Abstract Fodder production in saline environments requires salt-tolerant plants. This study investigated the potential of the halophyte Salicornia persica ecotypes as a fodder crop under seawater salinity by examining its physiological and biochemical responses. The effects of varying salinity levels [control (0.96 dS.m−1), and 10, 20, and 40 dS.m−1, achieved by diluting Persian Gulf water] on growth, yield, stomatal exchange rate, photosynthetic traits, and qualitative fodder characteristics were evaluated. Three S. persica accessions collected in Iran (Central Plateau, Urmia, and Bushehr) were included. The results showed that, among the tested ecotypes, Central Plateau and Urmia exhibited the most desirable interaction with the 10 dS.m−1 salinity treatment, highlighting a beneficial combination of ecotype and salinity level. Regarding growth characteristics, plant height and forage yield were highest at 10 dS.m−1 and lowest at 40 dS.m−1 salinity. In terms of forage quality, the Bushehr accession under non-stress conditions and the Central Plateau accession at 20 dS.m−1 exhibited the highest nitrogen and crude protein percentages. The 10 and 20 dS.m−1 salinity treatments displayed more favorable forage quality profiles, whereas the 40 dS.m−1 treatment resulted in elevated fiber and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) percentages, potentially reduces fodder palatability for livestock. These findings suggest that the Central Plateau and Urmia ecotypes demonstrate significant potential for forage production in saline environments. These ecotypes are a promising option for cultivation in coastal areas, particularly with irrigation using Persian Gulf seawater at a salinity of 10–20 dS.m−1.
Marlyn H. Romero, Sergio A. Gallego-Polania, Jorge A. Sanchez
The Colombian Orinoquia is considered one of the eight most important ecosystems in the world. Savannah ecosystems play an essential role in providing ecosystem services. The objectives were (a) to explore and identify the perceptions of traditional farmers and institutional representatives regarding human well-being, animal welfare and the environment, and (b) to identify environmental challenges and opportunities for improvement based on the “One Welfare” concept. Three focal groups were developed: male and female farmers and institutional representatives <i>(n =</i> 24) from Vichada. A thematic analysis, coding with an inductive approach and the definition of themes and sub-themes were carried out. The concept of being “a good farmer” explains the behavior of the producers, where the perception of human well-being is associated with the value of the family and the sense of pride in their tradition as “llanero”. Animal welfare was considered a symbol of profitability and prestige for cattle farmers, a concept that, for them, mixed traditional management, water supply, shade and feed, good health and the natural behavior of cattle. Regarding the environment, this concept is based on their awareness of the importance of conserving the natural savannah. Among the environmental challenges described are climate change, solid waste management and the use of controlled burns. Regarding opportunities for improvement, they proposed strengthening institutional dynamics, partnerships, environmental governance and education. Our results can provide information on the “One Welfare” approach and the motivation of farmers to care for animals and the environment, a fundamental aspect for developing effective intervention strategies.
Johnathan D. Holman, Dorivar A. Ruiz Diaz, Augustine K. Obour
et al.
Abstract Identifying the limiting nutrient, fertilizer source, rate, placement, additives, and timing of application are critical components of fertilizer management. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizer source, rate, placement method, additives, application timing, and environment on yields of grain sorghum, forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and corn (for grain, Zea mays L.). Independent field experiments were conducted at 13 different environments in Kansas from 2008 through 2013 on grain sorghum, forage sorghum, and corn. Treatments were an incomplete factorial combination of four fertilizer placement methods, three fertilizer types, five fertilizer additives, three fertilizer application times, and six fertilizer rates that varied by location and across years. Results showed grain and forage sorghum yields responded to N fertilizer in environments that were not extremely dry (<136 mm) or wet (>651 mm). Corn responded to N fertilizer application only in high‐precipitation environments. For grain sorghum, where rate × placement × source × additive interaction was significant, broadcast application of urea (source) at high rates (67–134 kg N ha−1), with summer application timing, or with additive in winter (with environmentally smart nitrogen [ESN]) resulted in up to 43% greater yield compared with application of urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN; source) and surface band (placement) at 67 kg ha−1 without additives. In the one site‐year where forage sorghum responded to fertilizer application, forage yields with preplant application of UAN at 56–140 kg ha−1 were 164% greater than the control. For corn, application of either urea or UAN fertilizer, UAN in coulter or surface band, with ESN blend, applied at planting, and at highest rates (160 kg ha−1) resulted in best yields compared with the alternatives and 110% greater yield compared with the unfertilized control. We concluded that fertilizer rate is an important management component as it consistently affected yield regardless of crop considered. Fertilizer placement and timing have crop‐specific importance as they were significant for only corn, but the main effect of additives (N stabilizers) was not significant for any of the crops. Environment and crop type influenced crop response to N fertilizer rate, timing, placement, and additives.
