bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zur Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit einer Calcipotriol‐haltigen Lösung (Psorcutan®‐Lösung) in der Behandlung der Psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Haustein U.‐F. , Zaumseil R.‐P.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Die Kopfhautpsoriasis stellt therapeutisch in besonderer Weise eine Herausforderung dar. Die Prädilektionsstellen reichen oftmals über den Befall der Kopfhaut hinaus bis auf Stirn, Ohren und Nacken und können sich auch bis zur empfindlichen Gesichtshaut ausweiten. Die Beeinträchtigung des Haarwuchses oder möglicherweise ein dauerhaft bestehender Haarausfall wird in neueren Untersuchungen bestätigt. Die Kopfhautpsoriasis gehört zu den Problemzonen, die in der Vergangenheit nur unbefriedigend zu behandeln waren. Die Besonderheiten des Kopfhautbefalls rücken die topische Therapie mit dem Vitamin‐D3‐Analogon Calcipotriol in das Interesse dermatologischer Untersuchungen. In vielen Studien wurden der Wirkungsmechanismus (proliferationshemmend, differenzierungsfördernd, immunmodulierend), die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit, auch im Vergleich mit anderen Substanzen, nachgewiesen und klinisch belegt. Seit April 1998 steht Calcipotriol in Deutschland auch in einer alkoholischen Lösung (50 µg Calcipotriol in 1 Milliliter Psorcutan®‐Lösung) zur Behandlung der Psoriasis auf der Kopfhaut zur Verfügung. Die Wirksamkeit und die Verträglichkeit der Zubereitung wurden bei 2215 Patienten in 445 dermatologischen Praxen untersucht. Dabei erwies sich Calcipotriol auch in alkoholischer Lösung als gut wirksam; die Verträglichkeit des Präparates wurde als sehr gut bewertet. In nur 6 Fällen (0,3 %) traten milde lokale Nebenwirkungen auf.
Growth, Development and Yield of Rice in Response to Cold Temperature
Authors: Jacobs B. C. , Pearson C. J.
Published: March 2003

The effects of duration of cold, varying from 1 to 15 days, at 15/10 °C day/night temperature, were examined at floral initiation and booting in three cultivars of rice which differed in sensitivity to cold. Cold durations of greater than 1 day reduced spikelet number (up to 41 %), spikelet fertility (up to 90 %), inflorescence branch number (up to 43 %) and total length of branches (up to 34 %) relative to controls. Cold reduced spikelet number more than fertility at floral initiation, whereas cold reduced fertility more at booting. Some processes of growth — inflorescence branching, spikelet development, and dry matter accumulation — were directly and irreversibly damaged by cold. On the other hand, apex elongation showed thermal retardation (defined as a reduction in growth rate during the period of cold, only to the extent predicted from reduced thermal time) but recovered after cold was relieved. The sensitivity of a particular physiological process to cold may be related to the ability of the rate of that process to recover from cold stress and the opportunity (after cold stress is removed) for the completion of growth before the end of a development phase.
Plant Recovery and Grain‐Yield Formation in Barley and Triticale Following Forage Removal at Two Cutting Stages
Authors: Royo C.
Published: March 2003

The effects of cutting stage on plant recovery and grain‐yield formation were analyzed in three barley and three spring triticale genotypes for two sowing dates and two sites in northeastern Spain. Harvesting treatments were (i) uncut or control, (ii) cut at the pseudostem erection stage, and (iii) cut at the first node detectable stage. Plant recovery after forage removal was affected by environmental conditions, sowing date, and plant stage at cutting. There were genotypic differences in the rate of recovery after cutting. The later the plant stage at cutting, the greater were the reductions in dry‐matter accumulation, leaf‐area expansion, leaf‐area duration after anthesis and grain‐yield components, and the increases in the inverse of leaf area ratio (1/LAR) and in grain:leaf ratio. In barley, photosynthesis after anthesis was the main source of assimilates for grain filling. Photosynthesis after anthesis, which was a greater contributor than reserve remobilization to grain filling in both uncut and cut at the pseudostem erection stage treatments in triticale, was reduced when the plants were subjected to the stress of forage removal at the first‐detectable‐node stage.
Studies on Sowing Depth for Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), Faba Bean(Vicia faba L.) and Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) in a Mediterranean‐type Environment of South‐western Australia
Authors: Siddique K. H. M. , Loss S. P.
Published: March 2003

Pulses such as chickpea, faba bean and lentil have hypogeal emergence and their cotyledons remain where the seed is sown, while only the shoot emerges from the soil surface. The effect of three sowing depths (2.5, 5 and 10 cm) on the growth and yield of these pulses was studied at three locations across three seasons in the cropping regions of south‐western Australia, with a Mediterranean‐type environment. There was no effect of sowing depth on crop phenology, nodulation or dry matter production for any species. Mean seed yields across sites ranged from 810 to 2073 kg ha−1 for chickpea, 817–3381 kg ha−1 for faba bean, and 1173–2024 kg ha−1 for lentil. In general, deep sowing did not reduce seed yields, and in some instances, seed yield was greater at the deeper sowings for chickpea and faba bean. We conclude that the optimum sowing depth for chickpea and faba bean is 5–8 cm, and for lentil 4–6 cm. Sowing at depth may also improve crop establishment where moisture from summer and autumn rainfall is stored in the subsoil below 5 cm, by reducing damage from herbicides applied immediately before or after sowing, and by improving the survival of Rhizobium inoculated on the seed due to more favourable soil conditions at depth.
Use of Canopy Temperature Measurements as a Screening Tool for Drought Tolerance in Spring Wheat
Authors: Rashid A. , Stark J. C. , Tanveer A. , Mustafa T.
Published: March 2003

