A method for estimating fish density through the catches of gillnets

We propose a new method for estimating fish density using catches obtained by gillnets of given mesh size. This method builds on work for estimating the number of fish approaching a gillnet by modelling the fish movement that leads to a gillnet encounter. The theoretical framework is developed, and the method is tested on catch data for cod Gadus morhua and Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma to demonstrate how the method can be applied. The method relies on knowledge of geometric properties of the net, and morphological and behavioural properties of the fish, so we explore the sensitivity of the estimates to some of these parameters. Estimates are most sensitive to the morphological parameter of the angle the mouth is open while swimming and largely invariant to estimates of uncertain parameters like maximum number of fish that can be caught by the particular net.     

EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION ON ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY IN THE SEVENTH LUMBAR SPINAL GANGLION OF THE DOG: MEASUREMENT USING INTRAOPERATIVE DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure the effects of four experimental nerve root compression treatments (central compression, central-plus-lateral compression, lateral compression, and compression release) on arterial blood flow velocities in the seventh lumbar spinal ganglion of three dogs. Graphed blood flow velocity changes (change = treatment value − pretreatment value) were below baseline during the first three compression treatments and above baseline following compression release. Mean blood flow velocity changes for both central-plus-lateral compression and lateral compression differed (p ≤ 0.05) from changes for central compression. Changes for central-plus-lateral compression did not differ (p > 0.05) from changes for lateral compression. Changes among the first three compression treatments differed (p ≤ 0.05) from changes for compression release. No histologic abnormalities were identified in compressed nerve tissues, compared to contralateral controls. These findings indicate that stenosis within the L7-S1 intervertebral foramen may cause ischemia of the L7 spinal ganglion in dogs.     

Factors affecting in-transit shrink and liver abscesses in fed steers

Live weight loss (shrink) and liver conditions (abscesses) were determined on 3,570 crossbred steers of predominantly British breeding over a 5-yr period. Starting in November 1979, steers were placed on feed at bimonthly intervals and provided one of three housing treatments: no shelter, access to overhead shelter or confinement. All steers were implanted with Synovex during the first 3 yr and Compudose the last 2 yr and fed a diet consisting of high-moisture corn grain, which provided 85% of the energy, and corn silage, along with a protein, vitamin and mineral supplement. Cattle were processed into beef after a feeding period of approximately 160 d. Year affected shrink (P less than .001), and month on feed and housing type tended to alter shrink. Cattle marketed during summer and fall and those outside without overhead shelter tended to shrink more. Year, month on feed and housing type affected liver condition (P less than .01). Cattle started on feed in November and January and cattle housed in confinement or outside without overhead shelter had higher incidences of liver abscesses and slower average daily gains (P less than .01). Daily gains for steers with normal and abnormal livers were not different (P greater than .19) for any month started on feed or housing treatment. These results indicate that under the conditions of this study a 2 or 3% weight loss should be expected during the marketing of finished steers and a 16% incidence of liver abscesses should be anticipated, with some modification of the latter due to time of year and housing. The presence of liver abscesses at the time of processing steers into beef did not reduce feedlot performance.     

Preliminary study of the pharmacokinetics and toxicopathy of deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) in swine

Study was made of the pharmacokinetics and toxicopathy of deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) given IV to swine. In the 24 hours after swine were given DON, clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, tremors, and twilight coma were similar to those observed with other 12,13-epoxytrichothecenes. Hypoglycemia and pancreatic islet cell lesions were observed which indicated that DON-induced changes in intermediary metabolism may be an insidious aspect of DON intoxication. Histopathologic examination of all organ systems revealed pancreatic acinar and islet cell necrosis and mild lympholysis of the mesenteric lymph nodes. The renal excretion of DON was altered by IV infusion of saline solution. Pharmacokinetic findings may indicate that DON was both secreted and reabsorbed by the renal tubules. The half-life of DON ranged from 2.08 to 3.65 hours. Residues of DON were not found in skeletal muscle of swine at 24 hours after dosing.     

Intake,digestibility, rumen protein synthesis,and growth performance of Malawi Zebu steers fed diets containing rangeland-based protein sources

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The study evaluated effects of feeding Malawi Zebu steers with diets containing baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed meal and white thorn tree (Vachellia...     

Landowner Perceptions of Legal Liability for Using Prescribed Fire in the Southern Plains,United States

Suppression of fire in the Southern Plains has led to proliferation of woody plants and fuel load accumulation that spurs wildfires. These effects have led to calls for widespread application of prescribed fire to reduce fuel loads, but there is substantial landowner resistance to the use of this land management tool. Here we explore factors that affect perceptions of landowners in the Southern Plains about prescribed fire liability and their willingness to apply this land management tool. This region was selected for the study because of the preponderance of private landholdings and widespread woody plant encroachment. The study used a mail survey of 1 853 landowners in 16 counties in Texas and Oklahoma, resulting in a data set from 680 respondents (37% useable response rate). Logistic regression models were developed to test three hypotheses relating to the likelihood that a landowner will apply prescribed fire. The study corroborated that landowners who perceived higher levels of fire-related legal liability were less likely to apply prescribed fire on their land or assist with its application on other properties. In addition, burn bans were found to inhibit landowner willingness to apply fire during periods that result in higher woody plant mortality. Oklahoma respondents, landowners who believed prescribed fire to be an affordable woody plant management tool, and members of prescribed burning associations (PBAs) were more likely to use prescribed fire. These results have important implications for policies aimed at overcoming resistance to the use of prescribed fire to curb woody plant encroachment and reduce fuel load accumulation. Specifically, language in state statutes pertaining to prescribed fire should be modified to reduce landowner concerns over legal liability; PBAs should be established more widely; and public cost-sharing funds for woody plant management should prioritize prescribed fire.     

Sporadic, severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia of foals

Bronchointerstitial pneumonia was diagnosed postmortem in 19 foals in a 10 year retrospective study of submissions to a diagnostic center in Ontario. Mean age at death was 2.0 ± 0.05 (SEM) mo (range five days to four months). Fourteen of 19 were aged from 1.5 to 2.5 mo. Clinically, the disease was generally characterized by sudden onset of fever and increasingly severe dyspnea which developed into respiratory distress before death. Mean length of illness was 7.0 ± 0.33 days (range 1-21 days). The disease appeared to affect only individual foals on 19 different farms.

At postmortem, lungs were typically diffusely red, wet, firm, and failed to collapse. The major lesion recognized histologically was epithelial necrosis of alveoli and terminal bronchioles. Alveolar lumens contained large epithelioid cells, which were probably macrophages, and multinucleated syncytial cells were present in 16 of the 19 lungs. Inflammatory cells were sparse. Intraalveolar fibrin was prominent in all lungs. Bacteriological examination revealed no significant pathogen in 12 animals, but Rhodococcus equi was isolated from seven foals, associated in two animals with extensive abscesses. Viruses were not recovered from eight foals examined.

On the basis of the similarity and severity of lesions, the sporadic nature of the disease, and the similar age at onset which appears to coincide with declining maternally-derived immunoglobulins, we speculate that this disease may be the result of a viral infection.