高寒嵩草草甸退化生态系统植物群落结构特征及物种多样性分析

以高寒嵩草草甸退化生态系统植物群落样地资料为基础,研究了不同退化演替阶段植物群落的结构及物种多样性特征,分析了植物群落物种多样性与不同退化演替阶段的关系.研究结果表明:超载过牧、鼠虫危害、人为干扰以及全球气候变化等因素是青藏高原高寒草甸草地严重退化的主要原因,从11个不同演替阶段植物群落样地数据的PCA排序结果可归为4个类型,按群落阶段依次为原生植被(Ⅳ)、轻度退化(Ⅲ)、重度退化(Ⅱ)和极度退化(Ⅰ).群落物种丰富度指数依次为Ⅳ＞Ⅲ＞Ⅱ＞Ⅰ;物种多样性指数(H′和N2)同丰富度指数有相同的变化趋势,即原生植被的物种多样性指数明显高于不同退化程度的群落类型;高寒嵩草草甸生态系统的退化,不仅使群落物种组成发生巨大变化,而且导致物种多样性发生改变,它随着干扰和退化程度的加剧而降低;江河源区的植被保护不仅为草地畜牧业可持续发展提供物质基础,而且还具有涵养水源、控制水土流失的作用,对长江、黄河中下游地区的经济发展和生态环境保护具有重要的意义.因此,加强和保护江河源区的生态环境势在必行,有必要借鉴国内外的先进技术和管理经验,进行长期的生态工程建设.     

青藏高原东缘草地生态系统动态定位监测与可持续发展发素研究——Ⅱ高寒草甸草地生态系统植物群落结构特征及物种多样性分析

通过对青藏高原东缘高寒草甸生态系统8个草地类型植物群落样地定位监测资料进行结构特征及物种多样性分析研究，结果表明，青藏高原东缘高寒草甸草地草群盖度大，物种丰富，但大多数草地多样性随退化程度的加重而降低，优良牧草所占比例不高，总的反映出退化演替的趋势，超载，鼠虫危害，人为干扰以及全球气候变化等因素是草地退化的主要原因。从群落结构特征来看，不同类型群落演替阶段依次为原生植被（Ⅵ，Ⅶ），轻度退化（Ⅰ，Ⅲ，Ⅳ，Ⅴ），重度退化（Ⅱ，Ⅷ），群落物种丰富度指数（S）依次为Ⅲ＞Ⅴ＞Ⅵ＞Ⅶ＞Ⅰ＞Ⅳ＞Ⅱ＞Ⅶ；物种多样性指数依次为Ⅵ＞Ⅴ＞Ⅶ＞Ⅲ＞Ⅰ＞Ⅱ＞Ⅷ＞Ⅳ，表现出原生植被的物种多样性指数明显高于不同退化程度的群落类型。因此，加大力度保持高原生态环境，尽快遏制草地退化趋势应为当务之急。     

青藏高原东缘草地生态系统动态定位监测与可持续发展要素研究Ⅱ高寒草甸草地生态系统植物群落结构特征及物种多样性分析

通过对青藏高原东缘高寒草甸生态系统8个草地类型植物群落样地定位监测资料进行结构特征及物种多样性分析研究,结果表明,青藏高原东缘高寒草甸草地草群盖度大、物种丰富,但大多数草地多样性随退化程度的加重而降低,优良牧草所占比例不高,总的反映出退化演替的趋势,超载、鼠虫危害、人为干扰以及全球气候变化等因素是草地退化的主要原因.从群落结构特征来看,不同类型群落演替阶段依次为原生植被(Ⅵ、Ⅶ)、轻度退化(Ⅰ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ)、重度退化(Ⅱ、Ⅷ);群落物种丰富度指数(S)依次为Ⅲ＞Ⅴ＞Ⅵ＞Ⅶ＞Ⅰ＞Ⅳ＞Ⅱ＞Ⅷ;物种多样性指数依次为Ⅵ＞Ⅴ＞Ⅶ＞Ⅲ＞Ⅰ＞Ⅱ＞Ⅷ＞Ⅳ,表现出原生植被的物种多样性指数明显高于不同退化程度的群落类型.因此,加大力度保护高原生态环境,尽快遏制草地退化趋势应为当务之急.     

高寒矮嵩草草甸不同退化演替阶段植物群落地上生物量分析

通过对高寒矮嵩草草甸不同退化演替阶段植物群落的研究显示,随着退化程度的加重,群落的组成和优势种等发生了很大的变化,植物群落从以禾本科为主,向以杂类草为主的群落演替.中度和重度退化样地与原生植被样地的禾草类、莎草类以及群落总生物量差异极显著(P<0.01).随退化程度的加深,禾草类、莎草类等优质牧草比例下降,取而代之的是杂类草,其比例明显升高,在群落中占据优势地位.     

