MendelNet, 2021 (vol. 28)

The main objective of this study was calibration and testing of crop growth model HERMES2Go under long–term field experiment in Hněvčeves locality (coordinate 50°18´N, 15°43´E, altitude 265 m.a.s.l.). Observed data of yields and the other parameters like a weather data, soil parameters, management practice, phenology phases etc. monitored in last 38 years was used for model calibration. Input parameters were available for 4 different fertilizer practices: i) control, ii) manure, iii) mineral fertilizer and iv) manure together with mineral fertilizer on each plot. Observed data are available for yields of main and by–product and above ground biomass. The main grown crops were sugar beet, spring barley, winter wheat, silage maize, oat and alfalfa. Outputs of the model for main product are relatively accurate, but values of by–product requires additional calibration parameters settings together with above–ground biomass.

The onset of phenological phases of plant species is influenced mainly by air temperature. Each phenophase has its temperature limits (base temperature and temperature sum), which must be reached for each phase to occur. With knowledge of these limits, it is possible to predict the onset of phenological phases in localities where only meteorological data are available and also in future climate conditions. In this work, we used phenological ground-based data from 33 stations within the Czech Republic to calculate the most relevant meteorological predictors. PhenoClim software was used for phenological and meteorological data calibration and modelling. The smallest error that allows us to predict the term of the phenophases was found for the heading of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), as the best predictor was the maximum daily temperature and the statistical error was 3.6 days.

The method of milk thistle cultivation can have a significant effect on both the yield and amount of contained compounds. The active complex of milk thistle is a mixture of flavonolignans composed of four compounds: silybin, isosilybinin, silychristin and silydianin. It is used as a cyto-protective agent for the treatment of liver disease, for the treatment and prevention of cancer and as a supportive medicine against green toadflax (Amanita phalloides) poisoning. Studies have also shown other therapeutic effects against cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Milk thistle is also significant by its oil content and composition. The aim of this study was to compare four cultivation variants with a treatment against dicotyledonous weeds using the registered product with selective postemergent effect and a wide spectrum efficacy against annual dicotyledonous weeds and certain other annual weeds with a combination of desmedifam active substances: desmedifam (4.35%), ethofumesate (6.94%), fenmedifam (5.56%) and lenacil (2.50%), in the text referred as “ethofumesate”, and combination with another product with the active substance chizalofop-p-ethyl. Weeding was also carried out in the plots and the importance of row width was evaluated. The results showed that the average yield of milk thistle achenes was 0.59–0.82 t/ha. The oil content varied in the range of 26.24–26.34% and the most important component of the silymarin complex was silychristin at the concentration 4.02–4.32 mg/g. Statistically significantly higher yield of achenes was found for variants 3 and 4. Higher average content of the silymarin complex was observed for variants 1 and 2. The oil content was higher in the achenes from experiment variants 3 and 4.

Agricultural production faces with ongoing climate that in Europe takes form of changing seasonal precipitation pattern with more frequent drought spells. These changes come on top of rising air temperature and did and will affect productivity as well as onset and duration of key developmental stages for yield formation of major staple crops such as wheat. In order to ensure stable agricultural production and satisfy demand of the increasing human population, it is crucial to know responses of major field crops to these abiotic stress factors to assess suitability of genotypes to specific environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate final yield formation parameters of five winter wheat genotypes cultivated in pots and exposed to two different levels of CO₂ concentrations (400 ppm as ambient and 700 ppm as elevated CO₂ concentrations) and two water treatments (well-watered control and drought-stressed plants). The experimental treatments were set up in growth chambers from the end of heading stage (BBCH 59) to the beginning of ripening stage (BBCH 71) to simulate the conditions under future climate. The results showed that elevated CO₂ concentration led to: (1) mitigation of reduction in final yield formation parameters of drought-stressed plants compared to those of control, (2) enhanced results of drought-stressed treatments compared to those of drought-stressed treatments exposed to the ambient CO₂ concentration. Pannonia NS was found out as the less responsive genotype to the exposition of CO₂ concentration (no statistically significant differences among ambient and elevated CO₂ concentrations in all yield formation parameters were identified). On contrary, harvest index of genotype Bohemia was identified as the most sensitive parameter in response to drought stress as well as to the atmospheric CO₂ concentration.

Unmanned aerial survey allows more precise diagnosis of the plants in the site-specific crop management by the ultra-high spatial resolution of raster data. This study is focused on the selection of the most suitable sampling size by analysis of multispectral UAV images and its comparison with Sentinel-2 satellite data, both aimed on the diagnosis of the nutritional status of winter wheat. The data used for this study were collected in 2020 from the field experiment located in Kojčice (Pelhřimov, Czech Republic) on two plots with the area of 16.2 ha and 12.1 ha. The survey was realized by plant sampling in irregular grid for estimation of N content, total biomass, Nitrogen uptake (Nupt) and Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI) in two vegetation stages important for the application
of nitrogen fertilizers to cereals (BBCH 31, BBCH 51). Simultaneously, aerial imaging was carried out by UAV equipped with a MicaSense Altum multispectral camera. The results of statistical evaluation by correlation and regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the monitored crop parameters and vegetation indices from UAV survey and from Sentinel-2 images. Higher sensitivity to the amount of aboveground biomass was proved by the NDVI and SRI indices, on the other hand, the NDRE and RENDVI indices showed higher correlations to the Nupt. The comparison of different buffer zone analysis of UAV data showed the improvement of the estimation accuracy by the increase of the sampling size to the 10 m. Explanation of this result requires further study concentrating on the detailed investigation of the micro-variability of crop parameters within the sampling site

Phenolic compounds are important products of secondary metabolism in plants and cannot be synthesized in the human body, so they are mainly taken from food. For the performance of crop seeds a key is the complex trait of seed vigour. It defines their ability to emerge across diverse environmental conditions. It was published, an increase in total phenolic content correlated with enhanced seed vigour in some plant species. The aim of this work was to investigate whether higher content of total polyphenols in seeds affects seed vigour. For the purpose of this study four varieties of spring barley from four localities were tested. Seed vigour was conducted in two ways: in the first one, seeds were placed between two layers of germinating paper in the germinating box, whereas in the second barley kernels were placed in Petri dishes without filter paper under the same environmental conditions. Effect of drought and temperature stress (10°C) was simultaneously induced. Drought stress -0.5 MPa was induced using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). Evaluated parameters for seed vigour were root and plumula length and surface area performed through digital image analysis with WinRhizo software. The content of total polyphenols in the grains was determined spectrophotometrically from the previously prepared extract. The total polyphenols content (TPC) was significantly affected both by variety and locality. The statistically significant correlation between total polyphenols content and seed vigour was found.

Managing the spruce forest growing beyond its favourable conditions is trading between water consumption and increasing biomass. We examined tree transpiration in four stands with different thinning intensities in a 40-year-old spruce forest in South Moravia. Tree transpiration was significantly higher under moderate and heavy intensity compared to low intensity and control plots. Tree transpiration differed also among trees of different sizes within the treatments and also between the treatments. The stem increment was visibly increasing with the intensity of treatment, particularly for suppressed trees. The findings show an ecological tree response two years after the thinning.

Remote and proximal sensing of crop has been widely used in the last decades for agricultural applications, both for assessing vegetation condition and for subsequent yield prediction. In this work, we take advantage of vegetation indices for an advanced monitoring of spatial variability of winter wheat biophysical parameters, nitrogen status and prediction of crop yield estimation. Input data were obtained from farm field trials with winter wheat in 2019 and 2020 at Zdounky and Rašovice (Czech Republic) with a total area of 136 ha. To estimate the crop parameters, a plant sampling was realized in the stem elongation vegetation phase and later the grain sampling before harvest. Spectral properties were obtained from the satellite imagery of Sentinel-2 as the set of broadband vegetation indices (GNDVI, NDRE, NDVI, NRERI, RENDVI) and proximal crop sensor systems (Fritzmeier ISARIA, AgLeader OptRx). Spatial data were processed and analyzed using tools of geographic information systems and then statistically evaluated relationships between variables by using correlation analysis. The finding of high level of correlation between in-vegetation crop sensing and grain yield showed the possibility to identify yield spatial variability by both sensing systems in early stage of crop growth. This can be implemented for development of decision support tools for yield zoning in site specific crop management – precision farming.

The influence of vermicompost on the growth parameters of cultivated crops is the subject of research by many authors around the world. In the present work was observed the effect of the increasing dose of vermicompost (vermicompost at dose of 170 kg/ha N; 10% and 20% of vermicompost in the substrate). During vegetation was recorded the effect of vermicompost on plant height, stem perimeter, growth phase, weight and content of chlorophyll a and b in maize (Zea mays L.). The results show that increasing the dose of vermicompost had a positive effect on the measured parameters. The highest plants with the largest stem perimeter were found in the variant with the highest amount of vermicompost in the soil substrate. The 10 and 20% proportion of vermicompost in the substrate resulted in an earlier onset of growth phases compared to the control variant. The weights of the plants were significantly the highest in the variant with the highest proportion of vermicompost 20%. The content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b was the highest in the variant with the content of vermicompost 10%. The lowest content of chlorophylls was recorded in the control variant without vermicompost. However, it showed the highest ratio of chlorophylls a/b.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactive effect of adaptation technology based on no-till sowing into cover crop mulch and nitrogen nutrition on photosynthetic performance of maize under short term drought stress induced by rain-out shelters. The experiment was established in two locations in the same climatic condition but differing in soil fertility. The negative effect of drought on CO₂ assimilation rate was modulated by nitrogen nutrition. However, while nitrogen nutrition led to alleviating effect at the location with higher fertility, the opposite effect was found at the site with lower fertility. Adaptation technology had only a minor impact on photosynthetic response to drought, but it generally increased CO₂ assimilation rate at the site with higher soil fertility and decreased at the site with lower soil fertility. We can conclude that adaptation technology, despite of assumptions, did not significantly change the resilience of maize to drought, and probably longer use of such technology is required to improve soil water retention and thus also balanced supply of water to plants. At the same time, we did not find a negative impact of adaptation technology on photosynthesis which can be related to cooler soil during maize emergence and slower mineralization, although the use of adaptation technology seems to be more effective in soils with higher fertility.

