Scientific Journals of INIA (Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria)
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Effects of in utero heat stress on subsequent reproduction performance of first-calf Holstein heifers
Get PDFAim of study: To determine the reproductive performance of heifers gestated under maternal conditions of heat stress in late gestation.Area of study: Northern Mexico (25° 32’ N, 103° 23’ W).Material and methods: The study included reproductive records of 4976 first-calf Holstein heifers in a hot environment.Main results: Heifers born to cows experiencing no heat stress three months before parturition but with a THI >83 at calving were older (p<0.05) at first calving (743 ± 67 vs. 729 ± 55 days) than heifers gestated under maternal conditions of heat stress. A two-fold increase (p<0.01) in pregnancy rate occurred in heifers gestated under maternal conditions of no heat stress during two or three months before pregnancy and no heat stress at parturition, compared with heifers gestated under maternal conditions of no heat stress. Overall, across in utero heat stress one, two or three months before calving, pregnancy rate to all services was higher (p<0.05) for first-calf heifers gestated under maternal conditions of no heat stress during delivery, compared with heifers gestated under maternal conditions of heat stress (66.7 vs. 51.1%). Median days for getting pregnant was higher (140 d) for heifers whose dams were exposed to THI >83 at calving than heifers whose mothers were exposed to <76 or 76-83 (117 and 114 d) at calving.Research highlights: These data suggest that in utero heat stress during the last three months of gestation negatively affects the reproductive performance of first-calf Holstein heifers
Double concentration explaining the outstanding increase in Spanish crop production
Get PDFAim of study: To evaluate the changes in Spanish agricultural production since 1950s in a context of intense transformations in terms of the regional and crop composition.Area of study: Spanish provinces during the second half of the twentieth century.Material and methods: We use index decomposition analysis to evaluate the changes in the value and volume of crop production, as well as the role of product composition and the regional distribution of production.Main results: Spanish agriculture have focused on certain regions in the south or in the east of Spain. Some products like vegetables or fruits have a positive prices and composition effects, encouraging the production in these provinces.Research highlights: We found a ‘double concentration’: Spanish agriculture has increasingly tended to produce high value-added products, such as vegetables, fruit and olive oil. On the other hand, crop production is concentrated in the southern and eastern provinces of Spain
Short communication: Laboratory evaluation of nine highbush blueberry cultivars susceptibility to Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) in the Southwestern Spain
Get PDFAim of study: To determine how susceptible the most used Southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars were to the spotted wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) as well as those recently introduced to Southwestern Spain.Area of study: Southwestern Spain (Huelva province).Material and methods: Nine of the SHB cultivars which were recently introduced in Southwestern Spain and the most used ones were selected: ‘Arana’, ‘Camellia’, ‘Kirra’, ‘Mayra’, ‘Misty’, ‘O'Neal’, ‘Sharpblue’, ‘Star’ and ‘Ventura’. In order to determine how susceptible the cultivars were to SWD, no-choice tests were performed under laboratory conditions. In addition, berry size, berry firmness, ºBrix, and pH were recorded in order to assess what influence these variables had on oviposition preference by SWD.Main results: Mean clutch size and mean number of emerged adults in ‘Star’ were significantly higher than in the other tested cultivars. ‘Mayra’, ‘Camellia’ and ‘Ventura’ received the lower clutch sizes and mean number of emerged adults. Mean developmental time (egg to adult) differed significantly among tested cultivars and were highest in ‘Camellia’ than in the other tested cultivars. Only firmness and pH were correlated with SWD infestation as females tend to oviposit more eggs in softer fruits than in firmer fruits. Results also showed that a higher pH increased the emergence of adults and shortened the egg to adult developmental time.Research highlights: Our results showed significant differences in the susceptibility of SHB to SWD. This information may help design IPM programs and in making recommendations for blueberry crops as planting of low-chill cultivars expands
Genetic relationships between local Brazilian goat breeds based on mtDNA D-loop region similarity
Get PDFAim of study: Our objective was to investigate the mitochondrial DNA of local Brazilian goats to gain insights into the genetic composition of this precious genetic resource.Area of study: The study was developed in BrazilMaterial and methods: We analyzed a hypervariable region of the mitochondrial DNA of 83 goats belonging to four local Brazilian breeds, including Canindé (CAN-RN), Moxotó (MOX-CE), Marota (MAR-PI) and Azul (AZU-PE) as well as of exotic breeds raised in different states of the Federation. Sequences related to local Brazilian goats showed a dispersed distribution throughout the median-joining network, and clustering with sequences of exotic breeds occurred in some haplotypes. The obtained sequences were analyzed and compared with different haplogroups (A, B1, B2, C, D, F, and G) available on GenBank.Main results: The local Brazilian goat breeds showed significant diversity, with 16 (0.8240) haplotypes. Population structure analysis revealed substantial differences among breeds (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial lineage A was observed in Brazilian goats. Phylogeny showed European goats as the dominant stock for Brazilian goats, but there weare some haplotypes within haplogroup A, clustering with African and Asian haplotypes.Research highlights: These results could be suitable for creating a strategic conservation program, potentially benefitting future breeding programs
Effect of hitch distance on haulage performance for 2WD tractors: A theoretical analysis
Get PDFAim of study: A computer program was developed in Visual Basic 10 environment for predicting the haulage performance of 2WD tractors using various empirical and theoretical equations.Methodology: Three types of inputs related to tractor, trailer and operating parameters were used to calculate the performance parameters through empirical and theoretical equations. The performance parameters included mainly draft, slip, transport efficiency, transport productivity, fuel economy index, rear and front axle dynamic weight, etc. The program was used to evaluate the haulage performance by varying hitch distance (HD) at various operating conditions.Main results: On one hand lower HD was beneficial in increasing the maximum payload, transport productivity as well as the maximum slope; but at the same time, it reduced the rear axle dynamic load, fuel economy index and actual engine power requirement.Research highlights: There was a markable effect of HD over tractor performance which can play a role to optimize traction and stability.
