The Birds of the Alien Acacia Thickets of the South Western Cape

The plough shell, Bullia rhodostoma (Mollusca: Gastropoda), has been studied on an open sandy beach where it is a common scavenger. Samples taken over a year indicate hatching of young individuals from December to February. They reach a length of about 10 mm after 1 year and 40 mm after 10 years. The von Bertalanffy growth equation is L_t = 47 (1 - e^{-0,19(t+0,23)}) and the annual mortality rate is 0,79. Mean decalcified dry biomass is 209 mg m^-2 and production by growth 189 mg m^-2 y^-1 giving a P/B of 0,9. Most production by adults (>15 mm shell length) goes into reproduction, particularly In the females which grow larger than the males. Production by reproduction is estimated to be about 135 mg m^-2 y^-1. Average calorific values are 19,04 kJ g^-1 dry tissue     

Energy and ash contents of sandy beach macrofauna from the West Coast of South Africa

The energy values and ash contents of 15 species of macrolauna found on three exposed sandy beaches on the west coast of South Africa were examined over an 18-monlh period. The values obtained ranged from a mean of 26,65 kJ.g^?1 ash-free dry weight (AFDW) in the haustoriid amphipod Urothoe grimaldii to 19,83 kJ.g^?1 for the bivalve Donax serra and the values obtained are applied to biomass data for the three beaches. A pattern of decreasing energy content with increasing mean body weight was observed. No patterns of seasonal or regional variation were detected in either energy values or ash contents. Ash contents depended on taxonomic group (owing to morphological effects) and the mean size of the species; in the case of the Crustacea increasing with size within a given taxonomic grouping. The mean energy value for the 15 species was 23,81 kJ.g^?1, higher than the 23,09 kJ.g^?1 conversion factor obtained by Brey, Rumohr & Ankar (1988) for aquatic macrobenthic invertebrates in general, and in accordance with the suggestion by Slobodkin & Richman (1961) that energy contents are affected by the extent of storage for adverse conditions.     

The effect of Trypanosoma brucei infection on serum biochemical parameters in boars on different planes of dietry energy

Young boars were placed on diets with either low or high dietary energy and subsequently infected with a virulent stock of Trypanosoma brucei. The effects of dietary energy level and infection on some serum biochemical parameters were evaluated up to 7 weeks post-infection (p.i.). There were no significant changes in serum electrolyte (Na⁺, K⁺) concentrations resulting from dietary energy level and/or the infection. Serum total protein and albumin levels significantly decreased in both groups of infected boars, the decline being greater in those on the low-energy diet. Infection was accompanied by a rise in serum transaminase (serum aspartate and alanine aminotranferases) levels which were higher in infected boars on the low-energy diet. The serum testosterone concentration declined in both groups of infected boars with the fall being more pronounced in the group on the low-energy diet. The results indicated that the reproductive efficiency of boars may be modulated by nutrition and that adequate feeding may assist in ameliorating the deleterious effects of trypanosomiasis on production in endemic areas.     

Growth and reproduction of two molluscs from an exposed sandy beach

Populations of a gastropod, Bullia rhodostoma, and a bivalve, Donax sordidus, were monitored quantitatively over one year on an exposed sandy beach which supports a rich macrofauna. B. rhodostoma had a single reproductive season with copulation in early summer. Growth was slow and is described by a Von Bertalanffy growth curve. The annual mortality rate was very low, - 0,34. Production was estimated and a P/B ratio of 0,94 obtained. A minimum estimate for production by reproduction gave a P_R/B of 0,06. The average calorific value was 19,34 kJg D. sordidus appeared to have two spawning seasons and settlements in late winter and late summer. Growth was rapid and mortality moderate - 0,72. Steady state P/B was estimated to be 1,78. The mean calorific value was 18,84 kJg All of these values for both species are compared to those obtained on a nearby sheltered beach shich has a poor macrofauna.     

