„quality“ 79 výsledků

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.

Uganda is among the top five pork producing countries in Africa, with pig production and local pork consumption being on an increase. Smallholder pig farming systems in Uganda are not very well documented. A household level survey of 199 households conducted between July and August 2018 in Kamuli and Hoima districts evaluated the smallholder pig breeding practices. Differences between districts were assessed with a chi-squared test. Farmers mainly relied on animals born on farm, from mating of a sow with an on-farm boar as well as boar service, and animals bought in for use as breeding animals. They were knowledgeable of off-farm sources for fattening and breeding animals. Local and crossbreds of local with ‘exotic’ types like Large White, Landrace and Camborough pigs were the predominant types of animals accessed by the farmers. The farmers seemed conversant with heat detection methods in the breeding sow. Sow reproductive problems reported by about 40% of the farmers were small litter size and few litters farrowed over the sow’s lifetime. While important for farm management and breeding purposes, animal identification and record keeping were generally lacking. Main marketing pathways were sales to other farmers and traders at farm gate. Farmers would benefit from participatory strategies that enhance access to quality genetic material. The local pig is an important resource of the smallholder pig herd and additional studies on important traits (heat tolerance, disease resistance and feed utilization) would add valuable information.

The ameliorative effects of ginger meal (GM) on the performance, carcass, and meat qualities of broilers fed diets containing MSG were examined. A total of 360 day – old broilers were randomly allotted into four diets: Diet A (control), Diet B (basal + 1.25 g MSG/kg diet), Diet C (Diet B + 1.25 g GM/kg diet) and Diet D (diet B + 2.50 g GM/kg diet). The birds were fed starter and finisher diets and water ad – libitum. At 6 weeks old, growth performance, carcass and meat qualities were assessed. Broilers on Diets B to D significantly (P < 0.05) recorded increased weight, feed, energy, and protein intakes with those on Diet D having the best feed conversion ratio. The dressed weight and dressing percentage of broilers on the experimental diets were better than the control diet. The inclusion of GM significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the negative impacts of MSG on relative weights of the heart, liver, and bile. Meat catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced while lipid peroxidation and meat cholesterol were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated among the birds fed Diet B when compared with the control. However, the inclusions of GM played a restorative role by significantly (P < 0.05) improving the meat antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation and cholesterol. Therefore, the inclusion of MSG at 1.25 g/kg with an inclusion of 1.25 to 2.50 g GM/kg was beneficial for feed palatability enhancement with resultant improvement on performance, carcass, and meat qualities.

Agricultural land is a more important resource biodiversity and changes in their dispersion and structures reflected the quality of habitats. A suitable bioindicator pointing to such changes is the taxon Araneae. The aim of our research was to point out the dispersion of Araneae individuals in the ecological and conventional farming conditions and also the influence of pH, potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen on their abundance. During the years 2018 to 2021, we caught 2,862 individual Araneae in ecological farming (Pisum sativum, Grass mixture, Triticum spelta and T. aestivum) and conventional farming conditions (Brassica napus, Hordeum vulgare and Zea mays) using the pitfall trap method. The dispersion of Araneae individuals was the highest around crops in ecological farming. We confirmed a declining number of individuals with decreasing values of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen in conventional and also ecological farming. However, the difference was within the limits of optima phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, which were lower in ecological farming compared to integrated farming. On the basis our results, both types of farming can be evaluated as homeostatically, which affects the dispersion and abundance of Araneae. Providing them with topical and trophic conditions, which is important for the production of biomass and also affects the crop.

The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of inorganic forms of nitrogen (N-NO3-, N-NH4+, N-NO2-) in the Bocegaj creek and Kolínany pond, the impact of the wastewater treatment plant on the water quality in the pond, to identify the sources of pollution in the creek during the year of 2014. Water sampling was carried out at regular monthly intervals periodically from January to October, from six sampling points. During the time horizon, all four seasons alternated, which was also reflected in the change of the concentrations of individual forms of nitrogen. It was found that the water in the Kolínany pond did not meet the recommended value (N-NH4+, N-NO2-) and the limit value (N-NH4+) specified by the government regulation of national low. The main source of pollution was insufficiently purified water discharged from the Kolínany wastewater treatment plant.

