Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of magnesium–sodium supplementation on liveweight gains of young sheep grazing dual-purpose cereal or canola crops

Previous experiments have shown that liveweight gains of livestock grazing dual-purpose wheats were increased by 15–60%, by supplementing animals with a 1 : 1 mixture of Causmag (MgO) : salt (NaCl). The supplement appears to overcome both an Na deficiency in wheat forage, plus a reduced rumen Mg absorption due to a high forage (and thus rumen) K : Na ratio. In crop–livestock systems, there is also renewed interest in grazing forage oats and, more recently, barley and dual-purpose canola. The possible need for Mg–Na supplements for sheep grazing these last three crops was investigated in two experiments near Canberra, ACT. In Experiment 1, sheep grazing wheat, oats, barley and canola were either unsupplemented or received a Mg–Na supplement. There was no significant response to the supplement in sheep grazing oats. After adjustment by covariance for differences in sheep numbers per plot, the difference in weight gain/ha of supplemented and unsupplemented sheep grazing barley approached significance (P = 0.068). For the first time in our experience, in this experiment there was also no significant response in sheep grazing wheat. There was a significant interaction between crop type and supplement, because of a 20% depression in liveweight gain in supplemented sheep grazing canola. This negative effect of supplementation on canola was further investigated in Experiment 2, in which sheep grazing only canola were either supplemented or not supplemented. Supplementation in this case had no significant effect on liveweight gain. Our results suggest that there is no need to provide mineral supplements for sheep grazing dual-purpose oats; they also suggest supplementation may be contraindicated for sheep grazing canola. Further work is needed to confirm this and to clarify supplement responses in sheep grazing barley.
The salt gland of the incubating Eider duck Somateria mollissima: the effects of natural salt deprivation

Female Eider ducks, living under natural conditions, do not drink salt water during the 26 days for which they incubate their eggs. In the course of incubation the nasal salt glands decrease in size, show a marked reduction in Na+/K+-ATPase activity and in the rate at which they clear a salt load. The time course of these events is similar to that seen in laboratory studies on other species where salt intake is manipulated.
Use of Vetiver and Three Other Grasses for Revegetation of Pb/Zn Mine Tailings: Field Experiment

ABSTRACT The Lechang Pb/Zn mine is located to the north of the Guangdong Province, South of China. The tailings pond had been abandoned for over 5 years, and revegetation was necessary for stabilizing the bare surface and to reduce its environmental impact. The tailings contained high levels of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd) and low levels of major nutrient elements (N, P, and K) and organic matter; therefore, heavy metal toxicity and extreme infertility were the major constraints on revegetation. A field experiment was conducted to compare the growth of Vertiveria zizanioides, Paspalum notatum, Cynodon dactylon, and Imperata cylindrica var. major on the tailings. The tailings were amended with 10 cm domestic refuse + complex fertilizer (NPK) (Treatment A), 10 cm domestic refuse (Treatment B) and complex fertilizer (NPK) (Treatment C), respectively; tailings without any amendment were used as control (Treatment D). Plant growth was improved when either domestic refuse or NPK fertilizer was added to the substrate, but the combination of both amendments gave the best yields. After 6 months' growth, V. zizanioides growing on treatment A had a height of 220 cm, cover of 100% and a yield of 2.1 kg m-2 (d.w.). The height and biomass of V. zizanioides were significantly greater than the other three grasses growing on the same treatment. Judging from results, V. zizanioides was the best species for tailings revegetation, followed by P. notatum, C. dactylon, and I. cylindrica var. major.
Inheritance of different fiber colors in cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.)

Most of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers produced in the world are white, in spite of the lint and fiber of tetraploid cottons (G. barbadense), exhibiting various shades of green and brown. Cotton fiber color is a genetically inherited trait resulting from the presence of pigments intermingled with cellulose. Inheritance of fiber color is relatively simple, with high heritability, but in wild accessions it is still unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the inheritance of fiber color in G. barbadense accessions representing different shades of brown. We crossed wild G. barbadense accessions and G. hirsutum cultivars (with white fiber) and obtained the F2 generations, and BC1 and BC2 backcrosses. It may be concluded that fiber color is controlled by one gene, with partial dominance of the brown color over white, except for the grayish color of the PI 435267 accession, which showed the white to be partially dominant.
Characterization and pathogenicity of duck plague virus isolated from natural outbreaks in ducks of Bangladesh

