Due to milk and fodder price fluctuations the milk producers must constantly adapt in order to stay competitive.Since fodder costs can represent over 40% of total costs in dairy cows they can decisively impact the economic feasibility of the operation.The importance of balanced feeding rations and cost efficiency is thus a decisive parameter in economics of dairy cows.The aim of this paper is to present one of the manners how to prepare fodder meal for dairy cows with satisified requirements.We will practically show two examples of meals for dairy cows.One of the examples is entering raw material by hand and the second one with using a mathematical model for optimisation fodder meals for dairy cows.The model is developed in Whats Best 9 (WB!9) for Excel.

For the research the heart rate monitor for humans "Garmin Forerunner 305" was modified to measure the heart rate frequency of a 12-year old stallion during training.In our experience the incorporation of Garmin Forerunner 305 into the saddle harness is much cheaper and equally applicable as the original Polar horse heart rate monitor.Throughout one month's training by the help of the integrated sensor four fitness tests were performed on the same path on which four stations had been determined.There, the horse heart rate, respiration rate and body temperature were measured and the horse's physical fitness monitored.Also the environmental influences were monitored and the correlation between variables at rest (ambient temperature, horse's temperature, relative air humidity, air pressure, heart rate, breathing frequency) was established.The applicability of the rebuilt device for heart rate monitoring was confirmed.

The objective of this study was to develop a model to assess economical and balanced feed rations for sport horses. It was based on non-parametric modelling with a combination of linear programming and a multi-objective optimization technique: weighted goal programming. The method incorporates multiple goals into optimization. The technical data presented the feed nutritional value (dry matter, metabolizable energy, metabolizable protein, etc.) and nutritional requirements, which were represented in weighted goal programming as targets. The model was tested for optimization of winter and summer feed rations, where summer feed rations are more expensive but more balanced. Optimization results show that the method of weighted goal programming is more accurate and useful in practice compared with linear programming, where only one goal (economically optimal feed rationing) is taken into account.

The objective of the present study was to determine diurnal variation of ammonia emission in pig fattening facilities.Measurements were carried in fattening period from 11 weeks of pigs' age to 26 weeks of pigs' age.The performance characteristics of daily gain, body weight and feed consumption were evaluated.In addition, excretory behaviour was evaluated in first (11-22 weeks) and last part (22-26 weeks) of the fattening periods.Microclimatic conditions and ammonia concentration were observed using a monitoring system.In first 11 weeks (11-22 week), ammonia emission increased for around 66 % (25 g per pig day -1 ; 20 % g per pig night -1 ) and for 75 % (25 g per pig day -1 ; 20 % g per pig night -1 ) in whole fattening period (11-26 weeks).Such differences in ammonia emission may be explained as a consequence of change excretory behaviour of the pigs, which is a result of the increased pigs' body weight.Higher differences in ammonia emission per pig, during day and night time were observed in first part (11-22 weeks) of fattening period (25 %).In the last part (22-26 weeks) of fattening period, diurnal variation of ammonia emission decreased to 17 % and was lowest in last week's (5 %).This could be explained with pigs' change activity pattern (day/night), especially, pigs with lower status of social hierarchy.

Purpose: The study proved automatic feeding to be more suitable for farms with large number of calves as it could substantially reduce working hours. Design/methodology/approach: The experiment comprised 20 calves which were monitored from birth until the age of 10 weeks. On specific days (1st, 8th, 29th, 50th and 71st) calves were weighed and their height of wither, height of rump and body length were measured. Findings: The comparison between feeding using bucket teat or automatic feeding system showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the body weight during the period between 50th and 71st day of age (13.30 kg and 9.90 kg), in height of wither in the period between 8th and 29th day of age (1.80 cm and 2.70 cm) and in height of

