Concentrate composition for Automatic Milking Systems — Effect on milking frequency

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of affecting milking frequency in an Automatic Milking System (AMS) by changing ingredient composition of the concentrate fed in the AMS. In six experiments, six experimental concentrates were tested against a Standard concentrate all supplied in the amounts of 5 kg/cow/day. Fifteen cows were fed the experimental concentrate and another 15 cows the Standard concentrate for 14 days and then for the next 14 days the cows were fed the opposite diets to be their own control. The change from one mixture to the next was done over only one day. In each experiment the 30 cows were composed of 12–14 of Danish Holstein, 8–10 of Danish Red and 8 were Jerseys. Basal mixed ration (MR) was fed ad libitum and intake was recorded individually. The effect of the different concentrates on intake and production was evaluated within experiment against the Standard concentrate. A marked effect was found on the number of visits of the cows in the AMS and the subsequent milk production in relation to composition of the concentrate. The composition of the concentrates also influenced the composition of the milk and the MR intake. Based on the overall responses the cows preferred a mixture containing Barley and Oats. Also Wheat based concentrate appeared to be preferred to concentrate based on Maize or Barley and the cows did not like the Fat rich or the pure Artificially dried grass concentrate used in the experiment.     

X-ray diffraction analysis of Yemeni cotton fibers

The lowland and coastal regions are the areas where cotton is cultivated in Yemen. The land used for this purpose exceeds 120 acres and expandable in the upcoming seasons. We have selected the earlier two varieties of cotton fibers cultivated in two different areas Abyan and Zabid. Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) data from these fibers have been recorded and analysed to obtain the micro-structural parameters with the application of Line Profile Analysis (LPA). Linked Atom Least Squares (LALS) program has been used to obtain molecular structure and packing in these fibers. For the first time micro-structural parameters of these cotton fibers cultivated in Yemen are computed and reported. This study will be of help to understand the structure-property relation in these cotton fibers.     

A study of the effectiveness of post-treatment after hair straightening process

In order to minimise the hair damage due to hair straightening process, post-treatment is recommended to protect the damaged hair from further depreciation and breakage. However, few reported quantitatively about the effectiveness of post-treatment after hair straightening process. Therefore, the aim of this paper will investigate the effectiveness of post-treatment methods for chemically straightened hairs. The effectiveness will be evaluated through different analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry, tensile strength test and urea bisulphite solubility test for the properties related to morphological structure, hair colour change, tensile strength as well as chemical damage respectively. From the findings of the instrumental results, it was obvious that the application of post-treatments would improve the lustre of the damaged hair by giving higher value in lightness when compared with the raw hair control sample. Furthermore, the strength property of the post-treated hair increased when compared with the chemically straightened hair. This was due to the fact that the film-forming agents of conditioning products formed a protective layer and smooth surface on the fibre surface.     

上犹杜鹃

上犹杜鹃是作者根据在江西上犹营盘山采集的标本(刘仁林050034(holotype:IBK))发表于《广西植物》(2008,28(5):574-575))的一个变异类群,海拔(alt.)910m,2005-05-12。上犹杜鹃为半常绿灌木,高0.7～     

Honeybush (Cyclopia sp.) – A rich source of compounds with high antimutagenic properties

The genus Cyclopia (Fabaceae family) includes a number of shrubs endemic to Cape Fynbos region of South Africa. The most common of these plants is Cyclopia intermedia E. Mey., used together with other Cyclopia species (mainly C. subternata and C. sessiliflora) to manufacture the honeybush herbal tea which has been produced in South Africa roughly since the beginning of the 19th century. Honeybush infusions are gaining popularity due to their characteristic honey-like flavour, low tannin content, absence of caffeine and potential health effects related to their antimutagenic and antioxidant properties.     

Effect of growth regulators on productivity of various corn subspecies in the piedmont zone of Kabardino-Balkaria

The change in productivity of hybrids and cultivars of various corn subspecies depending on the use of growth regulators is investigated.     

Agrotechnical and operating comparison of foreign and domestic seeding machines

Comparative grain production field tests of foreign and domestic seeding machines have been carried out. It is established that imported machines are considerably inferior to domestic ones, in connection with which they need to be equipped with domestic implements.     

Molecular markers in identification of sunflower pollen fertility restorer genes

The presence of the Rf1 gene (pollen fertility restorer of CMS PET1) in genotypes of most restorer lines is confirmed by molecular and hybridological analysis methods. Molecular markers of the Rf1 locus are identified for the first time in genotypes of autofertile lines of the collection of the Vavilov All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Industry (VIR) as well as in genomes of perennial and annual wild species of the genus Helianthus. The possibility of introgression of the fertility restorer gene into the genome of the cultivated sunflower during distant hybridization is shown.