Effect of exogenous administration of oxytocin on postpartum follicular dynamics,oestrous rate and ovulation in Nili-Ravi buffaloes

Based on different surveys, dairy farmers are concerned about extensive use of exogenous oxytocin in buffaloes, which is being held responsible for reproductive problems including irregular oestrous cycle and delayed ovulation. For these concerns, effects of oxytocin injection on postpartum follicular dynamics, postpartum oestrous interval (PEI), oestrous length, the interval from onset of estrus to ovulation and blood progesterone (P4) were studied in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. For this purpose, 23 animals within 1 week after calving were randomly divided into three groups: without oxytocin (CON; n = 7), 10 i.u. oxytocin (LOW; n = 8), 30 i.u. oxytocin – (HIGH; n = 8) and used to record the PEI for the study period of 154 days. At subsequent estrus, three buffaloes from each group (not served) were selected randomly to monitor two cycles for 6 weeks. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to evaluate follicular and corpus luteum (CL) development, and blood sampling was done for progesterone (P4) analysis. These results revealed that postpartum oestrous interval (PEI) decreased significantly in oxytocin-treated groups. The number of small, medium and total follicles on the left ovary was significantly higher in the HIGH group. However, an overall number of small and total follicles on both right and left ovaries was significantly higher in CON and HIGH groups. On the other hand, there was no difference in the number of follicles on the right ovary among all treatment groups. The same was true for the size of pre-ovulatory follicles, CL, P4 concentrations and oestrous cycle length. The intervals from onset of estrus to ovulation and from standing estrus to ovulation were increased considerably in the HIGH group. It is concluded that exogenous oxytocin administration resulted in the shortening of PEI but triggered a delay in ovulation. Moreover, a higher dose of oxytocin could stimulate the growth of small, medium, and total follicles in postpartum Nili-Ravi buffaloes.     

Impact of inland waters on highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in neighboring poultry farms in South Korea

BackgroundSince 2003, the H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype has caused massive economic losses in the poultry industry in South Korea. The role of inland water bodies in avian influenza (AI) outbreaks has not been investigated. Identifying water bodies that facilitate risk pathways leading to the incursion of the HPAI virus (HPAIV) into poultry farms is essential for implementing specific precautionary measures to prevent viral transmission.ObjectivesThis matched case-control study (1:4) examined whether inland waters were associated with a higher risk of AI outbreaks in the neighboring poultry farms.MethodsRivers, irrigation canals, lakes, and ponds were considered inland water bodies. The cases and controls were chosen based on the matching criteria. The nearest possible farms located within a radius of 3 km of the case farms were chosen as the control farms. The poultry farms were selected randomly, and two HPAI epidemics (H5N8 [2014–2016] and H5N6 [2016–2017]) were studied. Conditional logistic regression analysis was applied.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed that inland waters near poultry farms were significant risk factors for AI outbreaks. The study speculated that freely wandering wild waterfowl and small animals contaminate areas surrounding poultry farms.ConclusionsPet birds and animals raised alongside poultry birds on farm premises may wander easily to nearby waters, potentially increasing the risk of AI infection in poultry farms. Mechanical transmission of the AI virus occurs when poultry farm workers or visitors come into contact with infected water bodies or their surroundings. To prevent AI outbreaks in the future, poultry farms should adopt strict precautions to avoid contact with nearby water bodies and their surroundings.     

Infiltration rates, surface runoff, and soil loss as influenced by grazing pressure in the Ethiopian highlands

Abstract. The effect of grazing pressure on infiltration, runoff, and soil loss was studied on a natural pasture during the rainy season of 1995 in the Ethiopian highlands. The study was conducted at two sites with 0–4% and 4–8% slopes at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Debre Zeit research station, 50 km south of Addis Ababa. The grazing regimes were: light grazing stocked at 0.6 animal-unit-months (AUM)/ha; moderate grazing stocked at 1.8 AUM/ha; heavy grazing stocked at 3.0 AUM/ha; very heavy grazing stocked at 4.2 AUM/ha; very heavy grazing on ploughed soil stocked at 4.2 AUM/ha; and a control with no grazing. Heavy to very heavy grazing pressure significantly reduced biomass amounts, ground vegetative cover, increased surface runoff and soil loss, and reduced infiltrability of the soil. Reduction in infiltration rates was greater on soils which had been ploughed and exposed to very heavy trampling. It was observed that, for the same % vegetative cover, more soil loss occurred from plots on steep than gentle slopes, and that gentle slopes could withstand more grazing pressure without seriously affecting the ground biomass regeneration compared to steeper slopes. Thus, there is a need for developing 'slope-specific' grazing management schedules particularly in the highland ecozones rather than making blanket recommendations for all slopes. More research is needed to quantify annual biophysical changes in order to assess cumulative long-term effects of grazing and trampling on vegetation, soil, and hydrology of grazing lands. Modelling such effects is essential for land use planning in this fragile highland environment.     

