bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service providers and consumers: a multidimensional interface.
Authors: Buswell J. , Williams C. , Sutton C.
Published: November 2017

This chapter addresses the wider perspective of leisure, events, tourism and sport (LETS) stakeholders rather than the simplistic two-dimensional notion of service providers and customers. Therefore external and internal customers, volunteers and the supply chain are examined, together with other stakeholders such as shareholders, sport governing bodies and National Lottery Funding bodies. The cooperation and coordination required to facilitate major events are also considered. The chapter continues by considering consumer behaviour and the benefits sought from a specific LETS service provider. This discussion is divided into three sections utilizing Lovelock and Wirtz's three-stage model of service consumption, which comprises the pre-purchase phase, the service encounter and the post encounter phase.
Capacity management.
Authors: Buswell J. , Williams C. , Sutton C.
Published: November 2017

This chapter considers some fundamental issues of managing capacity in leisure, events, tourism and sport (LETS) operations and their implications for service quality. There are two broad strategies that organizations adopt to manage their capacity and their productive potential: (i) control of the supply, which can be fixed or variable; and (ii) management of demand. The uneven demand for, and usage of, facilities and services require an understanding of aspects such as yield management and queuing and how they can be managed to achieve both productivity and customer satisfaction.
Business improvement through the use of quality systems and models.
Authors: Buswell J. , Williams C. , Sutton C.
Published: November 2017

This chapter investigates the introduction and implementation of specific service quality management systems, tools and techniques in all sectors of the leisure, events, tourism and sport (LETS) industry. A diverse range of quality systems and awards, both accredited and non-accredited, are evaluated for their application to developing business strategies for improvement, including very recently updated systems such as BS EN ISO 9001:2015.
Business improvement strategy: a navigation plan for LETS professionals.
Authors: Buswell J. , Williams C. , Sutton C.
Published: November 2017

This chapter addresses the need to make strategic decisions about service quality and provides some signposting and the options to consider for implementing business improvement strategies in the leisure, events, tourism and sport (LETS) industry. The right set of tools, techniques or approaches provide insights to current performance and highlight areas that need attention. To facilitate the planning of this, they have been grouped into the following key LETS strategic perspectives: (1) leaders' perspective; (2) multidimensional stakeholders' perspective; (3) operational perspective; and (4) research perspective.
Social and economic implications of Mikania micrantha in the Kerala Western Ghats.
Authors: Anitha V. , Santheep K. V. , Jyotsna Krishnakumar Jyotsna Krishnakumar
Published: November 2017

Mikania micrantha, or mikania weed, is posing a serious threat to both agricultural and natural ecosystems in the parts of the Western Ghats that lie in Kerala State, India. This chapter examines and explains the socio-economic and management implications of mikania infestation and suggests a feasible and sustainable solution from the smallholder perspective. It is based on a study that used participatory rural assessments carried out with 50 households in the Kottappadi Grama Panchayath (village local self-governance area) of Ernakulam District in central Kerala. Based on the results obtained during the study, a model of the mikania weed infestation and its implications was developed, and from that a feasible and sustainable solution is proposed. An integrated approach that includes people's active participation, along with the government, as well as the support or intervention of non-governmental organizations, is necessary for the effective management and efficient use of mikania weed. The goal should therefore be to consider the societal and sustainable livelihood concerns of the local community in the short run, and the sustainable development of the area in the long run, which will depend on both policy and extension support.
Impact and management of invasive alien plants in Pacific Island communities.
Authors: Orapa W.
Published: November 2017

This chapter outlines the many challenges that the Pacific islands face in mitigating the impacts of invasive plant species and discusses the species involved and the environmental and socio-economic impacts of selected alien plant invaders for which published or anecdotal information exists. It concludes by reviewing the management of plant invasions in the Islands, including some case studies and future threats. The plant families Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae stand out as containing some of the most common weedy plants in the Pacific, but the members of many other plant groups are also important. Major regional weeds, such as Merremia tuberosa, Mikania micrantha (mikania), Pennisetum purpureum and Spathodea campanulata to name but a few, are already causing socio-economic problems. As we have discussed in this chapter, some invasive plants, for example Chromolaena odorata and mikania, have recently attracted increased attention from weed managers, and others such as the water weeds from the New World have been brought under successful biological control, but the challenges for the region lie in how effectively these and many other highly adapted species are prevented from reaching the Pacific and spreading further.
Prevention and related measures for invasive alien plants in India: policy framework and other initiatives.
Authors: Ravi Khetarpal Ravi Khetarpal , Kavita Gupta Kavita Gupta , Usha Dev Usha Dev , Kavya Dashora Kavya Dashora
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on the history and current status of the regulatory mechanisms and other initiatives in India that relate to preventive and related measures for invasive alien plants. The emphasis is on prevention because this is the most cost-effective means of reducing the threats of these invasive alien species. Naturally, much of this is embedded in or stems from the country's general regulatory framework development and actions. Lastly, the chapter outlines the need for a national strategy on IAS. However, as the national regulatory framework has, by necessity, needed to harmonize with some binding international agreements and conventions that contain provisions on regulation, a brief overview of these is given first.
Classical biological control of Mikania micrantha: the sustainable solution.
Authors: Ellison C. A. , Cock M. J. W.
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on the application of classical biological control (CBC) of M. micrantha using natural enemies such as insects and fungi. A number of key issues that need to be addressed when considering CBC as a strategy for the control of invasive alien weeds are summarized. The release of the rust fungus (Puccinia spegazzinii) in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Taiwan and Vanuatu appears to be the first success against M. micrantha and it is to be hoped that it will be a critical turning point.
Policy frameworks for the implementation of a classical biological control strategy: the Chinese experience.
Authors: Ding JianQing Ding JianQing
Published: November 2017

