The study evaluated the impact of clinical and subclinical mastitis in 656 Holstein-Czech Fleckvieh crossbred cows on feeding time, rumination, feeding-to-rumination ratio, and events of increased activity. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4. using the GLM procedure. It also assessed the feeding to rumination ratio as a potential predictor of subclinical or clinical mastitis. Significant behavioral changes were observed before onset of mastitis. Feeding duration peaked six days before symptoms (255.06 ± 5.21 min) for subclinical mastitis and nine days prior to clinical mastitis (235.53 ± 10.21 min). This is possible to confirmed also by significant changes in events of increased activity were also observed before disease onset. Rumination was highest on the day of clinical mastitis detection (491.24 ± 10.63) but lowest the day before detection (403.77 ± 5.43 min) for subclinical mastitis, indicating possible stress-related changes. The feeding-to-rumination ratio fluctuated, peaking at 0.57 ± 0.01 five days before subclinical mastitis and at 0.80 ± 0.02 for clinical mastitis, potentially reflecting metabolic and health status changes. At the onset of mastitis, the ratio declined to 0.44 for clinical cases and 0.50 for subclinical cases. Cows with subclinical mastitis exhibited longer feeding time and more events of increased activity, whereas those with clinical mastitis showed increased rumination. These differences highlight distinct behavioral responses to mastitis types. The study suggests that monitoring the feeding-to-rumination ratio and its trends over time could serve as an early indicator for mastitis detection.

Lameness of dairy cows is one of the diseases that significantly impact their health, welfare, production and reproduction parameters. Data were collected from 310 Czech Fleckvieh (Simmental) pregnant dairy cows in 2017 and 2018. The study aimed to determine the effect of lameness occurrence in the post-calving period until the insemination resulting in pregnancy, on selected reproductive parameters of the dairy cows: calving to conception interval (CCI) and number of services per conception (NSC). The following lameness criteria were used: incidence of lameness, cause of lameness (infectious, non-infectious, combined), number of affected limbs (one or multiple), number of lameness episodes (one or multiple). The CCI was significantly longer (P < 0.001) in lame animals (by 17 days), with the difference increasing to 28.25 days in the case of multiple affected limbs, and to 29.54 days in animals with multiple lameness episodes. A significant influence of infectious and combined diseases on the length of the CCI was confirmed, extending it by 21.82 and 24.9 days, respectively. NSC in lame animals (2.13) tended to differ from healthy cows (1.89) with a significant increase to 2.47 in cows with multiple lameness episodes (P < 0.05). This indicates that lameness in the post-calving period is an important aspect negatively influencing the monitored reproductive parameters of cows. The conclusion of the study shows that lameness in dairy cattle herds has a significant economic impact.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of exterior traits on milk production and also on the calving ease in first parity for dual-purpose (milk and meat) cows of Simmental origin. The analysis used 7987 purebred Czech Fleckvieh cows. The impact of the measured features of the frame and the linear type traits of the udder and muscularity were evaluated. The influence of height at the sacrum and body depth on milk yield has been demonstrated. A productivity increase of 27.62 kg of milk can be anticipated for every 1 cm increase in the height at the sacrum, and a productivity increase of 19.78 kg of milk can be expected for every 1 cm increase in body depth. The length of the fore and rear udders, the angle of udder attachment, and the depth of the udders all had a statistically significant impact on milk yield. In the case of calving ease, only the influence of muscularity was proven. The likelihood of difficult calving was 0.18 in cows with weak muscularity. The findings demonstrate that the exterior score is significant not only as a collection of fitness and longevity traits but also as a factor in milk yield.