Characterization and pathogenicity studies on Duck plague virus isolated from natural outbreaks of 170 ducks belonged to the districts of Mymensingh (n = 50), Netrokona (n = 70), and Kishoregonj (n = 50) were carried out during the period from January to June 2002. The collected samples were processed virologically for isolation and identification of Duck plague virus (DPV). Characterization and pathogenicity of the isolated DPV were studied in developing duck and chicken embryo, confluent monolayer of DEF, and experimentally induced infection in ducks. The DPV was identified by using neutralization (NT) and passive haemagglutination (PHA) tests. No remarkable differences were observed in the clinical characteristics, course of the disease and macroscopic lesions between naturally and experimentally infected ducks. The results of NT of DPV showed that all the local virus isolates (DPV-Mymensingh, DPV-Netrokona, and DPV-Kishoregonj) were neutralized by the antisera of duck plague vaccine virus (DLS, Mohakhali) which indicate that the virus isolates are homogenous and specific to the antisera to DPV. The PHA test was also found sensitive for the identification of DPV. Therefore, both the NT and PHA tests could be used for the identification of DPV. In addition, the local isolate of DPV-Netrokona was found to be more antigenic compared to other isolates which could be selected for vaccine preparation to control duck plague under field condition. Key words: duck plague virus; duck plague vaccine; neutralization test; passive haemagglutination test doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i2. 2540 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (2): 107-111
Vertical position of dry mass and elemental concentrations in Pinus sylvestris L. canopy under the different ash-nitrogen treatments

Abstract: Compensatory biofuel ash fertilisation is recommended for managed Pinus sylvestris L. forests growing on nutrients poor Arenosols in Lithuania. We conducted an experiment between 2002 and 2005, investigating the effects of biofuel ash and nitrogen fertilisation applied to Scots Pine stands on nutrient poor Arenosols. We studied the effects of three fertilization treatments (biofuel ash, nitrogen and ash applied together with nitrogen) on dry mass and concentrations of the main nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and other elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) in different compartments and layers of the canopy. The biofuel ash, nitrogen fertilizers and ash applied together with nitrogen led to heavier needles in the upper and middle layers of the canopy with less effect toward the canopy base. The complex ash plus nitrogen treatment gave the strongest significant response. All treatments resulted in an increase in dry mass, but not in the length of the current year needles. The additional input of nitrogen induced higher increase in dry mass compared to the changes of N concentration in the youngest needles. On the basis of the present study results, it can be concluded that the youngest needles produced new mass per amount of nitrogen more effectively compared to older needles.
Relationships between larval density, adult size and egg production in the cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus

ABSTRACT. 1 The eggs of the cowpea seed bettle Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) are attached to cowpeas. On hatching, the larvae penetrate the testa and remain in the seed until development is complete and adult eclosion has occurred. The adults do not need to feed and were not allowed to do so. 2 Strains from Brazil and Nigeria can produce more than twelve adults from a seed bearing numerous eggs, whereas a strain from the Yemen Republic rarely produced more than three. 3 In all three strains the mean weight of the adults produced from a single cowpea declined with increasing initial larval density in the seed. 4 Egg production by females is positively correlated with their weight at the time of mating, shortly after emergence. 5 Lifetime egg production by females of the Brazilian and Nigerian strains was lower if they came from cowpeas with higher initial larval densities. No such relationship could be demonstrated in the Yemen strain. 6 The fecundity of one generation of these beetles, at least in some geographical strains, is significantly affected by the number of larvae entering the hosts in which the adults of that generation have developed.
Comparison of the performance of scale and otolith microchemistry as fisheries research tools in a small upland catchment.

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis of recently formed Salmo trutta scale hydroxyapatite and otolith aragonite provided biogeochemical tags of S. trutta at six sites (>7.5 km apart) in a small upland catchment (drainage area: ~1800 km2). 87% and 89% of fish were correctly classified to their site of capture based on Sr, Mn, Ba, and Mg concentrations in scales and otoliths, respectively. Sr, Mn, and Ba were highly significantly correlated between structures of the same fish (P < 0.001). Ba and Mn in both structures were significantly correlated with stream water chemistries at each site (P < 0.05). Significant differences among sites were found in 11 element concentrations in scales and six element concentrations in otoliths (P < 0.05). Broadening the suite of elements improved the classification to 90% when using otoliths and 92% when using scales. Although there appears to be some degree of postdepositional change in scale hydroxyapatite in sea-run S. trutta, .
Inorganic Soil Amendment Effects on Sand‐Based Sports Turf Media

