Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica :: ISSN 1336-9245

Effect of coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste on growth and yield eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

2022-07-15T10:42:20+02:00

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of using coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste on the growth and yield of eggplant. The factors of the experiment were; P₀ = 0 tons ha^-1coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste, P₁ = 7 tons ha^-1coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste, P₂ = 14 tons ha^-1coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste, P₃ = 21 tons ha^-1coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste arrange as a randomized block design factorial. The results show that the doses of coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste 21 tons ha^-1 gives a higher fruit weight of 69.97 tons ha^-1. The lowest result is without the provision of coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste with a weight of 52.87 tons ha^-1. In addition, there is a significant relationship between the rate of plant growth and the rate of net assimilation (r= 0.90**) and the weight of fruit weight per hectare (r= 0.51**). This study revealed that the application of coconut husk organic fertilizer from liquid organic fertilizer waste at high doses could increase the growth and yield of eggplant.

Release behaviour of iron and zinc in different textured soil and its distribution in rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) in North West of India

2022-07-15T10:42:39+02:00

The present study aimed to assess the relationship of soil properties with extractable zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in soil as well as rice plant at different incubation period. The soil and plant samples were collected from 10 districts (Yamuna Nagar, Sonipat, Jind, Panipat, Karnal, Panchkula, Kaithal, Rohtak Ambala, and Kurukshetra) of RWCS (Rice wheat cropping system) of northwest Haryana of India. The effects of soil properties especially soil texture with the micronutrient in soil and rice plant at different incubation period have not been well studied. In the lab-cum-survey study, the analysis of grain samples collected from different districts of Haryana under varied soil texture showed a positive correlation between Zn/Fe concentration in grain and mean release rate of Zn/Fe in soil (Zn – 0.80; Fe – 0.98). The highest Fe concentration in grain was found in clayey soils (59.74–60.41 mg/kg) having a maximum mean soil Fe release rate (17.98–18.03 mg/kg). Likewise, the highest Zn concentration in grain was recorded in clayey soils (29.71–30.57 mg/kg) of Yamuna Nagar and Panchkula, which has the highest mean soil Zn release rate (1.03–1.14 mg/kg). Univariate and multivariate analysis under principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to determine the linear relationship between soil properties and extractable soil Zn and Fe concentration as well correlogram correlation matrix using for soil properties with grain Zn and Fe concentration. Hence, the study concluded that the detection for Zn and Fe are more successful in soils with a higher proportion of clay particles than in sandy soils. Plant uptake potential is highly influenced by soil micronutrient interactions with soil properties, especially soil texture, which can be predicted by extractable soil micronutrients.

Effect of cover crops undersown in maize on the mycotoxin content in maize biomass

2022-08-30T10:44:51+02:00

The effect of growing maize with undersown crops on the content of mycotoxins in maize biomass was studied. Small plot experiments were conducted in 2019 on two sites with different soil and climatic conditions: Žabčice and Troubsko. Three treatments of intermediate crops (Italian ryegrass; Fodder vetch and a mixture of both) were undersown into the space between the rows of maize. The maize was harvested at a dry matter content of 35% at the Troubsko experimental site and 43% at the Žabčice experimental site. After the harvest of maize, samples of green biomass (shreddings) were dried at 60°C and then analyzed for the content of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin (AF,L), and fumonisin (FUM). An average yield of maize shreddings ranged from 16.50 to 21.57 t/ha of dry matter within the individual treatment. The contents of mycotoxins from the sites differed in their statistical significance, and both experimental sites showed the lowest concentrations of AFL in maize shreddings while average concentrations of FUM and DON were always the highest. In most observations, treatments with the undersown crops reached the same values as the control treatment. Only in one treatment (mixture of Italian rye grass and Fodder vetch), an increase in the AFL content (by 0.3 µg/kg) was detected. Based on the performed analyses, it is possible to state that no adverse influence of undersown crops on the occurrence of mycotoxins in maize shreddings was recorded using the chosen methodology of cultivation. Exceeded limit values for the content of mycotoxins in feeds according to 2006/576/ were not recorded.

