A pre-synchronization program at early postpartum might increase the chances of Bos indicus cows cycling prior to 50 days regardless of the length of calf separation

The aim of this study was to establish if pre-synchronization would enhance the number of animals cycling prior to conventional breeding at 45 days irrespective of the length of calf separation. Multiparous Bos indicus cows were allotted in four groups (n = 10). Control group (C) dams remained with their calves; groups G24, G48 and G72, which were partially weaned for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, were estrus synchronized using a controlled internal drug. These procedures were performed at 25 days and again at 45 days postpartum. The number of follicles, presence of a corpus luteum and back fat thickness (BFT) were determined by ultrasound. The proportion of cows with estrus and ovulation at day 25 postpartum was statistically different between the control and treated groups, with the values being 20, 60, 50 and 70 for the control, G24, G48 and G72 groups respectively (P < 0.05). At days 45 postpartum, the proportion of cows with estrus and ovulation was different in group G48 compared with the other groups (P <0.05). The average BFT and body condition score for the four experimental groups in the two periods were similar (P >0.05). Animals with a higher proportion of follicles from 17 to 21 mm, BFT values above 3.5 mm and a regular body condition were significantly different regardless of whether the dams remained with their calves or were separated, regardless of the length of this event. It can be concluded that (1) a pre-synchronization program at day 25 could trigger the onset of ovarian activity and facilitate a breeding program at day 50 and (2) temporary weaning enhances the effect of a pre-synchronization program.     

Biology,incidence and host susceptibility of Pineus boerneri (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in Colombian pine plantations

Adelgids (Hemiptera) in the genus Pineus have been reported as introduced insect pests causing serious losses to Pinus plantations worldwide. In 2008, Pineus boerneri was recorded for the first time in Colombia, with infestations noted on Pinus kesiya, P. tecunumanii, P. maximinoi and P. oocarpa. The lack of information on this insect in Colombia prompted investigations of its life cycle and infestation levels as well as host susceptibility of the main Pinus species planted in Colombia. In addition, the possibility of using a Ceraeochrysa species, an already established predator of adelgids in Colombia, for biological control was considered. Results showed that Pineus boerneri in Colombia has an anholocyclic life cycle comprised of four instars with a complete duration of between 49 and 97 d. Infestations were higher in the middle and upper part of trees. Pinus kesiya and P. maximinoi had the highest levels of susceptibility in field as well as in greenhouse trials. A survey of naturally infested trees showed P. tecunumanii to be moderately susceptible, whereas P. patula and P. oocarpa had low levels of susceptibility in a greenhouse trial but were not susceptible in the field. Investigations considering the impact of predation of Ceraeochrysa species showed a high predation rate of up to 140 P. boerneri consumed per day by a single Ceraeochrysa individual. Other predators of P. boerneri were recorded but were not sufficiently common to warrant detailed study.     

Kinetic modeling of malonylgenistin and malonyldaidzin conversions under alkaline conditions and elevated temperatures

The conversion and degradation of malonylglucosides were kinetically characterized under elevated pH/heat conditions. Malonylgenistin and malonyldaidzin were heated at 60, 80, and 100 degrees C and pH values of 8.5, 9, and 9.5. A simple kinetic model was developed, which adequately predicted the conversion and degradation reactions. The conversion and degradation rates increased as temperature and pH increased. The rates of conversion of both malonylglucosides into their respective beta-glucosides were comparable under all pH/heat treatments. However, at 100 degrees C, the rates of degradation of malonyldaidzin were approximately double those of malonylgenistin, under all pH treatments. When malonlydaidzin was heated at 100 degrees C and pH 9.5, degradation of the produced daidzin occurred. Therefore, an alternative kinetic model was developed to better predict the conversion and degradation of malonyldaidzin occurring at 100 degrees C and pH 9.5. The models developed provide soy food manufacturers with guidelines for better control of the profile and level of isoflavones..     

