain Zn content, 61.3% in methionine content and a decrease of 23.2% in phytic acid as an average of all genotypes and both years. The genotype UP 2382 was found more suited to Zn fertilization in allocating Zn and maintaining a lower phytate to Zn molar ratio.

The aim of the study was to assess terrestrial ecosystem development (mainly vegetation and soil characteristics) in the area of a sand mine cast (located in southern Poland) that has been either reclaimed or left for natural succession. A total of 20 sites in a chronosequence of 5, 17, 20 and 25 years were set up in two site categories: reclaimed and non-reclaimed sites. Selected properties of initial soils and features of vegetation were measured and they included carbon accumulation in soil; biomass and diversity of communities were also estimated. Next, based on carbon accumulation, the energy trapped in ecosystem components was estimated. Although the results of plant community investigation did not show the same distinct differences between site categories, the case study suggests that reclamation significantly accelerates ecosystem development. In comparison with spontaneous succession, the complete forest reclamation was found to increase the amount of carbon accumulation, thickness of humus horizon, and energy trapped in soil organic carbon and plant biomass in the developing ecosystem 2-3 times and nitrogen accumulation 5 times.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible harmful effect of Sarcocystis parasites on bovine diaphragm meat quality. Meat samples were collected from 120 bulls aged 20-24 months. Meat quality was investigated using microbiological and physico-chemical (RP-HPLC, GC) methods 48 hours after slaughter. Sarcocystis infection was associated with increased fat content, lightness L* and drip loss, and decreased ash and protein percentages. Infection also had a significant effect on the amount of amino acids (AAs), which slowly decreased as the number of sarcocysts increased. The total amount of AAs correlated with glutamic acid content (R = 0.966, P < 0.05). Heavily infected samples contained significantly lower amounts of putrescine, histamine, spermine and spermidine (P < 0.05) and a noticeable increase in the total count of aerobic microorganisms, but no change in the numbers of E. coli and coliform bacteria in comparison with no infected samples. Sarcocysts in beef diaphragms did not cause serious changes in the technological quality of the meat, but the biological quality of infected meat was reduced.

Sorghum as a C₄ crop has been shown to be both drought tolerant and photosynthetically productive. In this study, we demonstrated that sorghum SbSnRK1βγ2 (SbSNF4-2), the γ subunit of the sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)/SNF1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) heterotrimeric complex, increased the plant height and biomass in Setaria viridis, a C4 relative of sorghum, but not in rice, a C3 relative, when overexpressed driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter. However, the overexpression did not increase the tiller number in S. viridis, although it caused modest increases in the tiller number in both sorghum and rice. In addition, SbSnRK1βγ2 did not affect the panicle weight in sorghum, but its overexpression doubled the panicle weight in S. viridis in all four evaluated transgenic lines. Overall, the overexpression of SbSnRK1βγ2 tripled the biomass production in S. viridis, indicating SbSnRK1βγ2’s potential in any future cellulosic biofuel production and S. viridis’ utility as an alternative genetic vehicle to functionally characterise sorghum genes.

So far, a large number of transformation systems have been established for japonica rice, but only a few have been reported for cold-region varieties. In our study, we established highly efficient tissue culture systems for two cold-region rice cultivars, Dongnong 427 and Longdao 14. Plant growth regulator (PGR) levels were optimized by an orthogonal experimental design. The culture ability, constituted by induction and differentiation rate, served as the detection index of orthogonal experiments. The optimal combinations of PGRs for callus induction and regeneration of Dongnong 427 and Longdao 14 were 1 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) + 2 mg/l 6-benzyladenine (BA) + 4 mg/l kinetin (KIN) + 0.2 mg/l α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1 mg/l 2,4-D + 4 mg/l 6-BA + 4 mg/l KIN + 0.5 mg/l NAA, respectively. Agrobacterium strain EHA 105 containing the plasmid pCAMBIA1301 was used for transformation. The frequency of transient transformation was expressed as the ratio between the number of calli showing GUS expression and the total number of calli kept for staining. The highest transformation efficiency in Dongnong 427 was obtained when calli were immersed in 0.272 OD₆₀₀ (optical density determined at 600 nm) for 10 min. While it was best for Longdao 14 calli to be infected with 0.592 OD₆₀₀ for 20 min. Infected calli of the two varieties were co-cultivated on two pieces of sterile filter paper moistened with 1 ml liquid co-cultivation medium for three days. The expression of the GUS gene was confirmed by PCR analysis of plants of both varieties.