In Asia, China is one of several developing countries that have implemented active classical biological control programmes and achieved successes in their campaign against invasive species. Although classical biological control is still in its early stages in China, and many aspects including the policy framework need to be greatly improved, the experience that has been gained may be of value to other Asian countries. Certainly, China shares with them many similar social, political and scientific issues, in particular in the management of invasive species. The purposes of this chapter are: (i) to review the current status and impact of, and the constraints to providing solutions for invasive plants in China; (ii) to report China's experiences in classical biological control; and (iii) to review and assess the current policy framework in terms of its role in the implementation of a classical biological control strategy.
Community engagement and rural tourism enterprise.
Authors: Wiltshier P.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the role of communities in the development of rural tourism. Through a representative sample of more developed destination case studies in Europe and North America, the key indicators leading to successful community-based rural tourism are explored. These indicators include innovation in endogenous planning, shared networks, relationship management, informed decision making and support and future-proofing destinations for growing shared wealth and social capital. A framework and working model of community-based tourism, developed to identify good practices in rural communities, is explored.
Marketing, communications and rural business in developing countries.
Authors: Obayelu A. E. , Stylos N.
Published: November 2017

This chapter introduces the concept of marketing and communications for rural businesses in developing countries. Various cases coming from a range of business activities are included to reveal the practical aspect of relevant theoretical frameworks. For example, this chapter delineates the importance of marketing for rural tourism businesses; the core concepts, theories, models and strategies of marketing to be applied in enhancing rural tourism in developing countries; and the contemporary types of communication in rural marketing. A mix of communication activities to promote rural marketing is provided, which is illustrated through a success story on the use of communication for rural business marketing in a Nigeria. Finally, the communication challenges regarding marketing in rural areas and common government marketing policies are discussed.
Consumers and rural tourism in developing economies.
Authors: Saverimuttu V. , Varua M. E.
Published: November 2017

This chapter explores the key concepts of tourist behaviour in the consumption of rural tourism and the factors that influence the demand for and supply of related rural products in developing economies. In so doing, the chapter considers the differing characteristics of developing economies within the context of a service oriented sector and explains the characteristics of rural tourism and related products within developing economies. The chapter considers the impact of social class on the consumption of rural tourism products and explores the nature and characteristics of consumers (who are primarily tourists in many cases) in developing world contexts.
Community engagement, rural institutions and rural tourism business in developing countries.
Authors: Malek A. , Carbone F. , Alder J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter considers the specifics of rural institution formation and development of rural tourism business by drawing attention to the ways community engagement can be achieved considering the limitation of rural areas in developing countries. Apart from that, the text is built upon the discussion of current challenges for community engagement and rural tourism businesses and an effort to introduce some considerations in planning institutional and collaborative programmes for rural communities.
Challenges and strategies for rural business operations in developed and developing economies.
Authors: Oriade A. , Robinson P.
Published: November 2017

This chapter highlights the current and ongoing challenges facing rural tourism business operations in both developed and developing countries. It explores both the differences and similarities between rural business operations management in the developed and developing world. It also examines the interrelationships that exist between operations, finance and marketing in the delivery of the tourism offer in these two contexts. The chapter covers the breadth of operations management concepts, including capacity management, revenue and yield management, performance and productivity, service quality and servicescapes and supply chain management, among others.
Strategies for rural business growth.
Authors: Dale C. , Robinson N. , Evans M.
Published: November 2017

