Effect of dietary stable isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen on the extent of their incorporation into tissues of rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different dietary ratios of 13C to 12C or 15N to 14N on their relative incorporation into tissues. Eighty male rats were used in two 21-day feeding trials in which they were fed diets with either high δ13C levels (δ13C = 13.89% and δ15N = 2.37% in experiment 1 and δ13C = 19.34% and δ15N = 4.73% in experiment 2) or low δ13C levels (δ13C = 17.90% and δ15N = 3.08% in experiment 1 and δ13C = 21.76% and δ15N = 0.53% in experiment 2), meanwhile, the dietary δ15N levels were designed to two ranks. Blood, liver, adipose and muscle tissues were collected on day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 for determination of 13C, 12C, 15N and 14N isotopes. Rat growth rate, antioxidant capacity and metabolic parameters were also assessed. The results indicate that adipose tissue tend to deplete 13C before the stable isotopic ratios achieved final equilibrium. Therefore, feeds with different isotopic signatures had different incorporation rates into tissues. Low dietary 13C levels decreased tissue δ13C values whereas high dietary 13C levels did not alter tissue δ13C values during the 21-d experiment. Blood δ15 N values were a reliable parameter in assessing the relative contribution of dietary nitrogen to tissues. This study revealed a relationship between dietary isotopic signatures and their incorporation rates into rat tissues. However, more studies are needed to illustrate the mechanism through which dietary isotopic ratios influence the extent of isotopic incorporation into the tissues.     

不同高寒草甸土壤碳氮稳定同位素和密度的差异

为了解不同类型高寒草甸土壤碳氮稳定同位素和密度的差异,采用稳定同位素质谱仪Isoprime100对采自黄河源区不同高寒草甸覆被条件下0~30 cm土壤进行了碳氮稳定同位素组成特征和密度分析。结果表明,高寒草甸土壤δ¹³C值介于-25.42‰~-24.20‰之间,δ¹⁵N值介于3.37‰~4.69‰之间,显著高于大气δ¹⁵N值。δ¹³C值和δ¹⁵N值均随土壤深度加深而增大。人工草地土壤δ¹³C值显著低于轻度和重度退化草甸(P<0.05),而δ¹⁵N值显著高于轻度和重度退化草甸(P<0.05)。土壤碳氮比最小值为7.89,最大值为9.97,平均碳氮比为8.71。土壤有机碳含量和全氮含量呈正相关(P<0.01),二者的回归方程为y=0.0963x+0.0336(R²=0.9619)。轻度退化草甸、严重退化草甸和人工草地0~30 cm土壤碳密度依次为7.14、6.67和6.46 kg/m²;全氮密度依次为0.83、0.77和0.75 kg/m²。植物吸收、生长有利于¹²C和¹⁴N的输出,而将较重的¹³C和¹⁵N留在了土壤中。人工草地植物生长势强,形成的地上生物量多,吸收了较多的土壤氮素¹⁴N,导致土壤¹⁵N升高。植被退化或种植人工草地均可导致土壤碳氮密度的显著降低,这种变化主要发生在0~20 cm土层。     

降水量及N添加对宁夏荒漠草原土壤C:N:P生态化学计量特征和植被群落组成的影响

为了解降水格局改变和大气氮(N)沉降增加背景下土壤碳(C)∶N∶磷(P)平衡关系的改变是否会影响到荒漠草原植被群落组成, 基于2017年在宁夏荒漠草原设立的降水量(降水量减少50%、降水量减少30%、自然降水量、降水量增加30%和降水量增加50%)、N添加(0和5 g·m^-2·yr^-1)及其交互作用的野外试验, 初步分析了土壤C∶N∶P生态化学计量特征和植物群落组成的变化趋势以及二者的关系。结果表明, 增加降水量降低了土壤有机C、全N和N∶P。N添加及其与降水量的交互作用对土壤C∶N∶P生态化学计量特征的影响较小; 适量增加降水量刺激了多数植物生长, 提高了群落多样性。过量增加降水量导致猪毛蒿种群生物量急增, 且N添加对降水量效应有促进作用, 从而降低了群落多样性; 土壤含水量、全N、有机C和N∶P与种群生物量关系较为密切, 土壤含水量、有机C、C∶P和C∶N与多样性指数存在较强的相关关系。以上结果意味着降水量会通过调控土壤水分有效性, 改变土壤与植物之间N和P的满足程度, 从而对植物生长策略和群落多样性产生影响; 短期N添加对土壤养分有效性影响较小。因此, 还需通过长期的原位试验, 对N添加及其与降水量交互作用下土壤C∶N∶P计量平衡与植物群落组成的关系进行深入探讨。     

