青南牧区南部嵩草草甸群落植被构成及种间关联

植物群落构成和植物种间联结,反映植物物种空间上相互关系,对于草地演替动态及稳定性的揭示具有重要理论意义。以青南牧区南部3个嵩草群落为对象,分析了群落生物量构成变化;并基于2×2列联表及植物种多度,采用Ochiai种间关联度指数及Spearman秩相关分析,探讨了不同嵩草群落的植物种间关系及群落演替特征。结果表明:藏嵩草群落的生物量显著高于高山嵩草+异针茅/杂类草群落,群落生物量主要由莎草科植物构成,其占总生物量的45%~80%,而禾草、杂类草和不可食植物则分别约占总生物量的8.1%,15.2%和16.4%;3个嵩草群落内的植物种对一般存在完全关联、绝对关联和完全独立3种关系,藏嵩草群落和高山嵩草+杂类草群落中完全独立的种对较多,为38.1%和40.0%;而高山嵩草+异针茅群落中完全关联种对较多,为36.3%;3个群落中较多植物种对间存在显著联结性,且显著正联结种对数多于显著负联结种对数,同一种对在不同群落中的种间关系不同;各嵩草群落均处于稳定发展阶段。     

青海格尔木地区高寒草甸两种植物群落构成与鼠害发生的相关性研究

鼠害是引起高寒草甸植被变化的主要因素之一。本研究通过样方法对紫花针茅+杂类草群落和嵩草群落植物种重要值、类群生物量构成及鼠害概况进行相关分析。结果表明:紫花针茅+杂类草群落和嵩草群落的植物种构成差异较大,二者的类群生物量构成与重要值的变化类似。紫花针茅+杂类草群落生物量构成主要以禾草和杂类草植物为主,其分别占总生物量的38.8%和30.0%;而嵩草群落的生物量构成主要以莎草植物为主,占总生物量的86.2%。鼠害对紫花针茅+杂类草群落的影响比嵩草群落的影响大更大。     

蘑菇圈形成对高寒草甸群落植被结构及稳定性的作用

蘑菇圈作为青藏高原高寒草甸一种常见生态学现象,也是草地群落植被更新重要场所。通过对青藏高原高寒草甸蘑菇圈区域群落植被特征和经济类群、生活型及演替顶极成分功能群生物量构成、Raunkiaer频度系数、演替度及Spearman秩相关特征进行分析,明晰蘑菇圈不同区域草地植被分异特征,解析蘑菇圈形成对草地植被变化和群落稳定性的作用。结果表明:1)蘑菇圈形成明显改变物种构成,圈上群落优势种为垂穗披碱草和赖草,而圈上和圈外群落皆无绝对优势种;2)蘑菇圈环的形成显著提高了圈上禾草、地下芽植物和降低种的生物量比例,降低其物种多样性;3)蘑菇圈圈上群落处于更高演替阶段,其植物种重要值与经济类群和演替顶极成分的生物量构成变化一致;4)圈上群落主要植物种对正负关联比为0.89,多数种对的种间联结松散,群落稳定性较低;圈内和圈外群落主要植物种对的正负关联比皆>1,多数种对间关联性较强,群落稳定性较强;且蘑菇圈群落中显著关联种对发生在亚优势种与伴生种或伴生种与伴生种之间。研究认为,蘑菇圈形成促进高寒草甸由莎草/杂类草群落向禾草/杂类草群落演替,但降低高寒草甸稳定性。     

牦牛粪沉积下高寒草甸植物群落种间关联研究

植物群落构成和种间关联,反映物种在空间上的分布及相互依存和制约关系。为探究牦牛粪沉积和植被斑块互作下草地植物群落演变趋势及稳定性机制,以青藏高原东北缘高寒草甸禾草/杂类草斑块和嵩草/杂类草斑块为对象,分析牦牛粪沉积下两种斑块中主要植物种的重要值(IV)、Jaccard种间关联指数和Spearman秩相关系数的变化规律。结果表明,1)粪沉积使禾草/杂类草斑块的建群种扁穗冰草的IV增加和西北针茅的IV降低,嵩草/杂类草斑块的建群种线叶嵩草的IV降低;2)禾草/杂类草斑块中,粪沉积(DP)和对照(CK)的正负关联种对比为0.61和0.63,显著联结种对为6.6%和6.4%;嵩草/杂类草斑块中,DP和CK的正负关联种对比为0.90和0.72,显著联结种对为2.8%和14.5%;且二者显著联结的种对多存在于优势种或亚优势种与伴生种之间;3)两种斑块中多数种对间联结性弱,群落处于不稳定阶段;粪沉积使嵩草/杂类草斑块的稳定性增强,利于禾草/杂类草斑块的演变;4)依据优势种对环境的适应方式和主导生态因子,将两种斑块的群落植物种划分为喜阳耐旱植物、喜阴喜湿植物和喜阳喜湿植物三大生态种组。     

