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Population genetics of Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) in Eurasia
Báčová, Alžběta ; Černá Bolfíková, Barbora (advisor) ; Pavel, Pavel (referee)
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is the largest canine carnivore living on northern
hemisphere of the Earth. Excessive persecution of Canis lupus at the turn of 19th and
20th century has caused nearly extermination of this animal species in the most parts
of its natural habitat. Natural habitat got rapidly smaller at that time. At the end of 20th
century number of individuals of Canis lupus has increased and the grey wolf has
started to return to its natural habitat due to better legal protection. Its natural habitat
is very fragmented especially in Western Europe. The origin of founders of wolf
populations is estimated and the tracks of migrating individuals are followed, by
monitoring the gene flow. In last fifteen years the grey wolf has started to return back
to Czech countryside. Usage of microsatellites proved its presence in Beskyd
Mountains, Czech and Slovakia republic. Comparing DNA samples of Canis lupus with
those of Carpathian wolves showed the same origin of both groups within Europe.
Detailed research points to deeper structure even within subpopulation.
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The chemistry of atmospheric deposition at selected locations of Zlin Region
Zádrapová, Dagmar ; Vach, Marek (advisor) ; Sychová, Petra (referee)
Atmospheric and environmental pollution caused by heavy metals is nowadays one of the major environmental topics. Even though some of the heavy metals represent important trace elements for most of the organisms, their danger lies particularly in their toxicity which occurs even with little concentrations of the element, as well as their ability of bioaccumulation in food chains (Braniš, 2011). The sources of heavy metals in the atmosphere have natural and anthropogenic origin, however most of the emissions originate from the anthropogenic ones. Contamination of the atmosphere has a global character. Starting back in the 1970s, there has been a continuous reduction of heavy metal emissions in Europe (Pacyna, 2007). According to ČHMÚ (2015), one of the most polluted areas in the Czech Republic is currently Ostrava/Karviná/Frýdek-Místek agglomeration.
The aim of this thesis is to analyse and assess the results of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) measurement in total atmospheric deposition, which had been collected at selected localities in Zlin Region. The localities were chosen based on an assumption that the building density can impact the composition of the atmospheric deposition and its potential contamination with heavy metals due to the presence of combustions from residential units. Bulk collectors were chosen for this research and they were continuously exposed at the localities and therefore apart from liquid vertical precipitation, the samples contained also a non-defined amount of dry deposition.
The results of the measurement did not firmly confirm the original hypothesis. Incidence of most of the metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) was only minor. An enormously high concentration of Cd and Pb occurred in one of the samples, but not repeatedly during next sampling period. This can be considered an extreme which happened because of a random cause.
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Development of British beef breeds of cattle
Khajlová, Anna ; Stádník, Luděk (advisor) ; Ducháček, Jaromír (referee)
This bachelor thesis is focused on suckler cows breeding. Literary review and further details are focused on the development and application of four selected beef breeds of British origin in terms of cattle breeding in the Czech Republic.
In the introduction I would like to describe mainly the origin and domestication of cattle. Much of the work is also devoted to meat production, its control and eventually classification and monetising the final product according to a single system SEUROP applicable in countries European Union. In this chapter were simultaneously described factors of the most important facts affecting meat performance that affects the overall results of the breed, including its profitability.
The second half of the thesis summarizes the basics of cattle breeding, organization during the calendar year and grazing. There is an idea of reproduction, calving and basic measures during rearing and weaning calves. In other chapters, are explained the circumstances of the development of animal husbandry and the current status of beef breeds in the country. Also described are two basic systems of breeding beef cattle, it is a system of intensive fattening and breeding no milked cattle under extensive conditions, which are characterized in detail in a separate chapter.
In the last chapters are presented in detail four selected meat breeds originating from the British Isles, which are in our conditions most frequently raised and used for extensive breeding system no milked cattle. There is also magnified view of history. It contains breeding these selected breeds, including the identification numbers of the development from the beginning to the present.
Besides to the detailed characteristics of these selected meat breeds and their descriptions are shown and summarized like the results of performance within the CHECKS performance of beef cattle. For each breed they are processed mainly results concerning the weight of calves in individual sections and their rearing till 365 days of age, in addition, depending on gender.
At the end, there are mentioned criteria of selection program, breeding goals and standard of these four selected meat breeds of British origin.
