Physicochemical parameters,fatty acid profile,and sensory attributes of meat from lambs fed with cassava dregs in replacement of corn

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of corn by cassava dregs (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in the diet of lamb on...     

Comparative efficacy of conventional and new rodenticides against Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778) in wheat and alfalfa crops

In order to compare the efficacies of new rodenticides (sodium selenite and cellulose) and conventional ones (bromadiolone, brodifacoum and cholecalciferol) in controlling Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778) in wheat and alfalfa crops, experiments were conducted at two sites near Belgrade, Serbia, in the spring of 2008, using a standard EPPO method. The presence of rodent populations, their spatial distribution and density indexes were evaluated by pre-treatment census, and rodenticide efficacy by counting active holes 14 and 28 days after treatment.     

High-speed centrifugation of extender of freeze-thaw boar semen

In semen cryopreservation, egg yolk is still widely used as a non-penetrating cryoprotectant. Much has been developed in the search for alternatives for this biological product. This work aimed to evaluate the processed egg yolk through ultracentrifugation and/or sonication in the cryopreservation of swine semen. Twenty-seven semen doses were purchased from a commercial boar stud and processed for cryopreservation using egg yolk lactose 11% (control) extender, processed using two different methods: high-speed centrifugation and sonication. Then, they were submitted to freeze-thawing protocol and were assessed for kinematic and cell structural parameters. Samples in which extenders underwent centrifugation had better results in velocity parameters, meanwhile those that only sonication was performed had poorest results in this parameter. The preservation of the membrane and mitochondria structure had better results when the diluent was only centrifuged in comparison with the other treatments. Therefore, centrifugation of extender containing egg yolk is important for better cryopreservation of swine semen.     

Characterization of lake sediment humic acids from the Ćelije Lake system near Kruševac (Central Serbia) by13C and 1H solution NMR and 13C cpmas NMR

Humic acids were extracted from the bottom sediment of the three lakes (Zlatari, Vasici and Vodozahvat) that together comprise Lake ?elije a regional drinking water reservoir. The humic acids were examined by high resolution ¹³C and ¹H solution NMR and ¹³C CPMAS. The aromaticity expressed as the number of benzene rings per 1000 g of humic acid is 1.8 for Zlatari, 2.3 for Vasici and 1.9 for Vodozahvat. Oxygen-substituted aromatic carbon structures in humic acids from the first two lakes (Zlatari and Vasici) are similar and resemble p-coumaryl units in lignin while those in Lake Vodozahvat more closely resemble coniferyl or sinapyl units in lignin. The aromatic rings of all three humic acids are highly substituted. Humic acids from the first two lakes have very similar carbohydrate carbon contents (19.9 and 19.5% respectively) compared to 23.3% for Vodozahvat humic acid. Zlatari and Vodozahvat humic acids have a higher alkyl chain content which indicates a greater potential for forming hydrophobic cavities. The carboxyl and aromatic OH group content of each humic acid influences their capacity for forming complexes with metal ions.     

Feed handling of lactating crossbred cows maintained in a semi‐arid region during the hot season: physiological parameters,ingestive behavior and performance

The effects of time of feed delivery (14.00 hours; 14.00 and 20.00 hours; 16.00 and 18.00 hours) on the physiological parameters, ingestive behavior, nutrient intake and production of lactating cows maintained in a semi‐arid region during the hot season were evaluated. Regardless of treatment, all animals received the first feeding supply at 06.00 hours. Eight cows with an average body weight of 600 kg, average milk yield of 20 kg/day and 80 days in milk were utilized. The rectal temperature, respiratory rate and sweating rate were not affected (P > 0.05), with average values of 38.5°C, 53.8 movements/min and 104 g/m²/h respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the eating time (314 min/day), ruminating time (564 min/day), drinking time (61 min/day) and idle time (502 min/day). Similarly, the intake of nutrients and performance of lactating cows were not affected (P > 0.05), with average dry matter intake of 19.8 kg/day, 4% fat‐corrected milk of 20.6 kg/day and milk fat concentration of 4.03 g/100 g. Since the behavior and performance have not altered, any times of feed delivery evaluated could be used to crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows maintained on a feedlot in semi‐arid regions during the hot season.     

