The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Juvenile captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) often present with diarrhoea that is commonly associated with bacterial infections. A species-specific probiotic containing Lactobacillus Group 2 and Enterococcus faecium was prepared from healthy adult cheetahs. Juvenile cheetahs (n = 27) between 8 and 13 months of age were included in the probiotic trial. The animals were observed prior to and after feeding of the probiotic which was made available for 28 days. Feeding of the probiotic resulted in a significantly increased body weight in the treatment group (P = 0.026), while there was no increase in the control group. A relative improvement in the faecal quality in the probiotic group during the treatment period compared with the pre-treatment (P = 0.0363) and post-treatment (P = 0.004) period was observed. This was accompanied by an absence of blood and mucus in the faeces during the treatment period in the probiotic group.     

Northern red oak planting stock: 6-year results

A northern red oak plantation was established in 1988 in a recently clearcut mixed oak stand to evaluate outplanting performance relative to type of planting stock (1--0, 2--0, 1--1, 2--1, 2-year-old containerized, and direct-seeded) and other cultural factors (undercutting in the nursery, raising stock in an extended growing season in Alabama vs a local Pennsylvania nursery, top-clipping at planting time, and tree shelters). Six years after outplanting, seedlings grown from 2-year-old containerized stock were tallest (averaging 3.3 m) and had excellent survival. Among other treatments, 2--0 bareroot stock, especially if undercut in the nursery and top-clipped at planting, performed best and averaged 3.0 m height and 100% survival. Remaining treatments, especially 1--0, were smaller and had reduced survival. Seedlings from direct-seeding were as tall as most 1--0 treatments. Undercutting, top-clipping, nursery transplanting, raising stock in different nurseries, and tree shelters minimally affected the height or survival of seedlings. Seedlings above average in height 3 years after outplanting when fencing was removed and herbiciding ceased, were most likely to survive after 6 years.