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Iron oxide–coated strips (Pi) can serve as a sink to continuously remove phosphorus (P) from solution. In this way, P extraction is analogous to the P absorption by plant roots. The objective of this study was to compare the iron oxide–coated paper strips with other chemical extraction methods to estimate the plant P availability for corn (Zea mays) growing in the greenhouse in some soils of Hamadan province of Iran. Sixteen soil samples with different physicochemical properties were analyzed for available P using Olsen, Colwell, Mehlich‐1, 0.01 M CaCl2, AB‐DTPA, and 0.1 M HCl methods and pi. Furthermore, the effects of two P levels (0 and 200 mg P kg−1) on the plant indices (P uptake, relative yield, and plant responses) were studied in a greenhouse experiment using 10 soil samples. The results showed that the amount of extractable P decreased in the order of 0.01 M CaCl2

Atmospheric changes could strongly influence how terrestrial ecosystems function by altering nutrient cycling. We examined how the dynamics of nutrient release from leaf litter responded to two important atmospheric changes: rising atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3. We evaluated the independent and combined effects of these gases on foliar litter nutrient dynamics in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) and birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh)/aspen communities at the Aspen FACE Project in Rhinelander, WI. Naturally senesced leaf litter was incubated in litter bags in the field for 735 days. Decomposing litter was sampled six times during incubation and was analyzed for carbon, and both macro (N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg) and micro (Mn, B, Zn and Cu) nutrient concentrations. Elevated CO2 significantly decreased the initial litter concentrations of N (−10.7%) and B (−14.4%), and increased the concentrations of K (+23.7%) and P (+19.7%), with no change in the other elements. Elevated O3 significantly decreased the initial litter concentrations of P (−11.2%), S (−8.1%), Ca (−12.1%), and Zn (−19.5%), with no change in the other elements. Pairing concentration data with litterfall data, we estimated that elevated CO2 significantly increased the fluxes to soil of all nutrients: N (+12.5%), P (+61.0%), K (+67.1%), S (+28.0%), and Mg (+40.7%), Ca (+44.0%), Cu (+38.9%), Mn (+62.8%), and Zn (+33.1%). Elevated O3 had the opposite effect: N (−22.4%), P (−25.4%), K (−27.2%), S (−23.6%), Ca (−27.6%), Mg (−21.7%), B (−16.2%), Cu (−20.8%), and Zn (−31.6%). The relative release rates of the nine elements during the incubation was: K ≥ P ≥ mass ≥ Mg ≥ B ≥ Ca ≥ S ≥ N ≥ Mn ≥ Cu ≥ Zn. Atmospheric changes had little effect on nutrient release rates, except for decreasing Ca and B release under elevated CO2 and decreasing N and Ca release under elevated O3. We conclude that elevated CO2 and elevated O3 will alter nutrient cycling more through effects on litter production, rather than litter nutrient concentrations or release rates.

Evidence indicates that the glycemia-lowering effect of American ginseng root may be batch dependent. We therefore evaluated the effect of 5 root batches, representative of Ontario-grown American ginseng, on postprandial glucose and insulin indices. Twelve healthy subjects (5 male, 7 female), mean ± SE age 26.5 ± 2 years, body mass index 23.96 ± 3.41 kg/m2, fasting blood glucose 4.77 ± 0.04 mmol/L, were assigned to consume 9 g of American ginseng from 5 farms (A–E), administered in randomized sequence on 5 separate visits, and a water-control during the 6th and last visit. Treatments were consumed 40 min before a 2-hour 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma glucose and insulin were measured at baseline, before, and during the test. Compared with control, batches A and C reduced glucose incremental area under the curve (IAUC) by 35.2% (156 vs. 240 mmol·min/L) and 32.6% (162 vs. 240 mmol·min/L), respectively. Batches A, C, and E reduced incremental peak glucose by 1.3, 1.2, and 1.1 mmol/L, respectively. Batch C reduced the insulin IAUC by 27.7% (15.8 vs. 21.8 nmol·min/L). Effects on glucose and insulin parameters were not different across ginseng treatments. The mean of the 5 ginseng treatments reduced peak postprandial glucose by 1.0 mmol/L, glucose IAUC by 27.7% (173 vs. 240 mmol·min/L), and insulin IAUC by 23.8% (16.6 vs. 21.8 nmol·min/L) relative to control. (All results statistically significant at p < 0.05.) American ginseng decreased postprandial glycemia and insulinemia; however, 40% of the batches did not reduce glycemia with the anticipated magnitude, irrespective of their saponin composition.

Summary Heat stress negatively impacts the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The main objective of this study was to dissect the genetic basis underlying dairy cow fertility under heat stress conditions. Our first goal was to estimate genetic components of cow conception across lactations considering heat stress. Our second goal was to reveal individual genes and functional gene‐sets that explain a cow’s ability to conceive under thermal stress. Data consisted of 74 221 insemination records on 13 704 Holstein cows. Multitrait linear repeatability test‐day models with random regressions on a function of temperature–humidity index values were used for the analyses. Heritability estimates for cow conception under heat stress were around 2–3%, whereas genetic correlations between general and thermotolerance additive genetic effects were negative and ranged between −0.35 and −0.82, indicating an unfavorable relationship between cows’ ability to conceive under thermo‐neutral vs. thermo‐stress conditions. Whole‐genome scans identified at least six genomic regions on BTA1, BTA10, BTA11, BTA17, BTA21 and BTA23 associated with conception under thermal stress. These regions harbor candidate genes such as BRWD1, EXD2, ADAM20, EPAS1, TAOK3, and NOS1, which are directly implicated in reproductive functions and cellular response to heat stress. The gene‐set enrichment analysis revealed functional terms related to fertilization, developmental biology, heat shock proteins and oxidative stress, among others. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetics underlying the reproductive performance of dairy cattle under heat stress conditions and point out novel genomic strategies for improving thermotolerance and fertility via marker‐assisted breeding.

This study investigates the effect of water temperature on the development rate of eggs and larvae, the duration of the endogenous feeding period and its consequences for recruitment of smelt (Osmerus eperlanus ) in Dutch lakes IJsselmeer and Markermeer. This study measured temperature‐dependent egg and larval development rates as well as mortality rates from fertilization till the moment of absorption of the yolk‐sac and from yolk‐sac depletion onwards in temperature‐controlled indoor experiments. Using multinomial modelling the authors found significant differences in development time of egg development stages under different temperature regimes. Based on historic water temperatures, the model predicted that the larval endogenous feeding period has advanced at a rate of about 2.9 days per decade in a more than 50 year period since 1961, yet there was no change in the duration of the endogenous feeding period. As zooplankton is more responsive to daylight than water temperature cues, a mismatch between the peak of the onset of exogenous feeding of smelt and the peak of zooplankton blooms could lead to high mortality and therefore low recruitment of smelt. Such a mismatch might contribute to a decline in the smelt population in Lake IJsselmeer and Lake Markermeer.

To evaluate paper sludge as a soil amendment for the production of corn (Zea mays indentata Bailey ‘Pioneer 35N05’), sludge was added to field plots (0 to 448 Mg wet mass ha−1 in 112 Mg units) in May 1998 and was incorporated into the top 15-cm of soil. No sludge was applied in the second year of cropping (1999). In 1998 and 1999, nitrogen (N) was added at 200 or 400 kg ha−1 as ammonium nitrate. Grain or stover yields in 1998 or 1999 were not affected by the addition of paper sludge. Grain yields did not differ between years, but stover production was greater in 1998 than in 1999. Grain analysis showed an increase in N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) concentrations in the year after application of sludge. Also, stover concentrations of copper (Cu) and B were greater in the second growing season than in the first year. Soil analysis showed a decrease in nitrate and calcium (Ca) concentrations with addition paper sludge in 1998. In 1999, nitrate and C...

Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and soil and vegetation nutrient concentrations were measured in pole-sized northern hardwood and aspen forests to quantify the potential for various nutrient amendments to increase tree growth, as well as potential deleterious effects on vegetation. Four blocks were installed in each forest type containing the following treatments: control, N+Ca+Mg+K+P+S (complete), wood-fired boiler ash (ash), N+wood-fired boiler ash (N+ash), and two rates of paper mill sludge (sludge and 2× sludge). The northern hardwood forests had three additional treatments: N, Ca+Mg+K (base cations), and N+Ca+Mg+K (N+base cations). Fertilizer treatments were designed to provide N at a rate of 100 kg ha−1. Other nutrients were applied in proportion to N so that N, P, K, S, Mg, and Ca were applied at a ratio of 100:50:33:9:5:4, respectively. Total ANPP was not significantly different among treatments for the maple stands, but plots treated with wood ash were 10% greater than controls. ANPP was greater in 1998 and 1999 for aspen plots receiving N+ash, but results were only statistically significant (p=0.013) in 1999. Basal area differed by 40–60% among experimental plots within any given block and was positively correlated to wood increment. Wood increment, adjusted for basal area, did not differ significantly among treatments for the aspen stands, but the N+ash treatment was 30% greater than the control. A two-way factorial comparison indicated that ash had a significant (p=0.024) positive effect on wood increment and N had a significant (p=0.044) negative effect on wood increment for the maple stands. Tree growth was not correlated to foliar nutrient concentrations, but ratios of K to other elements (K:Ca, K:Mg, K:N, and K:P) were highest, on average, for wood ash plots. These differences were not statistically significant with the exception of K:N for the aspen stands and K:Ca for the maple stands. We did not observe any beneficial effects of paper mill sludge on forest growth, but there was some evidence that wood ash increased annual wood production.

The responses of shortfin eel (Anguilla australis) to discharges from two pulp and paper mills, municipal wastewater, and a geothermal power plant wastewater were examined. Eels were caged at 3 sites along the Tarawera River, North Island, New Zealand, to explore effects of a 3-wk exposure down a contamination gradient (Ref --D1 --D2). Most of the observed effects were seen in eels caged at the furthest downstream site (D2), below all the discharge areas. General hematology in eels was unaffected, as measures did not differ markedly at the two downstream sites compared with the reference site. At D2, eels were significantly lighter per unit length (reduced condition factor), although liver and spleen size (LSI and SSI) were unaffected. Significantly elevated circulating sex steroid concentrations (testosterone and estradiol) were measured in D2 eels and increasing sex steroid levels at both sites downstream of the reference site were observed. Significant ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity induction was seen in D2 eels and bile chemistry showed significant accumulation of pyrene and retene equivalents. However, significantly greater concentrations of total resin acids were found in the bile of eels from the intermediate site (D1), between the two pulp and paper mills. The higher polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) equivalents found in the bile of D2 eels suggest that resin acid neutrals, particularly retene, are responsible for some of the effects observed in eels at the furthest downstream exposure site. Levels of pulp and paper mill extractives in sediment, including the PAH retene, support this conclusion.

Nitrogen cycling in northern temperate forest ecosystems could change under increasing atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 as a result of quantitative and qualitative changes in plant litter production. At the Aspen Free Air CO2–O3 Enrichment (FACE) experiment, we previously found that greater substrate inputs to soil under elevated CO2 did not alter gross N transformation rates in the first 3 years of the experiment. We hypothesized that greater litter production under elevated CO2 would eventually cause greater gross N transformation rates and that CO2 effects would be nullified by elevated O3. Following our original study, we continued measurement of gross N transformation rates for an additional four years. From 1999 to 2003, gross N mineralization doubled, N immobilization increased 4-fold, but changes in microbial biomass N and soil total N were not detected. We observed year-to-year variation in N transformation rates, which peaked during a period of foliar insect damage. Elevated CO2 caused equivalent increases in gross rates of N mineralization (+34%) and NH 4 + immobilization (+36%). These results indicate greater rates of N turnover under elevated CO2, but do not indicate a negative feedback between elevated CO2 and soil N availability. Elevated O3 decreased gross N mineralization (−16%) and had no effect on NH 4 + immobilization, indicating reduced N availability under elevated O3. The effects of CO2 and O3 on N mineralization rates were mainly related to changes in litter production, whereas effects on N immobilization were likely influenced by changes in litter chemistry and production. Our findings also indicate that concomitant increases in atmospheric CO2 and O3 could lead to a negative feedback on N availability.

The iron oxide-impregnated paper strip (Pi test), anion resin membrane strip and Olsen (NaHCO3) tests were used to assess available phosphorus (P) in four Syrian calcareous soils treated with 0 and 190 mg P kg−1 as diammonium phosphate (DAP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP) in an incubation study at 25°C for 0, 1, 7, 21, 42, and 72 days. The amounts of available P extracted by the three methods decreased with time of incubation, especially during the first 7 days. In general, more available P was extracted from the soils treated with MCP than that with DAP. In the three soils that don’t contain CaSO4, the available P decreased with the increasing amount of CaCO3 in the soils. Pi-P correlated well with Olsen-P or resin-P in these three soils. In the other soil, which contains 30–40% CaSO4, the amounts of Olsen-P and resin-P extracted from DAP and MCP were much less than Pi-P. The amounts of Olsen-P and resin-P in this soil were also less than that in the other three soils. It was found that of Olsen...

The present study investigated the effects of overripe pulp and green peel extract and powder of banana fruit (Musa. cavendish) on haematological, biochemical, immunological, health, and performance of Holstein dairy calves. In all, 40 newborn calves were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals. In the control group, animals received no banana meal. In group 1, calves were supplemented with 2 g (dry matter)/kg body weight/day of overripe banana pulp extract. The calves in group 2 were supplemented with 1 g (dry matter) of overripe banana pulp extract/kg body weight/day and 1 g (dry matter) of green banana peel extract/kg body weight/day. The animals in group 3 were supplemented with 2 g/kg body weight/day of green banana peel powder. The feeding period of calves on the tested supplements was 5 days. Blood samples and other evaluations were taken on day 0 (at birth, before supplementation) and on days 7, 15 and 30. Just a trend towards better average daily weight gain was seen in groups 2 and 3 than others (p = 0.073). Significant group and sampling time interactions were seen for the quantities of RBC (group 1 was lower than other groups at day 30), MCV (group 3 was lower than other groups at day 30) and MCH (group 1 was higher than other groups at day 30) (p, In conclusion, banana supplementation in neonatal calves showed that it may has beneficial effects on the values of MCH, bilirubin and average daily weight gain.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of adding a fixed amount of Peppermint0.5 gm / kg LBW/ day to rations containing dried orange(DOP) or citrus pulps( DCP )as energy sources on milk production, some rumen and blood parameters of Zaraibi does ( Twenty animals averaged 4 years old and weighed on average 45 kg ). The experiment was started at the last 8 weeks of gestation until three months of suckling period. The experimental rations were : R1(control ration ) consists of 50 % hay and 50 % concentrate mixture which contained 30 % yellow corn grain whileR2( positive control ration) consists of the control ration ( R1) + 0.5 gm Peppermint / kg LBW/ day.However,50 %of corn grains in the R1was replaced with 50 % of dried orange pulp (DOP) + 0.5 gm Peppermint / kg LBW/ day ( R3) and 50 % of dried citrus pulp (DCP) + 0.5 gm Peppermint / kg LBW/ day ( R4) . At the end of the experiment the economic efficiency was calculated. The Results could be summarized as follows: Feeding goats on rations contained dried orange or citrus pulps+ 0.5 gm Peppermint / kg LBW/ day increased nutrients digestibility (CF,CP, EE and NFE) and nutritive values (TDN and DCP) compared to control ration. Dried orange or citrus pulp+ 0.5 gm Peppermint / kg LBW/ day decreased plasma total lipids and cholesterol concentrations, while total plasma protein and globulin were significantly (P