Changes in the fatty acid profiles and health indexes of bovine colostrum during the first days of lactation and their impact on human health

In the experimental section of the barn (which made up 25% of the barn), 103 cubicles in free stall barn were selected in three rows, housing 98 dairy cows of Czech Fleckvieh cattle. Monitoring was done for one calendar year, once a week. From this period, 16 days with temperatures from 0.5–15.0 °C were selected for quantification. Observations were continuously recorded at 10:00 am (one hour after the coming of the last cow from the milking parlour), at hourly intervals until 7:00 pm. Ten observations were carried out every day of the monitoring period. In total, 15 680 individual observations were recorded. The microclimatic parameters (temperature, relative humidity) were monitored within the barns continuously at 15-minute intervals using three data logger sensors. Changes in the proportion of lying to standing dairy cows were observed during the day. A steady trend of a reduced ratio of lying dairy cows during the day (from 70% to 40%) in favour of standing dairy cows was observed. The optimal value of the cow comfort index – CCI (85%) was not reached in any monitored part of the day. The number of dairy cows lying on their left sides increased from 50.4% to 56%, especially after feeding (at 4:00 pm). Differences were found in the proportion of lying and standing cows (<i>P </i>< 0.05) at an optimal microclimate during the day. A significant preference for the left side when lying down was also found.

The experiment aimed to evaluate the growth ability of Czech Fleckvieh Simmental bulls at the beginning of fattening in the conditions of a modern commercial stable on a private farm. A total of 40 bulls were included in the experiment, which were moved to the stable at the age of 2 months, and the measurements were carried out up to 8 months of age. The bulls were measured at regular intervals of 14 days using a device that eliminates the stress of the animals and thereby increases their welfare. The measurement was carried out using a non-stress device, the live weight of the animals and the withers height were recorded. The net weight gain was determined from the measured data, which reached an average of 1.14 kg/day during the entire experiment. In addition, the growth curve was evaluated using the measured values of live weight and height at withers. The animals at 60 days had an average weight of 106 kg and a height at withers of 86.3 cm. At 120 days, the average weight was 167.3 kg and the height was 95.3 cm. At the age of 210 days, the average weight of the bulls was 283.6 kg and the height was 109.7 cm. The correlation coefficients between measured live weight and height at withers was 0.94 (p&lt;0.05) and between live weight and daily weight gain was 0.35 (p&lt;0.05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rumination time, eating time and season on milk yield and on milk component content in the context of milk recording. The experiment was carried out with two breeds – Czech Fleckvieh cattle and Holstein cattle – for one year. Vitalimetr 5P neck responders were used to monitor eating and rumination time. For statistical evaluation, the time of eating and rumination was divided into three groups according to the length of eating and ruminating, with each breed being categorised separately. The highest protein content, which was 3.6%, was calculated for the group with an average eating time. The fat content was highest for the group with a below-average eating time. On the other hand, the highest milk yield was statistically significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the group with the longest eating time. In terms of rumination, the trend was similar to that of the eating period. In the evaluation of the effect of rumination time, there was no difference in protein %, fat kg and fat % content. A significant (P < 0.05) increase of protein kg was observed with higher rumination time. Changes in milk yield and milk components also occurred throughout the year. During the winter months, the yield decreased, but there was an increase in milk constituent content. During the summer months, the reverse results were obtained. The findings of this study highlight the importance of evaluating eating and rumination time as a potential predictor of milk yield and milk solids content, which are important in milk monetization.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate semen parameters from Czech Fleckvieh(dual-purpose breed) bulls used in artificial insemination in the Fleckviehpopulation. The ejaculate was collected from bulls only once a week, which isnot usual. Respectively, the effects of age and season of collection on semenparameters were tested. The average volume of ejaculate by Fleckvieh bullswas 8.72 mL, which is higher than results in studies of bulls which werecollected usually more than once a week. The average total motility was 72.82 % and progressive motility was 67.99 %. Sperm concentration reached onaverage . The total motility of spermatozoa afterthawing was 40.88 %. A significant influence of age was observed onejaculate volume, total and progressive motility, and total motility afterthawing (). The season of collection had a significant influence on thevolume of ejaculate, total motility, progressive motility, concentration ofspermatozoa, and total count of spermatozoa ().

