DETERMINATION OF FEED QUALITY PARAMETERS OF LEAVES AND STEMS OF DIFFERENT ALFALFA GENOTYPES

This research was carried out to determine feed quality parameters of leaves and stems of different alfalfa genotypes. A total of 12 alfalfa genotypes was used as the plant material for the study. Alfalfa plants were harvested at the flowering stage. The plants were dried at 70°C and grinded in a hand-mill with 1 mm sieve for chemical analysis. In leaf, the acid detergent fiber (ADF) content of genotypes varied between 21.62 - 27.40%, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content between 33.98 - 39.95%, and crude protein content between 24.68 - 28.45%, whereas in stem ADF content of genotypes varied between 50.99 - 57.72%, NDF content between 66.96 - 76.79 %, crude protein content between 8.46 - 11.00%. The RFV ranged from 159.18 to 197.27% and 53.22 to 67.06% for leaf and stem respectively. The leaf to stem ratio of genotypes ranged from 0.72 to 1.60. Considering current results from different genotypes, genotype has a high effect on feed quality. In addition, the rate of leaf to stems is also effective on feed quality. While the protein ratio of the leaves was higher than the stems, the ADF and NDF contents were found to be lower than the stems. So, in the selection of alfalfa genotypes, attention should be paid to the leaf to stem ratio as well as the yield.

COMPARISON OF GRAIN FEED QUALITY OF DIFFERENT BROAD BEAN GENOTYPES

The objective of the present study was to determine grain feed quality of different broad bean cultivars and lines. For this purpose, Eleven different cultivars and five lines (Emiralem, Histal, Sorgun, Kitik 2003, Sakiz, Eresen 87, Sevil, Reina Mora, Filiz 99, Salkim, Luz De, Otonoto, Seher, EU 4446, Canakkale, Antalya, EU319) were used as the plant material. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks design with three replications. Effects of genotypes on grain feed quality were found to be highly significant (P≤0.01) Current findings revealed that crude oil content between 0.62 - 1.58%, crude ash content between 1.89 - 3.30%, crude protein content varied between 22.30 - 32.14%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) content between 7.45 - 14.94% and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content between 16.08 - 28.05%. Seher, EU 4446, Canakkale, Antalya, Filiz 99 and Histal were found to be prominent for hight crude protein and crude oil, thus these genotypes were recommended for animal feeding.

INVERTEBRATES OF CONSERVATIVE INTEREST FROM PLATFORMA COTMEANA, A ROMANIAN NATURAL PROTECTED AREA

Current work was carried out in a Natura 2000 site of community importance, ROSCI 0354, Platforma Cotmeana, with a surface of 12.529 ha, located in the Central Southern part of Romania in a hilly area. The site is mainly dominated by broadleaf forest, from which 30% consists of beech species, an important habitat component for the studied species. Focal species of this research were: Lucanus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758, and Morimus asper funereus Mulsant, 1862, as listed in the annex of EU Habitat Directive. For each species, numerical abundance, sex ratio, and other aspects of their biology were estimated. Habitat preference and the occurrence of individuals were recorded in order to evaluate their distribution in the site. Future perspectives on the status of the conservation of species in site were assessed by evaluation of human impact activities affecting the quality of their habitat. It was noted that most dominant species is L. cervus with an occurrence of 314 individuals, followed by M. asper funereus with 92 individuals, and C. cerdo with 41 individuals. An exoskeleton of Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) was found, fact explained by the limit of species distribution area in the site.

DETERMINATION OF HERBAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF DIFFERENT SOYBEAN VARIETIES

Objectives of the present study are to determine the variations in forage yield and quality of soybean cultivars. Experiments were conducted in randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications during the growing season of 2016. A total of 10 cultivars were used as the plant material of the experiments (Bravo, A3127, Traksoy, İlksoy, Mersoy, Nova, SA-88, Arısoy, Safir, Atakişi). Cultivars had a significant effect on yield and chemical composition. Results revealed that green herbage yields varied between 826.39 - 1199.17 kg/da, dry hay yields between 247.71 - 357.90 kg/da, crude protein yields between 16.91 - 39.86 kg/da, acid detergent fiber (ADF) ratios between 26.56 - 34.61%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratios between 38.43 - 44.85%, crude ash contents between 7.20 - 11.22%, crude protein contents between 6.66 - 13.53%, dry matter digestibility (DDM) values between 61.94 - 68.21%, dry matter intake (DMI) values between 2.68 - 3.12% and relative feed values (RFV) between 2.68 - 3.12. The results of the study showed that A3127 cultivar was found to be prominent with green herbage yield (1199.17 kg/da) and dry hay yield (357.90 kg/da) and Safir cultivar was found to be prominent with crude protein yield (39.86 kg/da). It was concluded that the soybean cultivars A3127 and Safir could be recommended for hay production.

THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON THE QUALITY AND LIFE OF VASES IN THE CUT FLOWERS OF CARNATIONS (DIANTHUS CARYOPYLLUS L.)

