The effect on herd production of “free” electricity on a milking plant

Extract

Prior to the 1956–7 season, the herd investigated had a steadily rising curve of production. This levelled out at approximately 350 lb butterfat average production per cow, and was maintained for two further seasons.     

The effect of tebuthiuron on the vegetation of the thorn Bushveld of the Northern Cape – a preliminary report

Abstract

Two formulations of tebuthiuron i.e. Graslan 20P and Graslan 40P are currently being evaluated in the Molopo area. Tebuthiuron was applied aerially at ten application rates, in combination with two application dates.

After only two seasons, the chemical has already shown a reasonable selectivity for the woody species. Of these, Acacia mellifera, A. reficiens and Grewia flava are very sensitive while A. erioloba and Dichrostachys cinérea are less sensitive and Boscia albitrunca seems almost resistant to the lower application rates (<1,0 kg a.i./ha).

The standing crop of grass on the treated plots increased by between 220 and 740 per cent. Changes in the total grass density and botanical composition can be ascribed to an increased density of Eragrostis lehmanniana.

At this stage of the trial, its selectivity in favour of the more desirable woody species, suggests that tebuthiuron shows great promise for controlling bush encroachment in the Northern Cape, although a final conclusion would only be possible 5 years after its application.     

The effect of supplementation of flax-seed oil on interaction of Lactobacillus plantarum--Biocenol™ LP96 and Escherichia coli O8:K88ab:H9 in the gut of germ-free piglets

We investigated the influence of administration of flax-seed oil on interaction of Lactobacillus plantarum – Biocenol? LP96 and Escherichia coli O8:K88ab:H9 in the gut of germ-free piglets. When compared to animals supplemented with L. plantarum, the counts of lactobacilli in the jejunal and ileal mucosa and in the intestinal content were significantly higher in LMK group (p < 0.0001). Inter-groups comparison of the counts of E. coli K88 adhering to the jejunal and ileal mucosa revealed a significantly decrease in LMK animals (p < 0.001; p < 0.05).     

The effect of a single oral dose of non‐protein nitrogen from various sources on amino acid concentrations in the plasma and liver of the chick

1. Broiler chicks were fed normally for 21 d, then starved overnight and given a single oral dose of an aqueous solution of diammonium hydrogen citrate (DAHC), triammonium citrate (TAC), ammonium lactate (AL) or urea equivalent to 24.76 mg N. Controls were given water. The concentrations of free amino acids in the plasma were measured 2, 4 or 6 h after dosing. The only non‐essential amino acid significantly affected was glutamine, which increased in chicks given DAHG or TAC

2. In another experiment, non‐protein nitrogen (NPN) from the same sources was given at dosages of 124 mg N per chick. The concentrations of free amino acids in the plasma and liver were determined 2, 4 or 6 h after dosing. NPN from all sources increased the amount of glutamic acid and glutamine in both tissues (P< 0.001), although the response to urea was delayed. The concentrations of plasma aspartic acid (P<0.05), plasma alanine (P< 0.001) and liver aspartic acid (P< 0.001) also increased.

3. The results are discussed in relation to earlier studies with liver homogenates in vitro.     

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: a comparison of the LigaSure™ and the SonoSurg™ systems

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical times for removal of ovaries, and the frequency of intra‐operative complications with two different instruments used for canine laparoscopic ovariectomy. Methods : A randomised prospective clinical study. Laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed under general anaesthesia on 10 healthy female dogs admitted for elective ovariectomy. Each ovary was randomly assigned to removal by use of either a SonoSurg? ultrasonic surgical device (Olympus), or a LigaSure? vessel‐sealing system (Valleylab/Covidien). Surgical time for removal of each ovary was measured and the frequency of intra‐operative complications was recorded. A follow‐up was made by interview with the owners, 2·5 years after surgery. Results : The two techniques did not statistically differ with regard to surgical time, or frequency of complications. All owners were very satisfied with the procedure. Clinical Relevance : Both the SonoSurg? and the LigaSure? devices appear to be effective, safe and easy to use when performing laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.     

Salinity Effects on Germination of Artemisia herba–alba Asso: Important Pastoral Shrub from North African Rangelands

Artemisia herba–alba Asso (known in Arabic as Shih) is an evergreen aromatic shrub endemic in North African rangelands with high pastoral and medicinal relevance. The present work was designed to determine the effect of four soluble salts (NaCl, Na₂SO₄, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂) on germination of A. herba–alba seeds. Four concentrations (0, 50, 10, and 150 mM) of each salt were used to test the influence of salinities on germination percentage (GP), rate of germination (RG), and germination tolerance index (GTI %). The experiment was conducted in a controlled incubator with a 12h–photoperiod under 15°C dark/25°C light. The results showed that both GP and (RG) decreased significantly with salinity, and the highest GP was observed in the distilled water control (~ 80%). The germination tolerance index (GTI %) revealed that A. herba–alba seeds were more tolerant to CaCl₂ than other soluble salts. Comparatively, at high salt concentrations, MgCl₂ and Na₂SO₄ were generally the most toxic salts followed by NaCl and CaCl₂. The germination of A. herba–alba over a wide range of soluble salts suggests that this species can establish in salt-degraded soils. Therefore, this species appears a promising candidate for the rehabilitation of rangeland with saline soils.     

