Relationship between serum cortisol levels and some physiological parameters following reining training session in horse

The changes of cortisol, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were evaluated after a reining training session in eight Quarter Horses. All parameters were measured before exercise (T0), immediately after exercise (T1), 1 h after exercise (T2), 2 h after exercise (T3) and 24 h after exercise (T4). One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures, followed Bonferroni's post hoc test, showed a significant effect of the reining training session (P < 0.0001) on cortisol, RBC, Hb, Hct, HR, RR and RT. Simple linear regression analysis showed the positive correlation (P < 0.05) between cortisol changes and variations of studied parameters in T1, T3 and T4. Exercise‐induced cortisol concentrations reflect the physiological response of reining training, suggesting that the changes observed are useful to assess the performance in reining horses and their reining training adaptability.     

Stress steroid levels and the short-term impact of routine dehorning in female southern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Rhinoceros populations in Africa are under severe threat as a result of surging poaching rates and risk-mitigation strategies are continuously adapted in an attempt to ensure the survival of the species. This study compared faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels of two age classes of limited free-ranging female white rhinos with fGCM levels of adult free-ranging female white rhinos. Subsequently, fGCM alterations in the limited free-ranging animals were monitored following routine dehorning as a measure of the animals’ short-term physiological stress response. Baseline fGCM levels differed significantly between tested groups, with both free-ranging and limited free-ranging adult animals showing significantly higher fGCM levels compared with limited free-ranging juvenile females. In contrast, baseline fGCM levels did not differ significantly between limited free-ranging and free-ranging adult individuals. Routine dehorning procedures resulted in a short-term stress response expressed by a significant increase in fGCM levels 48 h post-dehorning, with stress steroid levels returning to pre-dehorning concentrations 72 h after the procedure.     

Effects of dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis on laying performance,egg quality,blood biochemistry and immune response of organic laying hens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different probiotic micro‐organisms on the performance, egg quality and blood parameters of organically reared hens. A total of 900 16‐week‐old Hy‐Line layer hybrids were randomly assigned to three groups of 300 birds each. The control (CTR) group was fed a corn–soya bean cake‐based diet; the L group was fed the same diet supplemented with 0.1% Lactobacillus acidophilus, while the B group was fed the same diet supplemented with 0.05% Bacillus subtilis. Data were recorded at the beginning (weeks 5 and 6: T1) and at the end (weeks 19 and 20: T2) of the experiment, and no differences in hen performance were recorded between dietary groups or sampling times. All of the investigated clinical chemistry parameters, except GGT, were affected by diet (p < 0.05), with the best results recorded for the probiotic‐treated groups. The immune‐response values showed higher blood bactericidal activity in the B and L groups at T2 (p < 0.05) and a lower lysozime concentration in the B group at T1. Higher antibody production against Newcastle disease virus was observed in the L group compared to the CTR (p = 0.013). No differences in oxidative status were recorded, and no effects of diet on egg quality were observed. Among the physical egg characteristics, only the Roche scale colour was affected by diet (p < 0.05): the egg yolk was paler in the L group. The age of the hen was the most relevant factor affecting physical egg characteristics. The chemical parameters of the egg were almost unaffected by supplementation with probiotics except for the lipid content, which decreased with the L diet (p < 0.05). Both probiotic inclusions had beneficial effects on hen metabolism and welfare, and L. acidophilus induced the best immune response.     

微生物菌剂在蔬菜基质研发与应用上的研究进展

综述了在固体有机废弃物基质发酵过程中,添加微生物菌剂对堆体温度、p H值、养分含量和C/N等关键腐熟指标的影响,分析了微生物菌剂在蔬菜基质育苗和栽培上的应用效果及其作用机制,并展望了微生物菌剂在未来基质研发上的应用前景,以期为含有微生物菌剂的功能型蔬菜基质开发提供新的思路。     

不同品种青贮玉米群体光合性能指标的变化

通过对不同青贮玉米品种群体光合性能指标的研究结果表明，不同青贮玉米品种叶面积指数、光合势、群体生长率在整个生育期均呈单峰曲线变化，峰值出现在散粉至乳熟期间，因不同品种而异。净同化率则呈“马鞍”型曲线变化。多分蘖品种科试1号、植株高大品种东陵白与农大647在生育期间叶面积指数和光合势均较高，东陵白生育前、中期群体生长率显著高于其它品种，且高值持续时间较长，这是其生物产量高的生理基础。生产中，采取合理栽培措施，克服此类品种植株高大、个体繁茂、群体郁蔽导致植株病害和倒伏严重的不足，可实现青贮玉米群体生物产量的进一步提高。     

An economist's perspective on irrigation performance assessment: With examples from large scale irrigation in Morocco

This paper accepts that assessing the performance of irrigated agriculture is difficult because being multi-dimensional it requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Public irrigation schemes may have a number of often competing objectives and are assessed by interest groups with differing values and perspectives. A wide range of performance indicators are thus required. Some of these and the complex inter-relationships that may exist in the system are illustrated.     

A review of irrigation performance assessment in California

A survey of irrigation performance assessment as conducted in California was performed. Emphasis was placed on the actual procedures employed by the State's major water providers and irrigation districts. Survey results covered the development of innovative irrigation performance assessment parameters as well as the methodologies used to evaluate these parameters. All aspects of California's irrigation infrastructure were considered, from the management of major hydraulic structures, through water delivery, and on-farm consideration. Environmental performance assessment methodologies were also examined.     

棉花调亏灌溉的生态生理效应

在人工控制试验条件下 ,采用子母盆栽土培法 ,以棉花为试验材料进行了调亏灌溉试验研究。结果表明 ,棉花调亏灌溉是可行的 ,可以实现节水、高产和高效的目标。适时适度的水分调亏显著抑制蒸腾速率 ,而光合速率下降不明显 ,复水后光合速率又具有超补偿效应 ,光合产物具有超补偿积累 ,且有利于向棉铃运转与分配 ;抑制营养生长 ,促进生殖生长。棉花调亏灌溉的适宜指标是 :苗期轻、中度调亏 ,0～ 40 cm土层湿度控制下限为田间持水量的6 0 %或 5 0 %;蕾期轻度调亏 ,0～ 40 cm土层湿度控制下限为 6 0 %;花铃期不宜调亏 ,应保证充足供水 ,0～ 40 cm土层湿度应不低于 75 %;吐絮期可中度调亏 ,0～ 40 cm土层湿度可控制在 5 0 %～ 5 5 %。