Reproductive Effort and Seed Establishment in Grazed Tussock Grass Populations of Patagonia

The importance of sexual reproduction in tussock grasses that regenerate through vegetative growth is unclear. Festuca gracillima Hook. f. was studied as a model because it is a perennial tussock-forming grass that produces abundant seed but rarely regenerates through seedlings. The Study area was the Magellanic Steppe, Patagonia, Argentina (182 mm rainfall), managed with sheep-grazing regimes of 0.65 (high), 0.21 (low), and 0 (exclosure) ewe equivalents · ha^?1 · yr^?1. Tussock size and spikelet production of 358 individuals were recorded over 5 yr. Yearly models of reproductive effort in relation to plant size were tested using a maximum likelihood procedure. Seed was collected and soil cores were tested for germination and viability. Survival and growth of cohorts of seedlings sown in nylon bags were recorded. Eighteen experimental plots were cleared, and seed establishment under protected and grazed conditions was registered. Reproductive effort varied with years and plant size, with a mean of 2.41%. Florets were produced at mean density of 544 ± 217 · m^?2. Predispersal losses reduced viable seed production to 187 ± 48 seeds · m^?2. Seed weighed 2–2.5 mg, with 65–95% germination. Postdispersal losses reduced the seed bank in spring to 33 ± 1.3 seeds · m^?2. Seedling survival curves were negatively exponential, with 95% mortality in the first year. Up to 5% of resources were used for sexual reproduction in favorable years and a recruitment of 1–3 new seedlings · m^?2 · yr^?1 was expected. These new plants were not observed in undisturbed plots, but established naturally in cleared plots and reached a density of 1 plant · m^?2 after 10 yr, together with 44 plants · m^?2 of other species. Competition might block the final establishment in these grasslands. Grazing does not appear to interfere in any stage of seed reproduction. Seed production may not maintain population numbers but could enhance genetic variation in these clonal plant populations and enable dispersal and recolonization of disturbed areas.     

Effect of temperature on growth,survival and reproduction of Bulinus nyassanus (Smith, 1877) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Lake Malawi

Bulinus nyassanus, endemic to Lake Malawi, is an intermediate host for Schistosoma haematobium and plays an important role in transmission of this parasite along some shorelines on the Nankumba Peninsula in the southern part of the lake. Density of B. nyassanus in shallow water is usually low from January to April and a major population increase takes place during May to August when water temperatures are relatively low (about 22°C) and supposedly suboptimal for B. nyassanus. This study was designed to compare performance (growth, reproduction, survival, and hatchability of egg-masses) of B. nyassanus at four constant temperatures (22, 25, 28 and 31°C). Survival and reproduction were optimal at 25°C while growth and egg development were faster at the higher temperatures. Findings are discussed in view of the population dynamics of B. nyassanus at Cape Maclear.     

Metabolomic profiling in umbilical venous plasma reveals effects of dietary rumen‐protected arginine or N‐carbamylglutamate supplementation in nutrient‐restricted Hu sheep during pregnancy

Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy is a major problem worldwide for human and animal production. Arginine (Arg) is critical to health, growth and reproduction. N‐carbamylglutamate (NCG), a key enzyme in arginine synthesis, is not extensively degraded in rumen. The aim of this study was to investigate ameliorating effects of rumen‐protected arginine (RP‐Arg) and NCG supplementation on dietary in undernourished Hu sheep during gestation. From day 35 to 110 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin foetuses were randomly divided into four groups: a control (CG) group (n = 8; fed 100% National Research Council (NRC) requirements for pregnant sheep), a nutrient‐restricted (RG) group (n = 8; fed 50% NRC requirements, which included 50% mineral–vitamin mixture) and two treatment (Arg and NCG) groups (n = 8; fed 50% NRC requirements supplemented with 20 g/day RP‐Arg or 5 g/day NCG, which included 50% mineral–vitamin mixture). The umbilical venous plasma samples of foetus were tested by ¹H‐nuclear magnetic resonance. Thirty‐two differential metabolites were identified, indicating altered metabolic pathways of amino acid, carbohydrate and energy, lipids and oxidative stress metabolism among the four groups. Our results demonstrate that the beneficial effect of dietary RP‐Arg and NCG supplementation on mammalian reproduction is associated with complex metabolic networks.     

