川西北沙化草地植被群落、土壤有机碳及微生物特征

为探究川西北高寒沙化草地地表植被、土壤有机碳和微生物的特征,采用样地调查方法,研究了不同沙化程度草地地表植被状况及土壤有机碳、腐殖质碳、微生物数量和微生物量碳、氮的差异特征。结果表明,1)随沙化严重程度增加,植被群落盖度、植被地上和地下生物量急剧下降。与未沙化草地相比,轻度沙化、中度沙化、重度沙化和极重度沙化草地地上生物量分别降低了12.95%,40.60%,76.53%和91.78%,地下生物量分别降低了21.44%,44.00%,83.41%和94.65%。2)土壤有机碳、腐殖质碳组分均随着沙化程度的提高而呈下降的趋势,且0~20 cm土层变化最为显著。不同沙化草地各土层之间也存在差异,但重度和极重度沙化草地各土层之间没有显著差异。3)随着沙化程度的加剧,土壤微生物(细菌、真菌、放线菌)数量和微生物量碳、氮产生显著变化。土壤沙化加剧会导致土壤微生物数量、微生物量碳、氮含量显著降低,破坏土壤微生物群落结构。     

不同沙化高寒草地植物群落结构特征及土壤理化特性研究

以青海省治多县轻度沙化和重度沙化草地为研究对象,对其植被群落特征和土壤理化性状进行了调查。结果表明:随着草地沙化程度的加剧,草地植物群落结构(如群落优势种等)发生了明显的变化,群落盖度、生物量均明显下降(P0.01),植被高度反而上升(P0.01)。而通过保护与综合治理,重度沙化草地物种数、多样性指数、均匀性指数却大于轻度沙化草地。同时,随着草地沙化程度的加剧,土壤养分在0~15cm水平上明显下降(P0.01),而在15~30cm水平上变化不明显。     

川西北沙化草地生态恢复工程对沙地植被群落的影响

2007年7-8月在川西北若尔盖与红原的沙化草地区内,对生态恢复0、1、3、5、7、10和12年的样地植物群落指标进行调查。结果表明：生态恢复工程增加了样地内植物种类、多样性指数、群落总盖度以及地上部分生物量,而群落密度和高度变化表现出波动性,规律性不强。群落恢复演替中主要数量特征受优势种、次优势种、伴生种的控制,是群落演替较为典型的特征。该区生态恢复工程加快了沙化草地植被的恢复速度与群落正向演替的速度,但恢复演替需要较长的时间。因此,在对沙化草地采取围栏封育期间,禁止牲畜进入封育区;针对沙化草地的特点,采用合理的浇（保）水施肥措施,种植适宜植物及应用合理的种植技术和植被管理技术,才能使植被恢复的速度和效果达到一个理想的结果。     

川西北地区沙化草地特征研究

高寒地区沙化草地草本植物多样性恢复是沙化治理过程中的重要环节。迄今为止,较为全面分析高寒沙化草地土壤因子与草本群落物种多样性的研究较少。为明确高寒草原沙化草地土壤因子与地上草本群落物种多样性的关系,于2014年7月,在川西北高寒地区通过调查和采样分析来研究不同草本群落物种多样性和不同土层土壤因子之间的关系。结果表明：随着沙化,草地草本群落由湿生型向旱生型转变;沙化草地草本群落物种多样性降低;沙化草地土壤水分和土壤碳、氮、磷含量降低;5~15 cm土壤水分、0~15 cm土壤铵态氮含量、0~15 cm土壤全磷含量和地上草本群落物种多样性显著（P<0.05）相关。在高寒草地沙化治理过程中,恢复地上草本群落物种多样性应该充分考虑不同土层土壤水分含量、铵态氮含量和全磷含量的影响。     

黄河源区高寒草原的植被退化与土壤退化特征

近几年,黄河源区高寒草原退化沙化明显。研究了黄河源区紫花针茅高寒草原在不同退化程度下植物群落、生物量和土壤的特征,结果表明,随着高寒草原退化程度加大,植被盖度、草地质量指数和优良牧草地上生物量比例逐渐下降,草地间的相似性指数减小,植物群落多样性指数和均匀度指数呈单峰式曲线变化规律。随着退化加剧,禾草地上生物量减少显著,杂草类植物地上生物量先增加后减少,而莎草科植物地上生物量的变化不受草地退化程度的影响。高寒草原土壤表层0～20 cm的植物根系随土壤深度的增加而减少,随草地退化程度的加剧呈倒“V”型变化。高寒草原物种多样性与生物量之间呈“V”型变化规律,随着退化程度增加,物种丰富度与生产力的关系由显著正相关转变为负相关。随着高寒草原的退化程度加剧,土壤湿度、土壤有机质、速效磷、硝态氮、速效钾的含量和土壤紧实度都减小。随着高寒草原植被的退化演替,土壤退化越来越严重,贫瘠化不断加剧,到重度退化阶段,旱生沙生植物出现,呈现沙化初始景观。     

青藏高原不同退化梯度高寒草地植被与土壤属性分异特征

高寒草地是青藏高原生态系统的重要组成部分,草地退化严重影响区域可持续发展。目前,不同草地退化的演替过程中,土壤属性与植被特征的变化机理尚未理清。本研究以青藏高原为研究对象,整合分析(meta-analysis)不同退化梯度草地的植被群落、生产力及土壤属性特征。结果表明:不同退化梯度下,植被地上和地下生物量均降低,土壤特征均呈恶化趋势。尤其是在重度退化草地中,地上生物量、地下生物量、物种丰富度和物种均匀度较未退化草地分别显著降低了42.44%、60.64%、21.08%和8.36%,土壤含水量、有机碳、全氮和全磷同样较未退化草地分别显著下降了33.57%、45.75%、22.70%和11.23%,而土壤容重显著上升了12.12%(P0.05)。就效应比而言,植被生物量与土壤主要性质(有机碳、全氮和全磷)均呈显著正相关关系,表明草地退化过程中植被生产力与土壤性质互相影响,相较氮和磷含量,碳含量的流失非常严重。研究结果可为青藏高原地区受损草地的修复提供科学依据。     

土壤沙化度对再生植物群落特征及草地生产能力的影响

【目的】分析土壤沙化度对草地再生植物群落特征及生产能力的影响,为川西北高寒沙化草地的植被修复与重建提供借鉴。【方法】选择植被破坏的4个沙化土地（ND未沙化、LD轻度、MD中度和HD重度）,经4年种子自由迁入与自然竞争生长后,测定再生植被群落结构和优势种特点、功能群草种重要值和产量贡献率等指标。【结果】1）土壤沙化度对再生植物群落特征参数影响为基盖度>投影盖度>群落高度>群落密度>物种数,对优势种种类、种数与高度均有显著影响（P<0.05）。2）土壤沙化度对再生群落中功能群草种重要值及草地生产力有显著影响（P<0.05）,重要值受影响为豆科草类>莎草类>杂类草类>禾草类,产量和贡献率受影响为莎草类>杂类草类>豆科草类>禾草类。LD、MD和HD产量和贡献率最大的分别为禾草类、杂类草类和豆科草类。3）土壤未沙化和轻度沙化草地具有植被自我修复和再生能力,中重度沙化土壤的再生群落结构简单、生产力较低。【结论】川西北高寒草地沙化土地均可形成再生植被,土壤沙化度影响再生植被群落特征和草地生产性能,需依土壤沙化度采取相应的草地复壮...     

不同沙化程度草原地下生物量及其环境因素特征

为探讨草原沙化演替过程中地下生物量的变化规律,以内蒙古正蓝旗温性草原区为例,采用样地调查方法,研究了不同沙化程度草地地下生物量的垂直分布格局及其土壤环境特征。结果表明,1)草地地下生物量由土壤表层向深层急剧下降,总体呈“T”形分布,0~30 cm土层地下生物量占总地下生物量的80%以上;随着草原沙化程度的加剧,地下生物量呈显著下降趋势(P<0.05),未沙化草地、轻度沙化草地、中度沙化草地、重度沙化草地的地下生物量平均密度分别为2 598.67,2 318.45,390.26,117.25 g/m²。2)土壤温度随深度的增加而降低,30 cm以下土壤温度基本保持稳定;沙化草地深层土壤含水量略高于表层含水量,未沙化草地土壤保水能力优于沙化草地。3)在草原沙化演替进程中,土壤理化性质发生了一系列变化,与未沙化草地相比砂粒含量显著增加(P<0.05),沙化草地砂粒含量占90%以上;温性草原土壤pH值总体属于中性,各类型沙化草地间差异不显著(P>0.05);随着沙化程度的加剧,土壤有机质、全氮和速效氮含量均值较未沙化草地显著下降(P<0.05)。     

川西北沙化草地植被恢复后土壤理化性质的变化

以植被恢复不同年限的川西北沙化草地土壤为对象,分析不同土层(0～20 cm、20～40 cm)中土壤理化性质的变化情况.结果表明:植被恢复对沙化草地土壤理化性质的改善有明显的促进作用;随植被恢复时间的延长,土壤容重逐渐减小,含水量显著提高;与参照样地相比,除土壤全K含量无明显变化外,土壤有机质、全N、全P以及速效养分含量在各层均呈不同程度的提高,表现最明显的是在土壤表层(0～20cm);相关分析说明,有机质含量和土壤容重表现出显著负相关(r=-0.533,p＜0.05),而与土壤含水量呈极显著正相关(r=0.836,p＜0.01),土壤有机质含量表现出和土壤全N、全P含量不同程度的正相关关系.     

川西北沙化草地植被恢复后土壤理化性质的变化

以植被恢复不同年限的川西北沙化草地土壤为对象,分析不同土层(0～20cm、20～40cm)中土壤理化性质的变化情况。结果表明:植被恢复对沙化草地土壤理化性质的改善有明显的促进作用;随植被恢复时间的延长,土壤容重逐渐减小,含水量显著提高;与参照样地相比,除土壤全K含量无明显变化外,土壤有机质、全N、全P以及速效养分含量在各层均呈不同程度的提高,表现最明显的是在土壤表层(0～20cm);相关分析说明,有机质含量和土壤容重表现出显著负相关(r=-0.533,p<0.05),而与土壤含水量呈极显著正相关(r=0.836,p<0.01),土壤有机质含量表现出和土壤全N、全P含量不同程度的正相关关系。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.