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 is required for resistance to Neospora caninum infection

Neospora caninum is an intracellular parasite that causes major economic impact on cattle raising farms, and infects a wide range of warm-blooded hosts worldwide. Innate immune mechanisms that lead to protection against this parasite are still unknown. In order to investigate whether myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is required for resistance against N. caninum, genetically deficient mice (MyD88^−/−) and wild type littermates were infected with live tachyzoites and the resistance to infection was evaluated. We found that sub-lethal tachyzoite doses induced acute mortality of MyD88^−/− mice, which succumbed to infection due to uncontrolled parasite replication. Higher parasitism in MyD88^−/− mice was associated with the lack of IL-12 production by dendritic cells, delayed IFN-γ responses by NKT, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, and production of high levels of IL-10. MyD88^−/− mice replenished with IL-12 and IFN-γ abolished susceptibility as the animals survived throughout the experimental period. We conclude that protective IFN-γ-mediated immunity to N. caninum is dependent on initial MyD88 signaling, in a mechanism triggered by production of IL-12 by dendritic cells. Further knowledge on Toll-like receptor recognition of N. caninum antigens is encouraged, since it could generate new prophylactic and therapeutic tools to control parasite burden.     

氮添加对贝加尔针茅草原植物和土壤化学计量特征的影响

以贝加尔针茅草原为研究对象,设置N₀(0 kg N·hm^-2)、N₃₀(30 kg N·hm^-2)、N₅₀(50 kg N·hm^-2)、N₁₀₀(100 kg N·hm^-2)、N₁₅₀(150 kg N·hm^-2)5个氮添加水平,研究不同氮添加水平对6种植物叶C、N、P计量特征和土壤C、N、P计量特征的影响,分析植物计量特征与土壤计量特征的相关性,为深入理解N沉降增加对草原群落结构的影响提供基础数据。结果表明,自然条件下,6种植物叶C、N、P含量和计量特征存在显著的差异,表现为扁蓿豆叶C、N、P含量和叶N∶P最高,贝加尔针茅叶N、P含量最低,线叶菊叶C含量最低。氮添加提高了除扁蓿豆以外其他5种植物叶N含量,叶C∶P和叶N∶P,降低了叶P含量和叶C∶N,而叶C含量无一致变化趋势。氮添加提高了土壤有机碳含量、土壤N∶P,对土壤全氮含量和土壤C∶N无显著性影响。羊草、羽茅、线叶菊和草地麻花头叶N含量与土壤有机碳、土壤N∶P呈显著正相关,贝加尔针茅、羊草、羽茅和草地麻花头叶N∶P与土壤有机碳、土壤C∶P呈显著正相关。综合分析表明,土壤有机碳、土壤N∶P和土壤C∶P是影响6种植物叶C、N、P含量和计量特征的主要影响因素,但不同植物对氮添加的响应不同,意味着长期氮添加可能会改变贝加尔针茅草原生态系统的结构。     