In May 2021–August 2021, the effectiveness of differently aged pheromone lures from Propher and Pherobank on Cydia pomonella L., 1758 (codling moth) was compared. Monitoring was carried out in the gardens of two villages in Malá Lhota and Újezd u Černé Hory. A total of six green delta traps were put up by Propher. Pheromone lures from Propher from the years 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2020 were used. Pheromone lures from Pherobank with normal and increased pheromone content were used from 2020. A total of 220 male Cydia pomonella was captured. Cydia pomonella was recorded in all traps. The greatest number of individuals were captured in the trap with 2019´s pheromone lure, with 66 in total. The 2013´s lure from Propher captured the lowest number of imagoes, with a total of seven. A total of three non-target species were recorded, all of them Agrotis segetum. Based on the monitoring, the effectiveness of two-year-old lures (2019, 2020) on Cydia pomonella was demonstrated.

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected sorghum varieties and their nutritional potential in relation to different types of soil locations. The comparison was done at the Field Experimental Station in Žabčice at two different locations Obora (clay loam soil – fluvial soil) and Písky (light sandy soil). Sorghum varieties were analysed for basic laboratory parameters – ash, fat, crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter using in vitro pepsin by cellulase method. The analyses were performed according to the relevant standards. The results of this research prove that the differences in selected nutritional parameters between the compared locations are not very high. A statistically significant difference (P> 0.05) were found for crude protein at Písky location.

One of the most important problems of this century is an increase in abundance of atmospheric CO₂. Because of this phenomenon, slowing down the climate change through sequestration of carbon in soil has been a popular topic of discussion during the last decade. At the same time, we are as a society dealing with another urgent problem of soil degradation. The goal of this contribution is to assess co-application of biochar combined with soil prebiotic in context of its biomass production and basal respiration influence. Two kinds of biochar were used to conduct the pot experiment (composted biochar – beech wood feedstock and fresh sewage sludge biochar). Co-application of composted biochar with soil prebiotic resulted in decrease of shoot biomass meanwhile no significant change in root biomass occurred compared to composted biochar treatment with no prebiotic applied. Co-application of fresh sewage sludge biochar with prebiotic leaded to significant decrease in root biomass meanwhile there was no significant difference in shoot biomass observed compared to the control whatsoever. Application of both types of biochar in combination with soil prebiotic significantly decreased soil basal respiration in comparison with only biochar addition.

Within an experiment conducted in open top chambers in which two mais genotypes differing in stay-green trait were cultivated under elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration (EC) in comparison with ambient CO₂ concentration (AC), and in two contrast levels of nitrogen nutrition, the effect of acclimation to these factors on photosynthetic performance and water use efficiency, and subsequent response to short-term high temperature and drought stress was studied. Although EC improved water use efficiency, this effect did not alleviate the response to drought stress, and under some combinations of factors even led to a decrease in CO₂ assimilation rate under drought stress. Differences in the stay-green trait between genotypes did not have a major effect on the response to high temperature and drought stress. Differences between genotypes were manifested mainly in the interaction with nitrogen nutrition, while in the Korynt genotype, non fertilised variants showed a lower response of CO₂ assimilation rate to drought. Slight alleviating effect of higher nitrogen dose was found under EC conditions, while no nitrogen fertilisation rather increased drought resilience under AC conditions.

Methods based on optical remote sensing allow nowadays to assess crop conditions over larger areas. The assessment of crop conditions and potential estimation of crop yields in the early growth stages can help farmers to better target their management practice such as application of fertilizers. In this study we analysed airborne hyperspectral images acquired several times during the growing season over two experimental sites in the Czech Republic (Ivanovice and Lukavec). The field experiments on winter wheat included 12 levels of fertilisation (combination of organic and mineral fertilisers). Such an experiment design and the possibility of combining the data from two sites together increased the variability in our wheat yield dataset, which varied between 2.8 and 10.0 t/ha. Further, we used a machine learning method – namely gaussian process regression from the ARTMO toolbox to train two variants of models: a) combining the spectral data from both sites and from the multiple acquisition days and b) combining the spectral data from both sites for individual acquisition days. The results showed that it was feasible to predict wheat yield already at the beginning of April with R² > 0.85. This promising result, however, requires more thorough validation and therefore we plan to include more data from other sites in the next steps.

The entire Earth's climate system is changing which causes significant changes in precipitation conditions in the various seasons within Central Europe. The dry season in the summer months is growing, while forcing fruit and vegetable growers to think about the economic and ecological water consumption used for irrigation and to make the best use of it. Therefore, the experiment deals with various technical details of implementing the drip irrigation in an orchard. Four variants of technical details were monitored: IR+F-A (drip hose placed on the wire – common method), IR+F-B (drip hose placed on the auxiliary structure from the left and right side of trees, 0.5 m above the soil surface), IR+F-C (drip hose located on the left and right side of trees, 0.3 m below the soil surface), NON-IR (without irrigation). A drip hose with a drip flow of 2.1 l/h and a drip distance of 0.75 m from each other was used to irrigate the variants. The best results were found in the IR+F-C variant and demonstrably the worst in the NON-IR variant, where the importance of irrigation and fertilization of fruit plantations was shown. The highest weight was found for the IR+F-C variant of 178 g and the lowest for the NON-IR variant of 148 g. The largest diameter of apples was achieved with the IR+F-C variant 73.7 mm and the smallest with the NON-IR variant 66.4 mm. Also, when measuring the length of annual increments, the longest increments of shoots were measured for the IR+F-C variant, namely 797.1 mm, demonstrably the shortest increments were measured for the NON-IR variant of 501.2 mm.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different dietary sources of selenium on blood biochemical parameters in medium-slow growing broiler chickens. The study was conducted on 54 male Hubbard JA 57 broiler chickens which were divided into three groups. The Control group was fed a diet without the addition of selenium (Se), the Organic group was fed diet with a natural Se content in the feeds and organic source of Se (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3060), the Inorganic group was containing a natural source of Se and the addition of sodium selenite. No influence on the feed consumption and body weight was found at the end of trial (50 days of age). However, the effect of selenium sources was reflected in several biochemical parameters of blood: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Se and glutathionperoxidase (GPx). One of the significant differences was for the AST between the Organic and Inorganic group, where its value in the Organic group reached 2.73 µkat/l and in the Inorganic group 2.39 µkat/l. Other significant difference was for the Se between Control vs Organic and Inorganic groups, where its value in the Control group reached 0.10 mg/l, in the Organic group 0.17 mg/l and in the Inorganic group 0.18 mg/l. Another significant difference was for the GPx also between Control vs Organic and Inorganic groups, where its value in the Control group reached 120.54 U/gHb, in the Organic group 207.46 U/gHb and in the Inorganic group 211.56 U/gHb. In conclusion, the addition of organic and inorganic selenium sources to the diet can increase selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood of broilers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic forms of selenium addition to the diet and their effect on the metabolism of broiler chickens. The study was conducted on 84 Ross 308 male broiler chickens which were divided into three groups. It was evaluated the average live weight, feed consumption, carcass yield and biochemical blood parameters in the study. Control group was fed a diet containing only natural content of selenium in the feed. Organic group was fed the organic source of selenium (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3060). Inorganic group was fed the inorganic source of selenium (sodium selenite – Na₂SeO₃). The selenium was added to its total content of 0.5 mg/kg of feed in both groups. The addition of selenium to the diets had no influence on average live weight, feed consumption at the end of trial and on the carcass, breast and legs yields. The analysis of blood biochemical parameters revealed a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in glutathione peroxidase activity between the control and experimental groups. No significant differences in assessed traits of broilers were found between groups fed by organic and inorganic forms of selenium.

One of the characteristics of automatic milking systems is that cows can visit the Automatic Milking System (AMS) voluntarily for milking. This leads to variations in the frequency of visits of cows to the AMS. The number of visits, rejections and volume of milk produced were studied using data from the private farm ZD Libín, located in the South Bohemian region.  The dairy herd under observation consisted of 147 Montbeliarde cows.  Data were collected from 1 January to 7 December 2020, creating a total of 23 389 data records. The average daily milk yield during the observation period was 33.7 kg milk per cow with a maximum of 59.3 kg milk per cow. Each cow in the herd was milked on average, 2.6 times per day. Only in rare cases were some cows milked less than twice or more than four times per day.  Results show that high producing cows go to the AMS more often. During the first stage of lactation the cows produced an average of 35.9 kg of milk per day and were milked on average 2.8 times a day.  Data further shows that 44.3% of cows were never rejected by the AMS because they were ready to be milked.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of selected reproductive parameters at a farm specializing in breeding Czech Fleckvieh dairy cows. The study was carried out at the farm AZOS, s. r. o. Zakřany. Reproductive parameters were assessed in 291 cows in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019. The longest calving interval was 400 days for cows on the 4th lactation and there was not a statistically conclusive (p˃0.05) difference. The shortest calving interval of 378 days was found in cows at 2nd lactation and there was not a statistically conclusive (p˃0.05) difference. Cows had more difficult calvings when they had twins than when they had one offspring. It was also established that the length of gestation was shorter in twin pregnancies. There was a statistically conclusive (p≤0.01) difference in gestation length for cows with a single offspring, where the length of gestation was 285 days, and cows with twins, which were pregnant for 279 days.