The effect of delaying the onset of laying in pullets with a low‐calcium diet on subsequent egg production

1. A low‐calcium diet (0.5 g calcium/kg) was used to prevent the onset of laying in young pullets.

2. It was fed at 16 weeks of age to five separate groups (groups 2 to 6) each of 50 to 60 birds.

3. Group 2 was fed on a normal layers’ diet at 23 weeks of age, group 3 at 27 weeks, group 4 at 31 weeks, group 5 at 35 weeks and group 6 at 55 weeks while the control group (group 1) of similar size to groups 2 to 6 was subjected to a normal commercial treatment for laying stock.

4. In all the experimental groups the onset of sexual maturity occurred normally, but only one or two eggs were laid before laying ceased under the influence of the treatment.

5. Laying re‐started when the hens were fed on a normal diet and production rapidly rose to a high level.

6. Groups 1, 2 and 3 differed little in the total number of eggs produced up to 72 weeks of age.

7. In all experimental groups there were fewer very small, small and medium eggs than in the control group.

8. It is suggested that the use of a low‐calcium diet before the onset of lay may have advantages which could be exploited on a commercial scale.     

Effects of a Rest–Rotation Grazing System on Wintering Elk Distributions at Wall Creek,Montana

The large-scale influence of livestock grazing in the western United States generates a need to integrate landscape management to incorporate both wildlife and livestock. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of four different grazing cells (spring grazing, summer growing-season grazing, fall grazing, and resting) on wintering elk resource selection within the Wall Creek range in southwest Montana. We collected biweekly observations of elk (Cervus elaphus) numbers and distributions across the winter range from 1988 to 2007. Using a matched-case control logistic regression model to estimate selection coefficients, we evaluated the effects of annual green-up conditions, winter conditions, landscape features, and grazing treatment on elk group resource selection within the grazing system. We found that within the grazing system, elk groups preferentially selected for rested pastures over pastures that were grazed during the previous spring (1 May–1 June), summer (1 June–15 July), and fall (15 September–30 September). The strength of selection against the pasture grazed during the summer growing season was strongest, and pastures grazed during the spring and fall were selected for over the pasture grazed during the summer. The number of elk utilizing the grazing system increased in the 19 yr following implementation of the grazing system; however, total elk herd size also increased during this time. We found no evidence that the proportion of the elk herd utilizing the grazing system changed following implementation of the rest–rotation grazing system. Wintering elk group preference for rested pastures suggests rested pastures play an important role in rotation grazing systems by conserving forage for wintering elk. Additionally, rested pastures provide important cover for a host of other wildlife species. We recommend wildlife managers maintain rested pastures within rotation grazing systems existing on ungulate winter range.     

Research note: The short‐term effect of fire on the woody component of the Sourish Mixed Bushveld

Abstract

The short‐term effect of an early‐spring, moderately hot fire on the woody component of the Sourish Mixed Bushveld was monitored before, directly after, and for two successive seasons following the fire. The average height of trees less than three metres was reduced due to severe topkill, but trees higher than three metres were unaffected by the fire. Tree volume, leaf volume, total biomass and available browse initially decreased, but recovered within two seasons. Fire damage and regeneration depended on the structure of the woody component. Biomass production and woody seedling establishment was stimulated by the fire.     

Is there a lasting effect of functional claw-trimming on claw conditions?

The influence of regular claw-trimming on the occurrence and prevalence of claw disorders was examined on a total of 164 dairy cows (Simmental, Red Friesian, Holstein Friesian). Ten dairy farms in the Austrian province of Salzburg were used for this study. Three examinations of the claws were carried out with an interval of six months in between to find out claw disorders. The results were recorded according to a claw scoring system. The claw scores were in the range of other studies using the same scoring system. The median of the claw scores at the beginning of the study was 27 in the tied stall group compared with 37 in the loose housing group, remaining at that level in the first group and falling to 25 in the second group. All in all, the positive effect of regular claw trimming was more pronounced in the loose housing group than in the tethered housing group.     

