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The aim of this study was to investigate an association between aggressiveness and high level of feeding in a half-open feedlot production system. An experiment was conducted on 72 head of beef cattle of different breeds. The animals were at about 10 months of age. Medium quality silage was offered ad libitum and supplemented with high (HE) and low level (LE) of barley (2.5 and 1.5 kg/day/head, respectively) and supplemented without (nil) or with (+) extracted soybean meal (0.45 kg/day/head). Several types of animal behaviour were observed such as those parameters that are categorized to be main aggressive behaviours, butting, being butted, mounting and being mounted. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in butting, being butted behaviours between HE and LE treatment groups. Mounting and being mounted behaviours were significantly different (P < 0.05) in steers and heifers and between the seasons as well. Steers performed more incidents of mounting behaviour than heifers and it was the same for spring, during which animals had more mounting behaviours. It was concluded that there was a close relationship between high-energy diets and aggressive behaviour, which necessitates some management measures to be taken in order to ensure better animal welfare and beef production.

The effect of dietary supplementation of selenium in an organic form on performance, carcass traits and selenium content in tissues of broiler cockerels Ross 308 was studied. The soya-wheat-maize diet contained 50 mg vitamin E/kg. The experiment was conducted on 810 straight-run broiler cockerels randomly divided into 3 groups: group I - control, without selenium supplement; experimental group: II - 0.3 mg Se/kg, Se-enriched yeast was applied as a Se source; III - 0.3 mg Se/kg, Se-enriched alga Chlorella as a Se source. The broiler chickens were slaughtered at 42 days of age. In performance traits higher (P ≤ 0.05) live weight of broiler chickens was recorded in the experimental groups (II - 2 430.6 g and III - 2 425.2 g). There were no significant differences between the groups in feed conversion and mortality. Se-enriched alga had the best feed conversion, and selenium supplementation slightly increased mortality in both experimental groups. No significant differences between the groups were found out in carcass traits and dressing percentage. The content of selenium in breast and thigh muscle, feathers and excrements increased (P ≤ 0.05) in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Higher values in breast and thigh muscle and in feathers were measured in the group supplemented with selenium from Se-enriched yeast, also in comparison with the group supplemented with selenium from Se-enriched alga Chlorella. The broiler chickens receiving Chlorella had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) selenium content in excrements compared to the group with Se-enriched yeast. The selenium concentration in liver was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in both experimental groups compared to the control. The supplement of selenium from Se-yeast and Chlorella in the diet for broiler chickens increased the microelement concentration in muscle.

A total of 1 200 broiler breeder eggs were collected from a commercial flock at the hen age of 37 weeks and divided into storage treatments of 5 and 15 days. Prior to storage, the eggs were further divided into pre-storage incubation (PRESI) 0 (control), 4 and 8 h treatments. Eggs in the 4 and 8 h PRESI treatment were incubated at a standard dry-bulb temperature of 38.0°C. All eggs were weighed prior to and after storage, then incubated in a commercial setter and hatcher for 21 days. After the incubation, all unhatched eggs were opened to determine fertility, hatchability and embryonic death. The 4 and 8 h PRESI treatment significantly decreased hatchability results of long-term stored eggs compared to non-heated eggs. Hatchability results of eggs stored for 5 days were significantly better compared to eggs stored for 15 days. Subsequent growth performance of progeny was not significantly affected except for the main effect of egg storage on feed conversion. There were significant PRESI × egg storage interactions for apparent fertility, hatchability of total and fertile eggs and embryonic mortality. It was concluded that the PRESI treatment did not have a detrimental effect on the hatchability of broiler breeder eggs stored for 5 days and it might even increase hatchability while it had a detrimental effect on the hatchability of broiler breeder eggs stored for 15 days.

The effect of environmental conditions on hatching indices of poultry eggs is sufficiently important that new methods for their improvement are sought, among others through exposing the eggs during hatching to an artificially generated magnetic field of variable frequency. Hatching eggs in this study came from Pharaoh quail in the 4th month of laying. The flock was kept under optimum microclimate conditions and fed a complete feed mix containing 21% total protein and 11.7 MJ ME. The eggs (n = 150), after weighing, were divided into 3 groups equal in respect of numbers: control (I) and two experimental (II and III). The eggs of group II and III were exposed to the action of variable magnetic field of the same intensity but different times of application. The highest percentage of dead embryos during incubation in relation to fertilised eggs was found in control group (11.36%), while the smallest was from group II (4.17%). The highest value of hatching indices calculated in relation to fertilised eggs was found in group II (91.6%), while the smallest was in group III (83.7%) with 86.3% in control group. The results point to the possibility of increasing egg hatchability indices through the use of additional variable magnetic field. The chicks hatched from eggs exposed to the action of this experimental agent had similar body weight. The average weight of one-day-old chicks ranged from 7.82 g (group II) to 8.05 g (group III). In the last week of rearing, mean body weight in both sexes was similar and ranged from 168 (group I) to 172 g (group III) in males, and from 186 g (group I) to 199 g (group III) in females; these differences were not statistically significant. The females of group III reached sexual maturity at 41 days, this being one and three days (non-significantly) earlier than birds in group I and II.

