中国野牦牛遗传资源的保存与利用

野牦牛是青藏高原珍贵的野生畜种资源。本文从野牦牛的分布、类型、种群数量以及主要地理分区等方面分析了中国野牦牛遗传资源现状,同时讨论了野牦牛的生物学特性和经济价值,并提出了保存和利用野牦牛遗传资源的措施,对促进高寒牧区生态效益和社会效益有着重要的意义。     

中国野牦牛遗传资源的保存与利用

野牦牛是青藏高原珍贵的野生畜种资源.本文从野牦牛的分布、类型、种群数量以及主要地理分区等方面分析了中国野牦牛遗传资源现状,同时讨论了野牦牛的生物学特性和经济价值,并提出了保存和利用野牦牛遗传资源的措施,对促进高寒牧区生态效益和社会效益有着重要的意义.     

羌塘自然保护区阿鲁盆地野牦牛种群生存力分析

采用VORTEX7.3软件对野牦牛的种群生存力进行了分析。研究结果显示:野牦牛集合种群在100年内的种群动态变化接近于根据野外工作得到的种群动态,种群在100年内的灭绝概率为零。在10年内野牦牛的种群数量呈急剧下降趋势,在20～50年内野牦牛的种群数量下降趋势逐渐缓和,50年后野牦牛种群数量呈稳定下降状态,在95年时野牦牛种群数量最小为50头。在60年内野牦牛的灭绝概率为0,在60～70年内野牦牛的灭绝概率有升高的趋势,在70～90年内野牦牛的灭绝概率急剧升高,在95年时野牦牛的灭绝概率达28%。野牦牛已处在濒危状态,急需保护。野牦牛死亡率的变化对它们种群生存力的影响要大于环境变化;逐步使野牦牛生境良性发展有利于野牦牛种群的良性发展;通过野牦牛种群间进行个体交换有利于保持它们的进化潜力。     

高原鼢鼠栖息地的选择

高原鼢鼠（Myospalax baileyi）是青藏高原的特有鼠种,营地下生活,靠采食植物根茎为生,主要分布在青藏高原高寒草甸和高寒草原区,在草地生态系统中具有重要的功能和地位,有着地面植食性动物不可替代的作用。然而,由于高原鼢鼠种群密度上升,打破了原有土-草-畜-鼠的动态平衡,导致草地生产力下降,生物多样性丧失,进而形成草原鼠害。在鼠害严重危害区会形成次生裸地(黑土滩、鼠荒地等),严重威胁着草地生态环境安全。高原鼢鼠种群数量上升与其栖息地适合度增强密切相关,选择适宜栖息地也是导致高原鼢鼠扩散的主要原因之一。通过破坏栖息地环境来降低高原鼢鼠生境适合度,进而降低其种群密度是目前取代化学灭鼠的趋势。本研究详细阐述了影响高原鼢鼠对栖息地选择的因素,以及国外对地下鼠生境选择的研究,并对高原鼢鼠生态防治的研究及新型技术在其研究方面的应用做出了进一步的展望。     

中国野牦牛的分布、类型及利用

根据实地考察和查阅大量资料,对野牦牛的分布范围,数量及类型作了阐述.野牦牛仅分布于青藏高原4 500 m以上的高山寒漠,数量约2～4万头.野牦牛和家牦牛属于同种动物.论述了野牦牛的两个生态类型,祁连山型和昆仑山型.经八年试验研究证明,导入野牦牛血液明显提高了家牦牛生产性能.野血牦牛在活重、体格大小、增重速度、屠宰率、产奶量等方面,均比家牦牛高15%以上,为牦牛选育开辟了一条新途径.     

