Histometric parameters of the large intestine of hybrid marmosets Callithrix sp. under the influence of seasonality

Morphofunctional characteristics of the large intestine are rarely explored to understand the physiology, behavior and ecology of neotropical primates. In this study, we analyzed the histometric parameters of the large intestine of hybrid marmosets (Callithrix sp.) captured in forest fragments of Viçosa-Brazil, under seasonal interference. These animals were predominantly insectivorous in the rainy season and gummivores in the dry season. Large intestine fragments were collected and processed according to histological methods and stained with toluidine blue for general analysis, periodic acid of Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB) for goblet cells, Grimelius and Masson Fontana for argyrophil and argentaffin endocrine cells. Several histometric parameters were more expressive in the large intestine of the rainy season marmosets: greater thickness of the parietal layers, greater number of argyrophil and argentaffin endocrine cells, and AB-positive goblet cells, characteristics favor secretomotor functions and reduce the passage time of the fecal bolus, which is consistent with an insectivorous diet. In contrast, parameters such as crypt width, height of the absorptive cells and striated border, and the number of PAS-positive cells were more expressive in the dry season marmosets, reflecting the need for longer passage time for digestion and absorption of food items from tree gum, which are more complex and demand the action of microorganisms present in the large intestine, as well as greater protection against the abrasive action of dietary fibers and against microorganisms. Thus, it can be said that the marmoset's large intestine has morphological adaptations to maximize energy intake from the diet, which alternates under the influence of seasonality.     

Digestibility of nutrients and aspects of the digestive physiology of the greater cane rat,journalThryonomys swinderianus journalin two seasons

The greater cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus, utilizes high fibrous plant material and is an important meat source in West Africa. An insight in its digestive physiology will enhance our understanding of its feeding habits. Digestibility coefficients of the food were determined during two seasons before the animals were euthanased. The distribution and concentrations of nutrients and energy in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract were determined at the time of day when animals practised coprophagy. Trial 1 diet in the wet season consisted of 36% neutral detergent fibre (NDF), 11% protein and 49% dry matter, while the Trial 2 diet in the dry season consisted of 53% NDF, 8–9% protein and 89% dry matter. The Trial 2 animals on the poor diet increased their daily nutrient intake, possibly increased the volume of digesta and practised frequently cophrophagy, so that faecal production was reduced and digestibility coefficients were relatively high. Coprophagy increased both protein and energy intake as soft pellets in the distal colon had higher protein and energy content than the hard faeces. Energy, protein and acid-detergent fibre were retained in the caecum of Trial 1 females and the caecum and proximal colon of the Trial 2 animals 16 hours after feeding, illustrating the importance of these two regions in the fermentation process. Water was absorbed in the distal colon as dry matter content of digesta increased 53%, 4% and 56% from the proximal colon to the distal colon. Animals produced hard faeces with only 16% and 5% lower moisture content in the dry season, compared to that produced in the wet season, as water was not a limiting factor during the trials. It was concluded that an increase in daily food intake, an increase in coprophagy and the presence of a colonic separation mechanism (that retains small particles) enable the greater cane rat to utilize high fibrous plant material. These digestive strategies seem to be comparable to those observed in other hystricomorph rodents.     

中国秦岭地区红腹锦鸡的冬季食性和消化道

于2002-2003年对陕西省秦岭红腹锦鸡(Chrysolophus pictus)的冬季食性和消化道的形态结构进行了研究.利用标准分类法鉴定了嗉囊中的食物种类.红腹锦鸡冬季为植食性,食物包括农作物和其他种类等至少14种植物.红腹锦鸡消化道由食道、胃、小肠(标准体长的3.4倍)、两个发达的盲肠和较短的直肠组成,具典型的植食性鸟类的特征.肌胃中含有大小不等(直径为0.5-3 mm)的石粒,石粒的平均干重10.4±2.5 g,与肌胃中食糜的重量成正相关(Pearson r=0.747,P<0.01,n=37).红腹锦鸡消化道粘膜呈弱酸性,尤以嗉囊和肌胃粘膜酸性较强.     

