bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Monensin on fattening performance of Sarabi male calves
Authors: Karkoodi K. , Zahedifar M. , Mirhadi S. A. , Mirghaffari S. S.
Published: June 2019

Shortage of feed is the main constraint in livestock industry in Iran. High feed cost encourages the farmers to look for cheaper feeds or somehow reduce the feed conversion ratio in the farms. One of methods which may increase the feed efficiency is using of ionophores in feedlots. Monensin is a polyether ionophore produced by a strain ofStreptomyces cinnamonensisthat improves energetic efficiency of ruminal fermentation (Haney and Hoehn, 1967). There are limited studies to assess the effects of ionophores at farm conditions in Iran. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of monensin on fattening performance of Sarabi male calves. The monensin used in this experiment was supplied by Elanco Company.
Biplot analysis to describe the relationships between plant and microbial fatty acids in ingested herbage
Authors: Kim E. J. , Sanderson R. , Dhanoa M. S. , Dewhurst R. J.
Published: June 2019

The Dacron bag technique has been widely used to estimate degradation in the rumen. The drawbacks, such as variation in rinsing losses and inability to correct for microbial contamination, are well known. However, these effects also suggest the potential to use the technique in studies of microbial colonisation. Other studies in our laboratory have investigated the use of odd-chain fatty acids (C15:0 and C17:0) as markers of rumen microbial activity (Fievez et al, 2003) because they are generally rare or absent from feeds. The objective of this work was to use multivariate statistical analysis to explore the relationships between plant and microbial fatty acids in ingested herbage.
Effect of altering the protein intake of spring-born calves on calf performance
Authors: Wicks H. C. F. , Fallon R. J. , Twigge J. , Dawson L. E. R.
Published: June 2019

Results of a recent study (Wicks et al. 2005) indicate that increasing the protein content of the milk replacer fed to autumn-born Holstein-Friesian calves reduced growth rates in the first 8 weeks of life. Van Amburgh et al., (2001) previously suggested that increasing both milk replacer intake and protein content maximised the growth of calves during this early phase of life. An experiment was undertaken to investigate the influence of level of milk replacer and crude protein content on calf performance during the first 8 weeks of life of spring-born calves.
The study of replacing maize silage with triticale or barley whole crop silage on feeding the lactating cows
Authors: Vatandoost M. , Danesh Mesgaran M. , Valizadeh R. , Nasirimoghaddam H.
Published: June 2019

Grass and forage maize are the most important fodder crops for feeding dairy cows. However, on drought prone sandy soils, and in years with insufficient rainfall the yield of maize is very low (7 to 8 tons DM/ha). In situations where water is a limiting factor for growing maize, triticale and barley may be an alternative fodder crop. Triticale grows mainly during the early spring when there usually is a precipitation surplus and so, water is not a limiting factor for growth. When triticale is harvested as triticale whole crop silage the DM yield ranges between 9 and 11 ton of dry matter per hectare. Therefore, under water limiting conditions it may be attractive to replace forage maize by triticale and barley whole crop silage. The objective of this study is to find the effects of replacing maize and barley silage by triticale whole crop silage on feed intake and milk production of lactating Holstein cows.
Plasma methionine and lysine concentrations of early lactating Holstein cows fed diet containing raw or roasted Iranian soybean variety
Authors: Tabatabai F. , Nasri M. H. Fathi , Mesgaran M. Danesh
Published: June 2019

Whole soybean has 19 percent ether extract and 42 percent CP and is used as a high energy-protein supplement for early lactation dairy cows, but the protein is highly degradable, so small amounts of amino acids can reach the small intestine to meet high amino acid requirements in early lactation. Therefore, various chemical and physical treatments have been suggested to decrease ruminal protein degradability. The practical use and application of any one method to lower ruminal feed degradability is dependent not only on its efficacy but also on its cost effectiveness, safety and ease of application. For these reasons, heat treatment is the most commonly used physical method. Energy expenditure and fixed costs are lower for roasting than for oven treatment, thereby warranting further research on this type of heat treatment (Plegge et al., 1985). The purpose of this study was to determine how roasting of soybeans affect Met and Lys plasma levels (as the first limiting amino acids in milk yield) in early lactation cows.
Effect of a yeast culture (Yea-Sacc1026) on the performance of cereal fed beef cattle
Authors: Marsh S. P. , Kneale C. M. , Wilde D.
Published: June 2019

