Modifying the Height of Horseshoes: Effects of Wedge Shoes,Studs, and Rocker Shoes on the Phalangeal Alignment,Pressure Distribution,and Hoof-Ground Contact During Motion

This study was designed as a comparative study with the intention to accumulate fundamental data on a wide variety of farriery methods. Twenty-five warmblood/crossbred horses, allocated into five groups (n = 5), underwent radiological and kinetic examination of the barefoot hoof, the shod hoof with a standard horseshoe, and finally a modified horseshoe. For radiographic measurements, a special podoblock with embedded reference points and changeable ground surfaces was used. Kinetic examinations were performed by placing one sensor between the shoe and the hoof and the second sensor between the shoe and the ground and then walking the horses on four different ground surfaces. When wedges were applied, the palmar angle increased by approximately 5° on all surfaces. However, this effect was only seen on firm surfaces combined with studs. Using a rocker shoe, the palmar angle increased on a firm surface (0.6 ± 0.3°) and decreased on a deformable surface (0.8 ± 0.3°). No consistent data were noted for the orientation of the proximal and middle phalanx in relation to the palmar angle. Pressure distribution showed wedges and studs to cause an increased pressure load on both the toe and the heels on a firm surface. Rocker shoes led to pressure peaks at the inner section of the toe, and high pressure was exerted on the quarters. In conclusion, all modified horseshoes showed unintended side effects and their influence on biomechanical parameters varied depending on the ground surface.     

Effects of Steel and Aluminum Shoes on Forelimb Kinematics in Stock-Type Horses as Measured at the Trot

To meet the needs of sport horses, horseshoes of various styles and materials have been implemented to enhance performance. Steel shoes are commonly used for their affordability and longevity; however, the use of aluminum horseshoes is being adopted to satisfy the various requirements of certain equestrian activities. Owing to the importance of the allure of movement in many aspects of competitive riding, the lightweight nature of aluminum horseshoes has been recognized to accentuate foreleg action. By performing a repeated-measures crossover study on nine healthy stock-type horses, the effects of these two horseshoe types on forelimb action were analyzed at the trot using two-dimensional kinematics. Horses were trotted in hand for three repetitions over a distance of 50.1 meters on days 4, 18, 32, and 46 postshoeing for two 6-week shoeing cycles. Video footage was collected and analyzed using gait analysis software (EquineTec) for each repetition. The measured stride length, fetlock extension, elbow and knee range of motion, and minimum and maximum elbow angle remained constant between treatments. However, there was a significant treatment effect on minimum carpal angle and maximum hoof height, with aluminum shoes having a larger minimum carpal angle than those in steel shoes (P < .05) and a lower maximum hoof height (P < .05). An overall 3-degree difference in minimum carpal angle and approximate 2.5-cm difference in maximum hoof height was observed between treatments. This finding is of particular importance to performance horse disciplines for which a lesser degree of knee action is desirable.     

Effects of Whole Body Vibration on the Horse: Actual Vibration,Muscle Activity,and Warm-up Effect

Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise has been introduced into human and recently also into equine training. Only a few studies about physical and physiological effects on horses are available. This study should clarify the actual physical vibration of a commercially available WBV plate itself and on the horse as well as the muscular activity in the limbs and back. Furthermore, the effects of WBV warm-up on clinical parameters and body surface temperatures were compared to standard warm-up exercises. Ten sound horses (vibration and muscle activity of six horses) were recorded while standing (control) and during 15 and 25 Hz (manufacturer information) vibration exercise. The vibration of plate, hoof, fetlock, withers, and sacrum was analyzed for frequency, peak-to-peak displacement, and peak acceleration. Activity of M. triceps, quadriceps, and longissimus dorsi was assessed using surface electromyography. Warm-up effects were compared between four different warm-up scenarios: standing (control), 10-minute vibration, 10-minute lunging (walk), and 12-minute lunging (walk and trot). Maximal body surface temperature of upper forelimb, thigh, and back was measured. Actual plate vibration frequency was 7 or 11 Hz with a maximum peak-to-peak displacement of 9 mm in longitudinal direction. WBV exercise induced no increase in electromyographic activity, clinical parameter, or body surface temperature. It was concluded that actual plate vibration was mainly longitudinal with a lower frequency than proposed and 10-minute exercise had no significant effect. Different vibration protocols and vibration acting in the vertical direction might enable more effective exercise in horses.     

