Estimates of daily oxygen consumption,carbon dioxide and methane emissions,and heat production for beef and dairy cattle using spot gas sampling

A simulation study was conducted to examine accuracy of estimating daily O₂ consumption, CO₂ and CH₄ emissions, and heat production (HP) using a spot sampling technique and to determine optimal spot sampling frequency (FQ). Data were obtained from 3 experiments where daily O₂ consumption, emissions of CO₂ and CH₄, and HP were measured using indirect calorimetry (respiration chamber or headbox system). Experiment 1 used 8 beef heifers (ad libitum feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every 30 min over 3 d in respiration chambers); Experiment 2 used 56 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (restricted feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every 12 min over 3 d in respiration chambers); Experiment 3 used 12 lactating Jersey cows (ad libitum feeding; gaseous exchanges measured every hour for 1 d using headbox style chambers). Within experiment, averages of all measurements (FQALL) and averages of measurements selected at time points with 12, 8, 6, or 4 spot sampling FQ (i.e., sampling every 2, 3, 4, and 6 h in a 24-h cycle, respectively; FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4, respectively) were compared. Within study a mixed model was used to compare gaseous exchanges and HP among FQALL, FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4, and an interaction of dietary treatment by FQ was examined. A regression model was used to evaluate accuracy of spot sampling within study [i.e., FQALL (observed) vs. FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, or FQ4 (estimated)]. No interaction of diet by FQ was observed for any variables except for CH₄ production in experiment 1. No FQ effect was observed for gaseous exchanges and HP except in experiment 2 where CO₂ production was less (5,411 vs. 5,563 L/d) for FQ4 compared with FQALL, FQ12, and FQ8. A regression analysis between FQALL and each FQ within study showed that slopes and intercepts became farther from 1 and 0, respectively, for almost all variables as FQ decreased. Most variables for FQ12 and FQ8 had root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) less than 10% of the mean and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) greater than 0.80, and RMSPE increased and CCC decreased as FQ decreased. When a regression analysis was conducted with combined data from the 3 experiments (mixed model with study as a random effect), results agreed with those from the analysis for the individual studies. Prediction errors increased and CCC decreased as FQ decreased. Generally, all the estimates from FQ12, FQ8, FQ6, and FQ4 had RMSPE less than 10% of the means and CCC greater than 0.90 except for FQ6 and FQ4 for O₂ consumption and CH₄ production. In conclusion, the spot sampling simulation with 3 indirect calorimetry experiments indicated that FQ of at least 8 samples (every 3 h in a 24-h cycle) was required to estimate daily O₂ consumption, CO₂ and CH₄ production, and HP and to detect changes in those in response to dietary treatments. This sampling FQ may be considered when using techniques that measure spot gas exchanges such as the GreenFeed and face mask systems.     

Advances in bio-logging techniques and their application to study navigation in wild seabirds

ABSTRACT

This review summarizes the advances in bio-logging technology that enables us to monitor foraging behavior, movement, behavioral performance, physiological performance, and sociality in a wide range of bird species, as well as their habitat. Subsequently, navigation is discussed, using long-distance movements in streaked shearwaters as a case study. Moreover, challenges and future research directions in bio-logging science are presented, with focus on: multimodal recording, big data analysis, feedback logging, low-power consumption and power generation systems, logger effects, and capture–recapture methods.     

Antimicrobial residues survey by LC-MS in food-producing animals in Lebanon

ABSTRACT

The treatment of animals with antimicrobial products may lead to the contamination of edible tissues by their residues, which may represent a risk to human health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of antimicrobial residues in food-producing animals (chicken, beef, and milk) in Lebanon. A total of 310 samples were collected and analysed using an LC-MS/MS for the determination of 48 compounds belonging to different families in order to map their compliance according to the European Commission decision 2002/657/EC. Results show that 60% of the analysed samples were not contaminated by any residue, while 12% presented a concentration higher than the MRLs for tetracyclines, sulphonamides, quinolones, and macrolides. Results revealed that chicken were the most contaminated by antimicrobial residues, when compared to beef and milk. The obtained results demonstrate the uncontrolled use of antimicrobials in some Lebanese farms and claim for better management of livestock.     

Prevalence,enumeration, and characterization of Salmonella isolated from aquatic food products from retail markets in China

This study aimed to estimate the extent and level of Salmonella contamination of aquatic food products in China, and to determine serotype, virulotype, and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of recovered Salmonella isolates. Out of 554 samples collected from July 2011 to May 2014, 86 (15.5%) tested positive for Salmonella. The highest contamination rate occurred in oysters (23.1%, 6/26), followed by freshwater fish (18.6%, 43/231), shrimp (13.0%, 13/100), and saltwater fish (12.2%, 24/197). The contamination levels generally corresponded to a most probable number (MPN)/g of 0.3–10, although one sample exceeded 110 MPN/g. Among the 103 isolates, S. Typhimurium, S. Wandsworth, S. Thompson, and S. Derby were the most prevalent serovars. Sixty-eight isolates (66.0%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and 35 (34.0%) were resistant to more than three. High rates of resistance were observed for tetracycline (35.9%), ampicillin (28.2%), nalidixic acid (26.2%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (25.2%), chloramphenicol (20.4%) and streptomycin (18.4%). Of note, S. Thompson isolates exhibited resistance to multiple extended-spectrum cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, and other antimicrobials. PCR analysis of 15 virulence genes showed that ssaQ, mgtC, siiD, sopB, and bcfC were present in all 103 isolates, whereas the remaining loci were variably distributed. S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and S. Weltevreden isolates exhibited a wider range of pathogenicity determinants compared with the other strains. Our study provides a comprehensive surveillance on prevalence of Salmonella in aquatic food products from China and indicates its potential risk to public health. These data are valuable for epidemiological studies, risk management, and public health strategies.     