The introduction of the Single Farm Payment support system sees a change from headage to area payments. The removal of the Beef Special Premium for steers is likely to see a move towards either 12-15 month intensive finishing systems or low input extensive grass based 24-30 month finishing systems. Late maturing breed type cattle reared on the latter system may however require a 2-3 month intensive finishing period to achieve adequate fat cover. With falling cereal prices there is increased interest in their use in beef cattle rations. Antibiotic based feed additives e.g., monensin sodium, have been successfully used for over 40 years to manipulate microbial activity and improve beef cattle performance. The use of monensin sodium will be banned from January 2006 and there is therefore a requirement to find alternative ‘natural’ products that can improve the efficiency of beef production with intensive cereal based rations. Yeast cultures are composed of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) and the medium on which it was grown. These products are dried in a manner which preserves the fermenting activity of the yeast. It is suggested that production responses associated with the use of live yeast culture supplements in ruminants may be related to their stimulatory effects on specific groups of micro-organisms in the rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding a live yeast culture (Yea-Sacc1026) on the performance of cereal fed beef cattle.
Biohydrogenation of linoleic acid and production of conjugated linoleic acids by fractions prepared from bovine rumen fluid
Authors: Dorel A. , Scollan N. D. , Lee M. R. F. , Yáñez Ruiz D. R. , Newbold C.J.
Published: June 2019

Dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) offer significant health benefits for man, and ruminant products are the major dietary sources (Bauman et al., 2001). The synthesis of CLA in the ruminant animal occurs either directly in the rumen or in the tissue from trans -vaccenic acid (TVA), formed primarily as intermediate products of ruminal biohydrogenation of linoleic acid (C18:2) to stearic acid (C18:0). Within the rumen, the pattern of biohydrogenation and the products formed appear to differ between the particle rich and the liquid fractions of the rumen (Singh and Hawke, 1979), with biohydrogenation occurring primarily on small particles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pattern of CLA and TVA formation differs in these fractions.
Effects of thermally activated natural zeolite on faecal consistency score and performance of Holstein calves from birth to 6-month of ages
Authors: Sadeghi A. A. , Nikkhah A. , Shawrang P.
Published: June 2019

Natural Zeolite are characterized by framework of linked tetra hydration enclosing open cavities in the form of channels, and cages which are commonly occupied by water molecules and cations (Tomlinson, 1998). Various applications of natural and synthetic zeolites in animal nutrition, and in other uses to cope with environmental problems are widely known (Sadeghi et al., 2004; Nikkhah and Sadeghi, 2004; Tomlinson, 1998). Heat processing changes the structure of this clay and makes it as a material with Cation Exchange and adsorption properties. To our knowledge, little information is available concerning the effect of thermally activated natural zeolite on plasma IgG1 concentration, and performance of Holstein calves from birth to 6-month ages. This study was conducted to determine the effect of T-zeolite on faecal score and performance of Holstein calves from birth to 6-month ages.
The influence of dietary cation-anion difference on urine pH, feed intake and calcium and phosphor homeostasis in Holstein heifers
Authors: Mohammadabadi T. , Mesgaran M. Danesh , Moghaddam H. Nasiri , Chaji M.
Published: June 2019

In nutrition of dry cows use diets with low dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) for preventing milk fever. Therefore, anionic salts are used for reduce DCAD of diet that are caused subacute metabolic acidosis and following stimulation of PTH and 1, 25(OH2) D3 and result to calcium reabsorbing from gut and its transition from bone, so calcium concentration of blood is increased. Anionic salts caused increase calcium excretion of urine and decreasing pH. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of diets with different DCAD on physiological characteristics of Holstein heifers.
Hoof measurements and their relationship to lameness in first lactation heifers
Authors: Winkler B. , Margerison J.K.
Published: June 2019

A significantly greater percentage of lesions on the claws of the outer hind foot has been recorded and this has been linked to the foot and leg conformation of the cow. Claw measurements were compared to survival rates and locomotion scores (Boelling and Pollot, 1998), but few experiments looked at changes during the lactation period (Offer et al., 2000) in heifers housed in straw yards and compared them to changes in lesion scores. The aim of this experiment was to compare measurements of the front and hind claws to the incidence of lameness and the formation of lesions in the sole horn during the pre- and postpartum period in first lactation heifers housed in straw yards.
The effect of thermally activated natural zeolite on colostral IgGl, IgM and Aga absorption in newborn Holstein calves
Authors: Sadeghi A. A. , Nikkhah A. , Shawrang P.
Published: June 2019

Neonatal calves are born with no immunoglobulins (Igs) in the blood stream and rely on Ig from colostrum through passive immunity transfer. Unfortunately, transfer of passive immunity to neonatal calves is too often inadequate, resulting in excessive rates of morbidity and mortality. Natural zeolite is characterized by framework of linked tetra hydration enclosing open cavities in the form of channels, and cages with ion exchanger and adsorption capacity. In literature, there were reported that thermally activated natural zeolite (T-zeolite) could increase colostral IgG absorption and decrease susceptibility of neonates to infections (Sadeghi et al., 2004; Stojic et al., 1995). To our knowledge, little information is available concerning the effect of thermally activated natural zeolite on colostral IgG1, IgM and IgA absorption in neonates. Our experiment was designed to investigate the effect of thermally activated natural zeolite on colostral IgG1, IgM and IgA absorption in newborn Holstein calves.
Development of a low technology in vitro procedure using faecal liquor for the estimation of digestibility of feedstuffs for horses
Authors: Duffy C.L. , Buckler K. , Smolders E.A.A. , Hindle V.A. , Omed H.M.
Published: June 2019