A reassessment of factors related to milk production economics is needed because of continuing genetic improvements within the main dairy breeds and changes in farm management and the economic environment. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the development of economic indicators between 2016 and 2020 on Czech dairy farms that kept either Czech Fleckvieh or Holstein breeds and that had different average milk yields. We used a questionnaire to obtain data from 66 dairy farms from different regions of the Czech Republic. The farms were divided into four groups according to breed and 2016 milk yield. Production costs increased during the period in all groups by 13% to 17% because of increasing milk yields, the associated higher feed consumption and increasing input prices. We observed a higher annual growth rate of costs per litre of milk on farms with above-average milk yields compared with the groups with below-average yields. The highest profitability before subsidies was achieved on farms with Holstein cows and above-average milk yields. Higher-income over feed costs were consistently observed in groups with higher milk yields. Because of low farm gate milk prices, profitability was significantly lower across all groups during 2016 than in other years.

Unstable conditions in the milk market in the Czech Republic (CR) and in the European Union (EU), mainly due to volatility of milk prices, are increasing pressure on dairy farmers to maximise production at the lowest possible production costs. Break-even point (BEP) analysis is a useful tool in dairy herd management for determining minimum requirements for profitability. BEP values for milk yield and milk price were calculated based on data obtained from 95 dairy farms in the CR. BEP values were estimated also for another eight EU countries based upon production and cost data from the EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). With the milk price ranging from EUR 28 to EUR 38 per 100 L and while excluding subsidies, zero profitability would be achieved on Czech dairy farms with milk yields ranging from 6 706 L to 13 151 L per cow and from 7 450 L to 14 088 L per cow in Czech Fleckvieh (C) and Holstein (H) herds, respectively. In order to achieve 5% profitability, the milk yield would need to increase by 21%. Considerable variability exists among EU countries in estimated BEP values depending upon average milk yields, input prices, and milk prices in different countries.

ABSTRACT The work aimed to evaluate the growth ability of Czech Fleckvieh bulls in the conditions of modern stable based on their breeding lines. A total of 94 bulls were included in the experiment. The growth curve, weight at standardized ages, and weight gain were evaluated. The average weight of fattened bulls ranged from 109.43 kg at the age of 90 days to 705.65 kg at the end of the fattening period. Statistically significant model function was created by regression analysis and included the effects of bull sire, peers, age, and age squared. Furthermore, we used a linear model with the effects: birth month of the bull, the group of peers, the breeding line of bull sire, and random repeated effect of the animal. Significant differences were observed for the month of birth and between groups of peers. The effect of the breeding line was significant for regression analysis, however in evaluation based on linear model it was significant only for the weight at the beginning of fattening. The results suggest that in the standardized conditions of a modern stable with good housing and nutrition, the genetic predisposition for the growth ability of dual-purpose Fleckvieh cattle was attenuated.

Currently, the prices of dairy cows feed with protein concentrates are rising and the climate change is also manifesting itself with a growing drought in animal production. These are the reasons why there is an increasing interest in growing silage from legume–cereal mixtures (L-C-M) and in increasing their share in feed rations for dairy cows. Furthermore, the L-C-Ms improve the soil fertility during the crop rotation. The effect of these feeds on milk quality was evaluated by adding L-C-M silages into feeding rations. Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein breed dairy cows (8 herds; feeding periods without and with L-C-M silages) were included in the evaluation for 3 years. There were used 126 L-C-M (experimental) and 463 control (without L-C-M) bulk tank milk samples in this dairy analysis. Lactose content, solids non fat content and total count of mesophilic bacteria in milk of L-C-M group was increased as compared to control (zero hypothesis probability varied from P ≤ 0.05 to P ≤ 0.001). On the contrary, as new knowledge, milk freezing point depression and somatic cell counts were decreased in L-C-M group as compared to control (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.05). Other milk indicators such as contents of fat, crude protein, milk urea and thermostability (P &gt; 0.05) were not affected by evaluated factor. The residues of inhibitory substances in bulk tank milk in the L-C-M group were not indicated, but one case was in the control group. Feeding of dairy cows with an increased proportion of L-C-M silage in the roughage component a part of the feeding ration is a safe way to replace part of the protein concentrates in animal feeding, regarding milk quality. Keywords: breed, protein, milk freezing point depression, milk thermostability, hygienic milk indicators

