Effects of fluazuron (2.5 mg/kg) and a combination of fluazuron (3.0 mg/kg) + abamectin (0.5 mg/kg) on the reproductive parameters of a field population of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus on experimentally infested cattle

The current study assessed the deleterious effects of two formulations of fluazuron (2.5 mg/kg fluazuron and a combination of 3.0 mg/kg fluazuron + 0.5 mg/kg abamectin) on the reproductive parameters of engorged Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus females that naturally detached from experimentally infested cattle in two experiments. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that fluazuron (2.5 mg/kg) showed deleterious effects only on the hatchability percentage in the period of 2–7 post-treatment days of this ectoparasite's engorged females. On the other hand, the fluazuron (3.0 mg/kg) + abamectin (0.5 mg/kg) combination presented harmful effects over reproductive parameters of this tick species. Further studies should be performed with a known tick population (reference susceptible strain) to determine the effect of these formulations on the reproductive parameters and to elucidate if this field population is fluazuron resistant.     

Tungsten permanent chemical modifier for fast estimation of Se contents in soil by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A tungsten carbide coating on the integrated platform of a transversely heated graphite atomizer was used as a modifier for the direct determination of Se in soil extracts by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (0.0050 mol L(-1)) plus ammonium hydrogencarbonate (1.0 mol L(-1)) extracted predominantly available inorganic selenate from soil. The formation of a large amount of carbonaceous residue inside the atomizer was avoided with a first pyrolysis step at 600 degrees C assisted by air during 30 s. For 20 microL of soil extracts delivered to the atomizer and calibration by matrix matching, an analytical curve (10.0-100 microgram of L(-1)) with good linear correlation (r = 0.999) between integrated absorbance and analyte concentration was established. The characteristic mass was approximately 63 pg of Se, and the lifetime of the tube was approximately 750 firings. The limit of detection was 1.6 microgram L(-1), and the relative standard deviations (n = 12) were typically <4% for a soil extract containing 50 microgram of L(-1). The accuracy of the determination of Se was checked for soil samples by means of addition/recovery tests. Recovery data of Se added to four enriched soil samples varied from 80 to 90% and indicated an accurate method.     

Application of GIS in plant conservation programmes in Portugal

A plant conservation programme is a complex process that requires several sets of studies. The relationships between plant location and its environment play an important role. Nowadays, the use of a GIS constitutes an essential complement for these studies that allows the incorporation of space and the analysis of these ecological interactions. GIS is being used at the Lisbon University Botanical Garden as a tool for conservation programmes on several plant groups and situations. Four case studies are presented in this work: (1) comparing ecological patterns between local and regional scale for the endangered bryophyte Bruchia vogesiaca Schwaegr.; (2) selecting protected areas according to habitat suitability—the case of endangered Portuguese bryophytes; (3) analysing the impact of the alien Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N. E. Br. on endemic plant species at the Berlengas Natural Reserve; and (4) ecogeographical survey for selection of sites for seed collection in order to guarantee a representative sample of the existing genetic diversity. Finally, this work discusses how the implementation of a GIS can help to optimise results and fieldwork effort.     

Effects of protein source and lipid supplementation on conservation and feed value of total mixed ration silages for finishing beef cattle