Background and Aim: The use of agro-industrial byproducts as an unconventional source of raw materials for monogastric feed is one possible solution. This study aimed to determine the effects of incorporating detoxified apricot kernel meal (DAKM) as a substitute for soybean meal and dehydrated tomato pulp (DTP) as a substitute for alfalfa hay on the local rabbit fattening. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 white strain rabbits, weaned at 33 days, were randomly assigned to four groups of 30. The rabbits in each group were ringed, placed in cages at 6 rabbits/cage, and fed according to DAKM and DTP incorporation rates (0%, 30%, 40%, and 60%). Results: The weights at 77 days were improved (p

The aim of this study was to quantify 5-year growth, yield and mortality responses of 9- to 13-year-old naturally regenerated, even-aged paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) stands to pre-commercial thinning in interior British Columbia. The study included four residual densities (9902–21,807 stems ha−1 (unthinned control), 3000, 1000 and 400 stems ha−1) and four sites with 3-fold within-site replication in a randomised block design. The largest, straightest, undamaged trees were selected to leave during thinning. Thinning reduced stand basal area from 5.90 m2 ha−1 in the control to 2.50, 1.53 and 0.85 m2 ha−1 in the three thinning treatments, representing 42, 26 and 15% of control basal area, respectively. After 5 years, total stand volume per plot remained lower in the three thinning treatments than the control (50.20, 30.07, 18.99 and 11.86 m3 in the control, 3000, 1000 and 400 stems ha−1 treatments), whereas mean stand diameter, diameter increment, height, and height increment were increased by thinning, and top height (tallest 100 trees ha−1) was unaffected. When a select group of crop trees (largest 250 trees ha−1) in the thinning treatments was compared with the equivalent group in the control, there was a significant increase in mean diameter, diameter increment, basal area, basal area increment, and volume increment. Mean height, height increment, top height, and total volume were unaffected by thinning. Crop tree diameter increment was the greatest following thinning to 400 stems ha−1 for all diameter classes. Thinning to 1000 stems ha−1 resulted in lower diameter increment than thinning to 400 stems ha−1 but tended to have higher volume increment. Dominant trees responded similarly to subdominant trees at 400 stems ha−1, but showed the greatest response at 3000 stems ha−1. Results suggest that pre-commercial thinning of 9–13-year-old stands to 1000 stems ha−1 would improve growth of individual trees without seriously under-utilising site resources.

Rainbow trout were exposed to a secondary treated, thermomechanical/bleached kraft pulp and paper effluent in 12,000-L, flow-through exposure tanks at an environmental research facility located at a pulp and paper mill in Kawerau, New Zealand. Trout (age, 2+ years) were obtained from a local hatchery and exposed either to upstream river water or a nominal concentration of 12% (v/v) effluent diluted in upstream river water. Three treatment groups were used: Effluent exposure that started approximately three months before gonadal growth (eight-month total exposure), effluent exposure that started approximately halfway through gonadal development (two-month total exposure), and trout exposed to reference water alone for the total duration of the experiment. Trout were sacrificed just before spawning; exposure, growth, and reproductive endpoints were assessed during and at the termination of the experiment. Reduction in growth was observed in both sexes in the eight-month treatment group relative to the river water reference treatment group. No differences were observed in condition factor or liver size in either treatment. Females in the eight-month exposure group also had significantly lower ovary weight. The two-month exposure group showed no differences from the reference group in growth or somatic indices. Estradiol and testosterone were reduced in blood samples taken from the eight-month exposure group by four months into the experiment as compared to the reference treatment. Steroid and vitellogenin levels in individual female trout from this treatment were significantly correlated with gonadosomatic indices (GSI) measured at the termination of the experiment. The GSI was not correlated strongly or consistently with pregnenolone, nor were any treatment-related pregnenolone differences observed, indicating that the steroid hormone reductions likely were not related to cholesterol side-chain cleavage. Male trout showed significant induction of vitellogenin and lower I 1-ketotestosterone during the experiment (only the eight-month group was examined), but this did not result in any significant differences in testes development. Thus, this study has shown an impact of pulp mill effluent exposure on the reproductive physiology of female trout that appeared to be hormonally mediated. Furthermore, the effect could only be manifest when the exposure was initiated before the start of gonad development.

This paper described physiochemical characteristics of the pH curve of saliva that accompanied escape of CO(2) and that was recorded by a previously reported method. Monthly sample of the resting saliva was collected by a small paper slip from five adults (59.9+/-16.5 years old) over 36 months. The pH curves were examined to represent differences in secretion characteristics among individuals. The following results were obtained: (1) Three variables, pH(1), Delta pH(I), and Delta pH(L), that represent a saliva pH curve indicated secretory characteristics of each individual since the intra-individual variance of them was significantly smaller than the inter-individual variance. (2) These values (mean+/-S.D.) obtained from five adults were 7.03+/-0.54, 0.24+/-0.21, and -0.10+/-0.12, and those obtained from 663 young adults (21.7+/-2.4 years old) were 7.14+/-0.44, 0.26+/-0.23, and -0.08+/-0.13. (3) A characteristic about amplitude of the Delta pH(I) of each individual was maintained over 36 months under the healthy condition. Seasonal variation of the three pH variables and their statistical distribution were also investigated.

This research tested the effects of paper birch, Betula papyrifera Marshall, condensed tannin on larval performance of the whitemarked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma (J. E. Smith). We conducted laboratory bioassays on fifth stadium larvae. Larvae were reared on one of three diets: control (no condensed tannin), moderate condensed tannin (8.8% dry mass), and high condensed tannin (17.6% dry mass). Although survivorship was not different between the treatments, larvae fed diets amended with condensed tannin exhibited increased stadium duration, decreased relative growth rate, and decreased food conversion efficiencies. Prolonged development times enabled larvae to compensate for low consumption and growth rates such that insects on tannin diets ate more and grew larger than insects on the control diet. Analysis of tannin levels in food, frass, and body tissue indicated that larvae do not metabolize condensed tannin, but concentrate and egest it. Our results show that paper birch condensed tannin has both positive and negative effects on the performance indices of whitemarked tussock moths. However, whether the benefits of increased final size (and possibly fecundity) outweigh the risks of increased development time and prolonged exposure to natural enemies remains unclear.

Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of a thermomechanical (TMP)/bleached kraft pulp and paper mill effluent (BKME), dehydroabietic acid (DHAA), hypoxia, and combinations of hypoxia and effluent on juvenile rainbow trout. In the first two experiments, trout were exposed for 4 weeks to 0%, 10%, 30%, and 70% TMP/BKME or 0, 35, 110, and 250 microgL(-1) DHAA, respectively. Endpoints of those dose-response studies included critical swimming speed, oxygen consumption, and hematology. Reduced swimming performance was found for fish exposed to 70% TMP/BKME. Moderate increases in mean cell hemoglobin concentration at 70% TMP/BKME and blood glucose at 30% and 70% TMP/BKME were also seen. The opposite trend for glucose was found for DHAA-exposed fish, where a slight decrease in glucose was seen at 110 and 250 microgL(-1) DHAA. The third experiment examined the effects of 15% v/v TMP/BKME exposure at 2.5 and 5.0 mgL(-1) dissolved oxygen (DO) for 4 weeks. This experiment found no effect of low DO on swimming ability. An interactive effect between DO and effluent exposure was seen only on hematocrit, where effluent caused an increase in hematocrit at 5 mgL(-1) and a decrease at 2.5 mgL(-1) DO. Effluent exposure in this experiment resulted in a greater number of smaller red blood cells. The current study demonstrated physiological effects in rainbow trout exposed to varying concentrations (15-70% v/v) of a TMP/BKME and no substantial effects of DHAA exposure. With the exception of the reduced swimming performance in fish exposed to TMP/BKME, the observed effects are considered relatively small in magnitude but are occurring at concentrations of effluent that occur in the receiving environment.