Cabora Bassa Fish Populations Before and During the First Filling Phase

Pre-impoundment surveys were made in 1973-4. The regulatory effect of continual water discharge from Kariba resulted in extensive dry-season aquatic, rooted, vegetal growth and a comparatively high small-fish population. Of a maximum of 38 species found one, Sarotherodon andersoni, was a new Middle Zambezi record. Lotic and shallow-water species were abundant; gill-nets showed moderately high catches per unit effort. In early November 1974 two-month-old Hydrocymis vittatus juveniles were present indicating an abnormal spawning time. Post-impoundment data from closure on 5 December 1974, to mid-August 1975 are given. The dam filled extremely rapidly to within 10 m of retention level but was thereafter drawn down by heavy floodgate discharge, resulting in continuous slow water-flow and the absence of any stratification or explosive plankton reproduction. Small lotic species, previously abundant, immediately disappeared or became scarce. There was a very high survival of new-spawned young of many migratory species. Growth rates, and abnormal feeding habits caused by post-impoundment stresses, of some of these are described. There was relatively poor reproduction of cichlid species. Soon after closure the first year-class predominated over all other age-groups; these juveniles, and small adult species, concentrated under mats of Elchhomia crassipes. One further species new to the area, Haplochromis carlottae, is recorded.     

Sensorial quality and bone strength of female and male broiler chickens are influenced by weight and growth rate

1. An experiment was conducted with 98 male and 98 female broiler chickens (Ross 308) to study the effect of growth rate, induced by different dietary means, sex and live weight (1500?g and 2000?g) at slaughter on production parameters, bone strength and sensorial characteristics of the breast meat.

2. The birds were divided into four groups and individually fed a standard commercial diet, a high energy diet or low energy diet from d?11 to slaughter at between d 28 and 39. Three groups were fed ad libitum and a further group was fed a restricted amount of the high energy feed. Half of the birds in each group were slaughtered at approximately 1500?g and the other half at 2000?g live weight.

3. The diets resulted in different growth rates. The chickens fed the high energy and the commercial diet had the highest growth rate at both live weights at slaughter. The restricted fed chickens had lower bone strength than the chickens fed the low energy diet.

4. Breast meat from male broilers was juicer, more tender and less hard than breast meat from females. Chickens slaughtered at 2000?g live weight were juicer than those slaughtered at 1500?g. Chickens given the high energy feed ad libitum and restricted had different growth rates, but the sensory parameter related to texture showed no difference.

5. It was concluded that an increased slaughter weight might improve meat quality due to improved juiciness.     

Calculation of protein and energy requirements in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) using a factorial approach

This study tried to determine the protein and energy requirements of growing beluga sturgeon Huso huso using a factorial approach. The experiment was composed of four small‐scale growth trails covering different weight ranges. The fish fed at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of satiation. DWG had a steady increase throughout the experiment following a non‐linear equation as Y = 1.433 (±0.056) × Ln(X) ?2.740 (±0.261); r² = 0.99, p < 0.001, where Y = weight gain (g/day) and X = fish weight (g). The daily requirement of digestible energy (DE) for maintenance amounted to 79.09 kJ × BW (kg)^0.8. The daily requirement of DP for maintenance calculated as 0.93 g × BW (kg)^0.7. The relationship between DE intake (X) and DE gain (Y) expressed as Y = ?0.0004 (±0.000) X² + 0.600 (±0.082) X ?44.95 (± 6.72). Also, the relationship between DP intake (X) and protein gain (Y) was expressed as Y = ?0.019 (±0.006) X² + 0.548 (±0.062) X ? 0.498 (±0.121). The daily requirements of energy and protein were estimated as 79.09 kJ × BW (kg)^0.8 + 2.94 × DE gain and 0.93 g × BW (kg)^0.7 + 2.63 × DP gain. Apparently, beluga sturgeon is inefficient in converting energy and protein into body tissue. Therefore, energy content of the diet should be sufficiently high to satisfy large energy demands in beluga sturgeon and also to reduce the catabolism of protein.     

Ecology of southern African estuaries: Part XIII. The Palmiet River estuary in the south-western Cape

The Palmiet estuary is only 1,67 km in length, but has a relatively large catchment of 539 km². Rain falls largely during winter when it scours the estuary and widens the mouth, but by late summer the mouth narrows and, in some years, may close. The estuary never closes for more than a few months, and salinities are normal. The entire estuary has clear bottom water and high bottom salinities, but the surface waters are usually fresh and darkly stained with humic acid. This permanent stratification allows many marine species to penetrate the estuary.

Owing to the scouring in winter, the sediments are coarse, >98% consisting of sand and gravel, with a low organic content. In situ primary production is low, contributing only about one fifth of the organic material in the system, the rest being imported from the river and the sea. Species richness is low, only 28 species of invertebrates being recorded, but many of these occur in enormous numbers. Callianassa kraussi plays a crucial role, trapping fine particles around its burrows and locally enhancing the organic content of the sediments. Its faeces are an important vehicle for the concentration and turnover of organic matter.

