Všechny tituly 402 výsledků

Precision agriculture, which also includes the controlled movement of machines across the field, has several positive economic and environmental aspects. Despite this fact, knowledge gaps were identified, especially regarding the impact of compaction on changes in the humus regime and soil structure. For this reason, the first data are presented and discussed in this short communication. Soil samples for the determination of soil organic matter (SOM), humus, and soil structure parameters were taken from a long-term field experiment of controlled traffic farming. Samples were taken from points along permanent track lines and in places where no machines had passed for 12 years. The obtained results indicate that 12 years of no machinery passing through the field improves the soil structure, but does not significantly affect the parameters of organic matter and soil humus.

The increase of milk production at the farm level requires an accurate balancing of the diet and the nitrogen supply also to minimise the possible environmental pollution deriving from dairy farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary protein utilization at different crude protein (CP) levels and to predict nitrogen content in faeces on the basis of nutritional parameters and milk urea nitrogen content (MUN, mg dL-1). The study was conducted on three groups (A, B, C) of lactating dairy cows (8 cows per group, including Latvian Brown and Holstein Black and White breeds) from 10 to 30 days in milk. Total mixed rations containing different levels of CP (approximately 18.0%, 17.5% and 17.0% for A, B and C, respectively) were fed. The amount of feed consumed by each cow was measured and feed samples collected during the trial. Milk yield (kg d-1-1) and faeces amount were recorded, and samples were collected at day 21 of the study for further analysis. Feed samples were analysed for CP, net energy for lactation (NEL, MJ kg-1) and other parameters. Milk samples were analysed for fat (%), total protein (%), casein (%) and urea content (mg dL-1). The statistical investigation was conducted using ANOVA, and correlation and regression analyses. The results showed that milk yield, fat, total protein, casein, urea, and MUN were not significantly different among groups being not affected by the dietary CP levels. The correlation between faecal nitrogen content and CP content in feed was moderately positive and statistically significant (r=0.44, P=0.03), while the correlation between faecal nitrogen content and MUN was moderately negative and showed tendency towards significance (r=-0.39, P=0.06). The regression analysis showed that feed CP explained approximately 20% of faeces nitrogen content.

The objective was to analyse (1) relationships between somatic cell score (SCS) i.e. logarithmic transformation of somatic cell count (SCC) and daily milk yield and milk components (fat, protein and lactose contents), and (2) factors aff ecting variation of these traits in Hostein cows. Test day records (10,892) from 2015 to 2020 were investigated. Relationships were characterized using linear correlations. Eff ects of fi xed factors: SCC class, parity, month in milk, sampling year and season, and random factors of cow and residual error were evaluated using mixed model. The factor SCC class was omitted in the analysis of SCS. There were found negative correlation coeffi cients between SCS and milk yield (-0.25) and lactose content (-0.36), and positive correlation coefficients between SCS and fat content (+0.12), and between SCS and protein content (+0.15). The considered fixed factors showed the significant influence on investigated traits. With increasing SCC, milk yield and lactose content decreased and fat and protein contents increased (this pattern agreed with pattern of correlation coeffi cients). Milk yield, fat and protein contents and SCS were lower in primiparas than in multiparas; lactose content showed the opposite pattern. The lowest milk yield and lactose content were found in autumn; the lowest fat and protein contents were found in summer. The highest SCS found in winter did not confi rm a hypothesis that higher temperatures and humidity have impact on cows’ susceptibility to infections and the number of pathogens to those cows are exposed. Further research is needed.

The present study aimed to assess the relationship of soil properties with extractable zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in soil as well as rice plant at different incubation period. The soil and plant samples were collected from 10 districts (Yamuna Nagar, Sonipat, Jind, Panipat, Karnal, Panchkula, Kaithal, Rohtak Ambala, and Kurukshetra) of RWCS (Rice wheat cropping system) of northwest Haryana of India. The effects of soil properties especially soil texture with the micronutrient in soil and rice plant at different incubation period have not been well studied. In the lab-cum-survey study, the analysis of grain samples collected from different districts of Haryana under varied soil texture showed a positive correlation between Zn/Fe concentration in grain and mean release rate of Zn/Fe in soil (Zn – 0.80; Fe – 0.98). The highest Fe concentration in grain was found in clayey soils (59.74–60.41 mg/kg) having a maximum mean soil Fe release rate (17.98–18.03 mg/kg). Likewise, the highest Zn concentration in grain was recorded in clayey soils (29.71–30.57 mg/kg) of Yamuna Nagar and Panchkula, which has the highest mean soil Zn release rate (1.03–1.14 mg/kg). Univariate and multivariate analysis under principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to determine the linear relationship between soil properties and extractable soil Zn and Fe concentration as well correlogram correlation matrix using for soil properties with grain Zn and Fe concentration. Hence, the study concluded that the detection for Zn and Fe are more successful in soils with a higher proportion of clay particles than in sandy soils. Plant uptake potential is highly influenced by soil micronutrient interactions with soil properties, especially soil texture, which can be predicted by extractable soil micronutrients.

