Urea poisoning in suckler cows.

Accidental urea intoxication resulted in the death of 17 of 29 suckler cows within six hours after the contamination of their drinking water with urea fertiliser. The other cows showed no lasting ill effects and neither their three-month-old calves nor the stock bull were affected. The urea concentration in the water was 86 mmol/litre, and the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen in the rumen fluid of two of the cows which were examined after death were 1825 and 957 mg/litre. The clinical signs and post mortem findings are described.     

适用于猪场沼液处理的好氧反硝化菌筛选及其脱氮特性评价

试验旨在筛选适合于猪场沼液处理的好氧反硝化菌。从活性污泥中分离获得 16 株好氧反硝化菌,其中菌株 ZH-14 的总氮(TN)和硝酸盐氮的去除效果最好,分别达到 50.73%和 99.99%。该菌株经过平板形态观察、功能基因和 16S rDNA 基因分析,鉴定为施氏假单胞菌(Pseudomonas stutzeri)。结果表明:菌株 ZH-14 在硝酸钾为唯一氮源培养基中生长时,48 h 后硝酸盐氮与 TN 的降解率分别为 100%和41.76%;以亚硝酸钠为唯一氮源培养时,亚硝酸盐氮降解率为 99.24%;以氨氮为唯一氮源培养时,氨氮的降解率达 94.1%;使用菌株 ZH-14 处理畜禽沼液,当其接种终浓度为 107 CFU/mL 时,经过 48 h 处理,氨氮、硝酸盐氮和化学需氧量的去除率分别为 54.4%、97.7%和 77.9%。综上表明,菌株 ZH-14 具有较强的反硝化和处理猪场沼液的能力,具有良好的应用开发前景。     

聚谷氨酸硫基复合肥在甜高粱和多花黑麦草上的肥效

为了评价聚谷氨酸硫基复合肥(S-based γ-PGA fertilizer)在甜高粱(Sorghum bicolor)和多花黑麦草(Lolium multiflorum)上的肥效,以尿素和硫基复合肥(S-based fertilizer)为对照,采用盆栽试验,研究了不同施氮水平(75、150、225 kg·hm-2)下聚谷氨酸硫基复合肥对甜高粱和多花黑麦草生产性能及氮素利用效率的影响.结果表明,聚谷氨酸硫基复合肥处理的甜高粱产量、粗蛋白含量及氮素利用效率在1 50和225 kg·hm-2两个施氮水平下均优于对照(P＜0.05);多花黑麦草生产性能与对照相比差异不显著(P＞0.05),但氮素利用效率在75和150 kg·hm-2两个施氮水平下均优于对照(P＜0.05).分析结果说明,聚谷氨酸硫基复合肥肥效优于尿素和硫基复合肥,且甜高粱和多花黑麦草能够获得较高的产量、品质,且氮素利用效率高.     

Postnatal changes of plasma amino acids in suckling pigs

Amino acids, ammonia, urea, orotate, and nitrate plus nitrite (stable oxidation products of nitric oxide) were determined in plasma of 1- to 21-d-old suckling pigs. Jugular venous blood samples were obtained from pigs at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 d of age for analysis of plasma amino acids and metabolites by HPLC and enzymatic methods. Plasma concentrations of arginine and its immediate precursors (citrulline and ornithine) decreased (P < 0.01) progressively (20 to 41%) with increasing age from 3 to 14 d. Plasma concentrations of glutamine declined (P < 0.01) progressively (10 to 31%) during the 1st wk of life. Plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids, threonine, and alanine decreased (P < 0.01) (5 to 12%) in 14- and 21-d-old pigs, compared with 1- and 3-d-old pigs. There were no postnatal changes (P > 0.05) in plasma concentrations of other amino acids. Plasma concentrations of ammonia increased (P < 0.01) by 18 and 46%, whereas those of nitrate plus nitrite decreased (P < 0.01) by 16 and 29%, in 7- and 14-d-old pigs, respectively, compared with 1- to 3-d-old pigs. Because arginine plays a crucial role in ammonia detoxification via the hepatic urea cycle and is the physiological substrate for nitric oxide synthesis, our results of the decreased plasma concentrations of arginine and nitrate plus nitrite, as well as the increased plasma ammonia concentration, indicate a hitherto unrecognized deficiency of arginine in 7- to 21-d-old suckling pigs. Arginine is an essential amino acid for piglets and has a great potential to enhance neonatal growth; therefore, further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism responsible for arginine deficiency in sow-reared piglets and to identify hormonal and metabolic means for improving neonatal arginine nutrition and growth.     