This chapter reviews the different barriers that rural tourism enterprises may encounter, whilst outlining the methods that can be used for their identification and assessment. Competitive-positioning, resource-based and innovation strategies for overcoming those barriers are also discussed and supplemented with case study material and activity based questions.
Political ideologies.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this chapter is to outline major political ideological perspectives and discuss their implications for public policy in relation to leisure, sport and tourism in Western capitalist societies. First, the nature of ideology is discussed and this is followed by outlines of the basic ideas involved in nine ideological positions (conservatism, liberalism/neo-liberalism, Marxism, democratic socialism, social democracy, feminism, environmentalism, anti-globalism/populism, and theocracy) and a consideration of their implications for the role of the state in regard to leisure, sport and tourism policy.
A participation-based approach to planning for leisure, sport and tourism.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter describes a step-by-step approach to planning for leisure, sport and tourism focused on the concept of participation. The particular approach outlined here is the U-Plan system developed at the University of Technology Sydney. The system comprises three core modules: the Objectives/Outcomes Module, the Participation Module and the Supply Module. These are made up of 18 tasks.
Planning tool 2: facility/service audit - capacity.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter outlines the facility/service audit process, particularly as required in the U-Plan system, in leisure, sport and tourism. First, the audit process is outlined in general terms, and this is followed by consideration of four major processes: capacity assessment; usage assessment; analysis of spatial patterns of use; and resource assessment. Six types of capacity are considered: physical capacity; operational capacity; economic capacity; social/psychological capacity; ecological capacity; and tourism capacity. Then the process of measuring capacity is examined for formal facilities and informal purpose-built and natural/heritage facilities.
Planning tool 4: forecasting.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter examines the forecasting of leisure, sport and tourism demand, which is seen as one of the key inputs to the planning process. Changes in demand for leisure and tourism are affected by many factors, all of which are not equally susceptible to prediction. Several change factors are reviewed in this chapter, namely: demographic change; income levels; the activities of producers; leisure and work time; transport; technological change; the environment; tastes and lifestyles; and the media. Various forecasting techniques are also reviewed, namely: informed speculation; asking the public; asking the experts (the Delphi technique); scenario writing; time series analysis; spatial models; cross-sectional analysis; comparative analysis; and composite methods.
Economic evaluation.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter reviews two economic evaluation methods: cost-benefit analysis and economic impact analysis. Both can be seen as aids to decision making at the planning stage in the fields of leisure, sport and tourism or as part of the evaluation of projects when they are completed and in operation.
Policy and planning in particular sectors.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses six sectors of the leisure, sport and tourism phenomenon, addressing for each: its scope; the rationale and goals of policy; measuring participation; institutional factors; and planning. The six sectors are: sport and physical recreation; the arts and entertainment; outdoor recreation in natural areas; urban outdoor recreation; tourism; and events.
Policy and planning for particular groups.
Authors: Veal A. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter is concerned with social groups and their involvement with leisure, sport and tourism. Four perspectives for viewing the needs and demands of different social groups are discussed: a welfare perspective; a human and citizens' rights perspective; a market perspective; and a diversity and inclusion perspective. The chapter includes discussions of the five dimensions of gender, class, ethnicity, disability and age and the various groups they define.
Planning a research project.
Authors: Smith S. L. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter gives practical advice on planning a tourism research project, from the setting of research goals and objectives, to formulating research questions and hypotheses, conducting literature reviews, planning how to collect data, and choosing an analytical method. Research ethics is also discussed.
How to conduct personal interviews and focus groups.
Authors: Smith S. L. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter provides an introduction to some basic principles and techniques associated with doing personal interviews in the context of tourism research, as well as the basics of coding and analysing the transcripts of interviews. The chapter also looks at a special form of interviewing: focus groups. Appropriate applications and limitations of personal interviews and focus groups are highlighted.
Case studies.
Authors: Smith S. L. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the use of case studies in tourism research. It describes the different types of case studies; looks at some of the basic methods used to conduct case studies; and concludes with some comments about how to analyse one's findings.
Research reports and presentations.
Authors: Smith S. L. J.
Published: November 2017

The production of a written report to communicate the results of a tourism research project is described, as are suggestions for making an oral presentation. Special attention is paid to how to use that now-standard visual aid, PowerPoint. Also presented are guidelines for producing an effective poster presentation.
Research methods for leisure, recreation and tourism.
Authors: Sirakaya-Turk E. , Uysal M. S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter introduces the nature and importance of research in leisure, recreation and tourism. Research in this broad field is a process by which we produce new information and knowledge to answer questions, help managers solve problems and make effective decisions. The process is planned and systematic in its approach and is free from bias. Specifically, the process may consist of the formulation of research questions and ideas, identification of research concepts, development of the theoretical model that guides and underpins the research process, data collection, testing hypotheses, analysis and feedback to theory, and generating new questions. This chapter provides research typologies that include exploratory research, descriptive research and explanatory research. Exploratory research is intended to develop familiarity with a topic in order to generate new insights. The chapter further introduces the concept of the unit of analysis in research.
Survey research: sampling and questionnaire design.
Authors: Sirakaya-Turk E. , Uysal M. S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter covers three major areas of data collection and generation: (i) underlying logic and principles of survey research; (ii) issues in designing survey instruments; and (iii) means of data collection. It introduces sampling and design of survey research as one of the most important areas of data collection methods in applied research in leisure, recreation and tourism. The chapter begins with issues surrounding the logic of sampling and representativeness, sampling process and methods, choosing representative units of analysis, the concept and terminology of sampling, sample size, sample error (variability) and confidence intervals. The chapter then addresses a number of issues, including questionnaire development and design, developing questions, evaluating questionnaires, conducting surveys and secondary analysis of survey data. Furthermore, the chapter briefly covers some of the special issues involved in internet and panel surveys with some of the advantages and disadvantages of different data collection methods.
Summarizing data.
Authors: Baloglu S. , Usakli A.
Published: November 2017

