大针茅对放牧生态系统植物群落地上生物量的调控作用

通过放牧梯度试验,研究放牧对内蒙古典型草原5种优势植物在个体、种群和群落水平上的影响,探讨大针茅(Stip grandis)对放牧生态系统植物群落地上生物量的调控作用。结果表明:个体水平,中轻度放牧对以大针茅和糙隐子草(Cleistogenes squarrosa)为代表的丛生禾草株高影响较小,对以羊草(Leymus chinensis)、黄囊苔草(Carex korshinskyi)和米氏冰草(Agropyron michnoi)为代表的根茎型禾草株高影响较大,植物株高的降低与个体地上生物量减少呈显著正相关。种群水平,大针茅种群生物量对放牧的响应迟缓,羊草、米氏冰草、糙隐子草和黄囊苔草种群生物量的减少与多度减少呈显著正相关。群落水平,大针茅的耐牧性使其成为资源重配的获益者,轻中度放牧干扰下,其地上生物量的补偿生长缓冲了放牧对群落的影响,对维持群落生产力与功能稳定性起重要的调控作用。     

不同放牧强度对糙隐子草功能性状的影响

以典型草原退化群落优势种糙隐子草为研究对象,探究其植株茎秆、叶片、根系等形态特征及生物量等功能性状指标对不同放牧强度的响应,结果表明:(1)轻度放牧和适度放牧对糙隐子草茎叶功能性状指标均无显著影响,重度放牧和极重度放牧使糙隐子草的株高较对照显著降低20.24％和21.09％,使糙隐子草的叶长较对照显著降低23.50％和...     

放牧和氮添加对半干旱沙质草地优势种糙隐子草及群落功能性状的影响

为探究氮沉降背景下放牧对半干旱沙质草地植物功能性状的影响,本试验探究了放牧和短期氮添加(20 g·m^-2·a^-1)对半干旱沙质草地优势种糙隐子草(Cleistogenes squarrosa)和群落功能性状的影响。结果表明：放牧和氮添加增加了糙隐子草的重要值,放牧降低了糙隐子草叶面积,氮添加显著降低了围封草地中糙隐子草叶干物质含量,增加了围封和放牧草地中糙隐子草叶氮含量(P<0.05);相同氮素水平下放牧降低了植物群落高度,氮添加增加了围封样地植物叶面积和叶氮含量,增加了放牧样地植物比叶面积和叶氮含量,降低了叶干物质含量(P<0.05);回归分析表明,糙隐子草叶面积和叶氮含量能较好地解释群落水平植物叶面积和叶氮含量的变化。半干旱沙质草地植物群落通过改变植株大小和主要叶性状来响应放牧和氮沉降,对预测未来草地生态系统结构与功能具有重要意义。     

放牧强度对荒漠草原无芒隐子草密度及空间分布的影响

植物种群密度及空间分布的研究可以发现植物群落在放牧过程中的生态学现象及规律。为研究荒漠草原无芒隐子草(Cleistogenes songorica)种群在不同放牧强度下的密度差异及空间分布变化,采用随机区组试验设计：对照区(Contral,CK)、轻度(Light grazing,LG)、中度(Moderate grazing,MG)和重度放牧区(Heavy grazing,HG),通过机械取样法收集数据,结合地统计等方法进行分析。结果表明：无芒隐子草密度表现为LG>HG>CK>MG,随放牧强度增大,无芒隐子草的密度先增加,后减少,在重度放牧条件下,密度又增加。无芒隐子草在群落中的绝对密度占比伴随放牧强度增大逐渐增大,占比为HG＞MG＞CK＞LG。无芒隐子草在4个处理区下分型维度D₀数值相近,CK,LG,MG的空间结构比C/(C₀+C)均＞0.75,HG的空间结构比C/(C₀+C)为0.100。放牧条件下,无芒隐子草种群空间分布较为均匀,空间异质性减弱,空间分布主要受结构性因素影响。     

