Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of propylene glycol and glycerin added to Total Mixed Ration (TMR) dose on lipid-carbohydrate metabolism, activity of selected liver enzymes and milk yield of Simmental cows in periparturient period. Forty two cows of Simmental breed were divided into 3 groups (n=14). Cows from the experimental groups were given 300 ml/d of either propylene glycol or glycerin from 7th day prepartum to 21st day postpartum. In week 5 of lactation in cows that were given propylene glycol and in week 12 in cows receiving glycerin Body Condition Score (BCS) was higher as compared to control cows. An application of glycerin resulted in the highest milk yield. Higher glucose content in groups that were given propylene glycol and glycerin would have contributed to the reduction of negative energy balance at the beginning of lactation. The lowest increase in aspartate transaminase (AST) and bilirubin level was observed in cows receiving glycerin. The study demonstrated that metabolic changes in Simmental breed cows in the periparturient period are dramatic, and an application of glucogenic precursors may improve metabolic efficiency.

Abstract. This study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm located in the South-Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Two video cameras (IP7330 and PZ6122, Vivotek Technology), located over cubicles below the ceiling, provided video recordings, which were taken in 15-min intervals from 02.00 to 08.00 (Period 1 – morning) and from 10.00 to 19.30 (Period 2 – afternoon) one day per week (i.e. on Thursday) from 2 July (week 27) to 15 October (week 42). Air temperatures and humidity were measured every fifteen minutes during the days of behavioural observations using three HOBO data loggers. In order to determine the spatial distribution of dairy cows, the research barn was visually divided into three sectors of equal size: A – closest to the middle of the barn, B – between and C – the edge of the stable. Inside the barn, air temperatures predominantly ranged between 22 °C and 30 °C during Period 2, while in Period 1 they were lower by 5 °C to 11 °C. During Period 1, dairy cows were distributed quite evenly among sectors. Since week 29, however, the number of cows in sector A began to increase in Period 2 and did not return to the normal distribution pattern before week 42. Interestingly, the crowding was observed only during Period 2 and not in Period 1. Crowding began to appear when average daily temperatures increased to 20 °C.

The study aimed at an assessment of a possibility of calves' health status improvement in neonatal period by preventive application of 10 % ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). An influence of EEP on selected biochemical and haematological parameters of blood, body weight gains and diarrhoea symptoms intensity was determined. Propolis contains a range of biologically active compounds and exhibits numerous beneficial properties. Ethanolic extract is a form of propolis that is usually used in prevention. Forty five calves were used in the experiment. The assessment of clinical symptoms of diarrhoea, dehydration and vitality was conducted and calves (without symptoms of diarrhoea) were divided into 3 groups (15 calves in each): control, and two experimental (2 and 4 ml of EEP/day). The results of the study point that EEP may be a useful mean improving health status of calves. After an application of propolis in a dose of 4 ml/day higher daily gains were noted when compared to the control calves. Although no obvious influence of EEP on haematological parameters was noted, the positive influence on erythropoiesis and Fe content was observed. Higher EEP dose caused a significant decrease in lactic acid (LA) level. No influence on macroelements and electrolytes in blood serum was noted.

The eff ect of air temperature and time of day on distribution of Czech Fleckvieh cows within the barn was studied on a dairy farm located in the south of Moravia, CR, (49°12'31.875"N, 16°23'43.146"E). The cows were loose-housed in a barn with stalls. The fl oor surface was made of separated manure. The observation was carried out in one of the four sections (100 cows) of the barn (total 400 cows). The observed section was visually divided into two parts -le L (situated centrally) and right R (situated peripherally). Video camera images (the total of 5304 images were evaluated) revealed the distribution of cows within the barn and the presence of cows in parts A or B. The air temperature was monitored by temperature sensors. At lower temperatures (up to 19.00 °C), the distribution of cows within the barn was even, at higher temperatures, the cows had a distinct tendency to crowd in L side of the barn (up to 100% of them). The cows were scattered evenly around the barn up to 10.00 in the morning and a er 19:01 in the evening. During the day between 10.00 and 19.01, the cows tended to group in L part (up to 100% of them). They never grouped in R part. It was found out that changes in distribution of cows within the barn were associated with both air temperature and time of day. The changes in mean air temperature during the day were defi ned as y = 0.000002x 4 − 0.0005x 3 + 0.0412x 2 − 0.8876x + 18.515 (where y = air temperature and x time of day in hours) with R 2 = 0.957.

In five herds of purebred Holstein dairy cows, altogether 220 bulk milk samples were collected with the following average parameters: rennet coagulation time (RCT) 265.2 sec., titratable acidity 6.40 °SH, active acidity 6.72 pH, specific density 1.0281 kg.l−1, fat content 3.81 g.100g−1, protein content 3.28 g.100g−1, lactose content 4.72 g.100g−1, and content of solids non-fat content 8.89 g.100g−1; average values of milk batch volume per herd and diurnal air temperature were 6,072 kg and 8.02 °C, respectively. It was found out that the variable “season“ (spring, summer, autumn or winter) significantly influenced nearly all parameters under study (the only exceptions were values of titratable acidity and milk batch volume). As compared with all other seasons, the significantly shortest RCT was recorded in summer. Further it was also found out that the variable “herd” influenced all parameters with the exception of average diurnal air temperature. Regardless to differences existing among individual herds, the shortest average RCT was recorded always in summer.