Disinfection footbaths are a common practice for controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases causing lameness (dermatitis digitalis, footrot) in dairy cows. On the market there exists many disinfectants for cattle footbaths, but their effectiveness on farms is often disputable. In vitro tests were performed to verify the effectiveness of disinfection according to ČSN EN 1656. The effect of different disinfectants on bacteria in various concentrations at a specified temperature of 20 °C was verified. The aim was to determine their effectiveness even at temperatures of 10 and 5 °C, which are really in lavage baths on farms. Effectiveness verification of the disinfectant consists of ideal conditions of two steps, tests of the effectiveness of the disinfectant in the laboratory and controlled field conditions. Three disinfectants with organic acids (A) organic acids (lactic, propionic, formic), zinc, aloe vera, aldehyde, glycerin, (B) organic acid (lactic), zinc, copper and (C) iodine, organic acid (lactic) were tested in the laboratory by dilution-neutralization method and membrane filtration method. Laboratory tests have shown better bactericidal effects of organic acids in selected bacteria with another active substance (zinc, copper in disinfection B and iodine in disinfection C), colony-forming units were reduced by at least by 5 logs at low temperatures.

Growth of cold-blooded horses is rarely monitored, but the numbers of horses of breeds bred in Czech Republic are rapidly decreasing. Body indices are useful tools to monitor and evaluate horses’ built and quality of growth. Thirteen body measurements of horses on four farms were taken every three months (227 sets of measurements) and five hippometric indices were calculated for 3 draft horses breeds: Czech-Moravian Belgian (CMB), Noriker (N) and Silesian Noriker (SN). The effect of breed on these indices was analyzed. The index of compactness (CI) and massiveness (MI) showed as affected by breed (p<0.001), when the value 114.17 of CI was significantly the lowest in SN and value 123.78 of MI was significantly the highest in N. The index of boniness (p<0.1) and skeletal strength (p<0.1) indicated statistical significance of breed effect. The index of body frame didn’t prove statistically significant effect of breed at all (p>0.05). Populations of these horses are small, with more data would be possible to get clearer results and analysis of the effect of age would be a viable option.

Footrot is an infectious disease with a major impact on the health of dairy cows, their performance, reproduction and breeding economics. The timeliness of the diagnosis of footrot is therefore important in terms of treatment and prevention of the disease. The work aimed to verify and compare methods of identification of lame dairy cows by locomotion scoring and by infrared thermography. The study included 24 cows with footrot. It was found that the infrared thermography revealed a change in the health status of 25% of lame cows of patients with footrot in the preclinical phase, that is before of clinical symptoms were expressed. In dairy cows with a disease diagnosed by infrared thermography, the treatment time was shorter by 3.7 days, as the treatment time was 21.2 days in lame cows, compared to non-lame cows, but with an increased temperature score of 17.5 days. Due to the small number of animals, these differences were not statistically tested.

The effect of different feed particle size used in broiler chickens’ diet on performance parameters and chyme viscosity was evaluated.  Broilers were divided into three different groups based on the structure of particles (coarse vs. medium vs. fine). Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD) (1,109.95 vs.  953.00 vs. 732.58) and Geometric Standard deviation (GSD) (1,067.75 vs. 845.23 vs. 611.70) of particles size were calculated. In the experiment were not observed statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) among dietary groups in the final live weight (2,415.50 g vs. 2,373.56 g vs. 2,423.17 g), feed intake (83.56 g/bird/day vs. 82.12 g/bird/day vs. 87.82 g/bird/day), carcass yield (64.70 % vs.  68.55 % vs. 68.49 %) and viscosity of chyme (5.46 mPa.s vs. 4.66 mPa.s vs. 5.36 mPa.s).

The effect of the addition of cumin (Carum carvi L.) on broilers performance parameters were evaluated. The male Ross 308 broiler chickens were used in the experiment and divided into two groups (Control and Cumin group). The control diet did not contain the cumin, while the Cumin group consumed diet with 1% of cumin. No influence on feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, final body weight, carcass yield and on breast and leg meat yields was found. The addition of 1% cumin in diet had no positive neither negative effect on performance parameters assessed in broilers.

Insemination and estrus synchronization are one of the most used biotechnological reproductive methods used in sheep breeding, but also in most other livestock species. Subsequent insemination values are influenced by several factors such as age, condition, health, hereditary establishment of the animals, quality of the insemination doses and the quality of the performance of the insemination itself. Another way to optimise the insemination values is to determine the optimal time for insemination, which varies between livestock species but may also vary slightly within the individuality of the individuals within the breed. One way of determining the optimal time for insemination is to assess the arborisation of cervical mucus, which forms different types of structures after crystallisation at different stages of estrus. Changes in the arborisation structures are influenced by endocrine changes, by the action of oestrogen on the cervical glands, where electrolytes are concentrated and which, after association with mucin and subsequent crystallisation, form typical structures. The experiment took place from September 2020 (synchronization of estrus and insemination) to March 2021 (end of lambing). In this experiment, it was found that the type of crystallization structures at the time of insemination has a conclusive effect on the subsequent pregnancy rate. Animals with "V" type crystallization achieved the best pregnancy rate (80%).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hatching eggs storage and their preincubation on eggs quality, hatchability and one-day old chick weight in young meat-type ROSS 308 parent stock, 31 weeks of age. Total of 1920 hatching eggs were used in this experiment for incubation, for egg quality analysis. Eggs were divided into three groups and stored for 21 days. Group P0 was not treated by preincubation. Group P1 contained hatching eggs which were preincubated once at the fifth of storage. Group P2 contained hatching eggs which were preincubated at days 5 and 10 during storage period. Egg quality was analysed for fresh eggs too. Long storage and repeated preincubation decreased both egg weight and yolk dry matter (P <0.05). After application of preincubation, the degree of embryonic development significantly increased (P <0.05). Preincubation and 21day storage of hatching eggs had no effect on hatchability and embryonic mortality. The weight of day-old chicks significantly decreased in chicks hatched form eggs twice treaded by preincubation.

Embryotransfer (ET) is used in reproduction worldwide. This thesis deals with the evaluation of milk yield at Holstein cows that were from ET. This evaluation was done by performed flushes and transferring the offspring, born and included in the breeding during the years 2015 and 2016. All data for the experiment evaluation was obtained from an agricultural cooperative, which has three farms located in the region Pardubice. For statistical analysis of the data, we used multifactor analysis of variance. In 2015, 14 donor cows were flushed. A total of 212 embryos were obtained from which 113 embryos could be used. In 2016, 19 donor cows were flushed and 241 embryos were obtained, but only 113 embryos met the criteria. In the experiment, we evaluated the performance of daughters from embryo transfer and compared their performance with their peers (not from ET) born in the same stable and the same years. Performance evaluation was obtained during the first and second lactation. From the results, where the production performance is compared, it is evident that there was no statistically significant different production difference between dairy cows from ET and their peers.

The health of honeybees is current issue namely due to colony collapse disorder. The presence of healthy long-living honeybees is necessary for successful overwintering of the colony. However, vitality of the honeybees is threatened by the synergy of pathogens, pesticides and malnutrition. It was found that mushroom extracts decrease honeybee viral load. We tested a potential of the mycelial extracts (Fomes fomentarius, Ganoderma lucidum) as additive in winter stores for improving of the overwintering. Treated colonies showed a slight tendency to overwinter in stronger condition. The possible effects of tested mycelial extract are discussed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of cumin (Carum carvi) on broilers performance parameters. The male broiler chickens Hubbard JA 57 were used in the experiment and they were divided into two groups (Control and Cumin group). The control group was fed a diet without addition of Carum carvi and the Cumin group was fed a diet containing of 1% of Carum carvi in a diet. Carum carvi had positive influence on body weight of medium-slow growing chickens. Also, it was confirmed that dietary cumin addition affected the jejunum length and cecum weight of slaughtered chickens.

The effect of different forms of selenium on blood biochemical parameters was monitored
in 35-day-old broilers of the Ross 308 hybrid combination. A total of 69 one-day-old chickens were divided into 3 groups: Control without selenium supplementation, Organic with organic selenium supplementation (selenomethionine from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Inorganic with inorganic selenium supplementation (sodium selenite). The total added selenium content was 0.4 mg/kg for Organic and Inorganic group. No significant differences in feed consumption and conversion ratio were observed between groups during the experiment (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in live weights from 28^th–35^th day of fattening – the difference was noted between the higher weight control group and the lower weight organic and inorganic group (2203 g vs. 1990 g, resp. 2081 g). In the case of biochemical parameters, significant differences (P<0.05) were recorded between the parameters of selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which were higher in the organic and inorganic groups (0.18 mg/l, 0.15 mg/l for Se; 216.9 U/g Hb, 181.23 U/g Hb for GSH-Px) compared to the control groups (0.03 mg/l for Se; 33.22 U/g Hb for GSH-Px). In none of the monitored cases the organic and inorganic group significantly differ from each other.