The objective of this study was to examine the conservation process and feed value of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. In exp. 1, we evaluated the fermentation pattern and aerobic stability of TMR silages containing different protein and lipid supplementations. In exp. 2, we compared the performance of finishing beef heifers fed those TMR silages. In both experiments, treatments were as follows: ensiled TMR with urea (U); ensiled TMR without a protein supplement at ensiling, but soybean meal supplemented at feeding to balance diet crude protein (CP) in exp. 2 (SMnf; where the acronym nf indicates nonfermented); ensiled TMR with soybean meal (SM); and ensiled TMR with rolled soybean grain (SG). Thirty-two Nellore heifers (313 ± 8.8 kg shrunk body weight [SBW]) were blocked by initial SBW, housed in individual pens, and enrolled in exp. 2 for 82 d. In exp. 1, treatment without a protein supplement (SMnf) had a lower content of CP, soluble CP, NH₃-N, pH, and Clostridium count compared with U (P ≤ 0.03). Lactic acid concentrations tended to be reduced for SMnf compared with U (P = 0.09). Ethanol concentration was reduced in SG compared with SM (P < 0.01). 1,2-Propanediol concentration was increased in SMnf compared with U (P < 0.01), reduced in SM compared with SMnf (P = 0.02), and increased in SG compared with SM (P = 0.02). Dry matter (DM) loss during fermentation was low and similar among treatments (~3.7%). All silages remained stable during 10 d of aerobic exposure after feed out. Considering fermentation traits, such as pH (≤4.72), NH₃-N (<10% of N, except for U treatment), butyric acid (<0.05 % DM), and DM losses (<3.70% DM), all silages can be considered well conserved. In exp. 2, diets were isonitrogenous because soybean meal was added to SMnf before feeding. Compared with SM, cattle fed SG made more meals per day (P = 0.04) and tended to have a decreased intermeal interval (P = 0.09). DM intake, average daily gain, final SBW, hot carcass weight, Biceps femoris fat thickness, and serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were increased for SG compared with SM (P ≤ 0.05). In brief, TMR silages exhibited an adequate fermentation pattern and high aerobic stability. The supplementation of true protein did not improve animal performance, whereas the addition of soybean grain as a lipid source improved the performance of finishing cattle fed TMR silages.     

Influence of morphometric parameters on the size of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint of equines

The physiological measurements of collateral ligaments of distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) differ in the literature. The factors that influence these differences are not well described. The aims of this study are to compare CL-DIPJ sizes in equines with different withers height, as well as to correlate body weight and hoof size to the size of these ligaments. In total, 52 horses were used in the study. They were divided into two groups according to wither height: Group 1 (G1) - 21 animals with up to 147 cm - and group 2 (G2) - 21 animals with greater than 148 cm. CL-DIPJ was ultrasonographically measured in order to find the mean of dorso-palmar (DPD) and latero-medial (LMD) diameters and the cross-sectional area (CSA). Hoof width and length were measured, and the results were used to calculate the hoof surface area. Withers height and body weight were also measured. Groups were statistically compared by Student's t test and Pearson's correlation application to each group. Groups were different in body size, HS and CL-DIPJ size when p < .05, except for the LMD of the medial collateral ligament of left thoracic limb. Withers height and body weight did not show significant correlations to CL-DIPJ size in G1, but they had little influence on the size of CL-DIPJ on G2. No correlation between the hoof size and the CL-DIPJ was noted in any of the two groups. In conclusion, the CL-DIPJ were larger in taller horses and their sizes were correlated to their height and weight, but they were not correlated to hoof size.     

Morphometry of the heart of greater rhea (Rhea americana americana,Linnaeus, 1758)

Heart diseases in birds are frequent and generate significant production disorders. Morphometry is a valuable tool to provide fundamental information about heart conditions. Few studies have addressed morphological aspects of the heart of ratite birds, such as the Greater rhea. The present study aimed to analyse rhea heart morphometry, comparing young and adult subjects, in order to provide relevant information for the diagnosis of heart disease in this species. Hearts of young (n = 10) and adult (n = 10) female rheas were used in this research. Heart length and width and sternum length were measured using a caliper. Heart length and width and sternum length in adults were approximately three times greater than in young individuals. The left ventricular wall (LVW) was thicker than the right ventricular wall (RVW) at all ages, and the RVW was thicker in adults when compared to young subjects. The basal and middle RVW regions thicken with advancing age, and the thickness of the interventricular septum (ISW) occupies an intermediate position between the LVW and RVW. In general, an increase in rhea heart thickness and size relative to age is observed. The morphometric variations between young and adult rhea hearts observed in the present study may serve as a comparative subsidy for the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities observed in this species.     

Cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 inhibition and analgesic efficacy of dipyrone at different doses or meloxicam in cats after ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cyclooxygenases (COX) inhibition, adverse effects and analgesic efficacy of dipyrone or meloxicam in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.Study designProspective, blinded, randomized, clinical study.AnimalsA total of 30 healthy young cats.MethodsThe cats were randomly assigned to three postoperative groups: D25 (dipyrone 25 mg kg^?1 every 24 hours), D12.5 (dipyrone 12.5 mg kg^?1 every 12 hours) and M (meloxicam 0.1 mg kg^?1 every 24 hours). In the first 24 hours, the drugs were administered intravenously (IV), and then orally for 6 (dipyrone) or 3 days (meloxicam). Prostanoids thromboxane B₂ and prostaglandin E₂ concentrations served as indicators of COX activity and, with physiological variables and pain and sedation scores, were measured for 24 hours after first analgesic administration. Rescue analgesia (tramadol, 2 mg kg^?1 IV) was provided if Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale (CMPS-Feline) ≥5. Laboratory tests included symmetric dimethylarginine and adverse effects were evaluated regularly up to 7 and 10 days after surgery, respectively. Parametric and nonparametric data were analyzed with two-way anova and Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively (p < 0.05).ResultsIn the first half hour after analgesic administration, COX-1 activity was close to zero and remained significantly lower than before drug administration for 24 hours in all groups. The inhibition of COX-2 activity was significant for 30 minutes in all groups and up to 4 hours in group M. No alterations in laboratory tests or significant adverse effects were observed. Pain scores and need for rescue analgesia did not differ statistically among groups.ConclusionsDipyrone at both doses and meloxicam provided a nonselective inhibition of COX-1 and -2 activities and effective analgesia without causing significant adverse effects or laboratory tests alterations.Clinical relevanceDipyrone at both doses provides equally effective analgesia without causing adverse effects in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.     

Timed artificial insemination in crossbred mares: Reproductive efficiency and costs

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) has boosted the use of conventional artificial insemination (CAI) by employing hormonal protocols to synchronize oestrus and ovulation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a hormonal protocol for TAI in mares, based on a combination of progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID), prostaglandin (PGF_2α) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); and compare financial costs between CAI and TAI. Twenty-one mares were divided into two groups: CAI group (CAIG; n = 6 mares; 17 oestrous cycles) and TAI group (TAIG; n = 15 mares; 15 oestrous cycles). The CAIG was subjected to CAI, involving follicular dynamics and uterine oedema monitoring with ultrasound examinations (US), and administration of hCG (1,600 IU) when the dominant follicle (DF) diameter's ≥35 mm + uterine oedema + cervix opening. The AI was performed with fresh semen (500 × 10⁶ cells), and embryo was recovered on day 8 (D8) after ovulation. In TAI, mares received 1.9 g PRID on D0. On D10, PRID was removed and 6.71 mg dinoprost tromethamine was administered. Ovulation was induced on D14 (1,600 IU of hCG) regardless of the DF diameter's, and AI was performed with fresh semen (500 × 10⁶ cells). On D30 after AI, pregnancy was confirmed by US. The pregnancy rate was 80.0% in TAIG and 82.3% in CAIG (p > .05). The TAI protocol resulted in 65% reduction in professional transport costs, and 40% reduction in material costs. The TAI was as efficient as CAI, provided reduction in costs and handlings, and is recommended in mares.     

Der Einfluß der Expositionszeit auf die Höhe der Bodenatmung bei Anwendung der Lundegardhmethode

The influence of exposure time on the magnitude of soil respiration under employment of the Lundegardh-procedure To assess the role of carbon-rich soils under a potential climate change much more data are needed then currently available. These have to be collected also under conditions, where only limited technical and personal resources are available. Therefore the easy to be accomplished Lundegardh-procedure, which is accepted as a standard procedure for exposure times up to 24 hours (Anderson, 1982), was tested for its suitability to longer periods of exposure. For this purpose six Lundegardh-traps were installed on seven consecutive days (treatment B), and the means of the six repetitions added to a weekly value. In the immediate vicinity to the former, six Lundegardh-traps were installed for periods from one to seven days (treatment A) This was done during the warm season as well as in the winter. The comparison of the treatments A and B revealed a linear correlation, which allows to substitute cumulated daily values by values of traps, that have been installed for several days. However, the “chamber-effect”, an overestimation of respiration by the traps installed for more than 24 hours found by Tesarova and Gloser (1976) has to be considered. In the summer, the same degree of overestimation (16%) was found as reported by Tesarova and Gloser (1976). In the winter, far lower absolute values and therefore higher statistical importance of extremes led to an overestimation of 46%.