Nutrient cycling and biomass flows in a low-quality forest stand improvement system in the Lesser Khingan Range of China

The material flow and bulk internal flow analyses were used to establish a material accumulation and cycling model for a low-quality forest stand improvement system and a series of processes were considered. The model was applied in a one-hectare low-quality forest plot in the Lesser Khingan Range of China. Results showed that during 1997–2007, the stands absorbed 270.19 kg of N, 74.28 kg of P, and 124.39 kg of K from soils, 51.82 kg of N and 2.38 kg of P were directly absorbed by foliage, and 16.25 kg of K was released to soils by eluviation. Until 2007, the accumulated nutrients in the stands included 236.91 kg of N, 65.28 kg of P, and 108.55 kg of K. When horizontal strip clearcutting was applied in 2007, 50% accumulated nutrients in the stands were shifted due to harvesting operations, and 212.74 kg of N, 26.97 kg of P, and 98.88 kg of K were accumulated in soils, declining by 9.47% for N, 3.68% for P, and 17.60% for K, respectively, compared with year 1997. 94.61 t per hectare of biomass was generated, of which the biomass in stands accounted for 87.36%. The felled tree biomass was 36.89 t per hectare, of which 84.90% and 10.03% of biomass were utilized in terms of logs and other means, and the rest was left on site.     

防护条件下梭梭幼苗生长及养分吸收特性

以新疆古尔班通古特沙漠南缘管件防护与传统移栽2种方式移栽的梭梭幼苗为实验材料,通过野外监测与室内分析,探讨了管件防护条件下梭梭幼苗的生长及养分吸收特性。结果表明:整个生育期内,管件防护梭梭幼苗的各生长指标与传统移栽苗相比,增幅最大的为茎粗,其次为株高。年周期内管件防护梭梭幼苗的生物量呈递增趋势,单株生物量累积可达45.25 g·株~(-1);净增加27.10 g·株~(-1),是传统移栽苗的1.38倍(P0.05)。管件防护梭梭幼苗体内的氮素、磷素、钾素含量呈先升高后降低趋势,在同化枝生长期达到峰值,分别为11.376 g·kg~(-1)、1.066 g·kg~(-1)和23.340 g·kg~(-1),较传统移栽苗高24%、15%和8%,差异显著;而其梭梭幼苗氮素、磷素、钾素的总积累量却呈递增趋势,年净增积累量分别为0.297 g·株~(-1)、0.027 g·株~(-1)和0.560 g·株~(-1),是传统移栽苗的2.23倍、1.72倍和1.65倍;各时期梭梭幼苗体内的氮素、磷素、钾素含量及总积累量均高于传统移栽苗。     

自制中药颗粒剂对腹泻仔猪小肠黏膜病理结构及养分消化率的影响

为了研究自制中药复方颗粒剂对腹泻仔猪小肠黏膜组织结构和营养消化率的影响,试验选用人工感染大肠埃希菌引起腹泻的28日龄断奶的杜长大仔猪36头,随机均分为2组,每组3个重复,每个重复6头。抗生素治疗组在饮水中添加盐酸林可霉素2.0 m L/头饮水,2次/d,连续5 d;中药复方颗粒剂治疗组在饮水中添加2.0 g/头饮水,2次/d,连续5 d。分别于用药后14 d时,每组每个重复随机抽取1头屠宰,无菌采集小肠黏膜,通过石蜡切片和HE染色观测小肠黏膜病理组织学变化。其余仔猪继续饲养14 d,采用内源指示剂法进行消化试验。结果显示,小肠黏膜组织结构:中药复方颗粒剂治疗组小肠黏膜除有少量出血外,未发现明显病理变化。抗生素治疗组小肠黏膜脱落,有广泛充血、出血;黏膜上皮细胞变性坏死;嗜酸性粒细胞浸润,有大量以淋巴细胞杯状细胞为主的炎性细胞浸润;微绒毛排列紊乱、脱落;细胞受损严重,线粒体等细胞器结构异常。养分消化率:对于有机物质、磷的消化率,各组之间无显著差异,中药复方颗粒剂治疗组对钙的消化率为57.10%,显著高于抗生素治疗组(56.10%),并与健康仔猪组(57.40%)差异不显著。中药复方颗粒剂治疗组对粗蛋白质的消化率为79.30%,显著高于抗生素治疗组(78.50%),并与健康仔猪组(79.20%)差异不显著。中药复方颗粒剂治疗组对粗纤维的消化率为48.30%,极显著高于抗生素治疗组(46.10%),并与健康仔猪组(48.20%)差异不显著。中药复方颗粒剂治疗组对粗脂肪的消化率为63.40%,极显著高于抗生素治疗组(62.10%),并与健康仔猪组(63.60%)差异不显著。结论:抗生素治疗仔猪腹泻造成小肠黏膜明显的病理变化和功能障碍,而中药治疗有利于仔猪小肠黏膜组织结构的修复,并能显著提高小肠的养分消化率。为防治仔猪腹泻、提高仔猪的生长性能提供依据。     