Remotely sensed infrared canopy temperatures provide an efficient method for rapid, non‐destructive monitoring of whole‐plant response to water stress. Field studies were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to evaluate the potential for using canopy temperatures to screen for drought tolerance in wheat. In both years, 12 spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were grown under two irrigation levels (well‐watered and moisture‐stressed) imposed between tillering and anthesis with a line‐source sprinkler irrigation system. Canopy temperature measurements were taken in well‐watered and moisture‐stressed plots between 1330 and 1430 h (MDT) on five clear days in 1992 and seven clear days in 1993 during the late vegetative and early reproductive growth periods following closure of the plant canopy. Genotypes exhibited differences in mean canopy temperatures across the two irrigation levels and two years. Klasic consistently had the highest canopy temperature under moisture‐stressed conditions, while Bannock and Pondera had the lowest. Bannock, Yecora Rojo and Klasic had the warmest canopies under well‐watered conditions, while Vandal, Amidon and Rick had the coolest. Plot‐to‐plot variation in canopy temperature under water stress conditions was evident for differences in grain yield. Significant correlations between canopy temperature and yield under moisture‐stress conditions and drought susceptibility index values indicated the potential for screening wheat genotypes for drought response.
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Cultivars and Breeding Lines as Stem Biomass Producers
Authors: Sankari H. S.
Published: March 2003

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) stems, which contain bast fibres, make up a considerable part of the linseed biomass, but are considered a by‐product of no value. The feasibility of cultivating existing linseed cultivars and breeding lines for dual‐purpose use of stem and seed was studied in 1995–97 in Jokioinen, Finland. Finnish linseed cv. Helmi was compared with 10 linseed genotypes and one flax cultivar for stem yield, ratio of stem yield to seed yield, and plant stand height and density. The stem yield of cv. Helmi averaged 1317 kg dry matter ha‐1. Significantly higher stem yields were produced by breeding lines Bor 15 and Bor 18 and cvs Gold Merchant, Norlin and Martta. The cv. Helmi produced lower stem yield than seed yield while breeding lines Bor 15 and Bor 18 and cvs Gold Merchant and Martta yielded more stem than seeds. The difference in the ratio of stem yield to seed yield between them and cv. Helmi was statistically significant. The mean plant stand height was 60.3 cm and the final plant density 594 plants m‐2. No relationship was found between stem yield and height or density. Within 2 days of seed threshing, stems of early maturing Finnish genotypes dried up in the field to nearly 15 % moisture content, even in the middle of September (1996). The early maturing breeding lines Bor 15 and Bor 18, with their significantly higher stem yields relative to cv. Helmi, are recommended for dual‐purpose use.
Root and Rhizosphere Colonization of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] by Plant‐Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria at Low Root Zone Temperatures and under Short‐Season Conditions
Authors: Dashti N. , Prithiviraj B. , Hynes R. K. , Smith D. L.
Published: March 2003

Co‐inoculation of plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with B. japonicum has been shown to increase soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] nodulation, nitrogen fixation, growth and physiological activity at suboptimal root zone temperatures (RZTs). We studied the survival and growth of seven PGPR inoculated on soybean in a sterile rooting medium at three RZTs (25, 17.5 and 15 °C) on a growth bench. The survival of the two most promising strains (Serratia liquefaciens 2‐68 and S. proteamaculans1‐102) was studied under field conditions in methyl bromide fumigated and non‐fumigated soils. In general, population densities varied with temperature. PGPR strains generally colonized the rhizosphere and root surface effeciently at higher RZTs; however, S. proteamaculans 1‐102 colonized best at a low RZT (15 °C). The population of PGPR applied to the rhizosphere either with or without addition of B. japonicum increased over time in fumigated soil as compared to non‐fumigated soil, indicating that the PGPR survive and proliferate better under fumigated conditions. S. liquefaciens 2‐68 had higher population densities both on the root and in the rhizosphere, demonstrating, their ability to colonize under short‐season conditions. The possible interactions between the two cultivars (Maple Glen and AC Bravor) and the PGPR were generally not significant, despite observations that growth and yield of AC Bravor respond more strongly to PGPR inoculation.
Intercropping of Corn with Soybean and Lupin for Silage: Effect of Seeding Date on Yield and Quality
Authors: Prithiviraj B. , Carruthers K. , Fe Q. , Cloutier D. , Martin R. C. , Smith D. L.
Published: March 2003

Intercropping of corn with legumes is an alternative to corn monocropping and has a number of advantages, for example, lower levels of inputs, lower costs of production and better silage quality than the monocrop system. An experiment was carried out at two sites in 1993 and 1994 to investigate the effects of seeding date (simultaneous with corn or 3 weeks later) and number of rows of large‐seeded legumes (one or two) seeded between the corn rows. The intercrop plots received 90 kg ha−1 less nitrogen fertilizer than the monocrop plots, which received 180 kg ha−1. Silage yields were sometimes decreased by the simultaneous seeding of corn and large‐seeded legumes. Protein content and concentration were not affected by most treatments and provided reasonable quality silage, despite a reduction in the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used.
Translocation of 14C‐sucrose within the Ear in Durum and Aestivum Wheat Varieties
Authors: Ravi I. , Ghildiyal M. C.
Published: March 2003

