放牧条件下大针茅种群的形态变异

以草原生态系统顶级群落羊草样地（1979年围封）为对照，研究了同一生境下长期放牧后围封2年的新羊草样地的大针茅种群生殖器官和营养器官的变异，结果表明，新羊草样地大针茅植株变矮，丛幅显著减小，营养枝和生殖枝减少，且生殖枝减少更为显著，说明大针茅放牧后个体小型化，有性繁殖降低，新枝条形成时间提前，但也提前结束。此外，其种子长变短，芒柱变短，变细，芒针变弱但长度基本没有变异。     

不同围封年限对典型草原群落及大针茅种群特征的影响

为研究围封时间对退化草地恢复过程中的建群种种群特征以及群落特征的影响,于2008年7月以自由放牧的草地群落和大针茅(Stipa grandis P.Smirn)种群为对照,选取围封不同年限(围封4年、围封9年和围封29年)的草地群落进行样方调查,分析围封不同年限后植物群落和大针茅种群特征的变化,以期为退化草地建群种的恢复提供理论基础。结果表明:不同围封年限对植物群落和大针茅种群特征存在显著影响;随着围封年限的延长群落多样性和物种数目逐渐增加,围封到9年后,群落优势种和结构组成与原生境的相似,在围封29的样地中多年生杂类草和小灌木或半灌木种类增加;建群种大针茅种群特征和个体形态性状如生殖枝高度、营养枝长度和营养枝叶鞘长度等随着围封年限的延长呈增加趋势,围封9年后呈降低趋势,大针茅繁殖分配的变化趋势与形态特征变化趋势相似;大针茅比叶面积随着围封年限的延长呈逐渐降低的趋势,而叶片氮含量呈先降低后增加的趋势。这表明长期完全围封会对大针茅种群的更新存在负面影响。     

围栏封育措施对退化羊草草原植物群落特征影响研究

围栏封育作为简便而有效的草原恢复措施,在我国草原恢复维护中得到广泛应用。但是有关围栏封育措施随着实施年限的增加,会对草原生态系统的结构与功能产生怎样的影响,仍然是需要关注的问题。本研究以内蒙古锡林郭勒盟退化羊草草原为研究对象,通过对围栏封育样地和自由放牧样地连续5年的植被调查资料,对比分析了围栏封育样地和自由放牧样地的植被组成和生产力的动态特征。结果表明,1)围栏封育措施使退化羊草草原的物种多样性和群落均匀度较自由放牧样地略有提高,群落生态优势度略有降低,但差异均未达到显著水平(P>0.05)。2)围栏封育措施改变了退化草原的优势物种组成。随着封育措施的实施,总体上草原群落优势种为羊草和大针茅,反映出典型草原特征;而自由放牧样地,羊草和大针茅在群落中的地位不恒定。 3)围栏封育措施显著提高了群落植被的平均高度、地上生物量和凋落物量。但随着围封时间的延长群落地上生物量逐渐降低,凋落物量增高。4)围栏封育对退化草原结构和功能的恢复存在不同步性。其中群落生物量受围封措施影响最为明显,2年围封已使其达到峰值;其次是群落的优势种,4年围封已使群落优势种恢复成典型草原群落代表种;反映最为缓慢的是群落多样性指标,7年围封措施并没有使群落的多样性指标与自由放牧样地形成显著差异。由此表明,采用围栏封育措施时需充分考虑恢复目的,制定恢复时间,从而提高草原的可持续利用能力,降低恢复成本。     

不同土地利用方式对典型温性草原群落物种组成和多样性以及生产力的影响

以锡林郭勒典型温性草原区域不同利用、管理方式植物群落作为研究对象,选取当地较为常见的6种不同利用管理方式围封禁牧大针茅,围封禁牧羊草,公共放牧大针茅、私人放牧大针茅、大针茅火烧围封恢复和开垦人工饲草的典型草地设置实验样地,采用群落调查、收割称重和根钻取样等方法测定、比较上述群落的物种组成、物种多样性和生产力构成。结果表明放牧降低大针茅群落的地上、地下生物量,而长时间的围封显著增加群落的地上地下生产力(P<0.05),但对群落物种组成和物种多样性影响不大(P>0.05)。随着利用程度的减弱,群落C3植物生产力和所占比重逐渐上升(P<0.05),C4植物生物量保持稳定(P>0.05),但比例下降(P<0.05)。火烧显著增加群落物种多样性(P<0.05),同时显著降低地下生物量(P<0.05),但地上生物量变化不大,同时C4植物生物量显著上升。人工开垦极大改变了群落的物种组成,同时显著增加群落地上生物量,降低群落地下生物量,使群落获得了相对天然群落更高的地上生物量/地下生物量。     

