Minimizing salt in drain water by irrigation management: Design and initial results of Arizona field studies

Two field experiments were established in the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District of southwestern Arizona to test the feasibility of decreasing the salt load in drainage water by reduced leaching. Results are given for the initial 2 years of the test for Valencia orange trees (Citrus sinensis L.) and the first year for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., cv. Hayden).The water application data, substantiated by salinity sensor readings and measures of soil chloride, indicate that the annual evapotranspiration of Valencia orange is approximately 1375 mm on a total area basis. After 2 years, fruit yield and quality and tree growth are not significantly different from flood-irrigated trees that receive 40% more water. If these results persist, the salt load from citrus in the district could be reduced 40 000 Mg annually by reduced leaching. More importantly, because of the salinity of the groundwater pumped for water table control, the salt load exported from the district could be reduced initially by 130 000 Mg annually.Results indicate that the alfalfa experiment was underirrigated the first year and evapotranspiration is about 1950 mm annually. Comparisons indicate that the level basin flood irrigated check yielded 20% more than the experiment and had about 10% leaching, an efficiency that can probably not be improved.     

Effects of the topically applied calcium-channel blocker flunarizine on intraocular pressure in clinically normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of the topically applied calcium-channel blocker flunarizine on intraocular pressure (IOP) in clinically normal dogs. ANIMALS: 20 dogs. PROCEDURES: Baseline diurnal IOPs were determined by use of a rebound tonometer on 2 consecutive days. Subsequently, 1 randomly chosen eye of each dog was treated topically twice daily for 5 days with 0.5% flunarizine. During this treatment period, diurnal IOPs were measured. In addition, pupillary diameter and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were evaluated. Serum flunarizine concentrations were measured on treatment day 5. Intraday fluctuation of IOP was analyzed by use of an ANOVA for repeated measures and a trend test. Changes in IOP from baseline values were assessed and compared with IOPs for the days of treatment. Values were also compared between treated and untreated eyes. RESULTS: A significant intraday fluctuation in baseline IOP was detected, which was highest in the morning (mean +/- SE, 15.8 +/- 0.63 mm Hg) and lowest at night (12.9 +/- 0.61 mm Hg). After 2 days of treatment, there was a significant decrease in IOP from baseline values in treated (0.93 +/- 0.35 mm Hg) and untreated (0.95 +/- 0.34 mm Hg) eyes. There was no significant treatment effect on pupillary diameter or MAP. Flunarizine was detected in serum samples of all dogs (mean +/- SD, 3.89 +/- 6.36 microg/L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Topically applied flunarizine decreased IOP in dogs after 2 days of twice-daily application. This calcium-channel blocker could be effective in the treatment of dogs with glaucoma.     

Buffalo (Bubalus bubali) Late Embryo and Foetus Development: A Morphological Analysis

Many researches describe the embryonic developmental features in domestic animals; however, in farm animals, they are scarce. Most farm animal studies are related to assisted reproduction and embryos transfer techniques. But, morphological features and size measure to estimate the age gestation are rarely reported in literature. Thus, in this study, we described the developmental changes in the bubaline (Bubalus bubali) concepts from 21 to 60 days of gestation. Our results revealed that buffalo embryos similar morphological characteristics similar to other mammalian species. Also, similarities between bovine and bubaline persist; except on foetal stages when buffalos have a faster development than bovine. Therefore, buffalo's gestation period exhibits some varieties and accurate embryo age is more difficult. Yet, when we use a combination of the crown–rump, macroscopic analysis and alizarin red, it is possible to describe better the whole embryogenesis stages of the buffalo and which can contribute for future reproduction researches and applications in veterinary practice.