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 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%.

Sunflower is the second most cultivated oilseed crop in Slovakia. It remains an attractive crop in primary agricultural production because of the many benefits it provides. The study aimed to assess the impact of biological material (Subaro HTS, Sumiko HTS) and products containing bioactive substances (Humix® Universal, Humix Bór, Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Stimul Plus) on sunflower production in the 2021–2022 growing seasons. A partial aim was to investigate the possible effect of adaptogens on a plant organism, specifically sunflower. The field trials were designed using the perpendicularly split block method with a randomized block complete design on an experimental basis of SAU in Nitra, located in a warm maize production area. The variability of weather conditions was statistically demonstrated on the achieved production parameters. Weather conditions were more favorable in 2022 regarding seed yield 3.25 ±0.31 tons per hectare (t.ha-1) and oil content 47.14 ±0.90%. Evaluation of biological material confirmed that the hybrid Sumiko HTS achieved significantly higher yields of seeds 3.29 ±0.28 t.ha-1 and oil content 46.66 ±1.32% compared to Subaro HTS. The utilization of bioactive substance combinations exhibited significant impact on sunflower production. Specifically, superior values in the examined parameters, such as seed yield 3.30 ±0.26 t.ha-1 and oil content 46.99 ±1.12%, were observed in instances where Energen Fulhum Plus + Energen Stimul Plus preparations, inclusive of adaptogens, were applied during the growth stage BBCH 18.

Field trials were conducted during rainy season of 2019 and 2020 at Teaching and Research Farms, Directorate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria (Latitude 7o12′54′′N – 7o9′17′′N; Longitude 3o20′24′′E – 3o27′68′′E). The trials were laid out in a split-split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Main plot treatment was three lowland rice varieties (NERICA L-34, ARICA-3 and WITA-4), sub plot treatment (three plant populations: 250,000, 160,000 and 111,111) plants/ha and the sub-sub plot treatment (three seedling ages: 7, 14 and 21 days). Data collected on growth, yield and yield components were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and treatment means separated using 5% least significant difference (LSD at p ≤ 0.05). The results showed that there was 36% and 120% increase in hill count when rice was planted at 160,000 plants/ha and 250,000 plants/ha, respectively compared to 111,111 plants/ha in both years. Planting 7 days old rice seedling resulted in lower hill count compared to planting 14 and 21 days olds seedling. In both years, NERICA L – 34 produced longer rice grains, more grains per panicle and higher grain yield than ARICA – 3. Our findings also revealed that rice grain yield increased with plant population with the highest yield recorded with 250,000 plants population. Highest grain yield was recorded with planting 21 days old rice seedling. Therefore for maximum rice yield, 21 days old seedling of NERICA L – 34 should be planted at 250,000 plants/ha.

In a two-year pot experiment carried out in a vegetation cage located on the premises of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, the effect of vermicompost (Vc) used at a dose 8.3 to 16.6 times higher than permitted by the Nitrates Directive on young maize plants on their phytomass was investigated. The results showed that excessive amounts of vermicompost did not have a depressing effect on the growth of young maize plants. On the contrary, they increased the production of phytomass. The legislatively determined nutrient doses should take into account the type of organic fertilizer and the different abilities of plants to convert nutrients into phytomass formation.

