Claviceps cyperi, a new cause of severe ergotism in dairy cattle consuming maize silage and teff hay contaminated with ergotised Cyperus esculentus (nut sedge) on the Highveld of South Africa

During December/January 1996/97 typical summer syndrome (hyperthermia and a 30% drop in milk yield) occurred in succession in two Holstein dairy herds (n=240 and n=150 milking cows, respectively) on the South African Highveld. These farms are situated in the midst of the prime maize and dairy farming areas of South Africa where this condition had never been diagnosed before. The individual components of the concentrate on both farms were negative for ergot alkaloids. Endophytic fungi and/or ergot infestation of teff and other grasses fed to the cows were then suspected of being involved, but neither endophytes nor ergot alkaloids could be implicated from these sources. By measuring the serum prolactin levels of groups of sheep (n=5) fed the first farm's total mixed ration (TMR) or its three individual fibre components for a period of 11 days, the source of the ergot alkaloids was identified. A statistically significant decrease in the level of this hormone occurred only in the group on maize silage (which constituted 28% on dry matter base of the TMR). The involvement of the maize silage was further chemically confirmed by the high levels of total ergot alkaloids, predominantly ergocryptine, found by LC-MS in the silage as well as in the TMR (115-975 ppb and 65-300 ppb, respectively). The ergot alkaloid content (mainly ergocryptine) of the maize silage on the second affected farm was 875 ppb. Withdrawal of contaminated silage resulted in gradual recovery of stock on both farms. Nut sedge (Cyperus esculentus and Cyperus rotundus of the family Cyperaceae) has a world-wide distribution and is a common weed in annual crops, and can be parasitized by Claviceps cyperi. Careful examination of the maize silage from both farms revealed that it was heavily contaminated with nut sedge and that it contained minute sclerotia, identified as those of Claviceps cyperi, originating from the latter. Nut sedge was abundant on both farms and it is believed that late seasonal rain had resulted in mature, heavily ergotised nut sedge being cut with the silage. Claviceps cyperi sclerotia, collected on the affected fields in the following autumn contained 3600-4000 ppm ergocryptine. That the dominant alkaloid produced by this particular fungus was indeed ergocryptine, was confirmed by negative ion chemical ionization MS/MS. In one further outbreak in another Holstein herd, teff hay contaminated with ergotised nut sedge and containing 1200 ppb alkaloids, was incriminated as the cause of the condition. This is the first report of bovine ergotism not associated with the Poaceae infected with Claviceps purpureum or endophytes but with the family Cyperaceae and this particular fungal phytopathogen.     

四川省莎草、杂类草草地生产力遥感监测

采用地面调查与“3S”技术相结合的方法,应用MODIS-NDVI对四川省“莎草Cyperus microiria、杂类草草地”生产力进行监测,对草原植被与生态状况及其变化做出评价。结果表明：NDVI估产模型相关系数r=0.640 3,F检验达到了极显著水平。利用模型计算出2006、2007年“莎草、杂类草草地” 可食牧草鲜草产量分别为188.6亿、203.8亿kg,平均产量3 229.5、3 489.00 kg/hm2;植被盖度分别为79.68%、81.29%;植被高度分别为17.08、16.03 cm;可食率分别为76.1%、75.0%。生产力2007年较2006年增加6.1%,其余指标年际变化不明显。     

冬季火烧对青藏高原亚高山草甸草地地上生产力和植物群落的影响

以2010年1月21日发生于青藏高原亚高山草甸草地火灾的过火草地为对象,通过对比2010年生长季火烧与未火烧草地生产力及植物群落的变化,发现火烧后第1年草地生产力有不同程度提高,以高寒灌丛草甸线叶嵩草+发草+苔草草地增产影响最大(P0.05)。火烧对植物群落中的种类成分没有明显影响,但在各火烧草地牧草经济类群中,以占优势的莎草科植物呈现出明显的增产效果(P0.05),说明火烧对根茎型莎草科植物起着刺激生长的作用。群落中禾本科植物产草量均有较大幅度下降(P0.05),表明火烧对根茎型禾本科高草的叶层高度有明显的抑制。火烧对各类草地植物生长期产生不同的影响,牧草返青期提前15~25d,生长期延长。     