Currently, there is no specific in vitro technique for the estimation of digestibility of feedstuffs for horses. The most common technique used is based on the two stage method of Tilley and Terry (1963). As this technique aims to simulate the digestive processes of a ruminant, its suitability for application to the monogastric equines needs to be considered. This was one objective of the current study. The other objective was to develop a low tech faecal liquor procedure based on Omed et al. (1989) method to obviate the need for fistulated animals.
Bioassay for measuring tannin effects based on gas production technique. 1. Binding compounds
Authors: Bueno I.C.S. , Godoy P.B. , Filho S.L.S. Cabral , Dias R.S. , Longo C. , Minho A.P. , Vitti D.M.S.S. , Louvandini H. , Abdalla A.L.
Published: June 2019

Anti nutritional factors in tropical legumes are very common and the chemical analysis for tannins has become an important tool to evaluate alternative ruminant feeds in the tropics. However, frequently results from tannin chemical analysis are not in agreement with biological response when animals are fed those feeds. There is a lack of information concerning the biological effects (activity or reactivity) of tannins on ruminants. Usually the effects of tannins are tested in vitro by adding compounds with capacity of biding tannins. The aim of this work was to compare two binding compounds to evaluate the effect of tannins of tanniniferous feeds for ruminants.
Bioassay for measuring tannin effects based on gas production technique. 2. Dosage of polyethylene glycol
Authors: Bueno I.C.S. , Filho S.L.S. Cabral , Nozella E.F. , Peçanha M.R.S.R. , Minho A.P. , Vitti D.M.S.S. , Abdalla A.L. , Louvandini H.
Published: June 2019

Tannins are secondary compounds that can bind protein and other nutrients and reduce their availability to the animals. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has a great affinity with tannins and when it is added to the feed it is bound to tannins and releases the protein and other nutrients. There is no information about the amount of PEG that is needed to obtain the maximum precipitation of tannin and the minimum tannin effect. Some assays are conduced using doses of PEG according to the tannin content, but the activity of tannins can vary and this imply that the tannin analysis has to be done prior. The aim of this work was to evaluate doses of polyethylene glycol to minimize the effect of tannins on rumen fermentation.
Tannin bioassay using semi-automated gas production technique
Authors: Nozella E.F. , Filho S.L.S. Cabral , Bueno I.C.S. , Godoy P.B. , Longo C. , Abdalla A.L. , Vitti D.M.S.S.
Published: June 2019

Brazil has arid regions where livestock production is limited by forage source. However, some native herbaceous browses have a dry tolerance and had been used as animal feed. Some of those plants have anti nutritional compounds such as tannins that can interfere on intake and digestibility. Tannins have a high affinity to proteins and could make these molecules unavailable for animal. Compounds as polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used on tannin studies, because it has more affinity with tannins than proteins. Based on that, it is possible to evaluate the nutritive potential of tanniniferous plants, using PEG in gas based techniques for assessing anti nutritional factors in tanniniferous plants for ruminants. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of different treatments (oven-, shade- and sun-drying and treatment with urea) on phenolics compounds and on the biological activity of tannins using the in vitro gas method with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Determination apparent digestibility pomegranate seed using in vivo method
Authors: Feizi R. , Ghodratnama A. , Zahedifar M. , Mesgaran M. Danesh , Raisianzadeh M.
Published: June 2019

Pomegranate by-products (peel and seed) contain about 40-45 percent of the fruit’s weight, but little information is available on their nutritive value. Chemical analysis of the pomegranate seed (PS) show that it contains average of 10-12 percent of crude protein. PS also contain a little amount of tannin (about 2.7 percent). Since feed accounts for 75-85% of the total costs of meet production and the use of them in feeding ruminant may decrease the cost of feeding. The objective of this experiment was also to determine nutrients digestibility of PS.
The degradation of Rhinanthus minor (yellow rattle) in vitro
Authors: Morgan R. , Westbury D.B. , Kliem K. E. , Hervás G. , F. L. Mould
Published: June 2019

Rhinanthus minor is a facultative hemiparasitic plant of the Scrophulariaceae family native to the British Isles. It is typically found in meadows associated with a high floristic diversity, but it can also be found in pasture, where it is susceptible to heavy grazing. Containing the iridoid glycoside rhinanthin (C29H52O20), R. minor is strongly suspected of being poisonous, but it is not clear how harmful this is to livestock (Long 1924). Through parasitism, particularly of the grasses, R. minor is also associated with a loss of grazing. Consequently, the presence of R. minor in a sward is often viewed negatively. However, through reductions in productivity of grasses, R. minor may have a role in the restoration of species-rich grasslands. As a result, the probability of cattle consuming R. minor might be expected to increase. This paper aims to evaluate the degradation of R. minor and discusses the implications of R. minor inclusion in the diet.
Persistency of the effect ofLactuca sativaandUrtica dioicaonin vitroacidosis
Authors: Kliem K. E. , Morgan R. , Mould F. L.
Published: June 2019

