Faculty of Agronomy, Čačak

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.unic.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/8207

The Faculty of Agronomy, Čačak is a public higher education institution founded in 1978 as part of the University of Kragujevac. The Faculty was accredited in 2008 and reaccredited in 2013 under the Bologna Process. The 2019 reaccreditation process is underway.

News

The Faculty consists of nine departments, including the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Biology, Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection; Soil and Agricultural Machinery; Field and Vegetable Crop Production; Fruit and Grape Growing; Animal Husbandry and Animal Raw Materials Processing Technology; Food Technology; Organisational Economics; and Mathematics, Physics and Engineering Sciences.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 386

Optimization of the box section of the main girder of the single-girder bridge crane by applying biologically inspired algorithms
(Elsevier BV, 2017-10) Savković, Mile; Bulatović, Radovan; Gašić, Milomir; Pavlović, Goran; Stepanović
The paper considers the problem of optimization of the box section of the main girder of the single-girder bridge crane. Reduction of the girder mass is set as the objective function. The constraint functions are the criteria of strength, local stability of plates, lateral stability of the girder, stiffness, dynamic stiffness, as well the constraints of cost effective design. Methods of the following biologically inspired algorithms were used for the optimization: Firefly Algorithm (FA), Bat Algorithm (BA) and Cuckoo Search algorithm (CS). The obtained results of optimization were compared with several solutions of single-girder bridge cranes, which verified the optimization method. The paper presents the advantages and weaknesses of the methods applied to the concrete solutions of single-girder bridge cranes.
Adaptive system for dam behavior modeling based on linear regression and genetic algorithms
(Elsevier BV, 2013-11) Stojanović, Boban; Milivojević, Milovan; Ivanović, Miloš; Milivojević, Nikola; Divac, Dejan
Most of the existing methods for dam behavior modeling require a persistent set of input parameters. In real-world applications, failures of the measuring equipment can lead to a situation in which a selected model becomes unusable because of the volatility of the independent variables set. This paper presents an adaptive system for dam behavior modeling that is based on a multiple linear regression (MLR) model and is optimized for given conditions using genetic algorithms (GA). Throughout an evolutionary process, the system performs real-time adjustment of regressors in the MLR model according to currently active sensors. The performance of the proposed system has been evaluated in a case study of modeling the Bocac dam (at the Vrbas River located in the Republic of Srpska), whereby an MLR model of the dam displacements has been optimized for periods when the sensors were malfunctioning. Results of the analysis have shown that, under real-world circumstances, the proposed methodology outperforms traditional regression approaches.
Genetic parameters of Triticum aestivum and Triticum durum for technological quality properties in Serbia
(Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, 2018-02-09) Branković, Gordana; Dodig, Dejan; Rosic, Vesna; Kandić, Vesna; Knezevic, Desimir; Đurić, Nenad; Živanović, Tomislav
Neki apstrakt
Computer program Neutron_CR-39 for simulation of neutrons from an Am–Be source and calculation of proton track profiles
(Elsevier BV, 2011-07) Nikić, Biljana; Stevanović, Nenad; Nikezić, Dušan; Ivanović, Miloš
A computer program called Neutron_CR-39.F90 for neutron simulation through a PADC detector and its detection was described and developed. In this work the neutron Am–Be source was considered for simulation. It was shown that the most intensive secondary particles, created in neutron interactions with the detector, are protons. The programming steps are outlined with detailed description of neutron simulation, determination of latent tracks of created protons, as well as, their development after detector etching in the same and opposite direction of particle motion. The outputs of the code are parameters of created protons (coordinates of starting and stopping points, direction angles of particles, initial and deposited energies) and number of visible tracks per incident neutron.