This chapter deals with how to summarize data. Once the data have been collected, they need to be organized and summarized to reduce a large amount of data to a few meaningful measures that describe the entire data set. There are two basic ways of summarizing a set of data. The first way is to present it in the form of a graph. There are many different graphical methods that can be used to summarize data. The chapter presents the most commonly used graphical representations such as frequency table, pie chart, bar chart, histogram, boxplot, scatterplot, q-q plot, and stem-and-leaf display. The second basic way of summarizing a set of data is to compute a numerical measure. The chapter focuses on the three commonly used measures of central tendency (the mode, the median and the mean) and the measures of variability (the range, the interquartile range, the variance and the standard deviation). The chapter also covers two measures of shape: skewness and kurtosis. While skewness refers to the asymmetry of a distribution, the kurtosis indicates the 'peakedness' or flatness of a distribution when compared with normal distribution. Note that in this chapter the data is analysed using SPSS 16.0 for Windows.
Factor analytical procedure and scale reliability.
Authors: Uysal M. S. , Sirakaya-Turk E.
Published: November 2017

The chapter has two major sections. The first part of the chapter introduces a common factor analytical procedure with a worked example. The aim of factor analysis is twofold: (1) to reduce the number of observed variables (or scale items) into a smaller set of mutually exclusive composite variables or domains; and (2) to detect theoretical structures in the relationships between variables (or scales items) when classifying variables. Therefore, factor analysis is applied as a data reduction or structure detection method. Factor analysis is a very useful technique in that once factors have been delineated, we can also conduct subsequent analyses using the factors as inputs. For example, the delineated factors can be used in regression analysis, comparing mean scores via t-test, ANOVA or MANOVA, or exploring variations of factors across a range of both travel behaviour and traveller questions in any study. The second part of the chapter focuses on scale reliability with a worked example that also presents cases for improvement of reliability coefficients and handling reversed coding of items in obtaining reliability alphas.
Overview of organic agriculture.
Authors: Kristiansen P. , Merfield C.
Published: November 2017

This introductory chapter presents an overview of the history and development of the organic farming movement from its roots in early 1900s Europe to its current position in global agriculture. The chapter describes some of the key people and trends that shaped modern organic agriculture and reports on the status of organic agriculture around the world in specific countries. In order to understand the aims and practices of organic agriculture, the evolution of the core principles are also discussed. Finally, some of the challenges for organic agriculture are identified.
Developing no-tillage systems without chemicals: the best of both worlds?
Authors: Morse R. , Creamer N.
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses the core components and the advantages of high-residue reduced-till systems (HRRT). In addition, the uses of cover crops in organic agriculture and the integration of organic cropping systems with no-tillage are discussed. Organic no-tillage systems present many challenges, including production and management of high-residue cover crops, establishment of cash crops and weed management. Each challenge is desired together with desired objectives, recommendations for success, and limitations. Finally, the characteristics and the different types of equipment used in non-inversion tillage (ploughing) are discussed. Under organic cropping systems, non-inversion tillage aims to accomplish necessary weed management, enhance short-term nutrient availability, incorporate crop residues and soil amendments, and alleviate soil compaction.
Crop protection in organic agriculture.
Authors: Letourneau D. , Bruggen A. van
Published: November 2017

