Functional heterogeneity in resources within landscapes and herbivore population dynamics

Large mammalian herbivores are notorious for their propensity towards population irruptions and crashes, yet many herbivore populations remain relatively stable. I explore how resource heterogeneity within landscapes dampens population instability, using a metaphysiological modelling approach considering patch state distributions. Resource heterogeneity is functionally stabilizing through spreading consumption away from preferred resources before these become critically depleted. Lower-quality resources act as a buffer against starvation during critical periods of the seasonal cycle. Enriching resource quality is destabilizing, even if patch diversity is maintained, because food quantity then becomes the limitation. The potential consequences of landscape fragmentation are explored using the Serengeti ecosystem, characterised by broadscale resource gradients, as a hypothetical example. Further insights provided by the model are illustrated with specific examples concerning the effects of patch scales and waterpoint distribution. A metaphysiological modelling approach enables the basic consequences of landscape heterogeneity to be distinguished from further effects that may arise from specific patch scales and configurations, without the distracting detail of spatially explicit models.     

Validation of the specificity and sensitivity of species-specific primers that provide a reliable molecular diagnostic for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xiphinema diversicaudatum</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">X. index</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">X. vuittenezi</Emphasis>

Xiphinema diversicaudatum and X. index are vector nematode species of economic importance in viticulture regions as they can transmit Arabis Mosaic, Grapevine Fanleaf and Strawberry Latent Ringspot viruses to grapevine. Wang et al. (2003) designed species-specific diagnostic primers from ribosomal genes for both these vector species as well as a vector and a non-vector species X. italiae and X. vuittenezi, respectively. Our study aimed to confirm the specificity and determine the sensitivity and reliability of the primers for the two vector species, X. diversicaudatumand X. indexwhen challenged with closely related longidorid species and general nematode communities typical of vineyard soil. With one exception, no PCR product was observed when the primers were tested against six Longidorus, one Paralongidorus and one Xiphinema non-target species. Occasionally (three out of eight replicate PCR reactions) a weak PCR product was noted when primers for X. index were tested with L. elongatus. Furthermore, when challenged with a range of non-target nematode species comprising the nematode community typical of viticulture soil, no PCR product was amplified. An experimental dilution series of extracted DNA rigorously demonstrated that DNA from an equivalent single specimen of the target virus-vector species, X. diversicaudatum and/or X. index, could be detected amongst 1000 equivalent non-targetX. vuittenezi. Also, extracted DNA from an equivalent single target specimen was detected when added to DNA extracted from the overall soil nematode community. The primers were assessed further by using serial mixtures of actual nematodes rather than extracted DNA to simulate field soil. Using this method, a single target nematode could be detected amongst 200 non-target specimens. Given their specificity, sensitivity and reliability, it appears that these diagnostic primers will be of great benefit to phytosanitary/quarantine services related to the viticulture industry.     

永失我爱--祭爱犬丁丁

2005年2月底3月初的那段日子是我最背霉运，最不顺利的。3月7日中午，我忽然看到一张贴子，说有一窝（5头）小喜乐蒂犬待售，从来没有养过犬的我忽然间对此产生了浓厚的兴趣。这时丁丁就跃入我的眼帘：憨态可拘的他有着一双清澈的眼睛，努力睁得大大的试图将一切事物尽收眼底；一身柔软的小绒毛看上去活象一个小玩具，更让我对他注意的应该算是他又宽又通的鼻线，再加上小脑门上有一个好似菱形的小胎记。好，就是他了，我对自己说。     