氮素形态及其配比对老芒麦生长及生理特性的影响

以采自高寒草甸野生老芒麦(Elymus.sibiricus)种子为材料,单一氮素添加为对照,采用营养液沙培方式研究硝态和铵态氮及其不同配比(NO3^--N∶NH4^+-N分别为0∶10、3∶7、5∶5、7∶3和10∶0)对老芒麦苗期生长特性的影响,旨在探索不同氮素形态对老芒麦的促生效应,以期找到最佳的氮素形态配比。结果表明:混合态氮素较单一氮素施入能够更好促进老芒麦的生长,硝态和铵态氮配比为7∶3时,老芒麦株高、叶片硝酸还原酶活性和可溶性蛋白含量较其他处理高,硝酸还原酶活性较单一NO3^--N和NH4^+-N处理分别提高了48.54%和74.71%,可溶性蛋白含量分别提高了10.16%和7.30%。硝态和铵态氮配比为5∶5时根系活力最高,该处理下老芒麦根系活力较单一NH4^+-N和NO3^--N处理分别提高了31.05%和8.08%,且与对照间差异达到显著水平(P<0.05)。NO3^--N∶NH4^+-N为3∶7时根长和全氮含量达到最大,全氮含量分别比NO3^--N和NH4^+-N为唯一氮源时提高了43.90%和29.76%,且差异达到显著水平(P<0.05)。经隶属函数度进一步综合分析得出,NO3^--N∶NH4^+-N为7∶3时氮素能更好地提高老芒麦生理活性,且促进其生长。     

Effects of nitrate addition to a diet on fermentation and microbial populations in the rumen of goats,with special reference to Selenomonas ruminantium having the ability to reduce nitrate and nitrite

This study investigated the effects of dietary nitrate addition on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial populations in goats. The involvement of Selenomonas ruminantium in nitrate and nitrite reduction in the rumen was also examined. As the result of nitrate feeding, the total concentration of ruminal volatile fatty acids decreased, whereas the acetate : propionate ratio and the concentrations of ammonia and lactate increased. Populations of methanogens, protozoa and fungi, as estimated by real‐time PCR, were greatly decreased as a result of nitrate inclusion in the diet. There was modest or little impact of nitrate on the populations of prevailing species or genus of bacteria in the rumen, whereas Streptococcus bovis and S. ruminantium significantly increased. Both the activities of nitrate reductase (NaR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) per total mass of ruminal bacteria were increased by nitrate feeding. Quantification of the genes encoding NaR and NiR by real‐time PCR with primers specific for S. ruminantium showed that these genes were increased by feeding nitrate, suggesting that the growth of nitrate‐ and nitrite‐reducing S. ruminantium is stimulated by nitrate addition. Thus, S. ruminantium is likely to play a major role in nitrate and nitrite reduction in the rumen.     

