„Slovakia“ 41 výsledků

Milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] is a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family that is grown for its silymarin content. In the production of the silymarin complex, oil is obtained as a secondary product that must be removed from the seeds before extraction of silymarin. The oil contains a favorable ratio of fatty acids and essential phospholipids and has a high vitamin E concent. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of the harvest and the oil content in the dry matter of milkthistle fruit in three varieties (Silyb, Silma, Mirel) during growing seasons 2019 and 2020. The field experiment was conducted in a warm climatic region of western Slovakia (at the experimental site, Dolná Malanta locality). The results showed that the average yield of milk thistle fruit was 452.72 ±61.71 kg ha-1. The oiliness results wereat the level of 28.62 ±1.12%. The maximum and minimum oil content values in the dry matter were determined in the variety Silma 2019. The differences between the individual varieties were not statistically significant. The factor of the growing season had a statistically significant effect on the oil content. Based on two-year fertility and oil content results, it is recommended to continue to monitor the quantitative and qualitative potentials of the milk thistle in the following growing season.

This work done in Arboretum Stradch (Ukraine) extended the investigation of the epiphyllous bryophytes diversity in the temperate zone started by Pundiak and Michalko (2020) in Arboretum Mlyňany (Slovakia). It was identified two taxa of not typically epiphyllous bryophytes, all belonging to mosses and considered as generalists and obligate members of bryoflora of Ukraine at low risk of extinction: Brachythecium salebrosum (Hoffm. ex F. Weber & D. Mohr) Schimp. and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. As epiphylls these taxa were also the most abundant in Mlyňany. The both identified epiphylls occurred mainly on young individuals of a gymnosperm phorophyte Abies alba Mill., which grew near the trunks of 50 years lindens Tilia cordata Mill. abundantly covered by mosses. H. cupressiforme also occurred rarely on leaves of two deciduous angiosperm phorophytes: Corylus avellana L. and Ulmus glabra Huds. growing near trunks of 140 years oaks Quercus robur L. densely covered by the same moss species. B. salebrosum occurred also on one species of evergreen angiosperm phorophyte Rubus caesius L. (near mentioned trunks of T. cordata) and on one species of deciduous angiosperm phorophyte Ulmus glabra Huds. (near mentioned trunks of Q. robur), but scarcely.

With climate changes, soil-pollution and degradation, organic farming is communicated much more often. That is why more research about impact of organic farming has been appearing and developing. Aim of our research was to detect if there is any impact of organic farming on small terrestrial mammals such as has been found in other soil, plant and fauna. Nine localities, at which organic agriculture was practised, were studied and two localities were used as control samples. The research sites were located in the west of Slovakia and in Eastern Iberian Peninsula. They represent a typical Continental and Mediterranean areas. Forty-six individuals of seven species (Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus musculus, Mus spicilegus, Mus spretus, Rattus sp., Crocidura russula, Crocidura suaveolens) were recorded. The highest abundance was recorded at hedgerows in biodynamic vineyards and the most species at an ecotone of biodynamic vineyard and forest. At cultivated sites, we documented the highest number of species at biodynamic vineyard and biologically managed vineyard. The observed species show affiliation to different types of habitat which indicates the need of landscape heterogeneity to maintain diversity. The results signify the obligation to pay more attention to different types of organic farming, identify particular benefits and embrace the most suitable of them.

The aim of the study was to assess iodine concentration in raw sheep milk from chosen farms in Slovakia and to evaluate the factors that are involved. The assessed factors were as follows: effect of farm, iodine supplementation, farming system (conventional/ organic). The bulk milk samples were collected (June-August 2020) from seven sheep farms located in various districts of Slovakia. The analyses were carried out using the spectrophotometric method of Sandell-Kolthoff. The average milk iodine concentration of analysed bulk milk (26 samples) was 121.4±24.4 μg.l-1. The concentration of iodine in milk was significantly affected by the farm (P <0.05). There was observed large variability among the average milk iodine concentrations of samples ranging from 52.4±9.5 μg.l-1 to 511.6±48 μg.l-1. Similarly, iodine supplementation via mineral licks in farms significantly affected milk iodine concentration (P <0.01). This might be demonstrated by the lowest values in milk from the unsupplemented farm, ranging from 23.0 to 74.6 μg I.l-1, which indicate iodine deficiency. The farming system did not significantly affect the concentration of iodine in raw sheep milk. However, we observed lower milk iodine concentrations in organic farms as compared with conventional (94.4±25.9 μg.l-1 vs 131.4±32.0 μg.l-1, respectively.). To conclude, our results might suggest the important role of iodine supplementation on milk iodine concentration, as well as the significant impact of the farm as an important source of milk iodine concentration variability, which deserves attention regarding milk products and human nutrition.

