As European Union member states – Latvia and Lithuania have changed their national height systems from Baltic Normal Height System 1977 to European Vertical Reference System realizations. Performing practical Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements and obtained data mathematical processing, there is a possibility to calculate point height difference between GNSS data and data of 1st order levelling networks. The aim of the research is to gain insight for methodology development of geodetic point height testing using GNSS measurements. To achieve the goal following tasks are set: 1) perform GNSS measurements of first order levelling network in Latvia and Lithuania; 2) do data processing to get point ellipsoidal height and compare with the point normal height; 3) detect technically feasible accuracy of geoid model for precise height measurements with GNSS method within research area. Performing GNSS measurements at the same time in the territory of Latvia and Lithuania, the experience of mutual cross-border cooperation was accumulated. The results were adjusted with academic software package Bernese and were obtained point ellipsoidal and normal heights. The height measurement accuracy using GNSS method depends on geoid model accuracy and more precise results can be obtained increasing used geoid model accuracy to 1.5 to 2 cm.

β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) is one of the widely used enzymes for lactose-free milk production and whey permeate treatment. Enzymes can be obtained from microorganisms, plants and animals. Nowadays, microorganisms are becoming an important source for production of commercially available enzymes, which are of great interest and offer several advantages such as easy handling and high production yield. The aim of this review was to summarize findings of research articles on the application of commercially available β-galactosidase preparates in dairy industry, to analyse and compare the most suitable β-galactosidase commercial preparates for lactose hydrolysis. The results showed that the main factor to choose an appropriate β-galactosidase for lactose hydrolysis was reaction condition. Enzymes from microorganisms contain a wide range of optimal pH from 4.0 (Penicillium simplicissimum and Aspergillus niger) to 8.5 (Bacillus subtilis). The greatest commercial potential has enzymes obtained from fungi (Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger) and yeasts (Kluyveromyces lactis and Kluyveromyces fragilis). Fungal origin enzymes are more suitable for the hydrolysis of lactose in acid whey due to its acidic pH but yeasts origin enzymes for milk and sweet whey. In the study, commercial preparates from different suppliers with the purpose to analyse their lactose hydrolysis potential and give more detailed characteristics of each preparate advantages and drawbacks were also summarized.

Human milk provides infant with the required nutrients for growth and development. The aim of preliminary study was to determine macro- and micronutrients content in mature human milk among lactating women residing in Latvia and dietary habits affecting it. The study was carried out from November 2016 to February 2017. In total, 24 pooled diurnal milk samples were collected from mothers whose infants had reached the age of at least two months. Personal information of each participant was recorded, including mother’s age, weight and height parameters, sex and age of an infant, parity, breastfeeding pattern, milk expression method used for sampling. Eating habits were obtained using Monthly Food Frequency Questionnaire. Analysed elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS Agilent 7700x, Japan). Concentrations ranged from 227.52 to 398.34 mg LE-1 for calcium, 58.56 – 256.38 mg LE-1 for sodium, 445.33 – 736.71 mg LE-1 for potassium, 25.73 – 49.52 mg LE-1 for magnesium, till 3.17 mg LE-1 for iron, 0.28 – 2.77 mg LE-1 for zinc, 0.06 – 0.43 mg LE-1 for copper, 2.00 – 44.00 µg LE-1 for manganese, 1.00 –10.00 µg LE-1 for chrome which is comparable to data obtained from other studies although chrome and manganese concentration was even higher than observed in literature. Cobalt and selenium content was below detection limit. Zinc content in human milk negatively correlated with baby’s age (p is less than 0.05). The content of majority of essential minerals in human milk was affected by mother’s dietary habits; however, more samples need to be analysed for representative conclusions.