This subject is reviewed under the following headings: pests and diseases in organic versus conventional agriculture; pest and disease management in organic versus conventional agriculture, including prevention of colonization or establishment of pests and pathogens in organic agriculture, regulation of established pests and pathogens in organic agriculture, host plant resistance, community resistance - vegetation, community resistance - pathogens and herbivores, community resistance - biological control, curative control; and pest and disease management case studies in organic versus conventional agriculture. Future research directions are also discussed.
Environmental impacts of organic farming.
Authors: Kasperczyk N. , Knickel K.
Published: November 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the main indicators of environmental impact, i.e., biodiversity, landscape, soil, ground and surface water, climate and air, and energy. The discussion of environmental impacts is structured by six main sectors. Significant interrelationships were observed between these sectors. The effects of biological diversity are detailed for the following three aspects: genetic diversity, species diversity (floral and faunal) and habitat diversity. The soil aspect focuses on organic matter content, biological activity, nutrient cycles and soil erosion. Different sources of ground and surface water pollution (viz., leaching of nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides and pathogens) are also discussed in detail. The harmful effects of global climatic change on the environment and on plant production are discussed. Finally, the energy intensity and efficiency as indicators to measure and evaluate energy use are discussed.
Tillage: how bad is it in organic agriculture?
Authors: Bàrberi P.
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of tillage in organic agriculture, and details its impacts on the environment. Aside from the climatic factors, socioeconomic and cultural factors also influence the attitude of organic farmers toward tillage. Some agronomically based concepts of tillage management in organic agriculture are presented. Finally, differences between the expected effects of tillage management in conventional and organic systems are addressed.
Organic agriculture: opportunities and challenges.
Authors: Kristiansen P. , Taji A. , Reganold J.
Published: November 2017

This concluding chapter is concerned with documenting and reviewing current knowledge on organic agriculture, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and applying that information to the immediate challenges ahead. Opportunities for supporting the continuing development of the organic movement through cross fertilization of technologies and conceptual approaches in the areas of supply chains and farming systems, are discussed.
Major poisonous plants of the Western United States.
Authors: Knight A. P.
Published: November 2017

This chapter describes the major poisonous plants of the western United States causing significant economic losses to the livestock industry. Tabulated lists are provided of toxic plants of the southwest and western states that had significant impact on livestock production, and of indigenous plants that have major impact on livestock because of their wide geographical distribution.
Research on lupine-induced 'crooked calf disease' at the poisonous plant research laboratory: past, present and future.
Authors: Panter K. E. , James L. F. , Wierenga T. L. , Gay C. C. , Motteram E. S. , Lee S. T. , Gardner D. R. , Pfister J. A. , Ralphs M. H. , Stegelmeier B. L.
Published: November 2017

This discussion of lupine research, past, present and future, is limited to that involving poisoning in livestock and more specifically the problem of the lupine-induced 'crooked calf disease' in the western US.
Intoxication by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum in goats.
Authors: Benício T. M. A. , Nardelli M. J. , Nogueira F. R. B. , Araújo J. A. S. de , Riet-Correa F.
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on two cases of poisoning which occurred last July 2004 which were suspected to be from the pods of E. contortisiliquum eaten by goats raised in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. The clinical aspects, clinical examination as well as treatment of pods to eliminate its toxicity were also discussed in the report.
Poisonous plants producing acute hepatic disease in Brazilian cattle.
Authors: Rissi D. R. , Driemeier D. , Silva M. C. , Barros R. R. , Barros C. S. L.
Published: November 2017

A report on the epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and differential diagnosis of acute hepatic disease among Brazilian cattle caused by poisonous plants was discussed.
Cross-fostering as a means to study transplacental toxicosis of Ipomoea carnea in rats.
Authors: Hueza I. M. , Guerra J. L. , Górniak S. L.
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on the use a technique using cross-fostering (CF) as a tool to evaluate the possible transplacental toxicoses of I. carnea in an animal model (rat) used in a perinatal study to verify the possible toxic effects of I. carnea on the offspring from dams which had an intake of I. carnea during the gestation period.
Effect of Solanum malacoxylon in goats: a prenatal study.
Authors: Górniak S. L. , Hueza I. M. , Raspantini P. C. F. , Shumaher-Henrique B. , Barbosa-Ferreira M. , Maiorka P. C.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible toxic effects on both dams and kids with maternal exposure to S. malacoxylon during pregnancy. 20 female goats were used in this study wherein pregnant goats after breeding were treated with the following levels of S. malacoxylon: 0.0 (control), 12.5mg/kg (Sm12.5), 25.0mg/kg (Sm25), and 50.0mg/kg (Sm50) from day 27 to day 91 of gestation. Results after the experiment showed, in a dose-response fashion, progressive physical deterioration such as emaciation, kyphosis and impaired gait. Two dams from Sm25 and two from Sm50 groups died between the 18th and 20th weeks of gestation. Histopathological evaluation revealed alterations in all goats treated with S. malacoxylon. The histopathologic changes were dose-related thus the lesions were more evident in those females treated with higher levels of S. malacoxylon. It was also observed that kids from Sm25 and Sm50 goats also showed the same lesions as described from their mothers however the lesions were much milder.
Evaluation of ultrasonographic and biochemical profile of fetal development of intoxicated female goats with Senna occidentalis seeds.
Authors: Barbosa-Ferreira M. , Górniak S. L.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of S. occidentalis during gestation in goats. 20 pregnant goats were used in this study and were divided into 4 equal groups and were treated with the following levels of S. occidentalis in the diets: 0% (control), 1% (S.01), 2% (S.02), and 4% (S.04) from the 27th day of gestation to parturition. Results showed that goats from the S.04 group gained 45% less weight as compared with the control. It was also observed that two goats from this group resorbed their fetuses between the 27th and 35th day of pregnancy. Serum concentrations of aldolase, glucose, protein, albumin and LDH fluctuated during the trial, whereas AST and GGT concentrations were similar between the control and all treatment groups.
Risk factors for lupine-induced crooked calf disorder in East-central Washington State.
Authors: Gay C. C. , Panter K. E. , Motteram E. , Gay J. M. , Hantz H. , Wierenga T. , Platt T.
Published: November 2017

