200,996 research outputs found
Short communication: Comparative estimation of colostrum quality by Brix refractometry in bovine, caprine, and ovine colostrum.
No full textNewborn ungulates depend on the timely supply of colostrum containing sufficient immunoglobulins to obtain passive immunity against disease. Brix refractometry enables a rapid on-farm estimation of colostrum quality and has been intensively studied in bovines. However, the suitability of Brix refractometers for assessing colostrum quality in goats and ewes has been scarcely evaluated. The present study compared bovine, caprine, and ovine colostrum quality estimation using an optical Brix refractometer. In addition, between-species variations in the relationships between Brix values and colostrum constituents (IgG, fat, protein, and lactose) and the accuracy of Brix refractometry at different cutoff values were evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We measured the Brix value and contents of IgG, fat, protein, and lactose in 324 colostrum samples (108 cows, 116 does, and 100 ewes). Thresholds for classification of good colostrum quality (as determined by ELISA) were set at 50 mg IgG/mL in cows and 20 mg/mL in does and ewes. Bovine colostrum showed the greatest IgG concentrations compared with caprine and ovine colostrum. Fat and protein content was higher in sheep colostrum compared with the other species, whereas the highest lactose concentrations were detected in goat colostrum. Brix values ranged from 11.4 to 34.6% (22.1 ± 4.2%; mean ± standard deviation), 15.4 to 40.0% (28.5 ± 6.8%), and 8.8 to 39.8% (21.6 ± 5.3%) in bovine, ovine, and caprine colostrum, respectively. In all 3 species, Brix was highly correlated with IgG and protein concentrations (cows, r = 0.83 and 0.98; goats, r = 0.83 and 0.89; sheep, r = 0.75 and 0.87). Optimal cutoff points for greatest accuracy of Brix measurements were 19.3% Brix in cows [with 87.1% sensitivity (Se) and 100% specificity (Sp)], 20.7% Brix in does (with 53.5% Se and 100% Sp), and 26.5% Brix in ewes (with 75% Se and 91.3% Sp). In conclusion, Brix refractometry is an acceptable tool for on-farm estimations of colostrum quality in does and ewes despite distinct between-species variations in colostrum composition
Evaluation of Brix Refractometry for the Estimation of Colostrum Quality in Jennies
No full textDonkey placenta does not allow the passage of immunoglobulins; thus, foals are born hypogammaglobulinemic and an adequate intake of high-quality colostrum in the first 24 hours of life is crucial for the surviving. The study aims to assess the relation between colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration evaluated by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) test and the Brix refractometer in donkeys to establish a cutoff value for high quality of colostrum based on Brix refractometry. Colostrum was collected at foaling, and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after foaling from the left and the right half of nine Amiata jennies. A total of 72 colostrum samples were analyzed. A Friedman test with a Dunn's test for multiple comparisons was used for assessing the differences between the left and right half at each sampling time. No differences were found between the left and right halves; the average value was used to analyze the effect of sampling time on the IgG concentrations and Brix values. The relationship between colostrum IgG concentrations (SRID test) versus Brix value and Brix value versus time was analyzed using two different mixed linear models. A strong statistically significant relation has been found between IgG concentrations and Brix values (R2 = 0.84). The relation between IgG concentrations and Brix refractometer showed a cutoff point of 17% Brix score for the identification of high-quality colostrum. The Brix value (%) decreased continuously from 16.29 by 0.29 × hour. Jennies’ and donkey foals’ management may be greatly improved using this simple and cheap device
Mandarin Market Segments Based on Consumer Sensory Evaluations