放牧与围封对呼伦贝尔针茅草原土壤酶活性及理化性质的影响

以呼伦贝尔地带性植被贝加尔针茅草原、大针茅草原和克氏针茅草原为研究对象,研究了放牧和围封对不同类型针茅草原土壤酶活性和理化性质的影响.结果表明,围栏内外草原土壤理化性质差异显著.放牧压力下,土壤容重、pH值均显著升高,土壤含水量、有机质含量显著降低,大针茅草原和克氏针茅草原土壤全氮、全磷含量亦显著下降.各植被类型草原土壤碱性磷酸酶和转化酶放牧样地较围封样地呈现活性增加的趋势,脲酶和过氧化氢酶的活性变化因植被类型不同而各有差异.土壤酶活性与土壤有机质、全氮、速效磷之间具有显著的相关性,可以用来指示草原退化与恢复状况.     

封育年限对典型草原大针茅无性系构件组成与生长的影响

研究不同封育年限对黄土高原大针茅(Stipa grandis)无性系构件结构组成和生长的影响,可为阐明无性系构件组成和资源分配提供一定基础。在黄土高原典型草原选取不同封育年限区(10和20年)和放牧地(对照)作为试验样地,采用整个无性系完整挖掘的方法进行大针茅无性系构件特征的研究。结果表明：1)与放牧相比,封育10年显著增加了大针茅无性系丛径、生殖枝高度和花序高度(P < 0.05),而封育20年则显著提高了大针茅无性系丛径、总枝数、生殖枝数、营养枝数、分蘖芽数、生殖枝高度、花序高度、地上总生物量、营养枝生物量和花序生物量(P < 0.05)。封育降低了大针茅生殖枝数、生殖枝高度、花序高度、地上总生物量、生殖枝生物量和花序生物量的变异系数。2)随封育年限增加,营养枝生物量比例明显提高,生殖枝生物量比例下降,但花序生物量比例基本不变。3)封育措施显著提高了营养株单株生物量(P < 0.05),但生殖株单株生物量和全体分枝单株生物量与放牧处理差异不显著(P > 0.05)。4)大针茅丛径与地上总生物量、生殖枝数、生殖枝生物量、花序生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P < 0.001),与营养枝生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P < 0.01),与总枝数呈显著正相关关系(P < 0.05)。而地上总生物量与生殖枝数、营养枝数、总枝数、营养枝生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P < 0.001),与分蘖芽数、生殖枝生物量和花序生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P < 0.01)。分蘖芽数与营养枝数、总枝数、营养枝生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P < 0.001),与地上总生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P < 0.01)。综上所述,短期封育提高了大针茅的生殖分配,使大针茅迅速成为群落优势种,而长期封育使大针茅更依靠无性繁殖进行种群更新。     

大针茅草原群落立枯动态特征研究

采用群落学方法,对围封和放牧大针茅群落立枯的高度、密度、物种多样性、现存量及碳储量进行调查测定,研究大针茅群落立枯动态特征.结果表明:(1)从生长季结束时起,经过秋—冬非生长季到次年夏季,随着季节推移大针茅群落立枯的密度和高度均逐渐降低,且放牧群落立枯的密度和高度显著低于围封群落.(2)随着季节推移,大针茅群落立枯物种多样性呈现降低趋势,导致非生长季大针茅群落物种丰富度降低,且放牧群落立枯的丰富度和物种多样性均低于围封群落.(3)随着季节推移,大针茅群落立枯的现存量明显降低,且放牧群落立枯的现存量显著低于围封群落.(4)生长季结束时,围封和放牧的大针茅群落立枯储碳量分别为0.46 t/hm2和0.07 t/hm2,放牧显著降低大针茅群落立枯碳储量.     