Four of the 19 species of fish recorded breed in the estuary, the rest being represented largely by juveniles or small adults. Only three species occurred in the estuary year-round, the other species being absent during the period that the estuary is in flood.

Floods and a relatively high flow of river water are critical to keeping the estuary open. If, as proposed, a dam is built on the river, steps will have to be taken to ensure that the mouth is kept open. A related problem will be the reduction of organic material entering the estuary from the river and the sea.     

Kikuyu over-sown with ryegrass and clover: dry matter production,botanical composition and nutritional value

The seasonality of growth and low nutritional value of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pasture restrict milk production. The aim of the study was to determine the dry matter yield, botanical composition and nutritional value of irrigated kikuyu over-sown with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum var. westerwoldicum), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (T. pratense) or a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) with white and red clovers under intensive grazing conditions with dairy cows. The incorporation of annual ryegrass, perennial clover or perennial ryegrass–clover into kikuyu pasture changed the seasonal fodder flow and increased the spring dry matter (DM) production. The over-sowing of kikuyu with annual ryegrass had no effect on the DM production of kikuyu during the summer and autumn. Kikuyu and kikuyu–ryegrass, fertilised with nitrogen fertiliser, had a higher DM production rate than kikuyu–clover pastures. Kikuyu–ryegrass pasture transformed from ryegrass-dominant in spring to kikuyu-dominant in summer and only kikuyu in autumn. This led to a decrease in metabolisable energy (ME) and increase in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content of the pasture during spring, summer and autumn as kikuyu became more dominant. The clover content of kikuyu over-sown with clover decreased annually but was still higher than 30% at the end of two years after establishment. As the kikuyu content of the kikuyu–clover pastures increased, the seasonal growth rate changed from a low autumn growth (37.9 kg DM ha^?1 d^?1) in the first year to a higher autumn growth (48.5 kg DM ha^?1 d^?1) in the second year. The over-sowing of kikuyu with clover resulted in lower DM production and NDF values and higher crude protein (CP), ME and calcium (Ca) values. The lowest CP content in kikuyu–ryegrass pasture was during summer and autumn when kikuyu was dominant. The Ca content of the grass pastures (kikuyu and kikuyu–ryegrass) was low. The phosphorus (P) content of both the kikuyu–clover and grass pastures exceeded the requirement needed for dairy production (0.38%). The mean Ca:P ratio of the kikuyu–clover pasture meets the 1.6:1 ratio needed by dairy cows. The kikuyu and kikuyu–ryegrass pasture had a Ca:P ratio lower than 1:1 and Ca supplementation would be needed for dairy cows. The incorporation of annual ryegrass, perennial clover or perennial ryegrass–clover into kikuyu pasture improved the seasonal DM production and nutritional value of the pasture.     

The ecology of two degraded estuaries on the north coast of Natal,South Africa

The biota of the Tongati and Mdloti estuaries were studied in relation to the environment and human interference. Results are compared with those obtained from a relatively undamaged estuary. The Tongati receives treated sewage effluent, is rarely closed from the sea, has low salinities and low oxygen tensions, but is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen. Energy values of benthic floe from Tongati were high and large quantities of water hyacinth (Eichomia crassipes) occurred. The zooplankton and zoobenthos were impoverished and dominated by freshwater species. The roots of Eichomia provided a habitat for many invertebrates, chiefly insect larvae and the crab Varuna iitterata. The fish fauna was poor and most species were confined to the lagoon near the mouth. Iliophagous species, mainly Mugilidae, were dominant. The Mdloti, frequently closed from the sea but often artificially opened, exhibited typical estuarine salinity patterns, was well oxygenated but relatively poor in phosphorus and nitrogen. Primary production and energy values of benthic floe were low. Zooplankton and zoobenthos were impoverished. The fish fauna, similar to that of Tongati, was dominated by Mugilidae.

The food chain from benthic floe to iliophagous fish remains viable in these degraded estuaries.     

