The aim of the work is to describe microscopic and sub-microscopic changes of oviduct of 40 heifers of Pinzgau breed in post-natal development (3rd, 6th and 9th month of age) at subclinical experimental hypoglycaemia (the value of glucose in blood plasma was 1.9-2.2 mmol) and in oestrous cycle. The oviduct samples for histological study were gained by vivisection from three parts of oviduct. Samples were fixed for LM in formaldehyde and for SEM and TEM in glutaraldehyde paraformaldehyde. Subsequently they were processed by usual method which is use in laboratory for Lm and electronmicroscopical studies. We discovered progressive changes in the length of oviduct in post-natal period (+7.9cm up to 9th month) and in comparison with sexually mature animals retarded growth at hypoglycaemic 15 months old heifer (18.0±1.8cm). The length of oviduct in cycling heifer varied depending on the stage of cycle (21.7±1.9 in diestrus or 24.8±2.5 in oestrus). At the same time we have discovered progressive changes in relative volume of epithelium during development depending on the part of oviduct and age. This volume was on the level of 3rd – 6th month of age at hypoglycaemic animals. The most significant changes were observed in ampulla and infundibulum during the development as well as during oestrous cycle. The same tendencies were observed as representation and character of epithelium cells. There were no ascertained significant changes between ciliary and secretory cells, with the exception of hypoglycaemic heifers. This cannot be assumed about these cells during oestrous cycle. In their representation there were hormonal changes regulating individual stages of cycle. The sub-microscopic changes of cells in post-natal development as well as in oestrous cycle were also described. The energy deficit appeared in retardation of growth and development changes at animals with subclinical form of hypoglycaemia

The quality of 40 carcasses of light lambs from artificial and traditional rearing (AR, TR) was assessed on the basis of growth and carcass traits, and physico-chemical characteristics. Weights before starvation and at slaughter were similar in AR and TR lambs, respectively. The significant difference was found only in age. The significantly lower (P<0.01) average daily gain was found in AR lambs (0.215 kg). Hot carcass weight, hot and cold dressing percentage was also lower in AR lambs (8.1 kg, 47.1 % and 45.7 %). Weights of internal organs were lower in TR lambs (except for testicules). Proportion of commercial joints in left carcass was the same (anterior-rib 7.1 %), slightly lower (neck 5 %, loin 13.2 %), or slightly higher in TR lambs (breast plus flank 20.4 %, leg 34.5 %, shoulder 19.8 %). First and third quality meat percentages did not differ significantly; second quality meat percentage was significantly higher (P<0.01) in TR lambs (26.9 %). Muscle percentage in left carcass half was significantly higher (P<0.001) in TR lambs (63.5 %), whereas percentage of fat (11.4 %) and of bone (29.2 %) in left carcass half were almost significantly (P=0.065) and significantly (P<0.01) higher in AR lambs. Of physico-chemical characteristics which were measured on samples taken from Musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD), only electric conductivity and water holding capacity were found significantly (P < 0.01) different between AR and TR lambs (lower values were found in MLD of TR lambs). Protein content tended to be higher (P=0.0513) in MLD of TR lambs (20.62 g*100g-1).

The aim of the presented study was to compare the effect of selected DNA isolation kits - DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAGEN), PowerPlant DNA Isolation Kit (MO-BIO), Isolate Plant DNA Mini Kit (BIOLINE) and the method by Rogers and Bendich (1994) in relation to the quality and purity of the final PCR products. The DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAGEN) and PowerPlant DNA Isolation Kit (MO-BIO) were selected as the most suitable for DNA isolation, because of the high yield of genomic DNA. Isolated DNA was tested in PCR reactions and two types of DNA sequences were amplified - microsatellite DNA sequences and ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacers) regions. The PCR products of the highest quality amplify by the ISSR primer and primers for the ITS regions have been detected in the samples containing DNA isolated by protocol Rogers and Bendich (1994) and by isolation kit Isolate Plant DNA Mini Kit (BIOLINE).

Soybean genotypic differences in sensitivity of symbiotic nitrogen fixation were monitored on the following varieties: Impala (South African Republic), Maverick (USA), Rankoshi No.1h (Japan) and their reactions to the water supply at the beginning of the growth stage R1 and R2 – blooming in an interaction with the Nitrazon inoculation of the seeds before a sowing. Seeding of the particular soybean genotypes was made into the containers whilst 50% of seed corn from each genotype was before the sowing inoculated by the usage of Nitrazon inoculant. Water stress was secured by an irrigation interruption for a 7-day period in the mentioned growth stage. This stress had a negative impact on the relative water content (%RWC) plants, proline content (μmol.g-1Fresh Weight), osmotic potential (MPa), stress index as well as an amount of nodules on the roots by the all monitored varieties. According to an evaluation of the mentioned indicators more significant proline accumulation was confirmed by the genotype Maverick especially by the variant exposed to water deficit (3,25 μmol.g-1FW according to the calculations on 100% RWC) without the inoculant Nitrazon use and inoculating variant 2,99 μmol.g-1Fresh Weight according to calculations on 100% RWC. Genotype Maverick had got the best reaction to water stress and even more noticeable resistance to the stress was monitored in the variant with Nitrazon application in the foregoing seed treatment of soybean seeds. The opposite response to the inoculation was monitored by Impala genotype.

The paper is aimed to explain occurrence and origin of Sedobassia sedoides in Slovakia because data presented in literature are not clear and complete. During our research, the occurrence of Sedobassia sedoides was confirmed in the Slovak flora on two reliable documented sites (Lednické Rovne, Bíňa) and one questionable location (Iliavka). Our research has confirmed that the species must be regarded as casual aliens in the Slovak flora. Except cultivation in botanical garden of Lednické Rovne at the beginning of 19th century, the first occurrence was documented in 1872 in ruderal habitat of the Bíňa village. The distribution map is also presented.