The pathogen causing Phalaenopsis soft rot disease and developed detached leaf inoculation methods were identified. Based on its 16S rDNA sequences, the pathogen causing soft rot disease in Phalaenopsis was Erwinia chrysanthemi/Dickeya chrysanthemi. Both virulent and avirulent strains were revealed. The detached leaf inoculation assay for E. chrysanthemi/D. chrysanthemi resistance evaluation included wounding and inoculating the detached leaf with 108 CFU/ml of bacteria. Soft rot disease symptoms in the inoculated detached leaf were measurable at 20 h after inoculation. The detached leaf assay was applicable for evaluating Phalaenopsis germplasm and progeny resistance in Phalaenopsis breeding programs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) on the selenoproteins synthesis and antioxidant parameters of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). The experiment was conducted as a single factor completely randomized design to explore the effect of different levels of Se supplementation (0, 10, 20, 50, and 100 nmol/l) on selenoproteins synthesis and antioxidant parameters of BMECs, and to screen the appropriate dose of Se supplementation ensuring a better antioxidant function. Se supplementation increased cell proliferation, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and seleoprotein P (SelP) content, and decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner. Se supplementation of 50-100 nmol/l had a better effect. Se supplementation also increased thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity in a dose-dependent manner, and Se supplementation of 20-50 nmol/l had a better promoting effect. The dose-dependent response between Se supplementation and mRNA and protein expression of GPx1 and TrxR1, as well as SelP mRNA expression was also observed in this experiment. The mRNA and protein expression of GPx1 was up-regulated with the addition of 50-100 nmol/l Se, and the mRNA expression of TrxR1 and SelP was up-regulated with the addition of 20-100 nmol/l Se. Results indicated that Se supplementation of 50 nmol/l had a better promoting effect on the selenoproteins synthesis and antioxidant parameters of BMECs.

Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa Mill. is an introduced species in the Czech Republic. It is recorded roughly from 300 localities. To the end of 2002, the occurrence of chestnut was verified at about 140 macrolocalities. The most northern locality recorded so far was Choustníkovo Hradiště in the region of Hradec Králové. Chestnuts occur generally to an altitude of 500 m (80% of all examined localities), at higher altitudes they suffer from climatic extremes particularly late frosts. The occurrence of chestnut was recorded at 27 localities (ca. 20% localities under investigation) where altitudes exceed 500 m. The highest location of chestnut is locality Nejdek, Karlovy Vary District where chestnut trees thrive at an altitude of 678 m. At altitudes over 600 m, two other localities were recorded. The health condition of chestnut is relatively good. At some localities, however, crown drying occurs as a result of not quite ideal climatic conditions. Within our research, quarantine Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. was determined for the first time in the Czech Republic at the only examined locality.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of whole seeds of white lupine and different binder types in complete pelleted diets on selected haematological and plasma biochemical indicators of growing dwarf rabbits. The individual litters of Dwarf Lop rabbit kits were randomised after birth into control (n = 12) and experimental (E) groups. The young rabbits of the E group (n = 24) received an experimental pre-weaning diet containing a 25% share of white lupine seeds. At the time of weaning, the live weights of eight-week-old rabbits in the control group and E group were 727 g and 743 g, respectively. The weaned rabbits of the E group were further equally divided into two post-weaning experimental dietary groups (M = 12; G = 12); these diets contained a 20% share of white lupine seeds each and their composition only differed in the type of the binder (molasses or glycerol component). The rabbits of the control group received a commercial pet rabbit diet with no white lupine seeds during the entire experimental period. At the age of eight weeks, the diet showed a significant effect on the level of albumin (P < 0.05), A/G ratio (P < 0.05) and ALP activity (P < 0.01) in plasma of dwarf rabbit kits. Significant effects of diet were found in 15-week old rabbits in relation to the plasma level of albumin (P < 0.05), Ca (P < 0.05), A/G ratio (P < 0.05) and ALT activity (P < 0.01). The dietary inclusion of white lupine seeds resulted in beneficial health effects on certain blood indicators of rabbits, and their use in the proportion of 25% in the pre-weaning diet and 20% in the post-weaning diet can be recommended as a suitable feed additive for dwarf rabbits. The use of crude glycerol as binder in the experimental diet had no adverse effect on the blood indicators of the growing rabbits and thus it can be recommended for the manufacture of feed pellets intended for dwarf rabbits.

