骆驼刺叶片和根系主要功能性状对水分胁迫的适应

植物通过改变地上和地下器官的功能性状和养分分配响应土壤水分变化。本研究以生长两年的骆驼刺(Alhagi sparsifolia)幼苗为研究对象,设置了4个水分梯度(W1：田间持水量的30%;W2：田间持水量的40%;W3：田间持水量的55%; CK：田间持水量的75%),并分析了骆驼刺叶和根的主要功能性状的变化特征。结果表明：水分的减少显著降低了骆驼刺的叶、茎、刺、地上、地下生物量(P < 0.05),而对根冠比的影响并不显著(P > 0.05)。骆驼刺幼苗主要通过减小叶面积、增大比叶面积、减小根体积、增加比根长的生长策略响应水分胁迫。初步说明,骆驼刺能利用自身性状间的协同或权衡作用形成不同的适应策略。在所有水分梯度下,骆驼刺将更多的养分分配在根系中,器官间养分含量呈根 > 叶 > 茎 > 刺的规律;地上与地下之间的养分比值和水分变化正相关。本研究为塔克拉玛干沙漠南缘地区荒漠植被生态恢复提供了理论依据。     

柳枝稷和坚尼草的耐镉性初步研究

为了探究镉污染条件下开发能源植物的可行性,以高生物量黍属能源植物柳枝稷和坚尼草为材料,温室中苗期水培试验,分别对柳枝稷外源施加浓度为0,0.5,5,10,20,50,100μmol/L镉(Cd),对坚尼草施加浓度为0,2,5,7.5,10μmol/L Cd,从形态、生长生理等角度,分析两种能源草对镉的响应。结果表明:随Cd浓度的增加,柳枝稷和坚尼草生物量和根伸长量均下降,Cd浓度为50μmol/L时,柳枝稷根鲜重减少达显著水平(P0.05)。而坚尼草则在Cd浓度为2μmol/L时,根和地上部分总鲜重减少达显著水平。相比于对照,Cd浓度为2μmol/L时,坚尼草的根伸长量已下降96.3%,而柳枝稷在5μmol/L Cd时根伸长量才降低55.0%,柳枝稷的耐镉性高于坚尼草。经20μmol/L镉处理,柳枝稷的地上部镉浓度达40mg/kg,生物量下降了45%。不同浓度的镉处理下,镉在柳枝稷体内的迁移指数为5.9%~14.2%,柳枝稷可以在Cd污染条件下被开发为能源和修复植物种植。此外,实验还发现,在根平均直径为0~1mm范围内,柳枝稷的总根长、根表面积和根体积与镉积累呈显著负相关,与迁移指数呈显著正相关(P0.05),该结果说明,细根在植物的镉吸收积累和转运中可能起着非常重要的作用。     

骆驼刺叶片和根系主要功能性状对水分胁迫的适应

植物通过改变地上和地下器官的功能性状和养分分配响应土壤水分变化.本研究以生长两年的骆驼刺(Alhagi sparsifolia)幼苗为研究对象,设置了4个水分梯度(W1:田间持水量的30％;W2:田间持水量的40％;W3:田间持水量的55％;CK:田间持水量的75％),并分析了骆驼刺叶和根的主要功能性状的变化特征.结果表明:水分的减少显著降低了骆驼刺的叶、茎、刺、地上、地下生物量(P<0.05),而对根冠比的影响并不显著(P>0.05).骆驼刺幼苗主要通过减小叶面积、增大比叶面积、减小根体积、增加比根长的生长策略响应水分胁迫.初步说明,骆驼刺能利用自身性状间的协同或权衡作用形成不同的适应策略.在所有水分梯度下,骆驼刺将更多的养分分配在根系中,器官间养分含量呈根>叶>茎>刺的规律;地上与地下之间的养分比值和水分变化正相关.本研究为塔克拉玛干沙漠南缘地区荒漠植被生态恢复提供了理论依据.     