The effect of age and different diets on the blood biochemical parameters of the 1 to 8-day-old Ross 308 broilers during the starter fattening period was evaluated. The chickens were divided into three different groups fed: a standard feed mixture (C – control group), a mixture with a 30% deficiency of crude protein (N group), and a mixture with a 30% deficiency of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and selenium in the mineral premix (M group). Feed consumption and body weight didn’t differ between groups (P>0.05) during the experiment. Significant differences (P<0.05) were demonstrated in biochemical indicators of nitrogen, fat, mineral and energy metabolism between 1^st and 8^th day of chicken’s age. Depending on the different diets, at 8^th day of age significant changes were detected mainly in the parameters of total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose. The parameters of mineral substances in blood were not affected by using diets with different nutrients content in present study.

The goal of the research was to analyse the effect of the housing technology on the milk performance of Holstein dairy cows. The analysis took place in the Dubicka zemedelska Inc. between January and December in 2020. The analysis was performed on two technologies - the tie stall barn system and the loose-housing system. During the research were used the milk performance data and pooled milk samples data. We obtained and subsequently evaluated the data considering the number of cows, milk performance, fat and protein content of the milk, lactation sequence, lactation stages and the somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk. When comparing the tie stall barn system and the loose-housing system it was found that the housing technology did not have great impact on milk performance. However, it had a major impact on the somatic cell count in the milk. Using the loose-housing system had leaded to better results.

In these days aquatic pollution by plastic materials is a worldwide environmental problem and may negatively affect the health of organisms exposed to oral intake of these contaminants. The main task of this study was the evaluation of polystyrene (PS) microparticles effects on selected health parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. Tested fish were divided into 4 groups – with 0.5%, 2% and 5% concentration of PS  microparticles in diet and control group without the addition of microplastics. The experiment was divided into two samplings – after 4 weeks and 6 weeks of exposure. Significant differences were found in liver tissue and gills in the highest PS concentration related to control. In conclusion, PS microparticles can affect health indices of O. mykiss and the potential risk for aquatic environment and even human consumption should be considered.

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is infective agent causing one of the most serious diseases of common carp. Koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) morbidity and mortality might reach 100%. Two common carp breeds with completely different susceptibility to KHV were chosen in this study. Koi carp, which is highly susceptible to KHV and amur wild carp. In this study, levels of chosen biochemical markers at 7 dpi (days post infection) were measured, namely: total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, triglycerids, cholesterol, calcium. Nevertheless, no differences in monitored blood factors were measured at this time point.

Pesticides and many other types of contaminants have been constantly entering the aquatic environment. Pesticides, which are commonly used in agriculture, can have a negative impact on non-target species as well as human health. In the few past decades, water pollution caused by pesticides has become a commonly discussed issue. Residues of pesticides enter water environment, where they persist and have bioaccumulation potential. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of herbicide MCPA (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid), fungicide prochloraz and herbicide metazachlor on catfish (Silurus glanis) embryos in 96 hours long acute toxicity test with the five different tested concentrations. In the study, statistically significant changes were observed only at high concentrations that do not occur in nature. The results of the study show that the substances had a negative effect on fish development at some tested concentration. However, this screening study must be followed by studies of sub chronic and chronic toxicity with focus on lower tested concentrations in order to reveal a potential negative impact of long-term exposure to non-target species.

The aim of this study was to determine the toxic effect of chemicals on the tested organism Daphnia magna. The following substances were selected for testing: polyaluminium chloride (PAX 18), its aqueous solution (PAX 19) and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) as a reference substance. The experimental concentrations for PAX 18 were in the intervals 1–100 mg/l, for PAX 19 10–300 mg/l and for K₂Cr₂O₇ 40–150 mg/l. Testing was performed in three replicates with ten specimens. Each test took 48 hours without changing the medium. The test organisms were not fed, and a tap water was used as a medium. The 24hEC50 values were as follows: 45.06 mg/l for PAX 18, 97.82 mg/l for PAX 19 and 1,57 mg/l for potassium dichromate. The 48hEC50 values were as follows: 22.62 mg/l for PAX 18, 37.20 mg/l for PAX 19 and 0.864 mg/l for K₂Cr₂O₇. Changes in pH, dissolved oxygen content and number of inhibited individuals were regularly monitored. The pH values for PAX 18 were between 4.56–8.40, for PAX 19 within the range of 5.63–8.40 and for K₂Cr₂O₇ did not drop below 7. Low pH values for PAX 18 and PAX 19 can be explained by very low pH value of the test substances, therefore the results can be considered as valid. The oxygen content was sufficient for all three test substances. The concentrations of chemical substances used in toxicity tests were more toxic for daphnids than the concentrations introduced into the aquatic environment.

Peatlands in the Czech Republic were significantly affected by anthropogenic pressure, drainage and the subsequent drying. The reason was mainly the peat extraction. Nowadays, there is the effort to restore peatlands to their natural character and to protect them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current state of selected peatlands based on species composition of rotifers and microcrustaceans in both the natural and restored peatland localities in the Ore Mountains and the Bohemian Forest. A total of 39 rotifer and microcrustacean taxa were found.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of peas as a component in feed mixture for common carp (Cyprinus carpio). During 70-day experiment, we especially targeted to production parameters (SGR, FCR, individual increment in %, total increment in %). Standard feed mixture commonly used in fisheries, KP1 containing 18% of nitrogenous substances (Stříbrné Hory) was used as a control diet. Six experimental treatments were as follows: control, 30% peas, 60% peas, 30% peas including citric acid and phytase and 60% peas including citric acid and phytase. The addition of citric acid was 3% and phytase 500 FTU. Fish were fed twice a day with a diet corresponding to 3% of average weight of fish stock. Weighting and adjustment of feed ration took place every 14 days. Fish were measured and weighted at the end of the experiment when samples were also taken. Besides production parameters, a length-weight parameters were also determined. Results were statistically evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis test. Common carp production measured as both the production and length-weight parameters revealed better performance in acidified diets. To conclude, peas addition in suitable ratio especially in combination with citric acid positively influenced common carp production and length-weight parameters.

The research of Natural Monument Růžový kopec took place at 2020. There were made six visits of the site during the vegetation season. During the survey, 183 species of beetles belonging to 26 families were found at the site, of which 5 species are protected pursuant to Section 56 Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Act No. 114/1992 Coll. and 38 species are included in the Red list of threatened species of the Czech Republic (Hejda et al. 2017). The most valuable species caught were Agrilus roscidus (Buprestidae), Licinus cassideus (Carabidae), Zabrus spinipes (Carabidae), Liparus dirus (Curculionidae), Pseudocleonus cinereus (Curculionidae), Rhabdorrhynchus echii (Curculionidae), Cardiophorus vestigialis (Elateridae), Melanotus tenebrosus (Elateridae) , Coptocephala chalybaea (Chrysomelidae), Cheilotoma musciformis (Chrysomelidae) and Tituboea macropus (Chrysomelidae).

The case study evaluates the importance of cereals for population dynamics and the occurrence of common voles. A time series data (2011–2020), obtained from the Phytosanitary Portal, was used, concerning repeated monitoring of the number of active burrows in different districts of the country. The data were then evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model. The results showed that the abundance of common vole in cereals was conclusively lower than in the other monitored crops and thus represents one of the least suitable habitats for common voles in agrocenoses, despite the considerable damage caused by voles in these crops. Across the Czech Republic, the numbers of active vole burrows in cereals were significantly lower than in perennial forage crops and winter rape. In Moravia, similar results were found in the South Moravian, Olomouc and Zlín regions.

Biodiversity and pollinator abundance are still declining. Due to many environmental influences, the health of pollinators is also endangered. This harms the environment and crop production, as pollinators are an irreplaceable component of our ecosystems. The constant deterioration of this situation is due to several factors. These are oxidative stress, pesticides, low resistance to diseases, habitat loss, and, last but not least, the quality and availability of their diet. In this study, we focused on two elements that are very important for the proper function of metabolism and contribute to the overall defence of the body, namely selenium and zinc. Both elements should increase the quality of pollen and nectar produced by the treated plants. Based on our results pollinators was not affected by the application of microelements, but rather by the botanical composition of flowering meadow mixtures. Thus, pollinators responded to differences in species composition and abundance of flowering plants rather than to treatment. The richness of pollinators was higher on meadow mixtures containing more flowering plants, which produce more pollen and nectar and have a higher nutritional value than others.

In recent years, investigating climate change impacts in the agricultural sector at the national level has become a priority for adaptation decision-making. Most of these studies quantify the impacts of biophysical effects and often ignore the cross-sectoral interactions and economic effects on relative competitiveness, international trade, global food supply, and food prices for the Czech Republic. Ignoring future productivity changes globally under climate change scenarios can underestimate or overestimate climate change impacts at the national level. Here, we use GLOBIOM-CZE, a global economic model, as part of a climate change impact assessment framework to evaluate the impacts on the Czech agricultural sector in terms of environmental and economic indicators. By comparing with the baseline, the ensemble of scenarios suggests a decrease in crop area and production while increasing grassland, positively affecting livestock production by mid-century. Corn and barley show the most adverse response in production and area, while rapeseed increases under scenario RCP 8.5 with CO₂ fertilization effect. Livestock products production is projected to increase, especially bovine meat and milk, as within RCP 8.5, no constraints are placed on growing greenhouse gas emissions.