Artificial reproduction with and without hormonal treatment was performed in females of the common gudgeon (Gobio gobio L.) to assess the suitability of this cyprinid species as a fish model for embryo-larval cytotoxic tests. Considering sperm immobilisation tests, the solution for tench was utilizable. The clearing solution designed for the observation of embryonic development in the European catfish was also found suitable for the common gudgeon embryos. The egg and embryonic mortality, embryonic development, hatching and survival rate were examined. Ovulation occurred in 89% of females after the application of the carp pituitary (5 mg/kg) but embryonic mortality reached nearly 100%. The highest embryonic mortality in females with hormonal treatment was observed within 24 hours of development. On the other hand, the reproduction of females without the application of hormonal stimulation was nearly completely successful with mean mortality 60%. The hatching of embryos of females without hormonal stimulation occurred (average values) 71 hours after fertilization and lasted 65 hours. Embryonic development finished within 176 hours. Our pilot study demonstrated that the eggs of common gudgeon were suitable for embryo-larval tests from the 7^th to the 8^th embryonic developmental stage.

The aim was to determine the conversion of alimentary substances of laying hens (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) into the production of eggs and to determine the emission of nitrogen, air pollution by dust and microorganisms in accordance with different technologies of layer rearing. The studies were conducted in 6 poultry houses. The birds were kept in premises in cage batteries BKN-3, "Spech", OBN-1, OBN-3 or on littered floor. It was found out that there was 1.6 times more dust in the air of poultry house where laying hens were kept on litter and the total number of bacteria was 2.4 times higher than in the bird cages (P < 0.001). The laying hens assimilated 21.95-28.42% of nitrogen, 19.63-31.25% of phosphorus, 6.04-8.33% of potassium for egg production and weight gains when feed is balanced. If cage technologies are applied, over a year, there is a loss of 6.7 ± 1.4% of nitrogen through the excrements because of nitrogen emission. When the technologies of littered floor are used, there is a loss of 18.5 ± 4.8% of nitrogen extricated with the excrements (P < 0.025). When the birds were kept in cages, 0.059 ± 0.011 kg of nitrogen per each bird evaporated because of ammonia emission, while in the case of littered floor - 0.227 ± 0.126 kg of nitrogen.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of different pelleting temperature on tibia mineralization, calcium, phosphorus content of serum and growth performance of broilers fed phytase-supplemented diets. The basal experimental diet type was typical maize-soybean meal. The basal diet was supplemented with a microbial 6-phytase (Novo CT: coated thermostable granulate, from Novo Nordisk A/S,Denmark) at 500 Phytase Units (FTU) per kg of feed before pelleting. The diets were pelleted at 65, 75, or 85°C except the basal mash diet as the control. The experimental diets were used from 0 to 6 weeks of age of birds. Dry matter, crude ash, Ca, total P, Na, K and Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu contents of tibia were not affected by the pelleting temperature. No effects of pelleting temperatures on Ca content in the serum were found out. However, P content in the serum was increased by feeding the diet pelleted at 65°C as compared to the control and other treatments. Pelleting at 65 and 75°C had a significant positive effect on body weights and body weight gains of broilers. It was concluded that the best pelleting temperature was 65°C. It is to note that the temperature of 85°C damages enzymatic activity.

The objective of this paper was to determine basic components of pork and beef (fat, protein, water content) using FT NIR spectroscopy. The samples were analysed on an FT NIR Nicolet Antaris device in a reflec-tance regimen. Reference results from classical analyses were used for the calibration of the device. Calibration models were created using PLS algorithm (method of partial least squares) and verified by cross-validation. High correlation coefficients (R) of calibration were calculated (fat 0.998; protein 0.976; water 0.994), and subsequently of validation as well (fat 0.997; protein 0.970; water 0.993) and very low standard deviations of the calibration and validation (SEC, SEP). No statistically significant differences between the reference and predicted values of determination were detected in Z-test. According to the published results, the NIRS method has a high potential to replace an expensive and time demanding chemical analysis of meat composition.

