洞庭湖黄颡鱼生物学特性

20 0 0年 3～ 5月 ,收集洞庭湖黄颡鱼 1 5 5尾 ,对其生物学特性进行研究。结果表明 ,黄颡鱼鳍式为D Ⅱ ,2～ 6,A 1 9～ 2 2 ,主要以虾、小型底栖鱼类、软体动物为食。体重 (W :g)与体长 (L :cm)关系为 :W =7 9861× 1 0 -2 L2 4471;体长生长方程为Lt=2 3 0 482 [1 -e-0 592 8(t+ 0 13 54) ];体重生长方程为 :Wt=3 68 3 90 9[1 -e-0 592 8(t+ 0 13 54) ]3 。生长速度以 1～ 2龄最快 ,以后逐步减慢 ,绝对繁殖力为 1 3 45～ 72 0 8粒 ,相对繁殖力为 48～ 78 3粒 g。繁殖力系数F =1 1 5 4977L1 453 9;性成熟年龄为 1 + 龄 ,自然性成熟雌鱼W =3 0 67g,L =1 0 2 9cm ,黄颡鱼人工养殖宜用 2年生产周期。     

镉胁迫对桂花生长和养分积累、分配与利用的影响

桂花(Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii)是长江流域镉污染地区普遍栽植兼具绿化、观赏和净化环境等重要价值的园林树种之一。为了解镉胁迫条件下桂花生长适应特性, 采用盆栽试验研究了不同镉浓度处理下(CK: 0 mg·kg^-1; I: 25 mg·kg^-1; II: 50 mg·kg^-1; III: 100 mg·kg^-1; IV: 200 mg·kg^-1)一个生长季节内一年生桂花生物量生产、生物量分配格局以及C、N、P积累、分配与利用特征。植物各器官生物量生产及C、N和P积累量均表现出随镉处理浓度的增加而降低的趋势, 较高浓度镉处理(II、III、IV)明显抑制了桂花的生物量生产、C、N和P的积累, 显著改变了生物量及其C、N和P积累量的分配格局, 但相对较低浓度镉处理(I)对桂花生物量生产以及C、N和P的积累与分配特征影响并不显著。一定浓度的镉胁迫处理(I、II、III)表现出提高桂花N的利用效率而降低P的利用效率的趋势, 但重度镉胁迫(IV)均降低了桂花N和P的利用效率。结果表明桂花具有一定的抗镉胁迫能力, 但较高程度的镉胁迫显著影响了桂花生长及养分格局。     

草型湖泊河蟹养殖容量初探

在移栽有沉水植物的网箱和水泥池 ,放养不同规格和密度的河蟹 ,以定量研究河蟹对沉水植物的影响 ,进而探讨草型湖泊河蟹的养殖容量。草型湖泊对河蟹的养殖容量 (或负荷力 )可以定义为对水生植被的生长没有显著影响时的最大的河蟹现存量。通过河蟹放养密度与沉水植物相对生长率的分析 ,获得了不同规格河蟹的养殖容量。当年幼蟹规格较小 (壳宽 18 0± 1 2mm) ,其养殖容量为 2 3ind·m-2 ;二龄幼蟹 (35 0± 3 6mmCW )的养殖容量是0 9ind·m-2 ;较大规格河蟹 (6 0 0± 5 7mmCW)的养殖容量是 0 0 83ind·m-2 。进一步分析得知 ,在草型湖泊中河蟹对沉水植物生长不构成显著影响的最大产量密度为 2 9 2 5kg·hm-2 。     

两种生境条件下6种牧草叶绿素含量及荧光参数的比较

昆仑山前山牧场海拔较高, 策勒绿洲海拔相对较低, 两者生境差异较大。以昆仑山前山牧场和策勒绿洲边缘两种不同生境条件下生长的6种牧草: 冰草(Agropyron cristatum)、无芒雀麦(Bromus inermis)、矮生高羊茅(Festuca elata)、披碱草(Elymus dahuricus )、红豆草(Onobrychis pulchella)及和田大叶(Medicago sativa var. luxurians)为试验材料, 研究了不同生境条件下牧草叶片叶绿素含量及叶绿素荧光动力学参数的变化情况。结果显示: (1)在两种生境条件下, 昆仑山前山牧场生境生长的牧草叶绿素a、叶绿素b、总叶绿素的含量明显较高, 生长在策勒绿洲生境的牧草品种叶绿素a/b值较高; (2)昆仑山前山牧场生境牧草最大荧光、光系统II (PSII)最大光化学效率、PSII潜在活性和单位面积反应中心的数量的值明显高于策勒绿洲生境品种, 而初始荧光、单位反应中心吸收的光能、单位反应中心捕获的能量、单位反应中心耗散的能量、荧光诱导曲线初始斜率值则低于策勒绿洲生境品种。因此, 两种生境下环境因子发生了改变, 对牧草产生综合的胁迫作用; 策勒绿洲生境明显对牧草生长产生了抑制, 策勒绿洲生境牧草的色素含量降低以及PSII的机构遭到损坏, 导致反应中心一部分失活或裂解, 剩余有活性的反应中心的效率增加, 昆仑山生境则相对比较适宜牧草生长; 两种生境不同牧草叶绿素含量和叶绿素荧光参数的变化幅度不同。     

