Aim Carabid beetles are known to be affected by abiotic habitat conditions, both at a local microscale and in their distribution between habitat types. We explored whether the non‐random distribution at micro‐ and macroscales is reflected in non‐random distribution patterns at an intermediate mesoscale. The aim of this paper is: (1) to identify and to characterize carabid distribution patterns at the meso‐ or landscape scale; (2) to analyse if patterns can be confirmed between years; and (3) to propose environmental effects that explain the observed patterns. Location We studied a topographically varied area of c. 4 km² within a landscape of continuous beech forests. The study area is situated close to Göttingen, Central Germany, on a limestone plateau and its south‐ and southeast‐facing slopes, at 280–420 m a.s.l. Methods Carabid beetles were sampled with pitfall traps during four consecutive years. Each year 10, 20 or 50 traps km−2 were operated for 4–6 months. We interpolated continuous distribution maps from pitfall sites and correlated species maps between separate years. Spatial autocorrelation was analysed with Mantel tests and correlograms of Moran's I. Results 1. We analysed the spatial distribution of twelve carabid species. All interpolations produced more or less patchy map patterns. No pattern was exactly reproduced between years. 2. Carabid species distribution at the landscape level could be differentiated into four types: random, weak gradient, distinct gradient and restricted area. Maps for species with distinct gradients or restricted distributions were correlated between all years, while maps for species with random patterns were mostly uncorrelated. 3. Mantel tests detected overall spatial autocorrelation (SA) in most species. Correlograms of Moran's I supported the characterization of distribution types. The correlograms indicated patch sizes of 0.8–1.2 km extent for all species but three that were randomly distributed. 4. Abax parallelus (Duftschmid), Carabus coriaceus L., and Cychrus caraboides (L.) appeared to be randomly distributed within the study area. Also A. parallelepipedus (Piller & Mitterpacher) had a random areal distribution, but the patch structure was reproduced between years. 5. Abax ovalis (Duftschmid), Carabus auronitens Fabricius, C. nemoralis Müller, and Pterostichus burmeisteri Heer displayed rather weak distribution gradients that were reproduced at least between some years. 6. Pterostichus madidus (Fabricius) and P. melanarius (Illiger) displayed distinct distribution gradients. Their contrasting distribution could be explained by a topoclimatic gradient: P. madidus density was shifted to dry and warm parts of the study area, P. melanarius density to moist and cool parts. 7. Cychrus attenuatus Fabricius was restricted to a northern, high‐elevated area, whereas Carabus problematicus Herbst was restricted to patches along the warm edge of the limestone plateau. Main conclusions Within the beech forest landscape, we identified reproducible mesoscale distribution patterns ...

Title of the paper: Carcass and meat quality of heavy pigs. II. Characteristics of meat and fat quality The aim of the 2 nd part of the study was to present the shifts concerning the meat quality in various important muscles and the fatty acid profile in the backfat associated with a prolonged fattening. In total, 63 male castrates and 60 females (Piétrain-NN*German Landrace) were randomized to three groups with different live weights at slaughter (110, 135, 160 kg). The pH values, measured at different points in time, were not influenced by the live weight class. However, electrical conductivity as well as drip loss traits of the M. longissimus dorsi increased slightly in the upper weight class, whereas the cooking loss declined marginally. With increasing live weight there was in general a small tendency to a darker meat and a clear enhancement of the a* values, based upon higher pigment concentrations. Moreover, the water content diminished slightly, whereas the intramuscular fat content did not rise significantly within the same sex. Compared with 110 kg live weight, the collagen content and the percentage of soluble collagen decreased at 160 kg live weight whereas shear force values remained unaffected. In the sensory evaluation, pork chops of the 135 kg class received numerically the best and those of the 160 kg the worst ratings, but the differences were small and only exceptionally significant. Considering the fatty acid profile in the course of a prolonged fattening, there is a shift to smaller proportion of polyenic fatty acids in favour of oleic and palmitic acid.

Studies throughout Europe reporting species lists of lumbricid earthworms and ranging from 100 m to >500000 km are analysed for the regression of species number S on size of area A [km]. This species-area relation is described by: S=7.9*A (r=0.76).

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Abstract. The mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) belongs to the cyprinids, the world's largest and most important fish family in aquaculture. The fat content and the fillet yield are important parameters in the marketing of carp. Although the influence of the environment on the body composition of the carp has been well studied, there is little research in the field of breeding. For this purpose, precise phenotyping is indispensable. Therefore, during this study a total of 33 mirror carps were examined using computed tomography (CT) technology. First, the fish were examined alive. Total body weight and linear measurements such as lengths, height and circumferences were measured, and ultrasound was used to determine the back-fat thickness. The fish were then slaughtered and whole body scans of all fish using CT were made. The carps were filleted and the fillets with skin were chemically analyzed. In order to predict the chemical fillet fat content, thickness measurements and volume calculations of the back fat were carried out using CT. Compared to the CT-based back-fat thickness measurement correlated with the results from the chemical analysis (R2=0.62), the CT-based volume measurement of the back fat leads to a higher coefficient of determination (R2=0.85). Prediction results can still be improved by adding linear measurements. The in vivo ultrasound (US) examination of the back-fat thickness was compared with the CT back-fat thickness results. The measurements of the back-fat thickness took place at similar positions in the fish. Coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.63 to 0.77 were obtained. The back fat in mirror carp proved to be an interesting area for determining the fillet fat content. The evaluation of the fillet yield resulted in a mean value of 42.89 % with a standard deviation of ±2.43. Fillet yield (%) correlated with CT-based fillet thickness measurement resulted in a moderate coefficient of determination (R2 of 0.45). A similar coefficient of determination was achieved with selected linear measurements.