The aim of this study was to evaluate the amounts of time that selected crossbreeds of Holstein (H), Red-Holstein (R), and Czech Fleckvieh (C) cattle spent chewing, eating, being physically active using a Vitalimetr 5P neck responder during the period around oestrus in all seasons of the year. Oestrus and the days preceding it greatly affected the times of events of increased activity, eating, and rumination. Eating and chewing times were longest for H cows, at 51–74%, and shortest for C cows, at &gt; 88%. The number of events of increased activity was highest (533.4 ± 8.94 events, P &lt; 0.01) for cows R 51–74%. Oestrus in dairy cows was manifested by decreases in the times of chewing and eating and the frequency of events of increased activity. Feeding time decreased by 8.01 min from the second day before oestrus to the day of oestrus. Rumination time also decreased from the second day before oestrus to the day of oestrus. Rumination time on the day of oestrus decreased by an average of 61.80 min but increased the next day by 33.39 min. In contrast, events of increased activity were highest on the day of oestrus (623 ± 7.68 events). Our findings on differences between breeds, lactation order, and months may contribute to the improvement of algorithms for detecting oestrus, thereby improving the economic status of farms.

Microbial contamination of harvested colostrum on Czech dairy farms

The evaluation of the relationship of lactose to production and reproduction traits in different breeding conditions of the Slovak Spotted dairy cows

Article Details: Received: 2020-09-22 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.5-10 Abstract This research was conducted on 147 cows of purebred Montbeliarde dairy cattle during their first to seventh lactation. On average, each dairy cow provided 161 values on live weight during lactation via the automatic milking system (AMS). The average live weight of a dairy cow of said herd was 699.94 kg, the daily milk yield was 33.67 kg on average and the average day of lactation (DIM) was 111.75. This research discovered a statistically significant decrease of live weight in dairy cattle before the 60th day of lactation in every observed lactation. On the contrary, the changes in live weight in the last 60 days of standardized lactation proved to be inconclusive. Between days 60 and 240 of the lactation, an increase of live weight of varying intensities was observed, mainly in cows who had undergone less lactation cycles in the past. Similarly, the research has proven an impact of the number of lactation cycles the cow has undergone in the past on the live weight of the cow during the first, second and third lactation (645.21 kg, 700.35 kg and 752.10 kg respectively). On the contrary, there was no conclusive difference in live weight between the third and more lactation cycles. The results have also shown that the changes in live weight during lactation were significantly different in first-calf heifers, as opposed to cows after more lactation cycles, similarly to the differences in milk yield. Keywords: Montbeliarde, dairy, body weight, lactation, cow References ALAWNEH, J. I. et al. (2011). Automatic recording of daily walkover liveweight of dairy cattle at pasture in the first 100 days in milk. Journal of Dairy Science , 94, 4431–4440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-4002 CHLADEK, G., KUCERA, J. (2000). An analysis of some factors affecting the milk production of cows sired by Montbeliarde sires in the Czech Republic. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis , 48(3), 21–26. CHLADEK, G. et al. (2001). The effect of Montbeliarde sires on the populations of Montbeliarde and Czech Spotted cows in the Czech Republic. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis , 49(4), 7–12. GRUBER, L. et al. (2018). Body weight prediction using body size measurements in Fleckvieh, Holstein, and Brown Swiss dairy cows in lactation and dry periods. Archives Animal Breeding , 61, 413–424. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-61-413-2018 KOPEC, T. et al. (2013). The effect of the calving season on the Wood’s model parameters and characteristics of the lactation curve in Czech Fleckvieh cows. Archives Animal Breeding , 56, 808–815. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7482/0003-9438-56-080 LEDINEK, M. et al. (2019). Analysis of lactating cows in commercial Austrian dairy farms: diet composition, and influence of genotype, parity and stage of lactation on nutrient intake, body weight and body condition score. Italian Journal of Animal Science , 18, 202–214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2018.1504632 MLYNEK, K., GLOWINSKA, B. (2020). The relationship of body condition and chewing time with body weight, the level of plasma cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, leptin and energy metabolites in cows until reaching the lactation peak. Acta Veterinaria Brno , 89, 31–38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2754/avb202089010031 PORTES, J. V. et al. (2020). Evaluation of body weight and hip height in Nellore cows in a tropical environment. Livestock Science , 233. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2020.103953 PSZCZOLA, M. et al. (2018). Short communication: Improving repeatability of cows’ body weight recorded by an automated milking system. Livestock Science , 214, 149–152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2018.04.016 SOYEURT, H. et al. (2019). Contribution of Milk Mid-Infrared Spectrum to Improve the Accuracy of Test-Day Body Weight Predicted from Stage, Lactation Number, Month of Test and Milk Yield. Livestock Science , 227, 82–89. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.07.007 TOSHNIWAL, J. K. et al. (2008). Heritability of Electronically Recorded Daily Body Weight and Correlations with Yield, Dry Matter Intake, and Body Condition Score. Journal of Dairy Science , 91, 3201–3210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0627

