„Slovakia“ 40 výsledků

In this work we screened for the diversity of epiphyllous bryophytes covering leaves of evergreen plants growing in temperate region of Arboretum Mlyňany (Slovakia). We identified five taxa of not typically epiphyllous bryophytes, all belonging to mosses: Brachythecium salebrosum (Hoffm. ex F. Weber & D. Mohr) Schimp, Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw., Hypnum cupressiforme var. filiforme Brid., Platygyrium repens (Brid.) Schimp., Pylaisia polyantha (Hedw.) Schimp. All these taxa are considered as obligate members of bryoflora of Slovakia at low risk of extinction. The most abundant was the generalist H. cupressiforme, while the rarest was the typical epiphyte P. polyantha. All identified epiphylls occurred on nine species of evergreen angiosperm phorophytes: Prunus laurocerasus L., Hedera helix L., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt., Ilex aquifolium L., Rubus caesius L., Viburnum × burkwoodii auct., Rhododendron catawbiense Michx., Viburnum rhytidophyllum Hemsl., Aucuba japonica Thunb.; on one gymnosperm phorophyte Cephalotaxus harringtonii var. drupacea (Siebold. & Zucc.) Koidz; and on one fern Asplenium scolopendrium L. The most often species of phorophyte for epiphyllous bryophytes was P. laurocerasus, while the rarest taxa were R. caesius, V. rhytidophyllum, R. catawbiense, A. japonica, V. × burkwoodii.

The genetic structure of five goat breeds bred in Slovakia was characterized using a visible genetic profile and biochemical polymorphic systems. Tree dairy goat breeds – White Shorthaired, Brown Shorthaired and Alpine goats – and two wool goat breeds – Angora and Cashmere goats – were evaluated. Calculated were the heterozygosity and the effective number of alleles for each locus based on the allele frequencies of eight genes determining type traits and biochemical polymorphic systems, as well as their average values as indicators characterizing the genetic variability of each breed. The genetic differences between breeds were also determined.

The objective of the present study was to determine the fatty acid profile of grape pomace, grape stem and grape bunch of three different cultivars of Vitis vinifera sp. (Green Veltliner, Pinot Blanc and Zweigelt) from two countries as a possible sources for animal nutrition. Fatty acid profile analysis was performed using the Agilent 6890 A GC machine. Significant differences (P <0.05) in fatty acid content of analyzed samples were detected between the countries, as well as between the cultivars within countries. Grape pomaces and grape bunches were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (70.91–71.86%), represented mainly by linoleic acid (69.79–70.32%), and low in saturated fatty acids (12.42–12.96%). Grape stems were characterized by a high saturated fatty acids content (24.46–30.85%), but on the other hand, these samples had the highest α-linolec acid concentration (9.98–14.52%). Oleic acid (12.24–15.17%) was the most abundant from monounsaturated fatty acids (12.69–15.33%) in all the analyzed samples. These results indicate a strong impact of the grape variety and location on the fatty acid profile of grape by-products and their potential to be evaluated as feed additives with high polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration in animal nutrition.

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.

The study aimed to examine the analyses of the trend in the numbers of dairy cows, production and reproductive traits in the population the Slovak Spotted cattle for period 2010 to 2019. The number of Slovak Spotted dairy cows is maintained on a relatively stable level in recent years. There was a decrease in the number of animals (12 428 in 2010), but not as strong as after 1990 (85 518). From 2017 number of animals is rising from 14,062, to 14,150 (2018) and 14,627 (2019), respectively. As compared to 2010 an increase of 13.15% in 2017, 13.86% and 17.68%, in 2018 and 2019 respectively was observed. Population size raised from 113.15% (2017) to 117.68% in 2019 respectively. The average annual increase in milk production between the years 2010 to 2019 was + 157.5 kg of milk (total 1,575 kg of milk), + 5.8 kg of fat (total 58 kg of fat) and + 6.1 kg of protein (total 61 kg of protein). Positive growth of milk production in recent years is slightly comparable with the trend of breeding improvement.

