Determination of the optimal water temperature for the culture of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus Temminck and Schlegel 1843

The effects of temperature on growth, food-conversion ratio (FCR) and feeding intensity of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (23.7±2.6 g fish⁻¹) were assessed over the temperature range 17.5–28.5 °C in a 42-day growth trial. Growth increased with increasing temperature up to an optimum after which it declined. Specific growth rates were 2.05% and 1.2% day⁻¹ for the fastest (25.3 °C) and the slowest (17.5 °C) treatments respectively. Food-conversion ratio peaked at a lower temperature than growth. Optimal (0.72 kg kg gain⁻¹) and least efficient (1.40 kg kg gain⁻¹) FCR were found at 21.7 and 17.5 °C respectively. Feeding intensity was linearly related to temperature within the range of 17.5–28.5 °C. These results corresponded to the thermal preference (25–26.4 °C) and natural temperature distribution (12–28 °C) of South African dusky kob. Determination of the temperature range that does not limit growth is a prerequisite to assess the relationship between growth and environmental variables such as light intensity, feeding regime and stocking density. Consequently, experiments to determine the effects of these environmental variables on growth and aquaculture potential of dusky kob should be conducted at 24–26 °C.     

A Magnetic Signature at Io: Initial Report from the Galileo Magnetometer

During the inbound pass of the Galileo spacecraft, the magnetometer acquired 1 minute averaged measurements of the magnetic field along the trajectory as the spacecraft flew by Io. A field decrease, of nearly 40 percent of the background jovian field at closest approach to Io, was recorded. Plasma sources alone appear incapable of generating perturbations as large as those observed and an induced source for the observed moment implies an amount of free iron in the mantle much greater than expected. On the other hand, an intrinsic magnetic field of amplitude consistent with dynamo action at Io would explain the observations. It seems plausible that Io, like Earth and Mercury, is a magnetized solid planet.     

Ice crystal observations and the degree of riming in winter precipitation

Since snow crystals provide information on the processes leading to their formation and growth, their observation gives insight to the microphysics of cloud and precipitation. The capture of supercooled cloud droplets by snow crystals (riming) forms an important link between precipitation and cloudwater and thus plays an important role in wet deposition. In the project ‘Winter Precipitation at Mount Rigi’ ice crystals are collected at two stations at different elevations. The shape, size and degree of riming of each crystal are analyzed for more than 10000 crystals. Differences in the degree of riming of the crystals between the higher and the lower station are discussed. With the aid of Doppler radar data the location of snow crystal origin is estimated. Furthermore a relationship between the degree of riming of snow crystals and the vertical Doppler velocities is established.     

Modelling the potential impact of exotic diseases on regional Australia

SUMMARY: Recent international initiatives for disease control suggest that, in the future, the consequences for trade of an exotic disease outbreak may not be as severe as estimated in the past. If zoning were to be accepted by Australia's trading partners, then the major effects may be felt at the regional rather than the national level. A study, using an integrated epidemiological/economic model, was undertaken to compare the impacts of 3 important exotic diseases (foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever and sheep pox) in 3 different regions of Australia. The study demonstrated that there are significant differences between the size and effect of different disease outbreaks. Regional factors influence not only the way that the disease will spread and manifest itself, but also the effects on local communities. Foot-and-mouth disease caused more economic losses than sheep pox or classical swine fever. The major determinant of differences in the effects of the diseases between regions was the nature of the regional economies. The less diversified the economy, the greater the effect of an exotic disease outbreak in relation to the size of that economy.     

Evaluating the risk of the establishment of screwworm fly in Australia

Objective To investigate probabilities of establishment of screwworm fly throughout the year, for several locations around Australias coastline.
Methods A simulation model that predicts the spread and economic impact of an established screwworm fly population was modified to include stochastic survival functions, to investigate the risks of the pest actually establishing in this country. The effects of time of year, climate, vegetation and the number of incoming flies or larvae were investigated for four locations around Australia.
Results Analysis of variance identified a dominant three-way interaction between site, time, and the number of introduced flies. These probabilities are graphed.
Discussion In southern areas, as exemplified by Fremantle, the cold winters limit survival. A high probability of establishment exists year round in tropical regions, except in areas around the Gulf of Carpentaria and in the Northern Territory where dry weather mid-year would limit survival. Despite these comparatively lower risks, there were no areas or times where reductions in quarantine efforts could be justified.     