Breed effects on live weight gain, slaughter characteristics and carcass composition were compared in Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental bulls. The experiment extended over 2 years and involved totally 96 animals. The target slaughter live weights were determined 550 kg for earlier maturing breeds Aberdeen Angus and Hereford and 630 kg for later maturing breeds Charolais and Simmental. Charolais and Simmental gained more rapidly (P < 0.05) than Aberdeen Angus while Hereford were intermediate. Hereford had lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentage than the other breeds. Percentages of grade I meat were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Charolais and Simmental. The highest percentage of separable fat was recorded in Hereford (P < 0.05). Charolais and Simmental had lower (P < 0.05) thickness of subcutaneous fat over MLLT than Aberdeen Angus andHereford. The later maturing bulls generally tended to achieve higher live weight gains during the experiment, produced less fat and had higher percentage of meat from high priced joints in comparison with earlier maturing animals.

The objectives of the paper were to evaluate carcass value in reared gilts on the basis of carcass analysis during the station test of purebred progeny of pigs and ultrasonically with Sonomark-100 or Piglog-105 instruments in the framework of valid methodology for performance testing, and to verify a pos-sibility of prediction of backfat thickness and/or average daily weight gain since birth and lean meat content of gilts as the elements of objectification for the evaluation of their body condition. In total 54 gilts of two breeds were evaluated: the dam breed Czech Large White and the sire breed Czech Large White - sire line. Four-parameter Richards function was used for growth evaluation. The regression function y = 63.870 - 0.447 bt₁ - 0.510 bt₂ + 0.128 MLLT was applied in ultrasonic instruments for the calculation of lean meat content. We calculated linear regression functions for the conversion of performance testing parameters (gain from birth, average backfat thickness and lean meat content) from live weight on the day of measurement per live weight declared during selections in gilts.

The production of adult steers for beef could be a profitable use of the territory in some mountain areas in the south of Europe, where this production is nearly inexistent, owing to an increase in the demand for meat from adult animals in specialized markets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the profitability of beef production in three breeds adapted to these areas but varying greatly in their mature size. The studied breeds were a specialized meat breed Limousin, a dual-purpose breed - Brown Swiss breed and - a Spanish local breed Asturiana de los Valles. Higher growth rates (P < 0.05) and higher carcass weights (P < 0.05) were achieved by Brown Swiss and Limousin. In relation to carcass value, better results of dressing percentage (P < 0.001), conformation (P < 0.001) and saleable meat percentages (P < 0.001) were obtained byLimousin. Due to preferences of the adult steers market for carcass with high fatness, Brown Swiss and Limousin could be more suitable to make this production profitable than Asturiana de los Valles (4.7 and 4.2 vs. 2.7, respectively, on the EUROP scale).

26 herds with 71 586 individual records were used. We tested a hypothesis that milk efficiency was influenced by the elevation of the farm, housing system, breed, area of altitude, and by the cooling of dairy cows. There were 20 herds from lowlands and 6 herds from mountains, 20 herds from free-stall housing, 6 herds from tie-stall housing. 8 herds consisted of Slovakian Pied cattle, 4 herds of Red Holstein cattle, 11 herds of Black-Pied Lowland cattle and 3 herds of Slovakian Pinzgau cattle. The herds were divided into 4 groups according to the nearest meteorological station, and they were distributed according to the type of cooling. 10 herds were cooled by misting, 16 herds by fans. We recorded from 96 to 117 summer days and from 49 to 63 tropical days in lowlands for this summer period. Ninety days with temperature-humidity index (THI) above 72.0 were found in the lowest-elevation area. During 55 days we recorded the values higher than 78.0. Production of milk was higher in lowlands than in mountains (8 761.4 kg vs. 6 372.0 kg; P < 0.01). Differences were also recorded in the evaluation of fat and protein production (346.0 kg vs. 275.9 kg; P < 0.01; 282.6 kg vs. 205.9 kg; P < 0.001). Milk and protein production was higher in free-stall housing than in tie-stall housing (8 656.3 kg vs. 6 722.1 kg; P < 0.05; 278.7 kg vs. 218.9 kg; P < 0.05). The highest milk production was recorded in Black-Pied Lowland cattle (8 832.7 kg) and the lowest in dairy cows of Slovakian Pinzgau cattle (6 058.0 kg). The mist cooling of dairy cows increased (P < 0.05) the amount of produced milk and protein (9 234.4 kg vs. 7 569.7 kg; 293.5 kg vs. 247.1 kg).

