Utilizing a DUALEM‐421 and inversion modelling to map baseline soil salinity along toposequences in the Hunter Valley Wine district

In the oldest commercial wine district of Australia, the Hunter Valley, there is the threat of soil salinization because marine sediments underlie the area. To understand the risk requires information about the spatial distribution of soil properties. Electromagnetic (EM) induction instruments have been used to identify and map the spatial variation of average soil salinity to a certain depth. However, soils vary with depth dependent on soil forming factors. We collected data from a single‐frequency and multiple‐coil DUALEM‐421 along a toposequence. We inverted this data using EM4Soil software and evaluated the resultant 2‐dimensional model of true electrical conductivity (σ – mS/m) with depth against electrical conductivity of saturated soil pastes (EC_p – dS/m). Using a fitted linear regression (LR) model calibration approach and by varying the forward model (cumulative function‐CF and full solution‐FS), inversion algorithm (S1 and S2), damping factor (λ) and number of arrays, we determined a suitable electromagnetic conductivity image (EMCI), which was optimal (R² = 0.82) when using the full solution, S2, λ = 3.6 and all six coil arrays. We conducted an uncertainty analysis of the LR model used to estimate the electrical conductivity of the saturated soil‐paste extract (EC_e – dS/m). Our interpretation based on estimates of EC_e suggests the approach can identify differences in salinity, how these vary with parent material and how topography influences salt distribution. The results provide information leading to insights into how soil forming factors and agricultural practices influence salinity down a toposequence and how this can guide soil management practices.     

Comparative effect of advanced soy products or corn protein concentrate with porcine meal on growth,body composition,and distal intestine histology of Florida pompano,Trachinotus carolinus

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of diets containing advanced soy products (enzyme‐treated soy and fermented soy) or corn protein concentrate (CPC) in combination with porcine meal (PM) to completely replace poultry byproduct meal (PBM) on growth performance, body composition, and distal intestine histology of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus. Four experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic, to contain 400 g/kg crude protein and 80 g/kg lipid. A reference diet (PBM diet [PBMD]) contained 150 g/kg PBM and 495 g/kg soybean meal (SBM), and three test diets were formulated replacing PBM with 15 g/kg of CPC (CPC diet [CPCD]) or replacing all SBM and PBM with 535 g/kg fermented soy (fermented soybean meal diet [FSBMD]) or 451.3 g/kg enzyme‐treated soy (enzyme‐treated soybean meal diet [ESBMD]). All three test diets were supplemented with 38 g/kg of PM. Diets were fed based on a percentage of bodyweight adjusted after sampling the fish every 2 weeks to triplicate groups of Florida pompano juveniles (mean weight 8.06 ± 0.22 g). After 8 weeks of feeding, fish fed CPCD and ESBMD performed equally well in terms of final body weight, thermal growth coefficient, and percentage weight gain in comparison to fish fed PBMD. In all cases, feeding FSBMD resulted in poor feed conversion and lower feed intake compared to other treatments. Protein retention efficiency, whole‐body proximate composition, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and zinc contents were not significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. The results obtained in the present histological study showed no significant differences in the thickness of serous layer, muscular layer, and submucosal layer of the intestine among treatments. Fish fed CPCD showed a significant widening of the lamina propria with an increase of cellular infiltration and higher presence of goblet cells compared to other dietary treatment. Based on these results, 451 g/kg ESBM or combination of 150 g/kg of CPC and 495 g/kg SBM supplemented with 38 g/kg PM can be utilized to develop a practical diet for juvenile Florida pompano without impacting growth, nutritive parameters, and several distal intestine health parameters.     

Replacement of fish oil in plant‐based diets for Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,by stearine fish oil and palm oil

Stearine fish oil (SFO) and palm oil (PO) have emerged as promising alternatives for the replacement of fish oil (FO) in aquafeeds. This study evaluated the replacement of FO with alternative oils in practical diets for Litopenaeus vannamei. In a clear brackish water study (14.1 g/L) utilizing shrimp (0.29 ± 0.02 g, initial weight), FO was replaced by SFO at inclusion ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (FO:SFO) and PO as 90% of FO. After 55 days, no significant differences (p < 0.05) in final weight, growth, or survival of shrimp were observed. A second trial (8 weeks) in low‐salinity water (2.1 g/L) with shrimp (0.92 ± 0.02 g, initial weight) evaluated diets with 100% FO, 100% SFO, 90% PO, 90% soybean oil (SO), or 90% flaxseed oil (FXO) as a replacement for FO and four commercially produced diets with 2% of FO, SO, PO, or FXO. One treatment received half rations of the commercial FO diet, and one treatment was based entirely on natural productivity. Results show that the fatty acid profiles of the tail muscle conformed to the lipids of the feed, and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) were preserved. Following 8 weeks of culture, there were no significant differences in production performance.     

