„ai“ 348 výsledků

For protection of diverse genetic resources of local landraces and to get the benefit for next generation, research works should be continuing through screening of local landraces by using with local germplasm; which will be very useful to conserve the genetic variability and will provide to economic profits to the farmers by improving their uses. In the context, One hundred twenty-five maize landraces with two commercial maize hybrids (‘Kalumet’ and ‘Katone’) were evaluated for yield and agro-morphological performance for genetic improvement of future maize varieties. The landraces were collected from the Black Sea Region of Turkey and were evaluated under the augmented complete design under Diyarbakir agro-ecological conditions during 2015. After observation, it was observed that all genotypes showed a significant variations for all traits especially for yield and yield attributes. Considering the overall performance of all landraces, the days to tasseling and silking were varied from 39.5 to 64.5 and from 49.5 to 70.5 days; while the SPAD meter were varied from 37.8 to 70 unit, the plant height from 165 to 315.5 cm, the ear height from 55.8 to 190 cm, the stalk thickness from 11.3-26 mm, the ear length from 6.21 to 25.38, the ear diameter 14.13 to 48.92 mm, the rows ear-1 from 2.33 to16.3, seed srow-1, the ear weight from 10.2 to 285.26g, the rachis diameter from 11.58 to 39.51mmand the grain yield from 63.68 to 1498.13 kg ha-1. Where, the range of landraces for all traits were varied huge and exceeded commercial check genotypes. Therefore, it was determined that the genotypic distinction of the landraces may be used as pre-breeding material for developing the suitable maize varieties for sustainable maize production in diverse agro-ecological conditions of Mediterranean region including Turkey.

The studies aimed to compare bioaccumulation and translocation of macronutrients from roots to above-ground organs for six species of herbaceous plants (Taraxacum officinale, Rumex acetosa L., Plantago major L., Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla anserina L. and Hypericum perforatum L.) growing in the area of the Sławno Plain, northern Poland. Soil and plant samples were collected in June 2015 from 30 locations (five replications per species) and analysed using standard procedures, including content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Mean contents of elements in the soil, roots and above-ground organs were calculated based on the results obtained. The content of organic carbon and pH were additionally determined in soil samples. The studied soils have been developed from silty-clayey glaciolacustrine deposits. They were characterised by acid and strongly acid reaction and contained from 9.5 to 28.7 g kg-1 of organic carbon. They were relatively abundant in nitrogen (1.44-1.87 g kg-1) and potassium (4.30-5.34 g kg-1), whereas poor in phosphorus (0.41-0.57 g kg-1), calcium (1.63-2.84 g kg-1) and magnesium (3.21-4.08 g kg-1). The content of these elements in roots and above-ground parts of the studied plants was usually higher as compared to the soil. It was typical for herbs, reflecting their physiological demands. Only K occurred in higher amounts. The observed contents of nutrients suggest sufficient supply. The lowest bioaccumulation factors in roots were noticed for Hypericum perforatum L. (for N, P, Ca and Mg) or Rumex acetosa L. (for K) and the highest for Plantago major L. (for N, P, K and Ca) or Rumex acetosa L. (for Ca). In above-ground organs weakest bioaccumulation occurred in Hypericum perforatum L. (for K, Ca and Mg), Rumex acetosa L. (for P) or Potentilla anserina L. (for N) and the strongest in Plantago major L. (for N and Ca), Taraxacum officinale (for K and Mg) or Plantago lanceolate (for P). The values of translocation factors from roots to above-ground organs ranged from 1.3 to 3.1 for nitrogen, from 0.8 to 2.0 for phosphorus, from 1.3 to 3.3 for potassium, from 1.1 to 3.7 for calcium and from 1.1 to 3.1 for magnesium. Potassium and calcium were strongly translocated in Taraxacum officinale, whereas nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium in Hypericum perforatum L.