Reducing the intensity of machine movement in the field improves the structure of the soil

2023-01-10T10:41:27+01:00

Precision agriculture, which also includes the controlled movement of machines across the field, has several positive economic and environmental aspects. Despite this fact, knowledge gaps were identified, especially regarding the impact of compaction on changes in the humus regime and soil structure. For this reason, the first data are presented and discussed in this short communication. Soil samples for the determination of soil organic matter (SOM), humus, and soil structure parameters were taken from a long-term field experiment of controlled traffic farming. Samples were taken from points along permanent track lines and in places where no machines had passed for 12 years. The obtained results indicate that 12 years of no machinery passing through the field improves the soil structure, but does not significantly affect the parameters of organic matter and soil humus.

Silage characteristics, nutrient profiles and in vitro digestibility of differently ensiled theobroma cacao bean shell meals

2022-05-30T10:13:25+02:00

Silage technology is one of the major strategies for nutritionally improving and preserving feedstuff during seasonal shortages for ruminant animals. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the silage characteristics, nutrient profiles and in vitro digestibility of raw, poultry manure- and urea- ensiled cocoa bean shell meal. The known quantities of raw cocoa bean shell were mixed with poultry manure at 1:1 (w/w) while 5% urea solution was mixed with cocoa bean shell meal at 1:1 (v/w) and were ensiled for seven days under anaerobic condition. Data generated were subjected to appropriate statistical tools. The physicochemical properties of the silage produced revealed that it could be acceptable/palatable to the ruminants, if fed. Nutrient compositions was best improved in poultry manure ensiled cocoa bean shell. Mineral compositions were significantly improved by the treatments while anti-nutrients decomposed and reduced significantly. Alkaloid, oxalate and theobromine content were lower in the PCBSM while the UCBSM was lower in phytate. In vitro digestibility study showed that the feed materials are degradable and would nutrients could be absorbed and utilized by the animals, if fed. The organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) values confirmed the nutritional potentials of PCBSM as best feed materials over all. Methane production were minimal, would not lead to bloat in animals and thus, eco-friendly. Summarily, poultry manure ensiled cocoa bean shell meal could be a suitable alternative feed material in ruminant production and is thus, recommended.

The effect of colloidal silver on clinical, morphological parameters and mineral composition of blood of calves

2022-09-20T10:39:16+02:00

The problem of the calf livestock to be preserved under the use restriction conditions of the antibiotics in case of the infectious diseases requires the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, to which the nanocompounds of the noble metals are belonged. The influence of the colloid silver solution on the indicators of the clinical condition, mineral turnover and morphological composition of the blood of the black-pied Holstein calves aged from birth to 30 days had been analyzed. It had been established that the calf rearing with the colloid silver solution composed of colostrum (milk) at a dose of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/l from the 1^-st to the 10^-th day every twenty-four hours, from the 11^-th to the 30^-th day, which is carried out once a decade, does not influence on the indicators of the clinical condition, but dose-dependently contributes to the increasing silver content in the blood. Nanosilver at a dose of 2.0 mg/l of colostrum causes the increasing iron and zinc accumulation in the blood of the calves on the 3^-rd day after birth. With the increasing calf age up to 30 days as well as with the increasing oral use interval of the colloid silver solution, its influence on the exchange of zinc, iron and copper in the blood is decreased. On the 3^-rd and 10^-th day after the calf rearing with the colloid silver solution at a dose of 1.0 mg/l, the erythrocyte number reduction in their blood was found by 15.0 % and 12.3 %, the dose of nanosilver of 2.0 mg/l of colostrum causes a similar influence only on the 10^-th day. On the 30-th day after the increasing interval of the calf rearing the erythrocyte number in the blood of both studied groups had been equal with the control one. The leukocyte number in the blood of the healthy calves practically did not depend on the dose of the colloid silver, as well as on its use period. The dose of the colloid silver equal to 2.0 mg/l of colostrum (milk) influences on the blood leukogram in a lesser extent than the dose equal to 2.0 mg/l, but both drug doses for 30-th day increase the lymphocyte percentage in the blood of the healthy calves. The obtained results make it possible to select an effective dose and interval of nanosilver application to the calves, taking into account the indicators of their clinical condition, mineral turnover and morphological composition of the blood, as well as to consider it as a prophylactic agent in case of the infectious diseases