Effects of Grazing on Vegetation Characteristics and Forage Nutrientional Quality in a Temperate Desert Steppe北大核心CSCD

Grazing and fencing field were sampled to explore their effects on vegetation characteristics and forage nutritional quality by the combined analytical method in the temperate desert steppe. The results showed that, grazing significantly decreased the height, coverage and biomass of the plant community, and significantly increased the species richness index (P<0.01). Moreover, grazing significantly increased the Crude protein (CP), Crude fat (CF), Dry matter digestibility (DMD) and Metabolic energy (ME), and significantly decreased the Neutral detergent fibers (NDF) and Acid detergent fibers (ADF) (P<0.01). The species richness index was positively correlated with CP, CF, DMD and ME, but negatively correlated with NDF and ADF (P<0.01). CP, CF, DMD and ME were negatively correlated with NDF and ADF (P<0.01). In summary, grazing significantly increased species richness index and forage nutritional quality. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out appropriate grazing on the fencing temperate desert steppe to make full use of grassland resources and protect species diversity. © 2019 Authors. All rights reserved.     

The effect of storage temperature on the shelf‐life of eviscerated air‐chilled Turkeys

1. Eviscerated air‐chilled turkeys (weighing about 5.5 kg) were stored in groups of 10 at temperatures between 5 and — 2 °C. Slight “off” odour was detected in an average time of 7.2 d at 5 °C, 13.9 d at 2 °C, 22.6 d at 0 °G and about 38 d at ‐2 °C.

2. The microbiological condition of the carcasses was determined initially and after storage at — 2 ^oC for 28, 35 and 42 d. It was found that, whilst pseudomonads (pigmented and non‐pigmented) were present at 10⁸/cm² after 35 and 42‐d storage, yeasts were also present at 10⁷/cm² and probably accounted for the unusual fusty “off” odours.     

The effect of estrus synchronization treatments on somatic cell count of transitional-anestrus Awassi ewes’ milk

Fifty-three transitional-anestrus Awassi ewes, randomly assigned to three groups: fluorogestone acetate (FGA, n = 18), FGA-Prostaglandin (FGA-PGF, n = 18) and control (n = 17), were used to examine the effect of estrus synchronization protocols and steroid hormones concentrations on milk somatic cell count (SCC). Intravaginal FGA sponge was inserted for 13 days and 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was administered for ewes of FGA and FGA-PGF groups at the time of sponge removal (day 0). In addition, 10 mg was administered to ewes of FGA-PGF group on day 0. Blood and milk samples were collected from all ewes on days -13, -6, 0, 1, 2, 7 and 14. Estradiol had significant positive correlation with the SCC during the periods of sponge insertion (P = 0.015, r = 0.235) and within two days (P = 0.063 r = 0.23) after sponge removal with no correlation with SCC of both udder halves during the luteal phase. Progesterone concentrations, on the other hand, had a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001; r = 0.420) with the SCC of both udder halves during the luteal phase of the experiment, but not during the periods of sponge insertion and expected estrus. SCC returned under the influence of endogenous progesterone on days 7 and 14 to pre-synchronization values. In conclusion, sheep milk SCC is affected significantly with induction of estrus and steroid hormones concentrations. However, peak SCC recorded during estrus was far below the upper limit of the current standard for normal milk. With the current standards for SCC of 1,000,000/ml as legal limit for abnormal milk control programs in sheep, estrus synchronization programs and the estrus status should not be considered when bulk-tank milk SCC is being investigated, but should be considered during the process of setting new standards.     

The effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside （AICAR） on fatty acid oxidation in hepatocytes isolated from neonatal p~glets

In the present study, the effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) on long-chain fatty acid oxidation by hepatocytes isolated from suckled neonatal pig liver (a low ketogenic and lipogenic tissue) was tested. Incubation of hepatocytes with AICAR (0.5 mM) in the presence of 1 mM of carnitine and 10 mM of glucose for 1 hour at 37°C had no significant effect on total [1-14C]-palmitate (0.5 mM) oxidation (14CO2 and 14C-Acid soluble products (ASP)). Consistent with the fatty acid oxidation, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity and inhibition of its activity by malonyl-CoA (10 μM) assayed in cell homogenate also remained constant. However, addition of AICAR to the hepatocytes decreased 14CO2 production by 18% compared to control (p < 0.06). The reduction of labeled carboxylic carbon accumulated in CO2 caused a significant difference in distribution of oxidative products between 14CO2 and 14C-ASP (p < 0.03) compared with the control. It was also noticed that acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) was increased by AICAR (p < 0.03), indicating that ACC might drive acetyl-CoA toward fatty acid synthesis pathway and induce an increase in distribution of fatty acid carbon to 14C-ASP. Addition of insulin to hepatocyte incubations with AICAR did not change the oxidative product distribution between CO2 and ASP, but further promoted ACC activity. The increased ACC activity was 70% higher than in the control group when citrate was absent in the reaction medium and was 30% higher when citrate was present in the medium. Our results suggest that AICAR may affect the distribution of metabolic products from fatty acid oxidation by changing ACC activity in hepatocyte isolated from suckled neonatal piglets; however, the basis for the increase in ACC activity elicited by AICAR is not apparent.