This experiment was carried out at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Teaching and Research farm during the late and early planting seasons of 2011 and 2012 to determine the efficacy of Moringa oleifera(L) and Anacardium occidentales(L) extracts on major insect pests of pests of watermelon and their effects on fatty acid compound of watermelon. This experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design and each treatment was replicated three times. Each of the plant extracts was applied at three different concentrations (5, 10 and 20%). Gas chromatography was used to determine the level of fatty acid composition.The results clearly showed that the applied plant extracts exhibited insecticidal action against the Aulocophora africana (Weise) and Dacus cucurbitae(Coquillet). Meanwhile, M. oleifera proved to be more effective than cashew nut extracts in the control of the observed insects. Although, none of these plant extracts significantly(P<0.05) performed better than synthetic insecticide (Lambdacyhalothrin) against the studied insects during the raining season but plant extracts treated fruits had higher number of fatty acid compounds than that of synthetic insecticide. Therefore, the use of plant extracts in the management of insect pests of watermelon in organic farming improved the nutritional contents of watermelon fruit.

The aim of the research was to analyse the Rabbit of Nitra in terms of its reproduction and production performance. All rabbits used for research were raised within a home environment (4 breeding sources). The research was focused on reproduction parameters (the number of live born kits, the number of weaned kits), growth parameters – growth performance (1st day, 21st day, 42nd day to 119th day), slaughter parameters (dressing out percentage, the weight of individual parts of carcass body). Detected live weight in adult males weight was 5291.48 ±546.39 g. In adult females average live weight was 4623.10 ±458.41 g. The weight of live born pups of rabbits on day 1 was 57.84 ±1.08 g, weight on 21st day 310.09 ±7.21 g, weight on 42nd day from 1034.26 ±50.70 g up to 1128.13 ±30.78 g, 77th day from 2126.48 ±85.49 g up to 2243.70 ±47.07 g and 91th day from 2379.29 ±31.22 g up to 2653.53 ±37.86 g. An average dressing out percentage was 62.47±0.23%.

The aim of study was to evaluate the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on somatic cells count in Slovak Simmental dairy cows in period 2009 to 2013. We observed subsequent results in dairy cows of 55 822 Slovak Simmental cattle. Data were analysed using the SAS and linear model with fixed effects of herd, years and months controls, sire, breeding type. The results of somatic cells count during the years 2009 and 2013 were as follows: the highest number of samples was analysed during 2010 (n = 288 215), where the average count was 560.48*103 ·ml-1. The lowest average value of somatic cells count was of amount of 535.93*103 ·ml-1 (n = 280 732) in 2009.The linear model represents coefficient determination R2 = 0.038296 % (P<0.001) for SCC with all fixed effects. According to the analyses by the effects on SCC the highest effect was the effect of herd R2 = 0.021625, then effect of sire R2 = 0.015075. These effects were highly statistically significant (P<0.001). Correlation coefficients among milk in kg, fat, protein in % with somatic cells count were r = -0.12918, r = 0.04166 and r = 0.11423. These coefficients were highly statistically significant (P<0.001).

Somatic cell count (SCC) is a useful indicator of intramammary infection of cow’s udders and a standard of quality and hygiene of cow’s milk in many countries. The main non-inflammatory factors influencing SCC in goat milk are intrinsic depending directly on the animal and extrinsic where some of them are routinely recorded along milk recording. The objective of this study was to determine the sources of non-genetic variation for SCC in Alpine (ALP) and Saanen (SAN) dairy goat populations based on Croatian (CRO) and Slovenian (SVN) milk recording data. For that purpose, test day records (327,404 in total) were used. They were collected over the period from 2005 to 2017 in Alpine (ALP) and Saanen (SAN) goat populations in Croatia (CRO) and Slovenia (SVN). The majority of records (310,371) represent CRO data, while SVN data included 17,033 records. Data have been obtained from the Central database of Croatian Agricultural Agency and Slovenian Central Database for Small Ruminants, which are collected according to the ICAR standards. Data were analysed using MIXED procedure in SAS/STAT, based on the REML method. Results showed significant effect of the population, parity, litter size, year and month of kidding and interaction between them as well as the effect of the stage of lactation nested within the population on the SCC in milk of studied goat populations.

