Crown release improves growth of 20-year-old Betula alleghaniensis in tolerant northern hardwood stands

Twenty-year-old overstocked naturally regenerated yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) were thinned near Thessalon, Ontario. Treatments consisted of either a control, or the removal of all competing trees at 1, 2, 3, or 4 m around the boles of the crop trees. The size of the openings created around the crop tree crowns was found to be more strongly correlated to diameter, clear bole length, and crown increment than the removal of competing trees using fixed distance from the stem. Crop trees responded well to thinning. Five-year diameter increment and crown diameter growth were positively correlated to size of the opening created around the crop tree crown. However, the relationship between height growth and size of canopy opening was weak. Clear bole length was found to be negatively correlated to the size of canopy opening. Few epicormic sprouts developed on the stems when all competing trees were removed at 1, 2, or 3 m around the crop tree boles. However, release at 4 m greatly increased the number and size of epicormic sprouts. Providing about a 15-m² opening around the crop tree crown, corresponding to approximately a 3-m removal of competing trees around the bole, provided a good balance between diameter increment and stem quality maintenance.     

Elastic domains regulate growth and organogenesis in the plant shoot apical meristem

Although genetic control of morphogenesis is well established, elaboration of complex shapes requires changes in the mechanical properties of cells. In plants, the first visible sign of leaf formation is a bulge on the flank of the shoot apical meristem. Bulging results from local relaxation of cell walls, which causes them to yield to internal hydrostatic pressure. By manipulation of tissue tension in combination with quantitative live imaging and finite-element modeling, we found that the slow-growing area at the shoot tip is substantially strain-stiffened compared with surrounding fast-growing tissue. We propose that strain stiffening limits growth, restricts organ bulging, and contributes to the meristem's functional zonation. Thus, mechanical signals are not just passive readouts of gene action but feed back on morphogenesis.     

Detection and molecular characterization of Suid herpesvirus type 1 in Austrian wild boar and hunting dogs

Aujeszky's disease (AD), caused by Suid herpesvirus type 1 (SuHV-1), is an economically important disease in domestic swine. Thus, rigorous control programmes have been implemented and consecutively AD in domestic swine was successfully eradicated in many countries, including Austria. However, SuHV-1 continues to thrive in wild boar populations, as indicated by high seroprevalences in a number of European countries and by occasional cases of AD in hunting dogs. For the first time, SuHV-1 was detected in Austrian wild boar and a molecular characterization of SuHV-1 isolated from wild boar and hunting dogs was performed. Results of preliminary serological analyses suggest a regional SuHV-1 seroprevalence of over 30% in free-living and almost 70% in fenced wild boar from Eastern Austria. Molecular typing of Austrian SuHV-1 isolates of wild boar origin revealed the presence of two genetically distinct variants of SuHV-1, both capable of infecting dogs that have been exposed to infected wild boar during hunting.     

Need for sharp phenotypes in QTL detection for calving traits in dairy cattle

The aim of the study was to investigate whether parity‐specific phenotypes provide a clearer picture of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting calving traits in German Holsteins than breeding values estimated across parities. In experiment I, approximate daughter yield deviations were calculated by applying a univariate sire model assuming unrelated sires used as phenotypes in a QTL mapping study. These results were compared with those obtained using deregressed estimated breeding values obtained from the routine German sire evaluation (experiment II). In experiment I, 17 chromosome‐wise significant QTL were found for the first parity, but only 12 for the second parity. Only three QTL for maternal stillbirth, located on BTA7, 15 and 23, showed an experiment‐wise significance. Experiment II revealed 15 chromosome‐wise significant QTL. The results differed markedly between first and second parity within experiment I, as well as between experiment I and II. The present study showed that parity‐specific daughter yield deviations are beneficial for mapping QTL for calving traits. Furthermore, it is expected that the use of sharper phenotypes will also be advantageous for QTL fine mapping and the identification of candidate genes.     

Genetic variability of PRRS virus in Austria: consequences for molecular diagnostics and viral quantification

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is a virus with a relatively high level of sequence variation, especially between the European and the American-type strains. This high degree of sequence variations will influence the accuracy of results obtained by molecular diagnostic methods, especially if mutations are located in the primer or probe binding regions of PCR or real-time PCR based assays. In order to provide the basis for the development of an accurate, region-tailored assay we have analysed samples obtained from several Austrian pig herds using a series of RT-PCR assays. Subsequent sequencing of the PCR products from ORF5 and phylogenetic analysis revealed the occurrence of both the European and the American-type of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in Austria. Since vaccination with the American-type vaccine is not authorized in Austria the import of vaccinated animals is the most likely explanation for the occurrence of these strains. The study highlights the importance of a detailed study on the sequence variations occurring in the region of interest before the development of a reliable PCR-based assay.     