Sheng Li, Yulia Kupriyanovich, Cameron Wagg
et al.
In humid climate regions, a short period of water deficit, especially during the vegetative growth and tuberization stages, has been found to affect potato plant growth, yield and tuber quality. However, there is still a lack of information on the impact of the water deficit duration. In this study, we examined potato plant growth, yield and tuber quality parameters with plants under 0 to 25 days of water deficit initiated at the beginnings of the vegetative growth stage and the tuberization stage, respectively. We found that for both the vegetative growth and tuberization stages, a longer water deficit duration resulted in no significant change in final plant height but significantly delayed flowering and reduced total biomass, yield, tuber dry matter content and share of large tubers. We estimate that per day of prolonged water deficit, there will be a yield loss of 3.1% and 3.4% for the vegetative growth and tuberization stages, respectively. Similarly, for per liter of irrigation water, there will be a yield increase of 16.3 g and 19.1 g for the vegetative growth and tuberization stages, respectively. Further studies are suggested to examine how supplemental irrigation can be used most effectively to mitigate the impact of water deficit on potato production in humid climate regions.
In a nation that adheres to the concept of the separation of powers based on the trias politica principle, the state's authority is divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Regarding the judicial branch, it operates with the principle of judicial independence, which is essential for upholding human rights, the rule of law, and justice. To apply this principle, judges are required to perform their duties in accordance with their oath and the law, without any external interference or directives. In Indonesia's legal framework, Article 24, Paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution outlines the exercise of judicial authority by the Supreme Court and various subordinate judicial bodies, including those with general, religious, military, and administrative jurisdiction, as well as the Constitutional Court. This research employs a comparative legal approach, analyzing the legal systems of both Indonesia and Hong Kong to enhance the coherence of national law by evaluating it in relation to another country's legal structure. The findings of this study are as follows: Firstly, the establishment of corruption criminal courts in Indonesia aligns with international agreements such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Declaration of Human Rights. However, the Indonesian system employs an ad hoc structure and ad hoc judges, which introduce certain vulnerabilities in ensuring the independence of these judges. Secondly, in Hong Kong, the establishment of corruption criminal courts is constitutionally guaranteed and institutionalized. Hong Kong's constitution explicitly prohibits the creation of ad hoc courts, resulting in a permanent and non-ad hoc court structure. As a result, the assurance of judicial independence for judges in Hong Kong is more robust and secure.
Entada phaseoloides stem is known for its high medicinal benefits and ornamental value. Flavonoids are one of the main active constituents in E. phaseoloides stem. However, the regulatory mechanism of flavonoids accumulation in E. phaseoloides is lacking. Here, phytochemical compounds and transcripts from stems at different developmental stages in E. phaseoloides were investigated by metabolome and transcriptome analysis. The metabolite profiling of the oldest stem was obviously different from young and older stem tissues. A total of 198 flavonoids were detected, and flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, isoflavones, and flavanones were the main subclasses. The metabolome data showed that the content of acacetin was significantly higher in the young stem and older stem than the oldest stem. Rutin and myricitrin showed significantly higher levels in the oldest stem. A total of 143 MYBs and 143 bHLHs were identified and classified in the RNA-seq data. Meanwhile, 34 flavonoid biosynthesis structural genes were identified. Based on the expression pattern of structural genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, it indicated that flavonol, anthocyanin, and proanthocyanin biosynthesis were first active during the development of E. phaseoloides stem, and the anthocyanin or proanthocyanin biosynthesis branch was dominant; the flavone biosynthesis branch was active at the late developmental stage of the stem. Through the correlation analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data, the potential candidate genes related to regulating flavonoid synthesis and transport were identified. Among them, the MYBs, bHLH, and TTG1 are coregulated biosynthesis of flavonols and structural genes, bHLH and transporter genes are coregulated biosynthesis of anthocyanins. In addition, the WDR gene TTG1-like (AN11) may regulate dihydrochalcones and flavonol biosynthesis in specific combinations with IIIb bHLH and R2R3-MYB proteins. Furthermore, the transport gene protein TRANSPARENT TESTA 12-like gene is positively regulated the accumulation of rutin, and the homolog of ABC transporter B family member gene is positively correlated with the content of flavone acacetin. This study offered candidate genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, information of flavonoid composition and characteristics of flavonoids accumulation, improved our understanding of the MYBs and bHLHs-related regulation networks of flavonoid biosynthesis in E. phaseoloides stem, and provided references for the metabolic engineering of flavonoid biosynthesis in E. phaseoloides stem.