Purpose: This research project was aimed at optimising anaerobic digestion of maize and find out which maturity class of corn and which hybrid of a particular maturity class produces the highest rate of biogas and biomethane. Also the chemical composition of gases was studied. Design/methodology/approach: Biogas and biomethane production and composition in mesophilic (35 degrees C) conditions were measured and compared. The corn hybrids of FAO 300 - FAO 600 maturity class were tested. Experiments took place in the lab, for 35 days within four series of experiments with four repetitions according to the method DIN 38 414. Findings: Results show that the highest maturity classes of corn (FAO 500) increases the amount of biogas and biomethane. The greatest gain of biogas, biomethane according to maturity class is found with hybrids of FAO 400 and FAO 500 maturity class. Among the corn hybrids of maturity class FAO 300 - FAO 400, the hybrid PR38F70 gives the greatest production of biogas and biomethane. Among the hybrids of maturity class FAO 400 - FAO 500, the greatest amount of biogas and biomethane was produced by the hybrid PIXXIA (FAO 420). Among the hybrids of maturity class FAO 500 - FAO 600 the hybrid CODISTAR (FAO 500) the highest production of biomethane. Production of biomethane, which has the main role in the production of biogas varied with corn hybrids from 50-60 % of the whole amount of produced gas. Research limitations/implications: Economic efficiency of anaerobic digestion depends on the optimum methane production and optimum anaerobic digestion process. Practical implications: The results reached serve to plan the electricity production in the biogas production plant and to achieve the highest biomethane yield per hectare of maize hybrid. Originality/value: Late ripening varieties (FAO ca. 600) make better use of their potential to produce

Purpose: If measurements of the increased total count of somatic cells in the individual udder quarter or in the whole udder could be determined with electric conductivity by means of the microprocessor-controlled device Mastitron LF 3000 enough precisely to predict the presence of subclinical mastitis. Design/methodology/approach: The occurrence of increased count of somatic cells in milk was found out group by group by the method of measuring the electric conductivity of milk. For the milk conductivity the average measurement from all four udder quarters was taken into account. The population of 102 lactating cows (Black and white, Simmental and Brown Swiss breed) on seven farms fore three summer months was observed. Findings: It was established that higher average electric conductivity than 6.5 mS/cm confirmed in 80% also the increased count of somatic cells in milk. When evaluating the differences between the quarters exceeding 1 mS/cm also a higher total count of somatic cells was confirmed in 73.7%. Moreover, statistically significant relation (P<0.01) between the CMT test and the ECM was found out so it can be claimed that the two methods do not exclude themselves mutually. Research limitations/implications: It was found that the reliability of the ECM in our case was 80% depending to a large extent on the milk composition which changed depending on the stage of lactation, type of feed and general health condition of animals. For a more reliable, accurate and faster implementation of the ECM method further researches will be necessary. Practical implications: Though the ECM method of determination of the subclinical mastitis of the milchcows is well established in the world, it is not yet known well enough in the Slovene practice as a method of diagnosing the subclinical mastitis. Originality/value: It was found that the results of our research in production circumstances were comparable with the indications of the maker and foreign researchers.

Purpose: The paper compares the effect of five different direct seeding methods to the conventional tillage on the emerging and yield of silage corn (Zea may L.) in two different pedo-ecological conditions of Slovenia. Design/methodology/approach: A randomly selected 4x6 block designed field test was carried out; gliphosat treatment 1 week before seeding (V1), mowing+focus ultra on the whole plot 3 weeks later (V2), mowing+focus ultra in bands 3 weeks later (V3), mowing+focus ultra in bands 3 weeks later+mowing the inter-row after emergence (V4), conventional tillage (V5), focus ultra on the whole plot 3 weeks after seeding (V6). Findings: The highest emergence was on parcels with treatment V5; 98.99 % in Norsinci and 82.75 % in Pohorski dvor. The (V1) treatment influenced lowest emergence in Norsinci (82.48 %) and Pohorski dvor (63.25 %). The number of emerged seedlings affected the highest yield of fresh silage on V5 (50.590 kg ha-1 - Nosinci and 45.661 kg ha-1 - Pohorski dvor) and dry matter (20.228 kg/ha). However, there was no difference to V1 and V4. The penetrometer measurements showed the highest soil resistance (119.78 N cm-2) in Norsinci on V3 and (185.31 N cm-2) in Pohorski dvor on V4. Research limitations/implications: The experiment presented herein can be applied under similar pedoclimatical condition. Practical implications: Alternative seeding methods can reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emission by decreasing the number of passes on the field. Originality/value: By implementing the findings from our experiments a high intensity of soil engagement and inversion of the soil by using of mouldboard plough can be omitted on the majority of sandy and silty-loam soils. On that way the energy saving-method can make an effective contribution to farmers’ economy.