Excised ears of Triticum durum (HD 4502 and B 449) and T. aestivum (Kalyansona and Kundan) varieties were cultured in 14C‐sucrose, and the uptake and distribution of 14C within the ear was examined. Species‐level differences in the distribution of 14C to spikelets at basal, middle and apical positions in the wheat ear (vertical distribution) were observed. T. aestivum var. Kalyansona and Kundan showed no limitation in vertical translocation of 14C‐sucrose, whereas in T. durum there was a decrease in the distribution of 14C to apical spikelets. Within a spikelet, the distribution of 14C‐sucrose to distal grains was significantly less than that to proximal grains in all the genotypes.
The Effects of Plant Population Density on the Growth and Chemical Composition of Lablab purpureus Grown for Fodder Production in a Semi‐Arid Region
Authors: Shehu Y. , Alhassan W. S. , Pal U. R. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: March 2003

Lablab purpureus was grown in two 6‐month field experiments in the Savannah region of Africa, with high rainfall and hot temperatures in the first 2 months, followed by low rainfall and cool temperatures until harvesting in January. The experiments evaluated the effects of plant population density (PPD), using rows at 70‐, 110‐ and 150‐cm intervals, on the yield and nutritive value of the crop, and the effect of an interim harvest on response to PPD. Lablab yield ha−1 was increased to a greater extent by an increase in PPD from 110 to 70 cm interrow spacing than by an increase from 150 to 110 cm, and yield plant−1 decreased as PPD increased to a greater extent for double‐harvested than for single‐harvested plants. This suggested that high PPD in the early stages of growth is important to promote high crop yields in this environment, probably because it mitigates drought effects in autumn. The effects of PPD on herbage composition were small and suggested that plant maturity had not been greatly affected by density. It is concluded that the maintenance of plant cover in the early stages of growth is important for high yields in the Savannah region, which can be achieved by an interrow spacing of no more than 70 cm and avoidance of an interim harvest.
Evaluating Leaf Ash Content and Potassium Concentration as Surrogates of Carbon Isotope Discrimination in Grassland Species
Authors: Tsialtas J. T. , Kassioumi M. , Veresoglou D. S.
Published: March 2003

Leaf ash content and potassium (K) concentration were evaluated as surrogates of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) of the dominant species in an upland grassland in a 3‐year experiment. Previous results reported positive correlations between Δ and ash content or mineral concentrations, attributing this relationship to the passive accumulation, through the transpiration stream, of minerals in the vegetative plant parts. We found only a weak positive correlation between Δ and ash content or K concentration in 1997 (r=0.79, P < 0.05 and r=0.77, P < 0.05, respectively). No significant correlation was found between the traits in 1998 and 1999. When four of the seven most abundant species (Poa pratensis, Lolium perenne, Festuca valida and Taraxacum officinale) were grown under different treatments (mixed sward, monoculture, and nitrogen and P additions in mixed sward), a curvilinear relationship between Δ and ash content or K concentration was evident. Thus, our findings suggest that leaf ash content and K concentration cannot serve as surrogates of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ). Small genotype × environment interactions were reported for the three traits measured; the interactions were smallest for ash content. A positive correlation between leaf ash content and soil water content (at 5 and 15 cm depth) was found for four species (P. pratensis, L. perenne, F. valida and Achillea millefolium) and for the community as a whole. No significant correlation was found between leaf K concentration and soil water content.
Chemical Properties of Eroded Soil Material
Authors: Kisic I. , Basic F. , Nestroy O. , Mesic M. , Butorac A.
Published: March 2003

In a 5‐year stationary investigation at an experimental station in central Croatia, total amounts of erosional drift were measured on a Stagnic Luvisol on which six tillage methods were used. The chemical properties of the tilled soil and the erosional drift were recorded for each trial method in the same plots. A generally higher soil reaction value, higher organic matter content and larger amounts of available phosphorus and potassium were found in the majority of erosional drifts compared to plot soil. On black fallow, erosional drifts contained significantly larger amounts of organic matter, available phosphorus and potassium than in other treatments. Higher contents of organic matter, phosphorus and potassium were recorded in erosional drifts from spring crop cultivation than in those from cultivation of winter wheat, oil‐seed rape and a consociation of summer barley and soybean. Also, higher losses of organic matter, phosphorus and potassium by erosional drift were recorded for the up/down the slope tillage methods than for no‐tillage and tillage across the slope. This suggests that no‐tillage and tillage across the slope can be recommended for this region, since these tillage methods conserve the soil and substantially reduce water pollution by chemical agents applied in agricultural production.
Changes in heterosis under within‐line selection or reciprocal recurrent selection: an experiment on early egg production in Japanese quail
Authors: Minvielle By F. , Monvoisin J. ‐L. , Costa J. , Frenot A. , Maeda Y.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