No full textNinety-five consumers in seven grocery stores tasted unidentified peeled sections of three mandarins (a tangerine, a satsuma, and a clementine), and provided demographic and purchase information. Forty-four percent of the respondents preferred tangerines, 34 percent satsumas, and 22 percent clementines. The probability of preferring each of type of mandarin was estimated from internal quality analysis of paired samples, as well as from demographic and purchase responses. Model simulations were used to recommend harvest standards for satsumas based on Brix-to-acid ratios.Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,
Evaluation of brix refractometry to estimate immunoglobulin g content in buffalo colostrum and neonatal calf serum
No full textBrix refractometry has been widely demonstrated to be a useful tool for monitoring colostrum management program and passive immunity transfer (PIT) in Bovines, but its suitability has never been verified in Buffalo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of a simple and rapid tool such as a digital Brix refractometer to estimate colostrum quality and for evaluating the success of passive transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in Buffalo calves. The optimal cut points levels for Brix Refractometry for distinguishing good‐ and poor‐quality colostrum and for assessing the adequacy of passive immunity transfer in calves were determined. For this aim, 26 first‐milking maternal colostrum (MC) were collected from first‐calf heifers. Blood samples were obtained from their calves at birth (T0) and 72 hours after (T3). Colostrum and Serum IgG content were determined by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas total protein (TP, g/dL) and percentage Brix (%Brix) by means of a digital Brix refractometer. The mean colostrum IgG was 64.9 ± 29.3 mg/mL. The mean serum %Brix at T3 was 9.6 ± 0.9 %. The mean serum IgG content at T3 was 11.1 ± 2.0 mg/mL. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (rp) was determined between Brix and ELISA measurements: colostrum %Brix showed a significant correlation with serum %Brix (rp = 0.82, p < 0.001); serum %Brix was highly correlated with serum TP (STP, g/dL) (rp = 0.98, p < 0.001) and serum IgG (mg/mL) (rp = 0.85, p < 0.001). A cut point of 18% Brix to estimate samples of MC ≥ 50 mg/mL from first‐calf heifers was more appropriate for the buffalo. A cut point of 8.4% Brix resulted in the greatest percentage of calf serum samples being correctly classified. Based on our findings, a digital Brix refractometer could be a useful tool to monitor colostrum quality and to estimate PIT in Buffalo calves
Macrostylis cerrita Vey & Brix 2009
No full text<i>Macrostylis cerrita</i> Vey & Brix, 2009 <p> urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3644D8D7-30A9-462E-9DC1-8D19C948EC9C <i>Macrostylis cerrita</i> Vey & Brix, 2009; pp. 356–370, Figs 1–6.</p> <p> <b>Modified diagnosis.</b> Body cuticular setules absent. Pereonite 3 posterolateral margins not produced posteriorly. Pereonite 3–4 ventral spines absent. Pereonite 4 lateral margins convex in collum region, concave posteriorly; posterolateral margins not produced posteriorly. Pereonite 7 ventral spine prominent. Pleotelson narrowing evenly towards uropod insertions, lateral margins straight, waist present; posterior apex posteriorly convex, length 0.14 pleotelson length. Pereopod III ischium dorsal lobe tapering, recurved with no apical seta. Pereopod V ischium distodorsally without seta. Operculum elongate, distally tapering, apical width subequal or smaller 0.5 operculum width, lateral fringe of setae distinctly separate from apical row of setae.</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> The original illustration of the habitus (Vey & Brix 2009; Fig. 1 B) shows a conspicuous spine laterally on the pleotelson. This spine was not mentioned in the original description text though. The inspection of the holotype revealed that it does not exist.