Label‐free proteome of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) seminal plasma

The study aimed to describe the Bubalus bubalis seminal plasma proteome using a label‐free shotgun UDMS^E approach. A total of 859 nonredundant proteins were identified across five biological replicates with stringent identification. Proteins specifically related to sperm maturation and protection, capacitation, fertilization and metabolic activity were detected in the buffalo seminal fluid. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive proteomic profile of buffalo seminal plasma, which establishes a foundation for further studies designed to understand regulation of sperm function and discovery of novel biomarkers for fertility. MS data are available in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003728.     

Detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma vivax</Emphasis> DNA in semen from experimentally infected goats

The present work aimed to investigate the presence of T. vivax DNA in the semen of experimentally infected goats. Twelve male goats native to the Brazilian Northeast, adults, were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the infected group consisting of six goats infected intravenously with 0.5 mL of blood containing approximately 1.25?×?10⁵ trypomastigotes of T. vivax, and a control group composed of six uninfected goats. After the infection, clinical examinations aiming to evaluate rectal temperature, parasitemia and hematocrit were performed. Semen samples were collected from goats by electroejaculation on the 7th, 14th and 21st days post-infection (dpi). The recombinant DNA-encoding gene encoding the L-like-specific gene for T. vivax. The infection was characterized by increased rectal temperature, high parasitemia and significant reduction of hematocrit values. Results for T. vivax DNA detection using TviCatL-PCR were positive in all semen samples from the infected group collected on 7th, 14th and 21st dpi. The presence of T. vivax DNA in 7th dpi suggests the early invasion of the parasite in the reproductive organs. Also, the finding of T. vivax DNA in all periods analyzed may suggest the continued elimination of the parasite in the semen, which may increase the chances of sexual transmission. Thus, T. vivax DNA is recorded for the first time in the semen of infected goats. Thus, these data are of great importance, since the detection of the T. vivax genetic material in the semen may point to the possibility that the parasite may be transmitted through the sexual pathway.     

Does the level of forage neutral detergent fiber affect the ruminal fermentation,digestibility and feeding behavior of goats fed cactus pear?

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forage neutral detergent fiber (fNDF) levels on the voluntary feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and feeding behavior of goats fed diets with cactus pear. Five non‐lactating ruminally cannulated goats fed ad libitum were randomly assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of levels of fNDF at 0, 109, 222, 339 and 463 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in cactus pear‐based diets. The intakes of DM and NDF were quadratically affected (p ≦ .045) by fNDF levels. Voluntary water intake (VWI) increased linearly as the fNDF levels increased in the diet. The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, NDF and ether extract and total digestible nutrients concentration were quadratically affected (p ≦ .048) by fNDF levels. The ruminal pH linearly increased (p = .001) with fNDF levels, ranging from 5.44 to 5.81 for diets containing 0 and 463 g fNDF/kg DM, respectively. The fNDF levels promoted a linear increase (p = .006) in chewing time, linearly decreased (p = .007) resting time and quadratically affected (p = .033) rumination time. The inclusion of fNDF in the diets provided favorable conditions for ruminal function, digestibility and feeding behavior in goats fed diets containing cactus pear.     

Estimating the water use of a sclerophyllous species under an East-Mediterranean climate: I. Response of transpiration of Phillyrea latifolia L. to site factors

Water use by vegetation is the most important parameter which is directly related to plant anatomical and eco-physiological characters, and to soil–bedrock water availability. This basic parameter is important in decision making, planning and management of the open areas under semiarid climatic conditions like those of Israel. Attempts were made to quantify the water use by Phillyrea latifolia L. by means of the heat pulse method. This method provides continuous monitoring of the convective heat pulse velocity (HPV) in the trunk xylem, thus facilitating the quantification of the transpiration flux per tree. The daily and annual water use by this species was estimated by extrapolations from the single-tree transpiration rates, based on the relationship between the leaf area of the measured trees and the entire area.

The lithological properties of the bedrock formations in each of the research sites caused significant differences between sites in the average daily transpiration rate and, hence, in the total water use by the P. latifolia scrub formation. The daily transpiration, averaged over a year, ranged between 4.00 and 8.15 l per day per tree, and the estimated annual water use ranged between 179.4 and 365.5 mm, i.e., between 30 and 61% of the annual rainfall in the winter preceding the measurements in 1993.     

The economic viability and potential of a novel poultry agroforestry system

Investigating agroforestry systems that incorporate poultry is warranted in Northern Europe as they may offer benefits including: improved welfare and use of range; reduced feed costs; price premia on products; reduced payback periods for forests; and, greater returns on investment. Free-range egg production accounts for 27% of the United Kingdom egg market and demand for outdoor broilers is increasing. No research has been conducted recently on the economic viability of agroforestry systems with poultry. An economic model was constructed to: assess economic viability of a broiler agroforestry system; and, investigate the sensitivity of economic performance to key factors and interactions, and identify those which warrant attention in research and management. The system modelled is a commercial trial established in Southern England in 2002 where deciduous trees were planted and broilers reared in six- or nine-week periods. The model uses Monte Carlo simulation and financial performance analyses run for a 120-year period. An Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 15.5% is predicted for the six-week system which remains viable under a ‘worst case’ scenario (IRR of 12.6%). Factors which affect financial performance most (decreasing in magnitude) are prices achieved for broilers, costs of brooding houses, chicks, arks, feed and timber prices. The main anticipated effects of biological interactions on financial performance (increased ranging on feed conversion and excess nutrient supply on tree health) were not supported by analysis. Further research is particularly warranted on the welfare benefits offered by the tree component and its relation to price premia.