Effects of Density and Water Availability on the Behavior, Physiology, and Weight Loss of Slaughter Horses during Transport

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of density and provision of water on aggressive behavior, stress, and weight loss in slaughter horses during transport. A 16.2-m, single deck semi-trailer was divided into three compartments to create high, medium, and low density (397 ± 6.5 kg/m², 348 ± 5.2 kg/m², and 221 ± 7.6 kg/m² per compartment) groups of unrestrained horses. Six shipments containing 23 to 30 horses per shipment were transported in June and July of 2004 for 18 to 20 hours. While the truck was stopped for 1 hour after 8 hours of transport and then again just before unloading, horses in each of two compartments received water for 1 hour from six water bowls (three bowls mounted on each side of a compartment). The third, non-watered compartment served as a control. Aggressive behavior of the horses was recorded using 12 video cameras installed in the trailer. All occurrences of aggressive behavior were counted from 15-minute segments of video during 2-hour intervals for each horse that was visible in each density group. Neither density nor water significantly affected (P > 0.21) aggressive behavior, cortisol, plasma chemistry profile, dehydration, or weight loss. Aggression did not differ (P = 0.49) between the first and second halves of the shipments, indicating that fatigue had not advanced to the stage where aggression was suppressed. Individual horses, rather than density were the major cause of aggressive behavior. However, two horses went down in the high density treatment, indicating that factors in high density could lead to increased morbidity or death.     

Competition Horses Housed in Single Stalls (II): Effects of Free Exercise on the Behavior in the Stable, the Behavior during Training, and the Degree of Stress

Although housing horses in single stalls limits their natural behavior to a great extent, this housing system is widespread in Germany, especially for competition horses. To improve the welfare of this system, free exercise on pastures or paddocks is deemed suitable, but it is also feared because of injuries and decreased willingness or motivation to perform. In the present study, three treatments were investigated with regard to their effect on the behavior of six competition horses in the stable, behavior during training, and on their degree of stress: daily training without free exercise (no turnout [NT]), solitary turnout for 2 hours after training, and 2-hour turnout in groups of two after training (group turnout). The horses’ behavior in the stable was continuously analyzed through video recordings (2 pm to 6 am) on 3 days at the end of each treatment. The degree of stress was evaluated daily by heart rate variability at rest. The behavior during training was evaluated by a questionnaire answered by the riders, and the distance covered during training was measured by global positioning system. When NT was allowed, the horses showed less lying in the stable compared with the treatments with turnout. Heart rate variability measurements resulted in great individual differences, but generally, there was a higher degree of stress shown with the treatment NT according to the following parameters: standard deviation of inter-beat-intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between successive inter-beat-intervals (RMSSD), and ratio between low frequency and high frequency (LF/HF). The willingness to perform was evaluated as being slightly better in the treatments with turnout than in the treatment without turnout.     

Comparison of the Effects of Four Freezing Methods on Motility Characteristics,Morphology, and Viability of Postthaw Stallion Epididymal Sperm

Semen cryopreservation is of growing interest in the horse breeding industry, and collecting epididymal sperm might provide the chance to preserve genetic material from valuable stallions after severe injury or death. In case of an unexpected emergency, there may not always be an adequate laboratory nearby. Therefore, we compared fast and slow freezing methods using either a programmable freezer or a styrofoam box filled with liquid nitrogen. Epididymides of 10 stallions were collected immediately after routine castration under general anesthesia. Epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated before and after the freeze-thaw process for motility, viability, morphological, and kinematic parameters. Neither postthaw motility nor kinematic values differed among the four freezing protocols. Morphological abnormalities after freezing and thawing differed among epididymal segments. However, there were significantly more nonviable spermatozoa after the freeze-thaw process using the fast freezing process in the styrofoam box filled with liquid nitrogen compared with all other freezing processes. According to the results of this study, freezing in nitrogen vapor should be considered as an alternative to the programmable freezer only in combination with a prolonged cooling period.     