</p> <p> The pereopod III ischium dorsal lobe (Fig. 4 E) is of remarkable shape and setation. It is tapering, recurved and an apical seta is lacking. A similar ischium is present in <i>M. balayevi</i> Mezhov, 1989 <i>M. quadratura</i> Birstein, 1970 and <i>M. tumulosa</i> Mezhov, 1989 where the dorsal lobe is tapering and without apical seta. The recurved apical lobe found in <i>M. cerrita</i>, however, might represent a more derived condition. In other species of the genus, the ischium has a convergently similar, hook-shaped appearance. Instead of a recurved dorsal lobe, however, a hook-shaped apical spine-like seta (Fig. 22 O) is present on the dorsal lobe apex. This is the case e.g. in <i>Macrostylis carinifera</i> Mezhov, 1988, <i>M. dorsaetosa</i> Riehl <i>et al.,</i> 2012, <i>M. papillata</i> Riehl <i>et al.</i> 2012, <i>M. spinifera</i> Sars, 1864.</p> <p> Vey and Brix (2009) noticed the lateral mandibular setae and interpreted this character as autapomorphy for <i>M. cerrita</i>. However, the mandibular lateral setae have been recognized already before, e.g. in <i>M. sarsi</i> (Brandt 1992; Fig. 14) and <i>M. magnifica</i> Wolff, 1962 (Mezhov 2000), and are present in all species described since and all type material checked (Riehl, unpublished data). Possibly, those setae are apomorphic for the whole family Macrostylidae.</p> <p>In accordance with the gender agreement stated in Article 31.2 of the ICZN, the species-group name is changed to be feminine.</p>Published as part of <i>Riehl, Torben & Brandt, Angelika, 2013, Southern Ocean Macrostylidae reviewed with a key to the species and new descriptions from Maud Rise, pp. 160-203 in Zootaxa 3692 (1)</i> on pages 189-190, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3692.1.10, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/220612">http://zenodo.org/record/220612</a>
Phenotypic traits of phragmites australis clones are not related to ploidy level and distribution range
No full textBackground and aims: Phragmites australis is a wetland grass with high genetic variability, augmented by its cosmopolitan distribution, clonal growth form and large variation in chromosome numbers. Different ploidy levels and ecotypes differ in morphology and ecophysiological traits, and may possess different levels of phenotypic variation. The aim of this study was to quantify the natural variation in ecophysiological characteristics of P. Australis, and to explore whether differences in ecophysiological traits can be related to ploidy levels or to the geographic origin of the clones. Methodology: Fifteen clones of P. australis from Europe and Asia/Australia, representing five ploidy levels (4x, 6x, 8x, 10x and 12x), were grown in a common garden design for 119 days. Plant growth and light-saturated rate of photosynthesis (Pmax), stomatal conductance (gs), water use efficiency (WUE) and concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and mineral ions in the leaves were measured. Principal results: The growth of the plants and most ecophysiological parameters differed significantly between clones. The mean maximum shoot height varied from 0.9 to 1.86 m, Pmax from 9.7 to 27 μmol m-2 s-1, gs from 0.22 to 1.41 mol m-2s-1 and WUE from 13 to 47 μmol mol-1. The concentrations of chlorophylls did not vary significantly between clones, but the chlorophyll a/b ratio and the concentrations of total carotenoids did. The observed differences were not explained either by the ploidy level per se or by the geographic origin or phylogenetic relationships of the clones. Conclusions: Phylogeographic relationships in P. australis on a global scale do not mirror the environment where the adaptations have evolved, and high phenotypic variation among and within clones complicates comparative studies. Future studies aimed at explaining differences in plant behaviour between P. australis populations should be careful in the selection of target genotypes and/or populations, and should avoid generalizing their findings beyond the genotypes and/or populations studied. © The Authors 2012
Delayed First Milking in Unassisted Overnight Calving Did Not Affect the Quality of Colostrum but Influenced Serum Brix Refractometry in Holstein Calves at Two Days of Life