Keel bone damage (KBD) is a multifactorial problem. This problem applies to all types of housing systems, caged as well as cage-free systems, including free-range and organic. The common causes are in particular collisions with the elements of the environment, such as perches, as well as collisions between hens. Extremely high frequency and severity of damage adversely affects not only welfare of laying hens also their production and egg quality too. This article provides an overview of current knowledge about the occurrence of KBD, the causes of its occurrence and consequences for the quality of life of laying hens in intensive large-scale production conditions. In the introductory part, we describe what keel bone is, the high incidence and prevalence of the problem, which implies the importance of long-term dealing with this issue at the global level. In the next part, we deal with the factors that can cause the occurrence of KBD, the relationship between the occurrence of KBD and bone quality, nutrition with an emphasis on calcium, the relationship between KBD and welfare, individual housing systems, age, genotypes of hens, feathering, efficiency and quality of production of laying hens and in the final part section we present detection methods. As already mentioned, the occurrence of KBD is influenced by a number of factors, but due to the differences in the prevalence of this problem in different countries, further comprehensive research is needed. The deviations and fractures of the keel bone can have a negative impact on the welfare of laying hens, which will subsequently be reflected in the possible painfulness of feed intake, laying, product quality, which ultimately will always affect economic efficiency. The goal of long-term research should to try to reduce the incidence of these conditions, or their prevention. It is important to deal with genetic selection, nutrition, a very important area, as far as KBD is concerned, are the conditions of the breeding environment, especially the housing system and the elements that make up the equipment of the rearing and breeding area, as well as the standardization of the methods used to detect damage to the keel bone. Palpation, post-mortem palpation, multiple sensing technologies are used. Researcher training can significantly improve both the accuracy and reliability of assessment of sternal fractures and deviations. If the results of keel bone prevalence will be compared or combined between individual studies, all methods used to detect keel bone damage should be accurate, i.e. sufficient methodological details should be given for each study and the method of determining prevalence should be standardized.

This paper aims to provide an overview of the suckler beef cow production system in Slovakia and its implications for greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and ammonia. The study collected data from 24 farms with a total of 3,745 sucker cows in 2021, representing a variety of breeding practices and breeds used for production of weaned calves. The results shown that the farms breeding Charolaise had the lowest proportion (0.61, n=8) of permanent grassland from all land managed in contrast to Pinzgau (0.73, n=2) or Limousine (0.76, n=9) in this database. Preference of winter calving season prevailed representing 38 % of all cows (12 farms, 1415 cows) which had achieved calving rate 0.82 ± 0.13 of calf per cow and calving interval 420±35 days. In the contrast, farms that were not specific about preferred calving season reached rate 0.73±0.14 of calf per cow and calving interval 407±26 days. Mean average daily gain was 0.978 ± 0.23 g day-1 and age at weaning 188±48 days. Emission factors were 15.15 ± 3.7, 109.7± 9.3 and 0.800±0.07 kg of ammonia, methane and nitrous oxide for cow per year. Present study helps to identify information gaps on various factors such as forage quality, grazing practices, feed rations, and reproductive stage. Data on these variables even from a relatively small number of farms would provide opportunities to overcome the challenges to evaluate on-farm GHG mitigations and their trade-offs.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of selected growing factors on the production, quality, and composition of fatty acids. The field small plot experiments were stablished on research-experimental base in Dolná Malanta in 2018 and 2019. Growing factors and experimental material used in this study were hybrids Carrera, SY Gracia, Marbelia CS and Reasun DS-5 grown by Clearfield and Clearfield Plus technology, and biostimulating preparations Florone (made from hydrolyzed plant proteins formulated with NPK) and Fertisilinn (foliar fertilizer with orthosilicic acid and micronutrients). Statistical analyzes confirmed the significant influence of the year on all monitored parameters of the experiment. For achieved yield and fatty acid content (oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid) was more favorable experimental season of 2018. Experimental year 2019 was more suitable for creation of yield-forming elements, oil content, and linoleic acid content. Used hybrids significantly affected the head diameter, weight of thousand achenes, yield, oil content, oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Significant differences between hybrids were achieved mainly in qualitative parameters (oil content, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids). The biostimulating preparations significantly affected yield-forming elements (head diameter, weight of head, and weight of thousand achenes), yield and quality (oil content, and all fatty acid composition), from which it follows that the application of biostimulating preparations affects the main production parameters, and the quality of the oil through fatty acid content. The very strong negative relationship (r=-0.9951; P < 0.01) in fatty acid composition between oleic and linoleic acid was found. In the other side very strong positive relation (r= 0.9882; P < 0.01) between number of plants and number of heads was recorded.