氮素添加对贝加尔针茅草原土壤团聚体碳、氮和磷生态化学计量学特征的影响

大气氮沉降增加作为全球气候变化的重要现象, 其对草原生态系统的影响成为生态学研究热点之一。掌握氮沉降对草原土壤团聚体碳(C)、氮(N)和磷(P)生态化学计量学特征的影响,可为全面分析和评估氮沉降对草原生态系统的影响提供基础资料。自2010年起,在内蒙古贝加尔针茅草原典型地段设置N₀ (0 kg N·hm^-2·yr^-1)、N₁₅ (15 kg N·hm^-2·yr^-1)、N₃₀ (30 kg N·hm^-2·yr^-1)、N₅₀ (50 kg N·hm^-2·yr^-1)、N₁₀₀ (100 kg N·hm^-2·yr^-1)、N₁₅₀ (150 kg N·hm^-2·yr^-1) 6个氮素添加处理模拟氮沉降野外控制试验。结果表明:氮素添加极显著提高了土壤团聚体的稳定性和>2 mm团聚体比例(P<0.01);各氮素添加处理中0.25~2 mm团聚体有机碳、全氮含量均显著高于其他粒径(P<0.05),全磷含量在各粒径团聚体中差异不显著;与对照相比,氮素添加显著提高了>0.25 mm土壤大团聚体有机碳和全氮含量(P<0.05),对全磷无显著影响;氮素添加导致>0.25 mm土壤大团聚体C/N降低,0.25~2 mm土壤团聚体 C/P、N/P升高(P<0.05)。综合分析,氮添加在一定程度上促进了土壤的固碳潜力,提高了土壤团聚体有机质的矿化速率,随着氮素添加水平的提高,土壤团聚体中P元素成为限制草原植物生长的主要限制因子。     

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages inversely correlates with parasitism of lymphoid tissues in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Background

There are only a few studies reporting the role of nitric oxide metabolites for controlling macrophage intracellular parasitism, and these are controversial. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lymph nodes and spleen of dogs affected by visceral leishmaniasis through immunohistochemistry and to determine its correlation with tissue parasite burden and serum interferon (IFN)-γ levels. Twenty-eight dogs were selected and assigned to one of two groups, symptomatic (n = 18) and asymptomatic (n = 10), according to clinical status and laboratory evaluation. A negative control group (n = 6) from a non-endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis was included as well.

Results

Parasite density (amastigotes/mm²) was similar between clinical groups in the lymph nodes (P = 0.2401) and spleen (P = 0.8869). The density of iNOS⁺ cells was higher in infected dogs compared to controls (P < 0.05), without a significant difference in lymph node (P = 0.3257) and spleen (P = 0.5940) densities between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. A positive correlation was found between the number of iNOS⁺ cells in lymph nodes and interferon-γ levels (r = 0.3776; P = 0.0303), and there was a negative correlation between parasites and iNOS⁺ cell densities both in lymph nodes (r = −0.5341; P = 0.0034) and spleen (r = −0.4669; P = 0.0329).

Conclusion

The negative correlation observed between tissue parasitism and the expression of iNOS may be a reflection of NO acting on the control of parasites.     

Poultry fat decreased fatty acid transporter protein mRNA expression and affected fatty acid composition in chickens

Background

A study was undertaken to examine the effects of poultry fat (PF) compared with those of soybean oil (SBO) on intestinal development, fatty acid transporter protein (FATP) mRNA expression, and fatty acid composition in broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old male commercial broilers were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (6 replicates of 12 chicks for each treatment) and fed isocaloric diets containing 3.0% PF or 2.7% SBO at 0 to 3 wk and 3.8% PF or 3.5% SBO at 4 to 6 wk, respectively.

Results

PF had no influence on intestinal morphology, weight, or DNA, RNA, or protein concentrations at 2, 4, and 6 wk of age. However, compared with SBO, PF significantly decreased FATP mRNA abundance at 4 wk (P = 0.009) and 6 wk of age (P < 0.001); decreased liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA abundance at 6 wk of age (P = 0.039); and decreased C18:2 (P = 0.015), C18:3 (P < 0.001), C20:2 (P = 0.018), Σ-polyunsaturated fatty acids (Σ-PUFA) (P = 0.020), and the proportion of PUFA (P < 0.001) in the intestinal mucosa and decreased C18:2 (P = 0.010), C18:3 (P < 0.001), C20:2 (P < 0.001), Σ-PUFA (P = 0.005), and the proportion of PUFA (P < 0.001) in breast muscle at 6 wk of age.

