Dry matter and digesta particle size gradients along the goat digestive tract on grass and browse diets

Physical properties of the digesta vary along the ruminant digestive tract. They also vary within the forestomach, leading to varying degrees of rumen contents stratification in ‘moose‐type’ (browsing) and ‘cattle‐type’ (intermediate and grazing) ruminants. We investigated the dry matter concentration (DM) and the mean digesta particle size (MPS) within the forestomach and along the digestive tract in 10 goats fed grass hay or dried browse after a standardized 12‐h fast, euthanasia and freezing in the natural position. In all animals, irrespective of diet, DM showed a peak in the omasum and an increase from caecum via colon towards the faeces and a decrease in MPS between the reticulum and the omasum. Both patterns are typical for ruminants in general. In the forestomach, there was little systematic difference between more cranial and more caudal locations (‘horizontal stratification’), with the possible exception of large particle segregation in the dorsal rumen blindsac on the grass diet. In contrast, the typical (vertical) contents stratification was evident for DM (with drier contents dorsally) and, to a lower degree, for MPS (with larger particles dorsally). Although evident in both groups, this stratification was more pronounced on the grass diet. The results support the interpretation that differences in rumen contents stratification between ruminants are mainly an effect of species‐specific physiology, but can be enhanced due to the diet consumed.     

Impact of tree species on nutrient stocks in the forest floors of a temperate forest ecosystem

To investigate the effect of silvicultural methods on forest floor C, N and elements stocks an experiment was carried out by sampling the forest floors of a 100-120-years-old species including beech, Norway spruce and mixed beech-spruce at the Solling forest, Germany. While the stocks of carbon and nitrogen in the forest floors of pure beech and spruce were significantly influenced by species specific differences of litter quality (p < 0.001), no significant differences were detected between pure and mixed species stands. Forest floor mass, some elements concentrations and C/nutrient ratios were significantly affected by tree species differences, while no clear dependency between pH and site specific effects was found among pure stands. Acid element concentrations in the forest floors of pure spruce were remarkably higher than the values obtained at beech stand, while the stocks were to some extent modified in mixed silviculture. The base-pump effect of beech significantly controlled variation between mono cultures on calcium stocks, while the acidifying effect of spruce in mixtures resulted in modification of Ca stocks of forest floors. The status of other nutrient elements at mixed species cultures due to variation in nutritional properties and composition of litter compared to pure species were between the range of values observed in mono cultures.     

Eine Einrichtung zur Beregnung von Bodensäulen

A device for the irrigation of soil columns An irrigation device was designed for maintaining a constant water flow in soil columns over a long period of time. The apparatus consists of three construction elements: A balance for the dosage of the water, a sprinkler to distribute the water on the soil surface and an electronic time control to adjust different time steps. The wide range of possible rain intensities is shown. The mean variation of the water pulses and their distribution over the surface are discussed. The apparatus exhibits good results in long duration experiments.     

Eine weitere Beobachtung zur Frage des Läusestreuens

Zusammenfassung Neben dem in einer früheren Darstellung behandelten Herunterfallen von L?usen, die sich beim Umherlaufen auf der Kleidungs-oberfl?che gegenseitig mit den Beinen verkrallen, kommt als Ursache für das L?usestreuen auch die K?ltestarre der L?use in Frage, die bei Temperaturen in der N?he von 0° eintritt. Die Beobachtung an verlausten Kleidungsstücken bei −6°C zeigte, da? bei Windst?rke 5–6 L?use im Zustand der K?ltestarre von dem Luftzug, bereits von den Stoffunterlagen abgerissen werden k?nnen.     

Rabbit lactate dehydrogenase isozymes: effect of pH on activity

The ability of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme five from rabbit skeletal muscle to catalyze pyruvate reduction is extremely sensitive to changes of pH within the range of 6.2 to 7.8.The activity of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme one from rabbit heart is virtually unaffected by changes of pH within the same range. Isozyme five is activated by low concentrations of oxalacetate and inhibited by higher concentrations, but other substrates of the citric acid cycle have no effect.     

Börnerina,eine neue Gattung der Atheroididen (Chaetophoriden)

Ohne Zusammenfassung (mit 4 Abbildungen)     

Die Weisheit des Tierkörpers

In 1932 CANNON described the physiological wisdom of the body. This cannot exist without morphological wisdom. Since morphology is a formative process, both kinds of wisdom depend on the same formative forces. These forces are the forces of consciousness at all levels. Their existence is proved by the fact that they can be eliminated by narcosis. The wisdom of these forces is twofold: Firstly, the wisdom of need sensation which lasts only until the need is satisfied. This is the conscious intelligence of the body which is responsible for restraint in all living beings. Secondly, the wisdom, or better, the prudence of need satisfaction which requires knowledge and appropriate tools. The organs of the body are these tools. Knowledge belongs to the intellect which knows how to handle material. This is achieved in all prehuman species subconsciously and is demonstrated in all structures built by cells and animals. Only the human mind can be unwise and imprudent; but man, being free, is also able to be wise and prudent and so prevent the extinction of the earthly creation.