A terminal sire study was conducted over a 2-yr period to evaluate production traits of Texel-sired offspring compared with Suffolk- and Columbia-sired off-spring in a pasture-lambing system. Polypay x Dorset crossbred ewes were mated to Texel, Suffolk, or Columbia rams for a 35-d breeding season commencing in December of each year. The ewes were wintered outdoors on alfalfa hay (54.5% TDN and 16% CP; as-fed basis) at a level to meet their NRC (1985) requirements. The ewes were not fed any concentrate during late gestation or lactation. A total of 279 lambs were born with an average of 1.7 lambs per ewe. Prolificacy, litter birth, and weaning BW (WBW) were largely unaffected by sire breeds (SB). Birth BW (BBW), WBW, and 60-d adjusted WBW (Adj-WBW) of lambs sired by Texel rams were 5.3, 24.5, and 18.4 kg, respectively, and were comparable with lambs sired by Suffolk rams (5.4, 24.7, and 18.4 kg, respectively) but were greater (P

A terminal sire study was conducted to evaluate postweaning growth and carcass traits of Texel-sired offspring compared with Suffolk- and Columbia-sired offspring. The lambs were weaned at an average age of 70 and 94 d during the 2-yr study, respectively. After weaning, lambs from each sire breed were allocated to one of two finishing programs. Finishing programs were 1) direct to feedlot (FP1) and 2) pasture followed by feedlot (FP2). In the feedlot, lambs were fed ad libitum shelled corn (74.86% TDN and 7.18% CP, as fed) and pelleted protein supplement (43.20% CP) in a ratio of 85:15, respectively. Lambs were harvested at a BW of 58.5 kg (±7.2 kg). The ADG was greatest for Suffolksired offspring, followed by Columbiaand Texel-sired offspring (318, 286, and 262 g, respectively; P

When managed in the same contemporary group, first service conception rates are similar among primiparous and multiparous cows. However, increased postpartum intervals to first estrus (PPI) and decreased pregnancy rates are typical of primiparous cows compared with multiparous cows. Consequently, considerable time, effort, and feed resources go into achieving acceptable pregnancy rates of primiparous cows. Numerous postpartum management and nutritional strategies have been evaluated to improve reproductive performance of primiparous cows. The more extensively studied strategies include early weaning, positive postpartum energy balance, lipid supplementation, undegraded intake protein (UIP) supplementation, and prebreeding bull exposure. Early weaning calves at 6 to 8 wk of age substantially increases pregnancy rates and decreases PPI in primiparous cows. This improvement is mostly due to increased gonadotropin secretion and reduced nutrient requirements of the cow. Postpartum energy restriction increases PPI and decreases conception rate, regardless of parity. In contrast, positive postpartum energy balance reduces PPI, increases conception rate, or does both in primiparous cows. Neither postpartum lipid nor UIP supplementation has consistently improved reproductive performance of primiparous cows. Prebreeding bull exposure decreases PPI and may increase first service conception rate in primiparous cows. Although early weaning and prebreeding bull exposure are effective strategies to improve reproductive performance, managing primiparous cows to calve at a body condition score of ≥6 (1 = emaciated to 9 = obese) and providing adequate nutrition postpartum to minimize loss of BW and body condition have the greatest impact on reproductive success. Many of the management interventions discussed in this review need to be evaluated in a systems and economic context.

A female replacement program is needed in beef production enterprises to replace cows that have been culled for various reasons. Replacement females may come from either internal or external sources. Regardless of the source, management and nutrition play a large role in the successful development of these replacement females. In either case, females must be grown, mated, calved, and re-mated to enter the cow herd successfully. In most production systems in the US and Canada, replacement females are mated to calve at 2 yr of age. These females have not yet reached their mature BW (MBW) at first calving. Consequently, higher nutritional and management demands are placed on these females following first calving. In addition to nutrient requirements for maintenance, lactation, and reproduction, these females also have nutrient requirements for growth. It is generally accepted, based on numerous research trials and production observations, that pre-calving nutrition [which is fundamentally reflected in body condition score (BCS) at calving] has a major impact of the length of the postpartum anestrous period. Recent and on-going research has identified potential opportunities to positively manipulate physiological processes in young cows through feeding elevated undegradable intake protein (UIP) or gluconeogenic precursors. Studies in animal behavior related to grazing and foraging indicate that opportunities and interactions for improved nutritional status exist by incorporating principles of animal learning and behavior into heifer development programs. Low-cost strategies designed to meet the nutritional demands of young cows and management programs designed to optimize reproductive performance will facilitate successful replacement programs.

Sustainable cowherds require replacement of cull cows either internally via raised heifers or externally with purchased females. Managing raised replacements begins with a weaned heifer calf and continues on through her second pregnancy and calving. Replacement costs were estimated from research conducted in Nebraska for spring-calving cowherds and included the opportunity cost of the heifer calf. The analysis, based on research data, showed that heifer development programs targeted to 50 to 55% of mature BW (MBW) at first breeding can be successful, challenging the traditional target of 65% of MBW at first breeding. The lower BW programs achieved first-calf pregnancy rates near 90% of heifers exposed and resulted in development costs that were $25 to $30 per head lower than the higher BW programs. Finishing or selling open first-calf heifers was shown to be an economically viable enterprise given development costs were not too large. Numbers of open first-calf heifers were shown not to greatly affect total development costs. The primiparous heifer can increase the overall heifer development costs if not managed properly. Research showed that strategic nutritional programs for primiparous heifers resulted in successful reproduction without large increases in costs (

Forty-eight crossbred steer calves (initial BW = 272 kg) blocked by BW were randomly assigned to eight pens and were fed either a 12.9% CP high concentrate diet with 15% corn silage (CS), 0.51% urea, and 0.30% P or a 13.4% CP high concentrate diet with 45 to 50% corn gluten feed (CG) and 0.60% P for the growing-finishing period to compare growth performance and carcass traits and to determine nutrient excretion. Steers were housed in outside pens with shelter and constant access to water. Steer BW were taken at the initiation, at 28-d intervals, and at the completion of the 186-d trial. Steers were harvested at approximately 540 kg, and carcass data were collected after a 24-h chill. Manure was collected and sampled from each pen for a 3-d period (d 146 to 148 of the trial) and pooled by treatment for analysis. Overall, CG-fed steers tended (P=0.11) to have higher daily gain. Dry matter intake was greater (P