Salty snacks are popular appetizers consumed between meals and are one of favourite components of menu at different social gatherings and private celebrations. Consumers base their choice of snacks not only on flavour and smell of product, but also on different kinds of parameters like colour, texture and nutritional value as well as other information labelled on packaging. Typically salty snacks are associated with potato (Solanum tuberosum) crisps, but in present paper there were viewed also vegetable crisps and snacks. The aim of this research was to evaluate nutritional value and physical quality of potato and vegetable crisps and wholegrain snacks in Latvian market. From January to March 2017, 22 potato and vegetable crisps and wholegrain snack samples from Latvian market were analysed. For all samples, information on the labels was analysed as well as salt content, thickness, crispness and colour using standard methods. For 31.8% of the investigated samples, presented information on label and determined salt content do not differ significantly (p is greater than 0.05). That means that 68.2% of the analysed potato, vegetable crisps and snacks on the packaging labels have represented incorrect salt content. Positive moderate correlation (r = 0.489) between potato and vegetable crisps thickness and crispness was found out. Raw materials and ingredients of samples directly impact colour values. If a sample contains beetroot, the colour results would indicate dark red. All potato crisps colour values point out light yellow colour.

The study was designed to evaluate the immune response of chickens among different poultry management following challenge to live La Sota vaccine and further more investigated the lower antibody response detected in traditionally managed chicken, by testing the hypothesis that veterinary intervention (treatment with anti-helminthic, antibiotics and vitamin supplements), prior to vaccination, would improve the antibody response to live NDV vaccination. Even if, a protective level of antibody (> 4 Log 2HAI) was detected in all chickens following vaccination, antibody titres were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the intensively managed chickens Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) 85.4 when compared with the traditionally managed chickens GMT 59.3. From multivariable analysis; following a single live ND virus vaccine at the age of 21 day, chickens rearing in intensive production system were 8.6 times more likely to have high titre (128 vs 32) compared to those rearing in backyard free ranging system. The lower ND-HI titre in extensively managed chickens recorded in our study had be explained by impaired immune-competence due to immune-suppressive of concurrent infection. The study investigated the effect of concurrent parasitic and viral diseases on the immune response; as well as differences in protection among indigenous ecotype and exotic breed of chicken. The hypothesis that parasitism contributes to a poorer response to vaccination was proven (p < 0.05). Chickens that received veterinary treatment (de-wormed chickens) prior to vaccination were approximately 14 (i.e. 14.3) times more likely to have a titre of 128 when compared to titre 32 showing evidence for veterinary intervention had detectable effect on humoral response of chicken to vaccination (p< 0.05). Moreover; it was evident that HI titer differed between individual chickens and was influenced by breed types. Multivariate analysis showed that indigenous chickens were about 7 times more likely to have high HI titre (128 vs 32) compared to exotic breeds (p< 0.05). Though breeds differ genetically in their immune responsiveness to the antigen, and being protected following challenge; difference in their susceptibility to the virulent challenge virus needs to be ruled out in order to facilitate the improvement of disease-resistant traits.

La croissance démographique et l'urbanisation engendrent une augmentation de la demande en produits d'origine animale alors que la disponibilité en ressources fourragères se réduit. Un système d'évaluation et de suivi pour estimer la quantité de biomasses fourragères disponibles est indispensable. Ainsi, une approche combinée de télédétection, modélisation et programmation informatique a été utilisée pour créer un tel outil cartographique. Pour cela, des mesures de données agronomiques sur le terrain sont couplées avec des données d'imagerie satellitaire pour élaborer des modèles de prédiction. Les modèles obtenus sont ensuite utilisés sur plusieurs images satellites archivées pour retracer le profil de disponibilité temporel des différentes espèces fourragères via la juxtaposition de 4 066 extraits d'indices de végétation (NDVI) obtenus à Madagascar. À chaque acquisition d'image satellite, les paramètres de l'équation du profil temporel sont modifiés, pour calculer de nouveaux rendements de biomasse, par l'assimilation dans les modèles de prédiction des données obtenues via l'imagerie satellite. L'état d'exploitation de la biomasse et la capacité de charge animale des différentes parcelles de pâturages, prédits par les modèles, constituent des données d'aide à la décision pour une gestion optimale de l'usage des parcelles. Les modèles sont ensuite implémentés et intégrés à une interface cartographique et de pilotage à partir d'une page Web. Ainsi, il est possible de dessiner une parcelle sur fond d'image satellite, puis de calculer les différents indicateurs pour cette parcelle. À travers la même interface Web, ces modèles peuvent aussi être utilisés comme outils de prospective permettant d'estimer la production fourragère sur plusieurs semaines après la date d'acquisition de l'image satellite. Cet outil a été conçu pour aider les acteurs du développement rural de Madagascar à conseiller les éleveurs sur la façon optimale de gérer les ressources fourragères.