Effect of dips in a 1-methylcyclopropene-generating solution on 'Harrow Sun' plums stored under different temperature regimes

The effect of postharvest dips in a 1-methylcyclopropene-generating solution of the formulation AFxRD-038 (Rohm & Haas) on plum fruit (Prunus salicina Lindell cv. 'Harrow Sun') quality and ripening during storage was determined. Fruit weight loss, tissue firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ethylene production, respiration, and the activities of the cell wall modifying enzymes polygalacturonase (PG), 1,4-beta-D-glucanase/glucosidase (EGase), beta-galactosidase (beta-gal), and pectin methylesterase (PME) were measured. Fruit reddening, anthocyanin content, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity were also analyzed. The 1-MCP-treated fruit showed reduced ethylene production and respiration rate and delayed softening, which was associated with the reduction in the activity of PG, EGase, and beta-gal. The immersion in 1-MCP-generating solutions also decreased weight and acidity loss without modifying the fruit SSC. The immersion treatment was particularly effective in the fruit stored at 5 degrees C, keeping higher overall quality, maintaining lower levels of anthocyanins and PAL activity, and preventing flesh reddening. The present data show that beneficial effects in delaying plum fruit ripening and controlling chilling injury can be obtained by dipping the fruits in a solution of this novel 1-MCP-generating formulation.     

Broccoli processing wastes as a source of peroxidase

A peroxidase isozyme (BP) was purified to homogeneity from broccoli stems ( Brassica oleraceae var. maraton) discarded from industrial processing wastes. BP specific activity was 1216 ABTS [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] units/mg, representing 466-fold that of crude extract. BP is a monomeric glycoprotein containing 16% carbohydrates, with a molecular mass of 49 kDa and an isoelectric point close to 4.2. From kinetic data it showed a two-substrate ping-pong mechanism, and the catalytic efficiency measured as the rate-limiting step of free BP regeneration was 3.4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The ABTS K m value was 0.2 mM, which was about 20 times lower than that reported for acidic commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Assessment of BP secondary structure showed 30% helical character, similar to HRP and cytochrome c peroxidase. BP lost only 25% activity after 10 min of heating at 55 degrees C and pH 6; it was stable in the pH range from 4 to 9 and showed an optimum pH of 4.6 using ABTS as substrate. BP was active on substrates normally involved in lignin biosynthesis, such as caffeic and ferulic acids, and also displayed good catechol oxidation activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Reverse micellar extraction was successfully used as potential large-scale prepurification of broccoli peroxidase, achieving a purification factor of 7, with 60% activity yield. Stems from the broccoli processing industry have a high potential as an alternative for peroxidase purification.     

Osteomalacia as a result of phosphorus deficiency in beef cattle grazing subtropical native pastures in Uruguay

We investigated 2 outbreaks of osteomalacia as a result of phosphorus (P) deficiency in herds of lactating beef cows grazing subtropical native pastures in Uruguay. Cows exhibited pica, difficulty to stand and walk, rib fractures, and body weight loss even with adequate forage availability. Osteopenia and severe osteomalacia were observed on gross and histologic examination. The concentrations of bicarbonate-extractable P in soil (4.0, 4.1 mg P/kg), total P in pasture (0.9, 1.1 g P/kg), inorganic P in serum (1.0, 0.71 mmol P/L), and P in bone (73 mg P/mL) were all low. Although injectable and mineral salt supplements provided additional P in both outbreaks, these supplementary amounts were insufficient to prevent P deficiency. The P ingested by the cows from the pasture and supplements would have provided 20–55% of their daily P requirements of ~21 g P/d. Osteomalacia occurred in cattle at the 2 ranches as a result of severe P deficiency in the soil and forage, and inadequate P supplementation. Following diagnosis, control of P deficiency in beef cattle requires estimation of the amount of pasture P ingested and provision of sufficient additional supplementary P to meet the animals’ requirements.     

Litter production and nutrient deposition from native woody species in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Agroforestry Systems - The use of native trees in agroecosystems is a promising way to increase litter deposition and nutrient cycling and foster the recovery of degraded areas, especially in...     

Do different densities of tree cover affect pasture biomass and soil microbial communities?

Agroforestry Systems - Soil biota is considered a crucial component of soil health. Currently, the soil microbiota and its genomic material (microbiome) have received increasing attention due to...