复合微生物菌剂在长毛对虾标苗养殖过程中的应用研究

复合微生物菌剂是一类有效的生物防治剂,在农业和水产养殖业中都起着重要的作用。本研究以长毛对虾(Penaeus penicillatus)标苗为试验对象,共分为4个组别,组1投喂无微生物菌剂添加的饲料作为对照组,组2、组3和组4为试验组,投喂有复合微生物菌剂添加的饲料,其中微生物菌剂分别占饲料质量的1. 0%、1. 5%和2. 0%。每个组进行33 d的养殖,测定养殖期间对虾生长性能、养殖水池底泥和水质相关性质,探讨微生物菌剂对对虾生长的影响。结果显示:试验前对照组与3个试验组的体重无显著差异(P 0. 050),试验后各试验组的体重均高于对照组(P 0. 050),其中组4体重达(0. 60±0. 03) g,表明微生物菌剂的使用促进了对虾标苗的生长;水体弧菌个数在试验不同时间之间有显著差异(P=0. 000),对照组呈上升趋势,第30天时未添加微生物菌剂的对照组弧菌数目最高,表明微生物菌剂能控制水体有害菌的生长;水体中的溶解氧(DO)含量在养殖不同时间之间均具有显著差异(F=191. 959,P=0. 000),NH4-N、NO2-N和NO3-N的含量均是如此,F值分别为250. 633、659. 806和1 937. 649,P值均为0. 000,从养殖第10天开始,试验组DO含量均高于对照组,而试验组的NH4-N、NO2-N和NO3-N含量均低于对照组。综上所述,复合微生物菌剂对对虾有明显地促生长作用,并且还能在一定程度上净化养殖环境。     

开放流水养殖模式下暂养时间对黄颡鱼肌肉品质和营养价值的影响

文章旨在探索开放流水养殖模式下,暂养对黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)肌肉品质和营养价值的影响。试验选用处于快速生长期的大规格鱼种(15.69±2.28) g黄颡鱼为试验对象,随机分为4组,分别暂养0(对照组)、20d、30d和40d,每组3个重复。试验期间投喂黄颡鱼配合饲料,在养殖过程中定期测量水质。在试验结束后对其生长性能、血清生化指标、肌肉氨基酸、脂肪酸组成及质构特性进行比较。结果显示:(1)暂养期间试验池的水质氨态氮含量在0.03—0.05 mg/L,亚硝态氮含量均在0.01 mg/L,溶氧水平均超过9.0 mg/L。(2)暂养时间延长,黄颡鱼末体重和增重率呈上升趋势,特定生长率呈下降趋势,各组间差异显著(P<0.05);暂养20d、30d和40d组的成活率、肥满度、肝体比及脏体比组间无显著性差异(P>0.05)。(3)暂养30d和40d组血清中的白蛋白和总蛋白含量显著高于对照组和暂养20d组(P<0.05),但其γ-谷氨酰基转移酶和碱性磷酸酶活性、总胆固醇和总胆汁酸含量显著低于对照组和暂养20d组(P<0.05);对照组、暂养2...     