The cut flowers are living organs, with intense metabolic activity, subjected to a rapid aging process compared to the undetached flowers from the mother plant. Improving the life of cut flowers is one of the most important factors for customer satisfaction. The effect of silver thiosulphate (STS) and commercial mixtures was studied in carnation cut flowers and kept in randomized vases according to experimental factors. Three commercial mixtures were used (Chrysal, Flower Food, Fleur̛ Rose) and for thiosulphate four levels (0 or control, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.9 mM). The interaction of the two factors studied was insignificant for most traits, including wilting percentage and vase lifespan, which may involve the application of both substances alone is sufficient to improve post-harvest quality and is not necessary to use simultaneously in the preservative solution. The results also showed that following the interaction of the two factors, treatment with 0.06 mM silver thiosulphate can be applied to improve the post-harvest quality of blossom cut flowers and commercial chemical mixtures can be successfully replaced.

STUDIES ON THE STIMULATION OF CATALPA BIGNONIOIDES WALT. SEED GERMINATION

Catalpa is a tree with an attractive ornamental value and compact shape. Catalpa bignonioides Walt., is a tree with heights of up to 35 meters and a large trunk. It is an exotic species in North America areal. It grows well in a warm and humid climate, on alluvial, fertile, deep, temperate soils. It has a light temperament, withstands winter frosts well, but is sensitive to late frosts. The degree of germination varies both between species and within them. Within batches of seeds of the same species varies depending on the origin, year of harvest and individual trees. There are different methods and techniques for overcoming drowsiness depending on the seeds. Various pre-treatments are used such as scarification and hot and cold aeration to stimulate the embryo. The paper presents the stimulation of seed germination at catalpa, using different concentrations of Nitragin: 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 0.9% and following the seed germination interval.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS IDENTIFICATION AND EATING HABITS OF A REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF PREGNANT WOMEN

There are special nutritional requirements in pregnancy, in which the intake of nutrients exerts its action both on the woman and the conception product. Therefore, the balance and diversity are the key of a proper nutrition during the pregnancy. Combining food categories is the best way to ensure nutritional balance during pregnancy period. A market research was performed on a representative sample at national level of 120 persons, in order to identify the nutritional status of pregnant women in this group. The market research highlighted the diet structure of the studied group, the categories of foods consumed weekly by the group members, as well as their frequency of consumption. The results of the study indicated a varied diet of pregnant women, but the frequency of consumption should be reviewed for certain food categories, thus: increased for: milk and dairy products, fish, oily fruits; lower, in fatty foods and salt.

AVIFAUNISTIC DIVERSITY OF MERINE FOREST, NORTH-WEST ALGERIA

This study is an avifaunistic diversity assessment was carried out in the Merine forest, Sidi Bel Abbes (Northwest Algeria). During three years (2019-2021). The major objective of our investigation is to inventory avian species and to define their phenological categories. Among the important results is a record of, 71 species of bird, belonging to 17 orders and 28 families. The Passeriformes are the most noted with 43 species, distributed across 15 families, of which the Muscicapidae is the most represented with 10 species. The phenological categories indicates that the majority of this species are resident breeders (65 %), 21% are migrant breeders and 14% are passing visitors. Depending on trophic status, 32% are polyphagous, 27% insectivorous, 17% carnivorous, 15% granivorous and 8% omnivorous. In addition, we noted that, 31 species are protected by Flat 12-235 in Algeria, with one species (Falco naumanni) protected by the Ordinance 06-05. Internationally and one species protected according of the IUCN red list (Streptopelia turtur). The Merine forest is shelter to five species endemic to North Africa: Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara), Levaillant's Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii), Moussier's Redstart (Phoenicurus moussieri), Tristram's Warbler (Sylvia deserticola), African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae).

POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME APRICOT VARIETIES GROWN IN THE NORTHEAST AREA OF ROMANIA

The aim of this paper was to evaluated of some apricot genotypes grown in the Romanian North Eastern area conditions. During 2016-2018 studies were done at seven apricot cultivars (‘Mamaia’, ‘Ovidiu’, ‘Fortuna’, ‘Amiral’, ‘Goldrich’, ‘Traian’ and ‘Dacia’) which were in the experimental plot at RSFG Iaşi, Romania. Number of days and sum of the active temperature from swelling buds (51 BBCH stage) to the beginning of blooming (61 BBCH stage), trunk section area of the tree and also fruit’s weight were evaluated. Fruit weight of ‘Dacia’ registered 89.3 g but at ‘Amiral’ were 75.3 g as average for three years, but statistically there were no significant differences from the average. Regarding the period from the swelling of buds to blooming, the shortest period was of 10 days for the ‘Dacia’ and ‘Traian’ and the longest period was 14 days for the ‘Ovidiu’. The sum of the active temperatures above the biological limit has varied according to the climatic conditions of the studied years from 103°C to the ’Dacia’ and ‘Traian’ to 136°C for the ‘Ovidiu’.

USING METAPHORS TO REDUCE ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS

The age of adolescence represents few years of uncertainties and unknown in the development and evolution of a young people. In the search of his own identity, the adolescent needs symbols in order to access the unconscious personal resources. Working with metaphors in the process of counselling and psychotherapy facilitates new signification and sense for the adolescent that experience the most provocative period of his life. This article focuses on the benefits of using metaphorical techniques to improve emotional health in adolescents. We supposed that using a brief experiential metaphoric exercise (My own relaxation and recreation place) would allow the group members to improve their present emotional anxiety experience. The adolescents became more aware of their inner resources (such as tranquillity, calm, trust and hope) and needs. Present finding indicate the effects of expressive-creative methods on anxiety state. Using metaphor in the therapy of adolescents could be an important method to reduce the anxiety and to help them understand the role of their emotions in the process of personal development.