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New findings in horse phylogeny
Kardošová, Kristína ; Majzlík, Ivan (advisor) ; Hofmanová, Barbora (referee)
This thesis deals phylogenetic developement of the horse since its origin until the present. Describes fossil horses, formation processes and conservation. Shows the most famous paleontological localities, where they were found fossil bones or fragments. Explains methods of investigation, such as determining the age of radiocarbon dating or electron spin resonance and analysis ancient DNA. Family equidae is taxonomically classified based on their evolutionary series. Relations between taxa are also shown in the diagrams - phylogenetic trees or cladogram, which are structured according to morphological and molecular data. It also mentions order Perrisodactyla, their evolution, radiation and new taxonomic classification. The main part is devoted to phylogeny equidae. It describes morphological changes due to adaptive specializations, including mainly limbs (extension their parts and reduction fingers), dentition (increasing crowns, molarization of premolars, gradual coverage cement) and skull (extension and enlargement of the brain). It describes individual genera and several important species from the genus Hyracotherium after Equus, their morphology and way of life. Previous studies of fossil horses, methods of comparative anatomy, are confronted with new molecular biology analysis. The results bring a new perspective on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the horse. Next part is devoted breeding groups of domestic horse. Characterized Eguus robustus, Equus gracilis, Equus gmelini and Equus przewalskii. Detects the taxonomic status of the Przewalski horse, relative to fact that today there are disputes about its evolutionary relationship with the domestic horse. Highlights the importance of reintroduction of Przewalski horses, the last wild horse, in the Mongolian steppes, the place of his original expansion. The last part includes the theory of horse domestication. Describes the site of human habitation, where archaeological artifacts and horse bones indicate keeping animals.
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The influence of the host-plant phenotype on development of phytophagous insect.
Židlická, Dana ; Kadlec, Tomáš (advisor) ; Douda, Jan (referee)
Temperature and other climatic variables, such as the amount of rainfall, are the main abiotic factors affecting the level of herbivory and plant´s properties. Following a change in these factors, the rate of herbivory and the level of plant defence against them alter as well. This bachelor´s thesis examines how a population of a host plant, the red fescue (Festuca rubra), affects the development of the small heath butterfly (Coenonympha pamphilus).
The fescues came from four different locations in Norway with varying local climates. Young caterpillars (first instar) of the small heath butterfly were placed upon the fescues. They are typical generalist herbivores (the caterpillars consume common grass species). 5 or 6 caterpillars had been placed on each plant which were then isolated from the outside environment with a dense monofil. Subsequently, the fescues were moved to an outside bed until the caterpillars created a chrysalis. The survival rate of the caterpillars on each individual fescue was calculated as a ratio of all the caterpillars surviving up to the last instar to the original amount of planted caterpillars.
The caterpillars´ survival rate was better with the fescues originating from a higher altitude (lower average temperatures) and worse with those from lower altitudes (higher average temperatures). This makes it safe to assume that lower altitude plants have adapted better for defence against herbivory. The females overall weighted more than their male counterparts. There was a difference in weight between the populations but the significance of this should be taken with a grain of salt since the number of measured adults was low. The results of this thesis follow the general assumption of the fact that the level of herbivory changes with altitude; with greater heights it decreases
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Cheese defects and possible causes of their origin
Mazal, Marek ; Legarová, Veronika (advisor) ; Vladimír, Vladimír (referee)
This bachelor thesis is dealed with cheese defects and possible causes of their origin, which are participated in their formation. The problems of cheese defects is not focused only on technical apects, but it is also focused on microbial risks of possible contamination, the work is directed there at microbial quality of milk, which is crucial at the cheese manufacture. Microbial quality of milk is very important for cheesemaking, but the milk can be contaminated during the manufacture and also during the transport or storage. It is obvious for the reason of milk contamination, that milk has to be heat-treat, in order not to be damaged the final product. However heat-treat is not complete solution, because some microorganisms tolerate higher temperatures or they survive by formation of spores. Another way of contamination is entering of microorganisms during the cheesemaking, maturing and due to unsuitable storage. The cheese is not damaged only by microorganisms, but there are also significant physical factors, which can influence the quality of cheese, these are water activity, pH, salt content and temperature. These factors influence the natural microflora, which is present in the final product. However it is important realize, that there are differencies of susceptibility to forming pathogens among the cheeses, long aged cheeses are low risk due to it´s low pH, which prevents forming of pathogens so the pathogens can not endanger the cheese quality.