As part of the EU Framework 5 project “Rumen-Up”, plants were screened for their effect on thein vitrofermentation medium pH. Common lettuce(Lactuca sativa)and stinging nettle(Urtica dioica)were identified as having a positive effect, maintaining a higher pH when fermented with wheat over 48 hours. It was considered that the rumen microflora may adapt to the inclusion of either plant in the diet, leading to negation of the effect, and therefore reducing the opportunities for use as a supplement to prevent acidosis. This study was designed to investigate the persistency of the anti-acidosis effect using the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC), together with batchin vitrofermentation using inoculum harvested from RUSITEC.
Could social and economic side-effects undermine nature conservation? - An investigation into the socio-economic impact of conservation grazing regimes in Cumbria
Authors: Soane I. D.
Published: June 2019

English Nature has negotiated substantial stocking reductions (up to 60%) on a number of upland Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cumbria with the objective of restoring their vegetation quality. Because concerns were raised about possible socio-economic effects of these conservation regimes English Nature asked stakeholders to set out their concerns. Consultants were then requested to review and assess these for English Nature action. This paper summarises specific aspects of the conclusions of this research and the conclusions of a workshop to whom the report was presented.
Stocking levels in lowland grasslands managed for wildlife conservation
Authors: Kirkham F. W. , Mole A. M. , Gardner S. M.
Published: June 2019

Appropriate grazing management is essential to help maintain the wildlife conservation and biodiversity value of most semi-natural grasslands. Stocking requirements are influenced both by the specific sward requirements of the site and by factors such as climate, location, topography and soil wetness. A study, funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Environment and Heritage Service for Northern Ireland, aimed to provide conservation site managers and agri-environment project officers with updated guidance on stocking levels. Current grazing prescriptions from all UK agri-environment schemes were also reviewed.
Developments in genetic evaluation: from test days to genomics
Authors: Meuwissen T. H. E.
Published: June 2019

Genetic evaluations have come a long way during the past decades, where the development and implementation of Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) was undoubtedly the most notable achievement. The most important advances during the past 10 years were probably the direct use of test-day data in the BLUP model, ie. test-day models, the correction for heterogeneous within herd variances, multiple across country genetic evaluations (MACE), and the inclusion of more and more functional, and often difficult, traits in the evaluations. This paper will review the developments in test-day models, and the future of the genetic evaluations field, namely the inclusion of genomic information in the evaluations.
Genetics of pig health and immunity
Authors: Napel J. ten
Published: June 2019

Infectious diseases have great impact on the margin per pig sold and the animal’s welfare. The common veterinary approach to illness is to deal with the pathogen and ideally eliminate the pathogen from the herd. This approach reduces the probability of an outbreak, but increases the consequences of an outbreak, should it occur. A complicating matter is that an increasing number of parasites and pathogens have become resistant to antibiotics or anthelmintics. The objective of this paper is to draw attention to the pig’s ability to deal effectively with pathogens after natural exposure, with particular emphasis on genetic improvement. The terms used in this paper are defined as in Knap and Bishop (2000).
Livestock production post CAP reform: Implications for the environment
Authors: Oglethorpe D. R.
Published: June 2019

We now live in a Decoupled world. The direct support measures paid to farmers as part of the CAP Pillar 1 agricultural support, which paid them according to the number of livestock held or areas of crops grown, have been replaced by a Single Farm Payment (SFP). In the UK as a whole, these direct subsidy payments represented 77% of Total Income from Farming (TIFF) in 2004 and a large proportion of farmers would derive negative net farm incomes in the absence of them. In particular, livestock farmers appear to depend crucially on direct subsidies such as Suckler Cow Premium, Sheep Annual Premium and Beef Special Premium. The latest average position for LFA grazing livestock producers is that 188% of NFI is derived from subsidies and for lowland livestock producers the situation is even worse, at 259%. This suggests that if these subsidies were removed, Net farm Income would be negative and the business would be unsustainable.
On the Mortality of the Clergy
Authors: Stüssi Herr Heinrich
Published: June 2019

I have somewhere read that the experience of life assurance companies furnishes the only certain means of ascertaining the law of mortality, since by this means only is it possible to keep in view through a lengthened period and trace up to death, each of a selected number of persons. As far as the possibility is concerned, we may admit that the law of mortality of the members may be deduced in this manner by proper methods. It is important, however, to bear in mind that, in the case of assurances, we have to deal with selected lives; and the influence of this selection, though it may be disregarded in the later years of assurance, is of considerable importance in the earlier years, so that, unless special precautions be taken, the mortality of the general population cannot be correctly obtained. The mortality may be more nearly determined if an account be kept of the rejected proposals, as is done in England, and the deaths noted which happen among those cases. This, I certainly think, should be done universally, as it must be of practical use to the companies to know how far the rules by which they are guided in accepting or rejecting proposals are justified. No such account is kept, as far as I know, either in Germany or Austria. We may otherwise eliminate the influence of selection, by omitting from the calculation the earlier years of assurance, during which this influence is felt.
Grain Size and Provenance of Bahia la Choya Sediments
Authors: Sumpter Lawrence T.
Published: June 2019