The below-average precipitation combined with above-average temperature during the period 2015–2019 showed high susceptibility of the Czech landscape to drought stress. This particular drought caused significant economics losses in the forestry, agcicultural and water management sectors. Because the climate models predict recurrence of drought period with increasing intensity and frequency, accurate knowledge of individual ecosystems evapotranspiration is needed to develop suitable adaptation to climate change. This contribution detects the evapotranspiration determined by precipitation/runoff measurements, diagnostic remote sensing model DisALEXI and semi–empirical model SoilClim in small forest (mostly Norway spruce) catchments areas (GEOMON network). Based on altitudinal gradient analysis (470–942 m), two of the three applied methods (DisALEXI and SoilClim models) confirm the previously accepted hypothesis, that at low elevation the evapotranspiration is limited by precipitation while at higher altitudes by available energy. Moreover, these two models identify the break point where evapotranspiration reaches maximum values and the altitude where evapotranspiration begins to be limited by a lack of available energy (DisALEXI at 758 m, SoilClim at 685 m). However, the DisALEXI model as the only one that best captures the relationship between evapotranspiration, precipitation and altitude. This analysis can by useful for detection suitable conditions for sustainable spruce forest management.

The aim of the work was to monitor the awareness of specific age groups in the implementation of agricultural production in the Czech Republic. The main topics were issues related to land, farming methods, primary crop production, animal production and economic aspects of the agricultural sector in relation to the awareness of respondents. For the intergenerational comparison of the monitored aspects, four age groups were created, whose answers were compared and evaluated with each other. Based on the respondents' answers, it was found that awareness of less complex questions that do not require prior knowledge is relatively good among respondents. Ignorance of agricultural production has manifested itself mainly in questions concerning farming methods, control bodies, the impact of cultivated crops on the soil or in connection with the cultivation of GMO crops. For these issues, the intergenerational impact was also relatively negligible. In the overall comparison, we can say that the younger group of respondents is more demanding when choosing food, especially the origin and quality of the product. Answers to questions about organic farming were also often far removed from the legislative requirements for the sector. This is especially true for the older group of respondents.

Wetlands are among the most endangered ecosystems in Central Europe. Therefore, large number of wetland organisms are endangered at the same time. Frequency of 94 red-list species were evaluated in the studied area of the south-eastern part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Historical data were taken from literature, botanical surveys, and databases. Recent occurrences are the result of the own field survey. Almost half of the evaluated species are recently considered as disappeared, or extinct in the area. Carex lasiocarpa and Pedicularis palustris are plants of high conservancy importance and at the same time belongs to recently missing species, with high probability of extinction, in the studied region. Drosera rotundifolia survives only at one locality. Prevailing decreasing number of species localities is associated mainly with the loss of suitable low-productive aquatic and wetland habitats. The study points to the continuing negative trend of reducing the occurrence of most of the evaluated endangered species and the related degradation of natural habitats in the selected area.

Glomalin is being investigated as a substance that improves soil quality, the resistance of soil aggregates and play a role in carbon sequestration. This study is the first nationwide survey of the glomalin content in the soil. Soil samples were collected from 181 locations in the Czech Republic to describe the variability of glomalin content in the soils of the Czech Republic and its dependence on soil chemical properties and climatic area. Sodium citrate buffer was used to extract easily extractable glomalin (EEG), and the glomalin concentration was determined spectrophotometrically. The soil glomalin content correlates most with the ratio of humic and fulvic acids. Moreover, the interrelation between glomalin content and climatic regions was also observed. The content of glomalin decreases from the warmest regions to the coldest. We also compared the glomalin content among different soil types groups and found out that the lowest glomalin content was found in Entic Podzols and Gleysols. On the contrary, the highest glomalin content was found in Vertisols, Phaeozems and Luvisols.

The annually increasing global production of tires ranges around 1 billion and the number of waste tires is growing too. A question comes to the fore how to handle the waste to prevent environmental risks. The most advanced recycling facilities can process waste tires by sophisticated methods leading to their further use. One of products is a so-called rubber granulate which enjoys great interest of gardeners who use it instead organic mulch. In relation with this research, phytotoxicity of rubber granulate made from waste tires was studied in laboratory conditions using a test kit (Phytotoxkit^TM) for the determination of inhibitory/stimulating effect. The testing was made on the reference soil and tested seeds were the seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba L). The granulate was applied onto the soil at rates of 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 75%. Research results demonstrated the inhibition of Sinapis alba L. seeds already from the rate of 5%, i.e. 6.50%. In the other rates, the inhibition ranged between 26.37% and 62.36%. The granulate is therefore considered phytotoxic and should not be used on the soil.

Industrialization increases use of emerging contaminants which contribute significantly to water pollution. This critical problem attract considerable public attention, hence appropriate technology is needed. Various microorganisms such as algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, yeast and bacteria can be used under certain conditions as ecological and low cost alternative method. One of the options, typically with dominance of some algal taxa, that can improve natural wastewater treatment processes is an algal turf scrubber (ATS) technology. It is an ecologically algae-based system characterized by a broad and dynamic non-specific consorcia with various advantages compared to conventional ones. This work focused on optimazing the initiation, formation and maintaining of microbial consortia. Amaranth (azo dye) was chosen as the test pollutant. Results indicate the potential of the ATS system for removal of azo dye amaranth in concentration 20 mg/l.

The aim of this work was to convert a 3D printer for plastic to a printer for printing food materials with a piston extruder and 200 ml storage container (maximum dimensions of the printed object: X = 232 mm, Y = 232 mm, Z = 250 mm). Using Sharp3D graphics software, a final model of a pasty extruder was built after several prototypes, using the original stepper motor along with two gears, a housing, and a piston. The models that were printed corresponded to the original computer model, including dimensions. The main parameters were to determine the height of the layer of the printed samples, the number of solid layers to ensure the homogeneity of the printed samples, and the infill density, as it ensures the correct filling of the model. For sample 1 (vegan pate), the optimal filling value is 60% and layer height is 1 mm.

This research is aimed at the sustainable use of bakery leftovers with the help of beer production technology, thus preventing an increase in the number of unused bakery products by returning them to commodity circulation by introducing the postulate of the circular economy. Conducting research includes two investigations: First, brewing beer by partly using a malt substitute (bakery leftovers); and second, condition optimisation of brewing beer with bread. In the first part of our research, we were challenged by sensorial problems (weak saturation and fullness; undesirable taste) that was connected to the chemical composition of the final beer and the chemical composition of the bread that was used for the beer production, respectively. We changed some conditions in the different stages of brewing (we added glucose, α-amylase, used double and triple decoction, applied higher and lower temperatures during fermentation and boiled for a longer period). To conclude, the best option for brewing beer with bread is to boil for a longer period (65 °C for 60 min and 75 °C for 60 min), which will help extract more elements from bread and malt. The best first fermentation temperature to achieve the most fullness and saturation is 4 °C. Two samples were contaminated by Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which caused a viscous taste and a bad evaluation in the total rating. To prevent an undesirable taste, the brewer must prevent contamination of the beer during all stages of brewing, especially during fermentation, and must know the composition of the bread being used.

Freezing is one of the methods to extend the storage time of meat. However, the negative phenomenon is the weight loss that occurs after its thawing. The main goal of this paper is to reduce these losses by using gelatine coatings. Poultry processing by-products, such as paws, have prepared gelatine with a proteolytic enzyme (Protamex). The meat was immersed in gelatine solution (8% gelatine, 10% glycerol and 1% glutaraldehyde). Losses in uncoated samples ranged from 0.42 to 3.84%, depending on the freezing rate and defrosting method. From the obtained weight loss results, for all tested combinations of freezing and thawing, it was found that the application of a gelatine coating had a positive effect on the reduction of weight losses after thawing of meat. The most significant losses occurred at -18 °C and defrosting in the microwave, with an average of more than 2% lower when the coating was applied. According to the results, freezing at -80 °C and defrosting in a refrigerator appeared to be the most considerate way of storing and processing meat. The uncoated sample weighed 0.42% less after defrosting, while the coated samples had an average weight loss of 0.33%. Due to the above results, the gelatine-based coating is suitable for eliminating meat juice losses.

Breeding changed quality of malting barley. Historical barley varieties and malt made from them have not been sufficiently researched. The aim of this study was to measure the parameters related to cytolytic (friability, β–glucans in wort), proteolytic (relative extract at 45 °C, Kolbach Index) and amylolytic modification of grain (final attenuation, diastatic power, malt extract). The historical varieties showed lower values ​​of friability, relative extract, Kolbach Index, diastatic power, and malt extract and they contained more nitrogenous substances compared to the current varieties. Based on the values of malt parameters, the Malting Quality Index was determined: for the Chlumecky variety–1; Stupicky starocesky–2; Bojos–3; Sebastian–3.

The present contribution focuses on the study of the encapsulation of enrichment components in colloidal dispersions. The research focuses on curcumin and vitamin C as active ingredients that have potential applications in the food industry or pharmaceuticals. Another part is devoted to liposomal encapsulation of active ingredients in colloidal dispersions. Furthermore, the contribution focuses on the study of the stability of liposomal dispersions containing soy lecithin and carboxymethylcellulose as suitable encapsulants for curcumin and vitamin C. The zeta potential values for the vitamin C dispersions ranged from -24 to -27 mV. The zeta potential values for the dispersions with curcumin ranged from -64 to -79mV. The data showed that the dispersion with encapsulated curcumin was approximately 2 times more stable than the dispersion with encapsulated vitamin C.

