Evaluation of cottonseed and soybean meal as partial replacement for fishmeal in diets for juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of cottonseed and soybean meal (CS) on growth performance, feed utilization, and gossypol accumulation in juvenile (mean body weight 11 g) Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets (designated CS0, CS10, CS20, CS30, and CS40) containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CS mixture (1∶1 w/w) were formulated. After 9 weeks of feeding trial, fish fed all diets did not show significant differences in growth performances, feed utilization, and whole body compositions. Hemoglobin content gradually decreased (P<0.05) with increments of CS inclusion levels. There was a positive linear relationship between dietary gossypol and total liver gossypol contents. Free radical scavenging activity in the experimental diets gradually increased with increment of dietary CS inclusion. This finding indicates that the mixture of cottonseed and soybean meal with methionine and lysine supplementation could replace up to 40% of fishmeal protein in diets. However, 20% fishmeal protein replacement by dietary inclusion of cottonseed (9.4%) and soybean (8.7%) meal might be the optimum and safe level for the commercial use of CS in juvenile Japanese flounder.     

The effect of nitrogen concentration on nitrogen use efficiency and related parameters in cultivated rices (Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica and japonica and O. glaberrima Steud.) in hydroponics

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cultivated rice has become of utmost importance due to ecological and economical consequences of nitrogen (N) losses. However, detailed information on the components of NUE—physiological, absorption and agronomical NUEs—is lacking. The present study aimed to determine the components of NUE for three cultivars of Asian and African rices [IR64 (Oryza sativa indica), Azucena (O. sativa japonica) and TOG7105 (O. glaberrima)] exposed to a wide range of N supply, from excess to deficiency—from 4× to 1/8× of the standard Yoshida solution (1×). Increasing the N supply to 2× or 4× did not induce much change for most parameters, including tissue N concentrations and pNUE. However, aNUE and agNUE decreased gradually as the N supply increased from 1/2× to 4×. In contrast, lowering the N supply, particularly to 1/4× or 1/8×, induced a significant decrease in most measured parameters, except NUEs. The pNUE increased gradually when lowering the N supply from 1× to 1/8×, while aNUE and agNUE were maximal at 1/2 and/or 1/4× according to the cultivar. In contrast, the F_v/F_m and PSII values remained unchanged. Differences between cultivars were low. However, the O. glaberrima cultivar showed a significantly lower aNUE and agNUE than both O. sativa cultivars under low N supply (1/4 and 1/8×). These results demonstrate that all NUE components were sharply and differentially affected by low N supply, while the PSII remained unaffected. These results are important for determining the cultivar and N supply with the best balance between intensive and sustainable rice cultivation.     

Seasonal changes in hepatosomatic index,gonadosomatic index and plasma estradiol‐17β level in captively reared female rabbit fish (Siganus guttatus)

The seasonal changes in hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and plasma estradiol‐17β (E₂) level in female rabbit fish (Siganus guttatus) were investigated. The relationship between plasma E₂ levels with these indices and ovarian growth was also evaluated. Each month, at least 10 female broodfish were sacrificed to collect liver, ovary and blood for HSI, GSI and plasma E₂, respectively. GSI and HSI were calculated as percentage (%) of relative weight of gonad and liver to total body weight, respectively. Plasma E₂ level was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). Ovaries were cut and stained for histological observation. The results included seasonal changes in plasma E₂ levels, stages of ovarian development, GSI and HSI. The highest level of E₂ was observed in June (1,445.62 pg/ml) and during vitellogenesis (2,305 pg/ml). GSI and HSI values significant fluctuated monthly. The highest HSI and GSI were 1.72% in May and 3.58% in June, respectively. The pattern of plasma E₂ levels showed a relationship with GSI and different stages of ovarian development. HSI was associated with ovarian stages. During vitellogenesis, the highest value (1.9%) of HSI was observed. Histological sections showed that rabbit fish is a multiple spawner. These results contribute to further understanding of female rabbit fish reproductive biology in captivity. Important reproductive parameters such as HSI, GSI and E₂ can be used to indicate maturation status of this fish species.     