A 2-yr field study evaluated the effect of applying compost of de-inking paper residues and poultry manure (DSPC) on the chemical and biological properties of Tilly silt loam (Gleyed Humo-Ferric Podzol) in Sainte-Croix de Lotbinière, Qué bec, Canada. The experiment began in 1996 with snap bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘Centralia’) and continued in 1997 on the same plots with potato ( Solanum tuberosum L. ‘Gold Rush’). In 1996, treatments included three rates of mineral fertilizer (MF) (60, 120 and 180 kg P2O5-K2O ha-1), three rates of DSPC (14, 28 and 42 Mg ha-1 on a dry matter basis) alone or in combination with MF, and an untreated control. In the spring of 1997, main plots were divided into four subplots and P fertilizer was applied at 0, 44, 88 and 132 kg ha-1. The DSPC increased soil pH and water content. Soil inorganic N increased just after DSPC application, but this effect lasted only 1 yr. Soil Mehlich-3 extractable P showed a significant increase due to DSPC application and the increase was much larger when DSPC was applied in combination with P fertilizer. Soil phosphatase and urease activities were also increased by DSPC. Application of DSPC increased soil Mehlich-3 extractable K and Mg contents. Except for Mn and Zn, soil Mehlich-3 extractable heavy metal contents were not influenced by DSPC. This experiment indicates that compost derived from a mixture of de-inking papermill sludges and poultry manure is a potential source of nutrients for crops and can effectively improve chemical and biological properties of low fertility or degraded soils. Key Words: De-inking sludge, paper biosolids, poultry manure, phosphorus, potassium, enzyme activity

This study investigates oxidative stress and bioindicators of reproductive function in wild white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from environments receiving pulp and paper mill effluent discharges in northern Ontario. Samples were collected over an eight-year period adjacent to three pulp and paper mills using a variety of processing and bleaching techniques. Fish collected downstream of pulp and paper mills within the Moose River basin exhibited elevated hepatic and gonadal 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the presence of which is indicative of oxidative stress in these tissues. Within the Jackfish Bay system, exposure to pulp and paper mill effluent did not elevate hepatic or gonadal TBARS. Hepatic cytochrome P4501A activity (CYP1A) and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (FAO) activities were frequently increased in livers of Moose River basin fish exposed to pulp and paper mill effluent, while lower activities of both enzymes were found within fish from the Jackfish Bay system. This suggests that oxidative stress may be related to CYP1A and FAO activities. Within the Moose River system, increases in measures of oxidative stress (TBARS, FAO) were generally coincident with decreased levels of 17 beta-estradiol; however, testosterone was often lower in Jackfish Bay system fish without any commensurate changes in oxidative stress. The suite of reproductive and oxidative stress parameters measured in this study varied between seasons and mills suggesting responses to effluent are dynamic and effects are complicated by different receiving environments. The relationship between gonad size, gonadal oxidative stress, and circulating plasma steroids remains unclear.

Short paper fiber (SPF), a by-product of the paper mill industry, was cocomposted with broiler litter (BL) to determine decomposition rate and NH3-N loss as functions of C/N ratio and pH of the compost mixes. The SPF generally had a high C/N ratio >200 while the BL, consisting of bedding material (sawdust) and poultry manure, had a low C/N ratio of 10–12. A total of seven series (27 tests) of pilot-scale studies were conducted using two different SPFs mixed with BL. Additives used for pH control were alum (aluminum sulfate), HiClay® Alumina and sulfuric acid. Mixing ratios [SPF/(SPF+BL), kg/kg(dry basis)] used were 0.8 to 0.4. Test conditions were C/N of 17 to 49, pH of 6.6 to 8.3, initial temperatures of −1 to 22°C, composting temperature of 60°C, water content of 50-55% w.b. and remixing two times per week. Composting temperature was controlled using forced ventilation with a high/low fan setting. Composting trials lasted two weeks. Ammonia loss, O2, CO2, compost temperatures and dry solids loss were me...

Long-term studies on the reproductive fitness of fish under controlled exposure conditions are necessary to address some of the controversy surrounding the field-based studies of pulp and paper effluent effects. This study undertook effluent exposures of 2+ age rainbow trout that were approximately halfway through gonadal growth. Trout were exposed to a mixed thermomechanical/bleached kraft effluent in 12,000-L flow-through exposure tanks at an environmental research facility located at a pulp and paper mill in Kawerau, New Zealand. Trout were exposed to either upstream river water or 10% effluent in upstream river water and were maintained at a ration of 0.7% of body wet weight during the experiment. Results of the 2-month study indicated that trout survival was not significantly different between effluent-exposed tanks and reference tanks. There was extensive growth during the exposure but no differences were found due to effluent exposure. Gonadal development was not significantly different between treatments. Steroid hormone concentrations in males and females were not affected by effluent exposure. The effluent showed no potential to be estrogenic as indicated by a lack of vitellogenin induction in male trout. Other physiological indicators of energy storage and utilization also showed no significant differences. Modest induction of hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (2.5-fold) was the only detectable biological effect of the exposure. Biliary concentration of effluent-related compounds were typical of pulp mill effluent exposure and further suggested that the source of phytosterols was in fact dietary and not effluent-derived.

Sharks caught in tropical Australian waters occasionally exhibit tough texture. Two species of Carcharinid shark, originally known as the sorrah shark (Carcharinus sorrah) and the black spot shark (Carcharinus tilstoni), compose the majority of the catch. Experiments were conducted to identify the cause of tough texture and to improve the overall quality of the catch. The possibility that a cold shock reaction may occur was investigated by observing the contraction of fillets under a range of temperature conditions before freezing. The effect of on-board handling practices were evaluated using frozen shark fillets, which had been stored prior to freezing in refrigerated seawater at different rigor stages, temperatures and times as trunks. Fillets were analyzed for nu-cleotides, lactate, thaw pH, sarcomere length and raw and cooked shear force values. The existence of thaw rigor was also investigated. There was little difference in the texture between the individual strips of a fillet exposed to d...

This study evaluated the effects of bleached and unbleached kraft mill effluent on reproductive success of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Bass were exposed to effluent concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, or 80%) for 28 and 56 d. Parameters measured included hepatosomatic index (HSI) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) and plasma concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (E2), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and vitellogenin (VTG). At the end of the 56-d period, bass were moved to hatchery ponds to evaluate spawning success. Spawning mats with eggs either were brought indoors for evaluation of fecundities, hatchabilities, and egg and fry size (measured at age 3 d), or were left in ponds and fry number and size recorded (average age of 14 d). Effluent exposure was verified by measuring resin acids (isopimaric, abietic. and dehydroabietic acids) in bile. Compared to controls, exposed bass had greater concentrations of resin acids in bile. In general, exposed females had lower concentrations of E2 and VTG (> or = 20% effluent), whereas males had lower concentrations of 11-KT (> or = 20% effluent) and increased E2 (> or = 20% effluent). The HSI values increased in females (> or = 10% effluent), and GSI values decreased in both sexes (> or = 40% effluent). Fecundity, egg size, and hatchability did not differ across treatments, but an increase in the frequency of fry abnormalities and a decrease in fry weights was observed at effluent exposures of 40% and higher. However, results from the pond study, revealed a significant reduction in fry growth and survival (> or = 10%). This decline may have been caused by an increased frequency of deformities, in conjunction with alterations of growth. These changes could have resulted from alterations in egg quality because of failure of parental reproductive systems, from acute embryo toxicity after translocation of contaminants from the mother to the developing embryo, or from both.

Elevated atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and O3 are known to alter the chemical composition of foliage, which in turn may affect the performance of herbivorous insects. We investigated the independent and interactive effects of CO2 and O3 on foliar quality of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) and the consequences of chemical changes for performance of the whitemarked tussock moth Orgyia leucostigma (J. E. Smith). The experimental design wa sa2b y 2 factorial, with ambient and elevated levels of CO2 and O3, respectively. Foliage was analyzed for concentrations of nitrogen, starch, and condensed tannins. CO2 and O3 independently and inter- actively affected nitrogen concentrations, with the elevated CO2 O3 treatment reducing nitrogen concentrations more than either treatment alone. Elevated CO2 and O3 had no signiÞcant effect on starch and tannin concentrations when administered alone but increased starch concentrations by 17% over ambient when administered together. Larvae were reared on experimental trees from egg hatch through pupation to determine treatment effects on development time and pupal mass. Larval performance measures were not statistically different among fumigation treatments, although fe- males tended to have reduced pupal mass under the elevated CO2 O3 treatment. These results demonstrate that chemical responses of some plant species to elevated levels of CO2 (560 lL 1 ) and O3 (1.5 ambient) may be of insufÞcient magnitude to signiÞcantly alter standard measures of individual insect performance.