Conclusions

PF decreases FATP and L-FABP mRNA expression and decreased the proportion of PUFA in the intestinal mucosa and breast muscle.     

Characterization of homologous and heterologous adaptive immune responses in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

The present study characterized the homologous and heterologous immune response in type-I porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. Two experiments were conducted: in experiment 1, eight pigs were inoculated with PRRSV strain 3262 and 84 days post-inoculation (dpi) they were challenged with either strain 3262 or strain 3267 and followed for the next 14 days (98 dpi). In experiment 2, eight pigs were inoculated with strain 3267 and challenged at 84 dpi as above. Clinical course, viremia, humoral response (neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, NA) and virus-specific IFN-γ responses (ELISPOT) were evaluated all throughout the study. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and TGF-β were determined (ELISA) after the second challenge. In experiment 1 primo-inoculation with strain 3262 induced viremia of ≤ 28 days, low titres of homologous NA but strong IFN-γ responses. In contrast, strain 3267 induced longer viremias (up to 56 days), higher NA titres (≤ 6 log₂) and lower IFN-γ responses. Inoculation with 3267 produced higher serum IL-8 levels. After the re-challenge at 84 dpi, pigs in experiment 1 developed mostly a one week viremia regardless of the strain used. In experiment 2, neither the homologous nor the heterologous challenge resulted in detectable viremia although PRRSV was present in tonsils of some animals. Homologous re-inoculation with 3267 produced elevated TGF-β levels in serum for 7–14 days but this did not occur with the heterologous re-inoculation. In conclusion, inoculation with different PRRSV strains result in different virological and immunological outcomes and in different degrees of homologous and heterologous protection.     

氮、磷添加对草地不同冠层植物叶片和根系生态化学计量特征的影响

植物碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)生态化学计量特征能反映植物与环境间的相互作用关系,是评估植物对环境变化响应的重要依据。已有的相关研究多以地上器官为主,而对地下器官关注相对较少。本研究以呼伦贝尔草地不同冠层的4种植物——羊草、披针叶黄华、达乌里芯芭和星毛委陵菜为对象,分析了氮、磷添加对其叶片和根系C∶N∶P生态化学计量特征的影响。结果表明:氮、磷添加对4种植物叶片和根系C含量没有显著影响。氮添加显著提高了3种非豆科植物叶片和根系N含量(达乌里芯芭叶片接近显著)、降低了其C∶N,而磷添加显著提高了4种植物叶片和根系P含量并显著降低了C∶P。氮、磷添加对4种植物C、N、P及其化学计量比均无显著的交互作用。4种植物中,羊草叶片和根系C∶N和C∶P在所有处理中均最高,较高的养分利用效率可能是其成为建群种的重要原因。依据植物叶片N∶P情况判断,该生态系统属于N限制类型。在植物养分限制判断中,根系N∶P不应作为养分限制判断的依据。上述研究结果说明草地植物地上地下器官对氮、磷添加的响应具有协同性,而且不同冠层的植物C、N、P生态化学计量特征对氮、磷添加的响应具有一致性。     

Maternal and foetal immune responses of cattle following an experimental challenge with Neospora caninum at day 70 of gestation