The effect of some factors (genotype, sex, litter size, age of dam at lambing, month of lambing and year of birth of lamb) on the growth of lambs - crossbreds between the Improved Wallachian (IW) and East Friesian (EF) breed was evaluated in operating conditions during two successive years. Three genotypes were evaluated: IW 50 EF 50, EF 75 IW 25 and EF 87.5 IW 12.5. The evaluation of the effect of genotype on growth showed that this factor did not have a significant effect on the majority of growth traits under study. In the period from birth to 100 days of age the highest daily gain was found in IW 50 EF 50 (263 g). The daily gains of EF 75 IW 25 and EF 87.5 IW 12.5 in this period were lower but identical (244 g). Age of dam had a significant effect on the majority of growth traits under study. Sex of lamb had a significant effect on body weight at 100 days of age and also on the majority of daily gains under study. The factors litter size, month of lambing and year of lamb birth were the most significant sources of variation of daily gains. As far as the non-genetic factors were concerned, the highest daily gains from birth to 100 days of age were recorded in males (259 g), in singles (260 g), in lambs from 4-years-old ewes (269 g), in lambs born in January (263 g) and in lambs born in the first year of evaluation (256 g). The analysis of phenotypic correlations indicated that body weight at birth showed a positive and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on the majority of growth traits under study. All phenotypic correlations between individual body weights were positive and high (P ≤ 0.01). The majority of phenotypic correlations between individual daily gains under study were also positive and high (P ≤ 0.01).

At present the laying hen rearing is transformed into alternative housing systems which include a deep litter system. As for the poultry nutrition, the replacement of animal protein with vegetable protein in poultry feed is applied. Therefore, in an experiment we evaluated the quality of eggs from laying hens in the cage system as compared to the deep litter system with vegetable protein substituted for animal protein in their feed. 72 ISA Brown laying hens were placed into the experiment. 36 laying hens were kept in the deep litter system and 36 laying hens were kept in conventional cages for laying hens. For the period of 9 months, 36 eggs from the group in the deep litter system were examined, always at intervals of five weeks (i.e. 8 × 36 eggs) and so were 36 eggs from the group in the cage system (i.e. 8 × 36 eggs). We found out that in the deep litter system the mean egg weight was higher (P < 0.01), shell weight was lower (P < 0.01), egg albumen was higher (P < 0.01), yolk weight did not differ (P > 0.05), yolk cholesterol was higher (P < 0.01), yolk colour was darker (P < 0.05), shell strength did not differ (P > 0.05), all in comparison with the cage system of laying hen keeping. The results of the experiment show that where vegetable protein was substituted for animal protein in the nutrition of laying hens, there were differences in the quality of eggs from laying hens kept in the deep litter system and eggs from laying hens kept in the cage system.

The objective of this paper was to obtain information about the effect of interactions and different agronomical measures on autumn saved herbage of different sites in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland). Within the different sites, the effect of the factors pre-utilisation (accumulation since June, July or August) and winter harvest date (November, December or January) on dry matter (DM) yield and digestibility of organic matter (DOM) was investigated over three consecutive years. All results were examined by analysis of variance and least-significance differences (LSD) were calculated (with P < 0.05). For all years, date of winter harvest was the most important source of variance. The highest yields were attained in November (varied from 2.3 to 0.8 t/ha), the lowest in January (from 1.5 to < 0.2 t/ha). The highest DOM concentration (from 70.4 to 52.4% of dry matter) was reached in November, and it decreased until January (from 59.6 to 35.2% of dry matter). Predominantly caused by the prevailing climatic conditions, the DM yields of the sites varied considerably during winter, showing a significance for the interaction winter harvest date × site as well as for the factor site. The utilisation of autumn saved herbage, pre-utilised in July, might be the best opportunity providing an adequate quantity and DOM for suckler cows until the end of the year, but the prevailing climatic conditions at different sites inCentral Europe finally decide on the practicability of winter grazing.