Comparative study of hops-containing products on human cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism

The potential for 15 different ales (6), ciders (2 apple and 1 pear), and porters (6) and 2 non-alcoholic products to affect cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated biotransformation and P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of rhodamine was examined. As in our previous study, a wide range of recovered nonvolatile suspended solids dry weights were noted. Aliquots were also found to have varying effects on biotransformation and efflux. Distinct differences in product ability to affect the safety and efficacy of therapeutic products confirmed our initial findings that some porters (stouts) have a potential to affect the safety and efficacy of health products metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 isozymes. Most products, except 2 of the ciders and the 2 non-alcoholic products, also have the potential to affect the safety of CYP2C9 metabolized medications and supplements. Further studies are required to determine the clinical significance of these findings.     

Heavy Metal and Nutrient Ion Accumulation by Two Black Gram Cultivars Treated with Copper and Lead

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted to examine the uptake of nutrients (K⁺ (potassium) and Ca²⁺ (calsium)) and heavy metal (Cu²⁺ (copper) and Pb²⁺ (lead)) ions by leaves, seeds, and roots of two black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] cultivars, ‘Mash-95018’(V₁) and ‘Mash-97’(V₂) treated with copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) at 25mg L^?1 and 50mg L^?1. This study was conducted in a greenhouse in the Botanical Garden, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during the spring of 2003. Heavy-metal treatments were applied 30 d after germination, and nutrient and heavy-metal ion uptake data were collected 10 d after treatment application. Both heavy metals in both cultivars substantially reduced nutrient ion accumulation and its translocation to seeds. Leaves had proportionately more K⁺ and Ca²⁺ than that recorded for roots and seeds after heavy-metal treatments. Nevertheless, both heavy metal (Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺) ions ware predominantly sequestered in the roots, rather than in leaves and seeds, under their respective treatments. As the external concentrations of heavy metals increased, their uptake by the respective treated plants also increased, but nutrient ion (K⁺ and Ca²⁺) uptake was gradually reduced. This result suggests a concentration-dependent phenomenon. Overall, lead (Pb²⁺) showed more toxic effects on the uptake of essential nutrients compared with Ca²⁺, while ‘Mash-97’proved more sensitive to heavy metals than ‘Mash-95018.'     

Seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation influence isoflavone concentration in short-season soybean

Future soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars with elevated or reduced concentrations of isoflavones may be required to satisfy the food market. Climate influences isoflavone concentration making their prediction problematic. Our research examined the associations between precipitation and temperature during a growing season with the isoflavone concentration in the harvested seed. We grew 14 cultivars across 12 years, at one location and calculated climate parameters for readily identifiable growth stage intervals (GSI). We correlated the climate parameters within each GSI with seed daidzein, genistein and total isoflavone (TIF) concentrations. We found that cumulative precipitation from the mid-vegetative to the flowering period was correlated with daidzein and TIF concentration. Mean daily average T during early vegetative development was positively correlated with daidzein and TIF concentration and this was largely a result of higher minimum daily T. Accumulated heat stress T greater than 27 °C during seed development was significantly correlated with a reduction in genistein and TIF, but not daidzein concentration. Accumulated cold stress T's less than 20, 15 and 17 °C during seedling emergence were significantly correlated with higher seed daidzein, genistein and TIF concentrations, respectively in all short-season cultivars tested. Cold stress T during seedling emergence could be used to predict seasonal changes in isoflavone concentrations.     

Cytology of infection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium mangiferae</Emphasis> Britz in different malformed reproductive parts of mango

