Metabolic fitness and growth performance in tropical freshwater fish Labeo rohita are modulated in response to dietary starch type (gelatinized versus non‐gelatinized) and water temperature

This study investigated the modulating effect of temperature variation on the metabolic status and growth performance of tropical freshwater fish, Labeo rohita, when reared with starch‐based gelatinized (G) or non‐gelatinized (NG) diet. Fish were either maintained at ambient water temperature (26 °C) or exposed to 32 °C for 1 week, and then subjected to 26 °C for 4 weeks. Both groups were fed with isoproteinous (300 g kg^?1) diets containing G or NG starch. A significant interaction was evident between increased metabolic activity due to the short‐term exposure to higher temperature and starch type on growth performance, feed efficiency and protein retention. Dietary starch type and water temperature interactions were more effective in modulating the hepatic glucokinase and pyruvate kinase responses than that of hexokinase. Hepatic aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase activities were augmented at low temperature in NG starch fed group. Overall, our findings indicate that enzyme activities are enhanced due to the short‐term exposure to higher temperature (32 °C). This elevated temperature lasted for 3 weeks after exposure during which NG starch tended to support the growth.     

Forest cover and matrix functionality drive the abundance and reproductive success of an endangered primate in two fragmented rainforests

Landscape Ecology - Understanding population responses to landscape structure is critical to improve landscape planning. Yet, large uncertainty remains about how such responses vary among regions...     

Investigation of biochemical indices of female rabbit blood with addition of an antioxidant to the ration

Homeostasis constants, the characteristics of growth and development of Soviet Chinchilla female rabbits were studied from an age of 2 to 6 months with addition to the ratio of the antioxidant Eurotiox Plus Dry in doses of 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg mixed feed. A positive effect of the antioxidant on anabolic processes, particularly on protein metabolism, is noted. the age-related dynamics of the activity of transamination enzymes, alkaline phosphatase amylase, and lactate dehydrogenase is given. The effect of a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase activity at an antioxidant dose of 300 mg/kg feed is found.     

Supporting small-scale dairy farmers in increasing milk production: evidence from Morocco

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of technical support provided to five small-scale cattle farms in the Tadla irrigation scheme (Morocco) on their milk yield. The first stage consisted of assessing the initial management of dairy herds, especially feeding strategies, and their effects on milk output. This diagnosis revealed major gaps between the existing and the potential milk yield, due to insufficient and imbalanced dietary rations. Based on this diagnosis, technical support was adapted to the reality of each farm by regularly adjusting the dietary rations to the production potential of lactating cows using available feed resources. The production potential of either pure Holstein or crossbred cows was based on the herd’s physiological status and its genetic merit. Results showed that milk production could be rapidly improved by balanced dietary rations that enabled the average milk yield of lactating cows to be reached, while optimising feed costs and reducing the cost of milk production. Providing technical support to dairy farms should have a significant impact on overall milk production at different scales (irrigation scheme, plant supply area, national production) while alleviating the poverty of small-scale farmers. It would require the involvement of farmers’ organisations such as milk collection co-operatives to replace services provided by the State, which is currently withdrawing from extension activities.     

Supporting strategic thinking of smallholder dairy farmers using a whole farm simulation tool

This article investigates how a one-to-one support process based on the use of a whole dairy farm simulation tool helps both farmers to reflect on their production strategies and researchers to better understand the farmers’ contexts of action and decision. The support process consists of a minimum of four discussion sessions with the farmer: designing the Initial Scenario and formulating a diagnosis, building and simulating the Project Scenario corresponding to the objective targeted by the farmer, building and comparing alternative scenarios proposed both by the farmer and the researcher, and evaluating the process with the farmer. The approach was tested with six smallholder farmers in Brazil. It is illustrated with the example of one farmer who aimed to develop his milk production by more than doubling his herd size on the same cultivated area. Two other examples illustrate the diversity of issues addressed with this approach. The first estimates the sensitivity of economic results to price variations of milk and concentrates. The second compares two scenarios in terms of forage supply autonomy. The discussion assesses the outcomes of the approach for farmers in terms of response to their specific issues and of knowledge acquired. The research outputs are discussed in terms of the value and limits of using simulation tools within both participatory action research and advisory processes.     

Presumptive migrating gall bladder mucocoele in two dogs with gall bladder rupture

A 10‐year‐old neutered female soft‐coated wheaten terrier and a 10‐year‐old, entire female Pomeranian were presented for vomiting and anorexia. Using ultrasound, an oval structure with a stellate, kiwifruit‐like appearance typical of a gall bladder mucocoele was observed in the caudal abdomen of the soft‐coated wheaten terrier and adjacent to the liver in the Pomeranian. There was also a moderate volume of abdominal effusion in both dogs. Cytology of the peritoneal fluid indicated a sterile exudative process but varied between the two dogs, with an absence of bile pigment in the soft‐coated wheaten terrier and marked bile peritonitis in the Pomeranian. An entire free‐floating ectopic mucocoele was confirmed via exploratory laparotomy with concomitant gall bladder rupture and common bile duct obstruction. Both dogs recovered completely after surgery. This is the first report of cases of gall bladder rupture with entire free‐floating gall bladder mucocoeles in dogs.     

Coinfection with multiple tick-borne and intestinal parasites in a 6-week-old dog

Coinfection with Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Isospora spp., Giardia spp., and Dipylidium caninum were detected in a 6-week-old dog. The effect of multi-pathogen infection was a fatal combination of gastrointestinal and hematologic abnormalities, including diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, distended painful abdomen, intussusception, severe thrombocytopenia, anemia, and hypoproteinemia.