A total of 36 samples of feed - 19 samples of hays and 17 samples of silages were used for estimation of in vivo and in vitro digestibility. The organic matter digestibility (OMD) was estimated by in vivo and two in vitro techniques (method of Tilley and Terry and two-stage pepsin-cellulase method (Pepcel)). The regression equations were calculated from the results obtained in the experiment. Tilley and Terry method provided consistent results of OMD estimation for both the groups of roughages: in vivo OMD = 14.7 + 0.782 × [Tilley and Terry] (n = 18; R² = 0.76); in vivo OMD = 36.3 + 0.513 × [Tilley and Terry] (n = 16; R² = 0.75) for hays and silages, respectively. Different accuracy was found out in Pepcel method: in vivo OMD = 37.0 + 0.478 × [Pepcel] (n = 19; R² = 0.49); in vivo OMD = 37.8 + 0.484 × [Pepcel] (n = 17; R² = 0.87) for hays and silages, respectively.

An in sacco technique was used to measure NDF degradability and release of Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe from six forages - lucerne hay from the 1^st cut (LH₁), from the 2^nd cut (LH₂), orchard grass (G), grass silage (GS), red clover silage treated with Feedtech (CS_FT) and/or with Kofasil (CS_KO). The forages differed in the content of NDF and minerals. There were large differences (P < 0.01) in element release in the rumen between experimental forages and the particular elements. The rate of release of elements was higher from LH_1, LH_2, CS_FT,CS_KO than from G and GS. The release of individual elements and NDF over all incubation times is very well expressed by cubic polynomials (R²> 0.9). Overall, across forages the release of mineral elements ranked as follows: Mg > Fe > Cu > Ca > Zn. The minimum and maximum disappeared portions of individual minerals from forages are as follows: Mg 74.7% from G and > 91.5% from LH₁, Fe 29.7% from G and 99.9% from LH₁ and LH_2, Cu 64.3% from G and 99.8% from LH₁ and LH₂, Ca 28.4% from G and 75.4% from CS_FT, Zn 12.0% from G and 38.2% from LH₁, respectively. Calcium and zinc need a longer time for their maximum release. It can be concluded from the results of multiple regression analyses that only the Mg and Ca release is associated depending on NDF and time of observations, with a highly significant influence of forage on Zn and Cu.

Amino acid content before and after heat treatment was assessed in grain of six selected amaranth varieties and four species: Amaranthus cruentus, A. hypochondriacus, A. caudatus and A. hybridus, cultivated in the Czech Republic. High content of Lys and Arg was detected in both heat treated and untreated grains, as well as satisfactory content of Cys and lower levels of Met, Val, Ile and Leu. The latter three amino acids appear as limiting. Chemical scores of essential amino acids and essential amino acid index (EAAI) were determined. EAAI value of 90.4% shows the favourable nutritional quality of amaranth protein, which is almost comparable with egg protein. Heat treatment by popping at 170 to 190°C for 30 s resulted in decreased EAAI to 85.4%. Of the essential amino acids under study, Val and Leu contents decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The relatively high content of essential amino acids in amaranth grain predetermines its use as a substitution of meat-and-bone meals.

The aim of the experiment was to compare the carcass composition of 20 Montbeliarde bulls (M) and 20 Czech Pied bulls (C). The carcass weight of the animals in one group varied minimally and was about 380 kg. The Montbeliarde bulls showed a higher growth rate, expressed by a significantly lower (P < 0.01) age at slaughter (562.6 vs. 626 days) while the live weight (682.9 vs. 690.6 kg) and carcass weight (380.4 vs. 382.6 kg) were comparable, which resulted in a significantly higher (P < 0.01) daily weight gain (1.142 vs. 1.045 kg) and net weight gain (0.676 vs. 0.615 kg). The Montbeliarde bulls showed a greater (P < 0.05) height at rump (144.0 vs. 140.2 cm), worse carcass conformation according to SEUROP (3.24 vs. 2.84), lower proportion of forequarter (44.7 vs. 45.7%) and higher proportion of hindquarter (55.3 vs. 54.3%). As for the carcass composition, no significant inter-breed differences were found in weights and proportions of shanks, meat trimmings, separable fat, bones, round, loin, filet, flank with rib, flank, shoulder and chuck. The Montbeliarde bulls had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) weight and proportion of neck (10.1 vs. 11.1 kg and 5.4 vs. 5.9%) and weight of brisket and rib (17.6 vs. 18.7 kg) and proportion of brisket and rib (9.4 vs. 9.9%, P < 0.01).