新疆乌鲁木齐南山山区天山马鹿（Cervus elaphus songaricus）种群数量调查

为了查清新疆乌鲁木齐南山山区天山马鹿（Cervus elaphus songaricus）种群的现状和有效保护与合理利用野生马鹿资源,2010—2011年采用截线抽样法对新疆南山山区天山马鹿的栖息地和种群现状进行了考察。共调查35条样线,总长度78km,遇见马鹿158头,平均密度为0．52512±0．064758头／km2,栖息地面积697km2,估计马鹿总数为366．0±45．1头。雌雄比例2．5：l,亚成体和成体数量明显大于幼体和老体数量。研究区域内马鹿的种群密度和资源总数量比往年有所下降;但从性比和年龄结构来看该研究区域马鹿种群有增长的潜力。     

中国野牦牛种质资源库体系的建立

本文以20世纪初以来国内外探险家和众多学者发表的科考资料及2001—2003年国家科技基础专项“中国野牦牛遗传资源信息动态调查及种质资源库建设”为背景,对中国野牦牛遗传资源全息动态进行了缜密研究。构建了野牦牛种质资源信息收集、整理及调查的方法;研究了野牦牛的生境、种群数量、种群密度和分布区域;建立了具备群体水平上保护利用野牦牛的50头规模的高效、动态及良性运作的现代遗传繁育基地,具有在细胞水平上保护利用野牦牛的可年产2万支冷冻精液的动态保存库,具备在细胞水平上保护利用野牦牛的可生产0.1—0.15万枚野牦牛冷冻胚胎动态保存库的条件与规模;创建了联合我国相关野生动物保护组织、行业、协会、自然保护区、科研机构、企业及公众,有条件地接轨国际上有关野生动物保护组织的现代、高效、动态、监测、可持续性保护利用牦牛遗传资源的共享平台,其形式以具有自主知识产权的文字版、光盘版和Internet网络形式与全社会共享。     

中国野牦牛种质资源库体系的建立

本文以20世纪初以来国内外探险家和众多学者发表的科考资料及2001-2003年国家科技基础专项“中国野牦牛遗传资源信息动态调查及种质资源库建设”为背景,对中国野牦牛遗传资源全息动态进行了缜密研究.构建了野牦牛种质资源信息收集、整理及调查的方法;研究了野牦牛的生境、种群数量、种群密度和分布区域;建立了具备群体水平上保护利用野牦牛的50头规模的高效、动态及良性运作的现代遗传繁育基地,具有在细胞水平上保护利用野牦牛的可年产2万支冷冻精液的动态保存库,具备在细胞水平上保护利用野牦牛的可生产0.1-0.15万枚野牦牛冷冻胚胎动态保存库的条件与规模;创建了联合我国相关野生动物保护组织、行业、协会、自然保护区、科研机构、企业及公众,有条件地接轨国际上有关野生动物保护组织的现代、高效、动态、监测、可持续性保护利用牦牛遗传资源的共享平台,其形式以具有自主知识产权的文字版、光盘版和Internet网络形式与全社会共享.     

野牦牛与家牦牛六个方面比较

牦牛是一种古老的牛种,距今200万年前就已经出现在地球上。我国是世界上家牦牛数量、品种最多的国家,有家牦牛1400多万头,约占世界家牦牛总数的95%以上。被称为"高原之舟"的牦牛,是青藏高原特有畜种,仅青海省就有牦牛490余万头,约占全世界的1/3。本文主要对青海家牦牛和野牦牛的分布及概况、外貌特征与繁殖方式、饲养管理、生产性能和抗病力等方面进行对比分析,发现野牦牛喜欢群居,善于攀高涉险;野牦牛的繁殖情况基本与家牦牛相似;野牦牛比家牦牛抗病性能好。     

气象因子对高原鼢鼠种群数量的影响

高原鼢鼠是青藏高原地区主要的啮齿动物种类之一,了解其种群数量与气象因子的关系对高原鼢鼠种群消长规律及生物多样性的维持具有重要意义。2013-2016年对高原鼢鼠种群密度进行了研究,利用Pearson相关分析以及典范对应分析对高原鼢鼠种群密度以及扰动区草地生物量与7个气象因子的相关性进行了分析。结果表明,高原鼢鼠种群密度及草地生物量总体呈下降趋势,且高原鼢鼠种群密度与双子叶植物生物量呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。温度和降水量对高原鼢鼠种群数量以及生物量有较大影响,其中年平均气温和年平均最低气温与高原鼢鼠种群密度显著相关(P<0.05),另外,高原鼢鼠种群密度与日照时数关系密切。气象因子主要通过对高原鼢鼠食物的影响而对其产生间接影响。     

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 -