The immune responses of pregnant cattle and their foetuses were examined following inoculation on day 70 of gestation either intravenously (iv) (group 1) or subcutaneously (sc) (group 2) with live NC1 strain tachyzoites or with Vero cells (control) (group 3). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses to Neospora antigen and foetal viability were assessed throughout the experiment. Two animals from each group were sacrificed at 14, 28, 42 and 56 days post inoculation (pi). At post mortem, maternal lymph nodes, spleen and PBMC and when possible foetal spleen, thymus and PBMC samples were collected for analysis. Inoculation with NC1 (iv and sc) lead to foetal deaths in all group 1 dams (6/6) and in 3/6 group 2 dams from day 28pi; statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses including antigen-specific cell proliferation and IFN-γ production as well as increased levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 were observed in challenged dams compared to the group 3 animals. Lymph node samples from the group 2 animals carrying live foetuses showed greater levels of cellular proliferation as well as significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher levels of IFN-γ compared to the dams in group 2 carrying dead foetuses. Foetal spleen, thymus and PBMC samples demonstrated cellular proliferation as well as IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 production following mitogenic stimulation with Con A from day 14pi (day 84 gestation) onwards. This study shows that the generation of robust peripheral and local maternal CMI responses (lymphoproliferation, IFN-γ) may inhibit the vertical transmission of the parasite.     

Neospora caninum infection during early pregnancy in cattle: how the isolate influences infection dynamics,clinical outcome and peripheral and local immune responses

This work studies the influence of Neospora caninum intra-species diversity on abortion outcome, infection dynamics in terms of parasite dissemination and peripheral-local immune responses in pregnant cattle. Animals were intravenously inoculated at day 70 of pregnancy with 10⁷ tachyzoites of two isolates showing marked differences in virulence in vitro and in pregnant mouse models: Nc-Spain7, a high virulence isolate, and Nc-Spain8, a low-to-moderate virulence isolate. After inoculation, pregnancy was monitored, and dams were culled when foetal death was detected. Foetal mortality occurred in all infected heifers between days 24 and 49 post-infection (pi), however, it was detected sooner in Nc-Spain7-infected animals (median day = 34) than those inoculated with Nc-Spain8 (median day = 41) with a trend towards significance (P < 0.11). Similar histological lesions were observed in placentomes and in most of the foetuses from the two infected groups. However, parasites were more frequently detected in the placenta and foetuses by PCR and in the foetal brain by immunohistochemistry in Nc-Spain7-infected animals. Specific antibodies were detected starting at day 13 post-infection in all infected cattle, with higher IgG levels in Nc-Spain7-infected group. IFN-γ and IL-4 profiles also varied between infected groups in PBMC stimulation assays. Infected animals showed significant increases in their cytokine mRNA levels (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40 and TNF-α) in the caruncle at time of foetal death. Differences between the infected groups were also observed for cytokine profiles. These results demonstrate the influence of the N. caninum isolate on foetal death outcome, infection dynamics and immune responses in cattle.     

青海省森林林下草本层化学计量特征及其碳储量

为阐明青海省森林生态系统林下草本层化学计量特征和碳密度分布格局,基于2011年青海森林资源野外样方调查和室内分析,评估了青海省7个优势种(白桦、白杨、红桦、青杄、山杨、圆柏、云杉)林下草本层的化学计量特征(C、N、P;C∶N、C∶P、N∶P)以及碳密度的差异。同时,估算了青海省7个优势种林下草本层碳储量大小。结果表明,草本层地上碳含量圆柏林[(419.9±1.44) g·kg^-1]显著高于其他林型,但是地下碳含量[(364.6±8.33) g·kg^-1]显著低于其他林型;氮含量均表现出圆柏和云杉林显著高于其他林型;磷含量在不同林型间差异不显著。圆柏林和云杉林林下草本层C∶N、C∶P显著低于其他林型,而N∶P显著高于其他林型。此外,林下草本层地上和地下生物量、碳密度均表现出圆柏林显著高于其他林型。根据青海省7种优势树种化学计量特征与碳密度的相关性分析,发现草本层碳密度与其化学计量特征有相关性,可以根据碳含量推算碳密度。将海拔作为环境因子考虑,发现圆柏和云杉林下草本层碳密度分布于较高海拔,其他树种则分布于较低海拔。因此,理解养分元素在草本层“地上-地下部分”之间的生态化学计量特征,以及估算草本层的碳储量,对于揭示青海省森林生态系统的养分状况和生物化学循环过程极为重要。     

