Improving working donkey (Equus asinus) welfare and management in Mali,West Africa

Working conditions for cart donkeys in West Africa are often harsh. In collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, we conducted 3 studies and a welfare assessment. In the first study, we compared behavioral and physiological measures of donkeys (n = 10) driven in 2 standard Malian ways (1 = halter and reins, 2 = no halter and with a stick). In a second study, we assessed pressure associated with harness and cart quality. Pressure was measured according to several different parameters, including type of harness (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), type of cart (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), and weight (no weight or 200 kg of weight). Because education likely plays an important role in enhancing working equid welfare, we conducted a third study aimed at educating paraprofessionals about donkey husbandry (n = 82). We also conducted a welfare assessment on a donkey population in Segou, Mali (n = 54). Among training methods, no significant difference was found in either heart rate variability or behavior. A significant difference in back/wither pressure (P < 0.05) was found for the following parameters: harness type (P = 0.02) and cart with weight (P = 0.009). The welfare assessment examined how body condition scores, age, number of lesions, scarring, lameness, behavior parameters, and dehydration were related. The results indicated a significant effect between body condition score and hydration, that is, donkeys with lower body conditions were often less hydrated (P = 0.01). The relationship of body condition was significant when comparing the behavioral response with the ear test (P = 0.03). Finally, educational workshops were conducted at 2 schools, one in Segou (n = 54 students) and one in Bamako (n = 28 students), to measure donkey management knowledge before and after a husbandry education seminar and practical demonstration were conducted. The average test scores for pre- and post-tests numerically increased at both schools. However, the increase in test scores was not significant (Segou P = 0.15 and Bamako P = 0.06). This study provides additional methods to professionals and paraprofessionals on alternative methods for training, harnessing, and working donkeys in developing parts of the world.     

Strategies for Promoting Rice Self-sufficiency in Sierra Leone

Rice is the main food of Sierra Leoneans and an important source of employment and income for rural communities. According to the West African Rice Development Association report, annual consumption of rice is amongst the highest in SubSaharan Africa（SSA）, 104 kg. Mainly, small scale farmers who are resource poor on both the upland and various lowlands grow rice. Sierra Leone has not been able to produce enough rice to meet its local consumption demand for a very long time now. 530 000 MT of milled rice is the required consumption need of the Sierra Leonean population per annum. In 2007, national paddy rice production was projected at 638 000 MT. The level of rice self-sufficiency rose from 50.57% in 2002 to 62.15% in 2006 and then to 63.49% in 2007. The remainder must be imported at increasingly expensive prices in the current situation of high food prices, which includes rice. The price of rice has seen a steady increase in the entire country. What most affected by this, is the low-income urban and peri-urban households. The promotion of domestic rice production is therefore a key element in the strategies for improving rice self-sufficiency, stimulating economic growth and increasing rural income. Therefore, supporting rice production programme is the only solution to pull the country out of the worsening rice situation and maintain the present trend in rice self-sufficiency. Therefore, having an understanding of the strategic interventions in rice production in Sierra Leone is an important ingredient in the promotion and attainment of rice self-sufficiency.     

Effects of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on production of prostaglandin F2alpha and E2 in bovine endometrial cells

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) mediates tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha influence on the bovine endometrium. TNFalpha influence on the bovine endometrium is limited to the stromal cells. Therefore, it was interesting to find out whether NO production by the stromal cells, stimulated by TNFalpha might influence the endometrial epithelium. Moreover, we investigated the intracellular mechanisms of TNFalpha- and NO-regulated prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) and PGE(2) synthesis. Epithelial and stromal cells from the bovine endometrium (Days 2-5 of the oestrous cycle) were separated by means of enzymatic dispersion and cultured for 6-7 days in 48-well plates. The confluent endometrial cells were exposed to a NO donor (S-NAP; 1-1000 microM) for 24 h. S-NAP strongly stimulated PGE(2) production in both bovine endometrial cell types (P<0.001). The effect of SNAP on PGF(2alpha) production was limited only to the stromal cells (P<0.05). To study the intracellular mechanisms of TNFalpha and NO action, stromal cells were incubated for 24 h with TNFalpha or S-NAP and with NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME; 10 microM) or an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (IBMX; 10 microM). When the cells were exposed to TNFalpha in combination with NOS inhibitor (L-NAME), TNFalpha-stimulated PGs production was reduced (P<0.05). The inhibition of enzymatic degradation of cGMP by IBMX augmented the actions of S-NAP and TNFalpha on PGs production (P<0.05). The overall results suggest that TNFalpha augments PGs production by bovine endometrial stromal cells partially via induction of NOS with subsequent stimulation of NO-cGMP formation. NO also stimulates PGE(2) production in epithelial cells.     

