Prevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus and Anaplasma marginale in Montana yearling cattle entering Alberta feedlots: Fall 2001

A serologic survey was conducted in yearling cattle imported into Alberta feedlots from Montana during October 2001 to estimate the prevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) and Anaplasma marginale in Montana yearling cattle. The apparent prevalence of antibodies to BTV when the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used was 0.37% (21/5608). Test positive cELISA samples were also all positive when tested by virus neutralization (VN) and they reacted to 1 or more BTV serotypes, including 2, 10, 11, 13, and 17. The apparent prevalence of antibodies to A. marginale when a recombinant cELISA (rcELISA) was used with a positive cutoff at 30% inhibition was 1.93% (108/5608). When the rcELISA positive cutoff was at 42% inhibition, the apparent prevalence was 0.73% (41/5608). After the reported sensitivity and specificity of the test had been accounted for, the A. marginale antibody results were consistent with a population that was either free of exposure or had a very low prevalence for A. marginale.     

Diversity of the Insect Visitors on Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) in Southern France Heathlands

As part of an ongoing research project on the pollination networks in European heathlands, the objective of this study was to assess the insect visitor guild on Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull (Ericaceae). We focused the study on a region renowned for its largely well-preserved heathlands, the Cévennes National Park, Southern France. In 2013, flower visitors were observed over 3 d per site, in four heathland sites at mont Lozère. Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) were the main visitors (62–88% of total visitors). Besides honeybees, a high diversity of visitors was detected with 57 different species identified (42 Diptera and 15 Hymenoptera). Hoverflies (Syrphidae, Diptera) visitors were abundant and diverse, especially individuals belonging to the genera Eristalis and Episyrphus. The reported diversity of visitors was probably due to the preservation of large heathland areas at mont Lozère and to the generalist pollination system of C. vulgaris.RESUME. Cette étude fait partie d’un projet de recherche en cours sur les réseaux de pollinisation dans les landes européennes. Son objectif est d’évaluer la guilde des insectes visiteurs de Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull (Ericaceae). Cette étude se déroule dans une région réputée pour ses landes globalement bien préservées: le Parc natinal des Cévennes, situé dans le sud de la France. En 2013, les insectes visiteurs ont été observés durant trois jours par site, dans quatre sites au mont Lozère. Les abeilles domestiques (A. mellifera L.) sont les visiteurs principaux (62–88% du nombre total de visiteurs). Outre les abeilles domestiques, une diversité importante de visiteurs est constatée: 57 espèces ont été identifiées (42 appartenant à l''ordre des Diptères et 15 à l''ordre des Hyménoptères). Les syrphes (Syrphidae, Diptera) sont abondants et diversifiés, en particulier les genres Eristalis et Episyrphus. La diversité de visiteurs observée peut certainement s’expliquer par la préservation de grandes étendues de landes au mont Lozère et par le caractère généraliste de la pollinisation de la callune.     

多年生黑麦草叶片长度数量性状位点(QTLs)研究

选择固定有益等位基因,研究多年生黑麦草叶片长度数量性状位点,结果表明:与叶长最为相关的3个标记所表达的变异占表型总变异的50.9%(r2);在选择中如能将这3个标记最优化地组合在一起,其综合共同作用有望使叶片长度延长和缩短26 mm;鉴于供试材料在最初3个世代的群体选择中所估测到叶片长度的遗传力为0.32,这样在今后的选择工作中,即使只使用现有的两个标记,其效果亦优于传统的表型选择法.     

Quantitative relationships between Ostrinia nubilalis activity and deoxynivalenol contamination in French maize

We investigated the indirect effect of an insecticide spray against the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner; Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on mycotoxin contaminations of grain maize at the harvest stage. Between 2004 and 2009, 45 paired plots comparing insecticide treatment with untreated control were studied in Alsace administrative region, in the northeast of France. An average reduction of 78% in O. nubilalis larval densities was observed in insecticide-treated plots compared with control plots. Mean levels of deoxynivalenol mycotoxin in harvested grain were significantly reduced from 849 ppb in the control samples to 152 ppb in the insecticide-treated samples. A statistical modelling approach involving Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) was employed to identify and rank the associated variables for damage and pest density on different plant parts, on deoxynivalenol levels in harvested grain at harvest. The modelling revealed that the occurrence and the density of O. nubilalis larvae in maize stalks and in ears are the best indicators for deoxynivalenol contamination. The identification of these deoxynivalenol contamination risk factors, along with other factors such as genetic background, harvest date and crop rotation allows improvement of the risk assessment and risk forecasting in maize crops in order to manage crop safety and maintain maize deoxynivalenol mycotoxin levels below the European Regulation (EC) No. 1126/2007 threshold.     

The Swallow and the Sparrow: how agricultural intensification affects abundance,nest site selection and competitive interactions

Landscape Ecology - Intensification of farming practices is a key factor in population declines of many species, including aerial insectivores. Of these species, Tree Swallow populations have been...     

The intravenous pharmacokinetics of butorphanol and detomidine dosed in combination compared with individual dose administrations to exercised horses

In equine and racing practice, detomidine and butorphanol are commonly used in combination for their sedative properties. The aim of the study was to produce detection times to better inform European veterinary surgeons, so that both drugs can be used appropriately under regulatory rules. Three independent groups of 7, 8 and 6 horses, respectively, were given either a single intravenous administration of butorphanol (100 µg/kg), a single intravenous administration of detomidine (10 µg/kg) or a combination of both at 25 (butorphanol) and 10 (detomidine) µg/kg. Plasma and urine concentrations of butorphanol, detomidine and 3-hydroxydetomidine at predetermined time points were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The intravenous pharmacokinetics of butorphanol dosed individually compared with co-administration with detomidine had approximately a twofold larger clearance (646 ± 137 vs. 380 ± 86 ml hr⁻¹ kg⁻¹) but similar terminal half-life (5.21 ± 1.56 vs. 5.43 ± 0.44 hr). Pseudo-steady-state urine to plasma butorphanol concentration ratios were 730 and 560, respectively. The intravenous pharmacokinetics of detomidine dosed as a single administration compared with co-administration with butorphanol had similar clearance (3,278 ± 1,412 vs. 2,519 ± 630 ml hr⁻¹ kg⁻¹) but a slightly shorter terminal half-life (0.57 ± 0.06 vs. 0.70 ± 0.11 hr). Pseudo-steady-state urine to plasma detomidine concentration ratios are 4 and 8, respectively. The 3-hydroxy metabolite of detomidine was detected for at least 35 hr in urine from both the single and co-administrations. Detection times of 72 and 48 hr are recommended for the control of butorphanol and detomidine, respectively, in horseracing and equestrian competitions.