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present the construction of a mini digester for biogas production from different agriculture plant biomass and other organic wastes. The amount of biogas production (methane) is observed by the mini digester. Design/methodology/approach: The mini digester consisting of twelve units was built and some measurements with agriculture plant biomass were performed according to DIN 38414 part 8. Four tests simultaneously with three repetitions can be performed. Findings: With the mini digester the amount of biogas production is observed. The parameters such as biogas production and biogas composition from maize and sugar beet silage in certain ratio were measured and calculated. The highest biogas and methane yield was 493 NI kg VS-1 or 289 NI CH4 kg VS-1. Research limitations/implications: The scope of substrates for the anaerobic digestion process is on the increase so the interest in the use of the biogas as a source of a renewable energy is very high. With mini digester it is possible to observe the amount of biogas (methane) production and so the most suitable plant giving the maximum methane yield, can be determined. Practical implications: The aim of biogas as renewable source of energy is to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy production systems and to fulfil the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol. On big farms the liquid manure and different energy crops can be used for biogas production. That can improve the economical efficiency of the farm and reduce the CO2 emissions. Originality/value: Mini digester for biogas production was built as special equipment. The quality of produced biogas is determined with a gas analyser GA 45.

Purpose: of this paper is to compare mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of three maize varieties. Parameters such as biogas production and biogas composition from maize silage were measured and calculated. The amount of biogas production (methane) was observed by the mini digester. Design/methodology/approach: Biogas production and composition in mesophilic (35 degrees C) and thermophilic (55 degrees C) conditions were measured and compared. The measurements were performed with mini digester according to DIN 38414 part 8. We used three different maize varieties (NK PAKO, PR34N43 and RAXXIA). Findings: Biogas yields ranged between 315 - 409 Nl kg VS-1 in mesophilic conditions and 494 – 611 Nl kg VS-1 in thermophilic conditions. The highest biogas yield was in case of NK PAKO (611 NI kg VS-1) in thermophilic conditions. The lowest biogas yield was in case of PR34N43 (315 NI kg VS-1) in mesophilic conditions. Biogas quality produced in thermophilic temperature range is better than biogas quality produced in mesophilic temperature range. Thermophilic digestion is 4 times more intense, has higher VSS removal efficiency and yields more biogas. Research limitations/implications: Thermophilic stabilization of energy plants at 55°C is truly economical, more biogas is produced. The only disadvantage of thermophilic stabilization is that more energy is used for heating fermenters. Therefore, further researches are necessary. Practical implications: For biogas plants with mesophilic digesters we suggest an upgrade of existing mesophilic digesters (35°C) to thermophilic digesters (55°C), which is an economically beneficial solution compared to construction of additional mesophilic digesters. Originality/value: The mini digester for biogas production was built as special equipment. It can be used in mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The quality of the produced biogas is determined with a gas analyser GA 45.

Purpose: of this paper is to present the justification of replacement of the obsolete system for milk pasteurization and washing of the production line by the newer CIP system (cleaning in place) in the dairy. The latter ensures reliable washing and sterilization of lines and machines, which is one of the principal prerequisites for the product quality. Design/methodology/approach: The measurements were performed with the installed equipment CIP Module 5111 - 5116. The cleaning equipment is an 8 line satellite system. The SPS control and the visualization take place through the RAS (Remote - Access) network. The visualization data are archived and the visualization is connected to the PC network. The worn Alfa Laval pasteur has been replaced by the new Fischer equipment. Findings: The new CIP system assured 43% water saving, if compared with the old equipment. Saving of washing agents (caustic solution, acid) amounted to 11.5%. Due to smaller need for energy (gas, electricity) the energy costs were reduced by 19%.