Agustín Rebollada-Merino, Agustín Rebollada-Merino, Marta Pérez-Sancho
et al.
Porcine brucellosis, caused by Brucella suis (B. suis), is a notifiable disease causing significant economic losses in production systems. Most infected pigs may act as carriers and shed B. suis even if asymptomatic. This can contribute to environmental persistence, thus hindering control efforts. Here, the environment and the offspring were investigated during and after a B. suis outbreak at a sow breeding farm. The diagnosis of B. suis in sows (n = 1,140) was performed by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from vaginal swabs, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) from sera, and brucellin skin test (BST). B. suis diagnosis in post-weaning pigs (n = 899) was performed by I-ELISA in sera and BST. The environmental surveillance programme was implemented by placing gauze sponges (n = 175) pre-hydrated in a surfactant and inactivating liquid for Brucella DNA detection by PCR in different farm areas. Our results showed that the offspring of infected sows reacted to in vivo techniques for B. suis. Furthermore, the offspring born during the outbreak displayed higher seropositivity (I-ELISA) and reactivity (BST) than those pigs born after. Brucella DNA was detected in pregnant sow areas, boxes, boots, and post-weaning pig areas. In addition, Brucella DNA environmental detection was higher during the B. suis outbreak than the post B. suis outbreak. The environmental approach has proven to be a simple, practical, valuable, and safe method to detect and monitor B. suis. These results suggest a role of the environment and the offspring that should be considered in porcine brucellosis surveillance and control programmes.
Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) results in intestinal dysfunction contributing to metabolic syndrome and growth lag of piglets. Bile acid (BA) presents various bioactivities, including regulation roles in antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Forty-eight weaned piglets were allocated to four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the effects of BA supplementation and IUGR challenge. Twenty-four IUGR piglets and 24 normal birth weight (NBW) piglets were allocated into two groups, respectively, including the control group fed with a basal diet, and the treatment group fed a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg BA. The experiment lasted 28 days. The results indicated that BA improved liver and spleen indexes in IUGR piglets, whereas decreased blood RDW-CV and RDW-SD regardless of IUGR (P < 0.05). Dietary BA supplementation decreased plasma CAT activity and liver GSH concentration regardless of IUGR, whereas increased plasma GSH and liver H2O2 and decreased liver T-AOC in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, IUGR downregulated liver Nrf1 and Nrf2 expression levels, while BA supplementation upregulated the Nrf2 expression of liver in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). Dietary BA decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal GSH concentration and ileal CAT activity regardless of IUGR. Furthermore, IUGR upregulated (P < 0.05) jejunal SOD and CAT expression levels; however, dietary BA upregulated ileal Nrf1 (P < 0.05) and Keap1 (P = 0.07) expression levels in piglets regardless of IUGR. Moreover, IUGR upregulated the liver lipid synthesis (FAS) and downregulated HSL and SCD1 expression levels, while dietary BA downregulated liver FAS and SCD1 expression levels (P < 0.05). However, BA supplementation could enhance liver gluconeogenesis by upregulating (P < 0.05) the liver G6PC and PCK1 expression levels in the NBW piglets but not in the IUGR piglets. Collectively, these findings suggest that BA could regulate the redox status of weaned piglets by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and improving liver glucose and lipid metabolism of IUGR piglets. These findings will provide a reference for the application of BA in swine production; moreover, considering the physiological similarity between pigs and humans, these findings will provide a reference for IUGR research in humans.
ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to establish and study an intrahepatic portal vein infection hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) C57 mouse model and provide a theoretical basis for clinical research on HAE.MethodsC57 mice were used to establish the HAE mouse model. The location, size, morphology, appearance, and pathological changes in liver lesions in different groups of mice were characterized using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and haematoxylin and eosin staining.ResultsThe mortality rate of the C57 mice was 20%, and the success rate of infection was 75%. The abdominal ultrasound images and MRIs clearly indicated the location, size, shape, and appearance of the liver lesions and the relationship between the lesions and the adjacent organs. The size, morphology, and signal of the livers in the control group were normal. The pathological results of the experimental group indicated a hepatic vesicular acinar cyst, while those of the control group exhibited normal livers.ConclusionThe intrahepatic portal vein infection HAE mouse model was successfully established.