放牧对荒漠草原土壤和优势植物生态化学计量特征的影响

以宁夏荒漠草原土壤和优势植物为研究对象,分析放牧对荒漠草原生态系统土壤和植物C、N、P化学计量学特征的影响机制。结果表明,土壤C、C∶N、C∶P随着放牧强度的增加呈下降趋势,P呈增加趋势,而N及N∶P呈先增加后下降趋势。不同优势植物N含量对放牧强度的响应存在一定的差异,中度和重度放牧区甘草、砂珍棘豆、山苦荬、牛心朴子N含量明显低于轻度和围封禁牧N含量,牛枝子、短花针茅、中亚白草、刺叶柄棘豆、虫实、猪毛菜、乳浆大戟、骆驼蓬N含量明显高于轻度和围封禁牧N含量,表明适度放牧会显著增加某些物种的N含量;13种优势植物C∶N和C∶P在不同放牧强度下均表现为与N、P的规律相反,且不同优势植物N∶P对放牧强度的响应也存在一定的分异性。优势植物P、C∶P与土壤P、C∶P呈显著正相关,而C、N、C∶N和N∶P与土壤C、N、C∶N和N∶P无显著相关性,说明植物叶片的化学计量特征并非是由土壤养分含量特征直接决定的,而更多是受植物自身遗传特性的影响,体现了荒漠草原优势植物对极端环境具有相对稳定的适应能力。     

青海森林凋落物生态化学计量特征及其影响因子

凋落物在调节植物-土壤间养分循环和维持森林生态系统物质平衡中具有重要作用。为阐明青海省不同林型(针叶林、阔叶林)森林生态系统凋落物养分含量以及影响凋落物养分变化的环境因子,本研究以青海21个地区的针叶林、阔叶林地表凋落物为研究对象,分析不同林型和海拔上凋落物养分、生态化学计量特征变化规律及其影响因子。结果表明:1)不同海拔分区上,针叶林凋落物碳(C)、氮(N)含量、C∶P、N∶P高于阔叶林,而磷(P)含量低于阔叶林;2)针叶林凋落物N、P含量、C∶N、C∶P、N∶P均与海拔呈线性关系(P<0.001),即N含量、C∶P、N∶P随海拔升高递增,P含量、C∶N随海拔升高递减;3)两种林型(针叶林、阔叶林)凋落物现存量、养分含量及生态化学计量特征与经纬度、坡度、郁闭度、群落高度、样地投影面积均存在显著相关性(除阔叶林P和C∶P外);4)两种林型(针叶林、阔叶林)凋落物C、N、P含量较低;针叶林、阔叶林普遍受到N限制(N∶P<14),其中针叶林在高海拔地区又受到P限制(14相似文献   

荒漠植物白刺新固定碳在植物-土壤系统中的分配

定量生长季内荒漠植物新固定碳在植物-土壤的分配规律,对理解全球碳循环有着重要意义。采用野外原位¹³C-CO₂脉冲标记法,测定植物各器官及土壤¹³C丰度值,比较不同标记时间段白刺新固定碳分配在不同器官、土壤和呼吸损失中的分配规律,并量化了白刺光合碳向地上、地下碳库的转移。结果表明:不同标记时间段内¹³C-新固定碳在白刺叶、茎、根、土壤中的分配差异明显。在标记后1 h内,叶片和茎中¹³C丰度值迅速上升到最高值,¹³C丰度值分别达到520.1‰和592.5‰,比对照分别增加14和20倍,此后¹³C丰度值随时间推移逐渐下降,直至趋于稳定;而标记后18 h在根系和土壤中发现被标记的¹³C,¹³C丰度值分别达到9.5‰和-23.8‰,白刺新固定碳经地上部呼吸和土壤呼吸损失量分别在标记1和18 h后达到最大。标记32 d后,白刺新固定碳在地上部和地下部¹³C分配比例分别占35.59%和32.49%,呼吸损失(地上呼吸+土壤呼吸)占31.92%。荒漠植物白刺生长季年固碳量为2895.6 kg C·hm^-2·yr^-1,表明白刺在荒漠生态系统碳循环中起着重要的碳汇作用。     