It should be considered suitable methods for elimination of pontecial risks and relevant defects during the cheesemaking. The most important methods should be regular hygien procedures, appropriate manufacturing and agricultural processes. The system of risk analysis and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) should be certainly present. For the prevention of cheese defect it is necessary regular control of specific paramaters at important stages of manufacture.
Very important matter is cosumption of cheese contaminated by mycotoxins, because consumption of mycotoxins is relatively high risk for human health. Mycotoxins are able penetrate into the cheese primarly due to presence of microscopic fungus, furthermore they can occur also as derivatives of mycotoxins, which are eaten by animals with their feed.
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The effect of water stress on the content of monosaccharides in potato tubers
Podhorecká, Klára ; Orsák, Matyáš (advisor) ; Hnilička, František (referee)
Bachelor thesis is focused on monitoring of influence on selected metabolites, especially monosaccharides. The first part is devoted to short characterization of potatoes, therefore the importance of this crop, morphology, cultivation and also are described demands of potatoes on environment and nutrition.
In the next section is detailed discussed problems of the chemical composition of tubers with a focusing on carbohydrates. Potatoes are globally consumed and are popular source of carbohydrates. Potatoes are rich in vitamins also, especially in vitamin C, B3 and B6. Potatoes contain a high content of minerals, especially potassium and magnesium, too. As another substances are in potatoes colorants, antioxidants, phenolic and related substances, proteins, and small amount of lipids. It is noted that proteins of the potato tuber are ranked among nutritionally valuable proteins of vegetable origin. Among this proteins is ranked Patatin, which is considered to be a major reserve protein and it is placed in the vacuoles. Substances, which has a negative effect on the human body are called Glycoalkaloids the opposite. Glykoalkaloids are synthesized by plants of the family Solanaceae. The most significant substances in potatoes are alfa-solanine and alfa-chaconine. Value of tubers is primarily determined by their chemical composition, which forms food and raw materials. The contents of sugars in the tubers are relatively low (0,5 % of the original mass), and even though their contents are important both in aspect of manufacturing and in sensory aspect. The main reducing monosaccharides are ranked glucose and fructose, typically with a concentration of 0,15 - 1,5 %. The sugar content significantly affects internal and external quality characteristics especially fried products. Several studies confirm that the accumulation of carbohydrates might help resist extreme stress conditions, especially low temperatures, salinity and water deficiency.
In the next chapter is created summary of stress conditions effects on plants with focusing on potatoes. In plants we can talk about stress, if variability of negative environmental factors exceeds a certain limit. The main theme and also the most limiting factor is deficiency of water in other words water stress. Also were mentioned other factors abiotic and biotic factors marginally.
By effects of stress reaction is created a specific level of adaptive skills. Temporarily it can lead to acclimatization, which increasing the resistance to abiotic stressors. Most of plants are trying to establish the tolerance to stress. In this Chapter were also described changes during storage and during heat treatments of potato, which leads to an undesirable darkening of the tubers. Excessive levels of reducing sugars cause unacceptable browning of fried products.
In the last chapter is described selected methods of determining carbohydrates. These methods are based on reducing properties of sugars, on their condensing reactions by color, measurement of optical activity, measurement of refractive index, separation methods and others.
The methodic of work clarifies the determination of reducing monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), sucrose by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in four selected varieties of potatoes from harvest of 2015.
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Comparison of nutritional values of different edible insect species
Maňhal, Daniel ; Kouřimská, Lenka (advisor) ; Kulma, Martin (referee)
The worlds limited agricultural resources will soon no longer be able to continue to support its ever growing population. One way to alleviate this problem is to integrate insects into the human diet, which is an increasingly common practice in Asia, Africa and South America. This practice has proven to be beneficial in a number of ways. Insects have better feed-conversion efficiency, transforming organic matter into larger amount of edible body mass than traditional livestock. Comparing to the livestock, insects have much smaller ecological impact on the environment. On the other hand, allergic reactions to toxins produced by some insects represent a potential risk of entomophagy. Nutritional values of insects depend on many factors, such as type of insect, its developmental stage, sex, and consumed feed. Generally, insects are a rich source of nutrients comparable to or even higher than traditional sources of meat.