The effect of iron on the growth of Escherichia coli in albumen taken from the hen's egg

Small inocula of Escherichia coli did not initiate either growth or glucose utilisation in hen's egg white in vitro unless ovotransferrin was quenched with iron. The most rapid and extensive growth occurred in iron‐supplemented albumen containing additional ammonium ions. In albumen containing a large inoculum, glucose utilisation was promoted by the addition of NH₄+ but not Fe³⁺. The action of NH₄+ was suppressed by the addition of chloramphenicol to heavily seeded albumen.     

Investigations of Outbreaks of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Eritrea

Mycoplasmas were isolated from freeze-dried lung samples from goats from the western lowlands of Eritrea suspected of being affected by contagious caprine pleuropneumonia. The goats belonged to two herds in which mortality and morbidity rates were high. Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae was identified in most samples by the polymerase chain reaction and by conventional serological tests. The latex agglutination test detected more positive serum samples in both herds than did the complement fixation test. Following cloning, the isolates of M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae were analysed biochemically and shown to be metabolically similar. They oxidized glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, pyruvate and L-lactate with high affinity and mannose, glucosamine and 2-oxobutyrate with low affinity; they were unable to utilize maltose, trehalose, fructose or ethanol. Major improvements were seen in the growth yield of the Eritrean strains with the addition of pyruvate to the medium. Thus, it may be that organic acids are important energy sources for these strains and may be used in addition to or in place of glucose. In contrast to most other strains of the M. mycoides cluster, the Eritrean strains produced large amounts of hydrogen peroxide during the oxidation of NADH by lysed cells. This characteristic had previously been reported for strain M. F38, the type strain of M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, although strain F38 did not metabolize sugars. Hydrogen peroxide has long been considered a pathogenicity factor in mycoplasma infections. This is the first isolation of M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae from Eritrea.     

In vitro measurement of post‐natal changes in proliferating satellite cell frequency during rat muscle growth

Satellite cells, resident myogenic stem cells found in postnatal skeletal muscle, are most abundant during early postnatal development and sharply decline in frequency thereafter to adult levels in mice and rats. Therefore, postnatal changes in satellite cell mitotic activities are important aspects for further understanding a muscle growth strategy. In large meat‐production animals, however, the traditional in vivo proliferation assay may be less realistic because it requires intra‐peritoneal (ip) injection of huge dosage of mutagenic nucleosides, ³H‐labeled thymidine or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), at each age‐time of sacrifice. We report in the present pilot study using rats that in vivo proliferation activity of satellite cells can be evaluated by an in vitro BrdU‐incorporation assay in early cultures. Briefly, satellite cells were prepared from upper hind‐limb and back muscles and maintained for 24 h with imposing by BrdU addition for the last 2 h, followed by the regular immunocytochemistry for determining BrdU‐incorporated cell percentage. This in vitro assay demonstrated a rapid decrease in proliferating satellite cell frequency to the adult level during about 3‐month period after birth, and yielded a high correlation to the measurements by the in vivo BrdU ip‐injection method during the postnatal period examined from day‐2 to month‐11. The in vitro proliferation assay may be further adaptable for large domestic animals by the combination with a muscle biopsy technique that enables age‐interval sampling from the same growing animals.     

Effect of nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum productivity in dairy cows

The present study aimed to determine the effects of differing nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum metabolism and milk production in lactating cows. Twenty‐six multiparous cows were assigned to three dietary treatments in the far‐off period: a low‐energy diet (L, n = 9, 80% intake of the total digestible nutrients requirement), a moderate‐energy diet (M, n = 8, 105%) and a high‐energy diet (H, n = 9, 130%). During the close‐up period, all cows were provided with 105% intake. After parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet. The BCS recovery was slow, and low milk yield was found in the H group. In the L group, BCS recovery was favorable after parturition, and lactation persistence was increased. The L group had low rumen endotoxin activity and a high initial ovulation rate after parturition. These findings indicate that a high‐energy diet during the far‐off period has a deleterious effect on milk production. In contrast, the restricted diet in the far‐off period increased adaptability with respect to peri‐parturition metabolic changes, improved the post‐parturition nutritional state, and increased milk production. Furthermore, it suggests that the nutrient levels in the far‐off period affect rumen endotoxin activity and reproductive function after parturition.     