Laccase currently has a global market of more than 3 million USD, due to its redox potential, whose cost is determined by the raw material. Fungal laccase was produced from cheap agrowaste using a fungal source. Fungal isolation was done from microbes of decomposing cellulosic raw material. Cerrena unicolorwas found to be the most promising fungus and identified using ITS based sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and morphological study. Among different cellulosic materials, wheat straw was a better raw material for fungal isolates in laccase production. The optimization of laccase production was done using wheat straw with one factor at a time to find optimaltemperature (30 °C), incubation period (14 days), moisture percent (80) and pH (5). Response surface method with central composite design using yeast extract as an organic source of nitrogen or ammonium sulphate as an inorganic source was compared for laccase production. Copper sulphate was used as an inducer. It gave a significant model with quadratic equation which gave nearly similar experimental and predicted laccase production values. A 6-fold change in laccase production was found after optimization. The purification product after SDS PAGE showed the isolated laccase to have a single polypeptide of around 64 kDa. The study found that copper acted as an inducer in the laccase production, where solid state fermentation using wheat straw was a compelling combination for the isolated fungi in laccase production. The isolated fungi have the potential to produce laccase as a result of different growth parameters and the use of different agricultural wastes.

Drought is the major bottleneck for food security worldwide. Identifying reliable selection traits that sustain plant growth and productivity under water-deficient conditions is essential for releasing resilient drought tolerant wheat genotypes. Herein, in order to identify the best combination of drought tolerance related-traits, this study was carried out to assess the effect of 21 shoot and 17 root secondary traits on grain yield of 40 bread wheat genotypes from germination to maturity stages under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. In this research, germination rate (GR), mean germination time (MGT), roots weight (RW), roots number (RN) and Root : Shoot ratio (R/S) were relevant for discriminating drought tolerant genotypes, expressing negative moderate correlation (r~-0.5) and explaining a significant part of yield variation (8 to 30%). Grain number (GN) was the most important agronomic trait (r~0.70-0.94) which explained up to 88 % of yield variation. This latter effect is reinforced by the indirect effects of productive spikes number (FSN), thousand kernel weight (TKW) and grains number per fertile spike (GNFS). The biomass (BY), ground cover (GC), spike (SL) and pedoncule lengths (PL) were also relevant, especially under severe stress (r=0.4-0.6 ; β=0.33-0.40) ; while the canopy temperature depression (CTD) was determinant under moderate stress (r=-0.45 ; β=-0.46). Combined selection for these traits will be effective to improve the process of developing high-yielding bread wheat varieties adapted to drought prone areas.

The study presents an approach to detect selection signals by the scan of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in two beef cattle populations bred Slovakia. The frequency and distribution of runs of homozygosity in the genome are affected by natural and artificial selection, recombination rate and structure of the population. After quality control, the final data set included 43,427 single nucleotide polymorphisms with overall length 2,504 Mb. Across the genome, sixteen regions under strong selection pressure with a total length of 73.94 Mb were identified. The functional analysis of selection signals revealed several quantitative trait loci for body structure, fitness and milk production. In the region with a high frequency of ROH reflecting the intense artificial selection genes related mainly to muscle development (MSNT, ROCK1, LAMTOR5) were observed. Besides, genes related to the control of the immune system (PTX3, FGL2) and reproduction (ADCYAP1R1) were localized within selection signals. The results confirm the intention to improve the production and reproduction traits of Charolais and Limousine cattle according to established breeding objectives for each breed.

The aim of the study was to observe the salivary concentrations of cortisol in horses during daily routine over the course of four weeks lasting experiment in three different stages of day to monitor the changing values of cortisol in horse saliva during the day. Saliva was obtained from 12 Slovak warmblood horses – 1 stallion, 6 mares and 5 geldings. In the experiment we focused purely on changes of salivary cortisol concentrations over the course of the daily routine.The results shown us multiple significant changes between individual sample collections and thus, we can state that according to our results the highest concentration of cortisol in horse saliva is in the morning and it decreases throughout the day with lowest measured concentrations being in the final sample collection of the day (at 22:00). These changes had no visible effect on horses´ organism throughout entirety of the experiment and were caused due to horses daily rhythm.

The aim of this experiment was to compare selected qualitative parameters in above-ground phytomass of the first Slovak cultivar of Festulolium A et. Gr. cv. Lenor in compare earlier registered cultivars Felina and Hykor. The pot experiment was conducted at the Demonstrating and research base of the Department of Grassland Ecosystems and Forage Crops, Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra (Slovak Republic) with controlled moisture conditions (shelter) in 2017. Content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, crude fiber and water soluble carbohydrates were determined from dry above-ground phytomass of grasses. The significantly highest (P<0.05) nitrogen content in average of cuts was in above-ground phytomass of Felina (30.3 g.kg-1) than Hykor (25.4 g.kg-1) and new intergeneric hybrid Lenor (25.0 g.kg-1). At the least content of phosphorus was found out in hybrid Lenor (3.4 g.kg-1). In average of three cuts was the least concentration of potassium in new intergeneric hybrid Lenor (5.8 g.kg-1). At least content of calcium was found out in hybrid Lenor (7.0 g.kg-1). Magnesium concentration of was from 5.0 g.kg-1 (Hykor) to 6.1 g.kg-1 (Felina). Higher (P<0.05) fiber content in average of cuts was in above-ground phytomass of Lenor (27.0 %) and Hykor (26.5%) than Felina (24.0%). The highest concentration of water soluble carbohydrates has in Hykor and Lenor (3.5%).