Purpose: The main target is to produce as much biogas as possible with highest possible biomethane content from crops representing the principal fuel for driving the gas motors and electric generators and, consequently, production of electricity. Design/methodology/approach: The biogas production was measured by a mini digester according to the German standard DIN 38414, Part 8. It was effected in the mesophilic temperature range. The biogas production from six different energy crops and pig slurry was measured in the laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In six trial fields the monocultures such as maize, sorghum, amaranth, sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke and sugar beet were grown. Findings: The highest biomethane production was achieved with the sunflower substrate (283 Nl/kgVS), followed by the sorghum substrate (188 Nl/kgVS) and maize (187 Nl/kgVS). The amaranth substrate produced 225 Nl/kgVS and the Jerusalem artichoke 115 Nl/kgVS. The least amount of biomethane was produced from the sugar beet (95 Nl/kgVS). Research limitations/implications: The basic structure of the laboratory device is welded from stainless steel (inox) and is limited by the following dimensions: 2500 mm length, 1000 mm height and 350 mm width. The device consists of twelve units of fermentors ensuring four tests simultaneously with three replications and assuring high accuracy of results. Practical implications: The test fermentors serve to test the biogas production from different energy crops and other materials of organic origin. The results reached serve to plan the electricity production in the biogas production plant. Originality/value: The mini digesters simulated in laboratory the actual state from the biogas production plant. Anaerobic fermentation was introduced and the biogas to be processed into electricity was produced.

Purpose: the appearance western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) in Slovenia brings new challenges to machines used for pesticide spraying of corn. The control of western corn rootworm is difficult due to the height of the corn crop in July-August. The current paper presents the exploitation characteristics of mistblower with cannon and field sprayer with high-mounted spraying boom and vertical tube extension with distributing nozzles on pesticide distribution over the corn plant. Design/methodology/approach: Two field experiments with different air adjustments and driving speed (mistblower with cannon) and nozzle flow and driving speed (field sprayer with high-mounted spraying boom) were research. Findings: The ventilator of the mistblower spread the pesticide over the wider band of the field as the field sprayer, however the pesticide distribution measured as coefficient of variation did not fulfil the legislative requirements. Research limitations/implications: The experiment results presented herein can be applied under similar equipment adjustment, working speed and growing conditions of the corn plant (78.000/ ha and the height of 2.70 m). Practical implications: The field sprayer with high-mounted spraying boom and vertical tube extension was proved as an efficient machine for controlling of western corn rootworm adults in the developed corn growing over 2.70 m. With the presented technical procedure the damage caused by the western corn rootworm can be almost completely prevented. However due to the growing stage of the plant in the time of spreading of the adult, about 6.5 % of the plants are overridden. Originality/value: By implementing the findings from our experiments a severe damage in corn yield caused by the western corn rootworm can be reduced significantly. On that way an effective way in production of corn can be contribute to farmers’ economy.

The purpose of the research was to establish the effect of concentrites A (C-A) and B (C-B) on the quantity and composition of the produced milk of dairy cows. The research included cows of Holstein Friesian and Simmental breeds and crossbreeds with Simmental breed. The test took place in two periods. The first period with the C-A lasted from December 2004 to February 2005 and included 113 cows. During the second period the C-B was fed. The test endured from April to June 2005. The results of monthly controls of milk quantity and protein and Fat contents were entered into the Excel programme and processed with the statistical programme SPSS for Windows 12.0. When the concentrate B was fed, the milk quantity amounted to 21.99 L/day and was statistically significantly (P<0.05) greater than the milk quantity in case of feeding the concentrate A, when the milk quantity was 19.12 L/day. No statistically significant differences (P<0.05) of the protein and fat content in the milk were established.