Insects with their high content of proteins and fats are among the good-quality sources that can be used for food industry and feed purposes. Fat for use in food or feed industries can be of various origins. To use a new source of fat in food and feed industries, it is necessary to analyse its composition. An important parameter of fat quality is the representation of fatty acids which are a significant element of nutrition. Various representations of fatty acids can be found in conventional sources, such as olive oil, canola oil or lard, as well as in the fat of superworms (Zophobas morio). This paper evaluates the composition of fats of animal and vegetable origin from a qualitative point of view and assesses the vibration characteristics of fatty acids of the compared fats. Namely, fatty acids of domestic pig, wild boar, domestic goose, river nutria, domestic sheep, rice, linseed, canola, olive, plant based fat – Hera, sunflower, and superworm were compared. Superworm differs in the following regions of wavenumbers: 599.27 cm/1 from domestic sheep, 720.4 cm/1 from domestic sheep and coconut fat, 796.32 cm/1 from sunflower, coconut, and pig fat, 1022.8 cm/1 from coconut and pig fat.

Aging is an inevitable process that manifests itself in the body through a number of physiological changes. They also include the formation of wrinkles and a decrease in collagen in the skin. Poultry protein-rich by-products can be used as a source of collagen. For the cosmetic industry, collagen hydrolyzate is used for its potential. The study tested the effect of a 1% hydrolyzate prepared from chicken stomachs mixed in a gel formulation on the condition of the skin (elasticity, change in skin relief and reduction in the amount of wrinkles). The aim was to determine, using non-invasive in vivo testing, whether collagen-based preparations incorporated into a carbopol gel applied topically for 8 weeks could have a positive effect on the biophysical properties of the skin in the periorbital area. For skin elasticity, the resonance times decreased on average from 257 ± 48 A.U. at 218 ± 58 A.U. to the right and from 258 ± 46 A.U. at 219 ± 57 A.U. on the left area. According to the values ​​found, all roughness parameters R1 to R5 also decreased. For parameter R1 there was an average decrease of 38 ± 3%, for parameter R2 there was a decrease of 43 ± 4%, roughness parameter R3 decreased by 39 ± 3%, roughness parameter R4 decreased by 34 ± 5% and finally roughness parameter R5 decreased by 39 ± 5%. Visualization of the area showed a decrease in the amount of wrinkles by 16 ± 2% on the right and by 15 ± 3% on the left. The results of regular application of the formulation with the addition of 1% collagen hydrolyzate confirmed the assumption of increased elasticity, reduced skin roughness and reduced amount of wrinkles in the periorbital area. Chicken collagen could thus find application in the production of antiaging agents.

The use of chicken meat could be strategies for high quality meat processing and sausage production. It could have advantages for consumers and producers in nutritional and specific consumer-based conditions and their specific requirements. Chicken meat is a lean and economically very expensive recipe item that can be compared to pork lean meat. Currently, mechanically separated chicken meat is most often used. However, this is reflected on the quality parameters and reduces the value of such sausages for consumers who require quality. The aim of the study was to compare a control frankfurters (PLF) with frankfurters with added 33% chicken breast meat (CBF) instead of pork lean meat. Most of basic chemical, colour and microbiological parameters after storage were not different between groups (P > 0.05). Contrary to expectations, few differences (P < 0.05) were found in sensory analysis with trained panellists. The difference in the juiciness of the sausages between groups was found (P < 0.05), further in evaluating their odour and taste intensity. No differences (P > 0.05) in descriptors were found for 30 untrained assessors who represented a group of common consumers. Despite the economic cost, the use of high-quality sausage recipes items is essential for the vast majority of consumers. However, consumers are unable to find significant differences in the quality of meat products. They are therefore dependent on the data on the food label.

The aim of this study was to determine the sensory properties of canned beaver meat. The study also included determination of chemical composition and instrumental colour measurement of the canned meat. Two samples with different amounts of beaver meat were made (36%, 51% of beaver meat) and compared with samples which contain the beef meat instead of beaver meat (36%, 51% beef meat) other ingredients in the recipe was pork meat, boiled pork skin, salt, and spices. There were not considerable differences in chemical composition between products (p > 0.05). Instrumental colour measurement displayed that samples with beaver meat were significantly lighter than those with beef meat (p < 0.05). Sensory analysis did not prove significant differences between individual samples, but preferential test showed that the sample with 36% of beaver meat was rated the best. The study confirm that beaver meat can be used in canned meat and offer a fine quality product. There is not enormous difference between the product properties if you replace beef meat with beaver meat. The beaver meat can be used in heat treated meat products and enhance the meat product market.

The project solved the issue of beer production using bakery leftovers. A regular pastry was prepared in the recipe with a different amount of fat. Breadcrumbs were then made from the prepared dried pastry. Microsamples of beer from water, hops, brewer's yeast and malt were produced. Partial replacement of barley malt was carried out using bakery leftovers in different proportions (up to 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%). The colour of individual laboratory samples was determined on a Konica Minolta CM 3500d device and the basic parameters of beer were determined on a FermentoFlash device.

Influence of electricity was studied in hemp plants. Impact on plant growth and physiological and yield parameters was investigated. Two different intensities (1500 mA and 2000 mA) was applied for 1 hour a day for total duration of 11 weeks. Height of the plant, stem diameter, biomass production and also yield of flowers was affected by treatment. Treatment had positive effect on content of photosynthetic pigments as chlorophylls and carotenoids.

Phytophthora infestans is a model organism for the oomycetes, a distinct lineage of fungus-like eukaryotes. However, P. infestans is primarily known as a pathogen that causes the serious potato and tomato disease known as late blight. The means of controlling late blight are limited and require early detection of the pathogen. One of the most reliable method for targeted quantitation is based on qPCR. The amount of sample is often limited, which does not allow the use of other analyses such as proteome analysis by LC-MS. Here, we describe the optimized extraction method for simultaneously extracting the DNA and proteins from an infected leaf of Solanum tuberosum. Simultaneous analysis of the amount of P. infestans DNA and the proteome composition from the infected leaf opens possibilities for a better understanding of the interaction between P. infestans and the plant.

The excessive use of agrochemicals adversely affects the environment and is not sustainable for the long term. Developing alternative pest and weed control strategies that do not burden the environment and stimulate plants' fitness is inevitable. Endophytic fungi naturally colonize plants and promote growth by facilitating biogenic elements (iron, nitrogen, or phosphorus). It has been described that endophytes can also modulate plant hormone levels. The interaction of A. alternatum and potential host plants has previously been studied, but the omics characterization of this promising endophyte is missing. Proteins and metabolites were extracted simultaneously from the Petri dishes cultures. A total of 951 proteins were identified in three biological replicates based on more than 3600 unique peptides. Detailed analysis revealed that more than half of the identified proteins were involved in energy metabolism, translation, and protein folding. Metabolites from the polar fraction were derivatized and analyzed by GC-MS. The most abundant metabolites included sugars and amino acids. Analysis revealed minimal changes in the composition of the metabolites between the older and the younger part of the mycelium. In summary, this work provides a first insight into the molecular composition of A. alternatum.

The aim of this study was to compare physiological responses of two spring barley varieties, differing in their oxidative stress tolerance, to drought and heat stress after pre-treatment under different irradiation regimes, CO₂ concentrations, and nitrogen fertilisation levels. High light intensity, elevated CO_2, and additional UV radiation increased flavonoid accumulation. Moreover, more flavonoids were induced in oxidative stress-sensitive variety Barke. Combined drought and heat stress caused a large decline in CO₂ assimilation, whereas heat stress alone caused only minor changes. Under combined stress, plants grown under low light intensity and no UV irradiation performed the best despite their higher initial water use efficiency and lower flavonoids content.

The chlorophyll content, relative water and leaf dry matter content of sorghum varieties and maize varieties were observed and analysed. The chosen varieties of sorghum differed in earliness and type. The maize varieties had a different FAO number. The data from the analyse of the samples taken in the field during two different phenological stages of the sorghum and maize showed differences among types of sorghum in RWC, LDMC and chlorophyll content; differences were also found among maize varieties with different FAO number in chlorophyll content, and among sorghum and maize varieties in LDMC and chlorophyll content. The results of sorghum varieties differed more in type than in earliness. The results of maize varieties differed in FAO number in chlorophyll content. There was not found a statistically significant difference between sorghum varieties and maize varieties in the content of water in the leaves, but maize plants were sown earlier and probably had the optimal conditions under which they could compete with sorghum plants.

The phenology of winter wheat is largely affected by the expression of the vernalization gene VRN1 and the PPD-D1, PPD-B1 and PPD-A1 genes responsible for sensitivity to photoperiod. The transcript levels of these genes were studied in six winter and one facultative wheat variety during growing season 2020. During the development of the shoot apex, the activity of VRN1 and PPD-D1 is gradually increased, although some transcript level of the VRN1 gene was found also in the leaves during the cold weather. In the spring, after vernalization fulfilment and during prolonged daylight, the increased expression of VRN1 and PPD-D1 was related to the change of the developmental stage. From a certain developmental stage, an increase in expression was observed, which corresponds to a change in development. However, the activity of the PPD-B1 decreases when the development of the shoot apex increases. It is possible that certain combinations of PPD1 loci alleles can alter head timing by acceleration which can protect sensitive floral meristem during unfavourable weather conditions and therefore, the information about allele combination and regulation conditions of these genes can be used for breeding of new varieties suitable for specific environmental conditions.