The effect of body condition on ovarian activity of free ranging tropical jennies (Equus asinus)

Serial ultrasonography was performed on seven jennies to study the effect of seasonally fluctuating body condition on ovarian activity during the dry, short rainy and long rainy seasons. Kendall Tau correlations and differences of least square mean values were compared. A distinct seasonal pattern was observed both in body condition and ovarian activity. The mean (+/-SD) Body Condition Score (BCS) was lowest during the dry season 2.6 +/- 0.45 when compared with 3.5 +/- 0.52 and 3.9 +/- 0.58 during the short and long rainy seasons, respectively. The mean (+/-SD) number of total follicles was also proportionally low 7.3 +/- 1.6 during the dry season compared with 9.6 +/- 2.4 and 11.3 +/- 3.3 found during the short and the long rainy seasons, respectively. The BCS was positively correlated to the total number of follicles and the diameter of the largest follicle during all seasons. Periods of increasing BCS and transition between seasons with both increasing and decreasing body conditions were strongly correlated to the number and size of ovarian follicles. Seasonal fluctuation in the body condition was found to be the result of variation in feed resource and ovarian activity was also closely following this seasonal pattern. The improvement in body condition has generally, a positive impact on emergence of small growing follicles there by having influence on the total count of ovarian follicles.     

Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Indigenous Zebu Cattle under Pastoral and Nomadic Management Systems in the Lower Plain of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode infections in indigenous Zebu cattle in the lower plain (lowland zone) of the southern highlands of Tanzania. Gastrointestinal tracts were randomly purchased at the Iringa regional abattoir and at Kihesa and Ipogolo slaughter slabs in different seasons of the year. The contents of the abomasum, small intestine and large intestine were processed separately to recover the worms. The results indicated that 140 out of 144 (97.2%) of the examined animals were infected. The mean (±SE) total worm burden was 1284±183 (range 10–12 600) worms per animal and most infected animals contained more than one nematode species. The nematode species present, their prevalence and mean burden were as follows: Haemonchus placei, 84.7%, 316; H. similis, 5.6%, 1; Oesophagostomum radiatum, 79.2%, 66; Cooperia pectinata, 55.6%, 713; C. punctata, 44.4%, 157; Bunostomum phlebotomum, 5.6%, 5; Trichuris globulosa, 5.6%, 2; and Trichostrongylus colubriformis, 1.4%, 24. The burdens were mainly composed of Cooperia pectinata (55.5%), Haemonchus placei (24.6%), Cooperia punctata (12.3%) and Oesophagostomum radiatum (5.1%). The highest burdens occurred at the end of the rainy/early dry season, while the lowest burdens were found at the end of the dry/early rainy season. There was no difference in the burdens between male and female animals. Immature cattle (<3 years) had significantly higher worm burdens than mature cattle (p<0.01). A poor grade for a live animal was associated with higher worm burdens only in immature cattle and then especially during the dry season (r = 0.456, p<0.001). Anthelmintic treatments in the late rainy/early dry season and early rainy season are recommended in order to prevent outbreaks of helminthosis during the dry season and to reduce carryover of infection into the next rainy season. An additional wet season treatment is advisable in immature cattle, but may not be needed for mature cattle owing to the availability of plenty of mature, good quality pasture.     

Decision-making on the use of diverse combinations of agricultural products and natural plants in pig feed: a case study of native pig smallholder in northern Thailand

We have identified the feed offered to native pigs in a case study of smallholder in northern Thailand. We examined the types and fresh weights of pig feed over two 10-day periods in household A, in September 2006 (rainy season) and in December 2006 and January 2007 (dry season). The study results are as follows. (1) They offered 18 types of feed in total during the rainy and dry seasons, of which seven types were common to the rainy and dry seasons, five types were offered during the rainy season only, and six types during the dry season only. (2) They offered agricultural products as 34% of feed (rainy season) and 61% of feed (dry season), and natural plants used exclusively for pig feed as 66% of feed (rainy season) and 39% of feed (dry season). (3) The feed combinations at each feeding time differed 80% of the time during both the rainy and dry seasons. These results show not only that they offered diverse combinations of agricultural products and natural plants as pig feed, but also that they changed feed kinds in both the rainy and dry seasons.     