5种东北红豆杉植物群丛及其物种多样性的比较

东北红豆杉(Taxus cuspidata)是我国数量极少的珍贵濒危树种, 了解其天然群落的组成和特征对东北红豆杉种群的保护利用和恢复有重要意义。本文对吉林省天然东北红豆杉群落进行调查, 根据物种组成进行系统聚类分析。将20块40 m × 40 m样地划分为5种群丛类型, 分别以优势种进行命名, 即: Ⅰ. 舞鹤草-五味子+狗枣猕猴桃-紫椴+臭冷杉群丛; II. 东北羊角芹-狗枣猕猴桃-臭冷杉群丛; III. 盾叶唐松草-狗枣猕猴桃-臭冷杉群丛; IV. 舞鹤草-软枣猕猴桃-红松+紫椴+臭冷杉群丛; V. 舞鹤草-软枣猕猴桃-紫椴+臭冷杉群丛。对群丛的物种组成、群落结构和群丛类型、物种多样性进行了分析。物种多样性选用Menhinick丰富度指数、Pielou均匀度指数、Simpson优势度指数以及Shannon-Wiener多样性指数, 对比分析不同群丛特征。结果显示: 东北红豆杉植物群落组成中蔷薇科的种和属数所占比例最大; 5个群丛的多样性指数顺序为群丛V > 群丛III > 群丛IV > 群丛II > 群丛Ⅰ; 群丛Ⅰ和II具有较低的多样性和较高的优势度, 群丛II和群丛III的乔木层的多样性指数差异不明显, 但其丰富度指数和优势度指数却呈现了相反的特征; 群丛II丰富度低而优势度高, 而群丛III丰富度高而优势度低; 群丛III中的草本层的多样性高于乔木层, 群落郁闭度较低; 群丛IV和群丛V均位于和龙市荒沟林场, 随着海拔上升, 其物种多样性随之下降。结果表明, 不同物种组成的东北红豆杉植物群丛的群落特征存在显著差异。     

黄颡鱼重组生长激素的制备及对其鱼苗生长的影响

生长激素在渔业生产中具有重要的应用价值, 通过制备黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)同源重组生长激素并用于促生长实验, 从而为建立鱼苗快速培育方法提供理论依据。根据已知黄颡鱼生长激素(PfGH)基因cDNA序列, 利用IPTG诱导和SDS-PAGE分析方法, Western印迹表明在IPTG终浓度1.0 mmol/L、温度17℃和培养时间14h的条件下, 黄颡鱼生长激素基因在大肠杆菌中大量表达, 获得重组生长激素蛋白。然后, 随机选取黄颡鱼分为4组放入室内水族箱中进行养殖, 每箱35尾, 体质量为(0.850.01) g, 每组设3个平行, 水体循环净化。用制备的重组生长激素浓度分别为0、1、5和10 mg/L对黄颡鱼进行浸泡处理, 每周一次, 0为对照组。在养殖4周后, 对各组增重率和特定生长率进行比较, 结果表明1 mg/L组增重率和特定生长率分别比对照组提高了29.67% (P0.05)和11.90% (P0.05), 5 mg/L组增重率和特定生长率分别比对照组提高了21.32% (P0.05)和8.83% (P0.05), 各组间体成分等均无明显差异。停用生长激素4周后, 各组黄颡鱼的生长性能、体成分等均无显著差异。研究表明通过原核表达可以获得黄颡鱼重组生长激素, 用于促进鱼苗生长培育的最佳浸泡浓度为1 mg/L。       

黄河三角洲菹草生长模型及其对水质的影响

通过连续对菹草生长过程的观测 ,用指数方程拟合了菹草从 10月中旬至第 2年 5月底的整个生长过程 (p<0 .0 0 2 ) ,设K=2 .5 kg/ m2时 ,用 L ogistic方程拟合了从 3月到 5月底的生长过程 (p<0 .0 0 0 )。通过 7月底至 8月初、10月、翌年 3月和 5月份对一个菹草型水库和无或有不同规模水草的 5座水库水生生物的周年调查发现 :(1)菹草型水库 TP最高峰的月份比其它水库的推迟 ,其它水库 10月份 TP最高 ,而菹草型水库 3月份最高 ;(2 )菹草型水库浮游植物最高峰的月份比无水草水库的推迟 ,无水草水库出现在夏季 (7～ 8月份 ) ,草型水库的出现在秋季 (10月份 ) ;(3)菹草型水库 3月份浮游植物生物量明显高于其它水库的 ,其硅藻占据更高的优势度 ;(4 )菹草型水库和其它水库之间的总磷和浮游植物数量的年平均值无明显差别 ;(5 )不同水库藻类数量年平均值与 TP年平均值相关极显著 (p<0 .0 0 5 ) ,而 TP又与氯化物 (Cl)相关极显著 (p<0 .0 0 5 ) ;(6 )水草的存在使p H略有提高 ,并使其在不同时间的波动幅度减小     