Evaluation of genetic richness among Vietnamese native pig breeds using microsatellite markers

We have elucidated genetic relationships of Vietnamese native pigs (VNP) using preliminarily collected samples by a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. In order to confirm our previous results and compare with the results of a previous study using microsatellite (MS) markers, we aimed to characterize genetic diversity and population structure in wider varieties (24 breeds from 21 Provinces) of VNP across the country using 20 polymorphic MS markers recommended by ISAG/FAO (International Society for Animal Genetics/Food and Agriculture Organization) for diversity study. In this study, we collected 1,136 DNA samples of the VNPs and three exotic breeds. Our results revealed that the average number of alleles and allelic richness across the loci in VNPs were 10.0 and 7.6, which were higher than those of exotic breeds. Genomic components among VNPs were subjected to the sampling locations. Interestingly, Co Binh Thuan showed remarkable genetic feature compared to the other VNPs, because the habitation of Co Binh Thuan was relatively far from the other breeds. The results of this study provided useful information for exploitation, conservation, and development trends of the VNP breeds. More recently, African swine fever caused significant damage to most of the VNP populations. Therefore, our findings will help a reconstruction scheme of the VNP genetic resources.     

Evaluation of Soil Organic Matter Content under Topographic Influences in Agroforestry Ecosystems: a Study in Central Vietnam

Eurasian Soil Science - We investigate the key predictors that influence the soil organic matter (SOM) content in higher altitude plantations. This is to study the potential of carbon sequestration...     

基因工程菌枯草芽孢杆菌GEB3产生的脂肽类抗生素及其生物活性研究

 利用MALDI TOF MS技术 ,鉴定了将lpaB3基因转入枯草芽孢杆菌Bacillussubtilis 168菌株所构建的工程菌GEB3产生的脂肽类抗生素种类。结果表明 ,GEB3仅产生表面活性素 (surfactin) 1种脂肽类抗生素。经LC MS分析 ,GEB3产生由 13、14和 15个碳原子的脂肪酸链构成的标准表面活性素变异体 (standardsurfactinisoforms)。生物活性检测表明 ,该工程菌产生的脂肽类抗生素表面活性素具有抑制小麦纹枯病菌和稻瘟病菌菌丝生长的作用     

Trace Metal Contamination During Grinding of Plant Samples

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopic (ICP-MS) analysis of leaves from 22 cabbage crops in the Sa P? and B?c Hà districts of Láo Cai Province, North-Western Vi?t Nam, revealed unexpectedly high concentrations of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni). The concentrations were strongly linearly related (r² = 0.94), indicating sample contamination during grinding through a stainless-steel hammer mill. We tested this hypothesis in two ways. First, brown rice ground through the same mill was contaminated not only by Cr and Ni, but also cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo). Second, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analysis of x-rays (SEM/EDS) of the ground samples revealed small fragments with co-located Fe, Cr and Ni, consistent with stainless steel wear fragments. Other grinders may perform differently and we suggest that quality assurance protocols for trace metal analysis of plants should include testing for grinder wear metals. Lastly, brown rice appears to be convenient for investigating contamination of plant tissues during grinding.     

Reliable detection of unevenly distributed Verticillium dahliae in diseased olive trees

Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is one of the most threatening diseases of olive worldwide. For pre‐planting and post‐planting control of verticillium wilt in olive trees, availability of a rapid, reliable and non‐destructive method for detection of V. dahliae is essential. For such a method, suitable and easily performed sampling and efficient processing of samples for extraction of DNA are necessary. In this study, the suitability of young twig and leaf samples of olive trees, which are easy to collect and extract DNA from, were assessed for the detection of V. dahliae in routine procedures. The lower (about 50 cm from the tip) and top parts (about 5 cm from the tip) of twigs, as well as leaves from infected olive trees were screened for V. dahliae infection and distribution using real‐time PCR. The biomass of V. dahliae detected in individual twigs was highly variable, but there was no significant difference between mean quantities of V. dahliae DNA detected in top and lower parts of twigs. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that analysis of combined samples containing DNA extracted from five twigs of an infected tree accurately detected the presence of the pathogen. Similarly, testing combined samples of 5–10 leaves enabled reliable detection of the pathogen in an infected tree. The development of this assay enables reliable detection of V. dahliae in infected olive trees that can aid in management decisions for the implementation of integrated disease management.