Aetiology of mango malformation (MM) has intrigued the scientists since its inception. The objective of the study was to glean an insight into association of the fungus, Fusarium mangiferae, with different malformed regions, viz. panicle-shoot juncture, apical buds, primary and secondary peduncles, in five exotic mango cultivars. Tissue assays revealed an infection of 88.5, 84.75 and 82.5% in cvs Zill, Sensation and Tommy Atkins, respectively. Least infection of 69.75% was found in cv. Keitt. No exotic cultivar was found to be free of fungal infection. Apical buds proved to be the potential infection site of the fungus amongst the four malformed regions, hosting maximum within-tissue infection of 86.2%. Determination of F. mangiferae at proximal and distant sites of the malformed panicles exhibited maximum recovery of 82.0% at 0 cm and only 3% at >30 cm distance beneath the panicle. In the case of non-malformed panicles, an infection of 14.0% was recorded at 0 cm distance while no detection could be made from non-malformed branches. Moreover, examination of ultra-thin bud sections under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed inter- and intra-cellular ramification of fungal hyphae, indicating fungal ingress in malformed bud tissues of local cv. Malda. The present studies explored the sites hosting the causal fungus in mango and provide convincing evidence that F. mangiferae is responsible for turning healthy tissues into the malformed condition. These findings suggest that inoculum specific management strategies are needed in future to curb malformation disease in mango orchards.     

Influence of phosphorus application on growth,yield and oil quality of linola

Influence of different phosphorus (P) sources on growth, yield and oil quality of linola was evaluated when randomized in complete block design using three replications. Treatments were control (No P), hydropriming, soil phosphorus (50 kg ha^?1), seed inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB, Bacillus spp.) and seed priming with single super phosphate (2%) alone and combined with reduced soil phosphorus (25 kg P ha^?1). Among treatments, hydropriming and seed inoculation reduced seedling 50% and mean emergence time with highest emergence index, seedling fresh and dry weights and chlorophyll contents. Seed inoculation with soil P (25 kg ha^?1) produced highest seeds per capsule, 100-seed weight, seed and biological yield, harvest index. Maximum oil percentage, low protein contents and high cost benefit ratio with net economic returns were also found for seed inoculation combined with soil phosphorus. Nonetheless, soil phosphorus application can be reduced when seed inoculation with PSB is employed.     

Allelopathic potential of bread wheat helps in suppressing the littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.) at its varying densities

In this 2-year field study, we investigated the allelopathic effects of three wheat cultivars (Shafaq-06, Faisalabad-08 and Sehar-06) against different density levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 plants m^?2) of littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.). Crop was sown on 1 and 3 December during 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 cropping seasons, respectively. The results showed that wheat cultivar Shafaq-06 produced more phenolic compounds at all density levels of littleseed canarygrass during both years, which caused more inhibition of littleseed canarygrass growth. More suppressive advantage of cultivar Shafaq-06 against littleseed canarygrass was responsible for its better morphological and yield related traits, and grain yield than cultivars Faisalabad-08 and Sehar-06. Among the tested cultivars, cultivar Sehar-06 had minimum allelopathic potential in suppressing littleseed canarygrass. In crux, Shafaq-06 possesses allelopathic potential to suppress littleseed canarygrass and may be used for breeding future wheat cultivars with high allelopathic activity for better weed suppression.     

Phosphorus-Mobilizing Rhizobacterial Strain Bacillus cereus GS6 Improves Symbiotic Efficiency of Soybean on an Aridisol Amended with Phosphorus-Enriched Compost

Legume plants are an essential component of sustainable farming systems. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a significant constraint for legume production, especially in nutrient-poor soils of arid and semi-arid regions. In the present study, we conducted a pot experiment to evaluate the effects of a phosphorus-mobilizing plant-growth promoting rhizobacterial strain Bacillus cereus GS6, either alone or combined with phosphate-enriched compost (PEC) on the symbiotic (nodulation-N₂ fixation) performance of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) on an Aridisol. The PEC was produced by composting food waste with addition of single super phosphate. The bacterial strain B. cereus GS6 showed considerable potential for P solubilization and mobilization by releasing carboxylates in insoluble P (rock phosphate)-enriched medium. Inoculation of B. cereus GS6 in combination with PEC application significantly improved nodulation and nodule N₂ fixation efficiency. Compared to the control (without B. cereus GS6 and PEC), the combined application of B. cereus GS6 with PEC resulted in significantly higher accumulation of nitrogen (N), P, and potassium (K) in grain, shoot, and nodule. The N:P and P:K ratios in nodules were significantly altered by the application of PEC and B. cereus GS6, which reflected the important roles of P and K in symbiotic performance of soybean. The combined application of PEC and B. cereus GS6 also significantly increased the soil dehydrogenase and phosphomonoesterase activities, as well as the soil available N, P, and K contents. Significant positive relationships were found between soil organic carbon (C) content, dehydrogenase and phosphomonoesterase activities, and available N, P, and K contents. This study suggests that inoculation of P-mobilizing rhizobacteria, such as B. cereus GS6, in combination with PEC application might enhance legume productivity by improving nodulation and nodule N₂ fixation efficiency.