Our previous research was focussed on evaluating spaces in the Soviet period housing estates in Riga according to theoretical model of spatial measurements. This model was based on assumption established ex situ that liking and perception of urban space is closely related to buildings. Namely, to the way walls of the buildings shape a setting in terms of its height, width, length. This current paper sets the goal to analyse the impact of landscape elements such as trees, benches, elevations of earth surface, playgrounds on the perception and preference of open spaces in situ. This is done to verify the hypothesis that landscape elements as well as the method of research play a role in our knowledge on how urban spaces are regarded. Semi-structured interviews in walk-along modus are used to talk to inhabitants about the ways they see and like yards and streets in three residential areas: ‘Agenskalna priedes’, ‘Kengarags’, ‘Zolitude’. The interview materials are analysed discursively. The extracted information is compared to the data previously acquired by using the model of spatial measurements. The results of interviews show that trees are the landscape elements that have the largest impact on how residents perceive the size of a space and how they like a setting. There are also other elements such as benches, playgrounds, elevations that play a role. The interview material displays deviations in preference and perception of the size of space compared to the model of spatial measurements. Yet these deviations can be adapted to the model.

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.

Raw milk cheeses are known to have more intense and strong flavour and different texture due to natural microbiota and enzymes. Nevertheless, there are concerns about safety of these products. For microbial inactivation heat treatment of milk is used, but it can adversely affect the flavour, taste and texture of the product. Therefore, applying non-thermal technology such as high pressure processing is attracting alternative. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of high pressure treatment of cow`s milk at a wide range of pressures (400–600 MPa) on milk rennet coagulation time, curd firmness and curd yield. Processed milk samples were subjected to enzymatic coagulation using commercial rennet to determine rennet coagulation time, yield of coagulum and curd firmness. High pressure processing insignificantly influences coagulation properties of whole milk. However, the magnitude of changes depended on applied pressure. Rennet coagulation time and curd yield were significantly different (p is less than 0.05) among the pressure treated milk samples. The higher firmness of the curd form pressurized milk than that of raw or pasteurized milk, evaluated positively. The main effects of high pressure treatment in milk appeared to involve dissociation of casein micelles from the colloidal to the soluble phase. This study suggests that high pressure treatments of milk at 500 MPa or 550 MPa for 15 min may be beneficial for improving the coagulation properties of milk. These positive effects indicated that high pressure processing may have potential for new cheese varieties development.

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.

peer reviewed | The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships among body condition score (BCS) and plasma metabolite concentrations, and subsequent reproductive performance of Montbéliarde cows in Algeria. The study was conducted in two commercial dairy farms in Tizi-Ouzou area. Blood samples were collected from 50 Montbéliarde dairy cows at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum to measure serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase (γGT), calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and progesterone. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed at calving and at each time when blood samples were taken. Resumption of postpartum cyclicity was evaluated by progesterone concentrations (≥1 ng/mL) at 4, 6, and 8 weeks postpartum. Increased BHBA, NEFA and glucose concentrations were associated with a lower probability of ovarian activity resumption (ROA) and pregnancy at first insemination (P/1-AI). However, concentrations of plasma cholesterol, AST, ALT, TG and total protein were positively associated with ROA. In addition, increased BHBA and sodium were associated with increased of time to conception. Moreover, decreased Mg concentrations were associated with increasing of time from calving to first insemination. No significant effect was seen between BCS at calving and BCS loss on P/1-AI. So balanced nutrition and reproduction management can ameliorate reproductive performance.

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.

peer reviewed | Lactation persistency (LP) has been neglected over time in genetic evaluations of dairy goats. The main reason for this is the difficulty to infer about the lactation curve shape. However, some lactations models such as Wood seem to be appropriate to provide persistency estimates under biological viewpoints. The aim of this study was to fit the Wood lactation model as well as to calculate and evaluate LP as selection criteria in dairy goat breeding programs through genetic parameters estimates. A total of 23,265 first lactation test day milk yield observations from 900 animals were used. The Wood random regression model was primarily fitted to estimate the lactation curve parameters (a, b and c), and then LP and total milk yield (TMY). Posteriorly, a multi-trait animal model was fitted considering simultaneously LP and TMY. The heritability estimates were 0.31 and 0.04 for TMY and LP, respectively. Based on the low LP heritability, selection based only on this trait might be inefficient. In conclusion, the results of this study suggests that selecting for high milk yields might result in high persistency since the genetic correlation between LP and TMY was moderate (0.39).