Molecular genetics of pestiviruses.

Recent developments in understanding the molecular genetics of pestiviruses are reviewed. The genomic RNA of several pestiviruses has been molecularly cloned and sequenced. The genetic organization of the viral protein coding region has been refined, and the complete complement of virus-encoded proteins has been elucidated. Viral gene expression involves both co-translational and post-translational precursor polyprotein processing. Biogenesis of the virion structural proteins requires the proteolytic activity of the first protein of the open reading frame (p20), as well as host cell enzymes. A second virus-encoded proteinase (p80) is required for processing viral nonstructural proteins. Molecular and biochemical data indicate pestiviruses share many features with both the flaviviruses and human hepatitis C viruses, while at the same time, also reveal their distinct nature.     

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in South Australia

Heart, lung and samples of blood from 230 dogs were examined for infections of filarial parasites. Dirofilaria immitis worms and microfilariae were detected in one dog. Blood samples from a further 1428 dogs were examined for microfilariae and 22 were found to be infected. Eighteen dogs were infected with D immitis microfilariae and four with Dipetolonema reconditum microfilariae. The histories were available for 18 of the dogs infected with heartworm and only seven dogs had not travelled outside South Australia. It was concluded that heartworm infection was endemic in South Australia but the apparent prevalence was only about 1%.     

Effect of eCG Superstimulation and Buserelin on Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes Recovery and Maturation in Llamas (Lama glama)

The aim of the present study was two fold. Experiment I: evaluate the effect of buserelin on llama's oocyte maturation after exogenous follicular activity suppression, followed by ovarian superstimulation with different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Experiment II: compare the number of follicles aspirated and the number of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered according to different doses of eCG followed by buserelin. Experiment I consisted in a control group (without buserelin) and a treatment group (with buserelin), both subdivided according to eCG dose administered: A: 500 IU; B: 1000 IU; C: 1500 IU. The treatment group received a single i.v. dose of 8 μg of buserelin when two or more dominant follicles were found at ultrasound evaluation and 20 h later were subjected to surgery. In group A, 83% of the llamas did not respond to superstimulation. In groups B and C differences were observed between the control and the treatment groups for the degree of COCs maturation (p < 0.05). In experiment II animals were divided into two groups according to the eCG dose administered: 1000 and 1500 IU. Twenty hours before surgery females received a single i.v. dose of 8 μg of buserelin. Average number of follicles aspirated and COCs recovered was higher (p < 0.05) with the administration of 1500 IU of eCG. A larger number of expanded COCs were obtained from follicles ≥7 mm in diameter. We conclude that buserelin aids the recovery of a larger number of expanded COCs. Administration of 1500 IU of eCG produces a higher number of follicles for aspiration and number of COCs recovered.     

Advances in pasture management for animal productivity and health

A wide range of management techniques is available to enhance quantity and quality of forage supply to grazing animals throughout the annual production cycle. Within broad limits, dry matter (DM) production is relatively insensitive to management of defoliation frequency, severity and duration. However defoliation management has effects on feed quality which can be enhanced, in particular, by control of pasture growth in the spring through maintenance of relatively low average pasture masses. Treading damage can have significant immediate and ongoing effects on pasture production and farmers can use a range of management techniques to minimise these.

Fertiliser application practices have a potent influence on pasture production and seasonality of that production. Available soil nitrogen is the primary nutrient deficiency limiting production in New Zealand's characteristically grass-dominant pastures. Nitrogen fertiliser usage has increased markedly in recent years, particularly to grow substantially greater amounts of forage during the cool season, and this trend looks set to continue. However, the use of nitrogen fertiliser has important environmental implications.

Pasture renewal and forage crop use has also increased in recent years. Care needs to be taken in conducting cost-benefit analyses, selecting the options that best meet the needs, and in establishment and subsequent management practices. Ryegrass (perennial and hybrids) and white clover remain the primary choice for permanent pasture renewal, the availability of safe endophytes having largely alleviated effects of endophyte toxicosis. Special-purpose mixtures are used, especially in dry environments. Italian ryegrasses, brassicas and chicory are common choices for forage crops. A range of management techniques can be used to alleviate deleterious effects of some forages, including ryegrass endophyte toxicosis, facial eczema, and toxins associated with Fusarium fungi. Generally these techniques are not totally effective. More research is required to increase our understanding of these disorders, and in order to develop more effective and reliable management practices.