小肽对鲤鱼免疫力的影响

选用1 80尾体质量相近、健康的成鲤作饲养试验,随机分成4组,设对照组1个,试验组3个(日粮中分别添加0 .3 %、0 .6 %、1 .0 %的小肽)。试验结束后,观察在基础日粮中添加不同量的小肽对成鲤血液生理生化指标及脏体器官的影响,以探讨小肽对鲤鱼免疫力的影响。结果表明,1 )试验组成鲤血清中的免疫球蛋白(IgM)和补体(C4)的浓度均高于对照组(P <0 .0 5) ,其中1 .0 %小肽组的IgM和C4分别为450 .81mg/L和1 7.69mg/L ,比对照组提高1 4 .6 %和95 .7%,补体(C3 )差异不显著(P >0 .0 5) ;尿素氮(BUN)含量比对照组低(P <0 .0 5) ,尤其是1 .0 %小肽组比对照组降低2 7.9%;2 )试验组成鲤的内脏比、肝体比和脾体比均比对照组提高,但差异不显著(P >0 .0 5) ,随着饵料中小肽用量的增加肾体比也逐渐提高,1 .0 %小肽组的肾体比比对照组提高56.3 %(P <0 .0 5)。     

苓桂术甘汤对肉鸡腹水综合征的防治作用

将15日龄艾维茵肉鸡分成5组,一组在常温(21±1)℃下饲养,作为正常对照组(N);其余4组在低温(11±1)℃下饲养以诱发腹水综合征,其中模型对照组(C)不给任何药物,维生素组(V)饮水中添加VC(0.5 g/L)和VE(0.1 g/L),2个试验组(T1和T2)分别给予不同剂量(0.4和0.8 mL/kg bw)的苓桂术甘汤。结果显示,C组的腹水发病率、腹水心脏指数(AHI)、红细胞压积(PCV)、红细胞数、血红蛋白(Hb)及丙二醛(MDA)含量、血清α-羟丁酸脱氢酶(-αHBDH)、谷草转氨酶(GOT)和谷丙转氨酶(GPT)均显著高于N组;而3种抗氧化酶[超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)]的活性则显著降低;2个试验组及V组的上述检测指数都得到明显改善,表明苓桂术甘汤能增强肉鸡的抗氧化能力,具有防治肉鸡腹水综合征的作用。     

几种绵羊常用粗饲料GI的测定及其代谢能模型化研究

在测定5类9种粗饲料及3个混合粗饲料的常规成分基础上,实测了它们的粗饲料分级指数(GI):大青山草地早熟禾3.4758、沙打旺3.3731、苜蓿1.7202、混粗C21.1797、青干草1.1029、混粗C10.7852、羊草0.5684、玉米青贮0.4152、玉米秸0.1985、谷草0.1728、混粗D0.0805、苏丹草0.0687,并就GI与饲料相对值(RFV)对粗饲料品质的分级进行了比较,表明GI要优于RFV,同时证明:GI还可以用于混合粗饲料的优化与牧草刈割期的确定。研究并建立了预测粗饲料代谢能(ME)的模型:ME(MJ/kg)=-11.7492 0.5959IVDM(D%)-0.0044[IVDM(D%)]2,其中IVDMD为体外干物质消化率。     

人工改造野生大豆GsDREB2基因对植物耐盐和耐渗透胁迫能力的影响

DREB (dehydration responsive element binding protein)转录因子是一个干旱应答元件的结合蛋白,它能特异结合启动子中含有DRE/CRT顺式元件,激活逆境诱导基因的表达,调控植物对干旱、低温、高盐、高温等胁迫的耐逆性。大量研究表明DREB转录因子在信号传导、作用机理及基因表达方面存在复杂性。为了野生大豆来源GsDREB2基因能更有效地发挥功能,人工突变该基因的负向调节结构域(negative regulatory domain, NRD,140~204),经改造命名为GsDREB2-mNRD。在酵母中比较全长基因(FLDREB2)和GsDREB2-mNRD转录激活和与DRE元件结合的能力,并验证GsDREB2-mNRD核定位情况。分别将FLDREB2和GsDREB2-mNRD转化拟南芥,通过拟南芥幼苗期盐胁迫和渗透胁迫试验,比较GsDREB2-mNRD和FLDREB2在提高植物耐盐和渗透胁迫方面的差异。结果表明,GsDREB2基因内部存在着负向调节结构域(NRD),抑制了GsDREB2转录激活功能和DRE元件结合的特性;经改造的GsDREB2基因依然能定位在细胞核;超量表达GsDREB2-mNRD基因的拟南芥耐盐和渗透胁迫能力明显强于非转基因对照,也高于FLDREB2基因超表达的拟南芥;野生大豆来源的GsDREB2基因NRD结构域的缺失可增强该基因在植物耐盐、渗透胁迫等逆境胁迫下的功能。     