银杏-杜仲叶发酵物对脂多糖应激肉仔鸡的肠道功能和免疫反应的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加银杏-杜仲叶发酵物（FGEL）对脂多糖（LPS）应激肉仔鸡的生长性能、肠道结构、消化吸收功能和免疫反应的影响，并与未发酵银杏-杜仲叶（GEL）进行比较。采用2×3双因子试验设计，即2种免疫应激处理（腹腔注射LPS或注射等量生理盐水）和3种饲粮处理（基础饲粮及在基础饲粮中添加0.40%GEL或0.40%FGEL的试验饲粮）。选取1日龄健康爱拔益加（AA）肉仔鸡360只，随机分为6个处理，每个处理均设6个重复，每个重复10只鸡。试验期为21 d。在试验第13、15、17、19和21天，3个应激处理的试鸡腹腔注射500μg/kg BW的LPS，其他3个处理注射等量的生理盐水。在试验第21天最后1次注射后2～4 h进行屠宰取样。结果表明：1）与对照饲粮相比，饲粮添加FGEL的肉仔鸡料重比（F/G）有显著改善（P=0.024），饲粮添加FGEL显著缓解了LPS应激肉仔鸡平均日增重（ADG）(P=0.023)和血清D-木糖的含量（P=0.011）的降低。2）与对照饲粮相比，饲粮添加FGEL显著缓解了LPS应激肉仔鸡十二指肠（P=0.011）和空肠（P=0.030）的相对重量...     

Reducing crude protein variability and maximizing savings when formulating corn-soybean meal-based feeds

Crude protein in corn and soybean meal have been documented to vary, and such inherent variability can result in under- or over-feeding of CP when feeds are formulated, leading to reduced bird growth, added input costs, and increased environmental pollution. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 grain-handling techniques and 2 feed formulation methods (linear vs. stochastic programming) to reduce CP variability in finished feeds and determine resulting costs or savings. The 2 grain-handling techniques were placing all the random batches of each delivered ingredient in to (1) a single bin (1-bin method) or (2) segregating above- and below-average samples into 2 bins (2-bin method). A fast way of estimating the composition of the ingredients is now available (near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy). Microsoft Excel workbooks were constructed to solve broiler starter feed formulation problems. Formulating feeds by linear and stochastic models based on the 2-bin method reduced CP variability by at least 50% compared with the 1-bin method. Formula cost was reduced by ˜20 cents per ton (averages of August 2012 United States ingredient prices) when the 2-bin method was used with the linear model. Formulating feed with a margin of safety increased formula cost by $3.40 per ton. Stochastic feed formulation increased formula cost to meet the specified CP level in feed at any probability of success, and formula cost was reduced substantially with the 2-bin method (up to $6.47 per ton). The magnitude of savings and reduced feed variability suggested that, regardless of the costs associated with building extra bins, the 2-bin method can be economically efficient in the long run. Therefore, it could be possible to split the batches of feed ingredients at a feed mill into above- or below-average bins before feed formulation to reduce CP variability and to maximize savings.     

Regional distribution of wheat yield and chemical fertilizer requirements in China

Quantification of currently attainable yield and fertilizer requirements can provide detailed information for assessing the food supply capacity and offer data support for agricultural decision-making. Datasets from a total of 5 408 field experiments were collected from 2000 to 2015 across the major wheat production regions in China to analyze the spatial distribution of wheat yield, the soil nutrient supply capacity(represented by relative yield, defined as the ratio of the yield under the omission of one of nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P) and potassium(K) to the yield under the full NPK fertilizer application), and N, P and K fertilizer requirements by combining the kriging interpolation method with the Nutrient Expert Decision Support System for Wheat. The results indicated that the average attainable yield was 6.4 t ha~(-1), with a coefficient of variation(CV) of 24.9% across all sites. The yields in North-central China(NCC) and the northern part of the Middle and Lower reaches of the Yangtze River(MLYR) were generally higher than 7 t ha~(-1), whereas the yields in Southwest China(SWC), Northeast China(NEC), and the eastern part of Northwest China(NWC) were usually less than 6 t ha~(-1). The precentage of area having a relative yield above 0.70, 0.85, and 0.85 for N, P, and K fertilizers accounted for 52.3, 74.7, and 95.9%, respectively. Variation existed in N, P, and K fertilizer requirements, with a CV of 24.8, 23.9, and 29.9%, respectively, across all sites. More fertilizer was needed in NCC and the northern part of the MLYR than in other regions. The average fertilizer requirement was 162, 72, and 57 kg ha~(-1) for N, P_2O_5, and K_2O fertilizers, respectively, across all sites. The incorporation of the spatial variation of attainable yield and fertilizer requirements into wheat production practices would benefit sustainable wheat production and environmental safety.     