Evaluation of growth response of phytopathogens Alternaria alternata,Diaporthe nobilis and Phytophthora plurivora to inhibitory potential of three essential oils of Monarda didyma genotypes

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The growth response of three phytopathogens to inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs), derived from three monarda (Monarda didyma L.) genotypes, was...     

Spatial patterns of variation in the composition and structure of nematode communities in relation to different microhabitats: a case study of Quercus dalechampii Ten. forest

Variability in the spatial distribution of nematode communities in relation to the structural heterogeneity of the environment was studied in nine different microhabitats within a relatively small area of a natural oak forest in Bulgaria. Maturity and diversity indices, trophic structure and the distribution of colonizer-persister groups were applied to analyze the quality of substrate and ecological processes involved from a functional point of view. Two main groups of nematode communities, below- and above-ground, were distinguished in terms of the location of the microhabitats. Our results indicated a higher percentage similarity between nematode communities inhabiting microhabitats with a higher resemblance in substrate structure, and abiotic and biotic conditions than between microhabitats with more dissimilar microenvironmental conditions. The application of Detrended Correspondence Analysis helped to reveal two ecological gradients. The first one was from microhabitats characterized by smaller fluctuations in microclimatic conditions and nutrient supply to microhabitats with more adverse abiotic conditions and dynamics of food resources. Along this gradient from below- to above-ground microhabitats, the proportion of general opportunists (cp 2 taxa) increased, whereas the diversity, MI and the proportions of persisters (cp (3-5) taxa), decreased. Along the second gradient a gradual decrease in the decomposition rate within above-ground microhabitats was revealed, which was indicated by the proportion of enrichment opportunists (cp 1 taxa). The nematode communities of decaying wood had the most specific cp groups' distribution characterized by a high proportion of enrichment opportunists (colonizers). Each microhabitat has developed nematode communities with a characteristic trophic structure that was related to the relative importance of primary production and decomposition processes occurring within the microhabitat. The nematode communities of mosses growing on soil, stones and tree trunks had similar trophic structure dominated by bacterial-feeding nematode taxa. Our results supported the role of nematode communities as potential indicators of environmental conditions.     

Computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy of the head in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the head region of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using computed tomography. For this, three giant anteater corpses, adult and female, were used. The tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in rostrocaudal direction. Subsequently, the heads of these animals were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 1.5 cm each. Tomographic images were compared with anatomical sections. The association between computed tomography and anatomical sections allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the nasal, oral, cranial, pharyngeal and ear cavities. An elongated oral cavity delimited by the elongated mandible was observed. The oral cavity was mainly occupied by a thin and elongated tongue formed mainly by the union of the sternoglossal muscles. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extended up to the neck at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra. The findings of this study suggest that the giant anteater has a head with structures morphologically adapted to its feeding habits, such as an elongated skull, tongue, styloid bones and mandible. In addition, based on the results of this study, it is possible to suggest that computed tomography is a pivotal tool for the veterinary routine of wild animals, since it allowed the identification of anatomical structures found in the head of the giant anteater.     

The effects of pre-harvest dehydration on the composition of once-over harvested sweet paprika

When paprika fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) were allowed to dry in the sun, on the plant itself, before harvest, there was a considerable increase in the dry matter content of the subsequently harvested fruit, along with a decrease in the total fresh yield. The dry matter yield did not vary during the drying period, but the colour intensity of the fruit increased continuously. Early cessation of irrigation accelerated the drying rate and intensified fruit colour, but lowered the total dry matter yield.Removal of seeds, placenta parts and stalk after harvest increased fruit colour intensity but lowered yields.Leaving fruit to dry in the sun before harvest resulted in a considerable saving in transport and storage volume, as well in the amount of energy required otherwise to dry the fruit in the dehydration plant. It also opens up possibilities of once-over mechanized harvesting of high quality fruit.