No full textTimely administration of good-quality colostrum represents the first farm strategy to avoid the failure of passive transfer (FPT). However, calves born during the night are likely to be fed later than recommended. Our aim was to evaluate whether night-occurring calving and delayed first milking affected colostrum quality and immune passive transfer. The dataset included 463 calvings. Four liters of colostrum were administered by an esophageal tube feeder. The mean Brix% of colostrum was 27.43%, while serum Brix% at two days of life in calves was 10.19%. According to the Generalized Linear Model, parity ≥ 4, calving months of March, April, and from September to November positively influenced the quality of colostrum. Dams carrying a male calf produced lower quality colostrum compared with those carrying a female calf (−2.78 ± 1.04 % Brix, p = 0.008); heavier female calves were associated with greater colostrum quality (0.29 ± 0.05 for each Kg increase, p < 0.001). Night-or daycalving had no effect on the quality of colostrum. The only factor influencing the serum Brix% of female Holstein calves at two days of life was the day-or night-occurring birth (−0.386 ± 0.188 Brix% in calves born during the night, p = 0.04). Our results showed that calves born overnight and fed the day after had decreased serum Total Protein concentrations as indicated by reduced Brix refractometer readings, compared with calves born during the day and fed quickly after birth. However, the administration of 4 L of high-quality colostrum likely improved their serum Brix% at two days of life. Alternatively, where the prevalence of good-quality colostrum is lower, improving calving supervision and ensuring timely feeding are important to reduce the risk of FPT
Pseudomesus satanus Kaiser & Brix, 2007, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Pseudomesus satanus</i> sp. nov. <p>(Figs 7–9)</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> Holotype: Ψ (preparatory, 1.7 mm), Australian continental slope, 38°23.95'S, 149°17.02'E, RV <i>Franklin</i>, Station SLOPE 67, 1277– 1119 m, leg. G.C.B Poore, NMV J18597.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> <i>Body</i> length 6.2 times longer than width of pereonite 2. <i>Cephalothorax</i> with 2 cephalic spines and a row of small setae on frons. <i>Antennula</i> with 5 articles, article 2 length 3.4 times width, 1.5 times article 1 length; with serration resembling 4 “teeth” and with 3 broom setae distally. <i>Pleotelson</i> inflated dorsally, length subequal width, lateral margins convex, tapering to posterior margin. <i>Uropods</i> uniramous, bulbous, not overlapping posterior margin of pleotelson, overlapping anus valves; endopod length 1.5 times protopod length, 1.9 times longer than wide.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> <i>Habitus</i> of female holotype (Fig. 7 A): <i>Body</i> 1.7 mm long (measured without appendages), length 6.2 times pereonite 2 width. Pereonite 1 width 1.1 times cephalothorax width in dorsal view. <i>Frons clypeal furrow</i> present, 2 cephalic spines and a row of small setae on frons. <i>Pereonite 1</i> length 0.8 times pereonite 2 length, 1.1 times pereonite 2 width. Pereonite 5 anterior and lateral margins straight. <i>Coxae</i> 1–4 slightly produced, without setae. <i>Pleotelson</i> dorsally inflated, length 1.2 times width, posterolateral spines absent. Lateral margins convex, tapering towards posterior margin.</p> <p> <i>Antennula</i> (Fig. 7 B) about 0.25 mm long, length 0.2 times body length, with 5 articles. Article 1 with 3 broom setae. Article 2 length 3.4 times width, 1.5 times article 1 length; with serration resembling 4 “teeth” and 3 broom setae distally (1 broken off). Article 3 with 1 small “tooth”; article 4 with 1 broom seta; terminal article with 1 aesthetasc and 2 slender setae terminally.</p> <p> <i>Antenna</i> (Fig. 7 C) about 1 mm long, length 0.8 times body length; with 6 peduncular and 9 flagellar articles. Article 5 with 2 broom setae and 2 simple setae. Article 6 with 1 large and 3 small broom setae and with 1 slender and 2 small setae distally. Flagellar articles 1–8 with 2 slender setae each; terminal article with 4 long slender setae distally.