The effect of different fertilizers (digestate, Ureastabil) and their combinations with strip-till/no-till technology on yield and selected quality parameters of the maize hybrid KWS Kampinos (FAO 200) in a dual cropping system (winter rye - maize) was assessed in two-year field trials (harvest 2021-2022). A significant influence of year was found in most monitored parameters. A total of 6 variants were compared, 2 variants with no-till and 4 variants with strip-till. After using the strip-till method, the silage maize yield increased significantly (11.8 – 15.4 t DM/ha) compared to the no-till method, either on the unfertilized variant (8.3 t DM/ha) or after applying fertilizer Ureastabil (11.44 t DM/ha). When using the strip-till method, no significant differences in the yield of silage maize (average over 2 years) were demonstrated between these three fertilized variants: Ureastabil (14.03 t DM/ha); digestate + Ureastabil (15.4 t DM/ha), digestate (14.2 t DM/ha) at total dose of 120 kg N/ha for each variant. The dry matter content of the silage biomass was insignificant between all the variants (32.0 – 34.1%). Differences in quality parameters of silage under the influence of fertilization variants were minimal (crude protein, starch, ash, ADF) or none (NDF). From the results obtained, it can be concluded that maize can be successfully grown and fertilized with strip-till soil conservation technology.

Despite the critical role played by roots for the acquisition of water and nutrients from the soil, especially in stressful conditions; root characteristics are rarely utilized as selection criteria to improve nutrient uptake efficiency in maize breeding programs. In this study, seedlings of twelve Algerian maize populations with two commercial maize hybrids were evaluated to: (i) study the phenotypic variation of nine root traits under low nitrogen (LN) and high nitrogen (HN) levels and (ii) determine root traits accounting for most of the phenotypic variation among the evaluated populations. High phenotypic diversity was observed for all studied traits under both N levels. Under LN conditions, seedlings adapt by rapidly increasing their root systems to exploit nitrogen (N) resources, resulting in significant increases in primary root length (PRL), seminal root length (SRL), seminal root number (SRN), and total root length (TRL). Conversely, shoot dry weight (SDW) decreased. The first two principal components explained 73.46 and 74.82% of the total variation among the maize populations under LN and HN conditions, respectively. Thus, root dry weight (RDW) and TRL were major contributors of the phenotypic variation. In addition, RDW and TRL were significantly correlated with most of the other traits under both N levels. Therefore, during the seedling stage, RDW and TRL can be used as favorable selection criteria. This diversity gives opportunities for enhancing N use efficiency, potentially leading to reducing N fertilizer requirements. As a result, this can contribute to reduce input costs and maintaining environmental quality.

Microalgae are recognized as one of the most promising raw materials for the production of third generation biofuels because of their fast growth and high energy yields. Chlorella sorokiniana is a green microalgae that thrives in wastewater and is also used for its purification. The goal were to verify the effective method of cultivation and subsequent biochemical conversion of green microalgae in open bioreactors, monitoring the amount and quality of biogas produced in an experimental fermenter using the wet fermentation method at the Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development at the Slovak University of Agriculture in 2023. As a result of the experiment, we found that the specific production of biogas per unit of organic dry matter of 4.503 m3/kg from the grown biomass of green microalgae of the monitored species several times, specifically 4.7 times exceeded the specific production of biogas from first-class corn silage. When converting the specific production of biogas per unit of dry matter, 2.197 m3/kg represents 3.8 times more compared to the most important raw material for biogas production, corn silage. Third generation biofuels are not yet enough used in Slovakia, but there is considerable potential, as our experiment proved.

Diarrhea is a common problem on dairy farms, which in turn leads to reduced development of dairy calves. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of colostrum period quality on the health status and development of dairy calves during the first fifteen days of life. The study was carried out under the conditions of 1. zemědělská a. s. Chorušice. 30 calves were included in the study. After birth, female Holstein cattle were randomly divided into three groups with different feeding management practices. During the entire monitoring period, zootechnical parameters were recorded and health status was evaluated. Twelve samples of different colostrum were taken. These samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and the presumed causative agents of diarrheal diseases were identified on the farm. The results showed the influence of colostrum period management on calf development. The relationship between microbiology and length of colostrum intake in calves was investigated. With the right approach to the colostrum period, we can raise healthy and prosperous calves.