Ratna Sariyatun, Florence, Hiroyuki Kajiura
et al.
Plant cell cultures have emerged as a promising platform for the production of biopharmaceutics due to their cost-effectiveness, safety, ability to control the cultivation, and secrete products into culture medium. However, the use of this platform is hindered by the generation of plant-specific N-glycans, the inability to produce essential N-glycans for cellular delivery of biopharmaceutics, and low productivity. In this study, an alternative acid-alpha glucosidase (GAA) for enzyme replacement therapy of Pompe disease was produced in a glycoengineered Arabidopsis alg3 cell culture. The N-glycan composition of the GAA consisted of a predominantly paucimannosidic structure, Man3GlcNAc2 (M3), without the plant-specific N-glycans. Supplementing the culture medium with NaCl to a final concentration of 50 mM successfully increased GAA production by 3.8-fold. GAA from an NaCl-supplemented culture showed a similar N-glycan profile, indicating that the NaCl supplementation did not affect N-glycosylation. The results of this study highlight the feasibility of using a glycoengineered plant cell culture to produce recombinant proteins for which M3 or mannose receptor-mediated delivery is desired.
The Florida Land Value Survey, conducted by the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida, provides estimates of the value of different types of agricultural land for geographic regions of the state. The survey questionnaire was designed to obtain estimates of the market value for different types of land as of May 2005. Survey respondents included rural appraisers, farm lenders, real estate brokers, farm managers, land investors, county extension agents, personnel from the Farm Services Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, county property appraisers, and other persons who develop and maintain information about rural land values in their areas. Respondents provided 185 usable county reports for the 2005 survey. This document is FE625, one of a series of the Food and Resource Economics Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date January 2006.
FE625/FE625: Strong Nonagricultural Demand Keeps Agricultural Land Values Increasing (2005) (ufl.edu)
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S. García-Ballesteros, L. Varona, M. Valera
et al.
Ranking trait was used as a selection criterion for competition horses to estimate racing performance. In the literature the most common approaches to estimate breeding values are the linear or threshold statistical models. However, recent studies have shown that a Thurstonian approach was able to fix the race effect (competitive level of the horses that participate in the same race), thus suggesting a better prediction accuracy of breeding values for ranking trait. The aim of this study was to compare the predictability of linear, threshold and Thurstonian approaches for genetic evaluation of ranking in endurance horses. For this purpose, eight genetic models were used for each approach with different combinations of random effects: rider, rider–horse interaction and environmental permanent effect. All genetic models included gender, age and race as systematic effects. The database that was used contained 4065 ranking records from 966 horses and that for the pedigree contained 8733 animals (47% Arabian horses), with an estimated heritability around 0.10 for the ranking trait. The prediction ability of the models for racing performance was evaluated using a cross-validation approach. The average correlation between real and predicted performances across genetic models was around 0.25 for threshold, 0.58 for linear and 0.60 for Thurstonian approaches. Although no significant differences were found between models within approaches, the best genetic model included: the rider and rider–horse random effects for threshold, only rider and environmental permanent effects for linear approach and all random effects for Thurstonian approach. The absolute correlations of predicted breeding values among models were higher between threshold and Thurstonian: 0.90, 0.91 and 0.88 for all animals, top 20% and top 5% best animals. For rank correlations these figures were 0.85, 0.84 and 0.86. The lower values were those between linear and threshold approaches (0.65, 0.62 and 0.51). In conclusion, the Thurstonian approach is recommended for the routine genetic evaluations for ranking in endurance horses.
Hubans Barbara, Chouvelon Tiphaine, Begout Marie-Laure
et al.
In the north-eastern Atlantic, meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is one of the largest fish living on the shelf and this species has important commercial interest. Over the past two decades, large variations in meagre abundance have been observed with pluri-annual cycles but the factors involved in such variations are still unclear. Trophic interactions between meagre and other species (both prey and competitors) might be one explanatory variable of the observed variations in meagre recruitment and abundance. In the present study, we described the diet of commercial-size meagre in the Bay of Biscay from stomach content and stable isotope analyses, and explored its dietary ontogeny. We found that commercial-size meagres were mostly piscivorous with a diet dominated by clupeiform fish (mainly anchovy and sardine) completed by demersal fish (mainly pout and whiting). Cannibalism also accounted for a non-negligible part of the diet. Interestingly, stable isotope and stomach content analyses showed only a very slight increase in prey length and trophic level during the ontogeny of large meagre after 50 cm of total length and despite a 3 fold-change of the individual length in our sampling. Our results suggested that specific trophic interactions (i.e. bottom-up control by clupeiform fish on meagre population, competitive effects on piscivorous populations or top-down control by meagre on clupeiform fish populations) may occur in the Bay of Biscay and can impact meagre abundance dynamics. Our study underlined the interest to enhance ecological knowledge of prey-predator relationships in the development of ecosystem-based approach to understand trophic controls impacting aquatic living resources and fishery economy.