Effect of azodicarbonamide on rats with a high-fat hypercaloric diet

2022-12-01T08:27:26+01:00

Azodicarbonamide is an important chemical widely used in the industry as a blowing agent in the foam industry and in the food industry as a flour bleaching agent and a dough conditioner. The discussion about its biosafety is ongoing, in a number of countries, the use of azodicarbonamide is limited or even prohibited since a slightly carcinogenic effect of its by-products has been found. Despite this, many manufacturers continue to use it as a food additive. In a laboratory experiment, the effect of various doses of azodicarbonamide on the organism of laboratory animals under the background of a high-fat diet was determined by changes in their body weight, the state and mass indices of internal organs, blood parameters, the functional state of the nervous system, and changes in the intestinal microbiota. Four groups were formed from laboratory male rats, which for 21 days were consuming: a high-fat diet with the addition of 4%, 1%, 0.25%, 0% azodicarbonamide. It has been determined that azodicarbonamide did not cause a change in the organ mass index, but the addition of 4% and 1% of the substance to the diet significantly reduced the intensity of animals' body weight gain. Both excess fat in the diet and different doses of azodicarbonamide mainly caused functional disorders of the parenchymal organs, as evidenced by changes in the activity of blood enzymes (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, De Ritis ratio (AST/ALT), Alkaline phosphatase) and protein metabolism (Total protein, Globulins, Protein coefficient, Urea). Significant changes in the physical and orientation activity and emotional status of the animals were not observed. Low concentrations of azodicarbonamide (0.25% and 1% of the feed mass) caused a pronounced decrease in the number of normal enzymatic properties of Escherichia coli strains below the control group and the reference range, and a high concentration (4%) significantly reduced the number of Lactobacillus bacteria in comparison with the control one but did not exceed references.

Biodiversity of epigeic groups – ecological vs integrated management system

2022-11-25T19:21:59+01:00

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of an ecological and an integrated management systems within the cultivated crops of Hordeum vulgare, Pisum sativum, Vicia faba with Medicago sativa on the biodiversity of epigeic groups, in the Nitra-Dolná Malanta location, during the years 2019 and 2020, using the ground trap method. 27,987 specimens of the epigeic group of animals were obtained, 15,654 in the ecological system and 12,333 were in the integrated management system. Evertebrates belonged to 23 orders, 1 order Vertebrata and 1 undetermined group Larvae. Coleoptera, Collembola, Acarina, Formicoidae, Araneida had dominant occurrence. Subdominant representation was recorded in Opilionida. Recedent, or the subrecedent occurrence of Auchenorrhyncha, Heteroptera, Chilopoda, Isopoda, Lumbricidae and others was confirmed, which contributed to the biodiversity of the agroecosystem. Grown crops Pisum sativum and Hordeum vulgare showed the highest abundance, Vicia faba with Medicago sativa had the lowest abundance in both management systems. The diversity value in ecological management was 1.9479 and 2.1229 in integrated management. Faunal similarity according to Jaccard, when comparing individual types of management, reached a value of 86.96%. The value for identity of dominance according to Renkonnen was 84.66%. The ecological management system confirmed the suitability of the environmental conditions in terms of the occurrence of epigeic groups, taking into account other factors such as sowing procedure, intensity of management, agro-climatic conditions of the site, but also prevailing intraspecies and interspecies relations.

Evaluation of growth intensity in dairy cattle

2023-01-18T12:35:50+01:00

The growth intensity of cattle significantly affects their future production and reproduction performance. Despite this fact, many breeders underestimate the rearing of calves and heifers. Our study aimed to evaluate the growth intensity of Holstein calves and heifers in PD Devio Nové Sady based on non-contact measurement of live weight and body measurements through the analysis of digital images using the app AGRONINJA beefie3d^TM. The growth intensity analysis was based on the standard Penn State protocol, which uses the Hoffman method to estimate growth standards. A total of 143 calves and heifers were evaluated in three independent measurements. Obtained data were compared to an optimal growth curve determined based on the weight and wither height of dairy cows on the third lactation and using a system of growth intensity requirements. The results showed several deficiencies in the growth intensity of animals on the selected farm. We observed a growth deficit in the height of the evaluated calves from 3 to approximately 4.5 months of age. In addition, we observed that heifers older than eight months exceeded the set weight optimum. We also found a significant decrease in growth intensity due to the disease which occurred in the herd. The results of this study showed that regular recording of data related to body measurements and weight, as well as their comparison with the required values, makes it possible to reveal and, at the same time, eliminate many deficiencies in the breeding of heifers that will form the future production herd.