</p> <p> <i>Mandibles</i> (Fig. 7 E): left mandible was not dissected from the holotype. Palp articles 1 and 2 of right mandible without setae; apical article with 9 ventral setae, distal one longest. Incisor with 1 strong tooth. Lacinia mobilis with 3 small teeth; spine row with 5 spines. Molar with 10 slender setae.</p> <p> Inner lobe of <i>Maxillula</i> (Fig. 7 F) slightly smaller than outer lobe (lost during dissection). Outer lobe length 4.1 times width, dorsal margin with 6 pairs of fine setae, ventral margin with 6 small simple setae, terminally with 11 strong spines (4 of them with setules).</p> <p> Medial lobe of <i>Maxilla</i> (Fig. 7 G) shorter than outer lobes; without setae terminally, with 7 fine setae marginally. Outer lobe length 6.8 times width, with 3 setae terminally.</p> <p> Left and right <i>maxilliped</i> (Fig. 7 D) connected by 2 retinacula. Epipodite length 3.6 times width, length 1.1 times endite length. Endite with numerous fine setae marginally and terminally. Edge of endite and palpal articles 1 and 2 fringed with a row of fine setae and 1 seta on tip. Article 1 length 0.6 times width; article 2 length 1.1 times width; article 3 length 0.9 times width, inner margin with 5 setae, outer margin with 2 setae; article 4 length 1.3 times width, with 3 setae; article 5 length 2 times width, with 3 terminal setae.</p> <p> <i>Pereopod 1</i> (Fig. 8 A) basis length 3.8 times width; with 1 broom seta and 1 small seta marginally and with 1 simple seta distoventrally. Ischium length 2.5 times width; with 1 composed seta dorsally and 1 small seta ventrally. Merus length 1.5 times width; with 1 composed and 1 simple seta distodorsally and with 2 unequally bifid distally setulate setae and 1 comb of fine setules in cuticular membrane ventrally. Carpus length 4.4 times width; with 1 small seta distodorsally and with 3 unequally bifid distally setulate setae and 3 combs of fine setules inserted in cuticular membrane ventrally. Propodus length 2.9 times width; with 1 small seta distodorsally and with few small slender setae, fringed with fine setules inserted in cuticular membrane, ventrally. Dactylus length 4.2 times width; with 3 small slender setae medially; unguis with 1 robust cuspidate and 1 conate seta and with 2 slender setae in between.</p> <p> <i>Pereopod 2</i> (Fig. 8 B) similar to pereopods 3 and 4 (Fig. 8 C, 9A). Basis length 3.5 times width; with 1 small broom seta dorsally and 3 small setae ventrally. Ischium length 2.8 times width; with dorsal hook and 1 small seta ventrally. Merus length 1.2 times width; with 1 seta distodorsally (broken off) and 1 small seta distoventrally. Carpus length 4.4 times width; with 2 slender simple setae dorsally and with 5 robust unequally bifid setae and 6 combs of fine setules inserted in cuticular membrane ventrally. Propodus length 2.9 times width; with 1 small broom seta distodorsally and with 2 robust unequally bifid setae fringed with fine setules inserted in cuticular membrane ventrally. Dactylus length 4.2 times width; with 3 small slender setae medially; unguis with 1 conate seta dorsally and 2 slender setae ventrally.</p> <p> <i>Pereopod 5</i> (Fig. 9 B) similar to pereopods 6 and 7 (Fig. 9 C–D). Basis length 5.3 times width; with 3 broom setae dorsally, with 2 small seta ventrally. Ischium length 3.5 times width; with 1 dorsal hook. Merus length 2 times width; with 2 robust setae distodorsally and with 1 small seta distoventrally. Carpus length 5.6 times width; with 1 small broom seta and 1 small seta distodorsally and with 2 long slender setae and 3 combs of fine setules inserted in cuticular membrane ventrally. Propodus length 5.1 times width; with 1 small broom seta and 1 long slender seta distodorsally and with 4 slender setae of varying size and 1 comb of fine setules inserted in cuticular membrane ventrally. Dactylus length 5 times width; unguis with 1 long conate seta dorsally and 2 slender setae ventrally.</p> <p> <i>Pleopod 2</i> (operculum, Fig. 8 D) length 1.1 times width; margins rounded, with 4 slender setae on distal margin.</p> <p> Endopod of <i>pleopod 3</i> (Fig. 8 E) length 1.2 times width; with 3 long plumose setae distally. Exopod length 0.6 times endopod length; inner margin hirsute, with 1 small seta distally.