Chrysopogon gryllus and Festuca vallesiaca are components of a number of meadow-pasture communities in Serbia. We performed the analyses of phenolics that influence quality and digestibility of grasses to a great extent. Total phenolics were measured spectrophotometrically and phenolic acids by HPLC analysis. The aboveground parts of C. gryllus contained 10.6 mg/g whereas F. vallesiaca of 21.6 mg/g total phenolics. Bound phenolics dominated over free ones in both species. The content of both free and bound p-coumaric, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic and syringic acid was higher in C. gryllus (6.34 mg/g) than in F. vallesiaca (3.96 mg/g). Derivatives of cinnamic acid prevailed in both species compared to the benzoic acid derivatives. Low quality of C. gryllus is connected with its high tissue phenolic acids and mediocre quality of F. vallesiaca with the high content of total phenolics that act unfavourably on digestibility of such grasses.

The effects of three doses of vitamin C (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) added to the feed of reproductive pheasants on egg production, egg fertility and parameters of hatchability were investigated. In experiments I (1999) and II (2000) birds were kept in outdoor aviaries. In 2000, air temperatures recorded on the farm during the experiment were high (25-30^oC), differing considerably from those recorded in the preceding years. In experiment I no statistically significant differences were shown between the control pheasants and those supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C in terms of egg production, egg fertility and parameters of hatchability. The poorest results were found in the group of birds receiving a feed supplemented with 300 mg/kg vitamin C. In experiment II, statistically higher egg production and egg fertility were noted, compared to the control group, in the groups supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C. Compared to the control group, pheasants from these groups were also characterized by higher hatchability from set eggs (by approx. 15 percentage units) and fertilized eggs (by approx. 9 percentage units) and smaller number of unhatched chicks and dead embryos after day 10 of incubation. In experiment II, the beneficial effect of 100 and 200 mg supplements of vitamin C on the studied parameters could result from the soothing action of the vitamin on the effects of heat stress. The present results justify the prophylactic use of vitamin C supplement at 100 mg/kg feed in the nutrition of reproductive pheasants reared in aviaries. Under heat stress (high air temperatures) increasing the dose of this vitamin to 200 mg/kg feed seems beneficial.

Hair roots are a very attractive source of DNA for microsatellite-based parentage control of breeding animals. However, unlike blood samples, irregular DNA typing results have been observed in assays utilizing hair follicles. The amount of starting material and DNA preparation method are the crucial factors. In order to improve DNA typing results for horse hair roots, two quick preparation methods and additional purification steps were evaluated. PCR efficiency for each approach was expressed as percentage of samples with complete DNA profiles for 12 horse microsatellites. The lowest percentage (22%) of complete DNA profiles was obtained for samples prepared by the proteinase K digestion method. The best genotyping results (94%) were achieved after phenol-chloroform extraction of DNA from samples prepared by the proteinase K digestion method. Direct cleanup of DNA samples with an ethanol-sodium acetate mixture gave comparably good results of microsatellite genotyping (91%). DNA preparation from hair roots with proteinase K digestion followed by DNA purification with ethanol was chosen as the most efficient approach for horse DNA typing under parentage testing.

Fifty-one crossbreed young bulls, progenies of Charolais (CH), Czech Pied (CP), Simmental (SI) and Blonde d'Aquitaine (BA) beef cattle bred at the paternal position crossed by Czech Pied at the maternal position, were reared in a typical production system and slaughtered at an average age of 578 days and live weight of 656 kg. The animals were evaluated for fattening performance and carcass quality traits (live weight at slaughter, age at slaughter, total weight gain, carcass weight, dressing percentage, net daily gain) and meat quality characteristics (dry matter, proteins, fat, ash, pH₄₈, water holding capacity, remission, collagen, area of M. longissimus dorsi and cooking loss). Correlation coefficients were determined in order to discover which of the above-mentioned characteristics influenced textural properties measured by Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear device and compression test (TPA). It can be concluded from the overall assessment of the correlation coefficients that slaughter age (r = 0.68, P < 0.001), net daily gain (r = -0.54, P < 0.001), average lifetime daily gain (r = -0.50, P < 0.001) and pH₄₈ (r = -0.51, P < 0.001) had the major influence on the textural properties measured by WB shears. Meat texture expressed by TPA was mainly influenced by live weight at slaughter (r = 0.55, P < 0.001), carcass weight (r = 0.50, P < 0.001) and pH₄₈ (r = -0.54, P < 0.001). Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found out for the age at slaughter (CH × BA) and (CP × BA), slaughter weight (CP × SI) and (CP × BA) and carcass weight (CP × BA). At the same level of significance further differences were found out for pH₄₈ and water holding capacity (CP × SI), (CP × BA) and cooking loss (CH × CP). Highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in the textural properties (measured by WB shears) were determined between the following breeds: (CH × BA) and (CP × BA). At the level of significance P < 0.05, the highest differences were identified between (CH × SI) and (CP × SI). TPA test showed statistically significant differences between (CH × CP), (CP × SI) breeds at the level P < 0.05.