东祁连山不同退化阶段高寒草甸群落结构与植物多样性特征研究

采用样方法对东祁连山地区不同退化程度高寒草甸植物群落进行了调查,对群落结构、物种组成和群落生产力进行了分析,并运用α多样性、β多样性等指标研究了其物种多样性变化.结果表明,1)研究样地内共有植物种13科27属40多种,从未退化-轻度退化-中度退化-重度退化-极度退化,不同退化演替阶段的优势种分别为线叶嵩草 禾草、线叶嵩草 珠芽蓼、珠芽蓼 线叶嵩草、珠芽蓼 杂类草、平车前 杂类草.2)随退化程度的加剧,草地总盖度降低,优良牧草生物量减少,而毒杂草的比例逐渐上升,草地质量下降;地上、地下生物量均明显降低,地上生物量远低于地下生物量,分布在各层的植物根量越来越少,地下根系具有浅层化特点.3)高寒草甸植物群落α多样性指数基本上与均匀度、丰富度指数呈正相关,与生态优势度指数呈负相关;群落的物种丰富度在中度退化阶段最高,但多样性指数和均匀度指数在重度退化阶段最高,群落多样性更多地受均匀度的影响.4)随退化程度的加剧,样方内微生境或资源异质性减小,样方间异质性增大,从而导致β多样性增加;各草地植物群落物种替代速率由大到小的顺序为重度退化-极度退化>未退化-轻度退化>中度退化-重度退化>轻度退化-中度退化.     

青藏高原东北边缘高寒草甸植物种群生态位特征对牦牛放牧的响应

在甘肃天祝县境内的青藏高原高寒草甸牦牛牧区设置不同强度放牧小区,采用野外样方调查法研究了放牧对青藏高原高寒草甸植物组成、种重要值和种群生态位特征的影响。结果表明,青藏高原高寒草甸随放牧强度增大植物种数逐渐减少,其中紫花针茅、西藏香青、高山韭等种类在重度放牧条件下消失。在中度条件下,优势种线叶嵩草的重要值最高;另一优势种珠芽蓼的重要值则是先增加后降低再升高,以轻度放牧条件下最高。在3个放牧强度条件下,珠芽蓼和线叶嵩草的生态位宽度均位居所有种群前两位,并随着放牧强度增加二者的生态位宽度呈增大趋势,在重度放牧条件下二者生态位宽度相等。3个放牧强度下,优势种珠芽蓼和线叶嵩草与各种群间的生态位重叠系数不尽相同,封育或者轻度放牧条件下,珠芽蓼是种群间竞争较强的一方,但当放牧强度达到中度及以上时,珠芽蓼则退出种群间竞争强度激烈的局面;线叶嵩草是重度放牧下,种群间竞争强度最大的一方。说明放牧强度对青藏高寒草甸植物群落植物物种组成、重要值、生态位宽度和生态位重叠值均产生一定的影响,中度放牧强度是珠芽蓼和线叶嵩草的适宜放牧强度。运用“生态位理论”分析青藏高原高寒草甸植物群落生态特征,其结果与“中度干扰理论”相吻合,中度放牧是青藏高原高寒草甸优势种适宜的放牧强度。     