Inorganic soil amendments have been suggested for use in turf to alleviate soil compaction, increase water retention and hydraulic conductivity, and improve many other soil physical properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of ceramic, porous ceramic clay (PCC), calcined diatomaceous earth (CDE), and polymer coated clay (PC) on the physical characteristics of sand-based media and to determine the effects of these amendments on bulk density following freeze-thaw treatments. Inorganic materials were added to a sand-based golf green at 10% on a volumetric basis during construction in 1996. Data collected from the field included saturated hydraulic conductivity (K sat ), water retention, water release curves, bulk density and total porosity on compacted samples collected at construction, and undisturbed samples collected from the treated plots 1 and 2 yr after establishment. The PCC treatment had an 8 and 7% higher cation-exchange capacity (CEC) than the control in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The PCC increased the K sat by 26 and 20% in the compacted and undisturbed samples, respectively, in 1998. The CDE increased water retention by 13% in both compacted and undisturbed samples. Saturated hydraulic conductivity of the sand-inorganic mixtures decreased in the 2 yr, although some increases in K sat were observed each spring. The K sat of plots receiving all inorganic amendments was reduced by 75% in November of 1998. The K sat values in the spring of 1999 increased from the low levels of 1998 by 19% (PC), 44% (control), 59% (ceramic), 72% (PCC), and 82% (CDE). The changes of K sat over the winter may have been induced by freezing and thawing. These changes may not necessarily be caused by total porosity increases; instead they may be caused by increases in macropores. This hypothesis was further tested in the laboratory in a freeze-thaw study conducted in 1999. The PC, control, CDE, and PCC decreased bulk density by 10.7, 7.2, 2.5, and 2.2%, respectively, following a freeze-thaw cycle.
Silencing of EcFLO, A FLORICAULA/LEAFY Gene of the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Affects Flower Specification in a Perigynous Flower Context

Flowers are reproductive shoots produced by determinate floral meristems. The role of FLORICAULA/LEAFY-like genes in the specification of flowers varies between lineages and has not been characterized in a basal eudicot species. Here we report the phenotypic effects of virus-induced silencing of EcFLO, a FLORICAULA/LEAFY homologue in the California poppy Eschscholzia californica. EcFLO silencing resulted in repeated sepal and petal whorl formation and internodes between calyxes. A subset of silenced flowers showed reduced petal and stamen numbers and mosaic identities of floral organs. We also provide expression data of other floral regulator genes and conclude that EcFLO contributes to certain aspects of flower development, reflecting both functional conservation and differentiation among basal eudicots, core eudicots, and monocot grasses. EcFLO is involved in stamen and petal initiation, floral organ identity delimitation, suppression of internodes, and limitation of the number of perianth whorls. Further, silencing of EcFLO allows insights into perigynous flower development in Eschscholzia. We demonstrate that receptacle cup formation, by which the perianth and the androecium are elevated above the gynoecium late in flower development, responds to the initiation of the synsepalous calyx.
Multi‐scale altitudinal patterns in species richness of land snail communities in south‐eastern France

Aim Species richness is an important feature of communities that varies along elevational gradients. Different patterns of distribution have been described in the literature for various taxonomic groups. This study aims to distinguish between species density and species richness and to describe, for land snails in south‐eastern France, the altitudinal patterns of both at different spatial scales.
Home Ranges and Movements of the Mink Mustela vison Shreber in Southern Sweden

Home ranges of nine minks Mustela vison in southern Sweden were studied by telemetric techniques during eleven periods in 1968-69. Data obtained allowed accurate determinations of the boundaries of the ranges and quantitative descriptions of the distribution of use-intensity. Information on seasonal movements were obtained by trapping and marking. The adult male occupied the largest home range, twice as large as that of the juvenile male. Adult females kept within smaller ranges than the adult males. In winter the minks tended to concentrate their activity to restricted parts of the home ranges. The great irregularity found in intensity of use of the home range may be due to the availability of food. An adult female may temporarily hold a territory against an adult male. The balance, however, demands more attention from her at the common border. Unlike juvenile females, juvenile males did not seem to be allowed to stay within the ranges of adult males. The dispersal of juveniles started in the beginning of July and most of them left the study area. The extent of male movements during the mating season was greater than during the rest of the year.
Factors Affecting Iowa Lake and Reservoir Water Quality

ABSTRACT Iowa lake and reservoir water quality data collected during the summers of 1990 and 1992 were analyzed according to origin (lake vs. reservoir) and location, updating previous synoptic surveys. Morphometric comparisons between Iowa regions indicate unique characteristics for reservoirs, glacial lakes, oxbow lakes, and waterbodies on the Des Moines glacial lobe. All Iowa lakes and reservoirs are eutrophic although there is a significant range of water quality and within-region variability. Parameters such as chlorophyll a, total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) summer mean concentrations were highest on the Des Moines glacial lobe (means of 64 μg L−1, 164 μg L−1, and 4.4 mg L−1, respectively). A comparison of northern Iowa versus southern Minnesota lakes and southern Iowa versus northern Missouri reservoirs indicated that Iowa water quality is more eutrophic in both instances. Northern Iowa lakes had higher TN (3.0 mg L−1), total suspended solids (TSS, 39 mg L−1), and non-volatile suspended solids (NVSS, 18 mg L−1) summer mean concentrations than southern Minnesota lakes (2.1 mg L−1, 14 mg L−1, and 3 mg L−1, respectively). Southern Iowa reservoirs had higher TP (149 μg L−1), TN (1.8 mg L−1), TSS (34 mg L−1), and NVSS (25 mg L−1) summer mean concentrations than northern Missouri reservoirs (47 μg L−1, 0.7 mg L−1, 10 mg L−1, and 7 mg L−1, respectively).
Initial effects of reintroduced wolves Canis lupus on bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis dynamics in Yellowstone National Park