Xylanase and xylo- oligosaccharide prebiotic improve the growth performance and concentration of potentially prebiotic oligosaccharides in the ileum of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing broiler diets with xylanase or xylo- oligosaccharide (XOS) on growth performance, the concentration of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolysis products in the ileum and concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caeca of broiler chickens.

2. In total, 500 male Ross 308 broilers were used in this 29-day (d) study. The treatments were organised into a 2 × 2 plus 1 factorial arrangement consisting of two additives (xylanase or XOS) at two levels (low or high) plus a control treatment with no additives. This gave five treatments with 100 birds in each treatment group. The diets were slightly deficient in protein by 20 g/kg and energy by 1 MJ/kg.

3. On d 14 and 28, two birds per pen were euthanised, the caeca content collected and analysed for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. On d 29, six birds per pen were euthanised and ileal digesta were collected and analysed for the concentration of NSP fractions.

4. On d 14, caecal acetic acid, iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, n-valeric acid and total SCFA concentrations were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) when diets were supplemented with XOS compared with xylanase.

5. Ileal concentration of arabinose, galactose and glucuronic acid (GlucA2) were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the insoluble NSP fraction when diets were supplemented with a high level of xylanase, compared with the control treatment. Ileal concentration of fructose was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the water soluble NSP when a high level of xylanase or low level of XOS were included in the diet compared with the control.

6. It was concluded that xylanase and XOS had similar effects on NSP concentration and SCFA in the caeca, although there was little effect on performance. This observation demonstrated further benefits of xylanase supplementation in wheat-based broiler diets beyond digesta viscosity reduction and the release of extra nutrients.     

Maize harvest index and water use efficiency can be improved by inhibition of gibberellin biosynthesis

Possibilities to improve maize harvest index and nutrient utilization efficiency by application of plant growth regulators were investigated. In container experiments, the effects of different growth regulators on the development of the maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars Pioneer 3906 and Fabregas were tested. Paclobutrazol (PAC) and chlorocholine chloride (CCC), two inhibitors of gibberellin biosynthesis, as well as gibberellic acid (GA₃) were applied at growth stage V5. Three weeks after application of PAC, shoot growth of both maize cultivars was strongly affected with a significant decrease in plant height in the PAC treatment by 44% and 36% for Pioneer 3906 and Fabregas, respectively. The growth‐retarded plants had higher leaf areas and reduced transpiration rates. The higher shoot growth after GA₃ application was accompanied by a reduction in leaf area and an increase in transpiration rate during 1 week before anthesis. CCC treatment showed no significant effects on plant height, leaf area and transpiration rate. The PAC‐treated cultivar Pioneer 3906 produced several cobs per plant, which were mainly barren at maturity. However, PAC application to Fabregas resulted in just one cob per plant with good kernel development and a grain yield, which was not significantly reduced in comparison with the control. With this similar grain yield in combination with a straw yield decrease of 32%, the harvest index was significantly improved by 12%. In addition, with PAC‐treated Fabregas plants, a 19% increased water use efficiency of the grain (WUE_grain) during the critical period of kernel setting was achieved. In this maize cultivar, CCC application also improved harvest index by 5%, but no effect on WUE_grain occurred. GA₃ treatment decreased harvest index of both maize cultivars, and it either reduced WUE_grain (Pioneer 3906) or showed no effect (Fabregas). Utilization efficiencies of N, P and K were not increased with growth regulator application, even in the PAC‐treated Fabregas plants with a significantly improved allocation of assimilates to the grain, mirrored by the higher harvest index. The results indicate that fertilizer applications must be adjusted to the reduced demand of growth‐retarded plants, most likely leading to higher nutrient utilization efficiencies.     

Phosphorus bioavailability in ash from straw and sewage sludge processed by low‐temperature biomass gasification

Reuse of phosphorus (P) from waste streams used for bioenergy conversion is desirable to reduce dependence on nonrenewable P resources. Two different ash materials from low‐temperature biomass gasification of wheat straw and sewage sludge, respectively, were investigated with regard to their P bioavailability. A set of pot experiments with spring barley was carried out to compare the ash P fertiliser value with mineral P fertiliser and the sewage sludge feedstock. An indirect radioactive labelling approach with ³³P was used to determine the amount of P taken up from the fertiliser materials. Depending on the application rate, straw gasification ash produced a fertiliser response comparable to mineral P. However, P uptake from the ash was generally less than uptake from equivalent amounts of mineral P, and the calculated relative effectiveness was 44% after 6 weeks of plant growth. In contrast, the P fertiliser value of Fe‐rich sewage sludge after low‐temperature gasification was practically zero. These results suggest that ash from low‐temperature gasification could be developed into alternative P fertilisers; however, as the P bioavailability depends greatly on the feedstock used, a greater emphasis on feedstock composition is required.