日粮硝酸盐水平对湖羊瘤胃硝态氮动态消失率、发酵参数及血液高铁血红蛋白含量的影响

本试验研究日粮硝酸盐的添加量对湖羊瘤胃还原硝态氮程度和对发酵参数及血液高铁血红蛋白的影响。试验选取6头湖羊,采用随机区组试验设计,每期分别饲喂含0%,1%,2%,3%,4%,5%硝酸钾的日粮。测定喂后0,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,4.0,6.0,8.0 h瘤胃液硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐含量及瘤胃发酵参数。晨饲后2.0 h通过颈静脉采血,测定高铁血红蛋白含量。结果表明,湖羊在采食1.0 h后硝酸盐含量达到最高(0.952.14 g/L),之后快速消失,亚硝酸盐含量在喂后1.5 h达到最高(0.936.22 μmol/L),之后降低。高铁血红蛋白的含量随硝酸盐添加量的增加而显著升高(P<0.01),最高达0.32%。添加硝酸盐显著提高瘤胃液pH值(P<0.01)和2.0 h的氨态氮含量(P<0.01)以及乙酸/丙酸,添加量高于3%会降低微生物蛋白和总挥发性脂肪酸的浓度,2%的硝酸盐添加量微生物蛋白和总挥发性脂肪酸的合成量最高,最有利于微生物发酵。     

不同施肥模式下水稻生育期间杂草群落特征

利用中国农业科学院红壤实验站1982年布置的红壤稻田长期定位试验,于2011年研究了在无机肥和有机肥含有等量氮磷钾养分的条件下,长期施用有机肥、化肥和有机无机肥混施模式下水稻生育期间杂草种类和生物量变化。结果表明,施肥30年后,有机无机肥混施处理早稻和晚稻杂草种类最少,有机肥处理早稻杂草种类最多,不施肥处理晚稻最多,且后两者比前者依次分别高出34.4%和39.3%;有机肥处理两季杂草总量最高,比无机有机混施、化肥和不施肥处理分别高出10.7%,4.5%和37.7%,早稻杂草总量和湿生杂草生物量有机肥处理最多,晚稻不施肥处理最多,早稻和晚稻浮水杂草生物总量有机无机肥混施处理最多。土壤碱解氮、有效磷与杂草总干物质量显著正相关(相关系数分别为0.465和0.517),与湿生杂草生物量显著正相关(相关系数分别为0.482和0.542),土壤有效磷与浮水杂草生物量极显著正相关(相关系数为0.666),pH与之极显著负相关(相关系数为0.516)。土壤有效磷受土壤pH 和碱解氮及其他因子的共同作用对杂草总干物质量产生影响。通过各种施肥措施维持土壤适宜 pH及碱解氮、有效磷含量,能有效控制南方红壤稻田中湿生和浮水杂草生长,使杂草种类与总生物量达到有益的动态平衡。     

作物格局、土壤耕作和水肥管理对农田杂草发生的影响及其调控机制

农田杂草的危害是阻碍农业生产快速、健康发展的主要因素之一。农田杂草的发生受到诸多自然因素的影响和人工措施的调控,而作物格局、土壤耕作和水肥管理是除施用除草剂外最基本的人工干扰措施。本文综述了作物种类和时空格局对杂草的影响,阐述了主要的作物种植模式防治杂草的效果,并比较了不同土壤耕作和水肥管理措施下杂草群落的变化,重点剖析了杂草发生的调控机制,探讨了通过作物与杂草的资源竞争、作物的他感作用及土壤种子库的变化来调控杂草发生的可能机理。综合相关研究发现,合理的轮作和间混套作表现出对田间杂草明显的抑制作用;免耕可以增加杂草的群落多样性,秸秆覆盖能降低杂草密度和生物量;施肥对杂草的影响因作物种类、施肥量和肥料类型等不同而不同,长期均衡施肥能降低杂草密度,增加杂草群落多样性;灌溉和提高自然降水利用效率能抑制旱地杂草,特定时间进行深水管理能够有效控制某些水田杂草。最后,针对目前研究和实践中的具体问题,展望了未来一段时间杂草的研究方向和应用前景。     

Performance of simple irrigation scheduling calendars based on average weather data for annual ryegrass