Abstract Wolves Canis lupus may naturally achieve densities that contribute to significant changes in prey populations and entire ecosystems. We analyzed a time series of counts, index of recruitment, and estimates of survival for bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis during 1995-2005 to evaluate the prediction that sheep numbers would decrease in the northern portion of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming, USA, owing to lower survival and recruitment following wolf reintroduction. The number of wolves residing in the northern range increased from 21 to a maximum of 106 in response to an abundant elk Cervus elaphus population and legal protection. Counts of bighorn sheep decreased following the severe winter of 1997, but then increased by 7% annually during 1998-2005 (95% CI: 2-11%). Recruitment followed a similar temporal pattern, decreasing to 7-11 lambs/100 ewes during the severe winter of 1997 and the following winter, but then increasing to 21-34 lambs/100 ewes during 1998-2005. Annual estimates of survival for 14 adult females and four males 1-3 years old were high (0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.97) and indicative of an increasing or constant population. Thus, the presence of wolves did not prevent the bighorn sheep population from increasing slowly during the decade following reintroduction. However, sheep counts remain low compared to the 487 sheep observed before an outbreak of keratoconjunctivitis caused 60% mortality during 1982, suggesting that other factors limited the recovery of this relatively isolated, high-elevation, native sheep population. Increases in abundance and recruitment of bighorn sheep during 1998-2005 were concurrent with a 50% decrease in the numbers of northern Yellowstone elk after wolf reintroduction. Thus, the potential effects of decreased competition for resources between elk and bighorn sheep on lamb recruitment and sheep population growth merit further investigation.
Do changes in climate patterns in wintering areas affect the timing of the spring arrival of trans‐Saharan migrant birds?

The life cycles of plants and animals are changing around the world in line with the predictions originated from hypotheses concerning the impact of global warming and climate change on biological systems. Commonly, the search for ecological mechanisms behind the observed changes in bird phenology has focused on the analysis of climatic patterns from the species breeding grounds. However, the ecology of bird migration suggests that the spring arrival of long‐distance migrants (such as trans‐Saharan birds) is more likely to be influenced by climate conditions in wintering areas given their direct impact on the onset of migration and its progression. We tested this hypothesis by analysing the first arrival dates (FADs) of six trans‐Saharan migrants (cuckoo Cuculus canorus, swift Apus apus, hoopoe Upupa epops, swallow Hirundo rustica, house martin Delichon urbica and nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos), in a western Mediterranean area since from 1952 to 2003. By means of multiple regression analyses, FADs were analysed in relation to the monthly temperature and precipitation patterns of five African climatic regions south of the Sahara where species are thought to overwinter and from the European site from where FADs were collected. We obtained significant models for five species explaining 9–41% of the variation in FADs. The interpretation of the models suggests that: (1) The climate in wintering quarters, especially the precipitation, has a stronger influence on FADs than that in the species' potential European breeding grounds. (2) The accumulative effects of climate patterns prior to migration onset may be of considerable importance since those climate variables that served to summarize climate patterns 12 months prior to the onset of migration were selected by final models. (3) Temperature and precipitation in African regions are likely to affect departure decision in the species studied through their indirect effects on food availability and the build‐up of reserves for migration. Our results concerning the factors that affect the arrival times of trans‐Saharan migrants indicate that the effects of climate change are more complex than previously suggested, and that these effects might have an interacting impact on species ecology, for example by reversing ecological pressures during species' life cycles.
Vateritic Sagitta in Wild and Stocked Lake Trout: Applicability to Stock Origin

Abstract Aragonite is the normal form of calcium carbonate found in teleost otoliths, but it is sometimes replaced by vaterite, an alternate crystalline structure. We investigated the assumption that sagittal otoliths with vaterite replacement were unique to stocked lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Earlier studies had attributed these abnormalities to stocking stress, and proposed that the presence of vaterite could separate individual unmarked stocked lake trout from their wild counterparts. We examined and described the frequency of vateritic sagittae in two wild and three stocked populations of lake trout from the Great Lakes and a wild population from a remote inland lake in northern Canada. Among lake trout caught 2–12 years after being stocked, prevalence of vateritic sagittae was 66% for Lake Superior fish, 75% for Lake Huron fish, and 86% for Lake Ontario fish. Among wild fish caught, vateritic sagittae were present in 37% of Lake Superior fish, 22% of Lake Huron fish.