Notice a Reprendre pas de Clé UT au 5 Mai 2017 | 85 Algerian white population rabbits were used to study the effect on the growth performances of fig-tree (Ficus carica, 12.8%, 30.6% and 15 % DM respectively of CP, NDF and ADL) leaves incorporated in pelleted diets in association with Sulla hay (Hedysarum flexuosum). At weaning (35 d, 674±390 g), the rabbits were divided in three groups (individually caged) and received ad libitum one of the three diets during six weeks. The control (T, n=25), diet was classic diet and content barley, dehydrated alfalfa, soya bean meal and wheat bran. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 25% of Sulla hay and either 15% (F1, n =30) or 30% (F2, n =30) dried fig tree leaves in total replacement of dehydrated alfalfa and barley. The diet F1 contained also wheat bran to contain only raw materials available locally. During the whole period (35-77 d), feed intake was at the same level with the three diets (121.3 ± 6.5 g/d), as well as growth (35.3 ± 2.4g/d) and feed conversion ratio (3.37 ± 0.21). According, fig-tree leaves (Ficus carica) could be incorporated in pellet diet for fattening rabbits associated with Sulla ( Hedysarum flexuosum), in total replacement of barley, dehydrated alfalfa and eventually soya bean meal to contain only locally available raw materials. They permitted substantial performances as those of control diet without negative effect on health and the zootechnic performances. | 85 lapins de population locale blanche ont été utilisés pour étudier l’effet sur les performances de croissance de l’incorporation, dans l’aliment granulé, de feuilles de Figuier (Ficus carica ; 12,8% ; 30,6% et 15 % MS respectivement de PB, NDF et ADL) associées au foin de Sulla (Hedysarum flexuosum). Au sevrage (35 j, 674±390 g), les lapins ont été répartis en trois lots homogènes, logés individuellement et ont reçu ad libitum un des trois aliments durant 6 semaines. Le témoin (T, n=25), un aliment classique, contenait de la luzerne déshydratée, du son de blé, de l’orge et du tourteau de soja. Les deux aliments expérimentaux contenaient 25% de foin de Sulla et soit 15% (F1, n =30) soit 30% (F2, n =30) de feuilles séchées de Figuier (FF), en remplacement total de la luzerne et de l’orge. L’aliment F1, équilibré avec du son de blé, ne contenait que des matières premières disponibles localement.Durant la période globale (35-77 j), la consommation a été similaire entre les trois aliments (121 ± 6,5g/j), ainsi que la vitesse de croissance (35,3 ± 2,4g/j) et l'indice de consommation de l’aliment (3,37 ± 0,21). Ainsi, les feuilles de Figuier (Ficus carica) peuvent être incorporées dans l’aliment granulé pour lapins en engraissement associées à du foin de Sulla (Hedysarum flexuosum), en remplacement de l’orge, de la luzerne déshydratée et éventuellement du tourteau de soja pour ne contenir que des matières premières disponibles localement. Elles ont permis des performances appréciables au même niveau que celles de l’aliment témoin sans effets négatifs sur la santé et les performances zootechniques.

peer reviewed | The pig sector annually contributes about 78 % of the total meat production in Vietnam. The government of Vietnam has implemented numerous policies to promote the development of the pig industry. It strongly emphasizes the production with little attention paid to marketing. Bac Giang is one of the provinces with the highest pig population in Vietnam. Pig production contributes up to 52% of the gross output of the livestock sector of the province. One of emerging problems is the majority of pig farmers are limited in market power and there is low income from pig production. This study aimed to analyse the pig value chain in Bac Giang province, identify main factors affecting farmers‟ market power and income in the chain, and propose relevant policy implications to enhance farmers‟ market power and income. It was found that pig collectors and pork retailers are the dominant players in the chain in terms of their strong influence on prices due to their coordination role in directing supply of pigs and carcass to market. Numerous factors affecting farmer‟s market power and income are weak collective action of farmers in production, lack of collective marketing, volatility of pig price, lack of formal contract farming, consumers‟ food safety concern, high price of feed and animal disease. Enhancing farmers‟ market power depends on farmers and public authority‟s involvement in the various strategies of implementation. Some policy implications focus on the improvement of farmer collective action and government actions related to supporting farmer collective action.