A report on the risk factors and epidemiological survey on lupine-induced crooked calf disorder in East-central Washington State, USA was presented.
The pelleting process or treatment with sodium hydroxide do not detoxify the toxins of annual ryegrass toxicity.
Authors: Allen J. G. , Hoxey M. , Thompson C. , Masters A. M. , Milton J. T. B. , Vercoe P. E.
Published: November 2017

Annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) is a major disease of livestock in Western Australia. It is caused when livestock eat ryegrass with the toxigenic bacterium Rathayibacter toxicus. This study was conducted to determine the potential use of pelleting or alkali treatment using NaOH in the detoxification of corynetoxins produced by R. toxicus. Commercial feed mixes were added with 368, 736 and 2941 g of toxic material to provide materials for pelleting containing approximately 500, 1000 and 4000 µg corynetoxins/kg. Each feed mix was then put through the pelleting machine. The pellets from each mix were then tested for the presence of bacterial and corynetoxin antigens. Two experiments were conducted with alkali treatments using NaOH. In the first experiment, 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% NaOH (w/w) were sprayed on ryegrass samples. After one week, the samples were tested for corynetoxin concentration using ELISA. In the second experiment, the same four treatments were used and bacterial galls were isolated and treated to increase the concentration of toxin to within the range of sensitivity of the B. cereus bioassay. Results showed that neither pelleting nor treatment with NaOH reduced the toxicity of toxic ryegrass or toxic bacterial galls.
Butylated hydroxytoluene reduces aflatoxin B1 bioavailability and hepatic adduct formation in Turkeys.
Authors: Guarisco J. A. , Hall J. O. , Coulombe R. A., Jr.
Published: November 2017

We confirmed our hypothesis that dietary butylated hydroxytoluene would reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) bioavailability and the formation of hepatic AFB1-DNA adducts in turkeys in vivo. It is reasonable to assume that both events resulted from the inhibition of AFB1 bioactivation. Thus, butylated hydroxytoluene may have the added benefit of reducing AFB1 residues in poultry, thereby improving food safety.
A case of acute water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) poisoning and death in cattle after ingestion of green seed heads.
Authors: Panter K. E. , Gardner D. R. , Holstege D. , Stegelmeier B. L.
Published: November 2017

This paper reports for the first time suspected acute poisoning and death in cattle ingesting immature seed heads of water hemlock (Utah, USA, date not given). Investigation of the pasture after the cows died revealed that a nearby creek had been heavily infested with water hemlock and that all the water hemlock seed heads had been eaten. Three cows were necropsied and rumen samples, blood, liver, kidney and heart were collected for histopathological examination. Plant specimens including stem, leaves, flowers and seed heads were also submitted for identification, toxicity testing and chemical analysis. Histopathological examination did not implicate any disease condition. No gross or microscopic lesions were diagnostic in the tissues examined. Chemical analysis of tuber and green seed from water hemlock revealed levels of cicutoxin and cicutol equal to or higher than archive samples from highly toxic tubers. The green seed contained 0.01, 9.5 and 22.5 times more cicutoxin, cicutol-1 and cicutol-2, respectively, when compared to the highly toxic archive sample. Chemical analysis of the tubers from ingested plants contained 4.6, 9.8 and 18.8 times more cicutoxin, cicutol-1 and cicutol-2, respectively. Oral dosing to mice of crude water extracts from both tubers and seeds from plants collected immediately upstream from the area resulted in toxicity and death in mice.
Toxicity, pathophysiology and pathology in sheep following dosing of the nephrotoxic plant Nolletia gariepina (DC) Mattf.
Authors: Botha C. J. , Meintjes R. A. , Prozesky L.
Published: November 2017