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-28 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.155-158 The study is focused to analyse of the relationship between composite type traits evaluated by new system Fleckscore and functional length of productive life in the Slovak Simmental cows. All cows was scored in the first parity just because 85% data were censored. The score of frame, feet and legs, muscularity and udder was between 68 and 93 points.The lowest risk of culling was found for muscularity (0.591) at the group scored between 84 and 93 points,for udder (0.879) and feet and legs (0.751) scored between 77 - 79 points and for frame (0.816) at the score 80 points. Rate of culled cows on first or second parity was 15 %. Within this group, diseases and fertility disorders (involuntary culling) represented 23 % culling cows. Keywords: body conformation trait, FleckScore, longevity, survival analysis References Ansari-Lari, M. et al. (2012). Causes of culling in dairy cows and its relation to age at culling and interval from calving in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Veterinary Research Forum , 3(4), 233–237. https://doi.org/ 4313041 Anzenberger, H. (2012). Zweitbewertung im neuen System. Rinderzucht Fleckvieh , 3(1), 28–29. Ducrocq, V. et al. (2012). The survival Kit v6.1. User´s Manual . 83 p. Frelich, J. et al. (2010). Reasons for the culling of dairy cows on low-input mountain farms. Journal of Agrobiology , 27(1), 41–48. https://doi.org/10.2478/s10146-009-0006-z Imbayarwo-Chikosi, V. E. et al. (2016). Impact of comformation traits on functional longevity in South African Holstein cattle. Animal Production Science , 58(3) 481–488. Morek-Kopec´, M. and Zarnecki, A. (2012). Relationship between conformation traits and longevity in Polish Holstein Friesian cattle. Livestock Science , 149(1-2) 53–61. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.livsci.2012.06.022 Novotný, L. et al. (2017). Genetic Relationship between Type Traits, Number of Lactations Initiated, and Lifetime Milk Performance in Czech Fleckvieh Cattle. Czech Journal of Animal Science , 62(12), 501–510. https://doi.org/ 10.17221/60/2017-CJAS Ondrakova, M. (2014). Fleckscore proposal for second and third lactations. Zpravodaj chovatelu a plemenne knihy ceskeho strakateho skotu , 2. 10–12. (in Czech) Sawa, A. et al. (2013). Relationship between Conformation Traits and Lifetime Production Efficiency of Cows. International Scholarly Research Notices , vol. 2013, Article ID 124690, 4 p. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/124690 Sewalem, A. et al. (2004). Analysis of the Relationship Between Type Traits and Functional Survival in Canadian Holsteins Using a Weibull Proportional Hazards Model. Journal of Dairy Science , 87, 3938–3946. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(04)73533-X Tanzler, J. (2014). Lineare Nachzuchtbewertung mit Fleckscore. Fleckviehzucht in Osterreich, 4, 25–27. Zavadilova, L. et al. (2011). Effect of type traits on functional longevity of Czech Holstein cows estimated from a Cox proportional hazards model. Journal of Dairy Science , 94, 4090–4099. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3684

