Respiratory responses of the domestic fowl to low level carbon dioxide exposure

Respiratory function in the restrained, conscious domestic fowl was measured using a non-invasive technique and computer aided analysis to examine respiratory flow, and in-dwelling arterial catheters to monitor blood carbon dioxide levels. The effects of two low ranges of inspiratory carbon dioxide (0.2 to 1.0 per cent and 0.25 to 2.25 per cent) were studied, simulating levels of carbon dioxide that may occur in commercial poultry units and representing a mild environmental stress for the birds. A linear increase in minute volume with inspiratory carbon dioxide was observed, due primarily to increases in tidal volume. Arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) tension also rose as the inspiratory carbon dioxide concentration was raised, but higher inspiratory carbon dioxide levels were required to affect significantly blood carbon dioxide concentration than to modify respiratory parameters. Variation was observed in the individual bird's response to carbon dioxide (bird X carbon dioxide interaction), suggesting that resting values of the respiratory parameters measured were important in determining the bird's ventilatory response to carbon dioxide.     

Burning Branch wood under Pinus patula

Branches, tops and other woody material left after pruning and thinning operations can safely be burnt under the standing trees. Provided the soil and lower humus layer are thoroughly moist and the correct procedure is followed there should not be any damage to trees which have been pruned to 5 or 7 metres.