Egg production, quality parameters and sensory attributes were assessed using two hundred and eight (208) uniform female Japanese quails aged six weeks fed low-protein diet supplemented with lysine. The birds were raised on a conventional diet before being allocated into 4 dietary groups of 4 replicates of 13 birds each in a completely randomized design in a six week feeding trial. Diet T1 had a crude protein (CP) content of 21% and lysine inclusion of 0.10% while diets T2, T3 and T4 contained 19%, 17% and 15% CP with lysine inclusion of 0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25% respectively. Birds fed T2 had significantly higher (p<0.05) egg weight. External egg parameters including egg length, egg width, eggshell thickness, eggshell percentage, egg shape index and eggshell surface area were significantly influenced (p<0.05). Internal egg quality characteristics including average yolk weight, yolk height, yolk length, yolk colour, albumen length, albumen weight and yolk index were significantly different (p<0.05). The panelist response on egg sensory properties showed that ease of eggshell peeling, taste and overall acceptability were also significantly influenced (p<0.05). Quails fed T1 and T2 compared favourably interms of egg weight, egg length, eggshell index, eggshell surface area, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk length, yolk colour, yolk index, albumen weight, egg taste and overall acceptability unlike those fed T3-T4. Quails fed T4 had the overall least egg weight, quality parameters and acceptance because they were not easily peeled and tastes unusual. Therefore, a 19% CP diet with 0.20% lysine is adequate for laying quails.

Two hundred and twenty eight (228) one day old quails were used to assess the suitability of cassava vinasse meal (CVM) as a replacement for maize at varying inclusion levels of 0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0% and 15.0%. The birds were fed an adequate starter diet for the first week before being randomly alloted into 4 dietary group of 3 replicate of 19 birds each. The feeding trial lasted for six weeks. The crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash, moisture, nitrogen free extract and metabolizable energy of the dehydrated cassava vinasse were 19.26%, 7.96%, 3.72%, 9.33%, 5.68% and 12.17 MJ kg-1 ME respectively. The results showed that final weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P <0.05) influenced as inclusion level of cassava vinasse meal increases. Significant differences were observed on the haematological parameters such as haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (P <0.05). The analyzed panelist response on organoleptic parameters showed that tenderness, juiciness and texture were significantly different (P <0.05) with birds fed 10.0% CVM having the least values. In conclusion, 10.0% CVM (21% replacement for maize) in the diet of quails had no deleterious effect on the feed conversion ratio, haematological parameters and meat acceptability. Moreover, further research could be geared towards the use of exogenous enzymes and the performance of other poultry species including broiler chicken.

The growth performance, economic indices, carcass cuts and organoleptic properties of pigs (large white × landrace, n = 30) fed biscuit dough as a replacement for maize was examined in a 49-day feeding trial. Weaned pigs were randomly allotted to five dietary groups of six pigs each. A maize-soybean meal based diet served as the control (D1) while diets D2, D3, D4, and D5 had 12.5%, 25.0%, 37.5% and 50.0% biscuit dough respectively as a replacement for maize. The feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed cost per kg, feed cost per kg weight gain, profit per kg weight and economic efficiency of gain (EEG) were significantly influenced (P <0.05) by the dietary treatments. The feed cost per kg and feed cost per kg weight gain reduced linearly from D1-D5, unlike the profit and EEG which increased linearly. The carcass primal cuts including jowl, boston butt, loin, spare rib, belly, ham, trotters, head and picnic shoulder were significantly different (P <0.05). The organoleptic properties (meat colour, texture and overall acceptability) were significantly influenced (P <0.05) by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, feeding up to 37.5% biscuit dough as a replacement for maize improved the feed conversion ratio. Nevertheless, the use of biscuit dough up to 50% would result in reduced cost of production, higher profit margin, economic efficiency of gain, greater loin, belly, ham and overall consumer acceptability. Therefore, the use of biscuit dough by pig farmers would improve pig performance and enhance profitability up to 50.0% replacement for maize.

