The quality of service provided by the irrigation department to the users associations, Tunuyan System, Mendoza, Argentina

The quality of service provided by the provincial Irrigation Department (DGI) to the Water Users Associations (UA), and subsequently by the UA's to the related water users, is based on the provincial water law. The intended volume of water being delivered per considered period further depends on the water availability and on the (crop irrigation) water requirements. The Service Level (SL) compares the intended water supply with the water supply that would be required to supply the entire irrigable area with sufficient water. As soon as the intended water delivery pattern is set, the measured actual delivery can be assessed against the intention. Several performance indicators are used in this context. Based on the assessment of the Water Delivery Performance Ratio and the Overall Consumed Ratio recommendations are made on changes which can be made to improve water use and reduce problems of waterlogging.     

Use of guaiacol glycerine ether in clinical anaesthesia in the horse

A total of 103 anaesthetic inductions were performed in horses for a variety of elective procedures. All cases were premedicated with acepromazine maleate (0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg body weight [bwt] intramuscularly [im]). In 50 cases (Group A) anaesthesia was induced by a single intravenous (iv) bolus of thiopentone sodium (11.1 mg/kg bwt or 1 g/90 kg bwt) followed immediately by a bolus of suxamethonium chloride (0.1 mg/kg bwt). In 53 cases (Group B) anaesthesia was induced using iv guaiacol glycerine ether (GGE) (approximately 50 mg/kg bwt) followed by a bolus of thiopentone at half the usual dose rate (5.6 mg/kg bwt or 1 g/180 kg bwt). Induction of anaesthesia was uneventful in both groups although in Group B it was particularly smooth. Following endotracheal intubation anaesthesia was maintained with halothane in oxygen administered via a circle system. The duration of anaesthesia was comparable between the two groups; however, the mean (+/- sd) time to standing in Group B, 35 +/- 22 mins, was significantly shorter than in Group A, 48 +/- 25 mins. The use of the GGE/thiopentone technique is discussed.     

Effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on energy and nitrogen metabolism of west African dwarf goats

A study was conducted using 32 mature 22-kg West African Dwarf Goats to measure the effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on energy and nitrogen metabolism. Sixteen goats were infected intravenously with 14 X 10(6) T. vivax. Sixteen control goats were sham-injected. Digestibility and metabolizability of energy and N balance were measured for each goat. Heat production and energy balances were measured per treatment group from 1 wk before infection to 6 wk after infection. Goats were fed alfalfa pellets (10% above maintenance). Treated goats had a reduced (P less than .05) packed cell volume (38 to 40% before infection vs 20 to 25% 6 wk after infection) and an increased (P less than .05) rectal temperature. Log parasitemia/ml was about 6.0 to 6.2. Parasitized goats showed increased urine creatinine excretion at wk 2 postinfection. After infection, feed intake was reduced (about 15%; P less than .05) and greater variability in intake was noted. Treated and control goats had similar N output and energy output in urine. Metabolizability of energy intake was similar at 42.7 vs 42.1% in treated vs control goats, respectively. Heat production in infected goats was increased by about 15%. Treated goats lost more weight and had a lower N balance than control goats (P less than .05). The calculated maintenance energy requirement for infected goats (464 kJ ME/kg.75) was 25% greater than for control goats (375 kJ ME/kg.75).     

An introduction to markers, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted selection for crop improvement: The basic concepts

Recognizing the enormous potential of DNA markers in plant breeding, many agricultural research centers and plant breeding institutes have adopted the capacity for marker development and marker-assisted selection (MAS). However, due to rapid developments in marker technology, statistical methodology for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the jargon used by molecular biologists, the utility of DNA markers in plant breeding may not be clearly understood by non-molecular biologists. This review provides an introduction to DNA markers and the concept of polymorphism, linkage analysis and map construction, the principles of QTL analysis and how markers may be applied in breeding programs using MAS. This review has been specifically written for readers who have only a basic knowledge of molecular biology and/or plant genetics. Its format is therefore ideal for conventional plant breeders, physiologists, pathologists, other plant scientists and students.     

Soil conservation policy measures to control wind erosion in northwestern Europe

Wind erosion is not as significant or a widespread problem in Europe as in dryer parts of the world, but it can cause major damage in small areas. The hazard is greatest in the lowlands of northwestern Europe with more than 3 million ha at high-potential wind erosion risk. Crop damage and off-site damage have prompted farmers and policymakers to pay more attention to wind erosion control. A great variety of measures have been developed in the last decades. Most farmers, however, only use measures to protect their high value crops. In existing policies, little attention is paid to the off-site effects and long-term effects of wind erosion. There are no direct policy measures at a European level to control soil erosion, and few measures exist in individual Member States. Agricultural or environmental EC policies offer different policy tools to approach the wind erosion problems related to agricultural practices. Tools like subsidies for the re-afforestation of arable land can help regional policy makers with the implementation of wind erosion control measures. A case study concerning the ‘Code of Good Agricultural Practice’ shows that regional differences result in different control measures that fits best given the physical, social and economic context. The formulation of the practical details of such code should therefore remain a task of the local or regional government. The main objectives of a Code of Good Agricultural Practice could be formulated at national or European level.