Apical dominance remains important phenomenon in plant physiology with a lot of questions to be answered. In this work we tried to find an answer, whether we should return to the nutrient hypothesis and ascribe a lesser role to auxin in regulation of apical dominance. 7-Day-old decapitated pea plantlets were used as a model system. The effect of sugar and auxin on bud outgrowth was studied by replacing the cotyledon with auxin or sucrose containing paste. Auxin flow was manipulated by wounding or auxin transport inhibitor (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) application. The obtained results indicating that in young plantlets auxin and/or its flow had more pronounced effect on cotyledonary bud outgrowth regulation than the sucrose availability.

This study is focused on mapping the species representation of powdery mildew (Erysiphales) on ornamental perennial plants of the family Asteraceae. During the growing season 2021, the collection of samples was proven in several terms in the Botanical Garden of Mendel University in Brno, in the Academic Garden Horticultural Faculty in Lednice and in the Labyrinth of Nature and Paradise of the Gardens of the Horticultural Faculty of Mendel University in Lednice. A total of 23 plants were collected, which showed signs of powdery mildew infection, of which a specific type of powdery mildew was determined in 15 cases. The samples were subsequently described, processed and specific species of powdery mildew occurring on members of the Asteraceae family were identified using microscopic techniques and compared mainly with the Monograph of Erysiphales (Braun and Cook 2012). Subsequently, an inventory of individual species of powdery mildew occurring in the gardens of Mendel University was created and macroscopic and microscopic photographs of these pathogens were taken on the infected plants.

The study aimed to determine the differences in carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) stable isotope ratios in grains of three winter wheat varieties grown under optimal and stress conditions. We found that the wheat variety has a significant effect on both δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N isotope ratios. Short-term (nine days) exposure to drought and high temperature during the heading or stem extension development phase significantly enhanced δ¹³C values, but only high temperature affected δ¹⁵N values. Enhanced δ¹⁵N values support the assumption that global warming causes a higher representation of the ¹⁵N isotope in plants. Moreover, significant interactive effects of temperature and water availability on the values of both isotopes were found implying that C and N metabolisms have been altered under the investigated stress conditions. We conclude that δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N isotope ratios of cereal grains are sensitive indicators of stress conditions, even short-term ones.

Hemp is a multipurpose plant which can be used in industry, food production and as a medicine. In medicinal Cannabis production, most important factor is content of cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBL (cannabicyclol) and others. Because medicinal Cannabis production is production of pharmaceuticals it is very important to have very standardised product in terms of active compound content. Because of this reason most of medicinal Cannabis nowadays is produced from clones of stable selected phenotypes with certain levels of active compounds, mostly cannabinoids. Because it is industry such as any other there are also lots of parameters important for economic model of production facility such as yield, resistance against pests and diseases and many others. During this study we were able to successfully select phenotype dominant in CBG which will be further used for upcoming biological and biotechnological studies under code name G13. Selected phenotype shows unique content of Cannabinoids and was reaching content of CBG 13.57% and THC 0.16%. This selected phenotype may be also used as base material for breeding of hemp variety for Common European Catalogue of agricultural hemp cultivars registered for trading between different European Union countries.

Forensic entomology is based on knowledge of species involved in forensic cases. If neither the rearing of early developmental stages nor the determination of species by traditional methods is possible, genetic identification is the only option. The paper describes the case of a dead young child found in a lake with dead insect egg on its body. DNA barcoding was chosen for eggs species identification. The method is based on a segment of approximately 650 bp of a mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Sequences were compared to the GenBank BLASTn and BOLD (Barcoding of Life Database) module. Based on the knowledge of the insect species, and the fact that these were only unhatched eggs, it was possible to estimate the colonization interval. The period of colonisation of the dead body by insects was determined to be approximately 8–14 hours. However, if it was a mixture of eggs of several species, DNA barcoding would not have given the necessary results. For this type of sample, DNA metabarcoding and massive parallel sequencing (MPS) can be used. This method would capture the full range of species present in the sample. For example, cases involving illegitimate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products, containing mixtures and powders of various protected species, could be analysed by this method.

Due to the advantages it offers, artificial insemination is an important part of current horse breeding. One of the limiting factors influencing the use of cooled insemination doses is the decrease in sperm survival over time, which can be influenced by selected extender. In our work, we focused on samples of insemination doses of Warmblood stallions diluted with a skimmed milk-based extender, INRA 96 and BotuSemen Gold extender stored at a temperature of 4 °C for up to 72 hours. Of the selected diluents, the skimmed milk-based extender reached the lowest values of total and progressive motility for all stallions and the lowest values of morphology for two of them (p < 0.05). Differences between INRA 96 and BotuSemen Gold were in sperm motility for one of the stallions, with INRA 96 reaching total motility of 53.66% and progressive motility of 17.13%, and BotuSemen Gold reaching 63.71% and 23.01% (p < 0.05). For two of the stallions, INRA 96 reached the highest values of sperm viability (p < 0.05). The skimmed milk-based extender, the advantages of which lie in its practicality and affordability, achieved lower values of the quality parameters of equine ejaculate than diluents with a chemically defined composition INRA 96 and BotuSemen Gold. There were differences between stallions in used extender. To maintain the best semen parameters, this should be taken into consideration and extenders should be tested for each stallion before the actual distribution of insemination doses to breeders.

In modern broiler lines, increasing demands are placed on skeletal integrity, where these lines are often characterized by poor calcification and high bone porosity. Bone abnormalities, as disruption of the normal skeletal growth process and homeostasis, are usually complex and lead to increased affinity for bone damage and many bone diseases. Bone quality traits can be improved by genetic tools, given the additive genetic background of these traits. In this study, attention was focused mainly on the search for polymorphisms in selected candidate genes that play an important role in bone metabolism. We studied the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in several regions of two genes (SOST and TNFSF11) with selected bone parameters (bone breaking strength, length, width, bone mass) in fast (Ross 308) and slow (Hubbard M22BxJA87A) growing broilers, whereas the individual hybrid lines were also compared on the basis of the monitored bone parameters. A total of 48 animals were tested. PCR and sequencing were used to determine the polymorphisms. In selected regions of studied genes, thirteen polymorphisms have been discovered. Five of these polymorphisms were in the introns and three were synonymous. Only one polymorphism was found in selected gene regions in the experimental group of animals, which showed associations with bone breaking strength, but this polymorphism was found in the intron. Other polymorphisms, especially those found in the exon, did not show associations with the observed bone parameters.

The achieved mechanical properties influence the usability of parts prepared by additive technologies. Investigating the mechanical properties of parts and materials for additive technologies is currently one of the most up-to date topics. In this work, an electromechanical testing method is chosen, which analyzes the formation and propagation of a crack in the aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg prepared from metal powder by the additive technology DMLS (direct metal laser sintering). Testing is performed on CT (compact tension) samples according to ČSN ISO 12108 on test machine Instron Electropuls 10000, and the results are compared with values obtained by testing samples made by gravity casting from an aluminum alloy of comparable composition. 3D printing of CT samples is performed in various topologies to verify the dependence of fatigue behavior on the printing topology with the aim of applicability in determining suitable printing topologies depending on the shape of the part and the direction of stress in the practical use of parts. The research monitors the dependence of the crack formation time and its propagation speed on the print orientation of the test specimen. The results of testing determine the appropriate printing topology in order to find the ideal position of a sample during printing and assess the possible use of this 3D printed material for cyclic loaded parts.

The content of this contribution is an evaluation of research on various mechanical pre-treatments of inorganic coating, which is part of the so-called duplex system applied to a steel sheet. In order to coating adhesion increase, the hot-dip galvanising surface was first pre-treatment using the standard light blast technology (synthetic brown corundum F40). Furthermore, pre-treatment was also carried out using alternative methods that can be used in conditions without blasting equipment – sandpaper regrinding (P40, P60, P80 and P100) and a corrosion-resistant steel brush (wire diameter 0.30 mm). Tools are designed e.g. for cleaning metal surfaces. Samples without mechanical pre-treatment and samples with blasted surface were used as a standard. The surface texture was evaluated based on the roughness height parameters Ra and Rz (according to ČSN EN ISO 4287 standard). The mechanical resistance of applied anti-corrosion protection was determined by means of a pull-of adhesion test (according to ČSN EN ISO 4624 standard). The experiment suggest results, that among the alternative methods, the use of P80 and P100 sandpapers and corrosion-resistant steel brushes seems to be the most suitable, as these tools are not as aggressive to the galvanised surface as P40 and P60 sandpapers.

The contribution focuses on the comparison of stresses in the specimen during tensile testing. The specimens were fabricated in two orientations in the printing area of a 3D printer. Digital Image Correlation method was used to measure the stress. The results were graphically evaluated and compared with each other. The graphical result of Digital Image Correlation was further compared with the computer analysis of stress action in the specimen in Autodesk Fusion 360. This comparison is very useful for realistic designing of 3D models for 3D printing of polymer materials by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology.