Distributed multi-scale muscle simulation in a hybrid MPI–CUDA computational environment
(SAGE Publications, 2015-12-11) Ivanović, Miloš; Stojanović, Boban; Kaplarević-Mališić, Ana; Richard Gilbert; Srboljub Mijailovich
We present Mexie, an extensible and scalable software solution for distributed multi-scale muscle simulations in a hybrid MPI–CUDA environment. Since muscle contraction relies on the integration of physical and biochemical properties across multiple length and time scales, these models are highly processor and memory intensive. Existing parallelization efforts for accelerating multi-scale muscle simulations imply the usage of expensive large-scale computational resources, which produces overwhelming costs for the everyday practical application of such models. In order to improve the computational speed within a reasonable budget, we introduce the concept of distributed calculations of multi-scale muscle models in a mixed CPU–GPU environment. The concept is applied to a two-scale muscle model, in which a finite element macro model is coupled with the microscopic Huxley kinetics model. Finite element calculations of a continuum macroscopic model take place strictly on the CPU, while numerical solutions of the partial differential equations of Huxley’s cross-bridge kinetics are calculated on both CPUs and GPUs. We present a modular architecture of the solution, along with an internal organization and a specific load balancer that is aware of memory boundaries in such a heterogeneous environment. Solution was verified on both benchmark and real-world examples, showing high utilization of involved processing units, ensuring high scalability. Speed-up results show a boost of two orders of magnitude over any previously reported distributed multi-scale muscle models. This major improvement in computational feasibility of multi-scale muscle models paves the way for new discoveries in the field of muscle modeling and future clinical applications.
Variability of harvest index and yield components in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
(Akademiai Kiado, 2008-05-03) Knezevic, Desimir; Đukić, Nevena; Paunović, Aleksandar; Madic, Milomirka
COEFFICIENT OF EXPLOSION OF GRAPE OIL REPAS IN RESPECT OF VARIETY, CONTENT OF HUMIDITY AND SURFACE
(2019) Koprivica, Ranko; Veljkovic, Biljana; Turan J.; Đokić, Dragoslav; Radivojevic D.; Ćurčić, Srećko; Mileusnic Z.; Balalić I.
Knowing the coefficient of friction of bio material is important in determining the angle of the grain elevator elevator when designing combines, as well as the angles of gravity tables and pipes in seed finishing. The basic characteristic of biological materials, or seeds of agricultural crops, is that they differ in their physical and morphological characteristics. Therefore, the friction depends on: the types of plants, variety, shape, dimensions and seed content, the humidity of the seed, the intensity of the normal force on the substrate and the roughness of the substrate. The paper presents the results of the study of the influence of individual factors (varieties, water content of the grain and the type of substrate) and their interactions on the grain friction coefficient. The domestic varieties that are grown in Serbia are selected for testing the fruiting grain fruity: Banadanka, Jasna and Slavica. The experimental measurement of the static coefficient of grain slip friction was done using the level of the mechanical device Tribometr. Plastic, plywood, galvanized, steel, aluminum and stainless steel sheet are made for the experiment purposes. Research was carried out with different water content in grains: 6%, 11%, 16% and 24%. The variety Banadanka had a lower friction coefficient compared to Jasna and Slavica varieties on all substrates and with all the water content of the grain. It was found that with the increase of water content in the grain, a significant increase in the friction coefficient of the grains of the tested varieties on all substrates was achieved. The highest friction coefficient for all water content of the grains of the tested varieties was on the base of the plywood board, and the smallest on the base of stainless steel sheet.
Impact of fertilizers on pear leaf nutrient status at 60 days after full bloom
(2020) Ilic, Radmila; Milošević, Tomo; Glišić, Ivan; Paunovic, Gorica; Boškovlć-Rakočević L.; Dinić, Zoran; Miloševič N.