Seasonal variations in the morphology of the seminal vesicles of the African straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)

The study investigated seasonal changes in the morphology of the seminal vesicles of Eidolon helvum in a typical African tropical environment. Seminal vesicles of forty-eight bats were examined during the early rainy, late rainy and peak dry seasons, using gross anatomical, histological and ultrastructural techniques. The interlobular connective tissue septa from the external capsule demarcated the glandular parenchyma into numerous lobules of tubulo-alveolar glands. A simple cuboidal epithelium of mono- or bi-nucleated cuboidal cells lined the glandular mucosa during the rainy season. This was replaced by a bistratified cuboidal epithelium, whose upper layer of cells showed evidence of degeneration, during the dry season. The PAS-positive secretory products appeared to be numerous during the rainy season, but few and clumped together during the dry season. The mean gross weight, interlobular septal thickness, acini diameter and epithelial height of the glands varied significantly with season. Ultrastructural features of the secretory cells during the rainy season showed well-developed cytoplasmic organelles, numerous electron lucid secretory vesicles and electron-dense granules. Secretory epithelial cells of the seminal vesicles are very active during the rainy season, while regeneration of degenerated epithelium in preparation for the next reproductive cycle occurs during the dry season.     

Seasonal changes in digestibility, passage rate and rumen fermentation of alfalfa hay in sika deer (Cervus nippon) under restricted feeding

To investigate seasonal variations in the digestive functions of sika deer, five female sika deer were provided with an amount of alfalfa hay cubes equivalent to voluntary food intake during winter. We measured the rate at which the food passed through the digestive tract, digestibility and rumen fermentation during the summer (August), autumn (November), winter (February) and spring (May). Total mean retention time in the digestive tract during summer and autumn was numerically longer than that in winter and spring, but the difference did not reach significance. Organic matter and fiber were less digestible in summer and autumn than in winter and spring (P < 0.05), whereas the digestibility of the dry matter tended to vary with the seasons (P < 0.1). Ruminal pH values seasonally changed (P < 0.01), and were the lowest in autumn. The concentration of ruminal ammonia‐nitrogen differed significantly among the seasons (P < 0.05), increasing in winter and decreasing during spring and summer. The numbers of protozoa changed significantly among the seasons (P < 0.05), being higher in autumn than in winter and spring, and intermediate in summer. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids was not seasonally affected, but the molar percentages of propionic acid and butyric acid significantly changed according to season (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), and the ratio of acetic to propionic acid tended to change with the seasons (P < 0.1). The results of this study suggested that the digestive functions in sika deer, fed a commercial diet at a restricted level, differed notably among the seasons and these variations might partially be due to environmental effects.     

Ultrasonographic study of ovarian activities in the tropical jenny during the seasons of high and low sexual activity

The ovarian activities of 7 jennies were studied by serial ultrasonography during seasons of higher and lower sexual activity to determine if follicular development also corresponds to this pattern. The current study showed a seasonal pattern of ovarian activities related to the local environmental factors associated with each season rather than photoperiod, which is the widely known environmental cue determining seasonality in most equines. Jennies produced large numbers of follicles (11.3 follicles) during the long rainy season, compared with the 7.3 and 9.6 follicles during the dry and short rainy seasons, respectively. However, production of larger preovulatory follicles (37.8 ± 1.7 mm vs 31.0 ± 2.7 mm of the dry and 33.2 ± 2.7 mm of the long rainy seasons) and higher incidence of ovulation (77.8%) occurred during the short rainy season. Jennies had shorter interovulatory intervals during the season of higher (short rainy) than the season of lower (dry season) sexual activity. The short rain transition is characterized by higher follicular activity compared with the long rainy transition, indicating the presence of additional factors stimulating ovarian activity other than the mere availability of forage during the short rainy season.     