Nutritional values of farm raised field crickets (Gryllus assimilis), originating from the Czech Republic, were analyzed in the experimental section of this thesis. Specifically, contents of dry matter, crude protein, fat and fatty acid profile were the main focus. The dry matter content was determined using an infrared technique. The crude protein content was measured using the Kjeldahl method. The Soxhlet method was applied for fat extraction. Extracted fat was determined gravimetric. Using gas chromatography, a lipid profile was obtained. Measured values were compared to those found in the literature. Emphasis was put on the comparison with other types of potentially edible insects and on the nutritional values of wild and farmed insects. Finally, these nutritional values were compared to the corresponding nutritional values of conventional meat to illustrate the benefits of entomophagy.
The analyzes showed that insect originating from the Czech Republic had very similar qualitative composition to species from different geographical regions and its nutritional value is fully competitive with conventional meat.
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Low- and nonenergy sweeteners
Trnková, Lenka ; Orsák, Matyáš (advisor) ; Hniličková, Helena (referee)
Low- and no-calorie sugar subtistutes are compounds that provide food with its sweet taste. As the term suggests, they have lower or no food energy and usually are characterized by higher sweetness than sucrose. For that reason, these substances are especially used during the treatment of diabetes mellitus, to reduce the energy content of food or in prevention of dental caries.
Natural sweeteners were discovered a long time ago, during the search for sustenance. For example Stevia was used by South American Natives even before the European conquest of the territory. However, the history of artificial sweeteners is not too significant, because it relates to breaking the laboratory rules. That is how saccharin was invented in 1878.
Sugar substitutes are added to food on purpose, adjusting the taste or extending the shelf life of foods. In the EU, every approved sweetener has got an E-code, which is displayed on the label.
Sugar substitutes can be grouped according to their origin, their nutrition value or their chemical structure. This thesis discusses low- and no-calorie sugar substitutes that can be synthetic or natural. Mentioned synthetic sweeteners typically contain less then 21 kJ per portion. These intensive food additives possess many times the sweetness of sucrose. The main representatives of this group are saccharin, cyclamate, acesulfame K, sucralose and aspartame with its derivatives. The group of natural sugar substitutes constits of substances like erythritol, D-tagatose, trehalose, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, stevioside and thaumatin.
There are some limitations confirmed by expert studies. For example, patients suffering from diabetes mellitus should mainly use synthetic sweeteners, because of their low nutritional value.
Even though in some states certain sweeteners are forbidden, safety studies say that there are no adverse effects, if the recommended daily intake is respected. Sugar substitutes, therefore, can be considered safe.
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Welfare of cattle
Tajzichová, Nikola ; Chaloupková, Helena (advisor) ; Ilona, Ilona (referee)
The thesis Welfare of cattle is focused on well-being of the dairy cattle, specifically from the professional expert perspective, representing these days one of the very actual quality of cattle breeding factor. The objective of the thesis was to summarise the newest expert findings in the area of dairy cattle welfare and to find out Czech Republic breeders opinion on the dairy cattle welfare assessment and on the suitability of criteria for such assessment.
Cattle breeding represents one of the main sectors of the animal production, which serves as the primary source of milk, cheese and meat products. The quality of these products is directly dependant on the well-being of the cattle, which is at the same time essentially important for its complex good health condition, both physical and mental. In my thesis,
I have focused on the animal welfare as such, and I analyse it in detail from different perspectives. The thesis also addresses the important evaluation project Welfare Quality, whose methodology could become a foundation for standardization of cattle well-being assessment and its certification by means of passporting products quality and origin. Further, the thesis elaborates on the alternatives of such products welfare passportisation, which could also provide for authentication of products quality and welfare of animals in the studs.
I have used questionnaires for the empirical research, by means of which the dairy cattle breeders were interviewed. The questionnaires were composed of questions pertaining to basic information on concrete breeder and the stud, health condition of the animals, opinion of the breeder on animal welfare and suitable criteria for dairy cattle welfare assessment, and also questions addressing management and production characteristics of the stud. The thesis confirms the necessity of improvement of the awareness and knowledgeability of the breeders about the animals welfare, but also the need of animals life conditions improvement, and consequently the benefits of the introduction of welfare standardization and evaluation by means of all interested parties participation, and possibly also introduction of some form of certification of the quality and origin of the product, with respect to welfare.
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