Development of ZWIPERO, A Model Forecasting Sporulation and Infection Periods of Onion Downy Mildew based on Meteorological Data

The weather-based forecasting model ZWIPERO was developed by the German Weather Service and determines the risk of sporulation and infection of Peronospora destructor quantitatively based on actual as well as predicted weather data (temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness, precipitation). The model allows precise planning of disease monitoring and infection-related application of fungicides. ZWIPERO is a more complex mathematical model than the previously published models for downy mildew. In order to operate ZWIPERO independently of the actual field location and season, the time of sunrise and sunset of the location are exactly determined by a subroutine. Another subroutine provides simulated microclimatic input variables based on local production data as well as actual and hourly predicted (up to 4 days) standard weather data. Starting at the time of 'sunrise + 7 h', ZWIPERO calculates the number of sporangia produced, the time of onset of sporangia release, as well as the number of infections possible and the number of sporangia which may survive the day for each 24-h time step. Field evaluations of sporulation periods of downy mildew showed that the simulated micrometeorological input variables are reliable. As the actual plant development, the susceptibility and the disease incidence in the field are not taken into account, ZWIPERO has to be considered primarily as a decision support system for extension services and growers.     

Centennial paper: Proteomics in animal science

Proteomics holds significant promise as a method for advancing animal science research. The use of this technology in animal science is still in its infancy. The ability of proteomics to simultaneously identify and quantify potentially thousands of proteins is unparalleled. In this review, we will discuss basic principles of doing a proteomic experiment. In addition, challenges and limitations of proteomics will be considered, stressing those that are unique to animal sciences. The current proteomic research in animal sciences will be discussed, and the potential uses for this technology will be highlighted.     

Source of dietary lipid may modify the immune response in stressed feeder cattle

Five studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of lipid source on performance and health of stressed feeder cattle. A total of 332 heifers (195 +/- 2.37 kg initial BW) in trial 1 and 336 heifers (206 +/- 1.70 kg initial BW) in trial 2 were fed diets containing ground flaxseed (FLAX), rolled full-fat soybeans (SOY), or tallow (TAL) at 13, 20, or 4%, respectively (DM basis). All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The ADG and G:F for the first 7 d and for the entire feeding period were greater (P < 0.05) for TAL and FLAX than for SOY. Percentage of animals treated and retreated for bovine respiratory disease did not differ among dietary treatments. The FLAX treatment increased (P < 0.05) total n-3 PUFA concentrations in the plasma, whereas SOY increased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of total n-6 PUFA. In trial 3, 18 steers were individually fed diets containing TAL and 18 steers were fed a diet containing SOY (20% of DM). In trials 4 and 5, 18 steers were individually fed diets containing TAL and 18 steers were fed diets containing FLAX (12.9% of DM). On d 14 and 17 of study 3, 4, and 5, 16 steers from each dietary treatment were injected i.v. with Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and 2 steers from each diet were injected with saline. Rectal temperatures after LPS challenge were lower (P < 0.05) for SOY and FLAX than for TAL, and plasma TNF was greater (P < 0.05) for SOY than for TAL. Serum haptoglobin and blood fibrinogen increased and white blood cell count decreased in response to LPS, but none of these variables was affected by treatment. Although this research failed to measure an effect of lipid source on feedlot morbidity or mortality, these studies indicate that altering the source and type of dietary fatty acids may modify the immune response in stressed feeder cattle and that performance may be hindered by feeding full-fat soybeans to receiving cattle.     

Measuring forest damage of ungulates: what should be considered

Principles and criteria for the objective assessment of ‘damage' are presented as a basis for objective discussion and to promote targeted research. The topic will be considered from three different viewpoints – theoretical background, silviculture, and nature conservation. Examples of methods to assess ‘damage' are given, as are the criteria and indicators for target values for growing stock.

The objective existence of damage must be established by comparing the current status against a target. Only if the present status no longer permits achievement of the desired target can damage be claimed. The same is true for verification of ‘benefit' resulting from an impact leading to a favorable status. Establishing the degree of browsing damage on forest regeneration allows forecasts of damage to be made, but the actual damage can only be determined at a future time, for example when the timber is harvested or when the function of the forest is seen to have been compromised. The earlier the forecast is made the more uncertain it is, because the compensatory responses of the forest can only be forecast to a limited extent. Silvicultural targets depend on the requirements of both, the forest owner and the public. Main indicators for assessing ungulate damage on forest regeneration are total tree density, species composition, and height structure. From the viewpoint of nature conservation the determination of target values is particularly difficult. The measurement of damage involves choosing the most relevant indicators of favorable condition of woodland habitats and assessing these in the field. With adequate resources this can be done quantitatively using a wide range of standard field measurement techniques. Alternatively, where resources are limited, it can be done qualitatively by scoring different areas for a range of indicators. As yet, such qualitative methods are in their infancy. Specific research is now being undertaken in some European countries.