围封对荒漠草原植物群落与土壤养分变化的影响

为进一步阐明围封对荒漠草原植物群落特征及土壤养分变化的影响规律,采用野外调查与室内分析的方法,分别对内蒙古希拉穆仁荒漠草原上东河小流域放牧样地、围封样地进行植被群落样方调查与土壤样品养分含量测定。结果表明:围封后,植物群落结构发生了显著变化,放牧样地植物群落以冷蒿、银灰旋花和针茅为优势种,围封3年后样地群落优势种改变为针茅、冰草和糙隐子草。放牧样地的植物物种数基本保持在18种左右,随着围封年限的增加,物种数减少,围封13年物种数减少至8种。围封显著提高了植物群落的高度、盖度和地上生物量,降低了群落的丰富度指数和多样性指数。其中,围封13年的地上生物量是围封前的5倍,为217.67g/m~2;群落盖度,围封前23.82%、围封3年34%、围封7年47%、围封13年达到70.33%。围封恢复使得土壤养分(全氮、全磷、全钾、速效氮、速效磷、速效钾、有机质)大都呈增加趋势,土壤有机质与地上生物量呈极显著的正相关关系(P0.01)、全钾、全磷与地上生物量呈显著正相关关系(P0.05)。如果考虑水量平衡因素,控制好围封时间与空间尺度,对干旱半干旱地区荒漠草原生态修复具有重要意义。     

封育年限对典型草原大针茅无性系构件组成与生长的影响

研究不同封育年限对黄土高原大针茅(Stipa grandis)无性系构件结构组成和生长的影响,可为阐明无性系构件组成和资源分配提供一定基础.在黄土高原典型草原选取不同封育年限区(10和20年)和放牧地(对照)作为试验样地,采用整个无性系完整挖掘的方法进行大针茅无性系构件特征的研究.结果表明:1)与放牧相比,封育10年显著增加了大针茅无性系丛径、生殖枝高度和花序高度(P??0.05).4)大针茅丛径与地上总生物量、生殖枝数、生殖枝生物量、花序生物量呈极显著正相关关系(P?相似文献   

不同利用方式下草地优势植物的生态化学计量特征

在内蒙古温带草原围封、放牧和割草3种不同利用方式下,测定了大针茅、冷蒿和羊草3种优势种植物的化学计量元素,探讨了草地不同利用方式下优势种植物的化学计量特征响应机制。结果表明,3种优势种植物的C、N、P含量及其计量比在不同利用方式下均有明显的季节变化;不同利用方式、不同物种以及二者的交互作用均对N、P含量及C∶N、C∶P和N∶P有显著的影响,其中,C含量比较稳定,不同的利用方式对其无显著影响,N含量在整个生长季内总体呈下降趋势,放牧样地3种植物叶片的N、P含量均高于割草和围封样地,说明放牧增加了植物N、P的含量。植物生长普遍受到N的限制,土壤养分特征在不同利用方式间也存在一定的差异,围封样地表现为更加缺N,而放牧样地更加缺P。放牧样地有机质、C、N和P含量均高于割草和围封样地,说明适度放牧能提高土壤养分的含量,有利于植物的生长。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Changes in proportion of canine urinary calculi composed of calcium oxalate or struvite in specimens analyzed from 1981 through 2001

The objective of this report was to characterize 20-year changes in proportion of calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculi and struvite calculi in dogs, and associations with breed, age, and sex. In this retrospective study, results of analysis of urinary calculi from dogs were reviewed for specimens received between July 1, 1981, and December 31, 2001. Breed, sex, age, year of submission of the specimen, and mineral type(s) were analyzed statistically. CaOx or Struvite or both were contained in 18,966 of 20,884 (91%) specimens. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant increase was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained CaOx. The increase in this proportion was greater in females (1% to 31%) than in males (18% to 82%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions may have plateaued, the odds of specimens containing CaOx were markedly higher in 18 breeds, markedly lower in 5 breeds, and not significantly different in 13 breeds compared with crossbreds. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant decrease was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained struvite. This decrease in proportion was greater for males (79-16%) than for females (97-68%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions plateaued, the odds of calculi containing struvite were markedly lower in 20 breeds, markedly higher in 1 breed, and not significantly different in 15 breeds when compared with crossbreds. Breed, age, and sex were associated statistically with CaOx or struvite urolithiasis. In conclusion, there appears to have been a long-term increase in the proportion of specimens of canine urinary calculi that contain CaOx as well as a long-term decrease in the proportion of specimens of calculi that contain struvite for both male and female dogs. The rate of change appeared to begin leveling off in the period 1998 to 2001. The recent proportion of dogs with either CaOx- or struvite-associated urolithiasis may depend on breed, age, and sex, and on interactions among these 3 factors.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.