Identification of Polymorphism of the CSN2 Gene Encoding Beta-Casein in Ukrainian Black and White Breeds of Cattle

2022-12-12T12:56:50+01:00

Genotyping of 606 animals of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed was carried out in order to establish the features of genotype formation by beta-casein. It is established that the modern population of this breed has been formed using stud bulls of the Holstein breed, mainly of the American and German breeding. It is found that the original breed has determined the features of polymorphism of the beta-casein gene.

According to the research results, it is proved that the existing genetic structure of stud bulls of the Holstein and Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breeds enables formation of populations homozygous by these characteristics in subsequent generations.

Among the breeding stock of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed, the frequency of the desired A2A2 genotype was 33-53%. It is expected to increase the frequency of occurrence of individuals with the A2A2 genotype by beta-casein in subsequent generations, especially if stud bulls homozygous by A2A2 beta-casein is used.

Mixed reference population in genomic evaluation for clinical mastitis in Czech Holstein cattle

2022-10-17T14:24:43+02:00

The accuracy of genomic breeding values (GEBV) for clinical mastitis (CM) of Czech Holstein cattle was analysed. The single-step genomic method and mixed genomic reference populations were employed. Dataset included 92,388 Holstein cows and 160,426 lactations. CM lactation incidence was 19.05%. Cows calved between 2017 and 2022 in 119 herds. A total of 4,969 Holstein sires and 35,814 Holstein females were genotyped. Three genomic matrices were used, two of them encompassing females. The linear animal model with repeatability included fixed effects of herd,year-season and parity_age at calving. The highest average accuracy of GEBV occurred for genotyped cows. SD of GEBV accuracy for bulls was significantly higher than these for cows. The accuracy of genotyped cows with health phenotypes ranged from 0.06 to 0.51. For the genotyped bulls born in 2021 and 2022, maximal accuracy was 0.37; for genotyped heifers, maximal accuracy was 0.42. The highest average GEBV accuracy occurred for the reference population with genotyped bulls and genotyped cows with phenotypes. The average accuracy for the young genotyped bulls increased by 1p. p. when phenotyped cows were considered in the reference genomic population. The cow's GEBV accuracy benefited from including their genotypes in the prediction. It has been confirmed that due to the expansion of the genomic reference population to include a group of genotyped cows with phenotypes, the individual reliability of GEBV for CM has increased.

Estimation of genetic parameters of claw formation in Holstein and Slovak Spotted cattle

2023-02-13T08:24:09+01:00

The study aimed to analyse the claw formation traits in a selected population of Holstein and Slovak Spotted breeds and estimated their heritability and genetic correlation using linear mixed models. Images of the right hind claw were taken during functional claw trimming. NIS Elements 3.0 and MS Excel were used to analyse the images and prepare a database of phenotypic information. Pedigree information of animals was processed using the CFC program. Basic statistical analysis of the variability studied traits was estimated using SAS Enterprise Guide v7.1. Genetic correlation and heritability were estimated using the R package MCMC glmm. Lower average values of claw formation were found for the evaluated Holstein dairy cows compared to the evaluated group of Slovak Spotted dairy cows. The following effects (fixed effects) sire, date of birth, lactation order, calving year, calving season, the season of the claw trimming, and year of claw trimming were evaluated. Both positive and negative genetic correlations were observed between the claw conformation traits in the evaluated dairy cows. In the case of the Holstein breed, the highest positive genetic correlation was found for claw length and diagonal (0.91) and in Slovak Spotted cows for claw width and functional claw area (0.87). Claw conformation traits are generally low heritable, with an average h² value of 0.30±0.09.