This study investigated genetic diversity, population structure, and selection footprints across 16 local sheep breeds from the Danube region using high-density SNP data. The diversity status was derived from the overall heterozygosity and genomic-based inbreeding coefficients (FHOM and FIS). Population stratification was assessed using principal component analysis, phylogenetic networks, and admixture estimation. Selection footprints were identified based on the genome-wide Wright's fixation index (FST) distribution. Moderate observed and expected heterozygosity levels were found, with the highest values in the Improved Valachian breed (Ho = 0.44±0.10, He = 0.44±0.08) and the lowest in the East Friesian (Ho = 0.37±0.16) breed. Inbreeding coefficients aligned with heterozygosity patterns, indicating an increase in inbreeding in geographically or historically separated breeds and reduced inbreeding in recently developed composite breeds, particularly the Improved Valachian and Slovak Dairy sheep. All approaches testing population structure confirmed breed stratification corresponding to geographic and phylogenetic backgrounds, while admixture analysis revealed the highest proportion of genetic admixture in the composite breeds. A genome-wide scan revealed 24 candidate regions under selection pressure across 15 autosomes, encompassing 48 protein-coding genes, including those related to reproduction (TNP1, AMHR2) and immune response (SLC11A1, IL9, JAK3). Functional enrichment analysis identified overrepresented GO terms related to protein binding, spermatogenesis, hypoxia response, and KEGG pathways such as TGF-beta and VEGF signalling. This study provides insights into breed-specific selection pressures driven by diverse breeding goals and environmental adaptation in sheep breeds in the Danube region. The study also highlights the importance of genomic tools for preserving genetic diversity and supporting sustainable breeding strategies in local populations.

Reproductive selection index of two dam pig breeds was established five years ago to enhance the reproductive ability of sows. Since then, positive genetic progress in the population and some economic disorders (e.g. the input and output prices disproportion) appeared in the swine sector. The study aimed to revise index according to the current circumstances and further ensure the desired gain. In three index variants, the current, optimal, and adjusted trait proportion was assessed. Economic weights (EWs) of the breeding objective traits were applied in two alternatives to evaluate the index for future stable and deteriorated conditions. Under the current index construction and stable EWs, the favourable selection gain in piglets born alive (NBA) and slight extension of farrowing interval (FI) is indicated. The optimal index construction would result in a favourable gain of both traits in one breed. The adjusted index maintained the increasing litter size equal to the current index and achieved favourable gain in FI in both breeds. The same was true for deteriorated economic conditions except for the optimised index variant, where expected higher genetic progress in one breed. Nevertheless, this genetic gain was insufficient to compensate the declined EW of traits, and the overall financial benefit was almost half of those in stable conditions. For both alternatives of evaluated economic conditions, the current index should be revised in terms of a slightly higher proportion of FI to reach favourable genetic gain in both breeding goals.

The fungus Cercospora beticola Sacc. is the one of the most important pathogens on the sugar beet. The frequent application of fungicides with the same mode of action increase a risk of development of resistant strains of the pathogen. Occurrence of C. beticola resistant strains has been never researched in Slovakia. In this work, the C. beticola isolates were collected from 10 locations of Slovakia and analysed for fungicide resistance in laboratory conditions. There were tested nine fungicides with different mode of action – trifloxystrobin + cyproconazole, kresoxim-methyl + epoxiconazole, azoxystrobin + cyproconazole, thiophanate-methyl + tetraconazole, thiophanate-methyl, prochloraz + propiconazole, picoxystrobin, tetraconazole, and difenoconazole. The results confirmed, that occurrence of fungicide resistance in C. beticola population was established in Slovakia. Different criteria of assessment of fungicide resistance (based on EC50 and on growth rate – inhibition percentage) showed slightly different results, but both of the criteria confirmed resistant C. beticola strains to thiophanate-methyl, picoxystrobin and difenoconazole. Fields with higher frequency of application of these fungicides significantly supported the development of resistant strains. It is very important to focus on anti-resistant strategy and reduce of using fungicides on localities, where the occurrence of resistant C. beticola strains was confirmed - Dolné Saliby (thiophanate-methyl and picoxystrobin) and Senec (picoxystrobin and difenoconazole). The lowest level of risk of fungicide resistance was confirmed in the locality Oslany. Assessment of any C. beticola strains have not confirmed reduced sensitivity to active ingredients tetraconazole and prochloraz + propiconazole.