Poor irrigation management in pastures can lead to yield and quality reduction as well as loss of income through extra pumping and leaching of nitrate fertiliser. A number of irrigation scheduling techniques of varying levels of sophistication have been developed over the years to address limited irrigation water availability and maximise productivity. Despite this, the adoption of irrigation scheduling tools by farmers remains low. The objective of this study was to assess the use of simple irrigation scheduling calendars based on average weather data to improve irrigation management in ryegrass. The calibrated Soil Water Balance (SWB) model was used to generate simple irrigation calendars and assess effectiveness for different scenarios by mechanistically simulating water dynamics and pasture growth. Scheduling irrigation using the calendars gave similar irrigation applications, water losses and yields compared to a more scientific real-time scheduling (in response to soil water depletion by the crop). While site-specific irrigation scheduling calendars can easily be generated by consultants and irrigators, even simpler monthly estimates of average daily water use can also be useful. Application of calendars by farmers is encouraged to improve water and nutrient use efficiency of irrigated pastures, if real-time irrigation scheduling is not employed.     

3种饲草组合对湖羊瘤胃还原硝酸盐过程的影响

采用3×3拉丁方试验设计,研究以燕麦(Avena sativa)或苜蓿(Medicago sativa)干草等比例替代羊草(Leymus chinensis)后,对饲草中硝酸盐动态消失率及湖羊瘤胃发酵参数的影响。晨饲后0、1、2、3、4、5和6h通过瘤胃瘘管采集湖羊瘤胃液,测定瘤胃pH值以及硝酸盐(NO_3~-)、亚硝酸盐(NO_2~-)、氨态氮(NH_3-N)的浓度;同时,晨饲后2h经颈静脉采血测定血清高铁血红蛋白含量。结果表明,1)3组瘤胃液NO_3~-和NO_2~-浓度分别在喂后1和2h达到最大值,之后迅速降低;2)pH值、NO_3~-、NO_2~-浓度各组间均无显著差异(P0.05);NH_3-N仅在饲喂3h后全羊草组(A组)显著低于其它两组(P=0.018);3)高铁血红蛋白含量均较低,且无显著差异(P0.05)。本研究选用的牧草组合对湖羊瘤胃还原硝酸盐过程没有显著影响。     

The application of a selenium fertiliser for the correction of marginal deficiencies in grazing sheep

A commercial fertiliser, consisting of a poorly soluble barium selenate core with a coating of highly soluble sodium selenite, was evaluated in 2 trials for the provision of selenium (Se) to grazing sheep. The fertiliser was administered at a level of 1 kg per hectare to 3 of 6 kikuyu paddocks during 1995 and 1996 in Trial 1, while the other paddocks were left untreated. The Se status of SA mutton merino ram lambs, as reflected by whole blood, liver and kidney Se concentrations, was elevated (P < 0.01) for at least 5 months after application of the fertiliser. Whole blood and liver Se concentrations of animals grazing unfertilised control paddocks were indicative of a subclinical Se deficiency at times (<100 ng Se/ml whole blood and <300 microg Se/kg liver dry matter). In Trial 2, 4 of 7 paddocks on which an oat fodder crop was established were treated with the Se fertiliser during 1995 and 1997. The remaining 3 paddocks were left unfertilised as controls. Groups of 10-15 pregnant SA mutton merino ewes were introduced to these paddocks within 2 weeks of parturition. These ewes and their progeny utilised these paddocks for a mean (+/- SD) period of 41 +/- 8 days after parturition. The whole blood Se concentrations of these ewes and their offspring were elevated (P < 0.01) relative to their contemporaries utilising control paddocks. No suggestion of a subclinical Se deficiency was discernible in animals grazing control paddocks, although whole blood Se levels approached 100 ng Se/ml during 1997. The application of Se fertiliser did not result in improvements in ewe reproduction or lamb growth. There was a suggestion of an improvement (P = 0.21) in mean (+/- SE) lamb survival on paddocks receiving Se fertiliser compared to control paddocks (71.5 +/- 4.6% vs 62.2 +/- 5.3% respectively).     