This investigation tested the hypothesis that community structure of AMF would vary in soil sown with maize (Zea mays) and amended with inorganic NPK fertiliser and tillage practice. Three tillage practices [conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and zero (NT)] were imposed on maize cultivars (Oba super 2 and Swan 1) in soil amended with (600 kg NPK ha-1) and without. The treatments were in split-split arrangement fitted into randomised complete block design, replicated thrice. The main plot consisted of maize varieties; sub plot consisted of tillage practises, while sub-sub plot was made of soil amendments. The results showed NT supported enriched community structure of AMF with predominance of Glomus in soil in the order NT > MT > CT. Similar pattern was observed on species richness, species evenness and diversity. Spore count, percentage colonisation, species richness, evenness and diversity were significantly higher in non-amended soil. Significantly higher spore count was observed in the rhizosphere of Oba super 2. Improved performance of maize in amended soil could have implied complimentary role of Glomus apart from nutritional. Cultivar differences of maize and seasons could have explained variation in species diversity of AMF in a derived Savanna.

The aim of the study was to determine the growth characteristics of three rabbit breeds (Czech Solver, CSo, n = 11; Czech Spotted, CS, n = 28; Blanc de Hotot, BH, n = 24) under small-scaled stock conditions as a basis for their potential meat performance. The body morphometric characteristics live weight (LW), head length (HL), body length (BL), ear length, thoracic circumference (TC) and body compact index TC/BL were recorded in growing rabbits from 21st to 91st day of their age. At the end of the trial, the highest LW value was recorded in the BH breed (2700.0g) as compared to the CSo and CS breeds, respectively (1887.5 and 1545.4g). The values of the HL were significantly affected by a rabbit breed up to the 63rd day of their age (P <0.01). The highest values of BL and TC were found in the BH breed as compared to the CSo breed and also the CS breed (P <0.01). The BH breed showed also the longest ears (P <0.01) while the different dynamics of the ear growth among the evaluated breeds was found. Concerning the body compact index TC/BL, the growing rabbits of the BH breed showed wider body given by their musculature proportion as compared to the representatives of the CSo and CS breeds (P <0.01). Our findings suggest that the Blanc de Hotot breed possesses suitable growth and morphometric characteristics for intended meat production.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are often negatively affected in agro-systems. This investigation tested the hypothesis that community structure of AMF would vary in soil sown with maize (Zea mays L.) and amended with inorganic NPK fertilizer and tillage practice; that varietal variation of maize would have implication on their performance in a derived savanna. Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in the early and late cropping seasons of 2013. Three tillage practices [conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and zero (NT)] were imposed on maize cultivars (Oba super 2 and Swan 1) in soil amended with NPK fertilizer (120 kg N/ha + 60 kg P2 O5 /ha + 60 kg K2 O/ha) and no fertilization. The treatments were in split-split arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design, replicated thrice. The main plot consisted of tillage practises, the sub plot consisted of maize varieties, while the sub-sub plot was made of soil amendments. Glomus was identified in the soil in the order NT > MT > CT (early and late seasons of 2013). Similar pattern was observed on specie richness (late season), specie evenness and diversity (both seasons). Spore count, percentage AMF colonization, specie richness, evenness and diversity were significantly higher in non-amended soil than amended. Significantly higher spore count was observed in the rhizosphere of Oba super 2 than Swan 1. Conversely more Acaulospora was observed in Swan 1 than Oba super 2. These evidences suggested that NT supported enriched community structure of AMF with a predominance of Glomus. Conversely, amending soil with NPK in this agroecology reversed this pattern, except for Glomus. Improved performance of maize in amended soil could have implied complimentary role of Glomus apart from nutritional. Cultivar differences of maize and seasons could have explained variation in species diversity of AMF in a derived savanna.