A review on breeding and genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>)

The aim of current study was to review breeding progress and update information on genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes. Iranian buffalo is one of the vital domestic animals throughout north, north-west, south and south-west of Iran with measurable characteristics both in milk and meat production. The species plays an important role in rural economy of the country due to its unique characteristics such as resistance to diseases and parasites, having long productive lifespan and showing higher capability of consuming low-quality forage. In Iran, total production of milk and meat devoted to buffaloes are 293,000 and 24,700 tons, respectively. Selection activities and milk yield recording are carrying out by the central government through the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran. The main breeding activities of Iranian buffaloes included the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for performance traits using different models and methods, estimation of economic values and selection criteria and analysis of population structure. Incorporating different aspects of dairy buffalo management together with improved housing, nutrition, breeding and milking, is known to produce significant improvements in buffalo production. Therefore, identifying genetic potential of Iranian buffaloes, selection of superior breeds, improving nutritional management and reproduction and developing the education and increasing the skills of practical breeders can be useful in order to enhance the performance and profitability of Iranian buffaloes.     

Prevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haemonchus contortus</Emphasis> infection in sheep slaughtered at Jimma town municipal abattoir,Ethiopia

Haemonchus contortus is a parasite of major economic importance of most sheep-rearing areas of the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to March 2016 with objectives of determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep slaughtered at Jimma town municipal abattoir, Ethiopia. Of the total 7000 sheep slaughtered during the study time period, 384 sheep were randomly selected and examined for parasites. The overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection was 264 (68.75%). Infection rate of poor body condition animals was significantly (P?=?0.000) higher than good body conditioned animals. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) values (%) of parasitemic and aparasitemic sheep were 23.73?±?3.7 SD and 37.66?±?4.736 SD, respectively. The prevalence in adult sheep (>?1 year) was insignificantly (P?=?0.653) higher than that of young sheep (≤?1 year). The highest prevalence was recorded in sheep that originated from Seka district (73.3%) and the lowest in Kersa district (63.4%) with non-significant variation (P?=?0.691). The highest monthly mean worm burdens and prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection were recorded in November and lowest in March. The current study revealed that Haemonchus contortus infection is an important and common parasitic disease and requires special attention to its control.     

Can treatment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachiaria decumbens</Emphasis> (signal grass) improve its utilisation in the diet in small ruminants?—a review

Brachiaria decumbens is an extremely productive tropical grass due to its aggressive growth habit and its adaptation to a varied range of soil types and environments. As a result of the vast availability, treated B. decumbens demonstrates as a promising local material that could be utilised as an improved diet for sheep and goats. Despite the fact that the grass significantly increases weight gains in grazing farm animals, there were many reports of general ill-thrift and sporadic outbreaks of photosensitivity in livestock due to the toxic compound of steroidal saponin found in B. decumbens. Ensiling and haymaking were found to be effective in removing toxin and undesirable compounds in the grass. Biological treatments using urea, activated charcoal, polyethylene glycol, and effective microorganisms were found to be useful in anti-nutritional factor deactivation and improving the nutritive values of feedstuffs. Besides, oral administration of phenobarbitone showed some degree of protection in sheep that fed on B. decumbens pasture. In this review, we aim to determine the effect of B. decumbens toxicity and possible treatment methods on the grass to be used as an improved diet for small ruminant.