In much animal production, commercial animals are crossbreds from closed lines or breeds under long‐term directional selection. Therefore it is desirable to be able to predict heterosis gains over the generations as it is done for genetic progress under within‐line selection. However, heterosis is the phenotypic expression of a complex phenomenon which may involve several types of genetic effects like dominance and epistasis. In animal breeding, basic quantitative genetics theory indicates that heterosis should be proportional to (squared) differences in gene frequency between populations (e.g. F alconer and M
acK
ay 1996), and it has been found approximately correct, so it is commonly used for planning crosses. Under that type of heterosis, however, selection towards the same objective in two populations should bring gene frequencies closer, and therefore it should eventually decrease heterosis. On the other hand, reciprocal recurrent selection designed to increase genetic distance between lines should eventually achieve maximum heterosis (O
llivier 1982). Some experiments reviewed by
brun (1982) have already compared genetic progress under within‐line and reciprocal recurrent selection, but they did not focus on comparing the trend of heterosis with generations between the two selection methods. Also, heterosis was monitored periodically in some selection experiments on poultry, and results were reviewed by F
airfull (1990). They were somewhat contradictory, but they generally failed to relate genetic progress to loss of heterosis under within‐line selection. Moreover, in commercial production, as purebreds and crossbreds are not contemporaries and are generally maintained under very different management systems, estimations of heterosis and of the evolution of crossbred advantage over the generations may be difficult to obtain.

Using the Japanese quail as an experimental animal, the present work was initiated specifically to follow the changes in heterosis brought about by selection for a single heterotic trait, early egg production (M invielleet al. 1995). For that purpose, two selection methods expected to have opposite effects on heterosis, directional within‐line (or individual) selection and reciprocal recurrent selection, were applied for 13 generations in four quail lines started from two different origins, and trends of heterosis in the selected character and in weight and egg traits were evaluated.
Heritability of the Varroa‐specific hygienic behaviour in honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Boecking O. , Bienefeld K. , Drescher W.
Published: March 2003

The hygienic behaviour of the honey bees is considered to be a potential characteristic associated with resistance to Varroa destructor n.sp. In this study the heritability of the hygienic behaviour of Apis mellifera L. bees was estimated on the basis of the mother–daughter regression. Data were obtained from measurements of the bees' hygienic behaviour towards V. destructor‐infested cells and towards pin‐killed sealed brood. The heritability for the hygienic behaviour towards V. destructor‐infested brood cells was h2 = 0.18 (± 0.27) and h2 = 0.36 (± 0.30) for the hygienic behaviour towards dead brood cells. The repeatability was likewise higher for the pin‐killed brood assay (W = 0.46) compared with the assay using living mites‐infested brood cells (W = 0.24). The genetic correlation between the behavioural responses to either the mite‐infested or pin‐killed brood cells was calculated to be rg = 0.61 (± 0.51) and the phenotypic correlation to be rp = 0.11 (p = 0.28, n = 100). Since hygienic colonies demonstrate resistance to brood diseases such as American foulbrood and chalkbrood, it may be worthwhile to intensify the expression of the hygienic behaviour through selective breeding and thus strengthen these potential characteristics associated with resistance to V. destructor in honey bee stock.
Effects of continuous and periodic feeding by electronic feeders on accuracy of measuring feed intake information and their genetic association with growth performances
Authors: Schulze V. , Roehe R. , Looft H. , Kalm E.
Published: March 2003

The objective of the study was to analyse the effects of different feeding and recording regimes by electronic feeding stations on growth rate, feed intake and feed intake behaviour. A total of 563 boars of three dam lines were group‐penned and fed ad libitum during an age‐dependent performance test. Of this total, 219 were fed during the entire performance test period of 10 weeks by electronic feeding stations (continuous feeding regime). Based on this feeding regime, no differences were found in feed intake and feed intake behaviour when considering information from either all weeks or every second week. A second group of 344 boars was fed during test weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 by electronic feeding stations and in the remaining weeks feed was supplied using conventional feeders without recording feed intake (periodic feeding regime). Growth rate and backfat thickness were non‐significantly different between feeding regimes, but significant differences were found between the periodic and continuous feeding regime in daily feed intake (2218 versus 2544 g) and behavioural traits such as visits per day (5.4 versus 7.2), time per day (57.1 versus 63.5 min), time per visit (12.5 versus 11.4 min), and feed intake rate (41.5 versus 43.4 g). Furthermore, the effect of test days on estimation of feed intake was analysed. In the periodic feeding regime, only the exclusion of the first 2 days of each week with recording showed a significant improvement of prediction of feed intake. Based on this daily information, differences in feed intake between feeding regimes decreased (2492 versus 2592 g), whereas visits per day, time per visit and feed intake per visit still differed significantly between periodic and continuous feeding regimes (5.7 versus 7.2; 13.5 versus 11.6 min; and 541 versus 467 g, respectively). Differences were also observed for genetic correlations among behavioural traits between the periodic and continuous feeding regimes, e.g. for daily feed intake and feed intake rate with time per visit (0.47 versus –0.07; –0.16 versus –0.57) and with feed intake per visit (0.81 versus 0.17; 0.58 versus –0.08). Based on the present results a continuous feeding regime was recommended in order to avoid the effect of repeated adaptation. This feeding regime also delivers a greater amount of reliable information and increases the accuracy of prediction of feed intake capacity. In case of limited test capacities and measuring feed intake in particular periods, the first two test days of each period with recording should be excluded to obtain more reliable feed intake information.
Cytogenetical and histological studies in testis of Tayassu tajacu (Cateto), Tayassu pecari (Queixada) and a natural interspecific hybrid
Authors: Andrea  , Oliveira  , Rocha  , Foresti
Published: March 2003

