Replacement of fishmeal with rice protein concentrate in practical diets for European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax reared at winter temperatures

As no information is available regarding the efficacy of using rice protein concentrate (RPC) to replace fishmeal (FM) in diets for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a trial was conducted to determine the optimum inclusion for European sea bass juveniles. Diets were formulated to replace 25%, 50% and 75% of fishmeal with RPC. Additional high level inclusion diets (50% and 75%) were supplemented with lysine and methionine to determine if these were limiting factors. Fish (18.0 ± 0.06 g) were fed the experimental diets for 12 weeks. The final mean weight and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher in fish fed the control diet (diet FM) and low level RPC (diet RPC25) than in fish fed the other diets. The supplementation of the amino acids had a positive effect on growth, elevating the final weight of the high level RPC (RPC75 + AA) group above that of the non‐supplemented group (RPC75). However, this was still not comparable to fish fed FM and RPC25 diets. No significant differences in body composition were observed. A digestibility study demonstrated an inverse relationship between elevating inclusion levels of RPC and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for dry matter and lipid, with significantly lower values than the control being observed with RPC inclusions above 25%. The mesenteric fat index followed this trend. Circulating leucocyte levels, leucocyte ratios and serum lysozyme activity remained unaffected by dietary treatment. However, compared with the control group, fish fed RPC75, RPC50 + AA RPC75 + AA displayed significantly lower haematocrit values. The present study demonstrates that the inclusion of RPC at 140 g kg^?1 (effectively replacing 25% of FM content) does not compromise European sea bass growth performance, body quality or basic haematological parameters. It is suggested that future studies including higher levels test the efficacy of additional amino acid supplementation (e.g. tryptophan).     

The dynamic influence of the DRB1*1101 allele on the resistance of sheep to experimental Teladorsagia circumcincta infection

ABSTRACT: Suffolk sheep carrying the DRB1*1101 (previously referred to as-DRB1*0203 or G2) allele have been reported to show increased resistance to natural Teladorsagia circumcincta infection compared to non-carriers. The objective of this study was to compare the biochemical and physiological responses of DRB1*1101 carrier and non-carrier twin lambs to an experimental infection with 3 × 104 L3 Teladorsagia circumcincta. The variables studied included worm burden, faecal egg count, abomasal mast cells, IgA, IgE, IgG1 plus IgG2 and haematological parameters at 0, 3, 7, 21 and 35 days post infection (dpi), and duodenal smooth muscle contractility at 0 and 35 dpi. DRB1*1101 carrier lambs had significantly lower worm burden, higher mast cell and plasma platelet counts than the DRB1*1101 non-carriers (P < 0.05). Before infection, the non-carrier lambs exhibited significantly higher mucosal levels of all antibody isotypes measured compared to the carriers; these levels remained relatively stable over the course of infection in the non-carriers while there was a slow build up of these antibodies in the carriers up to day 21 post infection (pi). The DRB1*1101 non-carrier lambs had a significantly higher plasma lymphocyte count, and produced greater duodenal contractile force relative to the carrier lambs (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between genotypes in the level of plasma eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils or FEC. This evidence suggests that resistance conferred by DRB1*1101 is acquired rather than innate, depends on worm expulsion rather than fecundity and is dependent on mucosal mast cell proliferation, platelet activation, and IgA and IgE antibody responses.     

A survey on draught animal technology (DAT) in EN-Nhoud area,North Kordofan State,Sudan

Draught animal technology (DAT) can potentially play a central role in agriculture transformation for traditional farmers. This study surveyed the state of DAT in En-Nhoud area, North Kordofan State, Sudan in an attempt to have a clear view of the changes brought about by introducing the technology. The study followed the cross-sectional survey design. Farmers were selected from ten clusters (villages) and data were collected using questionnaires and face to face interviews with farmers in addition to group discussions with them and the different actors in the field. The results showed that farmers appreciate the role played by DAT, but they highlighted the need for further capacity building and technical backup. Harnessing issues are not well understood and applied by the farmers. The different actors involved in DAT in the area lack networking and coordination, and this reflected on the many problems and constraints faced by the farmers.     