The aim of the study was to determine the growth characteristics of three rabbit breeds (Czech Solver, CSo, n = 11; Czech Spotted, CS, n = 28; Blanc de Hotot, BH, n = 24) under small-scaled stock conditions as a basis for their potential meat performance. The body morphometric characteristics live weight (LW), head length (HL), body length (BL), ear length, thoracic circumference (TC) and body compact index TC/BL were recorded in growing rabbits from 21st to 91st day of their age. At the end of the trial, the highest LW value was recorded in the BH breed (2700.0g) as compared to the CSo and CS breeds, respectively (1887.5 and 1545.4g). The values of the HL were significantly affected by a rabbit breed up to the 63rd day of their age (P <0.01). The highest values of BL and TC were found in the BH breed as compared to the CSo breed and also the CS breed (P <0.01). The BH breed showed also the longest ears (P <0.01) while the different dynamics of the ear growth among the evaluated breeds was found. Concerning the body compact index TC/BL, the growing rabbits of the BH breed showed wider body given by their musculature proportion as compared to the representatives of the CSo and CS breeds (P <0.01). Our findings suggest that the Blanc de Hotot breed possesses suitable growth and morphometric characteristics for intended meat production.

We conducted a long term experiment (set up in 1983) to examine the effects of fertilization and plant density on SPAD and LAI values as well as yield in 2017 and 2018, in two maize hybrids (Sushi, Fornad) in chernozem soil. Hybrid yields varied between 10.2– 16.7 t ha-1 in 2017 and between 9.3–15.9 t ha-1 in 2018, depending on fertilization doses and plant density. The hybrids had SPADmax values in early July (55.5–60.4 in 2017 and 54.9–63.9 in 2018), whereas they got LAImax values in early July (3.0–5.3 m2 m-2 in 2017) and early August (3.5–4.4 m2 m-2 in 2018). Research data evaluated by Pearson correlation calculations proved that fertilization was the main factor that had a significant effect on SPAD and LAI values in the different maize phenophases (r = 0.6**–0.8** for SPAD, r = 0.5**–0.8** for LAI). Correlation among plant density, hybrid and SPAD and LAI values showed very weak correlations in both years (r = 0.1–0.3). The yield of the maize hybrids was most significantly affected by fertilizer in 2017 (r = 0.672**) and plant density in 2018 (r = 0.517**).

β-carotene has many important functions in the body: as a precursor of vitamin A, it works as antioxidant and affects the fertility of cows. This paper presents the results of measurements of the content of β-carotene in the blood serum of cows from different farms in Slovenia. Blood samples of cows (n = 604) from 176 farms with impaired fertility were analysed for β-carotene content using Yudkin's photometric method. The descriptive statistics and the proportion of samples that deviated from the reference values were calculated. Influence of month of sampling and farm on β-carotene level was studied as well. The median value of β-carotene in the investigated samples was 5.02 mg/L (minimum 0.63 mg/L, maximum 16.10 mg/L) and was within the reference range. In 32.8% of cow samples, the content of β-carotene was below the reference value (4.0 mg/L). According to the results, we believe that this is not a negligible problem in Slovenian farms, and that it is advisable to control β-carotene status in cows, especially in herds where fertility is impaired and in farms where the composition of the diet indicates the possibility of β-carotene deficiency.

Global warming is already affecting several areas and a further increase of 1.5°C is expected by 2050. Dairy cattle are particularly sensitive to high temperature. So, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) on milk traits, considering changes of climatic parameters in the different seasons from 2010 to 2018. The study was conducted in 3 farms located in a hilly-mountainous area of Tuscany, the Mugello, situated from 220 to 450 m above sea level. Data on average daily milk yield and composition were monthly collected in the 3 farms from 2010 to 2018, while climatic parameters were recorded by a climatic station located in the area of the farms. As regards the climatic parameters, no significant variations have been observed in the last decade. The THI calculated thanks to the recording of temperature and humidity of the weather station, during the warmest months, was high enough to cause heat stress. The milk quality traits declined when THI increased. In conclusion, there was not any evidence that global warming has been affecting Mugello, but, despite its altitude, high THI usually reached during spring and summer seasons are already high enough to cause heat stress and a further increase could worsen farm productivity.

