Finding best exotic breed proportion in crossbred lactating sheep kept under farmers’ conditions in Ethiopia determined by use of nested Legendre polynomials with limited data

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to estimate milk production performance and fit lactation curves for groups of ewes of Local and of Awassi crosses, with a variable blood level, reared under farmer’s environment. The Weigh-Suckle-Weigh method plus hand milking was used to estimate milk yield for ewes. A total of 466 observations from 115 ewes were used. Estimated least-squares adjusted means for the milk production over 120 days were 0.56?kg day^?1 (Local), 0.67 (<30% Awassi), 0.86 (30–50% Awassi), and 0.96 (>50% Awassi). Groups with 30–50% Awassi and >50% Awassi ewes produced significantly (p?<?0.05) more milk than Local ewes. Significant differences were observed between <30% Awassi and >50% Awassi crossbred groups. The best crosses (>50% Awassi) produced over 70% more milk than the local ewes which demonstrates the potential that exists in increasing milk production through the initiated crossbreeding programme with sheep in Ethiopia.     

Altered vitamin D metabolic system in follicular cysts of sows

This study aimed to examine 25OHD₃ concentration in the fluid of follicular and follicular lutein cysts of sows in comparison with preovulatory follicles as well as immunolocalize vitamin D metabolic enzymes (CYP27B1 and CYP24A1) and determine their protein abundances in the cyst wall. We have shown for the first time that 25OHD₃ level in the fluid of both cyst types was significantly lower than in preovulatory follicles. Furthermore, we have demonstrated CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 protein immunolocalization and abundance in follicular and follicular lutein cysts. The abundance of protein for both metabolic enzymes was decreased in ovarian cysts when compared to preovulatory follicles. We propose that altered VD metabolism in ovarian cyst might associate with their formation in sows.     

Fatty acid profile as affected by fat depot and the sex category of Polish Holstein-Friesian × Limousin fattening cattle fed silage ad libitum

This study was designed to compare the fatty acid profiles of four types of fat depots from bulls, steers, and heifers. All animals were Polish Holstein-Friesian and Limousin crossbreds fattened semi-intensively—silage at libitum and concentrate in the amount corresponding to 30% of their net energy requirements. The fatty acid profile in intramuscular, intermuscular, and external and internal fat was determined. The intramuscular fat of bulls was most abundant in total PUFAs and n-6 PUFAs, and functional fatty acids C 18:2, C 20:4, and C 22:5 in comparison with steers and heifers. Regardless of sex category, intramuscular and external fat were characterized by higher levels of UFAs and a more desirable MUFA/SFA ratio than the remaining fat types. It should also be noted that external fat was more abundant in CLA than other fat types, and that the highest CLA content was found in bull fat, compared with the remaining sex categories of cattle.     

Mussel Shells,a Valuable Calcium Resource for the Pharmaceutical Industry

(1) Background: The mussel (Mytilus edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis) is the most widespread lamellibranch mollusk, being fished on all coasts of the European seas. Mussels are also widely grown in Japan, China, and Spain, especially for food purposes. This paper shows an original technique for mussel shell processing for preparation of calcium salts, such as calcium levulinate. This process involves synthesis of calcium levulinate by treatment of Mytilus galloprovincialis shells with levulinic acid. The advantage of mussel shell utilization results in more straightforward qualitative composition. Thus, the weight of the mineral component lies with calcium carbonate, which can be used for extraction of pharmaceutical preparations. (2) Methods: Shell powder was first deproteinized by calcination, then the mineral part was treated with levulinic acid. The problem of shells generally resulting from the industrialization of marine molluscs creates enough shortcomings, if one only mentions storage and handling. One of the solutions proposed by us is the capitalization of calcium from shells in the pharmaceutical industry. (3) Results: The toxicity of calcium levulinate synthesized from the mussel shells was evaluated by the method known in the scientific literature as the Constantinescu phytobiological method (using wheat kernels, Triticum vulgare Mill). Acute toxicity of calcium levulinate was evaluated; the experiments showed the low toxicity of calcium levulinate. (4) Conclusion: The experimental results highlighted calcium as the predominant element in the composition of mussel shells, which strengthens the argument of capitalizing the shells as an important natural source of calcium.     

Leptin and leptin receptors during malaria infection in mice

Leptin, which is involved in a range of physiological processes, could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of malaria. We found that levels of leptin in serum and urine in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice increased progressively after infection, reaching a maximum value on day 6 post-infection. Serum values were approximately five-fold higher in infected mice than in non-infected controls. A similar relation was found for values of leptin in urine. Soluble leptin receptor levels also increased significantly in serum, more or less in line with the leptin increase. Our work represents the first report of visibly augmented leptin and soluble leptin receptor secretion in malarial infection.     