Seasonal Effect on Zebu Embryo Quality as Determined by Their Degree of Apoptosis and Resistance to Cryopreservation

In order to optimize the production of embryos under tropical conditions and to test a possible seasonal effect on embryo quality, 40 Zebu cows were superovulated during the dry season (April to May) and during the rainy season (July to August). A total of 116 (average 2.7/cow) and 83 embryos (3.5 average/cow) were obtained during the respective seasons. After classification as good, fair or poor quality, embryos were tested based on their ultrastructural differences (n = 53 dry season 16 good, 20 fair and 17 poor and n = 61 rainy season 21 good, 20 fair and 20 poor) and their degree of apoptosis using the TUNEL technique (n = 30 during the dry season and n = 55 in the rainy season). Structural characteristics determining embryo quality varied between good and fair quality embryos. No difference, however, was observed between good, fair and poor quality embryos from the two seasons. The number of TUNEL-positive cells was different among embryos (p < 0.001), being lower in labelled cells of good quality embryos regardless of the season. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in embryos assigned in all three quality levels during the rainy season (p < 0.001). Ultrastructural evaluations confirmed the results obtained by TUNEL. Cryopreserved embryos of good (n = 25 in each season) and fair quality (n = 11 dry season; n = 17 rainy season) showed a significant decrease of TUNEL-positive cells during the rainy season (p < 0.05). Results suggest that embryos collected in the dry season have more cellular damage in contrast; embryos cryopreserved in the rainy season appeared morphologically better equipped to result in a pregnancy following transfer.     

麻雀消化道在繁殖期间形态变化及适应意义

对20只繁殖期前和20只繁殖期麻雀进行体尺测量和消化道各组织器官长度及重量测定,观察其胃、小肠、大肠在繁殖期前和繁殖期的长度、鲜重及干重变化情况。试验结果表明:繁殖期麻雀与繁殖期前相比,麻雀胃的长度、含内容物重、不含内容物重分别增加了12.66%、10.42%和4.76%,差异极显著(P<0.01);干重比繁殖期前增加了8.33%,差异显著(P<0.05)。小肠的长度、含内容物重、不含内容物重、干重分别增加了9.43%、68.18%、75.00%和83.33%,差异极显著(P<0.01)。大肠长度增加了2.48%,差异不显著(P>0.05);含内容物重、不含内容物重分别增加了23.53%和47.62%,差异极显著(P<0.01);干重增加了16.67%,差异显著(P<0.05)。     

A comparison of seasonal effects on fertility of Landrace and Large White sows in a subhumid tropical environment

Forty sows comprising equal numbers of Landrace (LR) and Large White (LW) breeds were studied for 20 months to determine the effects of dry and rainy seasons on their fertility traits in Nigeria. Ambient temperature (14.0-35.5 degrees C) was lowest at night and highest in the day and peaked during the dry season. A relative humidity range of 60-82% peaked during the late rainy season. LR produced 218 and 278 piglets from 23 and 28 litters, while LW produced 193 and 316 piglets from 20 and 30 litters during dry and rainy seasons respectively. Fertility traits did not differ significantly between the breeds due to season (P greater than 0.05). Mean post-weaning oestrus at 10.9 and 9.0 days and preweaning mortality rates of 14.2% and 16.9% during dry and rainy seasons for LR differed significantly (P less than 0.5) from those of LW which were 12.2 and 8.2 days and 14.5% and 18.9% respectively. The significance of seasonal effects on sow fertility and necessary management techniques are discussed.     

Seasonal effect on rumen function in sheep on range in the Accra Plains of Ghana

This study aimed at investigating the effect of the seasonal decline in quality and availability of feed on rumen function in sheep grazing without supplementation. Effects of season on rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and rumen degradation of urea-treated rice straw in grazing sheep were determined. Four fistulated Djallonké sheep were added to a group of grazing sheep and used for this study. Rumen contents were sampled for pH and ammonia in the rainy season and in the dry season. Ammoniated rice straw was incubated in the rumen to determine its degradation characteristics. Rumen pH was higher (p?p?>?0.05) in the two seasons. In sacco dry matter degradation parameters of urea-ammoniated rice straw showed seasonal differences in the soluble (a) and the insoluble but degradable (b) fractions as well as lag time before the start of degradation. It was concluded that despite higher pH in the dry season and similar ammonia nitrogen concentration in the two seasons, rumen degradability of dry matter of urea-treated rice straw in sheep was higher in the rainy season than that in the dry season.     

