Effect of method of applying fibrolytic enzymes or ammonia to Bermudagrass hay on feed intake, digestion, and growth of beef steers.

This study examined how different methods of applying a fibrolytic enzyme or ammonia affect the nutritive value of Bermudagrass hay and the performance of beef cattle. Fifty Angus x Brangus crossbred steers (mean initial BW 244 +/- 26 kg) were individually fed for ad libitum intake of a 5-wk regrowth of a mixture of Florakirk and Tifton 44 Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers] hay for 84 d with a concentrate supplement (77% soybean hull pellets, 23% cottonseed meal (DM basis) fed at 1% of BW daily. The Bermudagrass was conserved as hay without treatment (control), with NH(3) (30 g/kg of DM), or with a fibrolytic enzyme (16.5 g/t, air-dry basis) that was applied immediately after cutting (Ec), at baling (Eb), or at feeding. Chromic oxide was dosed to steers for 10 consecutive days, and fecal Cr concentrations from the last 5 d were used to estimate apparent total tract digestibility. In situ ruminal DM degradability was measured by incubating ground (4-mm) hay samples in duplicate in each of 2 ruminally cannulated cows having ad libitum access to Bermudagrass hay and 500 g/d of soybean meal. Unlike the enzyme treatment, ammoniation increased (P < 0.001) the CP concentration and reduced (P < 0.001) NDF, hemicellulose, and lignin concentrations of hay. Total DMI was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed hays treated with Ec or NH(3) than for those fed control hays. All additive treatments increased (P < 0.05) DM digestibility, and NH(3), Ec, and Eb treatments also increased (P < 0.01) NDF digestibility. The initial and final BW, ADG, BCS, G:F, and hip height of the steers were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. The wash loss fractions in hays treated with Ec and Eb were lower than that in the control hay, but the potentially degradable fraction, total degradable fraction, and the effective degradability were increased (P < 0.01) by NH(3) treatment. Application at cutting was the most promising method of enzyme treatment, and this treatment was almost as effective as ammonia for enhancing forage quality.

Extent of extracranial disease is a powerful predictor of survival in patients with brain metastases from gynecological cancer.

Central nervous system metastasis from gynecological malignancy is a rare phenomenon that has been described in the past 30 years. The objective of this study is to analyze the treatment modalities and prognostic factors for brain metastases from gynecological tumors that predict prolonged survival. A retrospective chart and pathology review of 47 patients diagnosed with a gynecological tumor with brain metastasis in 1994-2004 was performed. Thirty patients had undergone initial diagnosis and treatment at our institution, and 17 patients were referred following primary treatment at an outside institution. Adjusted Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, log-rank tests, and Cox regression analysis were utilized for statistical analysis of the total cohort. Of the 3146 patients with newly diagnosed gynecological cancer in this 10-year period, 30 developed brain metastasis demonstrating an incidence of 0.95%. Overall median survival from the time of diagnosis of brain metastasis was 7.5 months (95% CI 4-15, range 9 days-64 months) and 40% survival at 1 year. Multivariate analysis revealed evidence of extracranial disease at time of metastasis diagnosis predicted decreased survival (hazard ratio 6.207), while papillary serous histology (hazard ratio 0.42), and use of any chemotherapy (hazard ratio 0.24) predicted longer survival. No other patient or tumor characteristics were found to be independent prognostic indicators affecting survival. Despite the ominous prognosis associated with the development of brain metastasis, these retrospective data suggest that multimodal therapy with whole brain radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical resection of metastases in selected patients without evidence of extracranial and with solitary or multiple lesions can prolong survival.