Notice a Reprendre pas de Clé UT au 5 Mai 2017 | The purpose of this trial was to study the possibility of a total replacement of the soya bean meal by the seeds of bean ( Vicia faba major L) in the feed of the fattening rabbit. From 42 days (weaning) old and for 5 weeks, 68 rabbits of white Algerian population were housed in collective cages (4 rabbits / cage) and were allotted in two groups: 34 rabbits of the control group received ad libitum a pelleted feed with soya bean meal (15 %), and 34 rabbits of the experimental group received a feed with 15 % of beans seeds as a total replacement of the soya meal. The performances were not significantly influenced by the type of feed. From 42 to 77 days of age, the growth was 25.6 g / day, the feed intake was 97 g / day and the feed conversion ratio was 3,75. Yield and carcass characteristics were not influenced by the type of feed. In conclusion, the substitution of soya meal by bean seeds in the classical feed (alfalfa 32%, barley 25%, wheat bran 20%, soybean meal 15%, straw 6%, vitamins and minerals 2%) did not influenced the performances of the growing rabbit. The seeds of broad bean is an alternative source of proteins to soya bean meal for the growing rabbit. Choosing this option would contribute to food self-sufficiency in Algerian rabbit breeding and would reduce the feed costs. | Le but de cet essai est d’étudier l’effet d’un remplacement total du tourteau de soja par des graines de fève (Vicia faba major L) dans l’alimentation du lapin en croissance. A partir de l’âge de 42 jours (sevrage) et durant 5 semaines, 68 lapereaux de population algérienne blanche élevés en cages collectives (4 lapins/cage) ont été répartis en deux lots : 34 lapereaux du lot témoin ont reçu ad libitum un aliment granulé équilibré à base de soja (15%), et 34 lapereaux du lot expérimental ont reçu un aliment à base de 15% de fèves en remplacement total du tourteau de soja. Les performances n’ont pas été influencées (P˃0,05) par le type d’aliment. De 42 à 77 jours d’âge, la vitesse de croissance a été de 25,6 g par jour, la prise alimentaire 97 g par jour et l'indice de consommation de 3,75. Les rendements et paramètres de la carcasse n’ont pas été influencés par le type d’aliment.En conclusion, la substitution du tourteau par de soja par des graines de fève de l’aliment classique (luzerne 32%, orge 25%, son de blé 20%, tourteau de soja 15%, paille 6%, vitamines et minéraux 2%) n’a influencé ni la croissance, ni les performances à l’abattage des lapins. La fève s’avère une source protéique alternative au tourteau de soja dans un aliment équilibré pour le lapin en croissance. Le choix de cette option contribuerait à l’autonomie alimentaire en cuniculture algérienne et réduirait le coût de l’alimentation

The four independent reviewers estimated each paper and recommended 81 articles for publishing at the proceedings consisted of 2 volumes, which started life as presentations at the Annual 23rd International Scientific Conference “Research for Rural Development 2017” held at the Latvia University of Agriculture, in Jelgava, on 17 to 19 May 2017. In the retrospect of four months later, we can count the Conference as a great success. The theme – Research for Rural Development - attracted participation more than 155 researchers with very different backgrounds. There were 124 presentations from different universities of Poland, Kazakhstan, France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, India, Russia and Latvia. Thank you for your participation! We are sure that you have learned from the presentations and discussions during the conference and you can use the outcomes in the future. The cross disciplinary proceedings of the Annual 23rd International Scientific Conference “Research for Rural Development 2017” (two volumes since 2010) are intended for academics, students and professionals. The subjects covered by those issues are crop production, animal breeding, agricultural engineering, agrarian and regional economics, food sciences, veterinary medicine, forestry, wood processing, water management, environmental engineering, landscape architecture, information and communication technologies. The papers are grouped according to the sessions in which they have been presented.