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-25 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.58-61 The climate in the Czech Republic is mild, transient between oceanic and continental, with a typical alternation of 4-year periods. The continental climate is characterized by high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. During the extreme fluctuation of microclimatic conditions in the stable, there is also a change in individual reproductive indicators due to disruption of hormonal secretion, which further affects individual physiological processes, thus worsening conception or milder manifestations of heat, which we currently try to detect by neck responders and other modern systems.The experiment analyzed the effect of the average monthly temperature and humidity in the stable on the percentage of pregnant cows, in 2017 without the use of neck responders and in 2019, when all cows already had a neck responder. Monitoring was performed in 2017 and 2019 on the private farm GenAgro Říčany, a.s. (GPS 49 ° 12'32.319 "N, 16 ° 23'42.666" V). The values of average temperatures and relative humidity were calculated from 15-minute interval recordings of HOBO brand data loggers (Onset), which were placed in the stable, at the height at the withers of the cows without the possibility of influencing the measurements by the cows themselves. The object of monitoring was a herd of approximately 700 cows of Czech Fleckvieh Simmental various lactations. Data on the conception of cows were obtained both from the monthly reports of the breeding organization and from the data of the breeder.Thermal stress can have a long-lasting effect observable for weeks or months after the summer. This is also evidenced by the results of the work, which shows the worsening conception of cows, especially in late summer and autumn. At the same time, the results show a positive effect of the used neck responders, which help with the detection of heat and thus improve the reproduction of the whole herd. Keywords: Czech Fleckvieh Simmental, smart farming, neck responders, reproduction, heat stress References Badinga, L., et al. (1985). Effects of climatic and management factors on conception rate of dairy cattle in subtropical environment. J Dairy Sci , 68, 78–85. Bertipaglia, E. C. A., et al. (2005). Fertility and hair coat characteristics of Holstein cows in a tropical environment . Anim Reprod , 2(3), 187–194. Bridges, P. J. et al. (2005). Elevated temperature (heat stress) in vitro reduces androstenedione and estradiol and increases progesterone secretion by follicular cells from bovine dominant follicles. Domestic Animal Endocrinology , 29, 508–522, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2005.02.017 . Funnell, A. (2015). Robots and the future of agriculture . [cited 2020-10-15]. Available from: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/a-swarmof-agbots/6968940 Jelínek, P., Koudela, K. et al. (2003). Fyziologie hospodářských zvířat . Brno: Mendelova zemědělská a lesnická univerzita. Rensis, F. D., Scaramuzzi, R. . (2003). Heat stress and seasonal effects on reproduction in the dairy cow – a review. Theriogenology, 60,1139–1151, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0093-691X(03)00126-2 . Schmitt, E. J. et al. (1996). Differential response of the luteal phase and fertility in cattle following ovulation of the first-wave follicle with human chorionic gonadotropin or an agonist of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. J Anim Sci , 74, 1074–1083, DOI: 10.2527/1996.7451074x Schwab, K. (2016). The fourth industrial revolution . New York: Crown Business. Ustundag, A., Cevikcan, E. (2017). Industry 4.0: managing the digital transformation . New York: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Velechovská, J. (2016). Monitoring přežvykování pro efektivnější chov . Chov [online]., 8. číslo 18–20 str. [cited 2020-10-15]. Available from: https://www.eurofarm.cz/sites/www.eurofarm.cz/files/u2018/08-2016-chov-priloha_str18-20-eurofarm.pdf Wolfenson, D., Roth, Z., Meidan, R. (2000). Impaired reproduction in heat stressed: basic and applied aspects. Anim Reprod Sci , 60, 535–547, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320(00)00102-0 .