Pre-partum monensin supplementation improves body reserves at calving and milk yield in Holstein cows dried-off with low body condition score.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule administered intraruminally at drying-off on body condition score (BCS) at calving, milk yield, fertility and concentration of energy-related blood metabolites in Holstein cows dried-off with low BCS (< or = 3.0, scale 1 to 5 with a 0.25 point of increment). Between July and August, 2001, 220 cows from parity 2 or more and dried-off 50-70 days before expected parturition, with a BCS < or = 3.0 were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n=110; oral capsule of monensin releasing 335 mg/day for 95 days) or a control group (no capsule, n=110). At assignment, on day 21 before expected parturition, at calving, and at 7, 14, and 21 days in milk a blood sample was obtained from a random sub sample of 10 cows per group. Effects of monensin on serum NEFA, BHBA and glucose were measured. Milk yield, milk fat and protein content (%) at DHIA test days during the entire lactation, 305 ME milk production and reproductive responses were compared. Monensin significantly improved BCS at calving, increased milk yield at test days 4 and 8, decreased the percentage of milk protein, did not change the percentage of milk fat, and decreased NEFA and BHBA during the post-partum period.

Appropriate statistical methods to compare dose responses of methionine sources.

Two sources of methionine (Met) activity are frequently used in commercial feed formulation: DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMTBA), most commonly available as an 88% solution with 12% water; and DL-methionine (DLM, 99% powder). Despite the fact that both compounds have been in commercial use for over 50 yr, controversy and confusion remain with respect to their relative bioefficacy (RBE). This paper presents a review of the use of a nonlinear common plateau asymptotic regression technique (NLCPAR) that has been used to compare the 2 Met sources with particular emphasis on the validity of the basic assumptions of that model. The thesis of this paper is that the controversy is due, at least in part, to the misapplication of this regression technique to estimate the RBE of HMTBA and DLM. The NLCPAR model is a bioassay with the key dependent assumptions that HMTBA is a dilution of DLM, and that each follows dose-response curves of the same form and approach a common plateau. Because both provide Met activity, it may be considered reasonable to accept these assumptions; however, specifically testing them demonstrated that the assumption of a common dose-response is not supported by data. The common plateau assumption was tested with an alternative approach of fitting nonlinear separate plateaus asymptotic regression (NLSPAR) to a set of 13 published broiler studies in which the NLCPAR model had been used to estimate RBE of HMTBA and DLM. The hypothesis of a common plateau was rejected (P < 0.01), meaning that the conclusion that HMTBA had lower bioefficacy than DLM based on the NLCPAR methodology was not valid. An example using published data demonstrated that the NLSPAR model was a significantly better fit than the NLCPAR model, and showed that HMTBA and DLM followed different dose responses. Consequently, there was no single value for RBE for the entire dose range; rather, the RBE of the 2 compounds varied with use level. The evidence presented here indicates that separate plateau models should be used when comparing these 2 products. These more valid models can then be used for predictions of differences between HMTBA and DLM at levels of expected use.

Treatment of uterine papillary serous carcinoma with platinum-based chemotherapy and paclitaxel.

Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is more aggressive than endometrioid endometrial cancer, as it often presents with advanced disease and follows a pattern of spread that resembles the serous carcinoma of the ovary. There exists little data on evaluating the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel in UPSC. Institutional Review Board permission was obtained for a retrospective review. Tumor registry search was used to identify all patients with UPSC from 1990 to 2003. Charts were retrospectively evaluated from patients who had received at least three cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line chemotherapy. Only patients with histologically confirmed UPSC who were treated first line with carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy were included. Nineteen patients with UPSC were identified, who were treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel in the first-line adjuvant setting after initial surgical cytoreduction. All patients received at least three cycles, with 12 of the 19 patients receiving six cycles. Five patients were treated with consolidation radiotherapy following first-line chemotherapy. Mean age was 69 years (range 55-88). The majority of patients had stage III disease (n= 11). Mean follow-up for the group was 29.5 months (7-76 months). A median progression-free interval of 12 months was seen across the entire cohort. Fourteen patients achieved a complete response following chemotherapy. The results of Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 122 suggest that patients with advanced endometrial cancer have an improved progression-free survival when treated primarily with chemotherapy rather than radiation therapy. The results of our study show a high response rate to paclitaxel/carboplatin outpatient chemotherapy in a group of patients historically believed to have chemoresistant disease. Further prospective study of this regimen is planned.

Effect of antibiotic growth promoters on broiler performance, intestinal growth parameters, and quantitative morphology.