短期氮添加对山西右玉黄土高原盐渍化草地氨挥发的影响

氨挥发是草地生态系统土壤氮素损失的主要途径.掌握氨挥发特征及其与环境要素之间的关系,能够为盐渍化草地养分管理策略制定等提供依据.试验采用间歇密闭室抽气法,测定黄土高原盐渍化草地短期添加氮(0,1,2,4,8,16,24和32gN·m-2·a-1)对盐渍化草地氨挥发的影响.结果表明:草地氨挥发速率与月累积量随氮添加水平的...     

The effect of algal and bacterial filters on sea water quality during closed system culture

The potential of using filamentous algae for biological filtration in closed culture systems was tested by comparing water quality changes in bacterial and algal filtration systems over a two month period. Juvenile Penaeus indicus Milne Edwards were cultured in 125–1 recirculation systems and periodic analyses of inorganic nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate), total inorganic carbon, oxygen, major cation and trace metal concentrations were made. In both the algal and bacterial filtration systems, no significant changes occurred in the Ca ^{+ +}, Mg ^{+ +}, Na ⁺ and K ⁺, and trace metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Co). Depletion of inorganic carbon due to nitrification occurred in the bacterial filtration systems, whereas in the algal filtration systems inorganic carbon increased. An explanation for the latter occurrence is offered. The presence of algae did not give rise to oxygen shortages during periods of darkness. Although the filamentous algae used showed a reduced ability to take up nitrite, the build-up of ammonia and especially nitrate was effectively curbed. One of the only disadvantages of algal filtration appeared to be the lack of mechanical filtration of the water afforded by this method.     

Indications and implications for testing of milk urea in dairy cattle: a quantitative review. Part 1. Dietary protein sources and metabolism

MILK UREA CONCENTRATIONS IN DAIRY CATTLE: There has been increased use of milk urea concentration as an indicator of dietary protein intake and protein metabolism in dairy cattle over recent years. The value of milk urea content data in predicting dietary composition, particularly for pasture-fed cattle, has not been well described. PROTEIN METABOLISM AND UREA SYNTHESIS: Many factors influence the degradation of dietary proteins in the rumen, post-ruminal protein metabolism and urea synthesis in cattle. Strong positive correlations between nitrogenous fertiliser use and the crude protein content of pastures were identified by use of meta-analysis. Similar strong positive correlations were noted between dietary protein intake, rumen ammonia and plasma urea concentrations. The costs of urea synthesis include energy losses, and importantly, the loss of endogenous amino acids, which are deaminated in the synthesis of urea. MILK UREA AS AN INDICATOR OF PROTEIN METABOLISM: Urea concentrations in blood, plasma and milk are strongly correlated. Milk is an adequate indicator of blood and plasma urea content, but non-nutritional factors may significantly influence milk urea concentrations. Recommendations for dietary protein management based on milk urea concentrations must be undertaken with care.     

不同添加剂对甜高粱青贮品质影响的研究

为探讨不同添加剂对甜高粱青贮的影响,以结实期甜高粱为原料,分别设计对照、添加甲酸(6 mL/kg)或蔗糖(2%)处理,袋装密封青贮60 d后取样分析。结果表明,添加蔗糖或甲酸都能显著改善甜高粱青贮饲料的发酵品质,青贮饲料的pH和氨态氮含量显著降低(P0.05),乳酸含量显著升高(P0.01)。可溶性碳水化合物(water solable carbohydrate,WSC)和硝酸盐含量因添加甲酸而显著升高(P0.05),添加甲酸或蔗糖显著提高中性洗涤纤维(neutral detergent fiber,NDF)含量和干物质保存率(dry matter recovery,DMR)(P0.05),青贮之后硝酸盐含量显著降低(P0.01)。     