Animal products and meat from farm animals are consumed daily and it is very good source of animal proteins, but consumer´s information about exposure to heavy metals in meat and it´s health risk is in general low. The main goal of the present work was to determine essential and toxic elements in offal and meat of sheep from two different regions of Slovakia with different environmental load. In present study 11 elements (essential elements: calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, copper; toxic elements: arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel) have been analysed. Statistically significant differences (P <0.01) were noted between the concentrations of Ca, Zn, Cu in the liver, Zn and Se in the kidneys of animals, Ca, and Mg in muscle. In the liver of sheep, statistically significant differences (P <0.05) was detected in concentration of Fe and in the case concentration of Se in the mammary gland and muscle of animals. Chemical analyses between the control and experimental group of animals indicated increased concentrations of Cd in the liver and kidney of animals in both monitored groups, which exceeded the maximum residual limit. Results of this also showed statistically significant correlations between some elements in animal tissue samples.

The contents of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in raw cow’s milk, feed and soil samples from three regions of Slovak Republic (SR) depending on the environmental regional classification of SR. Total 60 pool milk samples from undisturbed environment (Novoť area), moderately disturbed environment (Tulčík area), and from strongly disturbed environment (Čečejovce area) collected in April, July and September were extracted, purified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and analyzed using the gas chromatography with electron capture detector method (GC-ECD). Thirty feed samples of total mixed ration (TMR) were collected in April and September and after the extraction and purification by GPC were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography (GLC). Fifteen soil samples collected in April were analyzed using the GC-ECD. All samples of raw milk, feed and soil were under the limit of quantification (LOQ) from all regions and did not exceed the limits set by European Commission. There were no seasonal differences in the PCBs levels in the milk, feed and soil samples. The milk PCBs consumption from these locations has no negative impact on consumer’s health. The results indicate the decreasing trend in PCBs occurrence in the environment and food sources. Despite this positive findings, there is a constant need to monitor environmental burden of PCBs in the different regions of Slovakia where mainly food of animal origin is produced and to recognize another sources of PCBs that may impact the food chain.

Pig carcass classification is based on instrumental prediction of lean meat content and application of the common SEUROP scale. Each member country uses an authorised apparatus with respective regression equation to predict the lean meat content. These equations may differ between countries since they are calculated on different populations. Differences in equations may lead to different predictions of lean meat content. In Slovakia, a significant portion of slaughtered fatteners come from abroad, especially from the Czech Republic and Hungary. Since the same apparatus is approved in neighbouring countries, our study was aimed on the Fat-O-Meater and the comparison of lean meat prediction using three equations from neighbouring countries. Overall, the Slovak equation overestimated the lean meat content by 2.1% compared to the equation from Czech Republic and 2.56% compared to the equation from Hungary. Higher differences were observed in the R, O, P classes and lower differences were observed in the S, E, U classes when individual classes were considered. Different predicted lean meat content led to different carcass distribution over the SEUROP classes. Most visible changes were in the S and E classes. These changes suggest that the inclusion of carcasses from different suppliers should be considered in the authorisation trial.

The aim of the study was to determine the state of genetic diversity in Charolais and Limousine populations. The analysis was based on the panel of 49 629 SNPs that were used for genotyping of 85 individuals. For the assessment of the genetic diversity, the genomic inbreeding coefficient resulting from runs of homozygosity distribution in the genome and linkage disequilibrium based effective population size (Ne) were calculated. The results reflected a decrease in recent inbreeding (FROH >16 Mb under 1%) compared to historical (FROH >1 Mb in average 6%). The current effective population size was estimated based on the linear regression using Ne estimates for 50 generations ago. The effective population size across all analysed animals was 33.05 for Charolais breed (decrease of 4.51 animals per generation) and 7.02 for Limousine breed (decrease of 2.81 animals per generation). The estimation of current Ne indicated the endangered status of assessment populations and referred the need for continuous monitoring to increase population size but without reducing genetic diversity as a result of inbreeding.