The effects of addition of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) or virginiamycin (VM) to a corn-soybean meal diet on broiler performance and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) growth parameters and morphology were studied at various ages during growth and finishing. Male and female birds were killed at 1, 3, 5, or 7 wk of age for gross and histologic examination of the duodenum and ileum. Feeding either antibiotic increased BW and decreased intestinal length and weight at all times compared with control birds. However, intestinal length and weight decreases were greater in birds fed VM than BMD at 1 and 3 wk of age. The only change found in the duodenum resulting from dietary treatment was an increase in the number of villi per unit length in birds given VM but not BMD or control. In the ileum, the muscularis mucosa was thinner in birds given VM than in those fed the control diet. Chicks supplemented with VM had a smaller total villus area and shorter villus height and crypt depth in the ileum than birds fed the control diet or BMD. Physical changes in the intestine of birds given either antibiotic growth promoter, although not the same, resulted in improved performance.

Incidence of subclinical ketosis in cows supplemented with a monensin controlled-release capsule in Holstein cattle, Florida, USA.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule on the proportion of cows with subclinical ketosis (SK). During July to August 2001, 300 cows dried-off 50-70 days before expected parturition were randomly assigned to either a treatment (n = 150, oral capsule, 335 mg/d of monesin for 95 d) or control group (no capsule, n = 150). At 14 days postpartum, a milk sample was obtained and evaluated for beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) using a semi-quantitative ketone test strip. In a sub-sample of 50 cows per group a blood sample was taken and analyzed for BHBA using an ELISA kit. Milk BHBA > or = 200 micromol/L was used as the cut-off value for diagnosis of SK. The incidence of SK based on the milk test was statistically different between groups (P < or = 0.05) with a value of 26.6% for control and 14.5% for cows treated with monensin, respectively. Cows treated with monensin were 0.68 times less likely to give a positive result for milk BHBA than non-treated cows (0.53-0.80; 95% CI). Serum BHBA concentrations did not differ between groups (0.81 +/- 0.09 mmol/L versus 0.70 +/- 0.07 mmol/L for controls and treated, respectively; P > 0.05). However, for each incremental increase in serum BHBA of 0.1 mmol/L occurrence of SK increased 52% (OR = 1.52; 1.21-1.91; 95% CI).

Effects of arsenic species and concentrations on arsenic accumulation by different fern species in a hydroponic system.

Two hydroponic experiments were conducted to evaluate factors affecting plant arsenic (As) hyperaccumulation. In the first experiment; two As hyperaccumulators (Pteris vittata and P. cretica mayii) were exposed to 1 and 10 mg L(-1) arsenite (AsIII) and monomethyl arsenic acid (MMA) for 4 wk. Total As concentrations in plants (fronds and roots) and solution were determined In the second experiment P. vittata and Nephrolepis exaltata (a non-As hyperaccumulator) were exposed to 5 mgL(-1) arsenate (AsV) and 20 mgL(-1) AsIIIfor 1 and 15 d. Total As and AsIII concentrations in plants were determined Compared to P. cretica mayii, P. vittata was more efficient in arsenic accumulation (1075-1666 vs. 249-627mg kg(-1) As in the fronds) partially because it is more efficient in As translocation. As translocation factor (As concentration ratio in fronds to roots) was 3.0-5.6 for P. vittata compared to 0.1 to 4.8 for P. cretica. Compared to N. exaltata, P. vittata was significantly more efficient in arsenic accumulation (38-542 vs. 4.8-71 mg kg(-1) As in thefronds) as well asAs translocation (1.3-5.6 vs. 0.2-0.5). In addition, P. vittata was much more efficient in As reduction from AsV to AsIII (83-84 vs. 13-24% AsIII in the fronds). Little As reduction occurred after 1-d exposure to AsV in both species indicates that As reduction was not instantaneous even in an As hyperaccumulator. Our data were consistent with the hypothesis that both As translocation and As reduction are important for plant As hyperaccumulation.

Effect of fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and digestibility of bermudagrass silage.