During two consecutive years we tested the impact of different fertilizers on the leaf nutritional status of 'Williams' pears at 60 days after full bloom. Fertilizers, years and their interaction significantly influenced leaf macro- and microelements level. Cattle manure (CM) increased leaf P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn, but decreased leaf N, Zn and B levels. A good capacity to improve leaf N, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn and B was showed by Multi-Comp Base (MCB) fertilizer. Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) decreased leaf Mg and microelements. Deviation from optimum percentage (DOP) and IDOP indexes indicate that CAN, MCB, Humus Vita Stallatico (HVS) induced a quite balance among macroelements, whereas HVS promoted the best balance among microelements. Wider imbalances within macro- and microelements were caused by CM and compound NPK. The results of this study suggest the advantages of early foliar analysis of 'Williams' pears to eliminate disturbances concerning leaf element amounts.
Microwave dehydration of potato slices and assessment of energy efficiency
(2021) Petković, Marko; Lukyanov, Alexandr; Djurovic, Igor; Miletic, Nemanja; Studennikova S.; Filipovic, Vladimir; Milovanovic, Jelena
The dehydration parameters (thickness, mass load, and power level) statistically significantly (p<0.05) affect the microwave dehydration of potato slices. Potato slices with thicknesses of 3, 6, and 9 mm were dehydrated as monolayers at different mass loads (1.00, 0.63, and 0.38 kg m-2) and microwave power levels (80, 240 W). The optimal model of potato slices with a 3 mm thickness, 0.38 kg m-2 mass load, dehydrated on 240 W, had the shortest dehydration time (15 minutes), the most negligible energy consumption (0.064 kWh), and the most insignificant emission of carbon dioxide (0.063 kg). The model of potato slices of 9 mm slice thickness dehydrated on 240 W, with 0.38 kg m-2 mass load, showed the highest resistance to mass transfer (the maximum effective moisture diffusivity 1.1847 × 10-7 ± 2.6080 × 10-9 m2 s-1). The average activation energy for all models was determined to be 11.635 W g-1. The thinner potato slices showed better results in dehydration time and energy consumption and good moisture diffusivity.
The result of an experimental study of the processing of silkworm cocoons
(2021) Zulpanov S.; Sultanova S.; Sobirova D.; Petković, Marko; Safarov, Jasur
To ensure uniform temperature in the infrared vibratory drying unit and to preserve the quality of the final product during the initial processing of silkworm cocoons, the temperature field was studied using a thermal imager. Using a thermal imager, you can measure the temperature in contactless and remote processes. At the same time, you can obtain temperature information from several points. The thermal imager measures infrared radiation in the long-wavelength range within the field of view and automatically detects cold and hot spots. Based on this, the temperature of the measured object is calculated. The thermal image appears on the thermal imager screen and the obtained image results are processed on a computer.
The influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilizers on tree growth, yielding, fruit quality and leaf nutrient composition of apple cv. ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’
(2022) Milošević, Tomo; Miloševič N.; Mladenovic, Jelena
This work was carried out to obtain data about the vegetative growth, productivity, fruit external and internal quality and leaf nutrient composition of apple cv. ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ from different fertilization regimes, with reference to their role in tree and fruit growth and development, especially for their specific recommendations. Organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilizers were applied to soil during three consecutive years. Results showed that organo-mineral fertilizer called Italpolina (ITP) and N fertilizer called calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) increased TPC, antioxidant activity, acidity, FW and D. Compound NPK induced the best values of SSC, TS and IS contents and TFC. Urea as a physiologically acidic N fertilizer mostly affected TS/TA and SSC/TA ratios. Interestingly, manure conditioned the best values of yield per tree and unit area and YE, while the greatest tree vigor was found in the control treatment (without fertilization). In paradox, the lowest tree growth was observed by CAN and compound NPK, i.e. fertilizers with high N contents. Compound NPK, organo-mineral ITP fertilizer and manure induced ideal balanced leaf nutritional values, followed by CAN and urea. Besides, it is highly important that experts and growers are encouraging the application and use of organic and organo-mineral fertilizers to increase soil fertility and its quality. Thus, the applied fertilizers behaved differently in terms of the impact on the tested properties. One improved agronomic properties, while the other improved pomological traits, nutritional value of fruits and the amount of elements in the leaf. However, cattle manure, organo-mineral Italpolina and compound NPK fertilizer could be recommended generally for fertilizing the ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ apple on M.9 T337 in similar soil and climatic conditions. PCA can be a useful tool for segregation fertilizers that have the best influence on tree growth, productivity and apple fruit quality.