Nolletia gariepina was collected on a farm in the Kuruman district, Northern Cape, South Africa. Nine mutton Merino wethers were fasted for 24 h and then dosed with dried, milled N. gariepina plant material (1.5-3g/kg body weight) by stomach tube. The animals were monitored daily and blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Urine samples were also examined by conventional analysis. Four of the seven sheep dosed with 3 g/kg N. gariepina plant material died acutely within 24 h. Two sheep that received 3 g/kg N. gariepina plant material survived for longer periods, but were depressed, anorexic and had weak rumen movements and tachycardia. Administration of 1.5 g/kg N. gariepina plant material did not elicit any clinical effects. The most noticeable aberrations in blood chemistry were the remarkable increases in serum urea and creatinine concentrations in sheep that survived for 24 h or longer. A moderate increase in AST activity occurred in some sheep. There was no noticeable increase in GGT activity. Severe nephrosis characterized by degeneration and necrosis of the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) was present in all animals.
Nephrotoxicity of Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum).
Authors: Hall J. O.
Published: November 2017

This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of Easter lily to a cat, rats and rabbits administered or fed Easter lily leaves. It was shown that the cat vomited >95% of the administered Easter lily leaves. The cat also showed profuse salivation, polyuria, altered serum biochemical and haematological values and kidney lesions. No clinicopathological or histopathological changes were observed in the rats and rabbits. The clinicopathological, histopathological, treatment and outcome of Easter lily poisoning in cats as recorded by the National Animal Poison Control Centre (NAPCC) in the USA are also described. The results indicate that Easter lily is uniquely nephrotoxic to cats.
A preliminary investigation on changes in esophageal diameter and function of sheep recovering from vermeersiekte.
Authors: Snyman L. D. , Olivier-Carstens A. , Schultz R. A. , Labuschagne L.
Published: November 2017

In this study, vermeersiekte was induced feeding Geigeria ornativa to 3 sheep for 26 days, 42 days and 6 months, respectively, after which they had no further access to the plant. The oesophageal diameter index and oesophageal function were examined periodically in all animals. It was shown that withdrawal from G. ornativa resulted in a decrease in the oesophageal diameter index over a period of ∼200 days to values approaching normal, indicating a slow anatomical recovery of the oesophagus. The oesophageal function of the sheep fed G. ornativa for 26 days was only moderately affected and returned to normal between 345 and 562 days after withdrawal from feeding. The sheep fed the plant for 42 days improved from severely to moderately affected between 56 and 159 days after withdrawal, but did not show further improvement until day 610 when the last measurement was performed. The sheep fed the plant for 6 months was extremely affected. Its condition improved to severely affected after day 98 after withdrawal and then remained unchanged until day 1070, the last day on which oesophageal function was determined. In conclusion, the slow and incomplete recovery of oesophageal diameter and function over there extended periods may result in reduced feed intake and production in sheep fed G. ornativa.
Effect of Senna occidentalis seeds in broiler chickens: a preliminary immunotoxicologic study.
Authors: Hueza I. M. , Latorre A. O. , Mariano-Souza D. P. , Raspantini L. E. R. , Maiorka P. C. , Górniak S. L.
Published: November 2017

Sixty day-old broiler chicks were divided into 4 groups which were fed rations containing 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% S. occidentalis (So) seeds for 28 days. An additional 32 birds were also divided into 4 groups and fed the same levels of So for 35 days. These birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease at 14 days of age. Lymphoid organs were collected for histological analysis and macrophage activity and phagocytosis were evaluated. It was shown that the spreading and phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages were not affected by So at any level compared to the control group. However, So treatment for 28 days increased hydrogen peroxide release by peritoneal macrophages in the 0.75% So group. The weight of the bursa fabricii was also significantly reduced in this group at 28 and 35 days of treatment. No significant differences were observed in the thymus gland and spleen between treatment and control groups. Histological examination of the bursa fabricii in the 0.75% SO group also showed reduced follicular areas and depleted cellular areas with the presence of peritoneal macrophages within these follicular areas.
Chronic canine aflatoxin and management of an epidemic.
Authors: Garland T. , Reagor J. C.
Published: November 2017

This article describes an outbreak of acute hepatic failure and death among otherwise healthy dogs in Texas. Dog food from 2 early cases contained about 150 ppb aflatoxin. Investigations revealed that all of the initially unexplained deaths occurred in dogs consuming food made by the same manufacturer. The dog food formulations were prepared on 1 day in either July or August at a particular plant. Immediately following the diagnosis, the dog food manufacturer made a complete recall for all dog food made from mid-July through August at the plant where the aflatoxin B1-tainted food originated. The manufacturer also hired a veterinary toxicologist to come and educate them, assess the magnitude of the calls, and assist in formulating a plan to handle the situation. In addition, the company hired local veterinarians to assist with customer calls. These methods among others allowed the food-related outbreak to be contained in a timely fashion.
Evaluation of the possible immunomodulatory effects of Ipomoea carnea.
Authors: Latorre A. O. , Hueza I. M. , Haraguchi M. , Górniak S. L.
Published: November 2017