The aim of this study was to determine if the nutritive value and aerobic stability of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) silage could be improved by addition of proprietary, exogenous cellulase/hemicellulase enzyme preparations at ensiling. A 5-wk regrowth of Tifton 85 bermudagrass was conserved without treatment (control) or after treatment with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes including Promote NET (Pr), Biocellulase X-20 (X20), Biocellulase A-20 (A20), and Enzyme CT. The respective enzymes were applied at half the recommended rate, the recommended rate, or twice the recommended rate corresponding to 0.65, 1.3, and 2.6 g/kg of DM, 7.3, 14.5, and 29 mg/kg of DM, at 7.3, 14.4, and 29 mg/kg of DM, and 89, 178, and 356 mg/kg of DM, for Pr, X20, A20, and CT, respectively. The enzymes were sprayed on the bermudagrass at ensiling (not added at feeding as suggested by the manufacturers) to test the objectives of the study. Six 1-kg replicates of chopped (5 cm) forage were ensiled for 145 d in 2.8-L mini silos. Three silos per treatment were used for chemical analysis and 3 for aerobic stability monitoring. The silage juice was analyzed for organic acids, pH, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), ammonia-N, and soluble N. Freeze-dried samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). In vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD), NDF (IVNDFD), and ADF (IVADFD) were determined after digesting the silages in buffered rumen fluid for 6 or 48 h in 2 ANKOM(II) Daisy Incubators. Compared with the other silages, those treated with Pr had lower DM losses, and lower pH and ammonia-N concentration than control silages. Residual WSC concentration was greater in Pr- and CT-treated silages than in control silages and greater in Pr-treated silages than CT-treated silages. Compared with control silages, NDF concentration was lower in silages treated with Pr, X20, and CT, and ADF concentration was lower in silages treated with Pr, X20, and A20. Nevertheless, Pr-treated silages contained lower ADF and NDF concentrations than silages treated with the other enzymes. Enzyme-treated silages contained less acetic acid than control silages, and Pr-treated silages had the lowest concentrations of acetic acid. Aerobic stability was increased by enzyme treatment but microbial counts were not affected. The 6-h IVDMD was increased by treatment with Pr and A20, however only Pr increased the IVDMD and IVNDFD at 48 h. The 48-h IVADFD was also increased by treatment with Pr, CT, and A20. These results show that when applied at ensiling, certain fibrolytic enzymes (particularly Promote) can improve the digestibility, fermentation, and aerobic stability of bermudagrass silage.

Performance of lactating dairy cows managed on pasture-based or in freestall barn-feeding systems.

The objective was to compare productive and metabolic responses of lactating dairy cows managed on 2 pasture-based systems using a concentrate supplement (n = 16) with those of a freestall housing system (n = 24). In a 259-d experiment, 3 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned at calving to each of 4 replicates of 2 pasture systems. For system 1, winter pastures were a mixture of rye, ryegrass, and crimson and red clover; summer pastures were pearl millet. Pasture system 2 included a rye-ryegrass mixture during winter and bermudagrass during summer. Pregraze herbage mass averaged 2.3 and 3.6 Mg/ha for winter and summer pastures, respectively; however, during August through September, pearl millet pregraze mass was reduced to about 1 Mg/ha. Daily dry matter intake by cows on pasture averaged 24.7 kg/d in winter and 19.0 kg/d in summer, of which 55% was from pasture; that of cows in confined-housing averaged 23.6 kg/d. Cows in confinement produced 19% more milk (29.8 vs. 25.1 kg/d) than those on pasture systems. Differences in concentration of milk fat, protein, or urea N were not detected among treatment groups. Grazing cows lost more body weight than confined cows (113 vs. 58 kg) and had lower concentrations of plasma glucose in the early weeks postpartum. Despite greater milk yield by cows housed in freestalls, milk income minus feed costs including that of pasture was similar for the 3 management systems. Although these pasture systems might be a viable management system in the southeastern US, extensive loss of body weight immediately postpartum for pasture-based cows are a potential concern.