This study evaluated the effect of dietary taurine levels on growth, serum biochemical parameters, salinity adaptability, and antioxidant activity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four diets were formulated with taurine supplements at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% w/v (abbreviated as T(0), T(0.5), T(1), and T(2), respectively). Rainbow trouts (initial weight of 80.09 ± 4.72 g) were stocked in tanks (180 L capacity), and were fed these diets for six weeks and subsequently underwent salinity acclimation. Physiological indicators were determined before salinity acclimation at 1, 4, 7, and 14 days afterwards. Results showed that there were no significant differences in growth performance (final mean weight ranged from 182.35 g to 198.48 g; percent weight gain was between 127.68% and 147.92%) of rainbow trout in freshwater stage, but dietary taurine supplement significantly increased serum-free taurine content. After entering seawater, the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity of T(2) group returned to its freshwater levels, and the serum cortisol content was significantly higher than T(0) and T(0.5) groups. At the end of this experiment, the liver superoxide dismutase activity in the T(0) and T(0.5) groups was significantly lower than in the T(1) and T(2) groups, and the liver catalase in the T(0) group was the lowest whereas that in the T(2) group was the highest. Muscle malondialdehyde content was the highest in the T(0) group, and the lowest in the T(2) group. Based on the results of this study, supplement of dietary taurine (0.5–2%) enhanced the salinity tolerance in rainbow trout, which increased with the higher taurine concentration.

Objective:This study examined Na intake and identified the major food sources of Na in healthy Chinese adults aged ≥50 years in Hong Kong.Design:Participants who completed a baseline assessment of a randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of exercise and nutrition supplementation on improving physical and cognitive functions were included. A single 24-h urine sample and a 3-d diet record were used to measure urinary Na excretion and dietary intake, respectively. The compliances to the WHO (Setting:Community facilities.Participants:Totally, 114 healthy Chinese adults (mean age 60·6 years, 55 % women).Results:The mean urinary Na excretion over 24-h was 2876·6 ± 1249·4 mg/d (7·3 ± 3·2 g salt/d). Overall, 22·8 % of participants met the WHO recommendation and 34·2 % met the Chinese Nutrition Society recommendation for salt intake. The major food sources of dietary Na intake were condiments (42·4 %), cereals and their products (16·8 %) and soups (13·5 %). Higher intakes of seafood and nuts were associated with lower urinary Na excretion.Conclusions:Public health strategies should target healthy Chinese adults in Hong Kong to modify the current patterns of Na intake. Targeting condiments, cereals and their products and soups will be an important strategy to reduce their Na intake.

Objective:The aim of the current study is to assess the validity and reproducibility of a FFQ focused on pregnant women living in Northeastern Brazil.Design:Three 24-hour-dietary recalls (24 hR) and two FFQ were applied at 15-d intervals between research stages in order to confirm the validity and reproducibility of the FFQ. Validity assessment was based on Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) or Spearman’s correlation coefficient (SCC) between FFQ and the mean of three 24 hR (the 24 hR was used as reference standard), whereas reproducibility assessment was based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) among FFQ, and P < 0·05 was set as significance level.Setting:Public health network of a capital city in Northeastern Brazil.Participants:Overall, 100 pregnant women were included in the study.Results:The PCC or SCC adopted in the validity analysis recorded the recommended values (from 0·4 and 0·7) for energy (0·44; P < 0·001), carbohydrate (0·40; P < 0·001), vitamins B2 (0·40; P < 0·001), B5 (0·40; P < 0·001), E (0·47; P < 0·001), B12 (0·48; P < 0·001), phosphorus (0·92; P < 0·001), Mg (0·81; P < 0·001), Se (0·70; P < 0·001), cholesterol (0·64; P < 0·001), saturated (0·76; P < 0·001), polyunsaturated (0·73; P < 0·001) and monounsaturated fats (0·87; P < 0·001) and fibres (0·77; P < 0·001). Mg (0·72; P < 0·001), Fe (0·65; P < 0·001), lipid (0·56; P < 0·001) and energy (0·55; P < 0·001) presented ICC within the recommended reproducibility values.Conclusions:The FFQ developed in the current study is a useful tool to assess the usual food intake of pregnant women.

Intakes of excess Na and insufficient K are two major contributors of heart diseases and stroke development. However, no precise study has previously been carried out on Na and K intakes among Indonesian adults. The present study aimed to estimate the Na and K intakes using two consecutive 24-h urine collections. Participants were community-dwelling adults aged between 20 and 96 years, randomly selected from a pool of resident registration numbers. Of the 506 participants, 479 (240 men and 239 women) completed urine collections. The mean Na excretion was 102·8 and 100·6 mmol/d, while the mean K excretion was 25·0 and 23·4 mmol/d for men and women, respectively. Na and K excretions were higher in participants with a higher BMI. A higher K excretion was associated only with younger age. More than 80 % of the participants consumed more than 5 g/d of salt (the upper limit recommended by the Indonesian government), whereas none of them consumed more than 3510 mg/d of K (the lower limit). The high Na and low K intakes, especially high Na among participants with high BMI, should be considered when future intervention programmes are planned in this country.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of baobab fruit pulp meal on testosterone concentration and gonadal and epididymal morphometry of rabbit bucks during hot season in Nigeria. A total of 25 bucks of 10-12 months old were used. There were five (5) rabbits per group grouped as follows; T (control) and T -T (Diets with graded levels of BFPM at 2.5%, 1 2 5 3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5% inclusion levels, respectively). The experiment lasted for nine weeks. All management practices were duly observed. Three bucks were selected from each treatment group and slaughtered. The two testes of each of the rabbits were carefully removed and evaluated for their morphometric. The weight, length and volume of each testis were determined. It was found that the treatments with 3.5 – 5.5% BFPM significantly (P

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of baobab fruit pulp meal on semen characteristics and morphology of rabbit bucks during hot season in Nigeria. A total of 25 bucks of 10-12 months old were used. There were five (5) rabbits per group grouped as follows; T (control) and T -T (Diets with graded levels of baobab fruit pulp meal BFPM at 1 2 5 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5% inclusion levels). The experiment lasted for nine weeks. All managerial practices were duly observed. Semen was collected with the help of artificial vagina, and the semen samples were evaluated for ejaculate volume (ml), semen pH, semen colour, sperm motility (%) and sperm concentration (x 106 /ml). Sperm morphological parameters evaluated were live cells, dead cells, normal sperm, free tail and coil tail. It was observed from this study that 4.5% inclusion of baobab fruit pulp meal significantly (P

To determine whether persimmon peel (PP) showing high chitinase activity could alleviate the detrimental dietary effects of chitin-rich shrimp meal (SM), we assessed the laying performance, nitrogen (N) balance, and egg quality of laying hens provided with SM diets containing PP. We also examined the color and antioxidant properties of egg yolk, as we anticipated these would be improved by providing SM and PP. Seventy-two laying hens (45 weeks of age) were allotted to one of the nine dietary treatments (eight hens each), namely three levels of SM (0%, 10%, and 15%)×three levels of PP (0%, 6%, and 8%), and fed with the experimental diets over a period of 6 weeks. Hen-day egg production, feed intake, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and N balance reduced with increasing levels of SM, whereas the reductions were recovered in a dose-dependent manner in response to increasing levels of PP; however, the SM0% treatment showed that PP exerted little effects. Notably, reductions in the Haugh unit and albumen height of eggs with increasing SM levels, and recovery by provision of increasing levels of dietary PP, were observed. Yolk color was improved by SM, although PP exerted little effect, whereas the antioxidant properties of yolk were enhanced by the inclusion of both SM and PP in diets. Furthermore, eggshell strength, weight, and thickness were enhanced with increasing levels of SM, whereas dietary PP had little effect on these parameters. Thus, we suggest that PP can alleviate the negative effects of dietary SM and improve egg quality, without causing a reduction in laying performance, provided that the level of supplementary PP in diets is less than 8%. These findings accordingly indicate that PP is a promising feed constituent for laying hens fed with SM diets.

