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The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of negative energy balance on fatty acids proportion in the milk of Czech Fleckvieh cows after calving. Milk quality was determined based on fatty acid group proportion. Milk quality was evaluated in relation to selected negative energy balance (NEB) traits: body condition change (DEC) and milk citric acid content (CAC) after calving. Milk samples (n = 992) were collected once per week from 248 Czech Fleckvieh cows during the first month of lactation. Fatty acid content (%) in milk samples was determined and results were grouped as saturated (SFA) (hypercholesterolemic or volatile fatty acids) or unsaturated (UFA) (monounsaturated or polyunsaturated). Our results showed that cows with a deep NEB produce milk that is healthier for human consumption. Cows with a more significant DEC or the highest level of CAC in milk had the lowest proportion of SFA and the highest proportion of UFA (p < 0.01). These cows experienced higher physiological stress after calving; however, they produced milk of higher nutritional quality. Nowadays, we can see preventive efforts to mitigate NEB periods as a result of modern breeding trends regarding vitality, robustness, or longevity.

Purpose We aim to enhance quality level organization by applying the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) excellence model. We do this through analysis of current quality management trends, defining the EFQMmodel structure and criteria (Figure 1) and the potential to introduce these with construction companies. We also propose an electronic manual and an automated evaluation system of the criteria and subcriteria of the EFQM-model by company management and also by external auditors. Method Selected scientific methods of problem solution can be divided into two main groups: empirical and logical (scientific analysis and synthesis). The empirical method was applied to an electronic survey that aimed to determine knowledge of the EFQM-model and its practical use by companies operating in Slovakia. The logical method was utilized for the problem-solving analysis and synthesis. The method of scientific analysis was used to evaluate the current issue of the quality of the management level, EFQM-implementation in the construction sector, analysis of criteria and subcriteria of the EFQM-model, exploring the possibilities of applying the EFQMmodel in a construction company, and an examination of existing systems of assessment under the EFQM-model. The scientific synthesis method was used during EFQM-model development and implementation, including the creation of an electronic manual, and during the process of automated evaluation system of construction company management quality. Results & Discussion Our research work resulted in a methodology and an electronic manual allowing construction companies to effectively introduce and implement EFQM-model requirements in a relatively short period of time with the aim of constantly improving performance. The defined methodology suggests and explains the sequence of steps towards EFQM-model application; the electronic manual describes all of the EFQM-model subcriteria and provides concrete suggestions and solutions to meet them. The section of the manual dealing with the automated electronic system for construction companies was verified by a real company. Application of the methodology and manual enabled us in a short time to evaluate the company's quality of management and to identify opportunities for continuous quality improvement. ENABLERS (500 points) RESULTS (500 points) Leadership 100 points People 100 points Strategy and policy 100 points Partnerships and resources 100 points Processes, products and services 100 points People results 100 points Customer results 150 points Society results 100 points Key results 150 points

The aim of this study was to evaluate growth ability (weight, daily weight gains) and selected carcass characteristics during fattening period of Wagyu × Aberdeen Angus crossbred steers (F1). A total of 72 animals were evaluated over a period of 4 years. The observed animals were monitored from rearing (8 months) to slaughter (30 months). Statistical evaluation was performed by SAS 9.3 (GLM procedure); variables were corrected for effects of the year, season of birth and sire effect. Sire effect proved to be the most significant in our evaluation. Offsprings sired by Bull 1 had significantly (P < 0.05) better growth ability than offsprings of other two tested bulls. Slaughter analysis of tested steers showed, that mean value of dressing percentage was 55.61 %. Significantly highest dressing percentage was found for Bull 1 offsprings (56.72 %, P < 0.05). The average carcass weight of tested steers was 443.46 kg and the highest carcass weight was again achieved by offsprings of Bull 1 (486.39 kg; P < 0.05). Average value of beef marbling score was 5.21. Slaughter analyses of carcass cuts (cut‑out, round, chuck, rump, tenderloin, shank, flank) and tallow showed that average weight of these lean cuts was 127.32 kg and tallow content was 39.31 kg at average. The highest values of these parameters were observed in offspring of bulls Bull 1 (P < 0.05).

This work aimed to evaluate the quantity and the quality of flushed embryos based on the metabolic status of dairy cows, lactation number, and size of the ovaries. Fifty-nine Holstein cows on 1^st to 5^th lactation were enrolled in the experiment. Monitoring took place during the period from October to November and from March to June. Cows with corpus luteum were included for the hormonal treatment – superovulation and timed insemination. The cow was inseminated, resp. re-inseminated, during the induced heat with insemination doses from one bull from the same batch. Embryo flushing was performed on the 7^th day after the first insemination. We isolated individual embryos after flushing, and morphologically evaluated them under a stereo microscope. The metabolic status of tested cows was determined based on the ratio between fat and protein in milk around the period of embryo flushing (&lt; 1.1; 1.1–1.3; &gt; 1.3). Data about fat and protein content were taken from milking parlour records. Data were evaluated in SAS v9.4 with GLM procedure. The results of our study showed that there is a significant relationship between the fat/protein ratio and the total number of flushed embryos, resp. the number of transferable embryos. The highest number of flushed and transferable embryos were collected from the group of cows with fat/protein ratio between 1.1–1.3. The fat/protein ratio within these values represents cows in an optimal metabolic state. We also observed a significant positive relationship between the size of the ovaries and the number of flushed and transferable embryos. Lactation number did not significantly affect monitored parameters. The assessment of the fat/protein ratio might become a useful tool for the evaluation of cows selected for embryo transfer. Our findings could be used to improve the efficacy of the superovulation system, with the aim to extract the maximum number of transferable embryos.