The purpose of the study was to asses the effect of calving season and dams’ parity on milk yield and gestation length of dairy cows. We examined 93 animals of Slovak spotted breed from the farm located in western Slovakia (Lower Váh region), in years 2014-2017. The herds’ average 305-d milk yield was 8133±1380 kg. The calving season was divided into four categories: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). The factor of dams parity was divided into 4 groups: 1st parity cows, 2nd-3rd parity cows, 4th and higher parity cows. Calving season affected significantly milk yield of dairy cows (P < 0.01). The highest 305-d milk production was oberved in winter calvings (8942±218 kg) and the lowest in spring calvings (7377±287 kg). The gestation length was not signifficantly altered by calving season (P > 0.32). Dams’ parity was not significantly affected by 305-d milk yield (P > 0.22). Nevertheless, the animals on the 4th and higher lactation were numerically more productive (8481±259 kg) compared to the dairy cows on their 1st,2nd-3rd lactation (8123±264 kg; 7884±223 kg; resp.). The dams’ parity significantly affected gestation length (P < 0.02), with the shortest gestation length in 1st parity dams (278±2 days) and the longest gestation in 2nd-3rd parity dams (284±1 days).To sum up, our results suggest significant role of calving season in relation to milk yield and significant effect of dams’ parity on gestation length.

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.

In this study we observed the effect of peroral and parenteral supplementation of Selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VTE) on the selected antioxidant parameters in blood and on the incidence of mastitis in ewes after the first lambing. Of the 350 sheep of Improved Walachian and Lacaune breeds, situated in eastern Slovakia under standard zootechnical and animal hygiene conditions, we selected thirty one-year-old ewes before their first lambing. The ewes were divided into three groups according to the method of supplementation of Se and VTE. The blood samples from vena jugularis were collected on day 30 before lambing (control sampling) and on days 3 and 30 after lambing. Ewes were checked for mastitis on days 10 and 30 after lambing. On the day of the control sampling the ewes from the B1 group were perorally supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg/DM in the form of Na2SeO3 and 50 IU/vitamin E/kg/DM, while ewes from the B2 group were injected subcutaneously Se with VTE at a dose of 6.6 mg/Se and 1,000 IU/VTE. Changes in the concentration of Se and VTE in the blood plasma of ewes were determined only in the perorally supplemented group (B1) on day 3 after lambing. At 30 days after lambing the the incidence of mastitis in this group was half as lower (10%) as in the control group (20%).

A prerequisite for the successful pig breeding isthe achievement of high reproductive performance, which can be influenced by several environmental factors. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the impact of the season, microclimatic indicators and technology of housing of the lactating sows on the number of the weaned piglets in the litter. The experiment was performed on a production farm in Slovakia and a total of 800 litters were evaluated. The results have shown that the season had a statistically significant effect on the number of the weaned piglets (p<0.01), least in the summer and most of them in the fall. The highest number of the weaned piglets was found at the temperatures from 18 to 22 °C (p<0.05), temperatures outside the stated range had a negative impact on the number of the weaned piglets. An increase of the relative humidity - above 70% (p<0.05) and an increase in the flow - above 0,4 m.s-1 (p<0.05) led to a decrease in the number of the weaned piglets. In the housing with a freemovement of the lactating sows, the number of the weaned piglets was higher than with the restricted movement (p<0.05).

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.

Here, the specific natural variability of iPBS (Inter Primer Binding Sites Polymorphism) fingerprints in thirteen varieties of Vitis vinifera, L. was performed. All of the analysed biological material was collected in the vineyard of Sabo vinery for describing of the existing genetic polymorphism. Young leaves from a total of thirteen grapevine varieties were obtained in the in the Small Carpathians wine region of Slovakia, Vrbové. Genetic length polymorphism was studied by iPBS markers. A dendrogram of genetic similarity of generated fingerprints was constucted by UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean) and the Jaccard coefficient of genetic similarity was used for the analyse of 13 Vitis vinifera, L varieties. The generated dendrogram is separated into three major clusters at the genetic dissimilarity of 0.58. Cluster 1 is composed of two red varieties – Alibernet and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cluster 2 was further subdivided into two sub-clusters, where the larger one include all white varieties - Pinot Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, Welschriesling, Irsai Oliver, Grüner Veltliner, Pálava, Weisser Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Feteasca Regala. The second subcluster is comprised from two red varieties – Blaufränkisch and Dornfelder. The analysis prooved the the iPBS technique is an effective retrotransposon based markers to evaluate the variability of the genome in the germplasm of Vitis vinifera L. cultivated varieties.

The fungus Cercospora beticola Sacc. belongs to the most important pathogens on sugar beet. The Cercospora leaf spot disease is important problem for growers in all growing areas of sugar beet. This study was focused on the morphological diversity of C. beticola isolates and occurrence of their fungicidal resistance in Slovakia. Isolates involved in this work were collected from sugar beet leaf during 2016-2018. Average growth rate of the tested C. beticola isolates on five different media showed the major role of cultivation temperature. The fastest growth was measured by 30°C on TE medium, followed by PDA, SBLEA, AWSBL, and V8. The colour of aerial mycelium varied from olive-green to grey with white powdery appearance, per grey colour with wrinkled texture, to black colour. There is no significant correlation among isolates origin, colony morphology parameters and growth rate. The highest sporulation rate was recorded at cultivation temperature 25°C by using of TE growth medium, the lowest one by V8 medium. The inhibition effect of azoxystrobin + cyproconazole was significantly different among the tested isolates from different localities and years. The results showed reduced sensitivity of C. beticola population in Slovakia strictly depending of the locality. The most reduced sensitivity was measured on localities Hronovce and Nové Zámky, followed by localities Mojmírovce, Senec, and Dolné Saliby with similar values. There is no positive correlation between inhibition effect and mycelial growth rate. The results showed increasing fungicidal resistance of C. beticola to azoxystrobin + cyproconazole in some localities of Slovakia.