Luteolytic Effect of Prostaglandin F2α on Bovine Corpus Luteum Depends on Cell Composition and Contact

Prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) is a main luteolytic factor in vivo; however, its direct luteolytic influence on steroidogenic cells of bovine corpus luteum (CL) is controversial and not fully understood. The aim of the study was to clarify PGF_2α action on bovine CL in different in vivo and in vitro conditions and to examine whether the contact among all main types of CL cells is necessary for luteolytic PGF_2α action. In experiment 1, the bovine CL (day 15 of the oestrous cycle) was perfused using in vivo microdialysis system with dinoprost (an analogue of PGF_2α) for 0.5 h. Dinoprost caused a short‐time increase in progesterone (P4), whose concentration decreased thereafter (at 6‐, 10‐, 12‐ and 24‐h after treatment). In experiment 2, the direct effect of PGF_2α on P4 accumulation in CL steroidogenic cells cultured in monolayer (day 15 of the cycle) was determined. PGF_2α after 24 h of incubation increased P4 accumulation in steroidogenic CL cells. In experiment 3 steroidogenic, endothelial CL and immune cells (day 15 of the cycle) were incubated with PGF_2α in cocultures for 24 h in glass tubes and the levels of P4, stable metabolites of nitric oxide (NO) and leukotriene (LT) C₄ were determined. Although PGF_2α treatment increased P4 secretion in homogeneous steroidogenic CL cell culture, the decrease in P4 secretion in cocultures of all types of CL cells was observed. The secretion of NO and LTC₄ increased after the treatment of PGF_2α both in pure cultures of CL cells and in cocultures. The interactions between endothelial and immune cells with steroidogenic CL cells are needed for luteolytic PGF_2α action within the bovine CL. Our results indicate that the cell coculture model, including the main types of CL cells, is the most approximate to study PGF_2α role in vitro.     

Potential to harness superior nutritional qualities of exotic baobabs if local adaptation can be conferred through grafting

Baobab leaves form an important part of the local diet in Sahel countries and elsewhere in Africa. Existing leaf nutritional data and agroforestry performance information are based solely on Adansonia digitata L., the baobab of continental Africa. The introduction potential of Adansonia species from the center of diversity in Madagascar and from Australia remains untapped. To assess this potential, the mineral contents and B₁ and B₂ vitamin levels of dried baobab leaves were determined for five-year old trees of A. digitata, A. gibbosa (A. Cunn.) Guymer ex D. Baum, A. rubrostipa Jum. & H. Perrier (syn. A. fony Baill.), A. perrieri Capuron and A. za Baill. grown in an introduction trial in Mali. Nutritional data were evaluated against survival and vigor to identify promising germplasm. Leaf vitamin and crude protein contents were highest in the Madagascar species, especially A. rubrostipa (B₁ 88 mg 100 g⁻¹, B₂ 187 mg 100 g⁻¹, protein 20.7% dry weight). However, the local species far outperformed the introductions in survival, tree height, basal diameter and resistance to termites. We suggest grafting as a way of harnessing the vigor of well-adapted local baobab varieties to the superior nutritional profiles of A. rubrostipa and others. Cross-species grafting tests in Adansonia were successful, thus creating new agroforestry possibilities with different scion/rootstock combinations.     

