No abstract

The influence of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on feed consumption, milk yield, composition and fatty acid (FA) profile was investigated in lactating dairy cows. According to a Latin square design, twelve cows were assigned to three experimental settings which received a haybased diet supplemented with one of the following mixtures: cracked barley (1.0 kg) and cracked maize (0.5 kg) as Control diet (C-diet); full fat ground rapeseed (1.0 kg), cracked barley (1.0 kg) and cracked maize (0.5 kg) as Rapeseed diet (R-diet) and extruded linseed (1.2 kg), cracked barley (1.0 kg) and cracked maize (0.5 kg) as Linseed diet (L-diet). Diet supplemented with rape- and linseed did not affect dry matter intake. As result of the high amount of dietary ether extract R- and L-diet showed higher crude fat intake as compared to the control. Despite the higher intake of crude fat and, in particular, of the polyunsaturated fraction, milk yield and composition resulted similar among treatments. Compared to C-diet, R-diet resulted in milk containing significantly lower amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (60.9 vs 66.9% of total detected SFA) as well as higher amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (30.6 vs 24.2%). However, R-diet had no effect on polyunsaturated fatty acid content (PUFA). With respect to C-diet, L-diet also significantly reduced the content of SFA (59.8 vs 66.9%) and increased both MUFA (29.1 vs 24.2%) and PUFA (4.7 vs 4.1%) contents. Feeding about 1 kg of whole oilseeds per head per day had no clear effects on milk vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid contents. The inclusion of rapeseed in the diet significantly reduced the content of n-6 FA in the milk, whereas the linseed-supplemented diet significantly increased the content of n-3 FA. In comparison to C-diet, n-6/n-3 ratio was lower in L-diet milk and intermediate in R-diet milk. Feeding lactating dairy cows with oilseeds rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) did not exert any effects on productive performance. Considering the increase in PUFA and the reduction of n-6/n-3 ratio as a desirable enrichment of milk fat for human health, under our experimental condition feeding linseed appears to improve the nutritional value of milk better than rapeseed

Control of erosion, and all of its after effects, from increased surface drainage and erosion to the formation of karst, is one of the essential problems when undertaking recultivation following necessary interventions in the sub-alpine and alpine vegetation stage (high zones). Average slope inclinations of 30-45% in the vicinity of ski runs, and far above in areas of natural erosion and avalanche zones, make restoration processes with sufficient erosion protection the prerequisite for success. Only a sufficient vegetation development of more than 70% ground cover stabilises the topsoil in the long term and reduces soil erosion to an acceptable degree. From 1999 to 2002, an international EU project with the participation Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein (AREC) on five different Alpine sites at altitudes from 1,245 to 2,350 m above sea level. The aim of the work was the formulation of practicerelevant requirements for recultivation following intervention in high zones, especially following constructional measures in the vicinity of ski runs and lifts, torrent-and avalanche barriers. In a statistical comparison, the relationship between restoration techniques, seed mixtures of differing ecological value and vegetation cover was observed. The influence of application technique on erosion processes after restoration was obvious for the first two vegetation periods. Only with the additional use of mulch covers could increase surface drainage and noticeable soil loss be avoided. At high altitudes, the choice of seed mixture, irrespective of whether rapid or slow growing and independent of the extent of accompanying fertilisation, had no significance in the first two vegetation periods following sowing. In the following growing seasons, however, higher cover values were obtained with site-specific seed mixtures at three of the five experimental sites. While few species of the commercial seed mixture showed satisfactory persistency, most of the grasses and in particular the alpine leguminosae of site-specific seed mixtures increased their share during the observation period. In the long-term, sufficient protection against erosion is only guaranteed by the use of stable, enduring and ecologically adapted species.

No abstract

No abstract