Study on ectoparasitic defects of processed skins at Sheba Tannery,Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Study on ectoparasitic skin defects and their impact on the tanning industry was carried out from November 2008 to March 2009. The objectives of the study were to identify the type of skin defects due to ectoparasitic skin diseases that caused downgrading and rejection of pickled sheep and wet blue goat skins at Sheba tannery. A cross-sectional study of pickled and wet blue goat skins processed in Sheba tannery was used as subjects of the study. Accordingly, 700 pickled sheep and 700 wet blue goat skins from each stage were randomly examined to identify the type of skin damage in the tannery. Each selected skin was sorted by size and examined for defects in natural light by skin selectors, and defects on each skin were recorded, and skins were graded into seven grades. The study revealed that scratch was the dominant defect with prevalences of 43.86% and 44.84%, respectively. The prevalence of defect observed in wet blue goat skins due to demodectic mange was 7.74%, while in pickled sheep skins, this was 0%. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of cockle (“ekek”) lesions between pickled sheep skin and wet blue goat skin. Although significant association (P < 0.05) was observed between cockle and scratch on both skin types, no association (P > 0.05) was seen between scratch and scar.     

Effect of liming and applied phosphorus on growth and P uptake of maize (Zea mays subsp.) plant grown in acid soils of West Wollega,Ethiopia

The study aimed at investigating effects of lime and mineral P fertilizers on P uptake and growth of maize (Zea mays subsp.) in greenhouse pot experiment. Combination of four P rates and four lime rates were applied to four highly acidic soil samples and the soils were incubated for a total of 112?days after which maize (Zea mays subsp.) was planted. The maize plants were harvested for analysis after 42?days of growth. Control experiments were also included. Available P (Bray I) and pH were significantly increased after incubation. Maximum available P was obtained in the soils that received the highest P rate and optimum lime rate. Levels of exchangeable acidity were significantly decreased in the P and lime treated soils compared to the control experiments. Plant biomasses and P uptake of maize increased significantly (p?≤?0.001) with application of P and lime compared to the control experiments.     

Dietary map of Nile tilapia using stable isotopes in three tropical lakes,Ethiopia

Comprehensive analysis of food webs requires identifying dietary sources that support the production of all major organisms within the food web/food chain. Here, we use stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δ³⁴S and δ¹⁵N) to assess the relative contribution of different basal carbon sources to the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) in three tropical lakes Hawassa (also Awasa in literature), Ziway and Koka (Ethiopia). Computations were carried out with Stable Isotope Analysis in R (SIAR) model to quantify the dietary proportion of each prey for the tilapia fish. Basal food sources were distinguishable based on their δ¹³C, δ³⁴S and δ¹⁵N values. In Lake Ziway, macrophytes (64%) were the dominant assimilated diet of tilapia while particulate organic matter (POM) and zooplankton contributed only 20% and 16%, respectively. In parallel, Nile tilapia in Lake Hawassa assimilated macrophytes (35%), POM (33%) and zooplankton (32%) at comparatively equal proportion. The dietary sources of the fish in Lake Koka were POM (49%) and zooplankton (51%). In contrast with earlier studies based on gut content analysis, the present results reveal that macrophytes contributed more and phytoplankton less than previously reported especially in macrophyte‐dominated lakes Ziway and Hawassa. The ecological condition of the lakes might have been predominantly accountable for the diet change of the tilapia. As dietary data are prerequisite for food web/food chain analysis and aquaculture industry, re‐evaluating the diet of aquatic organisms appear relevant.     

Study on genetic variation of landraces of teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) in Ethiopia

Summary Teff is domesticated in Ethiopia and is locally important. Seventy accessions of teff collected from seven regions have been sown in a balanced block design. Significant and highly significant variation was observed between regions, within region and between individual plants within accession for most of the characters considered. Regions showed variations for different characteristics indicating that every region may contribute valuable genotypes for teff improvement programs.     