青藏高原高寒草甸群落特征对氮沉降和增水的响应

试验选择高寒草甸为研究对象,通过连续两年定位观测,采用模拟氮沉降与增水及其交互作用对高寒草地群落特征的影响,为高寒草地生产力功能提升提供科学依据。结果表明:模拟氮沉降和增水及其交互处理,当年均能够显著增加高寒草甸地上总生物量、禾本科植物、豆科植物生物量,但显著降低莎草科植物生物量;而在第2年,增水处理并未明显增加地上生物量,氮沉降与增水交互作用可以稳定地提高高寒草地生产力,各处理均能够明显提高禾本科和莎草科生物量、降低杂类草生物量。增水当年能够显著提高高寒草甸物种丰富度和生物多样性指数,但氮沉降和增水交互降低物种多样性指数;而在第2年,各处理物种数目和多样性指数均降低,且氮沉降与增水的交互作用影响效应达到极显著性检验水平。综合分析,氮沉降和增水及其交互作用在提升草地生产力、优良牧草生物量的同时,也可能造成高寒草甸物种丰富度和多样性指数降低,在草地的适应性管理方面需要引起足够的关注。     

湖南省洞口县第二例牛尿素中毒诊治报告

1前言湖南省洞口县第二例牛尿素中毒,制做了简易竹洞针,进行左赚部套洞针(竹洞针)穿刺术放气,灌入食醋,葡萄糖输液等抢救和治疗方案。牛场存栏328头,239头中毒,发病率72.9%,治疗239头,治愈216头,治愈率90.4%,较首例牛尿素中毒病例治愈率100%,降低9.6个百分点,瘤胃膨气病病牛128头,治愈105头,治愈率82.0%,较洞口县首例牛尿素中毒病例治愈率100%,下降18.0个百分点;并对牛瘤胃膨气病最佳抢救时间和尿素养牛正确用量用法进行了探索,供同行参考。     

围栏封育改良荒漠化草地的效果

2004-2006年,对古浪县北部腾格里沙漠南缘荒漠化草地进行为期3年的围栏封育改良试验.结果表明,围栏封育措施对恢复草地植被效果明显.围栏封育后草地中植物的高度、盖度、多度、冠幅、地上生物量和可食牧草产量等生产性能明显提高;牧草成分显著变化,优良莎草科、禾本科牧草产量与种类增加,杂类草种类与产量下降;围栏封育区区域生...     

天祝高寒草甸土壤容重与孔隙度时空变化研究

选取天祝高寒草句线叶嵩草草地（Kobresia capillifolia pasture）、莎草一禾草草地（sedgegrass pasture）、禾草一杂类草草地（grass-forb semi-artificial pasture）及珠芽蓼草地（Polygonum viviparum pasture）4块样地的土壤为研究对象,通过对其土壤的物理性状取样分析,结果表明：土壤容重与孔隙度随时间无确定的变化规律;土壤空间结构变化规律明显,均表现出土壤容重随土层深度增加而逐渐增大,土壤孔隙度随土层深度增加而逐渐减小的规律。并且禾草一杂类草半人工草地的土壤容重小于其他3个样地,说明其表层土壤孔隙度增大,通气透水性好。     

东乌珠穆沁草甸草原不同退化程度草地植物群落结构与多样性研究

为深入研究不同退化程度草甸草原植物群落多样性及稳定性的动态变化规律,本研究采用样方法对东乌珠穆沁不同退化程度草甸草原植物群落结构及多样性进行了调查分析。结果表明：研究区植物主要为禾本科、菊科、蔷薇科、莎草科、豆科、唇形科。随草地退化程度加剧：草地植被盖度减小;群落优势种从禾本科、莎草科、豆科等优质牧草逐渐转变为杂类草植物;多年生植物优势度下降,一年生杂草优势度上升,群落稳定性变差。未退化草地物种丰富度最大,中度退化草地较未退化草地表现出较高的多样性、优势度、均匀度、丰富度指数,其余草地类型多样性差异不显著。未退化草地样点间植物群落相似度较高,与轻度、中度、重度退化草地植物群落组成差别较大。轻度、中度、重度退化草地间植物群落组成存在相似性。本研究结果为退化草甸草原的恢复重建提供参考。     

放牧对松嫩平原羊草草地植物种群分布的影响

放牧对羊草草地植被及其土壤环境的影响是放牧演替系列上植物种群规律分布的重要原因。本文从由放牧引起的植被及主要土壤因子变化梯度入手,研究羊草、五脉山黧豆、寸草苔等8种主要植物在放牧衰退演替系列上的分布规律、生态位重叠及主要土壤因子变化对其分布的影响。     