Andika Budi Kurnianto, Gusti Ayu Yuniati Kencana, I Nyoman Mantik Astawa
Revaccination is required in order to preventNewcastle Disease (ND) reccurence inlayers chickens. Oneof vaccine for ND revaccination is freeze-died ND active vaccine containing e” 106,5EID50. Revaccinationisdone to trigger a faster secondary antibody responses in layers and can achieve protective antibody titersagainst ND that can be monitored by a hemagglutinationinhibition (HI). The aim of this study was todetermine the ND secondary antibody responses in layers after revaccination with ND active vaccine.Antibody titer of 20 layers chickens of 20 week old were determined before revaccinations (week 0) andafter revaccinations (week 1 until week 9). The first vaccination was conducted using ND-IB (NewcastleDisease-Infectious Bronchitis) at the age of 2 days through eye drops and subcutaneous injection at the ageof 5 days using a dose of 1 ampoule.Vaccination is repeated at the age of 20 weeks at a dose of 1 ½ ampoule through drinking water. Blood samples were collected on the wing vein (venous cutane ulnar) and left for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.Sera were then collected and stored at -20oC until use. HI antibody titerwas determined by micro titeration system. The HI mean titers were analyzed by Duncan test. The studyresults showed that antibody titer before revaccination was3,47 HI log 2 and the HI titers after revaccinationwere 4,02; 5,22; 6,52; 7,85; 8,4; 8,6; 7,7; 5,92; dan 3,87 HI log 2 respectivelly at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and9.The NDV revaccination with ND active vaccine significantly (P <0.01) increased in antibody titer inlayers starting from week 1 to week 6, but decreased following week 7 to week-9. It can be concluded thatrevaccinantion with ND active vaccine increases the antibody titers in layer chickens.
This study assesses the effect of long-term (59 years) application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil organic matter and enzyme activity. Total organic C, total organic N, hot water soluble C, microbial biomass C and dehydrogenase activity were evaluated in soil from the long-term field experiment in Prague-Ruzyně (Orthic Luvisol, clay loam). Total organic C and N increased significantly in soils treated with organic fertilizers (farmyard manure, compost) and in soils with a combination of organic and mineral NPK fertilizers (manure + NPK, compost + NPK, cattle manure + straw + NPK) compared to soil treated with inorganic fertilizer, cattle slurry + straw and non-fertilized control. Farmyard manure significantly increased hot water soluble C compared to the control. Dehydrogenase activity was significantly increased by all treatments compared to control. The results indicate that additions of organic matter from various sources differ in the effects on soil organic matter and biological activity. The effect of manure was the most favourable; long-term application of cattle slurry + straw is rather similar to mineral fertilization.
Elke Noellemeyer, Romina Fernández, Alberto Quiroga
Rising demands for food and uncertainties about climate change call for a paradigm shift in water management with a stronger focus on rainfed agriculture. The objective here was to estimate water productivity of different crops under no-till (NT) and conventional till (CT), in order to identify rotations that improve the water productivity of dryland agriculture. We hypothesized that NT and cereal crops would have a positive effect on overall water productivity. Crop yield and water use data were obtained from a 15 year experiment (1993 to 2008) on an entic Haplustoll in the semiarid Pampa, Argentina, with a rotation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annus), and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.). The results indicated an improved water productivity of all crops under NT compared with that of CT; however, the response of cereals (corn +1.0 kg ha−1 mm−1, wheat +1.3 kg ha−1 mm−1) was higher than that of sunflower (+0.3 kg ha−1 mm−1) and soybean (+0.5 kg ha−1 mm−1). Crop type had a higher impact on water productivity than did tillage system. In agreement with our hypothesis, cereal crops were more efficient (corn 9.8 and wheat 6.9 kg ha−1 mm−1) compared with soybean 2.4 and sunflower 3.9 kg mm−1, but the economic water productivity of sunflower (0.9 US$ ha−1 mm−1) almost equaled that of wheat (1.1 US$ ha−1mm−1) and corn (1.2 US$ ha−1 mm−1). We concluded that the use of the synergy between NT and water efficient crops could be a promising step towards improving food production in semiarid regions.