Influence of soil phosphorus status,texture, pH and metal content on the efficacy of amendments to pig slurry in reducing phosphorus losses

Cost‐effective strategies for using chemically amended organic fertilizers need to be developed to minimize nutrient losses in surface and groundwater. Coupling specific soil physical and chemical characteristics with amendment type could increase their effectiveness. This study investigated how water‐extractable phosphorus (P) was affected by chemical amendments added to pig slurry and how this effect varied with soil properties. A 3‐month incubation study was conducted on 18 different mineral soils, stored at 10 °C and 75% humidity and treated with unamended and amended slurry which was incorporated at a rate equivalent to 19 kg total P (TP )/ha. The amendments examined were commercial‐grade liquid alum, applied at a rate of 0.88:1 [Al:TP ], and commercial‐grade liquid poly‐aluminium chloride (PAC ), applied at a rate of 0.72:1 [Al:TP ]. These amendments were previously identified by the authors as being effective in reducing incidental losses of P. The efficacy of the amendments varied with the soil test P, the degree of P saturation (DPS ) and the Mehlich aluminium, iron and calcium, but not soil texture. Chemical amendments were most effective in soils with DPS over approximately 20%. Due to their high cost, the incorporation of amendments into existing management practices can only be justified as part of a holistic management plan where soils have high DPS .     

Follicullar Development and Embryo Recovery Following 3 versus 8 FSH Injections in Heifers

Ovarian follicular dynamics and embryo yield were studied during 2 different FSH regimens for superovulation of cattle. Twenty heifers were given intramuscular injections of FSH (total of 35 mg NIH) either once daily for 3 days (Group 3×1) or twice daily for 4 days (Group 4×2). At 72 h after the first FSH injection, each animal was injected with 0.75 mg cloprostenol. Inseminations were performed at 12 h and 24 h after the onset of heat. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on the day of the first FSH injection, the day of cloprostenol injection, the day of insemination and finally on the day of embryo recovery (day 6 or 7 after heat). The numbers of small (2–4 mm), medium (5–9 mm) and large (>10 mm) size follicles were recorded. The total number of corpora lutea, eggs and transferable embryos were recorded on the day of embryo recovery. No differences were found between the 2 groups in either of the parameters studied (p>0.05). It can be concluded that treatment with this FSH preparation once daily for 3 days gives a folliculogenic and superovulatory response similar to a treatment regimen where it is given twice daily for 4 days.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE, ULTRASOUND AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC CORRELATION OF ACUTE AND HEALING EQUINE TENDON INJURIES

Ultrasonography and MRI have become valuable tools for imaging of tendon injuries. The current study examines the histopathologic basis for the imaging abnormalities. Five injured equine forelimbs and two normal contralateral limbs were studied with high resolution real time ultrasound and MRI. Histologic sections were made and correlated with the diagnostic images. All lesions were readily seen by both modalities. Lesions characterized by hemorrhage, edma, and cellular infiltration were sonolucent on ultrasound and bright on MRI images. MRI returned to normal as fibrogenesis ensued. Ultrasound images remained abnormal until fibrillar reallgnment occured with completion of the healing process. High resolution real time ultrasound and MRI both accurately reflect the tissue abnormalities in acute tendon injuries. The injured horse does appear to be an effective model for correlative imaging studies of tendon injuries.     

复方吡喹酮注射液防治羊脑多头蚴病的试验研究

为了获得复方吡喹酮注射液治疗羊脑多头蚴病的最佳治疗剂量,本试验应用复方吡喹酮注射液30、50、80 mg/kg BW三个剂量组对患羊脑多头蚴病的绵羊进行治疗,设80 mg/kg BW剂量的丙硫咪唑作为药物对照组.试验结果表明,30 mg/kg BW剂量组治愈率较低,为68.97%,不能达到治疗目的;50和80 mg/kg BW剂量对羊脑多头蚴均有很强的驱杀作用,对病羊的治愈率分别为91.84%和92.85%,但两组间差异不显著(P＞0.05);高、中剂量组(80、50 mg/kg BW)与低剂量组、药物对照组比较差异极显著(P＜0.01).50 mg/kg BW剂量为防治羊脑多头蚴病的最佳治疗剂量.     

Transesophageal monitoring of aortic blood flow during nonemergent canine surgeries

Objective: To establish baseline values for descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters as determined with a transesophageal combined M‐mode and pulsed Doppler ultrasound‐based monitoring method. Design: Preliminary observational study. Setting: University small animal teaching hospital. Animals: The study population consisted of anesthetized canine patients undergoing nonemergent surgeries. Prospectively set criteria for inclusion were adequate body size for placement of the esophageal probe and a nonemergent reason for surgery. The criterion for exclusion was recent trauma. Interventions: Placement of the transesophageal probe. Measurements and main results: Data was collected during 15 surgeries. Data from three dogs was excluded from data analysis (two recently hit by motor vehicles, one recently having undergone a total hip replacement). Each parameter was stable across time within each individual dog. The ranges of the descending thoracic aortic parameters across the 12 nonemergent cases were as follows: blood flow, 0.038–0.085 L min^?1 kg^?1; blood flow per beat, 0.31–0.84 mL kg^?1; blood acceleration, 6–29 m s^2?1; blood peak velocity, 38–105 m s^?1; left ventricular ejection time interval 331–492 ms; and diameter, 0.30–0.93 mm kg^?1. Conclusions: The range of descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters encountered in this small group of dogs during nonemergent surgeries was broad; however, each parameter was quite stable across time with little change occurring in any dog during monitoring.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC LOCALIZATION OF A CAUDAL VENA CAVA THROMBUS IN A DOG WITH LEISHMANIASIS

A dog with visceral leishmaniasis developed rear limb edema, and distension of the caudal epigastric veins. Glomerular disease with nephrotic syndrome and hypercoagulable state was diagnosed. Sonographically there was massive thrombosis of the caudal vena cava.