自由牧马对草甸草地群落结构及牧草品质的影响:以新疆昭苏夏马场为例研究

为探明自由牧马对草甸草地群落结构及牧草品质的影响,在新疆昭苏夏马场设置放牧试验,采用控制笼进行对照,分析了2013-2015年草地群落结构及牧草营养品质的动态变化。结果表明:(1)无芒雀麦(Bromus inermis)、羊茅(Festuca ovina)等一些马喜食的禾本科牧草的相对密度降低,狼毒(Euphorbia fischeriana)、龙胆(Gentiana scabra)等一些毒性植物和马不食植物的相对密度升高,但主要优势植物变化不大;(2)在3年夏场放牧中,草甸草地多样性指数(Simpson指数)维持在0.74～0.81;不同植物种类重要值变化趋势不同,白三叶(Trifolium repens)、草地早熟禾(Poa pratensis)和龙胆在群落中重要值增加,而细果苔草(Carex stenocarpa)和羊茅的重要值显著降低;(3)牧草中的中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)总体呈现上升趋势;粗蛋白(CP)含量随着放牧年限的增加从13.4%下降到11.3%,仍可达到马对粗蛋白含量(8%)的基本要求。由试验可知:目前的放牧强度(5匹马·ha-1)基本维持了草地的可持续性,但一定程度上降低了牧草的品质。     

根系切割对菊芋块茎产量及物质分配的影响

以红皮菊芋(Helianthus tuberosus)为研究对象,通过对营养生长期和现蕾期菊芋根系进行垂直切割处理,探讨根系切割对菊芋块茎生物产量和物质分配的影响.结果表明:根系切割显著提高了块茎产量(P <0.05),且2个处理时间在20 cm条件下均使块茎产量最高;根系切割提高了菊芋块茎比重和根冠比,降低了茎比重、花比重、叶比重和根比重,有利于增加光合产物在块茎中的分配.     

不同形态N-氨甲酰谷氨酸对滩羊生长性能、血清生化指标和脂肪分配的影响

试验旨在比较N-氨甲酰谷氨酸（NCG）和瘤胃保护型NCG（RP-NCG）对滩羊生长性能、血清生化指标和脂肪分配的影响。选取日龄相近、体重为（20.14±0.31）kg公滩羔羊60只,随机分为3组：对照组、0.1% NCG处理组和0.1% RP-NCG处理组,每组5个重复,每个重复4只羔羊。对照组不添加NCG,0.1% NCG组添加0.1% NCG,0.1% RP-NCG组添加0.1% RP-NCG。试验期80 d。结果显示：①与对照组相比,日粮中添加NCG和RP-NCG能够显著提高滩羊平均日增重并降低料重比（P<0.05）,但两试验组之间差异不显著（P>0.05）;②日粮中添加NCG和RP-NCG,显著降低了血清尿素氮含量（P<0.05）,但对血清总蛋白、肌酐和肌酸激酶的活性影响不显著（P>0.05）;③与对照组相比,添加NCG和RP-NCG使滩羊净肉重/胴体重显著提高（P<0.05）,皮下脂肪和GR值显著下降（P<0.05）,两试验组间差异不显著（P>0.05）;试验组肌内脂肪（IMF）含量显著升高（P<0.05）。综上所述,日粮添加0.1% NCG或0.1% RP-NCG可提高舍饲滩羊生长性能,并能改善滩羊脂肪分配。与RP-NCG相比,NCG对滩羊生长性能、血清生化指标及脂肪分配无显著影响。     

Effects of Different Types of N-carbamylglutamate on the Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indexes and Fat Distribution of Tan Sheep

The objective of the present experiment was to determine the effect of different types of N-carbamoylglutamate on growth performance,serum biochemical indexes and fat distribution of Tan sheep. Sixty male Tan lambs with average weight of (20.14±0.31)kg and similar age were randomly assigned three groups with five replications per group and 4 lambs per replication. The lambs in control group were fed basal diet, while lambs in test groups were fed diets containing 0.1% NCG and 0.1% RP-NCG,respectively. The results showed that:① Comparing with control group,the ADG was significantly improved (P<0.05) and F/G was significantly decreased (P<0.05) when 0.1% NCG or 0.1% RP-NCG were supplemented,while there was no significant difference between two experimental groups (P>0.05).② Dietary supplemented with 0.1% NCG or 0.1% RP-NCG significantly decreased the serum urea nitrogen (P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in serum total protein,creatinine content and creatine kinase activity (P>0.05).③ The ration of meat weight to carcass weight of two experimental groups was significantly improved (P<0.05).As 0.1% NCG or 0.1% RP-NCG were supplemented in the diets, the content of subcutaneous fat and GR value were significantly decreased (P<0.05),and the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) was significantly increased (P<0.05).In conclusion,dietary supplemented with 0.1% NCG or 0.1% RP-NCG could improve the growth performance and slaughter performance while there was no significant difference between NCG and RP-NCG.     