A grain size analysis (including the carbonate fraction) was performed on sediment samples from each of the following environments of Bahia la Choya: tidal flat, spit, beach, and estero. The sediments of the tidal flat have an average grain size of 2.88 phi, range from very well sorted to moderately well sorted, and have a carbonate shell fraction ranging from 1 to 30%. The spit sediments have an average grain size of 0.96 phi, are moderately to poorly sorted, and have a carbonate shell fraction of approximately 50%. The beach sediments have an average grain size of 1.22 phi, range from poorly sorted to moderately well sorted, and have a carbonate shell fraction of approximately 48%. The sediments of the estero average 39% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. The carbonate fraction in the estero is approximately 25%. The noncarbonate fraction in all the environments is made up of feldspar, quartz, biotite, heavy minerals, and igneous rock fragments.

The major source for the sediment is the Pelican Point granite on the south side of the bay. Pleistocene rock in and around the bay provides a second source of sediment and volcanic rocks to the north may also contribute to the sediment.
Keys to the Shells of Bahia la Choya, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Beckvar Nancy , Norris Richard D. , Suter Sherman
Published: June 2019

These keys are intended for use on dead shell material found on the sand flat, spit and estero of Bahia la Choya. They describe one hundred seventy molluscan species, three irregular echinoids and an inarticulate brachiopod. The taxonomic list on which the keys are based was compiled from shell material collected mainly during February and March, 1985. An attempt was made to make the keys as complete as possible. However, due to seasonal variations in shell abundances, not all shell material found at Bahia la Choya may be included in the key. Additionally, not all taxa found in the Pleistocene rock exposed around the bay are described here.

The keys are based on morphological similarites, not phylogenetic relationships. Descriptive terminology has been kept to a minimum, and a glossary and labeled sketches are included for those technical terms which were employed. The reader is advised to become familiar with the anatomical parts of shells before embarking on an identification.

External shell morphology can be altered by physical and biological destruction. In particular, fragile shell structures may be broken off, and shell sculpturing may be worn down. The absence of these sometimes critical features may lead to an incorrect identification. Additionally, bleaching of shells can alter or destroy the original colors. Therefore, shell color is not necessarily diagnostic and is mainly used as an additional character in the description of the species.

Species are described only within the keys. When the species name has been reached, phrases within the couplet contain additional descriptive information and often some ecological information.
Variation in Shell Repair in

Cerithium stercusmuscarum

(Mollusca; Gastropoda), Bahia la Choya, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Schmidt Nancy
Published: June 2019

Examination of shell repair in the Recent gastropod species Cerithiumstercusmuscarum from several microhabitats within Bahia la Choya, Sonora, Mexico reveals significant intraspecific variation in shell repair frequencies. Samples include approximately 800 individual gastropods from four distinct localities: two rocky and two sandy intertidal habitats. Biometric measurements and the number of scars on the last whorl were used to statistically investigate the relationships between size, habitat and shell repair.

Shell repair frequencies vary significantly between the microhabitats examined, and this variation is not related to differences in size-frequency distributions between samples. There is no preference for either larger or smaller snails to be attacked in any sample.

Trends in gastropod shell repair frequency provide a method of examining predator-prey relationships through time. However, potential problems, including microhabitat-related intraspecific variation in repair frequency, exist in interpreting repair trends. The results of this study demonstrate that there is significant variation in shell repair frequency through space at any one point in time. Intraspecific variation could, therefore, blur any overall trend in shell repair frequency through time.
Population Structure of Live and Dead Gastropods from Bahia la Choya
Authors: Hartshorne Patricia M. , Gillespie William B. , Flessa Karl W.
Published: June 2019

Size-frequency distributions and size-survivorship curves were constructed for the following seven species of living gastropods from Bahia la Choya: Cerithideamazatlanica, Cerithideaalbonodosa, Cerithiumstercusmuscarum, Nassariusiodes, Nassariusbrunneostoma, Theodoxusluteofasciatus and Tegularugosa. Size-frequency distributions and size-survivorship curves of empty shells of Cerithideamazatlanica and Cerithiumstercusmuscarum were constructed to evaluate the effects of taphonomic processes on survivorship curves.

