Susceptibility of Sudanese Nubian goats, Nilotic dwarf goats and Garag ewes to experimental infection with a mechanically transmitted Trypanosoma vivax stock

The present study was conducted to study the susceptibility of two different types of Sudanese goats namely: Black Nubian, the Nilotic dwarf goats and ewes of Garag type to experimental infection with Trypanosoma vivax stock isolated from cattle outside tsetse area. The infection caused parasitaemia, anaemia and pyrexia in the infected goats. However, the Nilotic dwarf goats were more tolerant to the infection than the Nubian goats, showing significantly higher values of packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, total red and white blood cells counts and significantly low parasitaemia and low body temperature. Garag ewes which were found to be susceptible to T. vivax infection showed different signs of anaemia and pyrexia; it is recommended that comparative studies on sensitivity of this type and other different Sudanese types of sheep to Trypanosomosis should be conducted.     

基于区间多阶段随机规划模型的灌区多水源优化配置

灌区多水源灌溉系统中存在许多不确定性因素,随着系统环境的变化及不确定性因素的影响,导致其配水过程具有动态特征。针对灌区多水源灌溉系统的配水特点,该文建立基于区间多阶段随机规划的灌区多水源优化配置模型。同时,考虑灌溉水对作物产量的影响,引入水分敏感指数权重系数,并以黑龙江省和平灌区水稻不同生育阶段灌溉水资源优化配置进行实例研究。结果表明,在不同来水情境下,管理者可根据各个生育阶段水分敏感指数权重系数,判断作物不同生育阶段的需水敏感程度,当来水情境的来水量多时,会产生余水量,可调配给下一生育阶段;当来水情境的来水量少时,管理者可在减少灌溉水量与增加外调水之间进行权衡,并根据需水关键期与需水非关键期做出决策,使水资源在作物生育阶段间及作物生育阶段内进行分配,实现灌区多水源灌溉系统的动态配水。该模型的应用在确保作物产量的同时,使灌溉水资源在作物各个生育阶段进行合理配置,有效地避免了水资源浪费,对提高灌溉水利用效率、保证水资源的可持续利用具有重要意义。     

Species Diversity and Invasion Resistance in a Marine Ecosystem

Theory predicts that systems that are more diverse should be more resistant to exotic species, but experimental tests are needed to verify this. In experimental communities of sessile marine invertebrates, increased species richness significantly decreased invasion success, apparently because species-rich communities more completely and efficiently used available space, the limiting resource in this system. Declining biodiversity thus facilitates invasion in this system, potentially accelerating the loss of biodiversity and the homogenization of the world's biota.     

Energy Input-Output Analysis of Organic Grape Production: A Case Study from Adiyaman Province

In this study, it was aimed to perform an energy analysis of organic grape production in Besni district of Ad?yaman province of Turkey. In order to determine the energy input-output of organic grape production, the observations and surveys were performed in the 82 organic grape growers in Ad?yaman province. 82 farms were selected on full count method. The data obtained from study were collected from 82 different farms (398.32 hectares) by face to face questionnaires and observations. In organic grape farms, energy input-output analysis was also determinated by observation and survey methods in production season in 2015. In organic grape production, energy input was calculated as 24,875.06?MJ?ha^?1 and energy output was calculated as 163,430?MJ?ha^?1. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and net energy in organic grape production were calculated as 6.57; 0.56?kg?MJ^?1, 1.79?MJ?kg^?1 and 138,554.94?MJ?ha^?1, respectively.     

Energy Input-Output Analysis in Organic Mulberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Morus spp.</Emphasis>) Production in Turkey: a Case Study Adiyaman-Tut Region

The goal of this study is to do the energy input-output analysis of organic mulberry. This study was conducted at the organic mulberry producing facilities during the 2015–2016 production seasons in Adiyaman-Tut region of Turkey. The agricultural input energies and output energies used in organic mulberry production were computed to determine the energy input-output analysis. According to the research findings, the energy inputs in organic mulberry production were computed respectively as 3948?MJ ha^?1 (59.01%) drip and sprinkler irrigation energy, 1092.42?MJ ha^?1 (16.33%) gravity irrigation energy, 449.33?MJ ha^?1 (6.72%) diesel fuel energy, 416.52?MJ ha^?1 (6.23%) farmyard manure energy, 335.14?MJ ha^?1 (5.01%) human labour energy, 253.52?MJ ha^?1 (3.79%) machinery energy, 93.12?MJ ha^?1 (1.39%) transportation energy, 75.78 MJ ha^?1 (1.13%) animal labour energy and 26.62?MJ ha^?1 (0.40%) organic fertilizer energy. Total input energy was computed as 6690.46?MJ ha^?1. Production output organic mulberry yield were calculated as 37,627.84?MJ ha^?1. The energy output/input ratio, specific energy, energy productivity and net energy computations were computed respectively as 5.62, 1.51?MJ kg^?1, 0.66?kg MJ^?1 and 30,937.37?MJ ha^?1. The consumed total energy input in organic mulberry production could be classified as 88.20% direct, 11.80% indirect, 88.10% renewable and 11.90% non-renewable.     