</p> <p> Endopod of <i>Pleopod 4</i> (Fig. 8 F) oval-shaped, length 2.3 times width. Exopod length 3.9 times width; outer margin with row of fine setae, with 1 long plumose seta distally.</p> <p> <i>Uropods</i> (Fig. 8 G) uniramous, bulbous, not overlapping posterior margin of pleotelson, overlapping anus valves. Endopod length 1.5 times protopod length, 1.9 times longer than wide; with 3 broom setae, 5 slender simple setae of varying size terminally. Protopod length 1.5 times width, with 3 slender setae.</p> <p> <b>Type locality.</b> Australian continental slope, South Pacific.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> Only known from type locality.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The name <i>satanus</i> (masculine) refers to the devil-like cephalic spines at the cephalothorax of the new species.</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> <i>Pseudomesus satanus</i> sp. nov. is assigned to the genus <i>Pseudomesus</i> due to the elongated body (more than 6 times pereonite 2 width), the enlarged dorsally inflated pleotelson, the extremely short uropods and the characters of the pereopod 1. This new species is most similar to <i>P. p i t o m b o</i> sp. nov., but can be distinguished from the latter by the following characters: cephalothorax width 1.5 times length, anterior margin medially vaulted, with two cephalic spines and a row of small setae on frons; article 4 of antennula with 1 long broom seta; antenna with 9 flagellar articles; exopodit of maxilliped reaching fourth palpal article. Both species can be distinguished from the remaining species of the genus by the presence of a well developed mandibular palp.</p>Published as part of <i>Kaiser, Stefanie & Brix, Saskia, 2007, Two new species of the genus Pseudomesus Hansen, 1916 (Isopoda, Asellota) from the Southern hemisphere: Pseudomesus pitombo sp. nov. and Pseudomesus satanus sp. nov., pp. 21-38 in Zootaxa 1658</i> on pages 33-37, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/274018">10.5281/zenodo.274018</a>
Genetic diversity patterns in Phragmites australis at the population, regional and continental scales
No full textGenetic diversity, population structure and interrelationships were investigated in eight populations of the common reed, Phragmites australis, in the Po Plain, Italy, by means of amplified fragments length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Patterns of genetic diversity were analysed in relation to size, age and degree of human impact in the wetlands and compared with that of a distant population in Romania. Genetic distances between Po Plain clones and geographically distant clones were measured to determine the geographical extent of the gene pool. Nearly all populations studied are polyclonal and little correlation was found between genetic diversity and size, age and degree of human impact on the wetlands. One large (86 ha) monoclonal stand occurred in an old wetland with rather stable environmental conditions over a long time period, whereas polyclonal stands were younger and characterized by disturbance. On the interpopulation level it was not possible to differentiate between Po Plain populations and the Romanian population, indicating that a very extensive gene pool exists in Europe, to which both Po Plain and Romanian populations belong. There is however a certain degree of genetic structure among the populations that is not correlated with geographic distance, but is most likely related to P. australis colonization dynamics. A significant "stepwise" increase in average genetic distances was observed between clones >500 and >1500 km distant suggesting some kind of genetic pattern on a very large scale. Based on these results, P. australis populations in Europe could be considered members of a single meta-population. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
Dr. Duane M. Jackson, Morehouse College, July 2011
No full textThis video is a conversation with Dr. Duane M. Jackson. Dr. Jackson talks about his paper, "Recall and the Serial Position Effect: The Role of Primacy and Recency on Accounting Students' Performance." Jackie Daniel, AUC Woodruff Library, is the interviewer
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