All size-survivorship curves are convex-up in shape: small size classes show low mortality and mortality increases with increasing size. Despite post-mortem processes, survivorship curves for empty shells mimic the shape of curves based on live individuals.
Biogenic and Physical Modes of Stratification and Shell Bed Formation in the Recent Intertidal Environments of Bahia la Choya, Northern Gulf of California
Authors: Meldahl Keith H.
Published: June 2019

Fossil concentrations such as shell beds are preferred collection sites for paleontological and paleoecological data. Although ample attention has been paid to the roles and implications of physical processes in shell bed formation, the role of biogenic sediment reworking in generating shell beds has received little study.

Subsurface shell beds in the Recent intertidal environment at Bahia la Choya form via three distinct processes: storm deposition, tidal channel migration, and biogenic reworking. Shell beds on the outer tidal flats are produced primarily by storm sedimentation. Lateral migration of the main tidal channel produces shell beds along the channel margins. Shell beds on the inner flats distant from the main tidal channel are generated by vertical “conveyorbelt” recycling of fine sediment by deposit feeders. Biogenic reworking concentrates shells at depth into subsurface shell beds, producing a distinct form of biogenic bedding, termed biogenic stratification.

These three modes of shell bed formation leave recognizable taphonomic and sedimentologic signatures. Biogenic stratification in particular has important implications for sedimentation rates, sediment reworking, and faunal condensation in ancient strata.
Taphonomy of Tidal Flat Molluscs in the Northern Gulf of California: Paleoenvironmental Analysis despite the Perils of Preservation
Authors: Fürsich Franz T. , Flessa Karl W.
Published: June 2019

Taphocoenoses can be powerful indicators of ancient environments, even in depositional settings in which rates of sedimentation are low and tidal currents are strong.

The rich subtropical mollusc fauna of the northern Gulf of California exhibits a distinct zonation across an extensive tidal flat at Bahia la Choya (Sonora, Mexico). The distribution of live faunas is largely controlled by substrate, energy level, availability of food, and period of submergence. Despite strong tidal currents and the effects of time-averaging, the distribution of taphocoenoses closely reflects the distribution of the live communities. Indeed, the zonation of individual species is often reflected in the distribution of their shelly remains.

The outer flat, middle flat, inner flat, tidal channel, and salt marsh subenvironments within the tidal flat complex can be defined by the taxonomic composition, trophic/life habit groups and taphonomic attributes of their taphocoenoses. Gastropods dominate on hard and firm substrates (rocky flats, channel and marsh) while bivalves prevail on sandy substrates. Herbivores are most common on rocky and shelly substrates; detritus feeders occur on the firm substrates of the inner flat and marsh; suspension-feeders predominate in sandy and rocky bottoms. Shell abrasion, encrustation and boring decrease landward.

We tested an integrated approach to paleoenvironmental analysis by examining a Pleistocene shell bed from Bahia la Choya. Taxonomic, ecologic and taphonomic criteria suggest deposition by a storm event in a very shallow subtidal to lowest intertidal environment.
Environmental Variation, Palynofloras, and Paleoecological Interpretation
Authors: Farley Martin B.
Published: June 2019

In this discussion, I wish to outline the basic methods of analyzing the paleoenvironmental occurrence of palynomorphs and how this occurrence can be used in paleoecologic interpretation. (Unless otherwise stated, environment as used in this discussion means sedimentary environment.) Palynomorphs have advantages and disadvantages relative to using megafloral remains for the same purpose. Advantages of palynomorphs include their occurrence in large numbers extractable from small volumes of sediment; the usefulness of these large populations for statistical analysis; their occurrence in strata lacking megafossils; and the occurrence of palynomorphs of plants whose preservation potential as megafossils is poor (e.g., fungi, herbaceous plants, algae). Disadvantages of palynomorphs include potential for long-distance transport and reworking; uncertain affinities of many palynomorphs; and bias against zoophilous plants or plants whose pollen contains little sporopollenin (e.g., Populus). Palynomorphs do provide a complementary view of the vegetation which can be of great value if properly used, and whose potential should not be ignored. The best possible analysis would combine megafloral and palynological data at the same level of resolution. Variation of palynology with depositional environment, furthermore, can provide information on individual evolution, community evolution, biostratigraphy, and local variability within depositional environments as well as paleoecology.
Community Evolution: Its Evolutionary and Biostratigraphic Significance
Authors: Boucot A.J.
Published: June 2019

Since the middle of the last century, with the publication of d'Orbigny's monumental synthesis (1849–52, 1850–52), it has been clear that the fossil record is divisible into a number of significant biostratigraphic units (his ”terrains” and ”etages”). It has also been clear that within each of these d'Orbigny-type units there are included a number of individual “biofacies,” the term used by the geologist, or “communities,” the term used by paleobiologists. I have referred (1983) to the major d'Orbigny biostratigraphic divisions as “ecologicevolutionary units,” because the term terrane is geologically preoccupied today, and the subdivision terms ”etage” and “stage” have different meanings.
The Relationship Between Global Diverisfication and Spatio-Temporal Transitions in Paleozoic Bivalvia
Authors: Miller Arnold I.
Published: June 2019