Forty-seven Kivircik ram lambs, aged 2 months, raised and managed under an intensive system were used to measure the development of testis diameter and length, and scrotum circumference, length and volume, and their association with the development of body growth. The effects of age and body weight of lambs, type of birth and dam age on the development of the five testicular parameters from weaning at 2-6 months of age were investigated. In ram lambs, the respective least-squares means of testis measurements: testis diameter, testis length, scrotum circumference, scrotum length and scrotum volume were 2.55 ± 0.099 cm, 5.83 ± 0.165 cm, 15.23 ± 0.650 cm, 7.24 ± 0.287 cm and 87.57 ± 5.921 cm³ at 2 months; and 2.99 ± 0.099 cm, 6.59 ± 0.164 cm, 14.24 ± 0.657 cm, 10.60 ± 0.290 cm and 157.49 ± 5.987 cm³ at 6 months. The effect of birth type on testis diameter and the effect of dam age on testis length were significant (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), besides the effects of lamb age and live weight of lambs on the whole testis measurements were significant (P < 0.01).

Humoral immunity has an important role during the maturation and development of the functional properties of spermatozoa. Spermatozoa may be exposed to antisperm antibodies in semen and in cervical, ovarian follicular and fallopian fluid. Antisperm antibodies can be complement-fixing or non-fixing and may affect the reproductive functions in a number of ways. Although the antisperm antibody alone can cause sperm agglutination, complement fixation is required for their immobilization. Therefore, the complement activation might be a "keystone" for the better understanding of "sperm humoral immunity" and some types of infertility. Recently, three cell surface molecules (CD molecules - CD46, CD55, CD59) present on many tissues in male and female reproductive tracts and gametes have been identified. These proteins belong to the family of complement regulatory proteins which could regulate the function of a complement system by cleavage of complement cascade in discrete sites of both activation ways (classical and alternative). In this review, the particular mechanisms of activity of complement regulatory proteins are presented as well as their function in a fertilization process and expression in human and animal tissues and organs.

Green forage of fourteen lucerne varieties grown at four Experimental Stations of the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka was harvested in these stages: the first growth in the budding stage (cut I), re-growths in the pre-bloom stage of maturity (cut II) 35 days after the first cut, and the next cut, 42 days later (cut III). Three bulls equipped with rumen and duodenal cannulas were used to study rumen degradability by the nylon bag technique and intestinal digestibility by the mobile bag method. The nutritive value of lucerne green forage was estimated according to IZ-INRA (2001) feed evaluation system. The composition of the lucerne cuts differed in DM content (P < 0.01); the highest was found in cut III (226.9 g/kg), the lowest in cut II (182.0 g/kg).The crude protein content (CP) in DM of cuts I and II was similar (P > 0.05) but lower in cut III (P < 0.05). Cut II contained the highest (P < 0.05) levels of crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), cellulose (CE), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and the lowest of non-structural carbohydrates (NFC) and soluble in neutral detergent cell content (CC), (P < 0.01). The differences between cut I and III in the contents of these components were not significant (P > 0.05). The highest DM digestibility in the total alimentary tract was found for cut I (P < 0.05). The DM of cuts II and III was digested at a similar rate (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the cuts in effective degradability, digestibility in the small intestine of the fraction not digested in the forestomachs and total digestibility of CP, CF, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose (P > 0.05). The digestion of rumen undegraded CP in the post-rumen part of the alimentary tract was lower compared with the digestion of essential amino acids (81% and 98%; respectively). The first cut harvested in the spring in the budding stage contained about 5% more PDIA and PDIN, but 7% less LFU compared with both cuts of regrowth (cuts II and III) which contained on average: 58 g PDIA; 123 g PDIN and 0.93 kg LFU. All the cuts contained similar levels of PDIE, UFL per kg of DM (106 and 0.76 g, respectively).