Methane emissions and δ13C composition from beef steers consuming increasing proportions of sericea lespedeza hay on bermudagrass hay diets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different proportions of ‘Au Grazer’ sericea lespedeza [SL, Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don], a legume rich in condensed tannins (CT), on nutrient intake and digestibility, and to estimate methane (CH₄) emissions and ¹³C isotopic composition (δ¹³C_CH4) from beef steers consuming a forage-based diet. Twenty-five Angus-crossbred steers were distributed in a randomized complete block design (344 ± 48 kg initial BW), and randomly assigned to one of five treatments: 0SL, 25SL, 50SL, 75SL, and 100SL, diets containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of SL hay, respectively, mixed with ‘Tifton-85’ bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). The study was carried out for two experimental periods of 21-d each. The statistical model included the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of block, experimental period, and their interaction. Apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was linearly decreased (P < 0.001) by the inclusion of SL. No effects were observed for total CH₄ emissions per day, nor for CH₄ relative to organic matter intake or digestible organic matter with the inclusion of SL. However, emission of CH₄ in relation to intake of CT was affected by treatment (P < 0.001). A linear (P < 0.001) decrease and a quadratic effect (P < 0.001) were observed for δ¹³C of diets and gas, respectively, in which diets and enteric CH₄ with greater inclusion of SL were more depleted in ¹³C. Moreover, the difference in δ¹³C between diets and gas (Δδ¹³C) had a linear decrease (P = 0.001) with the inclusion of SL. The model developed to predict the C₃ proportions in the enteric CH₄ fitted to predicted values (P < 0.0001). Therefore, greater proportions of SL resulted in lesser CH₄ emission when CT intake was considered and the isotopic composition from enteric CH₄ was able to predict the contribution of SL in the emissions.     

Effect of sex and rearing system on the quality and mineral content of fiber from raeini cashmere goats

The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats (<1.5 years of age, n = 48) were selected from flocks raised at a government breeding station or raised commercially under either rural or nomadic conditions. The staple length, cashmere fiber diameter, coefficient of variation for fiber diameter, percentage of cashmere in a fleece, percentage of guard hair in a fleece and cashmere tenacity averaged 4.6 ±0.1 cm, 18.0 ±0.1 μm, 20.9 ± 0.4%, 66.1 ± 1.5%, 33.8 ± 1.5% and 1.8 ± 0.2 gf/tex, respectively. The sulfur, copper and zinc content of the cashmere averaged 2.8 ± 0.1%, 0.00065 ± 0.00002% and 0.01276 ± 0.00025%, respectively. Rearing method significantly affected staple length, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter, cashmere tenacity and copper content. Males had a higher coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and cashmere tenacity than females (P < 0.05).     

Excess dietary cholesterol may have an adverse effect on growth performance of early post-larval Litopenaeus vannamei

One experiment was conducted to determine the nutritive value of cholesterol for post-larval shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets supplemented with four levels of cholesterol (D1, D2, D3 and D4 with 0, 0.5%, 1% and 2% cholesterol, respectively) were fed to triplicate groups of L. vannamei shrimp (mean initial wet weight 0.8 mg) for 27 days. After the trial, shrimp fed the D1 diet had the best growth performance (final body weights: FBW; weight gain: WG; specific growth rate: SGR), while there was no significant difference between diet treatments with respect to survival. The whole body crude protein level in the shrimp decreased with the increase in dietary cholesterol levels, while the whole body crude lipid level in shrimps in the D4 diet treatment was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in other diet treatments. Dietary analysis indicated that the D1 diet contained 0.92% cholesterol prior to supplementation, which may have satisfied the dietary cholesterol requirement of post-larval L. vannamei; excess dietary cholesterol may thus lead to adverse effects on the growth performance of post-larval shrimp.