Over the past several years, a variety of macroevolutionary studies have focused on global diversification patterns exhibited by the earth's biota as a whole, as well as among constituent groups. One motivation for this increased attention is the recognition that analyses of temporal changes in global diversity can provide substantial insight into underlying macroevolutionary processes (e.g. Sepkoski, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1984; Sepkoski et al., 1981; Gould and Calloway, 1980; Carr and Kitchell, 1980; Kitchell and Carr, 1985; Miller and Sepkoski, 1988). Indeed, much about the dynamics of macroevolution has been elucidated through such investigations, but major diversity transitions in the history of life cannot be fully understood without consideration of the local, environmental/ecological contexts in which they took place. In other words, in the study of macroevolution, it is important to pay as much attention to the space dimension as has historically been paid to the time dimension. The utility of a spatio-temporal approach has been demonstrated in a series of studies conducted by Sepkoski and Sheehan (1983), Sepkoski and Miller (1985), Jablonski and Bottjer (1983), Bottjer and Jablonski (in press), Droser and Bottjer (1988), Bottjer et al. (1988), and Miller (1988, in press). Collectively, these investigations have suggested that major changes in the global diversities of several groups were accompanied by measurable paleoenvironmental shifts.
Stability of Recent Unionid (Mollusca: Bivalvia) Communities Over the Past 6000 Years
Authors: Bogan Arthur E.
Published: June 2019

Historically, the greatest freshwater bivalve species diversity in the world was in the Tennessee, Cumberland and Alabama River systems. The Tennessee River System had 94 and the Cumberland River System had 85 taxa reported (Starnes and Bogan, 1988). Ortmann (1918, 1924, 1925, 1926), Wilson and Clark (1914), Neel and Allen (1964), van der Schalie (1939, 1973) and van der Schalie and van der Schalie (1950) documented this diverse fauna. However, even in the early days of this century these authors noted the decline in the mussel populations and the loss of species from certain rivers (e.g. Ortmann, 1909a, 1918).
Assessing Change in Biogenic Structures is Essential for Understanding Long-Term Community Development
Authors: Byers Charles W. , Miller Molly F.
Published: June 2019

In the fossil record of the Paleozoic, epifauna are typically shelly, whereas infauna are typically soft-bodied; the two groups have tended to be studied in isolation from one another, and commonly by different specialists. We believe that the understanding of patterns of distribution and evolution of epifauna cannot proceed in the absence of data on infauna. Over the past decade, several workers have attempted to combine information about the two groups into models of community evolution.
Biological Taphonomy and Gastropod Temporal Dynamics
Authors: Walker Sally E.
Published: June 2019

Empty molluscan shells retain paleoecological and taphonomic information that may be temporally complex (e.g., successive layers of encrusting organisms) to less complex (e.g., drill holes produced by predatory gastropods at one point in time). Yet, at all levels of complexity, unraveling the ancient “transcripts” requires not only a hopeful paleontologist but also knowledge of the various temporal roles molluscan shells play in community structure.
Fossil Invertebrate and Microfossil Collections: Kinds, Uses, Users
Authors: Hughes Nigel C. , Collier Frederick J. , Kluessendorf Joanne , Lipps Jere H. , Taylor Wendy L. , White Russell D.
Published: June 2019

INVERTEBRATE and micro-fossil collections vary in size, scope, degree of documentation, quality of curation, purpose, usage, and security. This chapter introduces the main categories of fossil collections and curatorial attention, and documents the sources and uses of invertebrate paleontological materials. The term ‘permanent collection’ is used to describe collections housed in professional collections-care institutions that provide long-term commitment to collection security and curation. Invertebrate fossils include the hardparts (spicules, shells, etc., other body fossils [e.g., impressions, casts, and molds]), tracks, trails, and burrows attributed to invertebrates, and organic molecules. Microfossils, included here for convenience only, include the same kinds of remains of prokaryotes, protists, and tiny invertebrates. This book is the product of an National Science Foundation funded workshop organized to address specific concerns about curatorial practices in invertebrate paleontology. For this reason the focus of this chapter is on invertebrate fossils. Nevertheless, the concepts and uses of collections described below apply directly to paleobotanic specimens, and to most vertebrate fossils.
Institutional and Individual Orphaned Collections
Authors: Golden Julia
Published: June 2019

“ORPHAN” IS AN incongruous word to apply to something dead for millions of years. But there is no better term to describe the state of an invertebrate paleontology collection whose guardian can no longer care for it. The numbers of specimens in invertebrate fossil collections do not set them apart from other natural history collections; however, add weight and volume, and it is obvious why adopting these orphans pose special problems. The workshop coordinators divided the discussion of orphaned collections into those held by industry and governmental agencies (see Allmon, Chapter 4, this volume) and those housed by institutions and individuals addressed here. Topics discussed at this session of the workshop included: the definitions of orphaned and endangered collections, why collections become orphans, which collections are most vulnerable, and what, if anything, can be done to prevent orphaned collections in the future. I have attempted to present an objective report of the discussions and proposed suggestions, but my bias as curator of a collection housed within an academic department may have crept in.
Balancing Resources and Collections Needs: II. Deaccessioning and Disposal of Fossil Invertebrates and Microfossils
Authors: Demouthe Jean , Merritt Elizabeth , Lidgard Scott
Published: June 2019