The karyotype, the histological structure of the testis and the synaptonemal complex (SC) of the mammalian species Tayassu tajacu, Tayassu pecari and of an interspecific male hybrid captured in nature were analysed. The specimens of T. tajacu (2n=30) and T. pecari (2n=26) exhibited seminiferous tubules with germ cells in all spermatogenesis stages. In the SC studies both species had a regular structure, easily identified in the autosomes and in the sex chromosomes. The hybrid (2n=28) had seminiferous tubules with almost all germinal cells in the spermatogonium stage and only a few cells in the primary spermatocyte stage. Gross abnormalities in SC were observed. A few lateral elements showed regular or partially regular synapsis, other lateral elements were synapsed as multivalents, and most axial elements remained unsynapsed. The results suggest that the karyotypes of the parental species have sufficient differentiation to avoid chromosome synapsis. Alternatively, the hypothesis of the existence of genetic incompatibilities between the parental species is discussed.
Genetic variations of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymorphisms in Taoyuan and Duroc pigs
Authors: Yen  , Huang  , Tai
Published: March 2003

The purposes of this study were to assess the genetic variability between Taoyuan (T) and Duroc (D) pigs using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints and to evaluate the genetic relationship to a commercial synthetic line‐Taiwan Black (TB) pig (75% D, 25% T). To assess the genetic variability between T and D, 71 random primers (Operon) were used for RAPD fingerprinting by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The evaluation of the genetic relationship was based on band sharing frequency and band frequency. Thirty‐five of the 71 primers (49%) could generate polymorphisms in RAPD fingerprints of T or D pigs. Twenty‐two primers produced polymorphic bands from only T genomic DNA, and 14 primers could produce polymorphic bands from only D genomic DNA. These results indicated that there was some genetic difference between T and D pigs. The within‐population genetic similarity (WGS) for T, D, and TB populations were 0.742, 0.747, and 0.745, respectively, the between‐population genetic similarity (BGS) was 0.946 between T and TB; 0.953 between D and TB; and 0.934 between D and T. The parameters of genetic distance between T and TB; D and TB, T and D were 0.080, 0.064, and 0.096, respectively. When the values of genetic similarity and genetic distance between populations estimated as frequency of occurrence of bands showed lower genetic similarities between pig populations, but indicted similar relationship. TB was genetically more related to D than to T. It provided evidence of the usefulness of the RAPD technique to determine genetic relatedness among T, D, and TB.
A Bayesian analysis of response to selection for uterine capacity in rabbits
Authors: Blasco  , Argente  , Santacreu  , Sorensen  , Bidanel
Published: March 2003

A divergent, eight generation selection experiment on uterine capacity in rabbits was performed. Rabbit does were ovariectomized unilaterally before puberty, and selected for increased and decreased litter size by ‘best linear unbiased prediction’ using data from up to four parities. Two different analyses were performed to estimate the response to selection. The first was based on least squares analysis; the second was based on Bayesian methods using Gibbs sampling techniques. Three different priors were used for variance components, but these had little influence on the results. Posterior means of heritabilities for uterine capacity, varied from 0.09 to 0.12, and repeatabilities from 0.18 to 0.22. The response to eight generations of selection was symmetrical and led to a divergence of 0.16 young rabbits per generation, which amounts to about 2% of the average litter size of the base population per generation. The pattern of response however, was not linear: a high initial response was followed by a period where little further response was observed, and a final burst of response was obtained during the last two cycles of selection.
Estimation of additive and non‐additive genetic parameters for reproduction, growth and survival traits in crosses between the Moroccan D’man and Timahdite sheep breeds
Authors: El Fadili M. , Leroy P. L.
Published: March 2003

Genetic breed differences, heterosis, recombination loss, and heritability for reproduction traits, lamb survival and growth traits to 90 days of age were estimated from crossing D’man and Timahdite Moroccan breeds. The crossbreeding parameters were fitted as covariates in the model of analysis. The REML method was used to estimate (co)variance components using an animal model. The first estimation of crossbreeding effects for Timahdite and D’man breeds shows that breed differences in litter traits are mainly of maternal genetic origin: +1.04 lambs, +1.88 kg, +0.60 lambs, and +2.23 kg in favour of D’man breed for litter size at lambing, litter weight at lambing, litter size at weaning, and litter weight at 90 days, respectively. The breed differences in lamb growth and survival are also of maternal genetic origin for the majority of traits studied, but in favour of the Timahdite breed: +3.48 kg, +45 g day−1 and +0.19 lambs for weight at 90 days, for average daily gain between 30 and 90 days of age, and for lamb survival to 90 days, respectively. The D’man direct genetic effect was low and negative for survival and birth weight of lambs during the first month of life. All traits studied showed positive heterosis effects. Recombination loss effects were not significant. Therefore, crossbreeding of Timahdite with D’man breeds of sheep can result in an improved efficiency of production of saleable lambs. Heritability estimates were medium for litter size but low for the other reproduction traits. Direct heritabilities were low for body weights and lamb survival at 90 days and the corresponding maternal heritabilities showed, however, low to moderate estimates. For litter traits, the estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations were positive and particularly high for genetic correlations.
Simultaneous genotyping to detect myostatin gene polymorphism in beef cattle breeds
Authors: Miranda M. E. , Amigues Y. , Boscher M. Y. , Ménissier F. , Cortés O. , Dunner S.
Published: March 2003