Long-Term and Immediate Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Chronic Lameness in the Horse: A Pilot Study

The effects of whole body vibration (WBV) in horses with chronic lameness were evaluated in an experimental, single subject, repeated measure design. To assess the long-term effect of WBV, eight horses not previously exposed to WBV were subject to WBV, 30 minutes twice daily, five days a week, for 60 days in addition to their regular exercise routine. Lameness was assessed subjectively and objectively 30 days before the start, at the start and 30 and 60 days after the start of the treatment (WBV). The immediate effect of WBV was assessed in four horses accustomed to WBV, by comparing lameness before and within 30 minutes of a single 30-minute WBV session at four different time intervals. Change in lameness was sought using paired t tests on the kinematic data. A P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Intraindividual change was sought using a subjective and objective scoring system. No statistically significant change in lameness was seen after 30 or 60 days of WBV, respectively, in the chronically lame horses not previously exposed to WBV. However, a trend toward improvement was observed after the first 30 days of WBV, but this improvement appeared to be lost during the second 30 days of WBV. Although a statistically significant worsening of front limb lameness was seen immediately after a single 30-minute WBV session in the chronically lame horses accustomed to WBV, this result was largely attributed to a very significant worsening of the front limb lameness in one horse within that group.     

放牧强度对荒漠草原一年生植物刺穗藜种群特征及空间分布的影响

为探讨不同放牧强度下一年生植物种群特征及空间分布的变化特点及差异,本研究以内蒙古四子王旗短花针茅荒漠草原一年生植物刺穗藜(Chenopodium aristatum)为对象,分析了围封对照(CK)、轻度放牧(Light graz-ing)、中度放牧(Moderate grazing)和重度放牧(Heavy grazin...     

菊芋物质分配格局对密度制约的响应

通过测定不同密度条件下菊芋（Helianthus tuberosus）株高、产量和各器官生物量等指标,探讨密度对其株高、产量和生物量分配比例的影响规律。结果表明：茎秆、块茎及地上生物量随着密度增加而增加,小花、根系和叶片的生物量均随密度增加表现为先升高后降低,密度为0.6 m×0.6 m时达最高;单株根系生物量随密度增加表现为先增加后降低,单株叶片、小花、茎秆、块茎和总生物量均随密度增加逐渐降低;单株生物量贡献率顺序为茎秆>叶片>块茎>小花>根系,且与密度无关;株高随密度的增加而增加。因此,以饲用为目的宜高度密度种植,以块茎产品为目的种植密度宜为0.6 m×0.6 m。     

祁连山中段蝶类资源与分布的研究

采用定点采集与路线网捕法 ,研究了祁连山中段的蝶群落结构和物种多样性及其资源分布特点。结果表明 :共捕获蝶类 2 5 0 0余号 ,隶属于 6科 3 5属 5 3种 ,其分布划规为 5个生态群落 :1 )山缘农田群落 2 3种 ,占 43 .4% ;2 )山地草原群落 1 3种 ,占 2 4.5 % ;3 )森林草原群落 1 3种 ,占 2 4.5 % ,4)高寒灌丛草甸群落 2 2种 ,占 41 .5 % ;5 )裸岩群落 6种 ,占 1 1 .3 %。以山缘农田群落和高寒灌丛草甸群落中种数最多 ,裸岩群落中种数最少。     

Effects of isoflurane,sevoflurane and methoxyflurane on the electroencephalogram of the chicken