放牧对糙隐子草地上个体功能性状的影响

以典型草原退化群落优势种糙隐子草(Cleistogenes squarrosa)为研究对象,探究放牧干扰下其植株地上部分功能性状对放牧的响应。试验于2016年植物群落的地上生物量达到高峰期时取样,测定经过连续4年放牧(2012～2015年)和禁牧条件下株高(PH)、茎叶比(SLW)等11个性状指标,并比较其差异情况。结果表明:(1)放牧使糙隐子草的叶数、总叶面积显著增加(P0.05),与对照相比叶数增加了69%,总叶面积增加了24%;(2)单片叶面积、株高、茎叶比显著减小(P0.05),与对照相比单片叶面积减少了23%,株高下降了19%,茎叶比下降了12%;(3)地上生物量、比叶重、总叶干重等性状变异性较大(PI0.12),株高、茎叶比、丛幅的变异性较小(PI0.12);(4)除株高、丛幅、单片叶面积外,糙隐子草地上生物量与茎叶各表型性状之间具有显著相关关系(P0.01,P0.05)。本研究认为,糙隐子草在放牧干扰下采取的生态策略主要包括:降低高度以躲避采食(避牧策略)及增加叶数和总叶面积进而增加光合竞争能力(光合竞争策略),这些策略可达到充分利用周围环境条件完成其生活史的目的。     

宁夏荒漠草原不同群落蒙古冰草种群空间格局及种间关联性

为探讨蒙古冰草种群对环境的适应对策,以宁夏盐池县荒漠草原短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落、蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落、蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落为研究对象,采用点格局分析中的O-ring函数统计方法,分析了不同群落中蒙古冰草种群的数量特征、分布类型及优势种群的种间关联性。结果表明:不同群落生境条件下,蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落中蒙古冰草种群的密度、盖度和地上生物量显著高于短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落和蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落(P<0.05),3个群落之间蒙古冰草种群的高度差异不显著(P<0.05)。不同群落生境蒙古冰草种群在<4 m尺度范围内主要表现为聚集分布,随尺度增大,聚集强度减弱,逐渐过渡到随机分布和均匀分布。蒙古冰草种群与短花针茅种群、蒙古冰草种群与牛枝子种群在小于4 m尺度上呈显著负关联,随尺度的增大趋于无关联;蒙古冰草种群与牛心朴子种群在整个研究尺度上无关联。     

宁夏荒漠草原不同群落蒙古冰草种群空间格局及种间关联性

为探讨蒙古冰草种群对环境的适应对策,以宁夏盐池县荒漠草原短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落、蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落、蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落为研究对象,采用点格局分析中的O-ring函数统计方法,分析了不同群落中蒙古冰草种群的数量特征、分布类型及优势种群的种间关联性。结果表明:不同群落生境条件下,蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落中蒙古冰草种群的密度、盖度和地上生物量显著高于短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落和蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落(P0.05),3个群落之间蒙古冰草种群的高度差异不显著(P0.05)。不同群落生境蒙古冰草种群在4 m尺度范围内主要表现为聚集分布,随尺度增大,聚集强度减弱,逐渐过渡到随机分布和均匀分布。蒙古冰草种群与短花针茅种群、蒙古冰草种群与牛枝子种群在小于4 m尺度上呈显著负关联,随尺度的增大趋于无关联;蒙古冰草种群与牛心朴子种群在整个研究尺度上无关联。     

糙隐子草草原狼毒种群与其他主要植物的种间联结分析

应用方差检验法和基于 2× 2列联表的分析手段对糙隐子草草原的 3个放牧演替阶段主要植物种间的总体联结性和狼毒种群与其他主要植物的种间联结进行了定量分析。结果表明 ,随着逆行演替进程 ,群落主要植物总体的种间联结由显著的正关联过渡到无关联 ;狼毒与群落内大多数植物的关联不显著 ,种间系趋向于相互独立 ;在重牧和过牧阶段 ,狼毒与糙隐子草、达乌里胡枝子、冷蒿和冠芒草正关联不显著 ,但具有较高的关联度 ;狼毒与冠芒草在重牧、过牧、极牧 3个演替阶段均呈一定的正关联。     