The aim of this work was to identify and quantify the relationships between dry matter content and key energy nutrients (water-soluble carbohydrates and starch) in silage maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) during vegetation development in the foothills of Slovakia. This work summarises the results of 9 experiments carried out at three locations (2016 to 2021: 140 different hybrids; 1,320 measured samples). Dry matter content was determined by a combination of gravimetric determination and measurement of water content in dried samples using the NIRS method (prediction model R2 0.987). We also determined the content of water soluble carbohydrates (prediction model R2 0.994) and starch (prediction model R2 0.978) in dry matter using the NIRS method. Using 3rd and 4th degree polynomial models, we evaluated the contents of these nutrients at a dry matter content level of 300 g.kg-1, which we can consider as a basic starting point for reaching maize silage maturity. Across individual years, and across groups of hybrids grouped according to silage maturity determined by dry matter content, water soluble sugar content reached 140 g.kg-1 of dry matter and starch content reached 280 g.kg-1 of dry matter at a dry matter content of 300 g.kg-1. We found the lowest variation coefficient (7.53%) when evaluating the relationship between dry matter and the sum of water-soluble carbohydrates together with starch. We suggest using this parameter as a second criterion for determining silage maturity, and also for classifying hybrids in silage maturity groups with rounding to a ten-day period.

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.

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.

This review aims to highlight the importance of genetic evaluation of health traits. In the past, cattle breeding primarily focused on milk production traits, but nowadays, there is a shift towards considering health traits and longevity. Cows are mainly affected by four diseases: mastitis, claw diseases, metabolic diseases, and reproductive diseases. These ailments negatively impact milk production, impair reproduction, and incur high treatment costs. In 2012, the ICAR implemented guidelines for the genetic improvement of health traits, establishing a system for recording diseases and their key indicators. This system includes a comprehensive key (>900 diagnoses), a reduced key (60 to 100 diagnoses), and a simple key (10 diagnoses). Genetic evaluation of health traits started in the mid-70s in Nordic countries. Previously, Czechoslovakia had a system for evaluating and classifying the overall health of breeding cows and bulls. In Slovakia, genetic evaluations for milk production traits, somatic cell score, calving ease, and longevity are performed. However, these traits are not included in the selection index along with health traits, for which genetic evaluations are not made. Two selection indexes are currently used: the Slovak Holstein Index, which takes into account milk production traits and type traits at 60% and 40% respectively, and the Slovak Production Index, which takes into account milk production in kilograms, fat production in kilograms, and protein production in kilograms.

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.

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.

Size-fraction of water-stable aggregates (WSA), soil organic carbon (SOC) in soil bulk, and different sizes of WSA and their contributions to C sequestration were determined under different rates of biochar (B0: no biochar, B10: 10 t ha−1, and B20: 20 t ha10 t ha−1) at the Experimental Station of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovakia. The results showed that only the application of 20 t of biochar ha−1 significantly reduced the content of WSAmi compared to B0. In B10 treatment, SOC in soil bulk decreased by 7%, but in case of B20, it increased by 14% compared to B0. In B20, the higher SOC content in soil bulk was also reflected in higher SOC concentration in size-fractions of WSA than in B0 and B10 treatments. However, a higher representation of SOC in WSA from the total SOC from the soil bulk was found in the B10 than in B0 and B20 treatments. SOC contents in WSAma >3 mm and 0.25-0.5 mm polynomial increased with their proportions in B0 and B10, and opposite decreased in WSAma 3-0.5 mm and WSAmi along with all treatments. These results indicated that the rate of biochar is crucial for C sequestration in soil bulk and in WSA. Water-stable macro-aggregates have a great potential for C sequestration in soils after organic amendments.

Soil organic matter (SOM) and its incorporation into soil aggregates play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, which is essential for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. This study focuses on the influence of different soil types on soil structure and the capacity of soil aggregates to retain carbon. The objectives were: (1) to compare soil structure across different soil types, (2) to quantify the content of SOM in size-fractions of aggregates, and (3) to identify relationships between SOM and individual size-fractions of aggregates. The research was conducted in a field at Dražovce near Nitra city (western Slovakia). Samples from the Ap and A horizons of four soil profiles were analyzed for aggregate size-distribution, carbon contents (C), and the carbon sequestration index (KSC). The results indicated that Cambisol exhibited the highest aggregate stability, while Chernozems showed the highest SOM content but the lowest KSC. Calcisol demonstrated the greatest sequestration potential. Aggregate stability was positively correlated with the content of labile carbon, particularly in medium-sized macroaggregates (1–5 mm). These findings highlight the complex interactions between aggregate size, structural stability, and their capacity to sequester carbon.

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.