Protective effects of Viscum album L. leaf extract on chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
(2022) Milošević, Marija; Mašković, Pavle; Stankovic, Vesna; Paunović, Milica; Mitic, Milan; Matić, Miloš; Ognjanovic, Branka
Objectives: The goal of this study was to examine the antioxidant activity of Viscum album L. (VA, European mistletoe) extract (VAE) and to investigate whether VAE could provide protection against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups and treated two times per week during four weeks: I group without treatment served as control; II, IV and V group were treated with chlorpyrifos (CPF, 35 mg/kg b.w) via gavage; III and IV group received a higher dose of VAE (350 mg/kg b.w); and V group received a lower dose of VAE (175 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally. The extract was obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. HPLC-DAD analysis was performed to investigate the chemical composition of the extract, and antioxidant assays to determine its antioxidant activities. Biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities in liver tissue, and histopathology were also determined. Results: The VAE caused significant decrease in glucose, TC, TG, albumins, AST, and ALT compared to CPF-treated rats. The cotreatment with VAE also significantly recovered the antioxidative system parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR, and GST) and alleviated some histopathological changes caused by CPF. Conclusions: Our data revealed that the simultaneous VAE administration modulated the negative changes induced by CPF. This study suggests that VAE could be useful in providing protection against hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress due to its antioxidative properties.
The Influence of Wetting Agent and Type of Nozzle on Copper Hydroxide Deposit on Sugar Beet Leaves (Beta vulgaris L.)
(2022) Sedlar A.; Gvozdenac, Sonja; Pejović M.; Višacki, Vladimir; Turan J.; Tanasković, Snežana; Burg, Patrik; Vasić F.
Protective fungicides are sensitive to environmental conditions such as rainfall and solar radiation. Therefore, it is important to prolong the biological activity and fungicide resistance to the above-mentioned factors that can be achieved by adding a wetting agent to the working solution. Additionally, the quality and efficiency of preventive contact fungicides significantly depend on the application technique. Thus, it is important to make the right choice of the nozzles and adjust the working parameters of the treatment. The aim of this work is to determine the influence of a wetting agent and type of nozzle on copper hydroxide (2 L ha−2) deposits on sugar beet leaves. Experiments are set up under laboratory and field conditions. A pinole-based wetting agent is applied at three rates (0.3, 0.6, and 1.0 L ha−1) and two types of nozzles are used (standard with flat jet and modern turbo-drop twin-jet). A brilliant blue tracer is added to a working solution to enable the measurement of copper hydroxide deposits. The deposit amount is recorded before and after the rain simulation (15 L m−2) with a spectrophotometer light beam. In order to ensure the timeliness of the application of fungicides, remote sensing of vegetative indices is used as an indicator of disease occurrence. The results indicated an increase in copper hydroxide deposits with the increase in wetting agent rates for both types of nozzles and in both laboratory and field experiments. Moreover, when applying the copper hydroxide mixtures with modern turbo drop nozzles, the increase in copper hydroxide deposit is significant, compared to the standard nozzles.
Metal-free oxoammonium salt-mediated C(sp³)-H oxidative Ugi-azide multicomponent reaction
(2022) Lohmann N.; Milovanović, Vesna; Piekarski, Dariusz; Mancheño O.
In this work, an efficient oxidative C(sp3)-H Ugi-azide multicomponent reaction of cyclic benzylic amines to the corresponding α-tetrazolo compounds using a TEMPO salt as mild hydride abstractor-type oxidant is reported. This simple one-pot approach allows the direct functionalization of N-heterocycles such as tetrahydroisoquinolines with a variety of isocyanides and NaN3 as a practical azide source. The reaction proceeds at room temperature and without the need of acid additives, allowing for the use of sensitive substrates, while minimizing isocyanide polymerization to provide the desired heterocycle-tetrazole products in synthetically useful yields (up to 99%).