The effects of quality grade, aging, and location within muscle on Warner-Bratzler shear force in beef muscles of locomotion.

Aging patterns of nine muscles from the chuck and round from two quality classifications of beef: USDA Select and upper 2/3 of USDA Choice grade were determined. The following muscles were evaluated: infraspinatus, triceps brachii - lateral head, triceps brachii - long head, serratus ventralis, complexus, splenius, rhomboideus, vastus lateralis and rectus femoris. Muscles were divided into four portions, progressing from anterior to posterior or dorsal to ventral orientation to the carcass depending on muscle fiber orientation. One steak was removed from each portion and aged for 7, 14, 21, or 28 d postmortem, then Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) analysis was conducted. Consistent aging recommendations can be given for all muscles studied, as there was no aging by muscle interaction. An aging by USDA grade interaction was noted (P<0.05). The upper 2/3 of USDA Choice need not be aged beyond 7 d. USDA Select should be aged at least 14 d. Steak location within muscle had an effect (P<0.05) on WBSF values in four muscles. These data indicate that fabrication and merchandizing decisions should be made on an individual muscle basis.

Effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule on rumen and blood metabolites in Florida Holstein transition cows.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule administered intraruminally at dry-off on rumen volatile fatty acids, NH3, lactate, pH, and energy blood metabolites in transition dairy cows fed Florida typical diets. In March 2003, 24 cows (10 primiparous and 14 multiparous) dried-off 50 to 70 d before expected parturition were randomly assigned to a treatment (n=12, oral capsule of monensin) or a control group (n=12, no capsule). Both groups received the same diet and were exposed to the same environment and management conditions. At assignment, at 21 d before expected parturition, at calving, and at 7, 14, and 21 d postpartum, blood samples were taken and body condition scores were determined. At 10 d postpartum, rumen and blood samples were obtained in the morning before the first feeding and at 2, 4, and 6 h after feeding. Serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and glucose were measured. Rumen samples were analyzed for concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, L- and D-lactic acids, and NH3. Data for rumen and blood metabolites were analyzed by ANOVA, mixed models for repeated measures. Volatile fatty acids were not different between groups. Multiparous treated cows had a significant reduction in rumen NH3 at 6 h after feeding. Treatment with monensin significantly increased body condition score at calving in multiparous cows. During the postpartum period, NEFA and BHBA were noticeably lower in treated than in control primiparous cows. This difference was not observed in multiparous cows.

Chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of mahi-mahi (Cryphaena hippurus) during chilled storage.

Biogenic amines, total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N), and sensory evaluation are some of the indicators used for fish quality determination. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship among histamine, cadaverine, putrescine, TVB-N, and sensory evaluation as quality assessment tools. Two groups of six mahi-mahi fillets were refrigerated at 7 degrees C and sampled on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. On day 3, histamine, cadaverine, and putrescine levels reached 5, 3, and 0.5 mg/100 g, respectively, whereas TVB-N reached 30 mg/100 g. Sensory scores were 6 to 6.5 (10 very fresh and 1 very spoiled) for odor, appearance, texture, and color. Correlations were 0.78 and 0.72 between histamine and cadaverine and histamine and putrescine, 0.74 and 0.80 between TVB-N and cadaverine and TVB-N and putrescine, and 0.75 and 0.78 between odor and putrescine and odor and cadaverine. AromaMaps showed distinct trends for deteriorating mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) quality.

BAG-1 expression in normal and neoplastic endometrium.