内蒙古典型草原主要草食动物食性及其营养生态位研究——以大针茅群落为例

为探讨典型草原主要食草动物绵羊(Ovis aries)、达乌尔黄鼠(Spermophilus dauricus)和亚洲小车蝗(Oedaleus asiaticus)的食性及其种间生态位变化与草原退化的关系,以内蒙古典型草原为研究对象,于2003年7-8月运用饱和链烷技术研究大针茅(Stipa grandis)群落不同放牧强度下绵羊、达乌尔黄鼠和亚洲小车蝗的食性及其生态位变化.结果表明:随牧压的增大,群落中羊草(Leymus chinensis)和大针茅的数量减少,糙隐子草(Cleisto-genes squarrosa)和猪毛菜(Salsola collina)比例增加;绵羊、达乌尔黄鼠、亚洲小车蝗3种食草动物采食的牧草种类和比例存在一定的差异,但同时采食羊草、猪毛菜和大针茅时优先采食羊草;随牧压的增大,达乌尔黄鼠和亚洲小车蝗的生态位宽度变宽,且在放牧区绵羊的生态位宽度最大,三者生态位重叠程度类似.放牧改变了大针茅群落的植被组成,使其演替为糙隐子草群落,3种食草动物对草地资源存在激烈的竞争,因此,控制鼠、虫的种群密度,防止鼠、虫害的发生对保证放牧家畜的食物安全具有十分重要的现实意义.     

克氏针茅草原植物群落特征与物种生态位对放牧强度的响应

在内蒙古锡林郭勒盟北部地区,探索禁牧、轻度放牧(0.34羊单位/hm²)、中度放牧(0.69羊单位/hm²)和重度放牧(1.53羊单位/hm²)对克氏针茅群落特征和生态位的影响,结果表明：随着放牧强度的增加,群落中大针茅逐渐被克氏针茅替代,银灰旋花逐渐出现,植物高度、盖度、鲜重、枯落物重量显著降低(P<0.05);重牧草场的多年生草本植物物种数显著高于禁牧和轻牧草场(P<0.05),物种Margalef丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数也显著增加(P<0.05);轻牧草场的Simpson优势度指数显著低于其他放牧强度(P<0.05)。禁牧草场中的大针茅、轻牧草场中的糙隐子草、中牧和重牧草场中的克氏针茅生态位宽度最大。在各放牧强度草场中,物种生态位重叠值主要集中在0.3～0.8区间;与禁牧相比,放牧增加了生态位重叠值0.3～0.8区间的种对数比例,其所占总对数比例随放牧强度增加而增加。物种生态位宽度与生态位重叠值呈线性相关,因此,可根据物种生态位宽度与重叠值控制草场中适口性差的物种数...     

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.     

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     

Evaluation of the Microbiological Status of Milk and Various Structures in Mammary Glands from Naturally Infected Dairy Cows

A knowledge of the microbiological status of milk and of the different structures in the mammary glands has great importance in elucidating the pathogenesis of mammary gland infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological status of various structures in the mammary glands from naturally infected dairy cows following slaughter. A total of 94 samples of milk, 184 samples of mammary parenchyma, 168 samples of gland cisterns, and 168 samples of teat cisterns were collected for microbiological examination. Microorganisms were detected in 59.9% of all samples, 67.0% of the milk samples, 70.1% of the mammary parenchymas, 55.9% of the gland cisterns and 48.8% of the teat cistern samples. When all samples were considered, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were the most prevalent (35.7%) followed by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (12.2%), Corynebacterium bovis (2.4%), Prototheca sp. (1.9%), and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1.5%). There was a significantly higher occurrence of microorganisms in the milk and mammary parenchyma compared to the gland cisterns and teat cisterns. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Development and survival of free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats on pasture in the Nigerian derived savanna

Four grass plots were sequentially contaminated with goat faeces containing known numbers of unembryonated eggs of predominantly Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. between October 1982 and April 1983. Four other plots were similarly contaminated with sheep faeces between February and May 1987. An additional plot was repeatedly contaminated with sheep faeces from February to April 1987. Populations of free-living stages in faeces and of infective larvae (L₃) in the herbage were subsequently monitored until the end of April and June of 1983 and 1987 respectively. During February and May 1987 two control cultures of sheep faeces were incubated in the laboratory at 25°C–30°C and at a constant temperature of 50°C and the free-living development was also monitored. L₃ developed very readily in the faeces cultured at 25°C–30°C and in those spread on a grass plot in October, at the end of the wet season, but developed less on the plot contaminated in May at the start of the wet season. Worm eggs in faeces deposited on plots during the hot dry season (December to April) or incubated at 50°C died and disintegrated after 24–48 h exposure to the high environmental temperatures. The results indicate that it is unlikely that gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats can develop or survive on open pasture during the dry season in the Nigerian derived savanna zone.