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is the most important ectoparasite of livestock throughout the world. Entomopathogenic fungi are natural antagonists of stable flies with the potential to be used as biocontrol agents in integrated management programmes of this pest. The prevalence and species diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in populations of the stable fly were documented on a dairy cattle farm in south-western Slovakia. The prevalence of fungal infection was low and the maximum percentage of infected flies reached 2.72% during the season. Three Beauveria species were identified from infected flies, B. bassiana, B. pseudobassiana and B. brongniartii. Beauveria pseudobassiana and B. brongniartii are reported from S. calcitrans for the first time. In laboratory tests, the pathogenicity of four entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana, B. pseudobassiana, M. anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea against adult stable flies was compared. The flies were susceptible to infection by the fungi and the most virulent isolate of B. bassiana (IKEP10) was selected for spore formulation testing and field trials. We tested three types of spore formulations and the aqueous spore suspension was more effective against stable flies than spores formulated in the powder or oil suspension. Repeated treatments of the interior of the stable with B. bassiana spores at fortnightly intervals during June–August resulted in a 10 times higher prevalence of fungal infection in the stable fly population compared with the untreated stable, but the treatments did not effectively reduce the fly population. The selected B. bassiana isolate may represent an interesting tool in the biocontrol of stable fly populations, but further experiments are needed to design an appropriate formulation and enhance its efficacy.

The pilot survey among 36 Simmental cattle breeders in Slovakia was performed by an expert visiting farms and filling a questionnaire with farm managers. Data on the factors that influence the emission factors of ammonia, methane or nitrous oxide are needed to provide support for sustainable livestock production policies. Highest milk production (8305±828 kg) was found in the group with intensive production system comprising 7078 cows. Extensive systems were represented by only 2 farms with 451 cows producing 5527±1094 kg of milk. All farms used phase feeding, only 15% of all cows in the survey were grazing. The dominant way of handling animal waste was solid manure with straw bedding (30 farms), while slurry prevailed for the remaining farms. There were 8 farms (2095 cows) equipped with surface covered tanks, bags or using natural crust to reduce emission from slurry storage. Median emission factors of a dairy cow based on survey data were 137.21 kg, 0.850 kg and 50.79 kg per year for methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia, respectively. When aggregated by manure management, cows producing solid manure had a lower emission factor for methane but higher for ammonia and nitrous oxide compared to cows under liquid manure management. Linking data from various aspects of dairy production at farm level supports holistic approach as important for evaluation of food systems in the future.

Footpad dermatitis is a multifactorial health problem that occurs in chickens that are raised in suboptimal conditions and is mainly influenced by the choice of bedding material, microclimate, gastrointestinal health and stocking density. Aim of the study was to evaluate the current level of occurrence of pododermatitis on poultry farms in Slovakia to identify the assumed factors that most negatively affect the health of footpads. A total of 4219 animals were evaluated on 14 farms, during 41 measurements. We evaluated the influence of different bedding materials (peat, straw pellets and straw) and the season of the year. Footpads were graded to 0-4 and footpad dermatitis score was calculated. 49 % of the measurements were evaluated above footpad dermatitis index of 120 points what is the limit set in several countries of Western Europe. Our analysis shows that even in Slovakia there are farms that meet welfare standards of Western and Northern Europe, but there are also farms where the health of the footpads requires improvement. The effect of the bedding material and the season was significant. The lowest incidence of lesions on footpads was recorded on peat, followed by straw pellets and the highest incidence was on wheat straw. Season of the year also had a statistical effect on the incidence of pododermatitis. The lowest average value was measured in summer and the highest in autumn. The season had the lowest effect on the peat, on which the best measurements were generally taken.