SW-BSA人工抗原疫苗对山羊的免疫评价

10只山羊随机分为攻毒对照组和免疫攻毒组。免疫攻毒组山羊经过2次免疫,检测血清效价达到较高后,2组山羊同时饲喂甘肃棘豆草粉,进行攻毒饲喂试验。攻毒组山羊出现明显中毒症状后处死,进行病理组织学观察。免疫攻毒组继续饲喂试验,以观察疫苗的保护效果。分别测定血液中各项生化指标,并进行病理组织学检查。结果显示,攻毒组山羊于饲喂草粉的第15~20天出现典型的中毒症状,免疫攻毒组于第50~55天出现中毒症状,比攻毒对照组延缓30~40d;攻毒后,攻毒对照组山羊血液中生化指标迅速改变,而免疫攻毒组表现渐进性变化,其中苦马豆素（SW）浓度、AST、ALP、LDH、BUN、α-mannosidase活性分别比攻毒对照组延缓27、24、27、30、24、30d达到较高或较低点;中毒山羊组织器官出现以急性中毒性缺血、缺氧和空泡变性为特点的病理变化。结果表明,SW-BSA人工抗原疫苗对山羊疯草中毒有一定的免疫保护作用。     

Yield Response of Needle-and-Thread and Threadleaf Sedge to Moisture Regime and Spring and Fall Defoliation

Little information is available to help managers of cool-season dominated semiarid rangelands determine when to begin and end grazing in the spring and fall. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of clipping spring and fall growth on subsequent-year yield of needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.] Barkworth) and threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia Nutt.) (USDA-NRCS 2012) using a randomized complete block, split-plot experimental design with fall moisture regimes (ambient or supplemental water) applied to main plots and defoliation treatments applied to subplots. Two combinations of spring defoliation, one for each fall moisture regime, were composed of a factorial array of three spring clipping dates (early May, late May, mid-June) and three levels of defoliation (0%, 40%, 80%). A third combination of treatments was composed of the supplemental water regime and an array of a single spring clipping date (late May), a single fall clipping date (late September, after regrowth), and three levels of defoliation (0%, 40%, 80%) in the same year. Ambient fall moisture was low, leading to continued senescence of needle-and-thread and threadleaf sedge, whereas the application of 10 cm of supplemental water in mid-August stimulated fall growth. The study was replicated with two sets of main plots at four sites in consecutive years, 2002 and 2003. Yield data were collected in mid-June of the year following treatment. Subsequent-year yield of needle-and-thread was not affected by defoliation under average plant-year precipitation conditions (2003) (P > 0.05); however, it was reduced following heavy (80%) late spring (late May or June) defoliation during a drought year (2002) (P > 0.05). Subsequent-year yield of threadleaf sedge was not affected by defoliation in either year (P > 0.05). Because it is difficult to predict when drought will occur, avoiding heavy late-spring grazing in needle-and-thread–dominated pastures in consecutive years would be prudent.     

施肥对贵南县轻度退化草甸植被特征的影响

草地退化已严重影响青藏高原高寒牧区畜牧业的发展,施肥是改良轻度退化草地的常用措施。2011-2012年,本研究以贵南县轻度退化草地为研究对象,2011年施加不同氮肥量（0,60,105,150,195和240 kg·hm^-2）和菌肥（45 m³·hm^-2）,探讨施肥在退化草地治理过程中对草地群落盖度、高度和地上生物量的影响。结果表明：施肥处理能够有效提高轻度退化草地植被群落的盖度、高度和总地上生物量,且施肥后次年轻度退化草地群落的盖度、高度和总地上生物量显著（P<0.05）优于当年。45 m³·hm^-2菌肥处理在当年的效果较好,195 kg·hm^-2氮肥处理在次年更佳,2012年7-10月地上总生物量均为最高,分别比不施肥处理分别高出44.3%,97.1%,123.0%和135.4%。不同草种对施肥的响应也不同,195 kg·hm^-2氮肥处理下,2011年禾草地上生物量较高,2012年莎草生物量高于禾草。综上,195 kg·hm^-2尿素施用量配合围栏封育的措施可用于贵南县轻度退化草地的植被恢复。     