Chemical and physiological responses of four Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) provenances to cold temperature treatments

Determining the adaptability to abiotic conditions and potential establishment success of tree species needs to be conducted before attempting to use a species in large-scale afforestation programs. In this study, the chemical and physiological performance of four Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) provenances was investigated after exposure to artificial cold temperature treatments to determine their adaptability to cold environment for potential use in afforestation programs. Seeds were sown and raised for 24, 28, and 32 weeks and exposed to decreasing temperatures in an artificial freezer. Relative electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll fluorescence, and carbohydrate concentrations were measured to determine the variability between provenances. Results showed that diameter and height growth did not vary with origin for each of the three growth stages measured. Root electrolyte leakage values differed between provenances, confirming that cold stress was effectively causing physiological damages when plants were exposed to temperature at ?15 °C and below. The variability observed in the relationship between provenances and cold hardiness responses can be attributed to tree-to-tree variability within provenances and microsites conditions. There was generally no significant difference in chlorophyll fluorescence between provenances, also attributed to low genetic variation between provenances. Carbohydrate concentrations were also very variable and varied significantly among growth stages and provenances. High-altitude provenances had higher soluble carbohydrates concentrations in several cases, suggesting a relationship between altitude, soluble sugars, and cold hardiness. However, these trends were not consistent; therefore, we suggest that such hypotheses be confirmed through more comprehensive further studies.     

Antifungal effect of some spice hydrosols

The antifungal effects of rosemary, cumin, sater (savory), basil and pickling herb hydrosols were investigated against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp tulipae, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria citri. Hydrosols of sater and pickling herb showed the most relevant fungicidal activity.     

Integrated management of Striga hermonthica in sorghum using a mycoherbicide and host plant resistance in the Nigerian Sudano‐Sahelian savanna

Striga hermonthica is a major biotic constraint to sorghum production in Nigeria, sometimes causing total yield loss. Recommendations for Striga management often include the use of cultural and agronomic practices, herbicides and host plant resistance when available. The use of biological control has not been commercialized. Fusarium oxysporum (isolate PSM 197)‐based mycoherbicide was used in combination with selected sorghums (the Striga‐resistant cultivar Samsorg 40, and the Striga tolerant landrace Yar'ruruka) as an Integrated Striga Management strategy (ISM) in on‐farm trials in the Sudano‐Sahelian savanna of Nigeria. Crop stands were significantly (P = 0.05) higher in ISM compared with non‐ISM plots on which the mycoherbicide was not applied. Similarly, ISM plots had significantly (P = 0.05) lower Striga counts than non‐ISM plots. Striga emergence was reduced by ISM by around 95%. Sorghum yields were 49.6% higher where integrated management was used. Cost benefit analysis of the ISM package shows that use of the mycoherbicide increased the profitability of sorghum production on Striga‐infested soils. Farmers’ preferences monitored during and after the trials highlighted the need for careful selection and integration of control components into an ISM package.     

Note on an association of Clostridium novyi type A and Clostridium sordellii with a case of gas-gangrene in a Zebu cow

A case of gas-gangrene myositis on a Zebu cow with association of Clostridium novyi type A and Clostridium sordellii is described. The occurrence of both organisms in the same lesion has been rarely reported and differential diagnosis with blackleg is difficult in the absence of bacteriological tests. An iatrogenic cause cannot be overruled as routine mass vaccination against blackleg are practiced in the area with possible introduction of spores through infection material. Full recovery occurred after four days intramuscular Terramycin shot.     

Effectiveness of melatonin on aflatoxicosis in chicks

The efficacy of melatonin co-administration on aflatoxicosis in chicks was investigated. Ross PM3 breed chicks were divided into groups of 10 and given conventional feed. One of the groups was kept as a control (C), and the others were given 150 ppb aflatoxin (AF1), 300 ppb aflatoxin (AF2), 150 ppb aflatoxin plus 10 mg/kg/bwt melatonin (AF1+M), 300 ppb aflatoxin plus 10 mg/kg/bwt melatonin (AF2+M), 10 mg/kg/bwt melatonin (M), and 1% ethanol (E). After 21 day-treatment period, the chicks were sacrificed, liver and kidney tissues were collected, processed for immuno-histochemical staining, in situ TUNEL method, and biochemical analyses. Vacuolar degeneration, necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia in liver, and mild tubular degeneration in kidney were detected in AF groups. Pathological changes were markedly reduced in AF+M groups, and a microscopic view similar to group C was observed. Increased immunoreactivity against inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine was detected in AF groups compared to weak immunoreactivity in group C. Immunoreactivity in AF+M groups was markedly reduced compared to AF groups and was similar to group C in liver and kidney. Many apoptotic cells were detected in the livers of AF groups, whereas there were no apoptotic cells in AF+M groups. While reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in liver and kidney of AF groups were greatly reduced, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased. With melatonin co-administration, the levels of GSH and MDA approached to the values of group C. These results indicated that nitrosative tissue degeneration caused by aflatoxin could be greatly reduced by melatonin supplementation in chicks.