Herein, we assessed the impact of dietary addition of konjac mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) on the growth, intestinal morphology, serum immune status, and oxidative status in Partridge Shank chickens. For the experiment, one-day-old chicks (n=192) were randomized into six replicates (n=8/replicate) and fed four different diets: a basal diet containing 0 (Control group), 0.5, 1, or 1.5 g MOS per kg of diet (g/kg) for 50 d. Relative to the control, the group fed 0.5 g/kg MOS decreased feed consumption from 22nd to 50th d and 1st to 50th d (P

This study aimed to examine 1) whether selection for a superior allele at a single nucleotide polymorphism site (SNP; AB604331, g.420 C>A) of the chicken cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCKAR) gene in Miyazaki Jitokko chickens is detectable in commercial poultry farms, and 2) whether the reproductive traits of the Kyushu Rhode hens, as a maternal stock line of the Miyazaki Jitokko chickens, are affected by SNP selection. Conventional and A-allele fixed (improved) Miyazaki Jitokko chicks were hatched on the same day and raised in a battery cage until 7 days of age. The chicks were then deposited at two commercial poultry farms and reared until slaughter at 126 and 163 days for cockerels and pullets, respectively. Body weight on the day of hatching (day 0), at 5 days of age, and at slaughter were measured. The differences in the body weights of the farm and test groups at slaughter were analyzed using the generalized linear model. A-allele fixation increased the body weight at slaughter by approximately +123.5 g and +131.9 g in cockerels and pullets, respectively. No significant differences between the conventional and improved hens were detected in terms of egg-laying rate, fertilization rate, and hatchability in the Kyushu Rhode hens. The data suggest that fattening chicks can be supplied as usual, even if Kyushu Rhode hens are switched from the conventional to improved type. In conclusion, genetic improvements using the CCKAR SNP site as a marker were effectively established in terms of the growth of the Miyazaki Jitokko chickens in commercial farms and the reproductive traits of the Kyushu Rhode hens.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the silage made of lemon pulp with four levels (0, 10, 20 and 30 per cent) of waste date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and ruminal and blood parameters in Kermani sheep. Four rams (BW 54.2±2.87 kg) were used in a 4 x4 change over design experiment with each period consisted of 21 d (16d for adaptation and 5 d for sampling). Fresh lemon pulp and different levels of waste dates (WD) were mixed together and ensiled in 100 L container for 45 d, and the silage was then fed at 20 per cent to rams. Dry matter intake, nutrients digestibility, N retention, urinary allantoin excretion, uric acid, and total purine derivatives were not affected (P>0.05) by experimental treatments. However, microbial nitrogen was significantly increased in lambs fed 30% WD. Total protozoa population (P < 0.01) and Holotrich spp. (P < 0.05) in rumen fluid were increased linearly by increasing the level of WD. The blood creatinine level was significantly higher than control in rams fed silage with the waste date (P

Information regarding the lactational performance of mares in relation to metabolic parameters can help practitioners to manipulate animal rearing management for sustainable mare milk production. The aim of this study was to characterize the lactational performance of Mongolian native mares grazing on natural pastureland by revealing the seasonal effects on metabolic parameters. In this study, 8 multiparous mares were used. Milk yield and composition and serum metabolic parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose (GLU), triacylglycerol, total cholesterol (TCH), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), albumin, urea, total protein, cortisol (Cort), and insulin, were determined at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, and 270 days of lactation. During the lactation period, milk yield peaked at around the 90th day and declined sharply in the following period. While the milk fat and protein contents decreased gradually from the early stages of lactation to the late stages, the lactose content was highest at mid-lactation and stayed constant until the end of the lactation period. Meanwhile, changes were observed between the stages of lactation, and the differences in metabolic parameters were significant (P

Introduction This study investigated the effects of a beet nitric oxide enhancing (NOE) supplement comprised of nitrite and nitrate on cycling performance indices in trained cyclists. Methods: Subjects completed a lactate threshold test and a high-intensity interval (HIIT) protocol at 50% above functional threshold power with or without oral NOE supplement. Results: NOE supplementation enhanced lactate threshold by 7.2% (Placebo = 191.6 ± 37.3 W, NOE = 205.3 ± 39.9; p = 0.01; Effect Size (ES) = 0.40). During the HIIT protocol, NOE supplementation improved time to exhaustion 18% (Placebo = 1251 ± 562s, NOE = 1474 ± 504s; p = 0.02; ES = 0.42) and total energy expended 22.3% (Placebo = 251 ± 48.6 kJ, NOE = 306.6 ± 55.2 kJ; p = 0.01; ES = 1.079). NOE supplementation increased the intervals completed (Placebo = 7.00 ± 2.5, NOE = 8.14 ± 2.4; p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and distance cycled (Placebo = 10.9 ± 4.0 km, NOE = 13.5 ± 3.9 km; p = 0.01; ES = 0.65). Also, target power was achieved at a higher cadence during the HIIT work and rest periods (p = 0.02), which enhanced muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) recovery. Time-to-fatigue was negatively correlated with the degree of SmO2, desaturation during the HIIT work interval segment (r = −0.67; p 0.008), while both SmO2 desaturation and the SmO2 starting work segment saturation level correlated with a cyclist's kJ expended (SmO2 desaturation: r = −0.51, p = 0.06; SmO2 starting saturation: r = 0.59, p = 0.03). Conclusion: NOE supplementation containing beet nitrite and nitrate enhanced submaximal (lactate threshold) and HIIT maximal effort work. The NOE supplementation resulted in a cyclist riding at higher cadence rates with lower absolute torque values at the same power during both the work and rest periods, which in-turn delayed over-all fatigue and improved total work output., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Beet nitric oxide enhancing supplementation comprised of inorganic nitrite and nitrate, but relying predominately on nitrite for nitric oxide production, improved lactate threshold power by 7.2% compared to placebo in trained cyclists and triathletes. • Beet nitric oxide enhancing supplementation increased the total number of work intervals completed while improving time to exhaustion 18%, the total energy expenditure expended during high intensity intervals 22.3%, and the total cycling distance completed 23.9% compared to placebo. • Beet nitric oxide enhancing supplementation improved performance by allowing each subject to maintain interval power targets at higher cadences and lower absolute torque which in turn enhanced SmO2 recovery during the rest intervals. • A beet nitric oxide enhancing supplement with an appropriate concentration of inorganic nitrite can be an effective ergogenic aid, and response faster than a nitrate supplement.