Wild spawners of common bream, Abramis brama, were caught in the Kortowskie Lake (north Poland) and transported to a hatchery for artificial spawning. Fish were hormonally induced using GnRH analogue combined with metoclopramide (ovopel). The results of bream reproduction in captivity were compared with fish treated with the combination of hCG and CPE and with control group injected saline. Males from treated groups produced significantly more milt (over 4.3 ml/kg vs. 2.1) of better qualities: spermatozoon concentration (over 9.3 × 10⁹ vs. 6.8) and motility (over 85% vs. 62). Females from the control group did not spawn whereas those from hormonally induced groups ovulated: 62% after CPE treatment and 100% after GnRHa treatment. Generally, the fish after ovopel stimulation showed the best hatchery parameters.

The present study deals with the use of high-grain diets with a low proportion of fodder for fattened cattle, and with the evaluation of their effect on the growth intensity and metabolic profile of the animals. Thirty Holstein × Czech Pied bulls were given diets containing from 86.69 to 88.54% concentrates based on crushed cereals in the period from 216^th to 327^th day of age. The growth intensity of bulls was high, with the average daily weight gain of 1.64 kg in the course of the whole experiment. When the average body weight of animals reached 343.67 kg and 450.93 kg, blood samples were taken from the vena jugularis of 10 randomly selected animals for the assessment of acid-base balance and selected biochemical parameters. Slightly decreased pH values and increased pCO₂ were detected by the assessment of acid-base balance. The calculated values of base excess and standard bicarbonate were in the reference range; however in samples of the second collection a highly significant decrease was found (P ≤ 0.01). By a biochemical analysis of blood increased levels of plasma phosphorus were detected in samples of both collections in comparison with the accepted reference range. A statistically highly significant increase (P ≤ 0.01) in plasma urea concentrations was detected in samples of the second collection. Other investigated parameters ranged within the accepted reference values. The results of the experiments show that high-grain diets produced intensive growth with high daily weight gains, without adverse effects on the health status of the investigated bulls. Although some depletion of compensatory mechanisms maintaining the acid-base balance was recorded, no serious disturbance of metabolic profile was registered in the animals.

Two ruminally cannulated Jersey cows were used to determine in situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of raw (E0) soybeans and soybeans extruded at 145°C (E145), 155°C (E155) and 165°C (E165). The degradation of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was estimated using nylon bags suspended in rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h calculating the effective ruminal degradabilities (ERD) for an assumed outflow rate of 0.06/h. Four extra sample bags were incubated for 12 h to determine CP digestibility using the mobile nylon bag method. Cows were fed a ration of 30% concentrate and 70% meadow hay. Soybean extrusion at all temperatures decreased the effective protein degradability significantly (P < 0.05). Soybean processing at the highest heat input (E165) decreased ERD (44.0%) in the rumen significantly while the values for E145 and E155 were similar, 50.8 and 50.3% respectively. Soybean extrusion at all tested temperatures was followed by a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the proportion of the rapidly degraded DM and CP fractions a, and both the increased proportions and reduced breakdown rate (c) of the fraction b. The intestinal protein digestibility values of the rumen-undegraded protein of extruded soybean were somewhat higher, however the observed differences between treatments were not significant (P < 0.05). Estimated intestinal digestibilities were 87.2, 89.7, 92.0 and 92.6% for E0, E145, E155 and E165, respectively.

This study deals with effects of pressing of ensiled sugar-beet pulp and of application of a chemical preservative on the quality of fermentation process. The experimental silages had a better sensory evaluation than the control ones. In silages treated chemically with a mixture of acids, statistically significantly (P < 0.01) higher dry matter content, lowest pH value, the value of lactic acid and the lowest content of all acids in dry matter were found after 180 days of storage from the beginning of the experiment. The statistically significantly (P < 0.01) highest lactic acid content (43.39 ± 1.25 g/kg DM) was determined in the control pressed silage. The highest LA/VFA ratio (1.40 ± 0.18) was calculated for non-pressed experimental silage (D - 3 l/t of KEM). As compared with untreated control the highest percentage (P < 0.01) of lactic acid and of all fermentation acids was found out in silage D treated with 3 l/t of KEM (58.18 ± 0.47 g/kg DM). Undesirable butyric and propionic acids were not found in chemically treated silage samples (C, D, E, F). However, the highest (P < 0.01) contents of butyric acid (26.37 ± 0.91 g/DM) and propionic acid (4.58 ± 0.78 g/DM) were measured in untreated non-pressed silage samples (B). The highest (P < 0.01) contents of acetic acid and ethanol were found in control silage samples. The quality of these silages was evaluated as very low.