Host and environmental factors as determinants of equine piroplasmosis seroprevalence in Central Spain
Get PDFAim of study: To estimate equine piroplasmosis seroprevalence, identify associated risk factors and assess infection recentness.Area of study: Community of Madrid (Central Spain)Material and methods: Sera from 139 horses and 40 donkeys were examined by cELISA to evaluate Babesia caballi and Theileria equi seroprevalences and examine potential risk factors. They included species, gender, age, breed, colour coat, dedication, external parasite treatments, access to pasture, contact with other species, new introduction, tick infestation, farm altitude, land cover, soil type and climatic zone. A bivariate analysis was performed and significant variables were included in a logistic regression model to examine their independent contribution. In positive samples ELISA inhibition percentiles (EIPs) were used to assess whether infections were old or recent.Main results: True seroprevalence (95% CI), adjusted for test sensitivity and specificity was 19% (13-27) for T. equi and 1% (0-3) for B. caballi. In the bivariate analysis, T. equi seroprevalence varied significantly according to horse and farm-level explanatory variables; high seroprevalence groups generally had high EIPs suggesting recent infection. The multivariable analysis revealed that T. equi seroprevalence increased with age, it was higher in police horses compared to sporting, recreational and breeding animals and in those living in lower altitude where planosol soil type was predominant.Research highlights: T. equi seroprevalence in the area was significantly higher than B. caballi seroprevalence and depends on animal management and environmental factors that affect vector abundance and diversity. Identified risk factors must be considered to improve tick and tick-borne disease control and prevention
Short communication: Evaluation of tubal patency in repeat breeder Holstein cows
Get PDFAim of study: To evaluate tubal patency in repeat breeder Holstein cows with the purpose of estimating the frequency of oviduct obstruction as a cause of the repeat breeding syndrome.Area of study: Lugo (NW Spain)Material and methods: In 50 repeat breeding cows, a solution of the dye phenol-sulphon-phthalein (PSP) was instilled into one uterine horn with the aid of a balloon catheter. Urine was collected 15, 25 and 45 min post-PSP infusion. Urine of a reddish color was used as indicator of tubal patency, as the PSP had passed across the oviduct into the abdominal cavity and was eliminated in urine. The other oviduct was evaluated on a different day.Main results: Of the 50 cows tested, 44% had some degree of oviduct obstruction: 4% had bilateral oviduct occlusion, 20% unilateral oviduct occlusion, 16% bilateral oviduct stenosis and 4% unilateral oviduct stenosis. No significant relationship could be established between tubal impermeability and postpartum reproductive or metabolic diseases.Research highlights: Tubal stenosis or occlusions were frequent and they are likely to contribute to the repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows; thus, tubal patency should be routinely evaluated in repeat breeders. The PSP test is easy to perform, well tolerated by animals, and allows evaluating both oviducts separately
Seasonal variations of carcass characteristics, meat quality and nutrition value in Iberian wild red deer
Get PDFAim of study: The effects of hunting season (autumn vs. winter) on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Iberian wild red deer were assessed.Area of study: A total of 100 males of wild red deer of Iberian genetic line (Cervus elaphus) were hunted on Ciudad Real (south central Spain).Material and methods: Yields for shoulder (with bone), neck, backbone, loin, tenderloin, leg (with bone), short plate and flank were determined. In addition, samples of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and Rectus abdominis muscles were collected. Then, pH48, colour measurements, chemical composition, cooking loss, Warner Bratzler shear blade, fatty acid and amino acid profiles and mineral content were analyzed.Main results: Deer hunted in autumn (n=50) had higher (p<0.01) yields of shoulder, backbone and short plate and higher contents of intramuscular fat (IMF), cholesterol and K, Fe and Mn but lower (p<0.001) pH48 and Na, Mg, Zn and Cu contents than deer hunted in winter (n=50). Shear force tended (p=0.05) to be lower for meat collected in autumn than for meat collected in winter. However, loin yield was 59.2% higher (p<0.001) for winter than for autumn carcasses. Deer hunted in winter had higher α-linoleic acid (p<0.05) and long chain n-3 polyunsaturated (p<0.001) percentages than deer hunted in autumn.Research highlights: Autumn hunting is recommended to obtain carcasses with higher yields of shoulder, backbone and short plate and meat with higher IMF. Conversely, winter hunting is advisable for higher loin yield and for a profile richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids
Different levels of morphophysiological seed dormancy in Ribes alpinum and R. uva-crispa (Grossulariaceae) facilitate adaptation to differentiated habitats
Get PDFAim of the study: To study the germination ecology of two species of the genus Ribes to reveal their levels of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and to facilitate the production of plants from seeds, a key tool for population reinforcement.Area of study: Experiments were carried out both outdoors and in the laboratory in Albacete (Spain) with seeds from the Meridional Iberian System mountain range.Material and methods: Seeds from one population of Ribes alpinum and from other of Ribes uva-crispa were collected during several years. Embryo length, radicle and seedling emergence, and effects on germination of stratification and GA3 were analysed to determine the level of MPD.Main results: In R. alpinum, embryo length in fresh seeds was 0.49 mm, needing to grow to 1.30 mm to germinate. Warm stratification (25/10ºC) promoted embryo length enlargement to 0.97 mm. Afterwards, seeds germinated within a wide temperature range. Embryo growth and seedling emergence occur late summer-early autumn. In R. uva-crispa, embryo length in fresh seeds was 0.52 mm, being 2.10 mm the minimal size to germinate. Embryos exposed to a moderately warm stratification (20/7ºC + 15/4ºC) followed by cold (5ºC) grew to 2.30 mm. Then, seeds germinated ≥ 80% when incubated at temperatures ≥ 15/4ºC. Embryos grew in autumn/early winter, and seedlings emerged late winter-early spring.Research highlights: These results showed that R. alpinum seeds have a nondeep simple MPD while R. uva-crispa seeds have a nondeep complex MPD. Moreover, the different germinative models found for each species help explain their installation in distinct habitats.Keywords: Ribes; seed dormancy break; radicle emergence; seedling emergence; nondeep simple and nondeep complex MPD.Abbreviations used: Morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), morphological dormancy (MD), Gibberellic acid (GA3), months (m)
Biomass and carbon storage in an age-sequence of Acacia mangium plantation forests in Southeastern region, Vietnam
Get PDFAim of the study: The major objective of this study was to estimate the biomass increment and carbon (C) storage of the main ecosystem components in an age-sequence of three Acacia mangium plantation stands.Area of study: Chang Riec Historical - Cultural Forest, Southeastern region, Vietnam.Material and methods: In order to assess the biomass of different tree components, 36 trees with diameter at breast height ranging from 13.38 to 22.87 cm were harvested from the different aged stands. Biomasses of understory (shrubs and herbs), and litter were also determined. Carbon storage in the trees and understory biomass, litter, and mineral soil (0-50 cm) were determined by analyzing the C content of each compartment.Main results: The biomass in trees, understory vegetation, litter, and ecosystem increased with stand age. Soil C represented 61.99% of the total, aboveground tree biomass C made up 26.73%, belowground tree biomass C accounted for 7.01%, and litter comprised 2.96%, whereas only a small amount (1.30%) was associated with understory vegetation. The average C content of total tree (47.97%) was higher than those of understory and litter. Soil organic C stock in the top 50 cm depth in 4-, 7- and 11-year-old stands of A. mangium were 86.86, 126.88 and 140.94 Mg. C ha-1 respectively. Soil C concentration decreased continually with increasing soil depth. Total C storage of three planted forests ranged from 131.36 to 255.86 Mg. C ha-1, of which 56.09 - 67.61% of C storage was in the soil and 26.88 - 40.40% in the trees.Research highlights: These results suggest that A. mangium is a promising afforestation tree species with fast growing, high biomass accumulation and high C sequestration potential.Keywords: Acacia mangium plantations; Biomass; Ecosystem carbon storage; Age-sequence; Vietnam