The ileal digestibility of amino acids and fatty acids in young chickens fed control diet or experimental diets supplemented with freeze-dried pasture herbage at 20 or 40 g/kg was studied. Control diet contained wheat, maize, and soybean meal. Predominant species in the pasture herbage harvested in May were Lolium perenne, Festuca pratensis, and Trifolium pratense. Freeze-dried pasture herbage contained less protein (169 g/kg) and fat (24 g/kg) and more neutral detergent and acid detergent fibre (340 and 210 g/kg) and tannins (12.38 g/kg) than control diet. Concentrations of amino acids, except phenylalanine and threonine, were lower in pasture herbage than in control feed. In both the control feed and freeze-dried pasture herbage, unsaturated fatty acids occurred in higher proportions than saturated fatty acids. In freeze-dried pasture herbage linolenic acid was the main fatty acid. In chickens fed freeze-dried pasture herbage the ileal digestibility of amino acids and fatty acids decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Freeze-dried pasture herbage at 4% in diet had negative effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of amino acids and fatty acids in comparison with control diet. But there was no significant effect of 2% freeze-dried pasture herbage in diet on amino acids digestibility. This suggests that pasture herbage contains anti-nutritional factors that inhibit proteolysis and lipolysis. The effect of pasture herbage on digestibility was variable. In chickens fed diets containing 4% freeze-dried pasture herbage, apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids varied from 0.39 (cysteine) to 0.91 (methionine). Variability in the ileal digestibility of fatty acids was less pronounced (from 0.65 to 0.89).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) root colonization is known to have beneficial effects on plant growth especially under phosphorus (P) deficit conditions. The objectives of present study were: (i) to quantify changes in early wheat root development of AM-inoculated (AMI) and AM-free (AMF) roots under limited P availability; (ii) to assess possible mitigating effect of AM inoculation on photochemical efficiency under P deficit stress. AMI (inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis) and AMF wheat plants were grown for 20 days in low (1 μmol/L) and high (50 μmol/L)P treatments. AM inoculation affected root morphology and shoot P concentration in low P treatment. AM inoculation alleviated reduction of the total root length in low P treatment, mainly due to an increase of fine roots length(< 0.5 mm). Contrastingly, shoot dry weight was reduced by AM inoculation in low P treatment. P deficiency decreased photochemical efficiency of wheat plants. However, due to increased sink capacity and facilitated nutrient concentrations AM inoculation alleviates phosphorus deficit stress and increased photochemical efficiency.

The effect of the algal species Chlorella vulgaris at six different ratios (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 g) of air dried algae biomass, mixed with 10.18 g of sheep manure, added to 50 g of soil, and incubated for a period of 15 weeks was studied in a laboratory in order to detect the role of adding small amounts of admixed algal biomass to soil in biodegradation of soil organic carbon. The obtained data showed that mineralization of soil organic carbon increased by 16.2-35.9% at all rates of algae addition compared to the control, while the highest increase was observed at the highest rates of algae addition. There was a 40-50% increase in the available form of potassium, while the highest increase was also observed at the highest rates of algae addition. The four times higher rates of added algae increased the corresponding content of nitrate nitrogen by 20-30%, while ammonium nitrogen contents decreased by 9.5-35.7% for all amounts of added algae in comparison with the control. The available forms of copper, manganese, and zinc were also increased for all amounts of added algae by 56.8-61.9%, 55.8-67.3%, and 34.1-40.6%, respectively. On the contrary, the addition of algae did not indicate significant differences among treatments as concerns organic or available phosphorus contents. The results proved the effect of the algae Chlorella vulgaris as an accelerator agent in biodegradation of soil organic matter, without any significant negative impact on soil chemical properties.

The study was carried out in the experiment with 16 provenances of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior Linnaeus) and 2 provenances of narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) at a series of 5 parallel trial plots established in a gradient from lowland riverine to upland ravine sites. The role of the site, ash species and the provenance of common ash proved to have significant effects on the intensity of ash dieback (ADB) associated with the infection by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz & Hosoya at the age of 20 years. Narrow-leaved ash was healthier, surviving and growing better than common ash on the trials situated inside as well as beyond its natural range. The ADB intensity was lower in the medium altitude and more easterly located trial plots with a more continental climate. The provenance of forest reproductive material proved to have a significant effect on the ADB damage and survival rate as well as the growth of ash across the trial plots of the experiment.