Comparison of extractants for available sludge-borne metals: A residual study

To study the availability of sludge-borne Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Pb over time, a field study was conducted. Anaerobically digested sewage sludge (dried on sandbeds) from Huntsville and Chicago were applied to a Decatur silty clay loam soil (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Paleudult), pH 6.2, for 5 consecutive yr. The sludges were applied at rates of 0, 20 (annual application for 5 yr) and 100 mt ha^?1 (single application). Corn (Zea mays L.) and sudangrass (Sorghum sudanenses) were grown on the sludge-treated plots as test crops in 1987. Plant tissue samples were collected at different growth stages. Soil samples collected from the sludge-treated plots were extracted for Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Pb by 0.1 M HCI, DTPA, Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3 extractants. Statistically, Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, DTPA and 0.1M HCI extractants all gave highly significant correlations with the plant accumulation of Zn, Cu, Ni and Cd, with DTPA giving the highest at any growth stage for both corn and sudangrass, but they gave poor correlations for Pb. Zinc removed by four extractants was more highly correlated with Zn accumulation by corn (r=0.72^** to 0.93^** p=0.01) and sudangrass (r=0.50^** to 0.96^**, p=0.01) than other metals. Based on higher significant linear correlation coefficients (r), DTPA would be the extractant of choice for both crops; however the advantage to using the Mehlich 3 extractant is that, with a shorter shaking time of 5 min (compared to 2 hr for DTPA), it may be better suited for routine analysis of large numbers of soil samples.

     

Leaf gas exchange in the frankincense tree (Boswellia papyrifera) of African dry woodlands

A conceptual model was tested for explaining environmental and physiological effects on leaf gas exchange in the deciduous dry tropical woodland tree Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst. For this species we aimed at (i) understanding diurnal patterns in leaf gas exchange, (ii) exploring cause-effect relationships among external environment, internal physiology and leaf gas exchange, and (iii) exploring site differences in leaf gas exchange in response to environmental variables. Diurnal courses in gas exchange, underlying physiological traits and environmental variables were measured for 90 trees on consecutive days at two contrasting areas, one at high and the other at low altitude. Assimilation was highest in the morning and slightly decreased during the day. In contrast, transpiration increased from early morning to midday, mainly in response to an increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and gradual stomatal closure. The leaf water potential varied relatively little and did not influence gas exchange during the measurement period. Our results suggest that the same cause-effect relationships function at contrasting areas. However, leaves at the higher altitude had higher photosynthetic capacity, reflecting acclimation to higher light levels. Trees at both areas nevertheless achieved similar leaf assimilation rates since assimilation was down-regulated by stomatal closure due to the higher VPD at the higher altitude, while it became more light limited at the lower altitude. Gas exchange was thus limited by a high VPD or low light levels during the wet season, despite the ability of the species to acclimate to different conditions.     

Accumulation of phytate in vegetable-type soybean genotypes harvested at four developmental stages

A total of 17 vegetable-type soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) genotypes were planted in four-row plots arranged in a randomized complete block design in 1988 and 1989 at Petersburg, Virginia. Each genotype was harvested at four developmental stages and evaluated for phytate content. Highly significant differences for phytate content were observed among the stages of harvest and genotypes, and there was an interaction between genotype x stage of harvest. The significant differences observed for phytate content among genotypes indicated that genetic variation exists among the tested genotypes for selection and improvement through hybridization. Among the genotypes, ‘Kingston’ and PI 423852 had the highest phytate content in most stages of harvest while PI 416771, ‘Emperor’, and PI 416982 had the lowest phytate values. A heritability estimate of 81 percent was observed for phytate content. This high heritability value indicates that selecting genotypes for lower phytate content would be effective. Significant correlations were observed for phytate content among genotypes harvested at R6, R7, R8, and overall. The magnitude of association of R6 with the overall phytate mean was especially high. These results illustrate that determining the phytate content of genotypes at the R6 growth stage would be a good predictor of the overall genotypic performance. Contribution of Virginia State University Agricultural Research Station. Journal Series No. 201. The use of any trade names and/or vendors does not imply approval to the exclusion of the other products or vendors that may also be suitable.     