To compare four automated immunoassays for the measurement of 25(OH)-vitamin D (25-OHD) and to assess the impact on the results obtained from a healthy population.We analysed 100 serum samples on Unicel DxI 800 (Beckman Coulter), Architect i1000 (Abbott), Cobas e411 (Roche) and Liaison XL (DiaSorin). Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots were used for method comparison. In order to categorise the obtained values, results were categorised into the following groups: 0-25 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L, 50-75 nmol/L and above 75 nmol/L and compared. The percentage of samples below 75 nmol/L, and below 50 nmol/L was then calculated for every method.According to paired comparisons, each method differs from others (p0.0001) except Cobas vs Architect, which do not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.39). The strongest correlation was found between Liaison and Architect (ρ=0.94, p0.0001). The percentage of samples below the recommended value of 75 nmol/L were: 70% (Architect), 92% (Liaison), 71% (Cobas) and 89% (Unicel). The percentage of samples below the value of 50 nmol/L were: 17% (Architect), 55% (Liaison), 28% (Cobas) and 47% (Unicel).The observed differences stem from the use of different analytical systems for 25-OHD concentration analysis and can result in different outcomes. The recommended values should be established for each assay in accordance with the data provided by the manufacturer or in the laboratory, in accordance with proper standardisation.Cilj je bio da se uporede četiri automatizovana imunotesta za merenje 25(OH)-vitamina D (25-OHD) i da se proceni uticaj na rezultate dobijene na uzorku zdrave populacije.Analizirali smo 100 uzoraka seruma na analizatorima Unicel DxI 800 (Beckman Coulter), Architect i1000 (Abbott), Cobas e411 (Roche) i Liaison KSL (DiaSorin). Za upoređivanje metoda su korišćene Passing-Bablok-ova regresija i Bland-Altman-ovi plotovi. Da bi se dobijene vrednosti kategorizovale, rezultati su kategorisani u sledeće grupe: 0-25 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L, 50-75 nmol/L i iznad 75 nmol/L i posle toga upoređeni. Potom je izračunat procenat uzoraka ispod 75 nmol/L i ispod 50 nmol/L za svaku metodu.Prema uparenim poređenjima, svaka metoda se razlikuje od ostalih (p0,0001), osim u slučaju kada se porede rezultati analizatora Cobas i Architect, koji ne pokazuju statistički značajnu razliku (p = 0,39). Najsnažnija korelacija je uočena između Liason i Architect (ρ = 0,94, p0,0001). Procenat uzoraka ispod preporučene vrednosti od 75 nmol/L je bio: 70% (Architect), 92% (Liaison), 71% (Cobas) i 89% (Unicel). Procenat uzoraka ispod vrednosti od 50 nmol/L je bio: 17% (Architect), 55% (Liaison), 28% (Cobas) i 47% (Unicel).Uočene razlike potiču od upotrebe različitih analitičkih sistema za analizu koncentracije 25-OHD i mogu da rezultiraju različitim ishodima. Preporučene vrednosti treba da budu utvrđene za svaki test u skladu sa podacima koje je dostavio proizvođač ili u laboratoriji, u skladu sa odgovarajućom standardizacijom.

The effects of polyaspartic acid and different controlled-release fertilizers with urea on dry matter accumulation and distribution, nitrogen absorption and accumulation, and the activities of enzymes involved nitrogen metabolism and yield of corn were studied by using xianyu (XY688), a maize nitrogen efficient cultivar, and Jifeng NO.2 (JF2), a maize nitrogen-inefficient cultivar, as experimental materials and through random blocks experimental design in 2019. For XY688, polyaspartic acid chelated nitrogen fertilizer (PASPN) had the highest yield, which was 21.34% higher than N0 treatment. For JF2, it also had the highest yield under PASPN combined urea treatment, which was 23.44% higher than N0 (no nitrogen fertilizer), and JF2 had a 9.7% lower yield under XY688 treatment. For XY688, PASPN treatment had the largest nitrogen uptake in grain, up to 3.14 kg/hm2, and PASPN treatment increased 17.4% compared with N0. For JF2, grain nitrogen uptake was also the highest under PASPN treatment, which was significantly different from other treatments. Nitrogen uptake was 3.16 kg/hm2, which increased 37.4% compared with N0. Compared with JF2, XY688 showed higher nitrogen uptake efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and partial nitrogen productivity. For XY688, the highest nitrogen absorption efficiency was SU3 (slow-release urea and ordinary urea) treatment (0.36 kg/kg). The partial nitrogen productivity and harvest index of PASPN treatment were the highest and significantly different from other treatments. The partial nitrogen productivity of PASPN treatment was 57.02 kg/kg. These results can provide help for the further researches of the rational utilization and absorption of nitrogen fertilizer., Graphical abstract

Effects of a large-sized cage with a low metabolizable energy and low crude protein (LME-LCP) diet on growth performance, feed cost, blood biochemistry, and antibody response of growing layers were evaluated. A total of 668 one-day-old female Gushi chicks were randomly allocated into three different cages, namely, large, medium, and small cages, referred to as Group A, Group B, and Group C, respectively, and fed LME-LCP diets. A fourth group of birds raised in small cages and fed a standard diet (STD) was designated Group D i.e. the control. Equal stocking densities were maintained among the four groups throughout the experiment, from 50–20 birds/m2. Large cages with LME-LCP diet (Group A) increased the shank length and girth as chicks grew, improved the activities of serum creatine kinase, and reduced serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations. The total feed intake in birds from Group A was higher than those from the other groups at every stage. The total cost (rmb/bird) of feed was 6.70% lower in Group A than that in Group D, which indicated the cost-effectiveness of large cages. In conclusion, large cages with LME-LCP diets have positive effects on body weight, shank growth, and serum biochemical indices of growing Gushi chicks, and can reduce feed costs.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between early nutrition and the incidence of wooden breasts (WB) in broilers. Sixteen male and twenty female neonatal ROSS 308 broiler chicks were divided equally into four flocks. From 0–12 days of age, starter diet H, composed of 22.4% crude protein (CP), 6.6% crude fat (CF), 1.25% lysine, 0.48% methionine, and ≥3,070 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (ME), was fed to two flocks, and starter diet L, composed of 19.9% CP, 2.5% CF, 1.04% lysine, 0.38% methionine, and ≥2,930 kcal/kg ME, was fed to the remaining two flocks. All the flocks were fed the same commercial finisher diet, composed of 20.3% CP, 7.5% CF, 1.18% lysine, 0.44% methionine, and ≥3,300 kcal/kg ME, from 12–47 days of age. The birds were weighed every 2–5 days, subjected to a wing-lift test, and histology was conducted on the pectoralis major muscle tissue samples from all the birds necropsied at 47 days of age. Significant differences in the mean body weight between groups H and L were observed during 6–16 days and 24–26 days of age in males and during 6–26 days of age in females. Regarding the score evaluation of the individual lesions reflecting wooden breast, the birds in which back-to-back wing contact was not possible had higher lesion scores than those in which back-to-back wing contact was possible. The absence of back-to-back wing contact appeared more frequently in flocks fed the starter diet L, particularly in males. These results indicate that inappropriate nutrition levels in the starter diet increase the incidence of WB. Therefore, avoiding early nutrition deficits is a cost-effective feeding strategy.

The aims of studies were to estimate the withdrawal period of antibiotic from milk after the intramammary infusion of cefazolin sodium (CEZ) in cows with difficulties in frequent milk discharge due to disease such as teat injury. The period was compared among cows milked twice a day after 150 or 450 mg of CEZ were administered to all quarters (Study 1, 2) and the cows in which milking of front-right quarter was ceased for five days after administration of these infusions to only that quarter (Study 3). In Studies 1 and 2, the median of 17.66 µg/ml and 83.18 µg/ml of CEZ were detected in the samples of first milking after intramammary administration, respectively; however, there was no residual antibiotic by 72 hr in all cows. In Study 3, the median of 1.96 µg/ml of CEZ was detected in the sample after the resumption of milking at 120 hr, and the residual was eliminated by 174 hr. The withdrawal period may be prolonged by the cessation of milking after administration, and the period is the total time from cessation to 72 hr after the resumption of milking.