Phytogenic pigments are secondary plant compounds responsible for coloring effects in plant tissues. In particular, phenolic flavonoids and terpenoid carotenoids, but also rare compounds like curcumin and betalain, form this group of biochemical agents used in animal nutrition. From the perspective of ecological mutuality between plants and animals, these compounds are of crucial importance because they serve as visual attraction for herbivores but also signal nutritional and/or health-promoting values. This review focuses on the properties of phytogenic pigments which are likely to impact feed intake and preferences of livestock. Also natural prophylactic and/or therapeutic properties and, in particular, the potential of pigments to enhance quality and health value of animal products for human consumption are important issues. Nevertheless, reasonable limits of use due to possible adverse indications have been suggested recently. Pathways of digestion, metabolism and excretion in animals play a crucial role not only in the evaluation of effectiveness but also in the prediction of potential risks for human consumption. The popularity of natural feed additives is growing; therefore, more research work is needed to better understand metabolic pathways in the animal's body and to better estimate the potentials and risks of pigmenting plant compounds used in animal nutrition.

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Understanding of fertilization procedures and crossing barriers is essential for various plant breeding methods. Growth or inhibition of pollen tubes, therefore, is a crucial issue in terms of propagation, in particular concerning the determination of self incompatible (SI-) plants. In German Chamomile, vegetatively propagated SI-plants would be a highly appreciated breeding tool for the formation of maternal lines for specific crossings. Following the idea to enhance knowledge of aspects of pollination and to develop a fast procedure of determination of SI-plants, two different methods of microscopic analysis of pollen tube growth in pistils were developed. Under light and under fluorescence microscopy diverse stages of pollen tube growth could be made visible. These included growth starts at the stigma, active pollen tubes with regular callose deposits on their way through the style and globular stage embryos in the ovary. Furthermore, SI-tests and selections within six accessions of German Chamomile and among 220 plants were carried out. In this case, self incompatibility (SI) was determined as staying seedless after multiple hand pollination under crispac bag isolation, observed at not less than three flower heads per plant. Diploid varieties showed a tendency to establish SI, rather than their tetraploid relatives, although a high variability between accessions was given. An overall accordance between SI, examined via seed set, and evidence of pollen tubes could not be assessed. Nevertheless, new and detailed insight in fertilization procedures in German chamomile could be gained.

The aim of the study was to investigate nutritional, physiological and immunological effects of a plant-derived blend of isoquinoline alkaloids (Sangrovit® Extra) in healthy dogs. Two groups of healthy, adult beagles (N = 10) were tested in a cross-over experiment, lasting two consecutive three-week periods. The experimental group received 1.2 g additive/kg feed, according to the recommendation of 10-20 mg/kg live weight per day. The control group received the same feed without additive. Complete blood count, immunological parameters and amino acid concentrations in serum were assessed. Faeces were analysed for short-chain fatty acids, lactate and ammonium; moreover, their quantity and consistency were determined. Neither feed intake, total apparent nutrient digestibility (crude protein and fat, organic matter, sodium, potassium) were affected by intake of the product. Lymphocyte and monocyte counts were slightly increased in both groups. Elevation was not treatment dependant. IgA, IgG, haptoglobin in serum and flow cytometric phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes were not affected by alkaloids supplementation. Numerically greater methionine concentrations in blood serum occurred in the experimental group (p = 0.182). Quantity and consistency of faeces and ammonium concentration in faeces were not affected by the additive. Faecal concentrations of short-chain organic acids differed between groups (acetic acid, % of total SCFA: control group 52.3 ± 5.2 vs. experimental group 57.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.042), lactate concentrations (d-, l-and total) did not. Due to the shift of SCFA proportions in faeces, an effect of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQs) on the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota is probable.In conclusion, the addition of IQs in the given dose was well tolerated and did not have adverse effects in healthy dogs. K E Y W O R D Santi-inflammatory, blood count, digestibility, dog, isoquinoline alkaloid, Macleaya cordata