Diet supplemented with probiotic for Nile tilapia in polyculture system with marine shrimp

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum) supplemented diet on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a polyculture system with marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) as regards culture performance, hematology, and gut bacterial microbiota. Ten 20-m2 pens were arranged in one earthen pond and stocked with 2 fish (41.9 g) m⁻² and 10 shrimp (2.3 g) m⁻², in total of 40 Nile tilapias and 200 shrimp per experimental unit. Tilapia groups in five of the experimental units were fed a commercial diet supplemented with L. plantarum and the other five with an unsupplemented commercial diet (control). After 12 weeks of culture, the tilapia groups fed the probiotic-supplemented diet presented values 13.6, 7.5, and 7.1% higher for feed efficiency, yield, and final weight, respectively. Viable culturable heterotrophic bacteria counts were reduced, and the number of lactic acid bacteria was increased in the gut of fish and shrimp fed the probiotic-supplemented diet. Hematological analyses showed higher number of thrombocytes and leukocytes in tilapia fed the supplemented diet. L. plantarum utilized in this study colonized the gut of tilapia and shrimp and resulted in reduced number of total bacteria and increased tilapia final weight and feed efficiency.     

Mitigating N2O and NO Emissions from Direct-Seeded Rice with Nitrification Inhibitor and Urea Deep Placement

Soil-emitted nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitric oxide (NO) in crop production are harmful nitrogen (N) emissions that may contribute both directly and indirectly to global warming. Application of nitrification inhibitors, such as dicyandiamide (DCD), and urea deep placement (UDP), are considered effective approaches to reduce these emissions. This study investigated the effects of DCD and UDP, compared to urea and potassium nitrate, on emissions, nitrogen use efficiency and grain yields under direct-seeded rice. High-frequency measurements of N₂O and NO emissions were conducted using the automated closed chamber method throughout the crop-growing season and during the ratoon crop. Both UDP and DCD were effective in reducing N₂O emissions by 95% and 73%, respectively. The highest emission factor (1.53% of applied N) was observed in urea, while the lowest was in UDP (0.08%). Emission peaks were mainly associated with fertilization events and appeared within one to two weeks of fertilization. Those emission peaks contributed to 65%–98% of the total seasonal emissions. Residual effects of fertilizer treatments on the N₂O emissions from the ratoon crop were not significant; however, the urea treatment contributed 2%, whereas UDP contributed to 44% of the total annual emissions. On the other hand, cumulative NO emissions were not significant in either the rice or ratoon crops. UDP and DCD increased grain yields by 16%–19% and N recovery efficiency by 30%–40% over urea. The results suggested that the use of DCD and UDP could mitigate N₂O emissions and increase grain yields and nitrogen use efficiency under direct-seeded rice condition.     

Effects of sex and season in haematological parameters and cellular composition of spleen and head kidney of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis)

Phylogenetic diversity in fish determines high interspecific variability in morphology as well as in physiological parameters. Moreover, several haematological variables and the organ composition of haemolymphopoietic sites may vary according to sex or season. The aim of this study was to establish the haematological parameters and the cellular composition of haemolymphopoietic organs in Odontesthes bonariensis, a commercially valuable fish species in Argentina, and also to determine gender or seasonal variations. Haematocrit exhibited the highest value in summer, while haemoglobin concentration was greater in summer and autumn. Erythrocyte count was higher in spring than autumn and winter, but did not differ with summer. The increase in these variables in seasons with higher water temperatures might be a compensatory mechanism to compensate the lower level of oxygen in the environment. Leucocyte formula and blast haemolymphopoietic cells in spleen and head kidney also showed annual variations since cells related to specific immune response, i.e., lymphocytes and thrombocytes, decrease in winter, whereas cells of the non-specific immune pathways, such as granulocyte, rise. The elevation of a particular type of circulating leucocyte was preceded by an increase in values of its precursor in blood in the previous season. Both, spleen and head kidney were active in haemolymphopoiesis, although with some differences in their activity during different seasons. Males showed higher values of circulating lymphoblasts and granulocytes than females, whereas females exhibited higher values of thrombocytes. This study corroborates the high interspecific variations in haematological parameters in fish that underlines the needing of basic studies in order to assess fish health status in new promising species for aquaculture.     

Evaluation of noninvasive blood pressure in anesthetized horses: Bias,limits of agreement,and comparative detection of a predetermined mean blood pressure warranting treatment

Oscillometric blood pressure monitoring may be a practical tool for short procedures or those performed outside of the operating room. Oscillometric and direct blood pressure values in 30 juvenile and adult horses in a clinical setting using mixed effect models were compared. The limits of agreement and percentage errors were also calculated. We evaluated the sensitivity and false positive rate for the oscillometric method to trigger an intervention for treating blood pressure [direct mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 70 mmHg]. Oscillometric MAP and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) differed from direct values (P < 0.001); systolic arterial pressure (SAP) did not (P = 0.08). Wide limits of agreement were observed. Percentage errors were smaller for SAP (39%) than for MAP and DAP (48% and 72%). The oscillometric monitor indicated there was a requirement for blood pressure treatment with a true positive rate of 82%, consequently, it failed 18% of the times. The false positive rate (unnecessary treatment) was 55%.     

