STUDY ON THE AGE AT FIRST CALVING AND THE LONGEVITY OF BEEF COWS

The age at fi rst calving, the life span and the longevity of cows have great importance in cattle husbandry, especially in beef cow husbandry, because the cost of raising weaned calves depends largely on how early cows calve and how long they remain in production. If cows are productive extendedly and raise more progeny, specifi c costs of raising per calf decrease proportionally. Consideration of life span and, specifi cally, longevity plays an important role in practical breeding. The present work summarizes the results of the studie conducted in this fi eld. A database of altogether 2115 cows belonging to fi ve breeds (Hungarian Grey, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Charolais) and two crossbred genotypes (Simmental x Hereford F1, Simmental x Limousin F1) born between 1977-1992 was evaluated. Age at fi rst calving (AFC), age at culling (ACU), moreover longevity (LONG) were studied. Ms Excel and SPSS for Windows 11.0 were used for statistical analyses. The mean values of AFC, ACU and LONG obtained were 2.71, 9.47 and 6.77 year, respectively. Breed/genotypes and birth year had signifi cant infl uence (P<0,01) on each evaluated trait, whereas birth month statistically affected only the AFC

Effect of Eccentric Exercise on Metabolic Health in Diabetes and Obesity

There is a growing body of evidence showing the importance of physical activity against civilization-induced metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity. Eccentric contraction, when skeletal muscles generate force by lengthening, is a unique type of skeletal muscle activity. Eccentric contraction may lead to better power production characteristics of the muscle because eccentric contraction requires less energy and can result in higher tension. Therefore, it is an ideal tool in the rehabilitation program of patients. However, the complex metabolic effect (i.e., fat mass reduction, increased lipid oxidation, improvement in blood lipid profile, and increased insulin sensitivity) of the eccentric contraction alone has scarcely been investigated. This paper aims to review the current literature to provide information on whether eccentric contraction can influence metabolic health and body composition in T2DM or obesity. We also discussed the potential role of myokines in mediating the effects of eccentric exercise. A better understanding of the mechanism of eccentric training and particularly their participation in the regulation of metabolic diseases may widen their possible therapeutic use and, thereby, may support the fight against the leading global risks for mortality in the world

Ecological dynamics: the spread of invasive plant species in Hungary's ecosystem types between 2009-2018

Our research focuses on analyzing the spatiotemporal dynamics of five invasive plant species (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Solidago spp.) in various ecosystem types in Hungary from 2009 to 2018. Using the National Geospatial Database of Invasive Plants (NGDIP) and the Ecosystem Map of Hungary (EMH), we examine how these species' distribution and occurrence changed over time. Our methodology and findings offer valuable insights for invasive species research. Our results indicate that Asclepias syriaca and Robinia pseudoacacia increasingly threaten grasslands and complex cultivated areas. Ailanthus altissima and Asclepias syriaca are declining in urban settings due to harsher environmental conditions, while Solidago spp. are expanding in wetlands, impacting riparian biodiversity.

EFFECT OF SOME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON WEANING PERFORMANCE OF HUNGARIAN GREY CATTLE POPULATIONS

Weaning performance of 2857 purebred calves (660 male and 2197 female) born from 1498 cows mated with 78 sire were analised in seven farms. Genetic- and environmental variance and heritability, breeding value of weaning weight (VS), preweaning daily gain (SGY) and 205-day weight (KVS) were calculated. Farm, year of birth, season of birth, sex, number of calving as fixed, while sire as a random effect was treated. Data were analyzed with SPSS 9.0 and Harvey’s (1990) Least Square Maximum Likelihood Computer Program. The environmental factors examined had an effect on all traits. The overall mean value and standard error (SE) of VS, SGY and KVS were 208±3.31 kg, 887±15.66 g/day and 199±14.774 kg, respectively. The heritability of the investigated traits was 0.24, 0.25 and 0.25. The results of the examination show that the 205-day weight was increased to seventh calving. The male calves were hevier than females, the difference was 22 kg (10,5%)

STUDY ON THE AGE AT FIRST CALVING AND THE LONGEVITY OF BEEF COWS

The age at fi rst calving, the life span and the longevity of cows have great importance in cattle husbandry, especially in beef cow husbandry, because the cost of raising weaned calves depends largely on how early cows calve and how long they remain in production. If cows are productive extendedly and raise more progeny, specifi c costs of raising per calf decrease proportionally. Consideration of life span and, specifi cally, longevity plays an important role in practical breeding. The present work summarizes the results of the studie conducted in this fi eld. A database of altogether 2115 cows belonging to fi ve breeds (Hungarian Grey, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Charolais) and two crossbred genotypes (Simmental x Hereford F1, Simmental x Limousin F1) born between 1977-1992 was evaluated. Age at fi rst calving (AFC), age at culling (ACU), moreover longevity (LONG) were studied. Ms Excel and SPSS for Windows 11.0 were used for statistical analyses. The mean values of AFC, ACU and LONG obtained were 2.71, 9.47 and 6.77 year, respectively. Breed/genotypes and birth year had signifi cant infl uence (P<0,01) on each evaluated trait, whereas birth month statistically affected only the AFC

Deformation analysis in impact testing of functionally graded foams by the image processing of high-speed camera recordings

We developed an image processing algorithm and applied it on high-speed camera recordings to characterize the deformation response of three-layered density-graded foam structures subjected to drop weight testing. Different densities (30, 40, 50 and 70 kg/m3) of weakly cross-linked polyethylene foam sheets were laminated together to achieve varying density distributions along the thickness, and the effect of layer order on the shock absorption capability was evaluated. Foam structures with a higher density top layer and a negative density gradient showed enhanced energy absorption in the initial stage of deformation, which resulted in lower maximum reaction forces. The positive effect of layer order modification was more dominant at higher impact energies. We provided a detailed explanation of the tendencies by investigating the differences in deformation propagation and the changes in the diameter of the deformation zone. The presented method can be utilized to design sports and packaging foam products