OBJECTIVE: BAG-1 has anti-apoptotic actions and is known to bind BCL-2 and steroid receptors. High levels of BAG-1 have been implicated as a prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Whether this observation can be generalized to endometrial cancer remains unknown. METHODS: IRB permission was obtained for use of human discarded tissue. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on: proliferative endometrium (PEM, 6), secretory endometrium (SEM, 28), "low-grade" neoplastic lesions (complex atypical hyperplasia and grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinomas) (19), and "high-grade" cancers (grade 2 and 3 endometrial adenocarcinomas) (13). The level of total BAG-1 and its isoforms was evaluated by Western blot in lysates from Ishikawa cells (grade 1), MFE 296 cells (grade 2), and SK-UT(2) cells (grade 3). RESULTS: The proportion of "high-grade" cancers with positive cytoplasmic staining for BAG-1 was higher than that of secretory endometrium (P = 0.006). Additionally, the proportion of specimens with positive staining for nuclear BAG-1 expression was significantly higher among high-grade carcinoma specimens compared to secretory specimens (P = 0.009). A high proportion (91%) of all specimens were positive for BCL-2, limiting the ability to subcategorize the other variables analyzed. There was no relationship between positive nuclear BAG-1 expression and either estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) expression. BAG-1 was expressed in the three cell lines evaluated and total BAG-1 level was not different among the different cell lines. CONCLUSION: BAG-1 is expressed in the endometrium. High-grade cancers stain more frequently than secretory endometrium for both cytoplasmic and nuclear BAG-1 expression, perhaps indicating an association between expression of BAG-1 and prognosis.

Leptin-induced increase in leukemia inhibitory factor and its receptor by human endometrium is partially mediated by interleukin 1 receptor signaling.

Leptin and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) have been implicated as important mediators of implantation. The present study was designed to investigate whether leptin can directly regulate the expression of LIF and its receptor (LIF-R) in human endometrial cells and/or whether leptin-induced effects are linked to, or regulated in part by IL-1 signaling. Primary endometrial cells and endometrial epithelial cell lines (HES and Ishikawa cells) were cultured for 24-48 h in a medium containing insulin (5 microg/ml) and leptin (3, 10, and 62 nm) or IL-1beta (0.6, 3, and 10 nm) in the presence or absence of cytokines and/or receptor antagonists. The endpoints included phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the relative levels of LIF, LIF-R, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1R tI) as determined by ELISA or Western blotting techniques. Leptin treatment increases the level of phosphorylated STAT3, LIF-R, and LIF. Leptin also increases the levels of IL-1 ligand, receptor, and antagonist as was previously reported. Blockade of OB-R with antibodies or with a specific OB-R inhibitor (leptin peptide antagonist-2) abrogated leptin-induced effects, suggesting that leptin binding to its receptor activates Janus kinase 2/STAT3 signaling. Treatment of endometrial cells with IL-1beta also results in elevated levels of LIF-R. Interestingly, the inhibition of IL-1R tI with a specific antibody or with IL-1Ra negatively affects both leptin-induced and IL-1-induced effects on LIF-R levels. Abnormal endometrial LIF expression has been associated with human infertility and leptin has profound effects on the levels of LIF, IL-1, and their cognate receptors in vitro. Thus, it is tempting to speculate that leptin's role in vivo could include the regulation of other key cytokines to be fundamental to endometrial receptivity during implantation (i.e. LIF and IL-1).

A likelihood approach for mapping growth trajectories using dominant markers in a phase-unknown full-sib family.

Dominant markers have been commonly used in mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in outcrossing species, in which not much prior genome information is available. But the dominant nature of these markers may lead to reduced QTL mapping precision and power. A new statistical method is proposed to incorporate growth laws into a QTL mapping framework, under which the use of the efficiency of dominant markers can be increased. This new method can be used to identify specific QTLs affecting differentiation in growth trajectories, and further estimate the timing of a QTL to turn on, or turn off, affecting growth during the entire ontogeny of a species. Using this method based on dominant markers we have successfully mapped a QTL for stem height growth trajectories to a linkage group in a forest tree. The implications of this method for the understanding of the genetic architecture of growth using dominant markers are discussed.

Effect of calcium-energy supplements on calving-related disorders, fertility and milk yield during the transition period in cows fed anionic diets.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a calcium-energy supplement at calving on the incidence of calving-related disorders (CRD), fertility, BCS and milk yield in cows fed anionic diets and to establish any associations among outcome variables. In Florida, from October to December 1997, 479 cows were assigned to three groups and treated at calving as follows: Group 1: 160 nontreated cows; Group 2: 158 cows, treated orally with 60g Ca as CaCl2; Group 3: 161 cows, treated orally with 110g Ca as calcium propionate (510g) plus propylene glycol (400g). No treatment effect was detected for any of the outcome variables. An association was found between dystocia and age and retained fetal membranes (RFM). Age and RFM were associated with metritis. RFM and displacement of the abomasum were associated with ketosis. Ketosis and age were related to displacement of the abomasum. Parity, BCS, ovarian cysts, RFM and metritis were associated with fertility.