A novel drying method based on vacuum-microwave dehydration was developed to investigate the effects of different microwave gap ratios (MGR), microwave times, power densities and degrees of vacuum after osmotic pre-treatment on tilapia fillets. The results showed that the moisture value of fillets was decreased with the increased drying time, power density and vacuum degree. The shrinkage ratio, rehydration ratio and total colour change increased with elevated microwave time and power density. A high degree of vacuum was beneficial to the qualities of fillets. In conclusion, tilapia fillets retained their original quality properties after osmotically dehydrated vacuum-microwave drying (OD-VMD); optimum process parameters were MGR = 2, microwave time = 10 min, power density = 20 W/g, and vacuum degree = 0.08 MPa.

The purpose of this prospective double blind clinical study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of meloxicam with/without a buprenorphine patch for pain management after ovariohysterectomy in cats. Cats were randomly divided into two groups: ten cats were treated with meloxicam s.c. after ovariohysterectomy (Group A), and eight cats were treated with s.c. meloxicam and a 20 µg/h buprenorphine transdermal patch (Group B). For patch treatment, the cat's hair was clipped on the left side in the thoracic area. Pain scores were assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 30 h post-ovariohysterectomy extubation. To evaluate postoperative pain, 4A-VET pain scale and visual analogue scale pain scores were used. In addition, blood was collected from all cats to determine the cortisol levels at -2 h and at 0.5, 4, 6 and 24 h after extubation. The 4A-VET scores for Group B were significantly lower at 1, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 30 h than the scores for Group A. The visual analogue scale pain scores for Group B were significantly lower at 4, 6, 24 and 30 h than the scores for Group A. Serum cortisol concentrations were not significantly different between Groups A and B at any of the measured intervals. There was a significant positive correlation between postoperative visual analogue scale and 4A-VET pain scores in both groups. Our results should be subject to careful interpretation as the study was limited by its small sample size and by observer subjectivity.

Gonad development in fish is generally assumed to be negatively influenced by interspecific hybridization, resulting in sterility or sub-sterility. However, this is not the case in sturgeons (Acipenseridae), in which fertile hybrids are common. In the present study, we investigated gonad development in several sturgeon interspecific hybrids and purebred species. Six interspecific hybrid groups and three purebred groups were analyzed including 20 hybrid specimens with even ploidy, 40 specimens having odd ploidy levels, and 30 purebred specimens. Hybrids of species with the same ploidy (even ploidy - 2n, 4n) exhibited normally developed gonads similar to those seen in purebred specimens. In contrast, hybrids of species differing in ploidy (odd ploidy - 3n) did not display fully developed gonads. Ovaries were composed of oocytes or nests of differentiating oocytes that ceased development in early stages of meiosis (pachytene to zygotene) with a higher content of adipose and apoptotic tissue. Testes contained single spermatogonia along with Sertoli cells and spaces lacking germ cells. The obtained results showed that gonad development was influenced by genetic origin and ploidy of the sturgeon hybrids and were consistent with full fertility of hybrids with even ploidy. Sterility of females, but possibly limited fertility of males, is suggested for hybrids with odd ploidy.

Thermal decomposition of spruce wood (Picea abies) was studied using the thermogravimetric (TG) analysis in air atmosphere from 30°C to 600°C with the heating rates of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C.min^-1. The TG results show that the main decomposition region is in the temperature range of 250-360°C, where a total disintegration of hemicellulose and cellulose with partial lignin decomposition can be observed. The values of apparent activation energy for this process are between 168.6-196.5 kJ.mol^-1, 179.8-188.1 kJ.mol^-1 and 170.1-178.7 kJ.mol^-1 determined by the Friedman, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods, respectively.

The stabilisation treatments of rice bran were performed using microwave heating (100% power, 1-2 min) and dry heating (120°C, 10-20 min), respectively, and then protein was prepared by alkaline extraction (pH 9.5) and acid precipitation (pH 4.5). Stabilisation treatments resulted in a decrease in the protein yield, but an increase in the pro­tein purity. Heat-stabilisation was effective in inhibiting the rancidity of rice bran, and microwave heating was more effective than dry heating. The functional properties of proteins such as the emulsifying properties and oil holding capacity were improved with the stabilised rice bran, while the foaming properties, water holding capacity and nitrogen solubility of protein were slightly impaired. By comparison, dry heating treatment at 120°C for 20 min was effective and suitable for the stabilisation of rice bran for long term storage, as well as improving some functional properties of rice bran proteins. These results could provide basic information for industrial preparation of rice bran protein and its application in various food formulas.