Experimental non-invasive pregnancy diagnostic techniques, such as seed germination testing in diluted urine, may serve as an alternative to standardized pregnancy diagnostic methods, but scientific validation of these methods is required. This study aimed to use Czech Fleckvieh heifers to investigate the influence of urinary reproductive hormones (oestrone sulphate, 17β-oestradiol, and pregnanediol3-glucuronide) on the germination success of seeds placed within their diluted urine, and further to verify the reliability of seed germination test for pregnancy diagnosis in this species. Mung bean and wheat seeds were germinated in two urine-water dilutions (1:4 and 1:14) for three days, using urine samples obtained from either pregnant or non-pregnant heifers. Germinated seeds were counted daily, and the shoot lengths were measured three days after placement in the urine. Levels of urinary reproductive hormones were determined using competitive heterogeneous enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Despite the dilution rate used, final results indicated that the urine from pregnant heifers inhibited germination and growth in mung beans only. On the contrary, wheat germination rate was higher within the urine from pregnant females on days 1 and 2, when using a 1:14 dilution rate. For both seed species, correlations between urinary hormone profiles and seed germination parameters were found, depending on the day of the experiment and the rate of dilution used. The shoot lengths of mung bean seeds were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) and negatively correlated with the profiles of all hormones analysed from the urine samples. Thus, urinary reproductive hormones influence seed germination and growth rate of wheat and mung beans, indicating the potential for this technique to be used for pregnancy determination in heifers.

Simple SummaryInformation about fatty acid proportions in milk fat is important for many purposes, such as animal breeding, animal health control, as well as human nutrition. The routine methods for determining fatty acid proportions (e.g., mid-infrared spectroscopy) are rapid and relatively cheap, but there is a need to compare them with the reference analytical method (gas chromatography) to ensure their validity and suitability for various milk samples. The aim of this study is to compare the proportions of single fatty acids and their sums determined by utilizing both of these analytical methods and the resulting correlation coefficients. Our results show that the mid-infrared spectroscopy method is more appropriate (both for bulk and individual milk samples) for fatty acids present in high proportions of the total fat and for the sum of fatty acids (such as saturated and unsaturated) than for fatty acids with low proportions.Rapid analytical methods can contribute to the expansion of milk fatty acid determination for various important practical purposes. The reliability of data resulting from these routine methods plays a crucial role. Bulk and individual milk samples (60 and 345, respectively) were obtained from Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein dairy cows in the Czech Republic. The correlation between milk fatty acid (FA) proportions determined by the routine method (infrared spectroscopy in the mid-region in connection with Fourier transformation; FT-MIR) and the reference method (gas chromatography; GC) was evaluated. To validate the calibration of the FT-MIR method, a linear regression model was used. For bulk milk samples, the correlation coefficients between these methods were higher for the saturated (SFAs) and unsaturated FAs (UFAs) (r = 0.7169 and 0.9232; p < 0.001) than for the trans isomers of UFAs (TFAs) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) (r = 0.5706 and 0.6278; p < 0.001). Similar results were found for individual milk samples: r = 0.8592 and 0.8666 (p < 0.001) for SFAs and UFAs, 0.1690 (p < 0.01) for TFAs, and 0.3314 (p < 0.001) for PUFAs. The correlation coefficients for TFAs and PUFAs were statistically significant but too low for practical analytical application. The results indicate that the FT-MIR method can be used for routine determination mainly for SFAs and UFAs.