Ketosis in Dairy Cows during Early Lactation - Detection in Pooled Blood Serum Samples
(2022) Staničkov, Nenad; Cincovic M.; Djokovic, Radojica; Belic B.; Majkić, Mira; Marinković M.; Petrović, Miloš; Kovačević D.; Blond, Bojan
Background: Ketosis is the most important metabolic disease with prevalence from 15 to 45%. Ketosis is diagnosed using a metabolic profile. Due to the high prevalence, it is necessary to determine a large number of metabolic profiles within farm, which represents an additional cost, so the implementation of pooled serum in assessing the metabolic status of cows was examined. The aim of this study was to validate and evaluate the influence of the relative position (Z-score) of the value of pooled sample metabolic parameters within the known reference value of healthy cows in the detection of ketosis in herd during early lactation. Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment has been carried out using blood samples collected by puncture of coccygeal vein from 50 ketotic and 50 healthy cows. Laboratory analysis includes determination of beta-hydroxybutyrate-BHB, non-esterified fatty acids-NEFA, cholesterol-CHOL, triglycerides-TGC, glucose-GLU, albumin-ALB, total protein-TPROT, UREA, Ca, P, total bilirubin-TBIL and aspartat aminotransferase-AST. The pooled serum was made from 10 individual samples originating from 10 different cows. A serum aliquot of 0.1 mL was taken from each sample, and a 1 mL volume of pooled serum was finally formed. Three types of serum pools were made: 1) 30 pooled sample were from ketosis; 2) 30 pooled sample were from healthy cows and 3) 60 pooled samples containing mixed sera of healthy cows and cows with ketosis were made as follows: 10 pools contain 10% to 60% of ketotic cows (1/10 to 6/10 samples). Statistical analysis includes: a) difference in metabolite concentration and Z-score in pooled sample and arithmetic mean individual sample in healthy and ketotic cow, b) correlation between Z-score of pooled sample and arithmetic mean of individual sample, c) ability of Z-score of metabolite to divide ketotic from healthy cow, d) correlation between Z-score and % of ketotic cow in pooled sample; and e) calculation of 95%CI of pooled sample Z-scores for each % of ketotic cow in pools. Z-score and all analysis were calculated for each metabolic parameter. The results of the study show that the mean values and Z-scores of the pool and the calculated average value of the individual samples participating in that pool differ significantly in healthy cows and cows in ketosis, except for TPROT and Ca. A higher value and a higher Z-score were found for BHB, NEFA, UREA, TBIL and AST, and a lower value and a lower Z-score for TGC, CHOL, GLU, ALB and P in ketotic cows compared to healthy cows. The value of the Z-score of the pooled sample and the calculated mean values of individual samples participating in the pool are highly correlated with each other (coefficient of determination over 99%). Z-score of metabolites in the pooled sample can be used to distinguish healthy from ketotic cows (ROC AUC= 0.711 to 0.989), except for TPROT and Ca. The Z-score value of the pooled sample shows a linear correlation with the percentage of ketotic cows in the pool and the reference ranges of Z-scores change significantly as a function of the percentage of ketosis cows. Discussion: Modern research on the metabolic profile in cows requires obtaining a large amount of information from as few samples as possible. The advantages of using the Z-score are reflected in the following: this score does not depend on the absolute value of the metabolite, but on the position within the known population reference value, Z-score of sample and the arithmetic mean of individual samples included in the same pool are almost identical, the Z-score of these 2 groups of results is ideally correlated, the Z-score significantly correlates with the % of ketosis samples in the pooled sample. The use of pooled sample Z-score can be a useful in a herd level assessment of metabolic status and detection of ketosis as most important metabolic disease in dairy cows.