Hormones and fatty acids play a crucial role in enhancing the yield and quality of in vitro produced embryos. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of leptin and linoleic acid in increasing the in vitro maturation rate of ovine oocytes and the resulting competence of embryos. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment aimed to investigate the nuclear status of oocytes at three maturation intervals (9, 21, and 28 hours), while the second experiment aimed to examine the cleavage rates and quality of the resulting embryos. In both experiments, the oocytes were matured in six maturation treatments, primarily consisting of TCM-199 supplemented with varying concentrations of leptin and linoleic acid. The control group, without any addition, was designated as T0, while increasing concentrations of leptin and linoleic acid were added to four treatments: T1 (50 nM.ml-1 and 10 µM, respectively), T2 (75 nM.ml-1 and 100 µM, respectively), T3 (100 nM.ml-1 and 200 µM, respectively), and T4 (150 nM.ml-1 and 1,000 µM, respectively). In the last treatment (T5), only 15% fetal calf serum was added. In comparison with the control (T0) and T5 treatments, matured oocytes in the T3 treatment achieved the highest rates of M-II (88.46% at 28 hours; p <0.001), cleavage (81.27%; p = 0.001), 2–8 cells (22.55%; p = 0.001), morula (11.27%; p = 0.04), blastocyst (66.18%; p = 0.001), and Type I embryo (47.55%; p = 0.02). In conclusion, the maturation of sheep oocytes in a combination of leptin (100 nM.ml-1) and linoleic acid (200 µM) through TCM-199 resulted in the highest rates of maturation and embryonic cleavage of excellent quality.

The aim of this study was to determine the fat content and fatty acid profile of 5 commercial dry granulated dog foods purchased in Slovakia and to compare the analyzed content with the minimum requirements for fat and fatty acid content according to FEDIAF (2021), and also to compare the fat content with the manufacturer‘s declared fat content on the packaging. The samples were analyzed in the Laboratory of Quality and Nutritional Value of Feeds, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, according to standard laboratory procedures and techniques. The results confirmed that four out of the five puppy compound feeds tested, met the requirements for fatty acid content according to FEDIAF (2021). All samples met the requirements for a minimum fat content of 85.00 g.kg-1 DM, a minimum linoleic acid content of 13.00 g.kg-1 DM, a minimum arachidonic acid content of 0.30 g.kg-1 DM, and an α-linolenic acid content of 0.80 g.kg-1 DM. Four samples met the minimum EPA + DHA content requirement, while sample E did not meet the minimum limit (0.50 g.kg-1 DM). When comparing the declared fat content on the packaging and the determined total fat content of the tested foods, we found a lower fat content of 0.23% for sample B and 4.78% for sample C.

Bovine reproductive physiology is a complex process that is closely linked to the cattle industry‘s effective production. Follicle diameter and the hormonal content of follicular fluid play an important role in determining ovum quality, overall embryo production, and bovine fertility. This study investigates the hormonal profile of follicular fluid in ovarian follicles of varying sizes in Iraqi cows. A total of 22 samples were collected from sexually mature, disease-free, and non-pregnant cows over a two-month period (July and August). Three of the follicle groups were classified: (2–5 mm), (6–9 mm), and (10–15 mm). Following visual measurement, follicular fluid was extracted, and concentrations of progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were analyzed. The results showed a significant difference (p <0.0001) in progesterone levels 6–9 mm. Also, estrogen concentration was higher in 10–15 mm compared to the other groups. Testosterone concentration was higher in follicles (2–5 mm) compared to follicles (10–15 mm and 6–9 mm), respectively. Thyroid-stimulating hormone was higher in 2–5 mm compared to 10–15 mm follicles. The current outcomes participate to the thoughtful of known mechanisms of hormonal function in ovarian follicle growth in bovine species, showing that progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and TSH are critical factors in these mechanisms.