The development of antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem which jeopardises both human and animal health. Livestock sector is generally blamed as principal contributor due to the over-use of antimicrobials to treat animals. Hence, new strategies to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) are necessary. Little is still known on potential factors affecting AMU in beef production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the impact of farm, breed, sex and season on AMU in Charolaise and Limousine breeds. Data on body weight, breed, sex and AMU were collected from 10 specialized beef farms (543 batches) located in Veneto region (Italy). Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated and AMU data were used to calculate a treatment incidence (TI100it) through the Defined Daily Dose Animal based on Italian dosage. An ANOVA was performed to investigate sources of variation of ADG and TI100it. Overall, farms differed significantly for both ADG and TI100it. The ADG was greater for Charolaise than Limousine breed (P <0.05). Limousine had greater TI100it than Charolaise (P <0.05), and males had greater TI100it than females (P <0.05), likely due to their higher susceptibility to respiratory diseases. Differences among seasons were also observed, with the coldest periods of the year having greater TI100it compared to summer and spring (P <0.05). Findings of the present study shed a light on potential risk factors of AMU in beef cattle, which will be useful to develop new strategies for the reduction of antimicrobials.5

The administration of high quality colostrum reduces preweaning morbidity, mortality and, therefore, economic losses related to replacement animals. It also stimulates and improves calf growth, increasing milk production and longevity of the future dairy cows. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of breed and parity of the dam on colostrum quality, and of breed and gender of the calf, and time from calf birth to the administration of the first colostrum meal on the transfer of passive immunity to the calf by the field test of the Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) on calf serum. A further objective was to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the field FPT test through a second laboratory phase improving the turbidity evaluation. The amount of IgG fed to calves (IgG concentration multiplied by the volume of colostrum administered) was influenced by dam parity as significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected between first- and fourth-parity cows, and between second- and fourth-parity cows. The administration of good quality colostrum (IgG > 50 mg/ml) between 5 and 9 h of life was able to reduce the risk of FPT more effectively than the administration performed within the first 4 h of life. However, further studies on larger sample size is needed to confirm the present findings. The spectrophotometric measurements confirmed the results obtained by the field turbidity test at 14% sodium sulphite dilution. It would be interesting in future to expand the dataset and validate the spectrophometric method.

The first three months of life is the most critical period for the young calf, and nutrition plays an essential role for a successful weaning program. The effects of starter feed physical form have been widely investigated in the last decades, but results are variable and often inconsistent. We compared the impact of texturized and pelleted starters on growth performances during the artificial pre-weaning period on replacement female dairy calves. A total of 16 calves were divided in two independent groups, fed with pelleted or texturized starter and monitored from 2 to 44 days of life. Morphometric traits as well as health status, growth performances, feed intake and efficiency were recorded weekly. An interesting significance (p=0.013) was found for the weight increment, that starting from 5th week showed higher values in animals fed with texturized rather than pelleted feedstuff, although no differences were obtained for the feed efficiency. Despite the lack of significant differences, the trends observed for weight increment and health status, suggest some advantages in the use of texturized feedstuff during the pre-weaning period.

Insects are one of the proposed responses to the increasing request of alternative feed/food productions with high production yield and low environmental impact. Insect production offers a new sustainable alternative for unexploited or underexploited resources, in accordance with the waste hierarchy principles. Insects constitute a reliable alternative or addition to feed due to their nutritional characteristics (e.g. protein content, amino acid profile and/or digestibility levels). Edible insects may be part of human foods mostly as ingredients in already well-known products or integration of insect-based foods into existing diets. In the near future research is needed to increase knowledges and support the insect industry to a considerably scale up to reach competitive price and high-quality products.