放牧对川西北高寒草甸植物物种丰富度和生物量的影响

为确定川西北地区高寒草甸的最佳放牧强度,根据牦牛的采食量和草地地上生物量,设置了轻度(0.71头·hm~(-2))、中度(1.19头·hm~(-2))、重度(1.60头·hm~(-2))3个放牧强度处理,进行连续3年的放牧,测定其对草地植物物种丰富度、地上生物量的影响。结果表明,随着放牧强度的增加,植物物种丰富度呈下降趋势;放牧第3年,中度放牧草地年度地上生物量最高,显著高于其它两处理(P0.05),轻度放牧次之,重度放牧最低;和放牧第1年相比,轻度放牧和中度放牧草地地上生物量中杂类草生物量比例显著减少(P0.05),禾草生物量比例显著增加(P0.05),而重度放牧草地杂类草生物量比例未变,禾草生物量比例显著下降(P0.05),但3个放牧处理中莎草占地上生物量的比例均显著增加(P0.05)。因此,川西北地区高寒草甸的最佳放牧强度为1.19头·hm~(-2),这利于草地高产和优良牧草禾草及莎草的生长。     

Description of a scale for rating the clinical response of cattle poisoned by larkspur

Larkspur poisoning is a major cause of acute death of cattle on mountain and high plains rangelands of western United States. A nonlethal method to quantify dose response in cattle is needed to better estimate the toxicity of larkspur plants and the response of cattle to larkspur poisoning and to provide a basis for reference during studies. A numerical system of rating the clinical signs of larkspur poisoning was developed and used to describe the response of 10 Hereford cows given a repeated single daily dose of larkspur (Delphinium occidentale x barbeyi) by gavage. Larkspur poisoning resulted from a short-term cumulative effect, and a statistically significant increase in score was essentially maximal by 4 days. At the dose given, this effect did not persist for more than 4 days after cessation of dosing. Poisoning was most severe between 5 and 9 hours after dosing. Early signs of poisoning can be subtle and sometimes brief. The effect of larkspur poisoning can be exacerbated temporarily by exertion. Therefore, cattle could probably repeatedly consume an otherwise toxic daily dose, without manifesting marked signs of poisoning, if consumption decreased to a sufficient degree intermittently at 2- to 4-day intervals.     

苦马豆素抗血清治疗家兔小花棘豆中毒

通过检测苦马豆素（swainsonine,SW）抗血清治疗小花棘豆中毒家兔血清免疫和生化指标变化,评价SW抗血清对家兔小花棘豆中毒的治疗效果。将18只家兔随机分为对照组（6只）、攻毒组（6只）和攻毒治疗组（6只）,攻毒试验兔按干重拌料饲喂10g／（kg·d）小花棘豆草粉,攻毒组试验兔出现死亡时（第70天）停止攻毒。攻毒第21天,攻毒治疗组试验兔注射SW抗血清,每只兔每天0．5mL,连续注射4d。以攻毒试验开始进行首次采血,试验开始后每7d采血1次,进行血清免疫和生化指标测定。结果显示,攻毒第7天时攻毒家兔血清AKP活性和SW含量显著高于对照家兔（P〈0．05）;第14天时攻毒家兔血清AST和LDH活性显著高于对照家兔（P〈0．05）,血清AMA活性和E-玫瑰花环率均显著低于对照家兔（P〈0．05）;第21天时攻毒家兔血清BUN、CRE和GLU含量显著高于对照家兔（P〈0．05）。攻毒治疗组家免注射SW抗血清后血清AKP、LDH、AST、ALT活性及BuN、CRE、GLU、SW含量较攻毒家兔显著下降,AMA活性和E～玫瑰花环率显著上升。结果表明,SW抗血清可有效治疗家兔小花棘豆中毒。     

Plant contents of magnesium, calcium and potassium in relation to ruminant nutrition

Grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning are metabolic diseases of mature, lactating beef cattle. In some other countries, similar problems occur with dairy cattle. In grass tetany, the animals generally are grazing cool-season forages in which Mg concentration or bioavailability of plant Mg is low. Levels of Mg in the blood serum also generally are low. Grass tetany can occur in beef cattle fed hay made from grass, small grains or alfalfa Medicago sativa L.). In wheat pasture poisoning where animals are grazing small grains forages, blood levels of Ca often are low, and blood Mg also may be low. Both grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning occur when plants are growing rapidly in the spring, at the time of heavy lactation demand by ruminants for Mg and Ca. When the temperature increases and plants start to grow rapidly in the spring, concentrations of K, N, organic acids, and the ratio of K/(Ca + Mg) all increase, and the percent dry matter decreases. Much research remains to be done to understand all the soil, plant, and animal aspects of grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning.     