The myostatin gene codes for a growth factor involved in muscle development, and polymorphism in this gene can have important economic consequences. Nine mutations affecting the amino‐acidic sequence have already been described, six of which are disruptive, inactivating the protein and causing bovine muscular hypertrophy. As the number of known mutations grows, it is necessary to develop a simple, routinely usable technique able to screen individuals in all populations. The oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) is proposed here for the rapid genotyping of the nine mutations known affecting the coding sequence in the main breeds of beef cattle. This technique showed its ability to reveal the genotype of individuals being a good tool to determine the frequency of each mutation in a population. The procedure is very flexible as new mutations can be added and removed at any time. Depending on the genotype of each individual, the technique allows breeders to make quick decisions on matings and general selection tendencies.
Genetic background of behavioural and plasma cortisol response to repeated short‐term separation and tethering of beef calves
Authors: Gauly M. , Mathiak H. , Erhardt G.
Published: March 2003

In this study the response to short‐term separation and tethering were tested individually 5, 19 and 33 days after birth in five progeny groups of German Angus and German Simmental and genetic parameters were estimated. Heritabilities (±SE) for different behavioural traits varied between 0.02 (±0.05) and 0.33 (±0.24) for German Angus and 0.0 and 0.29 (±0.12) for German Simmental. German Simmental and female calves moved significantly more on days 19 and 33 and were scored for fearful than German Angus and male calves. They also showed higher plasma cortisol levels at all tested ages. Behavioural and cortisol responses decreased with every test, indicating that the animals got used to the gentle handling procedure.
The inhibitory effect of a highly viscous carboxymethylcellulose on dietary fat digestibility in the growing chicken is dependent on the type of fat
Authors: Smits C. H. M. , Moughan P. J. , Beynen A. C.
Published: March 2003

The aim of the study was to determine whether there is an interaction between type of fat and lipid digestibility, for diets which induce an increased digesta viscosity. Pairs of semi‐synthetic diets were formulated which contained either tallow, soyabean oil or coconut oil as the main source of fat. To one diet of each pair, carboxymethylcelullose (CMC) was added. CMC is a soluble, viscous nonfermentable fibre. The fat fraction of the tallow diet comprised mainly C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and C18 : 1 fatty acids, whereas for the soyabean oil diet C18 : 1 and C18 : 2 fatty acids predominated and for the coconut oil diet C12 : 0 and C14 : 0 fatty acids were predominant. The diets were fed to broiler chickens (7–21 days of age) in a conventional digestibility study using chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. CMC significantly raised the viscosity of the liquid phase of the small intestinal digesta and increased the ratio of liquid to solids. CMC depressed apparent faecal lipid digestibility for chickens fed the tallow diet (76.1 versus 66.0% ) but not for the birds given the soyabean oil or coconut oil diets. The apparent digestibility of C16 : 0 was significantly depressed by CMC in the birds fed the tallow diet (62.7 versus 52.3% ) and the digestibility of C18 : 0 tended to be lower. There was no significant effect of CMC on the digestibility of C18 : 1 and C18 : 2 in the soyabean oil diet nor on the digestibility of C12 : 0 or C14 : 0 in the coconut oil diet. The effect of CMC‐induced digesta viscosity on lipid digestibility in chickens is dependent on the lipid source and its fatty acid composition.
Einfluß von alimentärem Zn‐Mangel auf die Stickstoffelimination und Enzymaktivitäten des Harnstoffzyklus
Authors: Roth Von H.‐P.
Published: March 2003

Influence of alimentary zinc deficiency on nitrogen elimination and activities of urea cycle enzymes

This study was conducted to investigate whether the hyperammonaemia shown in earlier zinc‐deficiency experiments was the result of disturbed enzyme activities of the urea cycle. For this study 36 male Sprague‐Dawley rats with an average body weight of 85 g were divided into three experimental groups of 12 animals each. Group 1 received the semisynthetic zinc‐deficient diet (AIN‐93G; 1.2 mg Zn/kg DM) ad libitum over 33 experimental days. Group 2 received the zinc‐sulphate‐supplemented control diet (60 mg Zn/kg DM) ad libitum and group 3 received the same diet matched to the feed intake of the zinc‐deficient rats. Alimentary zinc deficiency reduced the zinc concentration and the activity of the alkaline phosphatase in serum by 75 and 67%, respectively. The activity of the glutamate dehydrogenase and the concentrations of ammonia and urea in the serum of the zinc‐deficient rats showed no significant differences compared with pair‐fed control rats. On the other hand the hepatic activity of the mitochondrial localized glutamate dehydrogenase of the zinc‐deficient rats was significantly increased and the carbamoylphosphate synthetase and ornithine carbamoyltransferase were reduced about half in comparison with both control groups. The activities of the cytosolic liver enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthetase, argininosuccinase and arginase were again significantly increased in zinc‐deficient rats compared with both control groups. The increased hepatic activity of the glutamate dehydrogenase possibly led to an enhanced NH3 elimination in addition to urea synthesis. The typical reduction of feed intake in consequence of zinc deficiency is therefore not the cause of hyperammonaemia due to disturbed urea synthesis, as has been hypothesized in earlier studies.
Assessment of colostral transfer and systemic availability of immunoglobulin G in new‐born foals using a newly developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system
Authors: Erhard M. H. , Luft C. , Remler H.‐P. , Stangassinger M.
Published: March 2003

To measure the immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in colostrum, milk and serum samples, a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection system was developed. The system provided high reproducibility and sensitivity for routine diagnostic purposes. The period of fluctuating serum concentrations of IgG was monitored in new‐born foals and their mares for a period of 6 weeks postnatum and postpartum, respectively. All foals received colostrum from their mares. The mean IgG concentration in the precolostral mare serum was approximately 19.0 mg/ml and decreased significantly to 13.8 mg/ml within the first 24 h postpartum. The IgG value fell to a minimum of 11.2 mg/ml by day 21 and increased to 21.6 mg/ml by day 42 postpartum. Within the first 4 h postpartum, mean IgG concentrations of 54.5 mg/ml were measured in the colostrum. A significant decrease to 10.1 mg IgG/ml colostrum was then noted 9–12 h postpartum. The mean IgG concentrations in foal serum increased from 0.3 mg/ml (precolostral value) to 9.6 mg/ml within 5–8 h postnatum. After 13–16 h postnatum, the highest IgG value of 15.7 mg/ml was reached. Over time the mean IgG concentration decreased significantly to 7.9 mg/ml at day 35. At the end of the observation period (day 42 postnatum) the mean IgG concentration once again increased to 11.2 mg/ml serum. In addition, the possible influence of various parameters on IgG concentration were examined. No significant influences could be shown by the breed, mare age, number of pregnancies, days of gestation, month foaled, foal sex, or the different farms. Finally, the cumulative incidence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) defined as IgG levels < 4 mg/ml foal serum, and partial FPT (PFPT) at levels ranging from 4 to 8 mg/ml foal serum was determined. From a total of 70 foals, 10.0% showed FPT and 18.6% showed PFPT.
Selenium supplementation and selenium status of dairy cows fed diets based on grass, grass silage or maize silage
Authors: GIERUS M. , SCHWARZ F.J. , KIRCHGESSNER M.
Published: March 2003

In three separate trial series (TS) the effect of diet composition on selenium (Se) status of dairy cows were investigated. Diets were formulated based mainly on grass (TS1), grass silage (TS2) or maize silage (TS3) with different levels of Se supplementation. Each TS comprised a total of 30 dairy cows and contained one treatment group without Se supplementation (control) and two groups with increasing levels of Se supplementation (levels 1 and 2). Selenium was administered as Na‐selenite. The control groups of the different TS showed a very low Se supply of 38–54 μg Se/kg DM. At level 1 the Se supply was increased to 102–165 μg Se/kg DM and at level 2 was 294–373 μg Se/kg DM. After completion of the 6‐week trials the average plasma Se concentration of the control cows (without Se supplementation) across all TS was 21.5 μg/l; this increased significantly following Se supplementation, to 37.7 μg/l at level 1 and 61.5 μg/l at level 2. The plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity of the control cows averaged 67 U/l, rising considerably after supplementation at level 1 to a value of 101 U/l, but showed little further increase at level 2 with a mean value of 120 U/l. By contrast, the average Se content of the milk was unchanged in the control and level 1 groups at 10.5 μg/kg and 10.9 μg/kg, respectively, and only increased markedly after supplementation at level 2 to a mean value of 15.1 μg/kg. The diet based on maize silage, while having a similar Se content as the grass and grass silage‐based diets, resulted in a slightly improved Se status, which is due to a higher Se intake from soybean meal.
Determination of Phytase activity in cereal grains by direct incubation
Authors: Zimmermann B. , Lantzsch H.‐J. , Langbein U. , Drochner W.
Published: March 2003

In contrast to supplemented microbial phytases, considerably lower cereal phytase activities were found after application of an enzyme solution extracted in citrate/NaOH buffer (pH 5.5) for 1 h as compared with the direct incubation of the plant material. Differences between both methods obtained were 70% for wheat and spelt and 50% for barley and rye. The determination of phytase activity of a wheat sample by direct incubation was affected by the sample size and amount of substrate (Na‐phytate) added. Optimal conditions are a maximal level of phytase activity of ≤ 0.05 U incubated for 60 min in a buffered solution (citrate/NaOH, pH 5.5) with 10 ml of 32.6 mmol/l Na‐phytate at 37 ∘C. Possible reasons for the differences between both methods and for the factors affecting phytase activity by direct incubation are discussed.
Effect of 20‐hydroxyecdysone agonist, tebufenozide, on pre‐and post‐diapause larvae of Dendrolimus pini (L.)(Lep., Lasiocampidae)
Authors: Pszczolkowski M. A. , Smagghe G.
Published: March 2003