Identifying the problem weeds of rice‐based systems along the inland‐valley catena in the southern Guinea Savanna,Africa

While weeds generally are considered as the most important overarching production constraints in inland‐valley cropping systems in West Africa, little is known about species' associations with environmental and crop management factors. Weed species' associations with seasonal and environmental factors, such as their position on the catena, soils and cropping systems, were studied during two seasons (dry and wet) in 45 arable fields of three inland valleys in south‐western Benin, Africa. The three most dominant weed species were Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Commelina benghalensis and Digitaria horizontalis on the inland‐valley crests (uplands), Ludwigia hyssopifolia, Corchorus aestuans and Ludwigia octovalvis on the sloping hydromorphic fringes and Leersia hexandra, Ipomoea aquatica and Fimbristylis ferruginea in the valley bottoms (lowlands). Echinochloa colona, Cleome viscosa and Talinum triangulare were the three most dominant species in the dry‐season crops (maize or vegetables) and Leer. hexandra, I. aquatica and Sphenoclea zeylanica were the three most dominant species in the wet‐season crop (rice). Ageratum conyzoides, Synedrella nodiflora and D. horizontalis were observed throughout the catena. Problem weeds in inland‐valley agro‐ecosystems are those that combine a high frequency with a high submergence tolerance and ecological plasticity, C₄ grasses, perennial C₃ species with persistent root structures and broad‐leaved species with high propagation rates. Weed management strategies that are aimed at increasing the resilience of rice‐based cropping systems in the inland valleys of the southern Guinea Savanna of Africa should address the categories of problem species that were identified in this study. This can be done best by following an integrated approach, including the use of more weed‐competitive cultivars and rotation crops.     

Physicochemical Properties and Bioactivity of Extracts from the Roe of New Zealand Hoki and Southern Blue Whiting

ABSTRACT

Various physicochemical properties of New Zealand hoki and southern blue whiting (SBW) roes and the biological activities of their extracts were investigated. Protein, moisture, and ash contents in both roes were similar; however, the lipid content of hoki roe was higher (p < 0.05) than SBW roe (11.0 ± 0.9 and 2.5 ± 0.1, respectively). Both fish roe extracts contained active protease inhibitors toward trypsin and papain. Neither of the roe extracts agglutinated erythrocytes, indicating the absence of lectins. Both fish roe extracts at 5 mg/mL concentration exhibited slight inhibitory effects on the proliferation of breast cancer cells, but neither of the roe extracts exhibited RNase or antifungal activity.     

Estimation of outcrossing rates in intraspecific (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis>) and interspecific (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza glaberrima</Emphasis>) rice under field conditions using agro-morphological markers

Rice is mainly a self-pollinating crop, but some outcrossing has been reported. Outcrossing with an undesirable donor would lead to the creation of segregants or off-types, which would adversely affect genetic purity and uniformity of the crop. Outcrossing rates in rice under field conditions were investigated using cultivar WAB96-1-1 as a pollen donor and WAB56-104, NERICA 2, NERICA 4 and NERICA 7 as pollen recipients. Levels of outcrossing were investigated up to 30 m from the pollen donor. Dominant morphological markers of red kernel colour and pubescent leaves of the donor were used to identify hybrids. A total of 721 134 plants were investigated. There was an average outcrossing rate of 0.7 ± 0.51%, with a potential outcrossing rate of 2.45 ± 0.86%. Outcrossing rates decreased with increase in distance. It ranged from 2.45% at 0.2 m from the donor to 0.05% at 25 m from the donor. Differences were observed between genotypes and seasons. In season 1 the highest average outcrossing rate of 1.2 ± 0.63% was with WAB56-104 and in season 2 it was 1.1 ± 0.69% with NERICA 4. Outcrossing occurred up to 30 m from the donor. This has implications for germplasm management and conservation and the production of high quality seed. Spatial isolation remains the most practical method to prevent undesirable gene flow. The study indicated that red kernel colour and leaf pubescence can be used to effectively assess outcrossing under field conditions in rice.