The submission aims to present results of the five-year research project, oriented on the evaluation of genetic diversity of selected populations of economically important animal species in Slovakia, their sustainable adaptation and production potential in the context of preservation of genetic resources and food safety. Under the supervision of Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding Biology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra run between 2015- 2019 project called Molecular-genetic diversity and production potential of animal genetic resources in Slovakia (APVV-14-0054). Considering the difficulty and complexity of studied issues was research realized in close collaboration with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) and Zagreb University. Erosion of genetic diversity represents the main threat for food safety of mankind. Individuals of economically important animal species groups accumulate risks and threats of loss of sustainable adaptation as a reaction to the environment due to intense selective breeding. It is therefore important and needed to focus on permanent monitoring and evaluation of diversity of economically important breeds based on the diverse parameter and suitable methods.

The research of the influence of crops on the species diversity of oribatid mites in garden within the small farmer conditions was carried out in four different microhabitats - carrots, beans (broad beans), onions and tomatoes. Soil samples on each crop were analysed and compared - determined the soil nutrient content and specific elements, continuously recorded the soil temperature, humidity, climate and microclimate relations were also followed within the research, as well as X-ray spectrometric analysis of the soil was done. Chemical elements have no significant impact on soil fauna. Annual average of 563 ind. per square metres and was reported in the microhabitat of beans, while 167 ind. per square metres in carrots, only. Under the broad bean, the highest abundance and species richness and highest species diversity of oribatids was confirmed and seemed to closely connect with the microclimate conditions of this crop. Tectocepheus velatus sarekensis Trägårdh, 1910, Zetomimus furcatus Pearce & Warburton, 1905, Steganacarus striculus C.L.Koch, 1836 and Protoribates capucinus Berlese, 1908 seem to be tolerant oribatids, which were confirmed in every microhabitats of the garden. On the contrary, some oribatids occurred in one crop only and specify it. Differences in soil temperature and humidity under plants as well as the type of crops affected occurrence of species spectrum and their abundance. In farm garden, we found two rare species of oribatids; the second records for the fauna of Slovakia - Corynoppia kosarovi (Jeleva, 1962) and Mesoplophora pulchra Sellnick, 1928.

The effort to achieve the sustainable farming system in arable soil led to the intensive search for a new solution but an inspiration can also be found in the application of traditional methods of soil fertility improvement as it is shown in numerous examples in history. Recently many scientific teams have focused their attention on the evaluation of biochar effects on soil properties and crop yields. Since there are a lot of knowledge gaps, especially in explanations how biochar can affect soil organic matter (SOM) and humus substances, we aimed this study at the solution of these questions. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two biochar substrates (B1 – biochar blended with sheep manure, and B2 – biochar blended with sheep manure and the residue from the biogas station) at two rates (10 and 20 t ha-1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (Urea was applied in 2018, at rate 100 kg ha-1, and Urea at rate 100 kg ha-1 + AMOFOS NP 12-52 at 100 kg ha-1 were applied in 2019) on the quantity and quality of SOM and humus of sandy soil (Arenosol, Dolná Streda, Slovakia). The results showed that application of the biochar substrates together with mineral fertilizers (MF) had more pronounced effect on the organic matter mineralization in the sandy soil which resulted in low accumulation of soil organic carbon (Corg) and labile carbon compared to biochar substrates treatments without MF. The share of humic substances in Corg significantly decreased by 16, 50, 16 and 24% in B1 at 10 t ha-1, B1 at 20 t ha-1, B2 at 10 t ha-1 and B2 at 20 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. A similar tendency was observed for biochar substrates treatments + MF, compared to MF control. The carbon content of humic substances (CHS) was equal to 4.40 – 5.80 g kg-1 and the biochar substrates had statistically significant influence on CHS content. On average, there was a smaller decrease of CHS in B1 at rate 10 t ha-1 than at rate 20 t ha-1 and no effect of B2 compared to control. The carbon content of fulvic acid (CFA) was 9% higher in B1 at 10 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1, 47% higher in B2 at 10 t ha-1 and 17% higher in B2 at 20 t ha-1 compared to control. As a result of biochar substrates + MF application, the reduction in CFA was observed. The results showed a decrease of CHA:CFA ratio with association to biochar substrates alone application compared to control on one hand, and a wider of CHA:CFA ratio in biochar substrates + MF treatments in comparison to MF control on the other hand. Humus stability was increased in biochar substrates alone treatments compared to control, on the other hand, compared to MF control, the application of biochar substrates + MF resulted in a lower humus stability.