Limited evidence of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) consumption by freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) in Lake Winnipeg

Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) may be a predator of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which established in Lake Winnipeg in 2013. In this study, the diets, trophic position, and growth of 51 freshwater drum collected in 2019 (six years post-zebra mussel invasion) were compared to 64 freshwater drum sampled in 2000. Benthic insect larvae were the dominant food items in both years. Although mollusks occur in high densities in Lake Winnipeg, they were only consumed by a few freshwater drum in either sample year. Zebra mussels were not a frequent prey item in 2019 as they were only consumed by four of the sampled freshwater drum. Stable isotope analysis of white muscle tissue yielded similar δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in both years and were consistent with a benthic, insectivorous diet. Length-at-age data derived from otoliths revealed that the 2019 population had at least an equal growth rate to the 2000 population. Weight-at-length data suggested that fish condition was greater in 2019 than in 2000, which coincided with increased benthic macroinvertebrate density in Lake Winnipeg. Based on these findings, Lake Winnipeg freshwater drum continue to feed predominantly on insect larvae and not zebra mussels.     

Removal of hexavalent chromium in aquatic solutions by pomelo peel

This study investigated the removal of hexavalent chromium(Cr(VI)) in aqueous solutions using pomelo peel(PP) and FeCl_3-modified pomelo peel(FPP) as novel biomass adsorbents.Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of pH,time,temperature,initial concentration,and adsorbent dose on Cr(VI) removal by PP and FPP.The results show that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI)was 21.55 mg/g for FPP and 0.57 mg/g for PP at a pH of 2.0 and a temperature of 40℃.The surface shape,microstructure,and chemical composition of FPP were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),and compared with those of PP.The results show that the adsorption performance of FPP was much better than that of PP,indicating that FPP can be an alternative high-efficiency adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal.     

A Chamber for Testing the Release of Volatile Substances Secreted by Animals,Especially Mammals,as Exemplified by Substances Released by Rats in Response to Stress

Abstract

The success of the testing of volatile organic compounds emitted by animals is dependent on the creation of appropriate conditions for air sampling subsequently used to assay and identify the compounds. These conditions play a particularly important role in the investigation of pheromones, which are secreted in extremely low concentrations. The authors have not come across any previous work which offers constructional solutions, which would allow avoidance of contamination of the air samples containing volatile substances secreted by animals.

A constructional solution was developed, which provides optimal conditions for their sampling and isolation. Its main advantages are as follows: the exposure chamber (the chamber in which the animal is studied) is filled with synthetic air; the exposure chamber is separated from the atmospheric air with a synthetic air “jacket”; the exposure chamber has been constructed using materials which do not release chemicals and absorb them in trace quantities.     

基于Agent的水产品价格预测支持系统

综述了基于Agent程序的开发方法，提出采用面向领域工程的Agent方法进行系统设计，从水产品价格预测定义出发，构建了水产品价格预测的领域本体模型，并将系统设计成为由10类不同功能Agent组成的多Agent系统。     

Renting with pets: a pathway to housing insecurity?

Companion animals are rarely considered in rental policy or research. This absence belies their prevalence and growing centrality within practices of family and home, and persists despite evidence of links between companion animals and rental insecurity. This paper begins to address this gap. Through an online survey and in-depth interviews with people who rented with companion animals in Sydney, Australia, over the 10 years to 2013, the paper identifies connections between pet ownership and rental insecurity, including perceptions about the low availability and poor quality of advertised ‘pet-friendly’ properties. The paper argues that pet ownership can trigger feelings of rental insecurity, and advocates for inclusion of pet ownership as a variable impacting secure occupancy. It suggests companion animals are an escalating rental risk, their significance to their owners causing some to accept accelerating levels of rental insecurity by keeping pets without landlord knowledge. These experience impact on the ability of renters to feel ‘at home’ in rental properties.     

紫草多糖对培养大鼠颗粒细胞生成甾体激素的影响

目的研究中药紫草的水溶成分——紫草多糖对体外培养颗粒细胞的直接作用。方法分离出大鼠双侧卵巢的颗粒细胞进行体外培养。选取健康未成年雌性SD大鼠160只,其中60只按随机数字表法分为基础组和hCG组,分别采用不同浓度（0.00、0.30、0.75、1.50、3.00、7.50 g·L^-1）紫草多糖培养,每组5只;另100只按随机数字表法分为空白对照组、紫草多糖组、hCG组和hCG-紫草多糖组,分别进行不同时间（0、1、2、3、4 h）的培养,每组5只,共计100只。采用放射免疫测定法（RIA）测定不同实验组颗粒细胞培养液中孕酮（Progesterone,P4）和雌二醇（Estradiol,E2）的浓度。结果紫草多糖呈剂量依赖性地抑制hCG刺激下颗粒细胞P4和E2的生成,大剂量（大于3.00 g·L^-1）也抑制基础P4和E2的生成,紫草多糖主要使培养液中的P4含量降低,但大剂量也可使细胞内的P4含量降低。紫草多糖作用于颗粒细胞1 h后明显抑制hCG促P4生成的作用,但细胞洗涤后再培养,对hCG的反应性与对照组比较无明显变化。结论紫草多糖可直接作用于体外培养的颗粒细胞,抑制hCG促甾体激素生成的作用,该抑制作用起效时间短,并且是可逆的。