On-farm evaluation of the effect of coffee pulp supplementation on milk yield and dry matter intake of dairy cows grazing tropical grasses in central Mexico

Tropical grasses are the primary nutrient resource for cattle production in the tropics, and they provide low-cost nutrients to cattle. However, its production is constrained by seasonal changes and quality; hence, appropriate usage of relatively inexpensive agricultural by-products is important to profitable livestock production. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing coffee pulp to dairy cows grazing tropical grasses on milk yield and forage intake. Four multiparous crossed Holstein–Brown Swiss–Zebu cows of similar weight and milk yield were used. The effect of 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion of coffee pulp in dairy concentrates on milk yield and forage intake was analysed using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Results showed that there were no significant effects (P > 0.05) in grass dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition body weight and body condition score due to the inclusion of coffee pulp in the dairy concentrates. It is concluded that coffee pulp can be included at levels of 20% in the concentrate without compromising significantly (P > 0.05) milk yield, milk composition and grass dry matter intake. It also was concluded that cost of concentrate is reduced in 20% by the inclusion of coffee pulp.     

Advances in European agroforestry: results from the AGFORWARD project

In global terms, European farms produce high yields of safe and high quality food but this depends on the use of many off-farm inputs and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, loss of soil nutrients and other negative environmental impacts incur substantial societal costs. Farmers in the European Union receive support through a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that comprises direct payments to farmers (Pillar I) and payments related to rural development measures (Pillar II). This paper examines the ways in which agroforestry can support European agriculture and rural development drawing on the conclusions of 23 papers presented in this Special Issue of Agroforestry Systems which have been produced during a 4-year research project called AGFORWARD. The project had the goal of promoting agroforestry in Europe and focused on four types of agroforestry: (1) existing systems of high nature and cultural value, and agroforestry for (2) high value tree, (3) arable, and (4) livestock systems. The project has advanced our understanding of the extent of agroforestry in Europe and of farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry, including the reasons for adoption or non-adoption. A participatory approach was used with over 40 stakeholder groups across Europe to test selected agroforestry innovations through field trials and experiments. Innovations included improved grazing management in agroforestry systems of high nature and cultural value and the introduction of nitrogen fixing plants in high value timber plantations and olive groves. Other innovations included shelter benefits for arable crops, and disease-control, nutrient-retention, and food diversification benefits from integrating trees in livestock enterprises. Biophysical and economic models have also been developed to predict the effect of different agroforestry designs on crop and tree production, and on carbon sequestration, nutrient loss and ecosystems services in general. These models help us to quantify the potential environmental benefits of agroforestry, relative to agriculture without trees. In view of the substantial area of European agroforestry and its wider societal and environmental benefits, the final policy papers in this Special Issue argue that agroforestry should play a more significant role in future versions of the CAP than it does at present.     

Heat‐inactivated Mycobacterium bovis protects zebrafish against mycobacteriosis

Control of mycobacterial infection constitutes a priority for human and animal health worldwide. However, effective vaccines are needed for the control of human and animal tuberculosis (TB). Adult zebrafish have become a useful model for studying the pathophysiology of mycobacterial infection and for the development of novel interventions for TB control and prevention. Recently, parenteral and oral immunization with the heat‐inactivated Mycobacterium bovis vaccine (M. bovis IV) protected wild boar against TB. The objectives of this study were to provide additional support for the role of M. bovis IV in TB control using the zebrafish model and to conduct the first trial with this vaccine for the control of fish mycobacteriosis. The results showed that M. bovis IV protected zebrafish against mycobacteriosis caused by low and high infection doses of Mycobacterium marinum and provided evidence suggesting that the protective mechanism elicited by M. bovis IV in zebrafish as in other species is based on the activation of the innate immune response through the C3 pathway, with a role for the regulatory protein Akr2 in this process. These results encourage the use of M. bovis IV for TB control in different species.     

Antigenic characterization of morphologically distinct Anaplasma marginale isolates using a panel of monoclonal antibodies

The present study, describes the antigenic characterization of a Brazilian isolate of Anaplasma marginale with appendage (tail). A panel of monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) was produced and tested by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), ELISA and Western blotting, and used to characterize two isolates of A. marginale (one with appendage and another without appendage). Among the clones produced, eight recognized antigenic proteins, with molecular weights varying from 18.4 to 66kDa. In Western blotting, the McAb reacted against a 45kDa antigen, which was shown, by the IFAT, to be located in the tail. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the tail specificity of the monoclonal reacting against the 45kDa antigen. The panel of McAb produced has a potential use in discriminating morphologically distinct A. marginale isolates. The present study, demonstrates the occurrence of antigenic diversity among Brazilian isolates of A. marginale.     

Use of a dermal biopsy punch for removal of ectopic cilia in dogs: 19 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a dermal biopsy punch for accurate and quick removal of ectopic cilia in dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: This study reports the treatment of ectopic cilia detected in 12 dogs during the period from June 2002 to December 2004. Five cases were affected with ectopic cilia in the right eye, and five in the left eye, with two cases affected bilaterally. Nineteen ectopic cilia were detected in 12 dogs. PROCEDURE: The technique described in this study consists of using a 2-3-mm skin biopsy punch with the aid of an operating microscope. RESULTS: No recurrence was noted in any of the cases. The presurgical blepharospasm due to the presence of the cilia resolved as well as uneventful corneal healing of any associated corneal erosions or ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: This method offers a simple, practical alternative to the traditional scalpel procedure as described in the veterinary ophthalmic literature.