高寒草甸在中、高利用强度下的植被构成和种间关系

通过对青藏高原东北缘2种利用强度高寒草甸植物种重要值和类群生物量构成,及基于2×2列联表的草地主要植物种重要值和类群生物量构成种间Ochiai关联度和Spearman秩相关指数分析。结果表明:中度和重度利用强度草地植物种构成分别以禾草和莎草为主,占各自总生物量的55%和49%;二者较强联结(0.5OI≤1.0)的种间Ochiai指数的种对数是各自弱联结(0≤OI≤0.5)的2.09倍和4倍,Spearman秩相关系数中二者的正负相关种对比为0.75和0.61,均1。2种利用强度草地植物种对间独立性较强,群落整体处于不稳定状态,中度比重度利用强度草地稳定。     

两种放牧模式下高寒草甸群落植被构成及稳定性特征

适宜放牧管理模式,利于草地健康、生产力维持及草地稳定性提高。本研究通过对青藏高原东北缘高寒草甸冷季放牧(CSG)和四季放牧(WCSG)模式下,草地植物种重要值、群落特征、功能群生物量构成、群落物种Raunkiaer频度系数、草地演替度及土壤养分进行定量分析,明晰两种放牧模式下草地植被构成变化和稳定性特征,确定适宜草地管理模式。结果表明:1)CSG和WCSG草地植被优势种分别为冷地早熟禾与矮嵩草和垂穗披碱草,地上生物量构成分别以禾草(86.5%)和莎草(59.1%)为主;2)草层高度、盖度和总地上生物量均为CSG草地极显著高于WCSG草地(P<0.001或P<0.01),且前者分别为后者的6.5、1.1和3.0倍;群落植物物种数为CSG草地显著低于WCSG草地(P<0.05),后者是前者的1.3倍;3)CSG草地中地面芽植物的比例极显著高于WCSG草地(P<0.001),前者为后者的1.4倍;但前者地下芽植物和一年生植物的比例均显著低于后者(P<0.01或P<0.05),且前者分别为后者的18.2%和6.8%;4)CSG管理模式利于草地土壤有机碳(C)和全氮(N)维持;5)CSG草地植物物种Raunkiaer频度呈典型反“J”型,群落趋于相对成熟且稳定阶段。研究认为,CSG管理模式促进高寒草甸由莎草/杂类草群落向禾草/杂类草群落演替,提高草地稳定性。     

青藏高原东缘珠芽蓼+线叶嵩草草地植物群落组成及生产力动态监测

对青藏高原东缘珠芽蓼+线叶嵩草草地3年的定位监测研究表明:该草地群落主要以杂类草组成,杂类草占草群密度的89.6%,是高山带典型的杂类草草甸草地,群落共有植物104种,分属18科48属,珠芽蓼、线叶嵩草为优势种,草群构成中,珠芽蓼所占比例最大,在5.7~13.4,且随生育期的延伸呈逐步上升趋势,在整个草群地上植物量的变化中,珠芽蓼处于主导地位,它的增减变化决定其他类草比率的升降。草地生产力月动态变化呈单峰形曲线,6~7月是地上植物量增长最快的时期,产量高峰出现在8月(167.24g/m2)。全年单位面积载牧量(羊单位)为1.833个/hm2,青草期月理论载牧量(羊单位个/hm2)分别为:5月5.3个,6月11.0个,7月17.8个,8月21.6个9月17.3个,10月11.3个。     

补播对高寒草甸生产力和植物多样性的影响

为了解补播对高寒草甸退化草地恢复过程中群落生产力、功能群结构和物种多样性方面的影响,于2010年5月以位于青藏高原东段的玛曲高寒草甸为研究对象,进行了补播试验。结果表明,补播显著提高地上生物量,同时物种数和丰富度指数Margalef也有显著增加,其中补播处理地上生物量是不补播处理的1.31～1.44倍。补播后莎草类和禾草类地上生物量都呈增长趋势,补播后禾草类地上生物量显著提高,其中最高是不补播的2.7倍,杂类草在群落中所占比例显著降低。适量补播既可以使草地的经济价值得以提高,同时也有利于高寒退化草地的恢复和生态系统的稳定。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein     

Avian brood parasitism — a growing research area in behavioral ecology (part Ⅱ)

正We are pleased to publish the second special issue on avian brood parasitism and to be responsible guest editors for the two special issues of Chinese Birds (Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012 and Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013), entitled "Avian Brood Parasitism - A Growing Research Area in Behavioral Ecology". The first issue was published in December 2012. The goal of the two special issues is to publish accumulated knowledge and some of the recent developments in     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -