The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of reproduction traits of pure Fogera cattle at Metekel Ranch. Metekel cattle Breeding and Improvement Ranch has so far been engaged in maintenance of Fogera cattle population outside their adapted environment (ex-situ conservation). The breeding program has two components: selection and crossbreeding. The establishment of the pure breed unit is meant for the improvement of the Fogera breed and for providing heifers to cross- breed to exotic dairy sires (by Artificial insemination). In cross breeding program; crossbred animals are produced through artificial insemination of Fogera cows with Friesian semen. Around three to six months of pregnancy, the F1 cross heifers are sold to farmers for milk production (Melaku et al., 2011a, b). Very recently the ranch started to distribute non pregnant F1 cross heifers. WOMBAT software was used to estimate genetic parameters. The variance components and heritability were estimated using a Uni-variate animal model using four models which fitted direct additive, dam genetic and permanent environmental effect as a random effect and the fixed effects (year, season, sex and parity). Parameter of age at first calving (AFC) were estimated using Model 1 (Y= Xb + Z1a + e), Model2 (Y= Xb + Z1a + Z3c + e), Model3 (Y= Xb + Z1a + Z2m + e (cova, m = 0), and Model4 (Y= Xb + Z1a + Z2m + Z3c + e (cova, m = 0) whereas parameters of reproductive traits including gestation length (GL), calving interval (CI) and days open (DO) were estimated using model 2 and 4 which fit permanent environmental effect due to repeated records per cow. Correlations (genetic and phenotypic) among the different traits were estimated from bi--variate analysis by using model 1 for growth traits and AFC and model 2 to estimate the correlation between CI, GL and DO and birth weight (BWT) and GL. Correlation between birth weight and gestation length were estimated by treating gestation length as a trait of calf. Due to record limitation correlation between AFC with other reproductive traits were not estimated. Estimates of direct heritability of reproductive performance traits from the best model were 0.003 ± 0.05 for AFC, 0.00 ± 0.03 for GL and CI and 0.013 ± 0.03 for DO. The phenotypic correlations between reproductive traits were 0.003 ± 0.034 for CI and GL, 0.37 ± 0.041 for CI and DO and 0.167 ± 0.036 for DO and GL and the genetic correlation between reproductive traits ranged from -0.94 ± 0.2 for DO and GL to 0.83 ± 0.579 for CI and DO. Genetic correlation between growth and AFC ranged from 0.77 ± 0.24 for BWT and AFC to 0.87 ± 0.03 for pre-weaning average daily gain (PADG) and AFC. The phenotypic and genetic correlations between BWT and GL were 0.03 ± 0.05 and -0.84 ± 0.013 respectively. The results of genetic correlation between considered traits was ranged from moderate to high and it indicates that selection for one trait would have a significant effect on the other traits not considered however selection must be done with caution. The heritability estimates confirmed the presence of high environmental effect among the study population and it masks the individual animal genetic difference. Given the low heritability estimates obtained, effective improvement in reproduction performance of Fogera cattle could be achieved by improving the production conditions and through crossbreeding.

This paper looks into the Masagana 99 Rice Production Program to identify policy issues associated with technology transfer in rural development, determine and evaluate the economic implications of policy issues and identify research training concerns. After considering the issues, the author presents two major conclusions: 1. That Masagana 99's short-run goals and objectives focused only on increased production and productivity but overlooked the well-being of primary beneficiaries of development in terms of income, employment, education, health, participation on involvement in the program, and many others. 2. That Masagana 99 implementors failed to provide credit, marketing and processing, and technical support services. The author proceeds to present an estimate of the probable cost necessary to correct the above inefficiencies.

The author examines the ecological impact of technology transfer in rural development. He says that developing countries like the Philippines face many problems resulting from the manipulations in ecosystems as a result of technology transfer. For example, the use of chemicals to protect new rice varieties has resulted in environmental hazards. He further says that developing countries face conflicting choice whether to promote their development or sacrifice ecological aims. To resolve the conflict of technology transfer creating havoc to the ecological system, the author presents an alternative development strategy which is called the ecodevelopment strategy. This strategy calls for the understanding of the interrelationship between the environment and development. The author also encourages policy makers to examine first the kind of development to be introduced that would protect and improved the environment and not vice-versa. Finally, the author quotes Dasmann who said that development should not be implemented at the expense of natural system vital to long-term healthy functioning of the human environment.

Potato is the second important crop in Latvia. The area covered with potato is about 50 thousand hectares. Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is the most serious potato disease. Weather conditions in Latvia are very favourable for the development of potato late blight and it is occuring almost every year. The biology of P.infestans was the subject of a number of authors - plant pathologists. Research results about P.infestans population biology and epidemiology are presented in this review, especially focusing on the changes of pathogen biology.

Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is one of the most serious potato diseases. The light blight forecasting is a very important factor for the protection of potato plants. NEGFRY is a decision support system for scheduling the chemical control of potato late blight. Trials were carried out in 2000-2001 at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture (LIA) in Dotnuva in medium early and moderately susceptible to late blight varieties. Ordinary plant protection systems against late blight and different NEGFRY models were compared. Results of two years' investigations show that by using NEGFRY models we can obtain satisfactory protection of potato crop and get higher yield using fewer spray applications.

The productivity, health and welfare of cows are considerably influenced by the microclimate of the cowshed in which they live. The present paper deals with the spatial variation in temperature within uninsulated wooden cowshed and cowshed renovated from stanchions into cubicles. The type of the cowshed (uninsulated wooden cubicle cowshed and renovated cowshed made of concrete elements) influences spatial variation of indoor temperature. Greater spatial variation existed in renovated cowsheds, but these remained within the range of cows' temperature comfort zone.

In order to identify the quality of natural Silver birch stands in Latvia, fifteen sample plots covering all country's regions were established. Stem quality affecting morphological traits - stem straightness, branch angle, branching thickness and branching patterns were measured and assessed to all birches in sample plots. To compare the stand's quality, the integral quality indicator was introduced. According to results obtained in plots, most quality birch stands in Latvia are located in East and North parts of Latvia. The best stands proved to be in Aluksne and Smiltene. Birch stands in West part of Latvia had stems of substantially lower quality. The best quality stand in this region was birch stand located in Tukuma's head forestry.

Trying to find the best solution for the ecological problem of karst zone (i.e. protection of surface and ground water from agricultural activity) it is important to determine the migration extent of plant nutrients leached from the soil into the streams and ground water depending on the type of land use. The paper presents the results of the studies carried out in two vicinities of intensive karst zone in Birzai district. The obtained results show the influence of drainage water on the quality of stream water in drained areas. It has also been determined that drainage water quality is influenced by soil forming rocks as well as by the type of land use. In the failures of karst zone, as well as in arable land the quality of ground water is worse, especially when ground water is found near the ground surface.

Latvia has essential territorial differences in socio-economic development. Therefore the task of the state is to realise such regional policy which decreases unfavourable territorial differences, facilitates balanced territorial development and increases the life quality of the inhabitants. The regions deserving special support have an important role in the implementation of regional policy. The state support from the specially established Regional Fund is mainly being given to the enterprises which are located in the regions deserving special support, sometimes - to local governments. Up to now the state support was more frequently given to the peasant farms and individual enterprises and occasionally to the stock companies, local governments etc. In the period from 1998 to 2000, interest payments for specific credits compile 82% from the usage of the Regional Fund. The directions of the application of the Regional Fund are not wide at present and they should be diversified.