田间持水量和践踏强度对上海结缕草生长和生理特性的影响

采用不同田间持水量(90%、75%和50%)和践踏强度(无践踏、中度践踏和重度践踏),研究践踏和水分双重胁迫对上海结缕草(Zoysia japonica Steud.cv.Shanghai)草坪质量的影响,结果表明,在无践踏胁迫下,随着田间持水量由90%下降至50%,叶片相对电导率和丙二醛含量呈现上升的趋势,但彼此间差异不显著,而叶片脯氨酸含量则明显上升;在90%、75%和50%田间持水量下,重度践踏的草坪地上生物量和草坪密度明显降低,而中度践踏的地上生物量和草坪密度仅在90%田间持水量下显著低于无践踏处理;在同一田间持水量处理下,叶片的相对电导率、丙二醛含量和脯氨酸含量均随着践踏强度的增加而增加,并且在所有处理中,中度践踏+75%田间持水量处理的叶片相对电导率和丙二醛含量处于最低水平;在践踏和水分双重胁迫下,践踏对叶绿素指数、群落光合速率和水分利用率的影响非常显著,而水分胁迫对其影响相对较小。本研究结果表明上海结缕草具有很强的耐旱能力,是建植节水草坪十分优良的坪用草资源,75%田间持水量和中度践踏强度可以作为开放结缕草草坪管理的重要依据。     

土壤水分垂直分布对建植当年柳枝稷的影响

为了明确柳枝稷(Panicum virgatum L.cv.Alamo)对土壤水分垂直分布条件的适应性、根系分布规律及生长特点,以便更好地确立根区水分最优调控措施,采用土柱法研究了不同土壤水分垂直分布特征对建植当年柳枝稷地上植株和根系指标的影响。结果表明:与对照相比,0~60 cm和0~120 cm土层土壤体积含水量低于10%时,除地上生物量和籽粒产量差异不显著外,其他指标均有显著差异(P<0.05),其中倒三叶长度分别降低12.5%和22.1%、宽度分别降低5.7%和18.4%、总叶绿素含量分别降低7.5%和10.6%、地下生物量分别降低56.5%和58.6%、根长分别降低41.0%和40.7%、根表面积分别降低45.6%和49.4%、根体积分别降低51.1%和56.0%,但地上生物量的水分利用效率分别提高17.5%和88.5%。表层0~60 cm灌水条件下,柳枝稷的根长、根表面积、地上生物量、籽粒产量和各土层根系生物量与对照差异不显著,但地上生物量的水分利用效率提高了111.0%。随着灌水层深度的增加,根系的生物量重心由62.9 cm(CK)下降至71.2 cm,不同直径的根系表现出了不同的适应情况。     

柳枝稷根系垂直分布及植株生长对土壤盐分类型的响应

采用土柱法研究了土壤NaCl(0.40%)、Na₂SO₄(0.80%)和NaHCO₃(0.80%)胁迫对建植当年柳枝稷(Pani-cum virgatum L.)根系垂直分布和植株生长的影响,以期明确不同盐分胁迫下柳枝稷的响应机制,为其在盐渍土地上的栽培管理提供理论依据。结果表明:盐土条件下,柳枝稷的倒三叶尺寸、叶绿素a含量、地上和地下生物量、总生物量、籽粒产量和根冠比均显著低于对照(无盐处理),叶绿素b和总叶绿素含量增加,对总根长、根表面积和根体积的抑制作用显著。土壤盐分类型为NaCl时,柳枝稷的株高与CK差异不显著,根系生物量重心上移至23 cm(CK为50 cm),根系集中分布在0～40 cm土层;土壤盐分类型为Na₂SO₄时,根系生物量重心上移至38 cm,根系分布在0～120 cm土层范围内,且随着土层深度的增加而逐渐减少;土壤盐分类型为NaHCO₃时,根系生物量重心上移至18 cm,根系集中分布在0～80 cm土层。NaCl和NaHCO₃对柳枝稷根系向下延伸的影响较大,而Na₂SO₄对根系向下延伸的影响较小。     