Vachellia karroo leaf meal: a promising non-conventional feed resource for improving goat production in low-input farming systems of Southern Africa

Among a vast number of forage trees, Vachellia karroo (Acacia karroo) remains one of the most widely distributed indigenous plant legumes in Southern Africa. The plant possesses some striking attributes, such as rapid growth rate, drought tolerance, adaptation to alkaline and acidic sterile soils, and resistance to a variety of edaphic and temperature changes. In past years V. karroo was recognised to be a major threat to rangeland productivity owing to its invasive nature. Research interest has shifted from its eradication as an unwanted plant to its utilisation as a feed resource for livestock. Extensive utilisation of V. karroo is mainly hindered by the presence of tannins and spines. Prospects to lessen the adverse effects of the anti-nutritional influences are now recognised. Vachellia karroo possesses desirable fatty acid profiles, and high protein and mineral contents that can improve animal performance. Presently, the use of V. karroo for goat production in communal areas is restricted owing to limited evidence for its nutritional value as animal feed. The present review, therefore, seeks to demonstrate the utility potential of V. karroo to improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, chevon quality, meat fatty acid profiles and as a natural anti-helminth for goats raised under an extensive system of production.     

Clinical evaluation of balanced anesthesia using infusion of midazolam–ketamine–medetomidine in combination with inhalation of sevoflurane (MKM–OS anesthesia) in horses

MKM–OS anesthesia provides general anesthesia with minimum cardiovascular depression in experimental horses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of MKM–OS anesthesia in clinical cases. Sixty‐eight horses were anesthetized with MKM–OS anesthesia for selective or emergency surgery. The horse physical status was categorized based upon the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification scheme. Forty‐four horses were classified as ASA I or II (low‐risk; 30 soft tissue, eight ophthalmic, and six orthopedic surgeries) and 24 horses were classified as ASA III to V (high‐risk; 24 emergency colic surgeries). All horses were administered medetomidine (0.005 mg kg^–1 IV) as premedication and anesthetized with ketamine (2.5 mg kg^–1 IV) and midazolam (0.04 mg kg^–1 IV). The horses were orotracheally intubated and connected to a large animal breathing circuit that delivered oxygen‐sevoflurane and administered the midazolam (0.8 mg mL^–1)‐ketamine (40 mg mL^–1)‐medetomidine (0.05 mg mL^–1) drug combination at a rate of 0.025 mL kg^–1 hour^–1. Surgical anesthesia was maintained by controlling the dial setting of the sevoflurane vaporizer and achieved by delivering 1.6–1.8% of end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration. All horses were mechanically ventilated during anesthesia. Hypercapnia and hypoxia were not sufficiently improved in high‐risk horses (PaCO₂; low‐risk 45–53 mm Hg versus high‐risk 56–60 mm Hg, p < 0.01: PaO₂ low‐risk 248–388 mm Hg versus high‐risk 95–180 mm Hg, p < 0.01). Heart rate was significantly higher in high‐risk horses (low‐risk 37–42 bpm versus high‐risk 44–73 bpm, p < 0.01). Dobutamine infusion was required in five low‐risk (11%) and 17 high‐risk horses (68%) to maintain mean arterial blood pressure >70 mm Hg. Eleven high‐risk horses died during the perioperative period (three euthanized during surgery, two died during recovery, six died after recovery). The quality of recovery was good in low‐risk horses and good to satisfactory in high‐risk horses. MKM–OS anesthesia provided excellent surgical anesthesia with minimal to mild cardiovascular depression in low risk‐horses and mild to moderate cardiovascular depression in high risk‐horses. The possibility of preserve cardiovascular function could be the advantage of MKM–OS anesthesia in high‐risk horses.     

Growth and tiller production of Themeda triandra as affected by NPK fertilisation

Themeda triandra Forssk. is a common perennial grass in southern African grasslands that tolerates low nutrient soils. Establishment of the species into degraded or transformed areas is difficult, but there have been some advances with clonal propagation using tillers. To generate propagules (tillers), tiller production of plants must be maximised. This research focused on the growth response of T. triandra to fertilisation with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) each at three levels in a fully factorial pot experiment. Fertilisation increased growth. The number of tillers and aerial shoot mass were controlled by an N × P interaction, and total mass and root mass were controlled by N and by P, with N having a larger effect. Mass per tiller was not related to treatment. Shoot:root ratio and root mass per tiller were controlled by N. Potassium had no effect on any response. For maximum tiller production of T. triandra, plants should be fertilised with high levels of N and P.