The presented study addresses the issue of biodiversity, which is a fundamental element of all ecosystems. Since the reduction or loss occurs as a result of many factors, such as habitat degradation, rapidly increasing environmental pollution, worsening climate crisis, monoculture cultivation, urbanisation, and the expansion of non-native species, among others, which have serious consequences for the existence of life on Earth. For this reason, biodiversity protection is necessary, as any change threatens the existing flora, fauna, habitats and the entire society, since all of these factors lead to a deterioration in the functioning of not only natural ecosystems, but also agro-ecosystems. Especially in agricultural landscapes, it is necessary to solve the above problem with measures that would support wild organisms. One of the measures is modern biobelts, which serve to slow down or stop the reduction of biodiversity, as they address the agro-environmental-climatic aspect. The present vegetation of biobelts improves the trophic supply and increases the spatial and temporal availability of food sources for the present organisms. On the other hand, biobelts pose a risk of enriching the soil seed bank with weeds, which may later be manifested in increased weeding of cultivated crops, and the proliferation of pests also appears to be a problem. Another highly effective measure in providing multiple ecosystem services, ensuring water regulation and quality, pest and disease control, while supporting biodiversity, long-term productivity and soil quality, is the use of agroforestry. The results show that increasing diversity in natural ecosystems and agroecosystems through planned measures represents an important strategy, which leads to improved biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Agricultural land is important for the biodiversity of small mammals, their modifications in the spatial structure also indicates the quality of the agroecosystem. Different methods of land management (organic and conventional) affects their heterogeneity, which also affects crop yield. The goal of our research was to determine changes in the spatial structure of small mammals under conditions of organic and conventional farming. Crops grown in organic farming were Pisum sativum, Triticum spelta, Clover grass mix and Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Brassica napus in conventional farming. Between the years 2019 and 2023, with the help of pitfall traps, they recorded a total of 195 individuals and 6 species (Apodemus sylvaticus, Micromys minutus, Microtus arvalis, Crocidura leucodon, Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus). We confirmed 6 species and 95 small mammal individuals in organic farming; 5 species and 100 small mammal individuals in conventional farming. Multivariate analysis (PCA) confirmed the preference of small mammals for organic farming crops. A significant influence of temperature and moisture on the spatial dispersion of small mammals was found using redundancy analysis (RDA). One more species in each type of management was predicted using the rarefaction curves. From the results of our research, we can say that small mammals preferred the conditions of organic farming, which points to better topical and tropical conditions for them in this type of farming.

Based on the research results obtained by the authors and other researchers, the importance and necessity of increasing the production of leguminous crops as an important source of food for the population of our planet are substantiated. It is proved that the varieties of these crops created in our country as well as the soil and climatic features allow us to expand their acreage significantly, which will positively affect the entire agricultural complex. The methodology adopted for this research comprises field and laboratory procedures used in breeding legume crops. The genotypes of the world collection of soybean, pea, chickpea and lentil were tested for yield, drought resistance, protein content and seed quality. The paper provides a description of the varieties of soybean, pea and chickpea created in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute, the world gene pool of these crops is characterized, which is most adapted to the steppe conditions of Ukraine. The most common methods of processing commodity seeds into food ingredients characterized by high therapeutic and prophylactic properties are described. The results can be applied in further breeding work with leguminous crops which should be aimed at developing the complex of adaptive traits and improving the chemical composition of seeds. In this paper we demonstrated the significant potential of legumes for solution of the future sustainable nutrition problems.

Purpose of theretrospective, present study was to determine whether fecal microbiota transplantation (fMt) from well known, otherwise healthy lean donor dogs could be capable of substituting disease condition from disease to health status, reverting to factory settings and further might improve thelife quality of dogs with several different diseases. Taking into account study design, setting and enrollment (along with accompanying archive data) this clinical trial was conducted between 2011 to 2024 among 1,885 diseased dogs with several different system involvement were treated with fMt at median number of 2 to 6 occasions. To those of solely eligible dogs (with witten owner consent, triage position, without systemic inflammatory respond syndrome orother hazardous condition) were recruited for thestudy. Data were analyzed from March 2011 to June 2024. All fMt interventions from each lean donor (heterologous) were administered either by gastroduodenoscopy (n = 112 into theduodenum) orby rectal enema (n = 1,773 into thecolon). Available cure rates ranged from 41.42% to 93.61% regarding entire enrolled dogs. Forest plot denoted an overall response rate of 76%. Highest cure rates (nearly 94%) were deemed available for gastroentero-dermatological disorders to those of satisfactory clinical recovery for each cases enrolled. Lowest cure rates were observed for endocrinological and cardiovascular disease conditions exhibiting 41 and 47%, respectively. Available results were establishing futuremeta-analysis source inwhich data is lacking. This study should highlighten theefficacy and possible treatment switching modalities to those ofuncurable diseases.