A study was undertaken to investigate, in Swiss outbreed mice, the possible effect of the indolizidine swainsonine (SW, isolated from I. carnea) on lymphoid tissues and to observe the immunomodulatory effects of SW and/or the aqueous fraction (AF) of I. carnea on peritoneal macrophage activity (e.g. macrophage spreading, phagocytosis, and hydrogen peroxide release). The peritoneal macrophages of mice treated with AF did not show any differences in their activity. Similarly, no statistical differences were observed in both cellularity and relative weight of lymphoid tissues when the treated animals were compared to the controls. The histopathology revealed the presence of vacuolar lesions on pancreas, liver and kidneys of mice treated with 7.0 g AF/kg. SW did not significantly affect phagocytosis. Conversely, an enhancement of both spreading activity and phorbol myristate-acetate solution-induced H2O2 production of peritoneal macrophages in mice treated with SW was observed. No statistical differences observed in lymphoid weight and cellularity of mice from all groups.
Structural and functional changes in organs and cells of the immune system in Solanum glaucophyllum-intoxicated heifers.
Authors: Fontana P. A. , Gimeno E. J. , Laguens G. , Barbeito C. G. , Girolamo W. de , Costa E. F. , Coronato S. , Portiansky E. L.
Published: November 2017

In this study, heifers were dosed with 25 g/kg powdered S. glaucophyllum (Sg) leaves in water for 15, 30 and 60 days. One group was dosed for 15 days and sacrificed at 60 days (recovery group). Control animals received only tap water and were sacrificed at 0 and 60 days of treatment. Signs of enzootic calcinosis (EC) were evaluated weekly. Peritoneal fluid containing macrophages, spleen, thymus and lymph node samples were also evaluated for changes in morphology and function. It was shown that the phagocytic activity of the peritoneal macrophages progressively decreased with time in the intoxicated animals. The lymph nodes and thymus showed signs of hypertrophy and atrophy in affected cattle, while no particular changes were observed in the spleen. The area of lectin histochemical staining in these organs also decreased with time in intoxicated cattle. The number and size of dendritic cells in the lymph nodes also decreased. These results show the negative effects of EC on the immune system of cattle.
Implications of linking herbivore experience, varied diets, and plant biochemical diversity for affecting ingestion of plants with toxins by herbivores.
Authors: Provenza F. D.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the relationships between feeding behaviour of herbivores and how they cope with intoxication by poisonous plants by selecting diets that minimize toxicity. The implications of these concepts in livestock grazing management are also described.
Fungal endophytes of locoweed: an overview.
Authors: Creamer R. , McLain-Romero J. , Oldrup E.
Published: November 2017

This chapter provides an overview of locoweed (such as Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.) fungal endophytes. The production of swainsonine (a polyhydroxy-alkaloid causing locoism symptoms), the genetics of these fungal endophytes (particularly that of Embellisia) and the environmental effects on the endophyte/locoweed system, are briefly discussed.
Effect of fungicide on swainsonine production in white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea).
Authors: Barillas J. R. V. , Child R. D. , Ralphs M. H.
Published: November 2017

A study was conducted at the Plant Growth Facilities at the Colorado State University from October 2003 to September 2004 to determine the effects of fungicide on swainsonine production in white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) plants. One batch of seeds was treated with 1.5 g thiophanate-ethyl [thiophanate]/litre and a second batch remained untreated. Twelve plants grown from fungicide-treated seeds and 12 plants grown from fungicide-untreated seeds received a foliar fungicide application. The other 12 plants grown from fungicide-treated seeds and 12 plants grown from fungicide-untreated seeds remained untreated. Fungicide treatments affected plant growth and reduced, but did not eliminate, the swainsonine content in white locoweed. Leaf biomass differed between treatments. Plants that received seed and seed/foliar fungicide had lower biomass than the control and the foliar-treated plants. The control plants and those treated with foliar fungicide application had greater swainsonine content than the plants that received seed and seed/foliar fungicide application. Plants that received seed fungicide had the lowest concentrations of swainsonine compared to the fungicide-untreated controls.
Locoweed research in Northeastern New Mexico.
Authors: Graham D.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the advances in locoweed research conducted in northeastern New Mexico, USA. An overview of the findings on this poisonous plant affecting the field of animal raising and management, the biology and control strategies for locoweeds (especially Astragalus mollissimus and Oxytropis sericea), their effects on toxicology, animal health and grazing management, are also provided.
Herbicidal control of locoweed.
Authors: McDaniel K. , Sterling T. , Ivey S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on the locoweed problem particularly for livestock producers, by briefly discussing the characteristics of these poisonous plants (which include Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.), and the previous findings on locoweed control in literature. Specific sections on locoweed management by using herbicides, some guidelines for spraying, the longevity of locoweed control with herbicide treatments, and alternative solutions to herbicide spraying (e.g. denying cattle access to locoweed and creating locoweed-free pastures for critical times), are also provided.