Nutrient composition and anti-nutritional factors in selected vegetable soybean (Glycine Max [L.] Merr.)

The genetic variation in the nutrient composition and anti-nutritional factors of 17 vegetable soybean genotypes were determined and a wide variation in protein %, total phosphorus (TP_i) and available phosphorus (AP) was found among these genotypes. Variations in Ca, K, Fe, Mn, and Cu were also documented. Variation was also found for trypsin inhibitor (TI) activity and Phytate (PA) content. A highly significant and negative correlation (r=–0.533,P<0.01) was observed between TI and total protein. Strong positive correlation (r=0.90) was also found between TP_i and AP. Several genotypes (Sooty, Emperor, Wilson-5, PI 416771, PI 417322) showed good nutritional potential and can be used in the breeding program. High protein %, TP_i, and minerals are desirable qualities for vegetable-type soybeans that make it as food with high nutrient density. Studies on the nutritional evaluation of immature vegetable type soybean seeds at different reproductive stages are also underway.Agricultural Research Station Journal Article Series No. 172. The use of any trade name varieties, and/or vendors does not imply the exclusion of other products or vendors that may also be suitable.     

Effects of temperature pre-treatment of transplants from in vitro produced potato plantlets on transplant growth and yield in the field

Summary In vitro produced potato plantlets, cvs Gloria and Spunta were planted in soil and exposed to day/night temperatures of 18/12 or 26/20°C for 14 days. They were then transplanted into the field in two experiments to assess after-effects of temperature on the performance of short-cycle crops. Accumulated intercepted radiation (AIR) was calculated from ground cover and incoming radiation, and dry matter production and fresh tuber yield were frequently recorded. Pre-treatment at 26/20°C caused higher leaf area at the end of the transplant production phase and resulted in a higher AIR at the end of the field phase than pre-treatment at 18/12°C. Higher AIR, however, was not associated with significantly higher yield. Initially, the proportion of dry matter partitioned to tubers was lower after 26/20°C, but this effect did not persist. High temperature pre-treatment may improve the performance of plantlets, especially of very early potato cultivars.     

Occurrence of multidrug resistant Salmonella in antimicrobial-free (ABF) swine production systems

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella species in swine reared in the intensive (indoor) and extensive (outdoor) ABF production systems at farm and slaughter in North Carolina, U.S.A. We sampled a total of 279 pigs at farm (extensive 107; intensive 172) and collected 274 carcass swabs (extensive 124; intensive 150) at slaughter. Salmonella species were tested for their susceptibility against 12 antimicrobial agents using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Serogrouping was done using polyvalent and group specific antisera. A total of 400 salmonellae were isolated in this study with a significantly higher Salmonella prevalence from the intensive (30%) than the extensive farms (0.9%) (P<0.001). At slaughter, significantly higher Salmonella was isolated at the pre- and post-evisceration stages from extensively (29% pre-evisceration and 33.3% post-evisceration) than the intensively (2% pre-evisceration and 6% post-evisceration) reared swine (P<0.001). The isolates were clustered in six serogroups including B, C, E1, E4, G and R. Highest frequency of antimicrobial resistance was observed against tetracycline (78.5%) and streptomycin (31.5%). A total of 13 antimicrobial resistance patterns were observed including the pentaresistant strains with ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline resistance pattern observed only among isolates from the intensive farms (n=28) and all were serotype Salmonella typhimurium var. Copenhagen. In conclusion, this study shows that multidrug resistant Salmonella are prevalent in ABF production systems despite the absence of antimicrobial selection pressure. In addition, it also highlights the possible role played by slaughterhouse and other environmental factors in the contamination and dissemination of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella in ABF production systems.