The direct and residual effects of the fertilisation of a grass/clover pasture

The results of a factoral experiment in which various fertiliser treatments were applied to a mixed Paspalum dilatatum and N.Z. wild white clover pasture have indicated that under conditions of complete crop removal, highly significant responses to the application of nitrogen, phosphate and potash can be expected. The results have also indicated that the response of the pasture to phosphate applications depends on the type of phosphate used and whether it is applied as a basal treatment or as annual top‐dressings. Although these mean effects were of significance when the total production of herbage over five years was statistically analysed, the analysis of the seasonal yields indicated that the significance of the treatments declined with the passage of time. The results obtained from maize crops which followed the pasture phase of the experiment indicated that the application of fertiliser to the pasture was inadequate in meeting the demands of the pasture crop with the result that the plant nutrient resources of the soil were severely depleted. It was shown, however, that the productivity of the soil could be restored by the application of adequate quantities of fertiliser.     

Nitrogen fertilisation of weeping love grass (eragrostis curvula) at Dohne

Three field trials on the nitrogen fertilisation of the Ermelo cultivar of Eragrostis curvula conducted over seven years were collated and reviewed. Dry matter yields in tons obtained from these trials, excluding first year results, were used to derive the regression equation y = 3.9 x — 0.4 x² + 1.3 for the yield response to increments of 100 lb of nitrogen per morgen per annum. This response was nearly linear up to 300 lb of nitrogen, and more than 400 lb of nitrogen was required for maximum dry matter production. The crude protein content of the herbage increased progressively with increasing rates of nitrogen. The recovery of fertiliser nitrogen varied from 51 to 70 per cent ; the latter being achieved by (he application of 300 lb of nitrogen. Ammonium sulphate produced considerably higher dry matter yields than urea or limestone ammonium nitrate when applied in a single dressing in the spring. When the nitrogen was applied in three dressings the yields from urea and LAN were increased and no longer significantly different from those due to ammonium sulphate.     

An approach to nutrient management on dairy farms

In the European Union, groundwater should contain less than 50 mg of nitrate/L. Individual countries have developed alternative strategies for phosphorus (P). In The Netherlands, regulations based on P limited the amount of manure applied per hectare. A more balanced P supply to the land has been achieved by transport of manure from surplus to deficit regions. Costs of processing of manure to pellets appeared to be (too) high. In animal production experiments, lowering the P content of concentrates and mineral supplements reduced P losses without an adverse effect on production. In addition to the European guideline for nitrate, ammonia volatilization should be reduced by 50 to 70%. Management practices for reducing nitrogen (N) losses were studied with a farm model, developed at PR. A combination of a more efficient use of fertilizer N, restricted grazing, and a more balanced diet, and, to a lesser extent, higher milk production per cow resulted in considerable reductions in nitrate leaching. The application of slurry by injection diminishes the ammonia volatilization at farm level by almost 50%. This technique has become obligatory, and is only allowed during the growing season. Other techniques, like low emission housing and covering of slurry storage have relatively high costs. Starting in 1998, farmers have to keep a record of nutrients on a balance sheet. A tax will be imposed on surpluses of N and P. This new instrument replaces the regulations based on P. To further improve efficiency of use of N and P, farmers have the nutrient balance sheet available as an integrated management tool. Urea content in bulk milk has been introduced as a new indicator for the utilization of N in the diet. Also, fertilizer applications are improved. Furthermore, an experimental farm was set up to integrate all available expertise and analyze the resulting nutrient flows and farm performance.     

Effect of a commercial microbiological additive on beef manure compost in the composting process

We observed the effects of a commercial microbiological additive (MA) on the beef manure composting process and investigated the changes in its physical and chemical components and microbial populations in the composting process. When beef manure compost was inoculated with the MA, its temperature rapidly increased at the beginning of the process, and after the first turning, the ammonia emission from the compost pile and nitrate production decreased quicker than that in the composting process without the MA. During the composting process, the manure inoculated with MA showed a larger numbers of mesophilic and thermophilic aerobes, and a smaller number of thermophilic anaerobes than in the process without the MA. These results suggested that mesophilic aerobes increased in number and metabolized ammonia by assimilation rather than nitrification to accelerate the temperature elevation in the composting process with the MA.