In Vitro Production of Equine Embryos

The development of methods to produce embryos in vitro in the horse has been delayed compared with other domestic species. Oocytes can be collected from excised ovaries or from the small or preovulatory follicles of live mares. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the only reliable method to fertilize equine oocytes in vitro. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection-produced embryos can be transferred into the oviducts of recipient mares or cultured to the morula or blastocyst stage of development for nonsurgical embryo transfers into recipients' uteri. Embryos cultured in vitro have some morphological differences compared with embryos collected from the mares' uteri. Most notably, the embryonic capsule does not form in culture, and the zona pellucida fails to expand completely. However, embryo produced in vitro can result in viable pregnancies and healthy offspring.     

Rubber tree early selection for yield stability in time and among locations

Rubber production in the rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg.] can be expressed differently in different environments. Thus the objective of the present study was to select productive progenies, stable and responsive in time and among locations. Thirty progenies were assessed by early yield tests at three ages and in three locations. A randomized block design was used with three replications and ten plants per plot, in 3 × 3 m spacing. The procedure of the mixed linear Reml/Blup model—restricted maximum likelihood/best non-biased linear prediction was used in the genetic statistical analyses. In all the individual analyses, the values observed for the progeny average heritability ( $ \hat{h}_{pa}^{2} $ ) were greater than those of the additive effect based on single individuals ( $ \hat{h}_{a}^{2} $ ) and within plot additive ( $ \hat{h}_{ad}^{2} $ ). In the joint analyses in time, there was genotype × test interaction in the three locations. When 20 % of the best progenies were selected the predicted genetic gains were: Colina G_G = 24.63 %, Selvíria G_G = 13.63 %, and Votuporanga G_G = 25.39 %. Two progenies were among the best in the analyses in the time and between locations. In the joint analysis among locations there was only genotype × location interaction in the first early test. In this test, selecting 20 %, the general predicted genetic gain was G_G = 25.10 %. Identifying progenies with high and stable yield over time and among locations contributes to the efficiency of the genetic breeding program. The relative performance of the progenies varies depending of the age of early selection test.     

Identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci from bovine mastitis using RFLP-PCR of the groEL gene

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) have become the predominant pathogens causing bovine mastitis in many countries. CNS infections are associated with damage to milk secretory tissue of the mammary gland by increased connective tissue stroma, moderate increases of somatic cells count in milk and significant production decreases. These consequences impose serious economic losses for the farmers and the dairy industry. Routine veterinary laboratories do not usually identify CNS at the species level. Thereby, the aims of this study were to identify the most common staphylococcal pathogens involved in bovine mastitis using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of a partial groEL gene sequence and to compare our results with the identification carried out by the conventional method. A total of 54 isolates of Staphylococcus, involved in bovine mastitis, were analyzed by this method. The size and number of the fragments obtained by either AluI or HindIII/PvuII digestions made possible to form clear patterns differentiating, among the isolates, 11 of the most common species of animal staphylococcal pathogens. Most of the isolates clustered together with the reference strain of Staphylococcus chromogenes (28) and the type strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (8). Besides, some isolates clustered together with the type strain of Staphylococcus aureus (5). All patterns were confirmed by the conventional biochemical method, showing concordant results. Thus, the PCR-RFLP of the groEL gene constitutes a reliable and reproducible molecular method for identification of CNS species responsible for bovine mastitis.     

Avoiding bites and scratches? Understanding the public health implication of human–bat interactions in Ghana

Zoonotic pathogens cause an estimated 70% of emerging and re‐emerging infectious diseases in humans, affecting various aspects of human development on a global scale. The significance of bats as a source of emerging infectious diseases is being progressively appreciated. This study was undertaken post‐Ebola virus disease in West Africa and assessed the public health implications of human–bat interactions by exploring the reasons for contact between humans and bats, as well as reported actions taken upon experiencing bat bites or scratches. The paper highlights the nuances of human–bat interactions, stressing zoonotic disease risk awareness as well as the sources of information. The study used questionnaires to solicit information from 788 respondents in five communities with significant bat populations. We show that bat consumption was one of the main reasons for human–bat interactions. More men across the various communities ate bat meat. Only a small number of respondents (4.4%) reported being bitten by a bat, and 6.1% had been scratched by a bat. More than 21% had come into direct contact with bat blood. An even lower number went to the hospital after been bitten or scratched by bats. There was little knowledge on post‐exposure management. The most common places human–bat interactions occurred were at home and on farms. Seventy‐three per cent of the respondents believed that bats carried diseases, with Ebola virus disease being the most mentioned. Respondents indicated that the way they interacted with bats had not changed, even though they believed bats carried diseases and 46% stated that they had not changed the way they interacted with bats over the last two years. Apart from providing information on avoiding bites and scratches, a more holistic framework is needed to reduce human–bat interactions. The paper recommends a comprehensive and coordinated approach to optimizing an effective response to a potential bat‐borne zoonotic disease spillover.     

Domestication of plants for sustainable agriculture in drylands: Experience from the Negev Desert

With globalization in the last century, introduction of exotic plant species for commercial use has become more accessible. Such attempts may involve extreme land changes. We stress that domestication of native species should be preferred to the introduction of exotic species. We took the initial steps in domesticating several species by examining commercial uses and studying aspects of plant physiology. The following desert plants were considered: Bassia indica, for salt phytoremediation and for livestock feed; Commiphora gileadensis, as an agent against cancer cells; Artemisia sieberi and A. judaica, as plants with allopathic traits; Ficus palmate, as a stand for fig plantation; Balanites aegyptiaca, as a medicinal plant and for other uses; Portulaca oleracea and Scorzonera judaica, as food crops with added values; and Pistacia atlantica, as rootstock for P. vera.