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids and seneciosis in farm animals. part 1: occurrence, chemistry and toxicology

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids belong to a class of phytotoxins which are present in more than 6000 plant species. The disease seneciosis in farm animals represents the severe poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids from plants of the genus Senecio. This form of poisoning has been known since the end of the 19th century in Germany, the USA, Canada and New Zealand, and is mainly caused by Senecio jacobaea and related Senecio spp. in farm animals, including poultry. Animal poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids is of worldwide importance. In Germany poisoning of horses and cattle by Senecio jacobaea, which was earlier named Schweinsberg disease, is of renewed relevance for veterinary medicine. The disease occurs almost entirely as a consequence of chronic poisoning and in general ends fatally. The ultimate cause is the formation of toxic metabolites of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the liver, and their covalent binding to nucleic acids and proteins leading to liver cirrhosis. Because many pyrrolizidine alkaloids possess mutagenic, and a few also carcinogenic properties, European and international authorities are concerned about possible residue levels in food of animal origin. The review addresses in its first part several aspects, being the occurrence, the chemistry, and the toxicology of pyrrolizidine alkaloids as well as animal intoxications by poisonous plants. In the second part (46) clinical characteristics of animal seneciosis, the therapeutic interventions, the significant species differences and a critical assessment of so-called nontoxic amounts of Senecio plants in animal fodder with reference to cumulative lethal toxin doses are presented.     

Toxicology of selected pesticides, drugs, and chemicals. D-limonene, linalool, and crude citrus oil extracts

Cats are susceptible to poisoning by insecticidal products containing D-limonene, linalool, and crude citrus oil extracts. Signs of toxicosis include hypersalivation, muscle tremors, ataxia, depression, and hypothermia.     

A review of insecticide poisonings among domestic livestock in southern Ontario, Canada, 1982-1989

From 1982 to 1989, inclusive, 20 poisonings were investigated by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food following ingestion by domestic livestock of granular insecticides including terbufos (13 poisonings), disulfoton (two poisonings), fonofos (two poisonings), phorate (two poisonings), and carbofuran (one poisoning); all are used for rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) control in corn. A further three poisonings of livestock occurred following the ingestion of the foliar insecticide, endosulfan (two poisonings), and the seed protectant insecticides diazinon plus lindane (one poisoning). There were six poisoning cases as a result of excessive topical applications of the three insecticides coumpahos, fenthion, and lindane as dusts or sprays to control external parasites. Together, these events caused the deaths of 258 domestic animals of which 200 were cattle, 23 were swine, and 35 were sheep. Not all deaths are reported to the Ministry and the cases reported here may only represent 30-50% of the actual deaths over the period. Based on total populations of livestock, the percent losses were very small but they represent serious losses to individual growers. The economic loss is estimated at $160,000 over the eight years, or $20,000 per annum, and this does not include veterinary costs.

Some of the poisoned animals died within as little as three to four hours of ingestion while others were sick but survived for several days. Lethal doses of insecticide were found in the rumen, abomasum, or stomach of dead animals. Signs typical of cholinesterase inhibition caused by organophosphorus poisoning were observed in most cases. Cholinesterase readings were found to be zero in dying animals. Necropsy findings were rarely more than pulmonary edema or myocardial hemorrhage. Where organochlorine insecticides were ingested, convulsions were the major manifestation.

Contamination of feed was most often accidental, and chemical analysis was most helpful in identifying both potent and minor sources, thus facilitating cleanup procedures.

     

高寒草甸植物叶片生态化学计量特征对长期氮肥添加的响应

氮(N)是植物生长发育所需的基本元素,人为N添加已成为陆地生态系统N输入的主要形式。施N作为改善土壤养分条件的重要途径,可改变土壤理化性质,也会对植物叶片生态化学计量特征产生影响。本研究在2012年5月设置0(CK)、10(N₁₀)、20(N₂₀)、30(N₃₀)g·m^-2·a^-1的N添加试验,并于2018年8月采集禾本科、莎草科、豆科和杂类草叶片,测定其碳(C)、N、磷(P)含量,分析不同水平N添加下植物叶片生态化学计量特征的差异,探索长期N添加下植物叶片生态化学计量特征变化的影响因素。结果表明:1)N添加显著提高了禾本科叶片碳(LC)含量而显著降低了豆科LC含量(P<0.05),莎草科和杂类草LC含量变化不显著(P>0.05)。随施N量增加,4种功能群叶片氮(LN)含量均显著增加(P<0.05),而叶片磷(LP)含量变化趋势不一致。2)N添加下4种功能群植物叶片碳氮比(LC/N)整体呈下降趋势,叶片氮磷比(LN/P)和叶片碳磷比(LC/P)呈上升趋势。3)...