Comparison of methods of estimating leaf-surface area through leaf characteristics in some cultiv ars of Mangifera indica

In 6 cultivars of Mangifera indica, 4 linear relationships between leaf surface area and leaf characteristics were investigated in order to find out the best method of estimation. The 4 regression equations estimating leaf surface area were with length and breadth individually and together and with the product of length and breadth. Further investigations were made to compare different cultivars within a method and different methods in a cultivar. For most accurate estimation of the leaf area, the product of length and breadth has to be preferred, and for quick estimation with reasonable accuracy and in view of operational convenience breadth should be used.     

The nutrient levels in fruiting and non-fruiting terminals of three mango cultivars

The leaf nutrient status of 3 mango cultivars, determined in fruiting and non-fruiting terminals after fruit harvest (June 1976) from 20 orchards, were compared. N, P and Ca contents were significantly higher in ‘Dashehari’ than in ‘Chausa’ and ‘Lucknow Safeda’. The reverse was true for K, S and Zn contents. Mg and Mn contents were more or less at par in all the 3 cultivars. Leaves collected from non-fruiting terminals contained significantly higher amounts of N and P in all the 3 cultivars, but K, Ca, S and Zn only in 2 cultivars, as compared to those from fruiting terminals. Mn and Fe contents in both kinds of terminals were more or less at par in all the 3 cultivars.     

Diel cyclic hypoxia alters plasma lipid dynamics and impairs reproduction in goldfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Carassius auratus</Emphasis>)

Diel cyclic hypoxia occurs with varying frequency and duration in freshwater habitats, yet little is known about its effects on reproduction of freshwater fishes. The present study shows that long-term exposure of goldfish (Carassius auratus) to cyclic hypoxia (0.8 ± 0.2 mg/l dissolved oxygen) for 9 h or more, per day, altered plasma lipid and sex steroid profiles, which in turn directly or indirectly suppressed ovarian growth and viable spermatozoa production. Hypoxia decreased total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL p < 0.05) and elevated triglycerides (TG; p < 0.05) in both sexes. Plasma steroid concentrations particularly of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-HP), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) in females, and T and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in males were attenuated under diel hypoxic conditions. Intriguingly, both diel and continuous hypoxia elevated plasma E2 and vitellogenin levels in males. However, neither lipid nor steroid profiles recorded any variation in a dose-dependent manner in response to diel hypoxia. The reduced GSI, decreased number of tertiary oocytes, and motile spermatozoa in hypoxic fish clearly indicate suppression of gametogenesis. Thereby, prolonged diel cyclic hypoxia may affect valuable fishery resources and fish population structure by impairing reproductive performances and inducing estrogenic effects in males.     

Deviation of habitat salinity during seasonal gonad recrudescence affects plasma sex steroid levels and suppresses gonadal maturation in an euryhaline fish Etroplus suratensis

Impact of osmoregulation on plasma sex steroid levels and gonadal histo‐architecture was monitored to elucidate the effects of deviation from habitat salinity on gonadal recrudescence in an active reproductive season of an euryhaline fish Etroplus suratensis (pearlspot). Fish were maintained in three different salinities of 0 ppt Fresh Water (FW), 15 ppt Brackish Water (BW) and 30 ppt Sea Water (SW) for a period of 60 days. Plasma osmolality values were found to be significantly highest in SW‐acclimated fish accompanied by highest levels of plasma K? and Cl¯ ions. The progress of gonadal recrudescence was higher in BW followed by FW and SW as evident from the cellular features of gonads and increased level of plasma sex steroids, such as, in case of female and 11‐keto Testosterone and Testosterone in case of males. Plasma cortisol levels were comparatively higher in fish of both sexes in SW group. Significantly high levels of cortisol in SW suggest its role in hypo‐osmoregulation and associated stress. This study clearly reveals that salinity changes during the active reproductive phase can suppress the steroid‐mediated gonad recrudescence maximally under hypo‐osmoregulation in an euryhaline fish.     

The effects of lactation on the fertility of dairy cows

Lactation has been negatively associated with fertility because pregnancy rates in maiden heifers exceed those obtained after first or subsequent calvings. The extent of this difference is less in pasture-fed dairy cows (<10%) than in American Holsteins (>20%) fed grain and conserved forages. The latter cows have pregnancy rates to first insemination and oestrus detection rates of only 40 to 45%. This suggests that the subsequent fertility of inherently fertile Holstein heifers may be severely compromised by high levels of milk production. International comparisons show that pasture-fed dairy cows may experience extended periods of anovulatory anoestrum but have normal fertility (60% pregnancy rate to first insemination) once cycling. The high-producing American Holstein may ovulate within 4 weeks postpartum but is more likely to continue ovulating without being detected in oestrus. Both situations are associated with negative energy balances (NEB) during early lactation. The severity and duration of this NEB may vary with body condition at calving, age or parity, ration formulation, production level and environmental factors. Relative daily milk yield is not an absolute indicator of NEB, because some lower producing cows within a herd have lower feed intakes and more severe energy deficits. NEB is not simple to measure; nonetheless, it is correlated with genetic improvement for milk yield. A positive energy balance, greater weight gain and higher body condition score have all been shown to be positively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations in early lactation. No studies have investigated the possibility that the rapid increase in metabolic rate at this time may also alter steroid concentrations with consequent effects on oestrous behaviour and fertility. Studies to more precisely define the effects of increasing milk yields in early lactation, especially in Holsteins, may need to be completed in Australia and New Zealand. Oestrus detection rates and pregnancy rates for American Holsteins of less than 50% are accepted widely in the USA. Such low detection rates confound studies on fertility. The objective should be to increase these 2 rates to at least 80% and 60% respectively. This may involve the use of controlled breeding, especially if oestrous behaviour is less overt in high-producing Holstein cows.     

Communicating the risks of handling bats: analysing approaches used by Australian stakeholders in the context of Australian bat lyssavirus

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a member of the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is found in Australian bat species. It is of public health concern because of the rabies-like syndrome it causes in humans, resulting in government health and wildlife agencies using varied communication approaches to inform targeted audiences about zoonotic risks associated with handling bats. Despite these warnings, the number of reports of human-bat interactions remains high. This paper details a survey conducted to analyse the approaches utilised by a range of stakeholders to educate and communicate warnings to their target audiences. The survey focused on identifying the target audiences, communication methods used, along with the message frequency, content, and perceived effectiveness. Analysis of the top three messages delivered by stakeholders revealed that over half were information-focused messages and over a third, instruction-focused. Stakeholders identified the need to balance messaging about bat handling risks with information regarding the vulnerable status of bats and their environmental significance. Whilst the most common and (perceived) effective method of communication was one-on-one discussions, it was also identified to be ineffective for targeting mass audiences leading stakeholders to recognise the need to adapt to more efficient means of communication. The outcomes of this study may be useful to improve risk communication strategies regarding ABLV in Australia.