Gastrointestinal Morphology of the Crowned Lemur (Eulemur coronatus)

I provide measurements of the gastrointestinal tract of a captive female Eulemur coronatus, obtained at necropsy, and describe its morphology. The small intestine, caecum and colon were short when compared with those of other lemur species. The ratio of intestine length to body length was low. Distinct sacculations were present in the caecum, but not in the colon. The results suggest that E. coronatus is able to digest a certain amount of structural polysaccharides as contained in plant cell wall. The main fermentation chamber seems to be the caecum. Its digestive morphology implies that E. coronatus relies on a diet higher in energy‐rich cell contents than those of other lemur species of similar body size.     

Rights,Resources and Rural Development: Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Southern Africa — Christo Fabricius,Eddie Koch,Hector Magome and Stephen Turner (eds) 2004

Goats select some browse species more than others, given options. Seasonal trends of diet selection of Nguni goats indexed by intake were investigated in cafeteria-style experiments. The relationships between diet selection and plant chemical/physical traits of Vachellia nilotica, Vachellia robusta, Dichrostachys cinerea, Euclea crispa, Rhus lancea and Ziziphus mucronata, representing abundant species were studied in the dry and rainy seasons. Seasonal changes in browses affected diet selection. Selection of long shoot species, which were concomitantly broad-leafed, was higher than species with short shoots. Selection was higher for spineless than spinescent species. Diet selection correlated positively with increased leaf mass. In the rainy season, cellulose positively correlated with intake, number of bites and browsing time, whereas in the dry season, cellulose correlated with bite size. Diet selection tended to be driven more by shoot morphology and leaf mass than by either spinescence or plant chemistry. Plant chemical influence on diet selection was diverse in both seasons and showed no definite trend, whereas spinescence had no significant effect on short-term intake. The results represent important input to goat production and range forage species management.     

Nutritive value of selected grasses in North Sumatra, Indonesia

The nutritive values of seven native grass species collected in North Sumatra, Indonesia, during dry and rainy seasons were evaluated. The chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), in vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), macro mineral concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, in vitro gas production profile and metabolizable energy (ME) content of the grasses varied greatly among species and seasons. The crude protein content ranged from 6.6 (Andropogon gayanus) to 16.2% dry matter (Cynodon plectostachyus) in the rainy season, with a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the dry season. Data on the fiber fraction showed that the grasses contained more neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in the dry season and it significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the rainy season, except for Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum for NDF content and C. plectostachyus, P. maximum and Brachiaria decumbens for ADF content. Data on the mineral concentration showed that C. plectostachyus in the dry and rainy seasons had a higher calcium content than those of other species. The overall means of the seven grasses for IVDMD, IVOMD and IVCPD were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the rainy season than in the dry season. The in vitro gas production and ME concentration were numerically higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. In conclusion, the nutritive value of the observed grasses in North Sumatra was relatively higher during the rainy season compared with the dry season. Among the species of grass, P. purpureum and C. plectostachyus had a higher nutritive value in both the dry and rainy seasons.     

Nitrogen utilisation efficiency in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Central Mexico