Quantifying the nitrogen retention capacity of natural wetlands in the large-scale drainage basin of the Baltic Sea

We estimate the nitrogen retention capacity of natural wetlands in the 1.7 million km² Baltic Sea drainage basin, using a wetland GIS data base. There are approximately 138,000 km² of wetlands (bogs and fens) in the Baltic Sea drainage basin, corresponding to 8% of the area. The input of nitrogen to natural wetlands from atmospheric deposition was estimated to 55,000–161,000 ton y¹. A map of the deposition of both wet and dry nitrogen is presented. The input from the human population was estimated to 255,000 ton y¹ in terms of excretory release in processed sewage water. There may also be leakage from forests and agricultural land into the wetlands. Due to lack of data on hydrology and topography, such potential nitrogen sources are not accounted for here. The capacity of the wetlands to retain the atmospheric deposition of nitrogen was estimated to 34,000–99,000 ton y¹. The potential retention by wetlands was estimated to 57,000–145,000 ton y¹ when the nitrogen input from the human population was added. If drained wetlands were to be restored and their area added to the present wetland area, the nitrogen retention capacity was estimated to increase to 196,000–261,000 ton y¹. Our results indicate that existing natural wetlands in the Baltic Sea drainage basin annually can retain an amount of nitrogen which corresponds to about 5–13% of annual total (natural and anthropogenic) nitrogen emissions entering the Baltic Sea. The ecosystem retention service performed by wetlands accounts for a substantial nitrogen removal, thereby reducing the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea.     

Variation in seed oil composition of species from the genera Barbarea and Lepidium

The seed oil composition and content in a number of accessions from species of the genera Barbarea and Lepidium were analysed. The oil from most accessions of B. verna contained more than 50% erucic acid, while the oil from B. vulgaris contained ～ 30% erucic acid, and 22% each of oleic and linoleic acid. The oil from B. intermedia resembled that of B. verna. The oil content was ～ 30% in all three species. The oil composition of L. campestre and L. heterophyllum is ～ 35% linolenic acid and 23% erucic acid. Other Lepidium species had up to 47% linolenic acid in the oil. The oil content of L. campestre and L. heterophylhim was just below 20%, but other species had more than 30% oil in their seeds. The variation in oil composition found within and between species is considered sufficient for the breeding of valuable oil qualities in both genera.     

Effect of an entomopathogenic nematode,Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser (Nematoda,Steinernematidae), on carabid beetles in field trials with annual legumes

Two species of carabid beetle:Bembidion properans Steph. andPterostichus cupreus L. were the most often captured into pitfall traps in the spring period on plots with various cultivars of annual legumes. The greatest density ofP. cupreus population in the field with annual legumes was observed in May, in the feeding and eggs laying period by pea weevilSitona lineatus L. (Col. Curculionidae) — the main legumes pest. In June the most frequent carabid wasB. properans, the small beetles destroying the eggs or young larvae ofSitona lineatus. No effect of usingS. carpocapsae nematodes to infect nontarget carabid species was found in case different doses of invasive larvae on the soil surface into traps, although the mortality of captured ground beetles was high. The length of life of Carabidae collected from traps with nematodes were not significantly decreased in comparison with the control group.

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Zusammenfassung Zwei Carabiden-Arten,Bembidion properans Steph. undPterostichus cupreus L. waren die beiden häufigsten Arten, die im Frühjahr in Bodenfallen in verschiedenen Kulturen einjähriger Leguminosen gefangen wurden. Die größte Dichte vonP. cupreus wurde im Mai festgestellt während der Fraß- und Eilege-Periode des Haupt-Leguminosenschädlings, des ErbsenrüßlersSitona lineatus L. (Col., Curculionidae). Im Juni warB. properans der häufigste Laufkäfer, der die Eier und Junglarven vonSitona lineatus zur Beute nahm. Die Hinzugabe invasiver Larven des NematodenSteinernema carpocapsae in mit gefangenen Laufkäfern besetzten Bodenfallen erbrachte keine gesicherte Infektion, obgleich die Carbadiden-Dichte in den Gefäßen hoch war. Die Lebensdauer von Carabidae in mit Nematoden besetzten Gefäßen unterschied sich nicht von jener in Kontrollgefäßen.

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With 2 figures and 2 tables     

Über den Befall einjähriger Leguminosen durch den Erbsenrüßler,Sitona lineatus L. (Col., Curculionidae)

In early spring period early field pea and other cultivars of pea were most attractive plants forS. lineatus adults in comparison with bean cv. In May, in egg laying period, bean cv appeared to be the most preferable. These field studies are the first step on further experiments on determining the effect of host plant on susceptibility of the weevils to infection by entomopathogens. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A0135136 00002     

Performance and yield of 14 eucalypt species on Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. grassland 3 years after planting

A species trial with 14 eucalypt species with randomized complete blocks design was planted on Imperata cylindrica dominated grassland in South Kalimantan, Indonesia in January 1987. The site was prepared mechanically. No fertilizers were used. At the age of three years E. camaldulensis had clearly the highest survival rate (95%) and mean annual increment (5.9 m³ha^–1a^–1) compared with the other species tried. It was followed by E. urophylla, E. deglupta, E. pellita, E. tereticornis, E. alba, E. torelliana, E. intermedia, E. grandis and E. pilularis. Four other species, E. phaeotricha, E. resinifera, E. cloeziana and E. microcorys died either in the nursery or immediately after planting. All the eucalypts tried had narrow crowns and open canopies. It is suggested that eucalypts are not recommendable for grassland reforestation under minimum plantation tending. Effects of intensive weeding, spacing, fertilizing and performance in second rotation or mixed stands should be tested to elaborate the suitability of eucalypts on grasslands.