An Update of Lectins from Marine Organisms: Characterization,Extraction Methodology,and Potential Biofunctional Applications

Lectins are a unique group of nonimmune carbohydrate-binding proteins or glycoproteins that exhibit specific and reversible carbohydrate-binding activity in a non-catalytic manner. Lectins have diverse sources and are classified according to their origins, such as plant lectins, animal lectins, and fish lectins. Marine organisms including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks produce a myriad of lectins, including rhamnose binding lectins (RBL), fucose-binding lectins (FTL), mannose-binding lectin, galectins, galactose binding lectins, and C-type lectins. The widely used method of extracting lectins from marine samples is a simple two-step process employing a polar salt solution and purification by column chromatography. Lectins exert several immunomodulatory functions, including pathogen recognition, inflammatory reactions, participating in various hemocyte functions (e.g., agglutination), phagocytic reactions, among others. Lectins can also control cell proliferation, protein folding, RNA splicing, and trafficking of molecules. Due to their reported biological and pharmaceutical activities, lectins have attracted the attention of scientists and industries (i.e., food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries). Therefore, this review aims to update current information on lectins from marine organisms, their characterization, extraction, and biofunctionalities.     

Modified Colostomy Technique for Colonic Atresia in Calves

Objective: To report a modified colostomy technique for permanent fecal diversion in calves with colonic atresia. Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Calves (n=19) with colonic atresia. Methods: Clinical findings, white blood cell counts, radiologic, ultrasonographic, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Calves were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=9) had conventional colostomy and group 2 (n=10) had a modified colostomy. Technique efficacy was evaluated by postoperative observation, owner satisfaction, and calf survival. Results: Fifteen (79%) calves were discharged from the hospital; 4 (21%) group 1 calves died within 24 hours after surgery. Two (40%) group 1 calves died 18 and 30 days after surgery and 5 (50%) group 2 calves died 2–60 days after surgery. Eight calves reached slaughter weight (120±10 kg); 5 group 2 calves grew normally but the 3 group 1 calves had lower weight gain. Owners of the calves with conventional colostomy reported that the evacuation of feces was continuous whereas owners of calves with the modified colostomy reported that feces were released through the stoma in intervals. Conclusion: Modification of conventional colostomy by forming an hourglass shaped stoma lessens fecal incontinence but there was no difference in survival rate. Clinical Relevance: Modified colostomy was considered advantageous because of intermittent fecal discharge from the stoma compared with continuous fecal release in conventional colostomy. The modified technique seemingly has a beneficial effect on growth of the calf.     

Optimization of Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Compound Extraction Conditions from Red Seaweed (Laurencia obtuse)

ABSTRACT

Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions including solvent:seaweed ratio (10:1–30:1), extraction temperature (30–50°C), and extraction time (30–60 min) on the total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of red seaweed (Laurencia obtuse) extracts. The optimum extraction parameters for maximum phenolic content were as follows: solvent:seaweed ratio, 30:1; extraction temperature, 50°C; and extraction time, 42.8 min. The experiment results showed that the solvent:seaweed ratio was the most significant parameter for the extraction. The optimum extraction conditions for maximum antioxidant activity were as follows: solvent:seaweed ratio, 24.3:1; extraction temperature, 45.3°C; and extraction time, 58 min. Under the above-mentioned conditions, the experimental total phenolic content and antioxidant activity value were 26.23 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g seaweed and 120.89 ± 0.81 TEAC, respectively, of seaweed tested, which are well compatible with the predicted contents.     

Effects of transportation during the hot season,breed and electrical stimulation on histochemical and meat quality characteristics of goat longissimus muscle

The effects of transportation and electrical stimulation (90 V) on physiological, histochemical and meat quality characteristics of two breeds of Omani goats were assessed. Twenty 1‐year‐old male goats from each breed (Batina and Dhofari) were divided into two groups: 3 h transported during the hot season (42°C day time temperature) and non‐transported. Animals were blood‐sampled before loading and prior to slaughter. Electrical stimulation was applied 20 min postmortem to 50% randomly selected carcasses of both breeds. Temperature and pH decline of the Longissimus was monitored. Ultimate pH, shear force, sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index, expressed juice, cooking loss and colour were measured from samples of Longissimus dorsi muscles. Electrical stimulation and transportation had a significant effect on most biochemical and meat quality characteristics of Longissimus dorsi. The transported goats had higher plasma cortisol (P < 0.01), adrenaline, nor‐adrenaline and dopamine concentrations (P < 0.05) than non‐transported goats. Electrical stimulation resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) more rapid muscle pH fall during the first 12 h after slaughter. Muscles from electrically‐stimulated carcasses had significantly (P < 0.05) longer sarcomeres, lower shear force value, a lighter colour (higher L* value), higher expressed juice and myofibrillar fragmentation index than those from non‐stimulated ones. Meat from transported goats had significantly higher pH, expressed juice and shear force, but contained significantly lower sarcomere length and L* values than non‐transported goats. The proportion of the myosin ATPase staining did not change as a function of stimulation, transportation or breed. These results indicated that subjecting goats to transportation for 3 h under high ambient temperatures can generate major physiological and muscle metabolism responses. Electrical stimulation improved quality characteristics of meat from both groups. This indicates that electrical stimulation may reduce detrimental effects of transportation on meat quality of Omani goats.     

Nitric oxide and lysozyme production as an impact to Clostridium perfringens mastitis

The anaerobic mastitis incidence was used to study the bovine udder response in anaerobic bacterial mastitis caused by the Gram-positive bacterial strain of Clostridium perfringens. Milk samples positive for C. perfringens were assayed for NO and lysozyme. The model produced a strong NO and lysozyme response which correlated positively with the severity and outcome of the disease (subclinical and clinical stages). This study is, to our knowledge, the first to suggest a possible link between NO and lysozyme and bovine mastitis caused by C. perfringens. The results raise the possibility that interfering with NO production during mastitis may help to prevent tissue damage.