Nitrogen (N) plays an important role in small-scale dairy systems, both in production costs and as an indicator of environmental impact. The objective of this study was to quantify nitrogen inputs and outputs to identify areas for improvement in nitrogen utilisation efficiency (NUE). Evaluation was in 12 small-scale dairy farms with different feeding strategies. Six followed the traditional cut and carry of irrigated temperate pastures (CUT), and six have implemented grazing of pastures (GRZ), quantifying N inputs and outputs from May 2016 to April 2017. Data were analysed by ANOVA following a split-plot model with season (rainy or dry) as main plots and feeding strategy (CUT or GRZ) as split-plots, with results in kilograms N per hectare and kilograms N per cow. There were differences (P < 0.05) between seasons and strategies in N inputs from purchased N fertilisers and purchased feeds as concentrates and roughages, showing different N inputs and outputs whether in CUT or GRZ strategies. There were also significant interactions between seasons and strategies as in the sale of animals, where GRZ sell throughout the year, while CUT sell at the beginning of the dry season. N balance ranged from 33.9 to 183.0 kg N/ha, and 37.8 to 111.0 as kilograms N per cow with an interaction (P < 0.05) between season and strategies. There was a larger N surplus in GRZ during the rainy season from fertiliser inputs, which reduced N utilisation efficiency (NUE). Mean NUE in kilograms N per hectare and kilograms N per cow was 19%, with the higher efficiency for GRZ in the dry season. Farms with the best NUE had lower use of fertilisers and purchased feeds.

     

喀斯特生境中野猪活动模式和时间分配

2017年1月—2017年12月在弄岗国家级自然保护区布设119台红外相机,通过对红外相机拍摄的野猪(Sus scrofa)的行为活动进行分析,并采用核密度估计(kernel density estimation)、重叠指数(coefficient of overlap)和相对活动强度指数(relative activity intensity index)研究野猪的活动模式和时间分配,以探讨其对喀斯特生境的适应策略。结果表明:野猪的日活动模式呈单峰型,活动峰值出现在16:00—18:00,属于典型的昼行性动物。旱雨季间野猪的日活动重叠指数存在极显著差异(Δ=0.82,P<0.01),旱季上午的活动峰值比雨季提前1 h出现。野猪的日活动主要以觅食(64.6%)和移动(25.1%)为主。不同月份间野猪的相对活动强度指数存在极显著差异(t=9.626,df=11,P<0.01),但旱、雨季间不存在显著差异(Z=-0.321,P=0.748)。旱季野猪的活动时间(17.89±1.70 s)略长于雨季(17.12±1.95 s)。本研究初步掌握了弄岗保护区内的野猪活动模式和时间分配,为后期进一步研究其栖息地选择、种群保护及环境变化对其行为的影响等提供基础数据参考。     

Seasonal variations in the crop contents of scavenging Helmeted Guinea Fowls (Numida meleagris,L.) in Parakou (Benin)

1. An experiment was carried out with 120 helmeted guinea fowls during one year in Parakou (Benin). Feed intake, ingredient and chemical composition, along with the nutritional adequacy of scavenging diets were measured during the rainy season (November–February) and dry season (March–October) in order to propose supplementation strategies. Ingredients found in crops were identified and allocated into 6 main categories (supplemental feed, seeds, green forages, animal materials, mineral matter and unidentified materials).

2. Mean dry weights of crop contents were significantly higher in the rainy than in the dry season. Amounts and proportions of supplemental feed and seeds were not significantly different between seasons, whereas those of green forage, animal materials and mineral matter were higher in rainy season. Supplemental feed, especially maize and sorghum, was the largest component of the crop content in both seasons. The most represented grass seeds were Panicum maximum (rainy season) and Rottboellia cochinchinensis (dry season).

3. Dietary concentrations of organic matter, non-nitrogen extract and metabolisable energy were higher in the dry season, while mineral concentrations were higher in the rainy season. There were no significant differences between the two seasons in dry matter, crude protein or crude fibre.

4. Scavenging provided insufficient nutrients and energy to allow guinea fowls to be productive. Therefore, more nutritionally balanced supplementary feed would be required during both seasons.     

麻雀的消化道在繁殖期间的形态变化及适应意义

麻雀的消化道在繁殖期总重量、鲜重及干重均高于繁殖前期，分别增加了６１．２１％、３９．４２％和３２．１２％。其中小肠的长度、重量、鲜重及干重也明显增加了４．９２％、１３２．９５％、１７３．７４％和１２８．３３％，而胃内含物重量的增加更为显著。表明了鸟类在繁殖期间通过改变消化道的形态以增加对能量的需求，是鸟类保证繁殖成功的生存对策之一．