Genetic evaluation of beef cattle in Slovakia started in first years of this century. After the first decade of running the routine evaluations it is important to review the progress made and to discuss the further development. The aim of this paper was to compile and deliver genetic and phenotypic trends in order to review importance of evaluated traits with respect to four major beef (Charolais, Limousine) and dual-purpose breeds (Slovak Pinzgau cattle, Slovak Spotted cattle). The study showed different progress made across the breeds. Higher genetic progress was observed in Charolais purebreds compared to Limousine counterparts. Moreover, almost similar progress to that in Charolais was observed in dual-purpose Slovak Pinzgau cattle. On the other hand no progress was observed in Slovak Spotted purebreds. Results also showed higher progress in bulls compared to cows. Phenotypic trends showed reserves for improvement in Charolais and closing to breed standards in Limousine. In dualpurpose breeds improvement was shown only in Slovak Pinzgau, while no improvement or decrease in actual weights was shown in Slovak Spotted purebreds.

Slovak Spotted cattle represents an endangered breed with cultural importance in Slovakia. The study was based on the panel of 34,604 SNPs that were used for genotyping of 451 individuals. We used a combination of two arrays Illumina BovineSNP50v2 BeadChip and ICBF International Dairy and Beef v3, for estimation of gene flow and genetic drift. Based on the admixture results, a gene flow network across the analysed breeds was created. Our result showed that the Jersey population was involved in the grading-up of the analysed breeds. Analysed breeds were not confirmed to influence genetic make-up of Jersey. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis of the six cattle breeds revealed that Jersey is separated from the others. In contrast, the other breeds showed a close relationship with each other according to the maximum‐likelihood tree. Migration edges reached weight values below 0.2, apart the one observed among the Ayrshire/Swiss Simmental breeds into Jersey (0.4), reflecting that the donor population has made a significant contribution to the recipient population.

The aim was to review obtained results related to molecular-genetic analyses by high-density SNP chips and mtDNA in farm and wild populations within the project APVV-17-0060 Genomic Indicators of extranuclear DNA as a source of Diversity for Animal Breeding. Continuous human activity and subsequent socioeconomic and climatic changes of the environment significantly affect the genetic diversity of livestock on both intra- and inter-population levels. Concerning the conservation of local livestock populations and thus animal genetic resources (AnGR) for future generations is, therefore, necessary to monitor and look for new “more precise“ tools to measure the amount of genetic diversity. The expected result will be the identification of SNP markers and spot mutations with a significant effect on the process of development resp. variability of traits. In the case of the dog, identification of regions related to fitness, health, and trainability will be the primary objective.

The use of organic amendments for improving soil properties including soil structure is crucial for sustainable soil management. In this study, two organic materials (1. compost, and 2. farmyard manure) both at a rate of 44 t ha-1 as well as their combination were applied to a Hortic Calcaric Fluvisol (Slovakia) to evaluate the soil physical properties to test the potential of these amendments for soil amelioration under gardening conditions. The results showed that the addition of organic amendments did not have any significant effects on bulk density, total porosity, soil moisture and aeration, but their application influenced the total contents of dry-sieved aggregates as well as water-stable aggregates. The highest content of dry-sieved macro-aggregates was in compost > farmyard manure + compost > farmyard manure > control (unfertilized). The stability of aggregates was higher in compost and farmyard manure + compost treatments than in farmyard manure compared to control. Also, better soil structure stability evaluated by vulnerability coefficient was in farmyard manure + compost and compost than in farmyard manure. The highest contents of soil organic carbon and humic substances were found in the farmyard manure + compost treatment and then compost > farmyard manure > control. In compost, farmyard manure and farmyard manure + compost treatments, cabbage yield increased by 52, 22 and 72%, respectively compared to control treatment. Cabbage yields linear also increased as a result of increasing of soil organic carbon and humic substances.

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.