Hydroxyapatite/TiO2 Nanomaterial with Defined Microstructural and Good Antimicrobial Properties
(2022) Mirković M.; Filipović, Suzana; Kalijadis, Ana; Mašković, Pavle; Mašković, Jelena; Vlahović B.; Pavlović, Vladimir
Due to the growing number of people infected with the new coronavirus globally, which weakens immunity, there has been an increase in bacterial infections. Hence, knowledge about simple and low-cost synthesis methods of materials with good structural and antimicrobial properties is of great importance. A material obtained through the combination of a nanoscale hydroxyapatite material (with good biocompatibility) and titanium dioxide (with good degradation properties of organic molecules) can absorb and decompose bacteria. In this investigation, three different synthesis routes used to prepare hydroxyapatite/titanium dioxide nanomaterials are examined. The morphology and semiquantitative chemical composition are characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). The obtained materials’ phase and structural characterization are determined using the X-ray powder diffraction method (XRD). The crystallite sizes of the obtained materials are in the range of 8 nm to 15 nm. Based on XRD peak positions, the hexagonal hydroxyapatite phases are formed in all samples along with TiO2 anatase and rutile phases. According to SEM and TEM analyses, the morphology of the prepared samples differs depending on the synthesis route. The EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Ti, Ca, P, and O in the obtained materials. The IR spectroscopy verified the vibration bands characteristic for HAp and titanium. The investigated materials show excellent antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties.
Determination of antilisterial effect of some microbial isolates from traditional zlatar cheese during the fermentation of soft white cheese
(2022) Vesković-Moračanin, Slavica; Đukić, Dragutin; Velebit, Branko; Borović, Branka; Milijasević, Milan; Stojanova, Monika
The aim of this study was to select autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates with antilisterial activity from Zlatar cheese and to evaluate the ability of selected LAB to control Listeria monocytogenes growth during soft white cheese production. The genotype characterization of isolated LAB (n = 93) was done using PCR method by 16S rRNA sequencing. In this way, the following isolates were detected: Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (40 isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (30), Lactobacillus plantarum (12), Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides (3) Lactobacillus garvieae (3), Lactobacillus curvatus (2), Lactobacillus casei (1), Enterococcus faecium (1) and Staphylococcus hominis (1). Each isolated LAB was tested for bacteriocin-producing ability. It was determined that two LAB isolates had bactericidal properties: Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis SRB/ZS/094 and Enterococcus faecalis SRB/ZS/090. Semi-purified of enterococcal bacteriocin (enterocin) was isolated using precipitation procedures with ammonium sulphate. Its properties were determined (strength and range of activities). Isolated enterocin and bacteriocin-producing Lactococcus strain showed significant antimicribial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, but still the inhibition activity of Staphylococcus aurues and Escherichia coli was not detected. Based on the obtained laboratory results, in the second phase of the research, the antilisterial effect of bacteriocin isolated from Enterococcus faecalis SRB/ZS/090 and cells Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis SRB/ZS/094 were determined, that are added as additives in the production of soft white cheese through five variants. Cheese supplemented with enterocin (E2) had the lowest aerobic mesophilic bacteria count, indicating that enterocin (E2) play an important role for bio-preservation.
Relationships between Milk and Blood Biochemical Parameters and Metabolic Status in Dairy Cows during Lactation
(2022) Andjelic B.; Djokovic, Radojica; Cincovic M.; Bogosavljević-Bošković, Snežana; Petrović, Milun; Mladenovic, Jelena; Čukić A.