Arsenic distribution in Florida urban soils: comparison between Gainesville and Miami.

Arsenic contamination is of concern due to its effect as a carcinogen. Understanding the distribution of arsenic in urban soils is important for establishing baseline concentrations from which anthropogenic effects can be measured. The soil cleanup target level (SCTL) for arsenic in Florida (0.8 and 3.7 mg kg(-1) in residential and commercial areas, respectively) is lower than in most states and is near the arsenic background concentrations in Florida soils. The objective of this study was to characterize the distribution of arsenic in the soils of two Florida cities, Gainesville and Miami. More than 200 soil samples were collected from three land-use classes in each city (residential, commercial, and public land), digested with USEPA Method 3051a, and analyzed with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Arsenic concentrations varied greatly in Gainesville, ranging from 0.21 to approximately 660 mg kg(-1) with a geometric mean (GM) of 0.40 mg kg(-1) (after discarding outliers), which was significantly lower than the GM of 2.81 mg kg(-1) in Miami, although Miami samples ranged only from 0.32 to approximately 110 mg kg(-1). Arsenic concentrations in 29 and 4% of the Gainesville soil samples and 95 and 33% of the Miami samples exceeded the Florida residential and commercial SCTL, respectively. This study is the first to provide information on arsenic distribution in urban soils of Florida, and the data are useful for assessing arsenic contamination and determining the need for remediation.

Metabolic responses of transition Holstein cows fed anionic salts and supplemented at calving with calcium and energy.

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of plasma Ca, P, Mg, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), 3-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and glucose in transition cows fed anionic salts prepartum and provided with calcium and energy supplements at calving. The study was conducted on a Florida Holstein dairy farm from November to December 1997. Treatments consisted of no treatment (n = 30); 60 g of Ca as calcium chloride, orally (n = 30); 110 g of Ca as calcium propionate 510 g plus 400 g of propylene glycol, orally (n = 30); two doses of 60 g of Ca as calcium chloride, one at calving and the second 24 h later, orally (n = 30); and 10 g of Ca as borogluconate, intravenously (n = 30). Treatments were administered within 12 h after parturition. Blood samples were collected at d 1 (parturition), 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after calving. Plasma total Ca, P, Mg, NEFA, BHBA, and glucose were measured. There were no differences in the concentrations of the blood metabolites among treatments.

A general polyploid model for analyzing gene segregation in outcrossing tetraploid species.

Polyploidy has played an important role in higher plant evolution and applied plant breeding. Polyploids are commonly categorized as allopolyploids resulting from the increase of chromosome number through hybridization and subsequent chromosome doubling or autopolyploids due to chromosome doubling of the same genome. Allopolyploids undergo bivalent pairing at meiosis because only homologous chromosomes pair. For autopolyploids, however, all homologous chromosomes can pair at the same time so that multivalents and, therefore, double reductions are formed. In this article, we use a maximum-likelihood method to develop a general polyploid model for estimating gene segregation patterns from molecular markers in a full-sib family derived from an arbitrary polyploid combining meiotic behaviors of both bivalent and multivalent pairings. Two meiotic parameters, one describing the preference of homologous chromosome pairing (expressed as the preferential pairing factor) typical of allopolyploids and the other specifying the degree of double reduction of autopolyploids, are estimated. The type of molecular markers used can be fully informative vs. partially informative or dominant vs. codominant. Simulation studies show that our polyploid model is well suited to estimate the preferential pairing factor and the frequency of double reduction at meiosis, which should help to characterize gene segregation in the progeny of autopolyploids. The implications of this model for linkage mapping, population genetic studies, and polyploid classification are discussed.