重金属Cd、Cu以及干旱胁迫对柳枝稷的影响分析

植物修复技术以其操作简单、环境友好和低消耗越来越受到人们重视。为在干旱半干旱地区重金属污染条件下建植柳枝稷进行修复提供基础依据,以柳枝稷Alamo品种为材料,利用正交旋转设计,研究Cd-Cu-干旱胁迫对农艺性状及重金属、水分吸收运输的影响。结果表明:Cd处理降低地下部生物量并增加地下部两重金属含量,而Cu和干旱处理分别增加地下部生物量、增加地上部或降低地下部两重金属含量。柳枝稷对Cd、Cu具有较强耐受力,产生"毒物刺激效应",而一定干旱条件促进其生长。单独、两两或同时交互对农艺性状没有产生显著影响(P0.05),Cd-干旱交互,对地上部Cd作用显著(P0.05);Cu-干旱及Cd-Cu-干旱胁迫,对地下部Cu显著(P0.05)。由此,Cd及Cu竞争吸附,前者向地上部转移比例大于后者,重金属和干旱交互胁迫对特定部位重金属影响显著(P0.05)。柳枝稷通过根部积累等措施修复Cu和Cd,耐旱性强,能较好适应重金属及干旱单独或交互作用的影响。     

光照和水分对紫花苜蓿生长和水分利用的影响

水分影响牧草的生长和生产，光能驱动牧草水资源利用和生产地上生物量，二者均是限制黄土高原畜牧业发展的重要因素。结合黄土高原光照时间长、水分短缺的特点，深入了解水分和光照强度对紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa)生长的影响，可为优化紫花苜蓿的种植模式和栽培管理提供一定依据。采用盆栽试验，研究两种供水水平(高水：田间持水量的70%～100%；低水：田间持水量的50%～70%)和两种光照强度[高光：总辐射接受量约为20.7MJ·(m²·d)^-1，相当于晴天的太阳辐射；低光总辐射接受量约为14.8 MJ·(m²·d)^-1，相当于半阴天的太阳辐射]下紫花苜蓿生长动态、地上生物量和水分利用的变化规律，阐明光照强度和水分对紫花苜蓿的的影响。结果表明，高水低光处理下，紫花苜蓿的叶片数、叶面积最大，单株地上生物量最高。在两种光照强度下，高水处理的紫花苜蓿较低水处理地上生物量平均增加158.1%，耗水量平均增加68.8%，水分利用效率平均增加65.5%。两种水分条件下，低光处理下的紫花苜蓿较高光处理地上生物量平均增...     

白羊草根系形态特征对土壤水分阶段变化的响应

根系形态特征是评价植物适应胁迫环境的重要指标。以黄土丘陵半干旱区天然草地群落优势种白羊草为材料,研究了其根系生长和形态特征与水分供应条件的关系。采用盆栽控制试验,设置3个水分处理:高水(HW,80%田间持水量)、中水(MW,60%田间持水量)和低水(LW,40%田间持水量),分别在拔节期、开花期、结实期改善水分供应水平,在生育期末测定了白羊草根系生物量和各项形态指标。结果表明:白羊草根系生长与水分供应条件密切相关,持续高水处理有利于白羊草根系生长,其根系生物量、总根长和根表面积均显著提高(P<0.05);水分胁迫抑制了白羊草根系生长,但对白羊草根系平均直径影响不显著;根系生物量、总根长和根表面积间存在显著的正相关关系(P<0.01);不同生育期阶段胁迫后复水,白羊草根系表现出较强的可塑性,在拔节期复水且高的复水幅度能够显著提高白羊草根系生物量、总根长和根表面积(P<0.05)。这些说明白羊草根系对干旱胁迫有较强的耐受能力,其对阶段干旱胁迫后复水的响应与生育期及复水前干旱胁迫程度密切相关。     

生物炭添加对滨海盐土柳枝稷生长的影响

为探究生物炭在滨海盐土改良中的作用以及对植物生长的影响,通过田间试验,采用穴施方式添加450℃热解玉米秸秆炭(1%、2%),分析了滨海盐土理化性质和柳枝稷生长特性的响应。结果表明:生物炭添加后第一个生长季,土壤容重降低3.9%以上,田间持水量、毛管孔隙度、有机碳含量分别提高7.4%、4.0%、68.3%以上,柳枝稷成活率提高18.4%以上,地上和地下干重分别增加198.4%、91.4%以上,地上部和地下部的生长明显改善,柳枝稷可以选择性地吸收K+。因此,采用穴施方式添加生物炭,可以改善滨海盐土的部分理化性质,进而促进柳枝稷的生长,提升其耐盐能力。     

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.