ObjectiveAnaesthetics have differing effects on mammalian electroencephalogram (EEG) but little is known about the effects on avian EEG. This study explored how inhalant anaesthetics affect chicken EEG.Study designExperimental study.AnimalsTwelve female Hyline Brown chickens aged 6–11 weeks.MethodsEach chicken was anaesthetized with isoflurane, sevoflurane, and methoxyflurane. For each, anaesthesia was adjusted to 1, 1.5 and 2 times Minimum Anaesthetic Concentration (MAC). Total Power (Ptot), Median Frequency (F50), Spectral Edge Frequency (F95) and Burst Suppression Ratio (BSR) were calculated at each volume concentration. BSR data were analyzed using doubly repeated measures anova. Neither isoflurane nor sevoflurane could be included in analysis of F50, F95 and Ptot because of extensive burst suppression; Methoxyflurane data were analyzed using RM anova.ResultsThere was a significant interaction between anaesthetic and concentration on BSR [F(4,22) = 10.65, p < 0.0001]. For both isoflurane and sevoflurane, BSR increased with concentration. Isoflurane caused less suppression than sevoflurane at 1.5 MAC and at final 1 MAC while methoxyflurane caused virtually no burst suppression. Methoxyflurane concentration had a significant effect on F50 [F(2,20) = 3.83, p = 0.04], F95 [F(2,20) = 4.03, p = 0.03] and Ptot [F(2,20) = 5.22, p = 0.02]. Decreasing methoxyflurane from 2 to 1 MAC increased F50 and F95. Ptot increased when concentration decreased from 1.5 to 1 MAC and tended to be higher at 1 MAC than at 2 MAC.Conclusions and Clinical relevanceIsoflurane and sevoflurane suppressed chicken EEG in a dose-dependent manner. Higher concentrations of methoxyflurane caused an increasing degree of synchronization of EEG. Isoflurane and sevoflurane suppressed EEG activity to a greater extent than did methoxyflurane at equivalent MAC multiples. Isoflurane caused less suppression than sevoflurane at intermediate concentrations. These results indicate the similarity between avian and mammalian EEG responses to inhalant anaesthetics and reinforce the difference between MAC and anaesthetic effects on brain activity in birds.     

镉胁迫对3种柱花草生长及植株镉积累和分配的影响

利用不同浓度镉离子(Cd²⁺)溶液对3个柱花草(Stylosanthes spp.)品种进行不同程度的胁迫处理,以研究Cd²⁺胁迫对柱花草生长、镉积累及其分配的影响。结果表明:随着Cd²⁺浓度的增加,3种柱花草生长均受到抑制,Cd²⁺胁迫对西卡柱花草(Stylosanthes scabra cv.Seca)株高、分枝数、地上部和地下部生物量影响最大,其次是TPRC2001-1柱花草(Stylosanthes guianensis.TPRC2001-1),而热研2号柱花草(Stylosanthes guianensis cv.Reyan2)影响最小;在Cd²⁺胁迫下3种柱花草地上部和地下部Cd²⁺含量均显著增加,TPRC2001-1柱花草体内含Cd²⁺量较热研2号柱花草和西卡柱花草大;地上部富集系数随Cd²⁺浓度增加呈下降趋势,且在低Cd²⁺浓度(≤1 mg·kg^-1)下更易富集Cd²⁺;Cd²⁺转运系数呈现先上升后下降。     

The Distribution of Bacteria (Other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the Hair, at the Skin Surface and Within the Hair Follicles of Dogs

