Reduced fertility associated with fluid accumulation has been recognized for many years in broodmares. Fluid present in the uterus after ovulation is often associated with mare susceptibility to endometritis. Objective of this study was to determine amount of intrauterine fluid secretion and endometrial oedema in mares at the time of artificial insemination (AI), 6 h, 25 h, and 48 h after AI and at the time of ovulation. A total of 22 cycling light breed mares from MTT Agrifood Research, Ypaja, Finland, were used in the study. Relaxation of the cervix, the number and size of follicles, corpus luteum, and the degree of endometrial oedema were examined by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography every other day. According to the closing and opening time of the cervix which was regulated using Bivona catheter, mares were distributed into 3groups. Group A (n=7): immediately after artificial insemination (AI) the catheter was inserted into the uterus. After 25 h, the catheter was opened and the fluid drained. Group B (n=8): immediately after AI, Bivona catheter was inserted into the uterus. After 6 h and 25 h the catheter was opened and the fluid drained. Group C (n=7)-control group: no catheter was inserted into the uterus. According to our investigation, we concluded that the amount of intrauterine fluid accumulation (IUFA) in mares increased within 25 h after AI. Mares with delayed uterine clearance had a significantly larger amount of intrauterine fluid than mares with normal uterine clearance. Open cervix during oestrus period is important for adequate clearance of intrauterine fluid in mares. Opening of intrauterine catheter at 6 h post AI didn’t diminish intrauterine fluid accumulation at 25 h post AI.

Apple trees are the most common fruit tree type in the EU covering 450 000 ha. At the global scale, the largest apple exporters are EU-27, China, Chile and the USA, but the largest importers – the EU-27 and Russia. In the EU and Russia, large volumes of apples are imported during the cold time of the year. The market for fresh fruit has traditionally been driven by price, but today’s market has become even more dynamic and consumers – more fastidious. The aim of the article is to identify the main determinants influencing prices of fresh fruits and indicate a range of differences between winter and summer prices of fruits based on the example of apples. The current research should be regarded as a ‘work in progress’, as it will be a part of more extensive research conducted in several EU countries and different times of the year. In the present research, the authors have used comparative analysis, which was based on theoretical literature studies, publications and statistical data available in EUROSTAT databases as well as statistical data aggregated by Spanish, Polish and Latvian market research institutions.