Quarantine requirements for the importation of black rhinoceros from Zimbabwe into Australia

SUMMARY The proposal by the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales to import 10 southern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) from Zimbabwe as part of an international project for conservation of the species presented the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) with a unique challenge. This importation is, at least in the modern era, the first importation of live herbivores from the African continent. Many of the serious animal diseases in the world are endemic in parts of Africa. Knowledge of which of these diseases infect wild species and may be transmitted from the wild species to domesticated species, is limited. This paper describes the strategies adopted by AQIS to facilitate the importation of rhinoceros while maintaining protection of Australian consumers, rural industries, domestic livestock and fauna against the entry and spread of unwanted pests and diseases.     

The Effect of Spraying Concentrated Biogas on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Cotton Seedling

[Objective] The effect of concentrated biogas slurry on growth and physiological characteristics of cotton seedlings was studied in this experiment, and theoretical basis for the rational application of concentrated biogas slurry was provided. [Method] Potted cotton seedlings was sprayed by five different dosages of concentrated biogas slurry, the impact of different spraying quantity (163 mL·hm^－2, 326 mL·hm^－2, 489 mL·hm^－2, 668 mL·hm^－2, 815 mL·hm^－2) after spraying time (after spraying 2nd day, 4th day, 6th day) on cotton seedlings growth and physiological indexes were studied. [Results] The results showed that the suitable quantity of spraying of concentrated biogas slurry had promoting effect to the cotton growth and development, the excess concentrated biogas slurry could inhibit the growth of cotton seedlings. The plant height, dry weight per plant and leaf area of spraying 489 mL·hm^－2 processing are the highest, the average of two batches on the 6th day after spraying are 21.15%, 35.95%, 18.84% higher than CK, respectively. Spraying concentrated biogas slurry can improve cotton seedlings chlorophyll content, soluble sugar contents, soluble protein content. Spraying 489 mL·hm^－2 processing is the highest in both batches, the average of two batches is 18.84%, 24.03%, 3.16% higher than CK, respectively. The result of concentrated biogas slurry onseedlings leaves took effect quickly, especially in 0～4th days. [Conclusion] It is concluded that the suitable amount of concentrated biogas slurry has a positive effect on the growth and physiological characteristics of cotton seedlings, which is beneficial to the formation of strong seedlings of cotton and provides the basis for the later growth of cotton.     

不同赛道维护方式对1 600 m速度赛伊犁马步态特征和比赛成绩的影响

【目的】研究不同赛道维护方式对伊犁马步态特征、比赛成绩的影响,为伊犁马选种选育和赛道维护提供依据。【方法】以8匹伊犁马公马为研究对象,设计1 600 m途程比赛。用高速摄像机记录伊犁马在不同赛道维护方式下直道、弯道、终点的步态特征的视频素材,终点计时系统记录马匹比赛成绩,分析不同赛道维护方式下伊犁马各赛段步态特征、比赛成绩的差异性。【结果】直道阶段,前肢双支撑相、前位前蹄支撑相压实组极显著低于耙地组和普通组(P<0.01);步频压实组极显著高于耙地组和普通组(P<0.01),耙地组显著低于普通组(P<0.05);双支撑相步幅、总步幅、最大开张角度压实组极显著高于耙地组(P<0.01),显著高于普通组(P<0.05)。弯道阶段,后位后蹄支撑相、后肢间隔期、前位后蹄支撑相、后位前蹄支撑相、对角双支撑相、前肢间隔期、前肢双支撑相、前位前蹄支撑相压实组均极显著低于耙地组和普通组(P<0.01);腾空期、步频压实组极显著高于耙地组和普通组(P<0.01);腾空期步幅压实组显著高于普通组步幅(P<0.05);最大开张角度压实组显著高于耙地组和普通组(P<0.05)。终点阶段,后肢间隔期、前位后蹄支撑相、前肢双支撑相、前位前蹄支撑相压实组显著低于耙地组(P<0.05);步频压实组极显著高于耙地组(P<0.01),耙地组显著低于普通组(P<0.05);后肢步幅压实组显著高于普通组(P<0.05);双支撑相步幅压实组极显著高于耙地组(P<0.01),耙地组显著低于普通组(P<0.05);最大开张角度压实组显著高于耙地组和普通组(P<0.05)。【结论】压实组马匹步幅、步频较大,比赛成绩最好,赛道状况的差异会导致运动性能的差异。在选种选育,评价马匹运动性能过程中应考虑赛道状况,以提高个体选择准确性。     

Seawater sulfur isotope fluctuations in the Cretaceous

The exogenic sulfur cycle is tightly coupled with the carbon and oxygen cycles, and therefore a central component of Earth's biogeochemistry. Here we present a high-resolution record of the sulfur isotopic composition of seawater sulfate for the Cretaceous. The general enrichment of isotopically light sulfur that prevailed during the Cretaceous may have been due to increased volcanic and hydrothermal activity. Two excursions toward isotopically lighter sulfur represent periods of lower rates of pyrite burial, implying a shift in the location of organic carbon burial to terrestrial or open-ocean settings. The concurrent changes in seawater sulfur and inorganic carbon isotopic compositions imply short-term variability in atmospheric oxygen partial pressure.     

Minimally Invasive Inguinal Approach for Tube Cystostomy

Objective— To report a technique for tube cystostomy placement via a minimally invasive inguinal approach and outcome in 9 dogs and 6 cats with urinary tract obstruction or detrusor atony.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Dogs (n=9) and cats (6).
Methods— Medical records (January 2004–January 2008) of dogs and cats that had tube cystostomy via an inguinal approach were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, diagnosis, surgical technique, and complications. Access to the bladder was through a muscle splitting approach in the inguinal region with the cystostomy tube placed through a skin incision made several centimeters proximal to this incision and secured in the bladder by a purse string suture. Cystopexy during closure of the muscle layers ensured secure closure and minimized the likelihood of uroabdomen if tube dislodgment occurred.
Results— Cystostomy tubes were placed in 5 cats as an emergency procedure for treatment of acute urinary tract obstruction or urethral rupture, and as an elective procedure in 9 dogs and 1 cat. No complications occurred during cystostomy tube placement. Postprocedural complications were minor (peristomal irritation in 2 dogs with latex catheters, catheter laceration, premature removal) and only occurred when tubes were retained for >4 weeks. Urinary tract infection at catheter removal in 6 dogs resolved with antibiotic administration.
Conclusions— An inguinal approach for cystostomy tube placement facilitated rapid catheter placement into the bladder with minimal soft tissue dissection. Cystopexy during abdominal wall closure provided peritoneal protection should premature dislodgement of the cystostomy tube occur.
Clinical Relevance— An inguinal approach should be considered for rapid tube cystostomy particularly in metabolically compromised animals.