Résumé— La distribution des bactéries, autres que les staphlocoques sur la tige des poils, à la surface cutanée et dans les follicules pileux de 8 chiens est analysée. Sur la tige des poils Micrococcus spp. et les bactéries aérobies gram mégatifs sont plus nombreuses avec des numérations variant de 1,12 à 0,84 log₁₀ (colonies formant unites par cm²). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) sont également trouvés. A la surface cutanée Micrococcus spp. des bactéries aérobies gram négatifs et Clostridium sp. sont les plus nombreuses avec des numérations respectives variant de 0,62, 1,12 et 0,84 log₁₀ (colonies formant unités par cm²). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) de Micrococcus spp. sont trouvés de façon plus importante à l'intérieur des follicules pileux qu' à la surface cutanée, les Streptocoques et Bacillus sp. ont été trouvés respectivement sur cinq et quatre chiens. Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp. Nocardia sp. sont occasion-nellement trouvés. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Distribution des bactéries autres que Staphylococci et Propionibacterium acnes) sur le poil, à la surface de al peau et dans les follicules pileux). Resumen— Presentamos la localizatión de bacterias noestafilocócicas en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro del foliculo piloso de ocho perros. En los pelos, Micrococcus spp. abundantes, con contajes medios entre 1.12 a 0.84 Log₁₀ (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm^-1, respectivamente. Se encontró a nivel proximal un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de bacterias aeróbicas gram-negativas y Bacillus spp. En la superficie cutánea, Micrococcus spp., las bacterias aeróbicas contajes medios de 0.62, 1.12 y 0.84 Log₁₀ (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm“², respectivamente. Se aisló un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de Micrococcus spp. dentro de los foliculos pilosos que en la superficie cutánea (p < 0.05). Se aisló Streptococi y Bacillus spp. en cinco y cuatro perros, respectivamente. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Nocardia spp. fueron hallados ocasionalmente. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Localizatión de bacterias (exceptuando Staphilococci y Propionibacterium acnes) en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro de los foliculos pilosos). Abstract— The distribution of bacteria, other than staphylococci, on the hair shaft, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of eight dogs is reported. On the hair shafts Micrococcus spp. and aerobic Gram-negative bacteria were most numerous, with mean counts ranging from 1.12 to 0.84 Log₁₀(colony forming units + 1) cm“¹ respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Gram-negative bacteria and Bacillus sp. were found proximally. At the skin surface Micrococcus spp., aerobic Gram-negative bacteria and Clostridium spp. were the most numerous with mean counts of 0.62, 1.12 and 0.84 Log₁₀(colony forming units + 1) cm”², respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Micrococcus spp. were found within the hair follicles than on the skin surface (p < 0.05). Streptococci and Bacillus spp. were found on five and four dogs, respectively. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Nocardia spp. were occasionally found.     

Effects of vegetable oil supplementation on feed intake,rumen fermentation,growth performance,and carcass characteristic of growing swamp buffaloes

Fifteen, one year old swamp buffalo males with average liveweight of 200.5 ± 9.5 kg were randomly assigned according to a completely randomized design to receive three dietary treatments of supplemental vegetable oils in concentrate contained 140, 750, and 16 g of crude protein, total digestible nutrient, and ether extract, respectively (T1 = unsupplemented, T2 = supplemental coconut oil and sunflower oil in ratio 50:50 at 6% of concentrate, and T3 = supplemental sunflower oil at 6% of concentrate) during a 5-month feeding trial. Urea-treated rice straw was offered ad libitum and concentrate was supplemented at 150 g/kg BW. The results revealed that supplementation of vegetable oils decreased dry matter intake in sunflower oil supplemented group. Combination of coconut oil and sunflower oil supplementation resulted in similar average daily gain as those found in control and in sunflower oil supplemented groups. Rumen microorganism population, ammonia–nitrogen, blood urea–nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were decreased as vegetable oils were supplemented. Oil supplementation slightly reduced growth rate, hot carcass percentage, loin eye area particularly on sunflower oil supplemented group. Based on these findings, vegetable oil resulted in decreased performance of swamp buffaloes although the combination of coconut oil and sunflower oil could reduce negative effect of unsaturated oil supplementation. However, further analyses of conjugated fatty acids (CLA) in meat could offer useful information in determining pronounced effects of vegetable oil supplementation.     

氮硅添加对高寒草甸生物量和多样性的影响——以青藏高原为例

草地施肥多集中于添加氮肥与磷肥,很少涉及硅肥。硅作为对植物有益的一种元素,能提高植物对环境的抗性,促进植物的生长。本研究以青藏高原高寒草甸为研究对象,通过添加不同组合的氮肥和硅肥,研究群落地上生物量和生物多样性的变化。结果表明,氮肥和硅肥的添加均能提高群落的地上生物量,然而硅肥提高群落地上生物量的幅度远低于氮肥;在添加氮肥导致群落物种多样性下降的同时,添加硅肥可以缓解群落多样性下降的趋势;硅肥的生物学功能在群落水平上存在着最佳浓度效应。同时,我们推测硅肥在维持群落中杂草的存活率上发挥着积极的作用,并通过比较不同硅肥处理时,杂草生物量所占群落生物量比重的变化,支持了上述推测。