Studies of the effects of a novel insect growth regulator (tebufenozide, RH 5992) in pest lepidopterans are extended to its influence on pre‐ and post‐diapause larvae of the pine‐tree lappet, Dendrolimus pini (L.) (Lep., Lasiocampidae). Larval diapause was induced under experimental conditions. The relation between the width of head capsule and each larval instar of the experimental populations is presented. The toxicity of tebufenozide applied topically and per os (orally), and its effects on feeding activity were examined. High doses and concentrations (≥100 ng/larva and ≥0.001%) of tebufenozide were toxic and reduced the feeding intensity in larvae of D. pini, however, post‐diapause larvae were less sensitive to oral treatment with tebufenozide then pre‐diapause insects. In pre‐diapausing insects of the fourth instar a greater than four‐fold fall in mortality was observed among the insects treated with low doses/ concentrations (0.1–10 ng/larva and 0.00001%–0.001%, respectively). A remarkable stimulatory effect on feeding behaviour was observed in pre‐diapausing IV instar larvae when treated with tebufenozide topically, in a dose of 10 ng/larva. A possible ecdysteroid mimicking effect of tebufenozide onto feeding and mortality among diapause‐destined D. pini is discussed.
Susceptibility of potato plants grown from tubers irradiated with stimulation doses of gamma irradiation to potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lep., Gelechiidae)
Authors: Saour G. , Makee H. , Al‐Oudat M.
Published: March 2003

The feeding behaviour of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lep., Gelechiidae), reared on leaves and tubers of potato plants, which were irradiated as seed (tubers) with stimulation doses of gamma irradiation (1, 3, 5 and 10 Gy), was studied. Significant differences in the larvae and pupae developmental time, pupal weight, mortality, fecundity and percentage egg hatch, were observed between insects fed on plants which resulted from the irradiated seeds and those of the control. It appears that leaves of potato plants grown from irradiated seeds particularly those of 3 Gy, became more attractive to the larvae, although the resulting tubers, with the exception of those of 10 Gy, became more resistant to potato tuber moth. Storing the tubers at ambient temperature conditions affected the degree of larval sensitivity. The leaves and tubers of 10 Gy‐irradiated seeds became more suitable for insect development, indicating that the later dose may inhibit the production of secondary plant metabolities and chemical compounds.
Preliminary studies on the biology and host specificity of Aceria salsolae DeLillo and Sobhian (Acari, Eriophyidae) and Lixus salsolae Becker (Col., Curculionidae), two candidates for biological control of Salsola kali
Authors: Sobhian R. , Tunç I. , Erler F.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Preliminary studies on the biology and host specificity of the mite, Aceria salsolae DeLillo and Sobhian, and the weevil, Lixus salsolae Becker, were carried out in 1996 and 1997. The mite reproduced on Salsola kali L. from the USA and from Turkey (control), but not on the six species of closely related plants tested. Infected plants were stunted and did not produce flowers. The mite was found on plants in the fields in Turkey from May to October. Lixus salsolae adult feeding was heavy on most of the 10 plant species tested. The weevil reproduced only on S. kali from Turkey in 1996 and also on S. kali from California in 1997. The adults of the new generation emerged by mid‐July and oviposition occurred on leaf petioles of Beta vulgaris (Swiss chard) but the emerging larvae died during very young stages. No oviposition and no infestation was observed on sugar beet plants in sugar beet fields in Turkey in 1996 and 1997, but infestations were found in a field in China in 1997.
Field releases of two genetic sexing strains of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wied.) in two isolated oases of Tozeur governorate, Tunisia
Authors: Cayol J. P. , Zaraï M.
Published: March 2003

The recent development of medfly genetic sexing strains (GSS) enables only male adults to be produced and released for area‐wide control using the sterile insect technique (SIT). Before these strains can be incorporated into large operational field programmes, information is required on all aspects of field performance.

In a pilot project in Tunisia, medfly pupae from GSS SEIB‐40 [based on a pupal colour mutation (wp) and VIENNA‐43/44 [based on a temperature sensitive lethal mutation (tsl) were shipped from the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology laboratory (Seibersdorf, Austria) and the emerged sterile males released weekly from the ground in oases of the Tozeur Governorate from mid‐February until October 1994. During that period, flies emerging from an average of 5000 pupae per hactare were released weekly throughout 105 hectares. Transportation problems were encountered which resulted in damage to the pupae. Nevertheless, the monitoring of the wild population through a trapping network using Jackson and McPhail traps showed that both strains performed equally well inducing a three‐ to five‐fold decrease of the wild population compared with the control oasis (10 wild flies per Jackson trap per day in October in Ain‐El‐Karma, five in Tamerza and 30 in Bir Kastilia control oasis). Considering the economical and technical benefits inherent in the use of these new strains in the field and as a result of their good field performance, similar strains have been introduced into mass‐rearing facilities in Guatemala (1994), Argentina (1995) and Madeira (1996).
Sex attractant for Diloba caeruleocephala (L.), (Lep., Dilobidae) ‐ (Z)‐8‐tridecenyl acetate
Authors: Subchev M. , Toth M. , Wu D. , Stanimirova L. , Toshova T. , Karpati Z.
Published: March 2003

For seven homologous compounds, the highest electro‐antennography responses from male Diloba caeruleocephala (L.) were elicited by (Z)‐5‐decenyl acetate (Z)‐7‐dodecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tridecenyl acetate. The (Z)‐8‐tridecenyl acetate caused significant attraction of males of this species in the field, in both Bulgaria and Hungary. (Z)‐10‐pentadecenyl acetate, when added as a 10% admixture to the latter, acted as an attractant inhibitor. In Bulgaria, the flight period of this species, as established by means of pheromone traps, commenced at the beginning of September and lasted until the middle of October.