不同放牧强度对西藏邦杰塘高寒草甸土壤种子库的影响

通过研究不同放牧强度下地上植被群落的物种组成、植物生活型、土壤种子库物种种类和种子数量等特征,探讨了地上植被与土壤种子库之间的关系及种子库在地上植被群落构建中的作用,拟为高寒草甸的管理,特别是高寒地区退化生态系统的恢复与重建提供参考。结果表明：土壤种子库物种多样性指数和丰富度指数在围栏样地和中牧样地之间差异不显著。重牧样地土壤种子库物种多样性指数和丰富度指数显著低于中牧样地（P<0.05）;围栏样地、重牧样地、中牧样地土壤种子库密度表现为重牧 >围栏 >中牧,其中重牧样地土壤种子库密度显著高于中牧样地（P<0.05）,达4952.7粒·m^-2;中牧样地和围栏样地的种子库和地上植被之间相似性较低,二者的地上植被与土壤种子库Sorensen相似性指数分别为0.48和0.44。重牧样地上嵩草属（Kobresia）植物严重退化,地上植被群落和土壤种子库均以杂类草物种占优势,地上植被与土壤种子库表现出较高的相似性。因此,对于有退化趋势的嵩草草甸,适当的围栏并考虑利用本地多年生优良牧草种子进行补播将是有利的;嵩草高寒草甸土壤种子库种子主要集中在0~5cm,且各样地中种子数量均随着土壤深度的增加而减少。     

高寒草甸草地与其退化产物——“黑土滩”生物多样性和群落特征的初步研究

依据草地退化特征将高寒草甸草地退化产物－－“黑土滩”草地划分为６个等级，研究了各级蜡地的物种多样性和植物群落特征，中度退化的“黑土滩”草地（秃斑地面积占２７．６％）物种多样性和均匀性较大，为３．２３４和１．１１５．随草地退化程度的加大，秃斑地面积比例和毒杂草比例有明显增加的趋势（Ｐ〈０．０１）；原生植被嵩草属植物优势度和草地活根量（３０ｃｍ）趋于明显减少（Ｐ〈０．０１）；群落产量在各级草地内变化不     

不同退化程度高寒草甸草地生物量及土壤养分差异

对三江源区不同退化程度高寒草甸草地植物群落、生物量及土壤养分差异进行了研究,结果表明:随着退化程度的加重,高寒草甸草地的群落组成发生了很大的变化,以莎草科植物为主的植物群落向阔叶型杂类草群落演替;物种多样性、均匀度指数均有下降趋势;地上、地下生物量,土壤养分均呈现明显下降趋势.     

格姆滩高寒草甸不同草地植被地上生物量及物种多样性研究

研究了格姆滩高寒草甸不同草地植被地上生物量及物种多样性,结果表明：地上总生物量为藏嵩草沼泽化草甸〉山生柳灌丛草甸〉小嵩草草甸（P〈0.05）。藏嵩草沼泽化草甸由24种植物组成,隶属13科22属;小嵩草草甸由36种植物组成,隶属16科31属;山生柳灌丛草甸草层由42种植物组成,隶属13科31属。不同草地类型植物群落多样性指数、物种丰富度指数、均匀度指数、生态优势度指数均为山生柳灌丛草甸草层〉小嵩草草甸〉藏嵩草沼泽化草甸,植被盖度山生柳灌丛草甸草层〉藏嵩草沼泽化草甸〉小嵩草草甸。     

东祁连山不同退化阶段高寒草甸群落结构与植物多样性特征研究

采用样方法对东祁连山地区不同退化程度高寒草甸植物群落进行了调查,对群落结构、物种组成和群落生产力进行了分析,并运用α多样性、β多样性等指标研究了其物种多样性变化.结果表明,1)研究样地内共有植物种13科27属40多种,从未退化-轻度退化-中度退化-重度退化-极度退化,不同退化演替阶段的优势种分别为线叶嵩草 禾草、线叶嵩草 珠芽蓼、珠芽蓼 线叶嵩草、珠芽蓼 杂类草、平车前 杂类草.2)随退化程度的加剧,草地总盖度降低,优良牧草生物量减少,而毒杂草的比例逐渐上升,草地质量下降;地上、地下生物量均明显降低,地上生物量远低于地下生物量,分布在各层的植物根量越来越少,地下根系具有浅层化特点.3)高寒草甸植物群落α多样性指数基本上与均匀度、丰富度指数呈正相关,与生态优势度指数呈负相关;群落的物种丰富度在中度退化阶段最高,但多样性指数和均匀度指数在重度退化阶段最高,群落多样性更多地受均匀度的影响.4)随退化程度的加剧,样方内微生境或资源异质性减小,样方间异质性增大,从而导致β多样性增加;各草地植物群落物种替代速率由大到小的顺序为重度退化-极度退化>未退化-轻度退化>中度退化-重度退化>轻度退化-中度退化.     

不同退化程度高寒嵩草草甸基况的初步研究

以高寒嵩草草甸退化群落指标为依据,研究了青海省未退化、轻度退化、中度退化和重度退化阶段,高寒嵩草草甸植物群落的结构特征及土壤特性的差异性。结果表明:不同退化程度的高寒嵩草草甸,其地上、地下生物量,牧草高度,生草层厚度,裸斑面积,物种数,土壤含水量等呈显著差异。同未退化阶段相比,重度退化阶段的优良牧草生物量和地下生物量分别降低了43.2和10.1 g/m2。而重度退化阶段时,裸斑面积则达到最大值65 m2,土壤含水量则为最小值22.83%,鼠洞密度则随着高寒嵩草草甸退化程度的加剧,呈倒"V"变化趋势。分析表明,高寒嵩草草甸退化的结果是,由莎草科和禾本科为主的植物演替为杂类草地。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.