This study aimed to determine blood and milk metabolic parameters and their correlations for the purpose of evaluating metabolic status in dairy cows. Blood and milk samples were collected from 100 Holstein dairy cows during morning milking. The cows were allocated to four groups according to the production period, including cows in early (n = 18), full (n = 26), mid (n = 25) and late (n = 31) lactation. The value of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TChol), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, total bilirubin (TBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dexydrogenase (LDH) in the blood were determined. The following milk parameters were measured: fat, protein, lactose, urea, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, LDH and BHB. Blood serum NEFA, BHB, TBil, AST, ALT, ALP and LDH were higher in early lactation cows, whereas glucose, TP, globulin and urea levels were significantly lower in early lactation cows. Milk fat and lactose levels were lower in early lactation cows, whereas milk protein and the activities of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH in milk were highly greater in early lactation cows. Milk fat was positively correlated with glucose, TP and TG, and negatively correlated with BHB, NEFA, TBil, ALT, LDH and ALP levels in the blood. Enzyme activities in milk were positively correlated with those in blood and with blood NEFA, BHB and TBil levels, and negatively correlated with blood glucose, TChol and TG. A significant positive correlation existed between blood and milk BHB values. Many correlations showed the same slope during all lactation periods. In conclusion, similar changes in blood and milk metabolite concentration during lactation and milk to blood correlations confirm that milk has great potential in predicting of blood metabolites and metabolic status of cows.
Optimization of Primary Metabolites and Antimicrobial Activity in Aronia Berries as Affected by Soil Cultivation Systems
(2022) Paunovic, Svetalana; Mašković, Pavle; Milinkovic M.
This study was aimed at optimizing primary metabolites (sugars, acids, vitamins, and minerals) and testing antimicrobial activity in the berries of aronia (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx.] Elliott) cv. ‘Nero’ grown using black foil mulch and without mulch (bare soil). Soil cultivation systems showed significant effect on the tested parameters. Black foil mulch allowed early soil warming and caused an increase in soil temperature and moisture during the growing season, thus promoting the synthesis of soluble solids, sugars (total sugars and individual invert sugars), protein, microelement iron and vitamin A. In contrast, bare soil, with lower soil water regimen and temperature, directly led to an increase in acids (total acids, pH, organic acids), macroelements (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium) and vitamins C and B3 in aronia berries. Soil cultivation systems did not have a significant effect on the synthesis of vitamins B1 or B2 or of microelements copper, zinc, or molybdenum. Glucose was the dominant individual invert sugar in all berry extracts, followed by fructose, while the amount of sucrose was very low. In terms of organic acids, the main organic acid was malic acid, whereas lower quantities of citric acid were found. Antimicrobial activity varied from 19.31 to 143.23 μg/ml depending on the soil cultivation system. The results indicate that aronia can be grown on foil-mulched soils and that foil mulch had a significant effect on the synthesis and accumulation of certain primary metabolites and antimicrobial activity in aronia berries.
State and economical benefit of organic production: fields crops and fruits in the world and Montenegro
(2022) Zejak D.; Popović V.; Spalevic , Velibor; Popovic D.; Radojevic, Vesna; Ercisli S.; Glišić, Ivan
Organic farming preserve and upgrade the biodiversity of the soil and biodiversity of the entire ecosystem by protecting the environment, plants, and human health. This study analyses organic plant production worldwide and in Montenegro (2000-2020) and discusses the prospects and challenges in developing organic plant production. Geographically, Montenegro has a diverse climate, suitable for the production of more types of fields crops, vegetables and fruits throughout the year. The paper compares the area of organic farms, the number of farmers, and share of organic in the overall agricultural land in the world and Montenegro, Europe, and several European countries similar to Montenegro in terms of relief or area (Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Serbia, and Cyprus). Data were also analysed for a mountainous state, such as Switzerland, and a Mediterranean one, as Cyprus, as by its position and relief, Montenegro is at the same time a mountainous (northern) and a Mediterranean country (southern region). Shows are trends in plant production areas in Montenegro since it gained independence (2006) and comparison with the EU countries. Grassland production prevails in Montenegro with 85.89%, followed by fruit (12.26%) and cereals (1.62%). The total area under organic vegetable covered a small area compared to the production of fodder crops (3951.84 ha), fruit (563.98 ha), medicinal and aromatic plants (232.46 ha) and field crops (74.49 ha). Organic fruit production has the largest share in the northern part of Montenegro. Certified organic production brings benefits because health-safe products are a condition for preserving the environment and health.

Browse

Recent Submissions