Incandescent light sources are typical lighting types for Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging. New broadband LED-based lights start to appear as a possible substitute for incandescent light sources due to the development of new LED dye types. Two light sources (Tungsten-halogen lamp and hyperspectral LED Effilux EFFI-Flex-HSI-100-SD-P2) for the Vis-NIR (400–1000 nm) hyperspectral imaging were compared on 15 samples of Gothajsky cooked salami slices. The goal was to compare these two light source technologies (old incandescent and new LED-based) in the matter of image quality. Images were scored using no-reference quality metrics (BRISQUE, NIQE, PIQE). There was a strong correlation between the mean values of the scoring metrics (BRISQUE R=0.9245, NIQE R=0.8933, PIQE R=0.9779). Results show the main advantage of the LED light is no heat stress of the samples resulting in more stable results with less glare. The main disadvantage of LED light was a lower illumination power resulting in higher exposition time needed.

The production of compost and its use on agricultural land is now widespread and well known. With regard to the conditions of the changing climate (temperature fluctuations, unbalanced precipitation, etc.) and anthropogenic activities associated with soil degradation and environmental devastation, issues related to wider use of compost are being addressed within Europe. Special attention is paid to innovative modifications of compost into fertilizers with improved properties. A promising solution is also offered by the production of pellets from compost. The pellets have better utility properties, are easier and more accurately metered, and therefore it is easier to supply the required amount of organic matter to the soil. For the needs of experimental measurements carried out in 2021, connected with pelletizing, 3 variants of input raw materials were selected. These are compost itself, compost in combination with biochar and compost in combination with grape marc. Afterwards, selected mechanical-physical properties, such as bulk density (845–1 056 kg/m³), mechanical durability (85.1–97.3%) and compressive strength (16.3–18.4 MPa) of pellets samples were evaluated. The obtained results confirmed a statistically significant difference between the evaluated samples. In particular, the results of mechanical resistance indicate their qualities. These results may ultimately be useful in eliminating risks in mechanical distribution systems, in dust generation, and in handling, applying or storing.

This contribution deals with the influence of shielding gases on the parameters of MIG and MAG welds. For the experiment purposes, steels S 235 JRG1 and C45 were chosen. In the research part, welding parameters and welding conditions were proposed; based on them, a series of experiments were performed. Weld beads were subjected to metallographic analysis (samples prepared according to ČSN ISO 4967), from which the  heat-affected zone and metal structure were determined. The melting bath area was not analyzed. Furthermore, in the heat-affected zone there were hardness and microhardness measured. The macrohardness of the samples was measured using the Rockwell HRB method according to ČSN EN ISO 6508 standard. The microhardness measurement was performed using Hannemann microhardness tester according to ČSN EN ISO 6507-1 standard.

Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) is a potential alternative fuel for compensating the running out of fossil-based liquid fuels. FAME is produced from renewable sources by transesterification. It could be produced locally, in each region of usage. Furthermore, local production and no need for international fuel transportation, this method could be more ecological, and it also could bring significant savings. FAME has physical properties similar to common diesel at normal temperatures. In contrast, at low temperatures, the viscosity increases sharply. Therefore, is it mostly used in blends with diesel. The kinematic viscosity of FAME/diesel blends was investigated in this paper. Various temperature (from -10 °C up to 60 °C) and various ratios (0, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 85, 100 vol.%) were tested. In the experiment, the kinematic viscosity of blends was tested and compared. It was found, the Vogel model has the best result, according to the coefficient of determination R² and sum of squares error SSE.

The lawn areas are the dominant part of the private as well as public greenery when it comes to the size of the area and requirements on the maintenance. Their functions significantly depend on the quality and frequency of maintenance. Financial and technological conditions enabled the expansion of robot lawn mowers with autonomous mowing. As this is a relatively new technique, its effect on the quality of the lawn itself is not yet sufficiently known. Therefore, this area of technological operation was also monitored within the operating area of the Faculty of Horticulture of Mendel University in Brno. Based on the three years’ experience of robot lawn mower service, a generally positive effect on the lawn have been monitored. There was a statistically significant reduction in higher weeds such as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). On the other hand, it seems hard to limit lower weeds, for example Clover (Trifolium sp.), which leaves grow below the height of mowing, lie down to the soil surface and at these low height form inflorescences. Regular mowing did not increase the formation of lawn thatch. The mowing technology have been adapted to regular irrigation, especially during the summer.

Gene therapy using small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules provides silencing of undesirable genes on mRNA translational level, which eliminates potential risks related to interactions with genomic DNA of the cell. However, due to their instability, these siRNA molecules must be delivered to the site of action via sophisticated delivery system. In this research work, we opted for liposomal vectors modified with polyethylene glycol chains attached by a pH-sensitive linkage. These liposomal nanoparticles were monitored in different buffer and pH conditions to verify some of their physicochemical properties required for an efficient siRNA delivery. Results from light scattering methods and cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed that higher ionic strength environment reduced the diameter and zeta potential of the nanoparticles and that mildly acidic pH (6.0) caused structural changes leading to aggregation of the nanoparticles. These findings predetermine their favourable behaviour in biological systems.

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in many countries. Over the last decade, pesticides have been found at higher concentrations in these waters. This is potentially dangerous for people and nature. For the future, it is very important to understand the behaviour of pesticides under denitrifying conditions, which are typical for groundwaters. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour of atrazine, terbuthylazine and tebuconazole under denitrifying conditions during 28 days. These conditions were simulated in a semi-continuous long-term laboratory test with a single dose of the test substance at the beginning of the test. After 28 days, none of the tested pesticides showed an inhibitory effect on denitrification; on the contrary, they had a stimulating effect of up to 10% (terbuthylazine). Biotic loss was only measured in the test with atrazine (9.8%). The dominant mechanism of the loss of all tested pesticides was adsorption (terbuthylazine 68.4%, tebuconazole 82.7%, and atrazine 30.6%). The lowest residual amount of pesticide in water was measured with tebuconazole (17.3%), followed by terbuthylazine (31.6%) and atrazine (59.6%).

Basidiomycete fungus, Laetiporus sulphureus was analyzed for production of volatile secondary metabolites under different fermentation conditions, using the OSMAC (One Strain Many Compounds) cultivation strategy. In this study, the OSMAC strategy was based on application of three different types of media and two additional compounds - sawdust and ammonium chloride - that were added individually in the growing media prior the fermentation process. For the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), two dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) with mass spectrometry (MS) was used with solid phase micro extraction (SPME) sample preparation (SMPE−GC×GC−MS). After the optimization process, PDMS/DVB fiber (blue) was applied for VOC preconcentration with following conditions: samples conditioning time in vials and fiber exposure to the headspace were set 30 min and 10 min, respectively. We confirmed that one fungal strain can produce a different VOCs profile depending on fermentation environment and we detected unique VOCs produced only in specific fermentation set-ups.

Bioorthogonal therapy represents a promising tool for controlled pro-drug activation. However, efficient catalysis in the intracellular environment mediated by organometallic compounds still poses a great challenge. Herein, we describe the preparation of a palladium-trapped cross-linked catalyst. Polycationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI), an efficient transfection agent, was used as a carrier for palladium catalyst. To prevent palladium leaching and undesired palladium inactivation, PEI polymer with nested palladium catalyst was cross-linked with phosphine compound tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphine chloride (THPC). The catalytic activity of cross-linked-Pd-PEI catalyst was assessed by the activation of a precursor fluorescent probe. The prepared catalyst exhibited catalytic activity in cell-free conditions in a PBS environment, as well as in a cell culture medium supplemented with FBS, which simulated the cellular environment.

Molecular imprinting is a very popular technique that allows preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) which have the ability to recognize imprinted molecules (analytes). MIPs are highly selective for the imprinted template and are chemically very stable. In our case, pepsin was used as a template/analyte molecule as it is a marker of gastroesophageal reflux. MIPs were prepared by suspension polymerization using a mixture of functional methacrylate-based monomers. Furthermore, in this work, MIPs were used as recognition entities in the sensor using quartz crystal microbalance.

The objective of this contribution was to evaluate the impact of sex, age and diet on serum levels of copper and zinc in dogs. Samples were obtained by private veterinarians. Owners of dogs provided information about sex, age and diet, and signed informed consent. Serum was frozen until photometric analysis of copper and zinc. Eighty-one samples were analyzed, 36 from male dogs and 45 from females. Animals were of various ages (0.5–16 years) and breeds. For statistical analysis, normality was tested by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Depending on the outcome, either t-test or one-way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keuls test, or Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used. Serum concentrations of Cu ranged from 1.8 to 8.7 µmol/l (median 4.4 µmol/l). Zinc concentrations were from 4.6 to 22.3 µmol/l (median 9.7 µmol/l). Impact of sex was significant for zinc. Males had median serum level 8.6 µmol/l while females 10.6 µmol/l. Copper was affected by neuter status. Neutered male dogs had lower median (3.6 µmol/l) than intact males (5.4 µmol/l), and both neutered and intact females (4.3 and 4.3 µmol/l, respectively). Age had no impact on Zn. For Cu, young dogs (˂2 years) had lower concentrations (median 4.1 µmol/l) than old dogs (˃11 years, median 4.8 µmol/l). Diet did not influenced copper, but there was a numerical difference in zinc according to feeding habits. Dogs fed more than 75% of home-made food had median of serum concentrations 8.9 µmol/l, dogs fed combination of home-made and commercial food 9.5 µmol/l and animals fed more than 75% commercial diet 10.3 µmol/l. According to our findings, serum zinc is affected by sex, and there is an ascending trend with larger proportion of commercial food in diet. Copper is affected by age. Also, neuter status has impact on Cu levels in male dogs.