AS RECENTLY as thirty years ago, deaccessioning was a dirty word in museums. It was considered an abrogation of an institution's fundamental responsibility to care of its collections in the public trust. Miller (1985) has chronicled some of the public controversy that attended deaccessioning in the early 1970's. However, in the intervening time, museums' approach to deaccessioning has changed as they grapple with burgeoning collections, decreasing funding bases, pressure to narrow and focus their missions, and rising standards of care. Now deaccessioning is regarded by the majority as a necessary and appropriate tool in collections management, albeit one that operates within strict ethical and legal constraints.

A museum's collections policy should address criteria for deaccessioning, levels of approval needed, methods of disposition, use of funds resulting from sales, and records keeping. In addition, staff must develop procedures for identifying material for deaccessioning. In the following sections we review the currently accepted standards in the museum field for these areas, as well as discussing how some of these issues apply particularly to paleontological collections. It may be appropriate for paleontology departments to develop guidelines and procedures that further refine the museum's overall collections policy to fit the needs of their collections and the conventions of their field.
A Data Model for Invertebrate Paleontological Collections Information
Authors: Morris Paul J.
Published: June 2019

PALEONTOLOGICAL data are complex. They involve a wide variety of different classes of information relating physical objects, such as type specimens to all manner of different things including collecting localities, systematic concepts such as a genus, and published statements about stratigraphic or systematic placement. This data model has been designed to describe the structure of information used in invertebrate paleontological museum collections (Appendix IX).

The heart of the data model is the concept of Collections Objects. Collections objects are fossils and other such things that make up the material of invertebrate paleontological museum collections. Collections management involves essentially tracking collections objects and maintaining the data that is associated with collections objects. The key data associated with collections objects are their provenance (where and when they came from) and added value data such as what names, if any, have been applied to them, or what publications they have been illustrated in.

A data model is a formal description of some set of information. It consists of a picture of the main concepts involved (the Entity-Relationship diagram) and a set of formal written documentation that defines these concepts and their relationships with each other. For an introduction to the concepts and symbols of data models see the references below, or good summaries provided in the ASC and PaleoBank models.
The Scientific Value of Natural History Museum Collections: The Concept of Completeness
Authors: Lieberman Bruce S. , Kaesler Roger L.
Published: June 2019

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS are one of the greatest resources available to paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. Through their exhibits, they have inspired generations of children to become paleontologists, and they also serve as a tremendous repository of realized and potential data. If invertebrate fossils can be thought of as individual data points, in the United States alone there are perhaps 100 million data points. Yet, in spite of this, museums, like other sources of data, have their shortcomings. What are these short comings, and how severe are they? Are they so severe as to obviate the scientific value of the collections of fossils held by natural history museums? It is this topic that we address herein.

There is a useful analogy between the debate about the usefulness of natural history museum collections and the debate about the completeness of the fossil record. Are natural history museums representative of the fossil record, and are they complete enough to be adequate for research? We intend to pursue the analogy between the fossil record and natural history museums as we develop our ideas about paleontological collections. Just as numerous studies have concluded that the fossil record, albeit incomplete, is adequate to answer a wide variety of scientific questions, so too shall we argue that the data preserved in natural history museums are complete enough and adequate to answer a wide variety of important research questions in paleontology.
From Memorization to Inspiration: Teaching Paleobiology in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Prothero Donald R.
Published: June 2019

For most of the twentieth century, paleontology instruction focused on memorization of taxa, morphology, and stratigraphic ranges. Consequently, paleontology got the reputation as a boring, stagnant, musty old field with this “idiographic” approach that focused on details at the expense of the broader implications. The “Paleobiology Revolution” of the 1960s and 1970s radically changed paleontological pedagogy. New generations of paleontologists who were weaned on the 1972 Raup and Stanley textbook (which had no systematic coverage of invertebrates) adopted a more dynamic, “law-like” or “nomothetic” approach. The emphasis on ideas, concepts, and controversies over memorization of names and dates makes paleontology far more interesting and relevant to geology majors, most of whom will not become paleontologists and will not need huge numbers of names to do their jobs. However, paleontology instructors still must include basic information about the major phyla of fossils or else the theoretical ideas lack any reference in reality. My own approach mixes both theoretical and systematic concepts, with lectures on major topics (taphonomy, ontogeny, population variation, speciation, micro and macroevolution, extinction, paleoecology, biogeography, functional morphology) alternating with lectures supplementing lab exercises.