In this study, we present the first data on the sexual dimorphism and diet of a typical desert lizard species, Scincus scincus, in the region of El-Oued, southeastern Algeria. The objective was to characterize the types of prey in the diet and determine whether there is a correlation between prey size and body size in males and females. The results obtained reveal that out of the 115 individuals captured (43 males and 72 females), sexual dimorphism is observed. Males tend to be larger than females, with males exhibiting relatively larger snout-vent length, head height, head length, and jaw length compared to females. However, no difference is recorded in terms of head width. The analysis of stomach contents allowed us to identify 485 prey items distributed among 9 prey categories, all attributed to insects. Coleoptera was the most commonly ingested prey category, accounting for 61.54% of stomachs, 59.79% of total prey items, and 62.41% of total volume. A similar diet was observed between females and males of S. scincus, with a high diet overlap (O = 0.99) and a low diversity of prey types ingested by both males (Ba = 0.17) and females (Ba = 0.19). Coleoptera represented the most dominant order in the skink's diet, followed by the Hymenoptera order. Generally, the remaining seven taxa were consumed in low proportions by both sexes. Additionally, we observed no significant difference between the number of prey consumed and the volume of prey between the sexes, and no correlation was found between morphometric characteristics, diet composition, and prey volume.

The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of oxidative product levels, using malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker on occurrence of mastitis and its causing pathogens in two dairy flocks of ewes situated in east and north of Slovakia. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of milk, with the evaluation of Californian mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological analysis of individual raw milk samples. From total 537 and 444 halves ewe’s milk samples were 16.6% and 23.2% positive to CMT, respectively. The prevalence of mastitis caused by bacterial pathogenes in the monitored herds was 14.3% to 19.1%, respectively. In all monitored sheep flocks were confirmed predominantly subclinical forms (SM) of intramammary infection (IMI). The highest of etiological agents in all monitored herds had coagulase negative staphylococci and coagulase positive staphylococci especially Staphylococcus aureus. Except for staphylococci were Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus spp. most frequently pathogens isolated from mastitic sheep. The highest MDA level was observed from clinical cases of mastitis however, increased MDA levels were detectable from subclinical cases. Bacterial isolates from mastitc halves milk samples are different in levels of MDA. In this study, we found that milk samples infected with S. aureus were higher compared to other pathogens. In conclusion, differences in both severities of IMI and mastitis pathogens were associated with differences of MDA in infected udders.

Silage technology is one of the major strategies for nutritionally improving and preserving feedstuff during seasonal shortages for ruminant animals. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the silage characteristics, nutrient profiles and in vitro digestibility of raw, poultry manure- and urea- ensiled cocoa bean shell meal. The mixtures of raw CBSM and poultry manure (PCBSM) in ratio 1 : 1 (w/w) and 5% urea solution (UCBSM) in ratio 1 : 1 (v/w) were ensiled for seven days under anaerobic conditions. Data generated were subjected to appropriate statistical tools. According to physicochemical properties the silages produced could be acceptable/palatable for ruminants. Nutrient compositions was best improved in poultry manure ensiled cocoa bean shell. Mineral compositions were significantly improved by the treatments while anti-nutrients decomposed and reduced significantly. Alkaloid, oxalate and theobromine content were lower in the PCBSM while the UCBSM was lower in phytate. In vitro digestibility study showed that the feed materials are degradable and would nutrients could be absorbed and utilized by the animals, if fed. The organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) values confirmed the nutritional potentials of PCBSM as best feed materials over all. Methane production were minimal, would not lead to bloat in animals and thus, eco-friendly. Summarily, poultry manure ensiled cocoa bean shell meal could be a suitable alternative feed material in ruminant production and is thus, recommended.