不同规格拉萨裂腹鱼温度耐受性研究

实验旨在探讨三种规格拉萨裂腹鱼(Schizothorax waltoni)的温度耐受能力。通过每4h升高或者降低1℃, 其中升温或者降温1h, 平衡3h, 直到试验鱼全部死亡或水温降至0。结果表明: 大规格[(100.93±13.12) g、(19.71±1.04) cm]、中规格[(15.11±5.03) g、(10.05±1.19) cm]和小规格[(1.37±0.32) g、(4.51±0.35) cm]极限最高温度分别是30℃、30℃和33℃; 极限最低温度均为0, 均能在冰水混合的水中生存; 温度耐受幅分别是30℃、30℃和33℃; 在不同温度条件下拉萨裂腹鱼呼吸频率不同, 且不同规格拉萨裂腹鱼间呼吸频率存在着显著差异(P<0.05)。因此, 在高海拔和温度变化幅度较大的区域均适合拉萨裂腹鱼规模化养殖培育, 但在冬季人工养殖过程中, 由于小规格拉萨裂腹鱼耐受能力差, 应移入温室大棚中养殖, 从而保证较高成活率和正常生长。     

Immunofluorescent test for simultaneous detection of Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare

Enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) and columnaris disease are 2 bacterial diseases significantly affecting the aquaculture industry, and thus rapid diagnosis of disease is imperative for making judicious management decisions. A rapid indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test with antibody conjugated fluorochromes having 2 different spectral properties (Alexa Fluor 488-emitting green fluorescence, and Alexa Fluor 594-emitting red fluorescence) was compared with bacteriological culture (accepted standard) for simultaneous detection of Edwardsiella ictaluri (EI) and Flavobacterium columnare (FC) in 3 groups of experimentally infected channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque), and a fourth group that acquired an aquarium-infection with F. columnare. A total of 303 samples (derived from kidney, brain and nares) from 101 fish were concurrently examined by both tests. Fish in the 3 experimentally infected groups (I to III) were culture positive for the bacteria with which they were infected, and fish in Group IV, (the spontaneously infected fish) revealed F. columnare only. The IFA test compared favorably in sensitivity (EI= 80.7 %; FC = 87.2%) and specificity (EI = 83.9%; FC = 88.9%) with the standard bacteriological culture. The positive predictive value (EI = 96.2% Group I, 90.8% Group II, 93.7% Groups I and II combined; FC = 95.2% Group II, 95.3% Groups II, III and IV combined) was high, while the negative predictive value (EI = 66.7% Group I, 31.3% Group II, 59.5% Groups I and II combined; FC = 73.7% Group II, 72.7% Groups II, III and IV combined) was relatively low. The IFA test will serve as an efficient tool for rapid simultaneous detection of E. ictaluri and F. columnare in outbreaks of disease.     

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the glycoprotein gene of putative spring viraemia of carp virus and pike fry rhabdovirus isolates reveals four genogroups

RT-PCR methods have been applied to the detection and sequencing of the glycoprotein gene of putative spring viraemia of carp viruses (SVCV) and pike fry rhabdoviruses (PFRV), including isolates from tench, grass carp, roach, bream and false harlequin, sheatfish and orfe. Phylogenetic analysis of a 550 nucleotide (nt) region of the glycoprotein gene identified 4 groups, I to IV. Significantly, the majority of viruses previously identified as PFRV formed a distinct cluster (Genogroup IV) which shared <80% nucleotide identity with the PFRV reference strain (Genogroup III). The similarity between another PFRV-like virus isolated from grass carp and representatives of Genogroups III and IV was also <80%, indicating that this virus belonged to a third group (Genogroup II). All of the putative SVC viruses were assigned to a 4th group (Genogroup I), sharing <61% nucleotide identity with viruses in Genogroups II to IV.     

Effect of Organic Selenium Supplementation on Growth, Se Uptake, and Nutrient Utilization in Guinea Pigs

Forty weaned male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of 152.6?±?7.96 g mean body weight were divided into four equal groups and fed a common basal diet comprised of 25% ground cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay, 30% ground maize (Zea mays) grain, 22% ground gram (Cicer arietinum) grain, 9.5% deoiled rice (Oryza sativa) bran, 6% soybean (Glycine max) meal, 6% fish meal, 1.5% mineral mixture (without Se), and ascorbic acid at 200 mg/kg to meet their nutrient requirements along with 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 ppm of organic selenium (Se) in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for a period of 10 weeks, during which, daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. Intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract as well as uptake of calcium and phosphorus were similar (P?>?0.05) among the four groups. Feed:gain ratio was also similar (P?>?0.05) in the four groups. However, digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher in group II supplemented with 0.1 ppm organic Se as compared to other three group. Intake and absorption of Se was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher in all the Se supplemented groups as compared to control group. Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in group II (3.16 g/day) and III (3.38 g/day) as compared to group I (2.88 g/day). However, ADG in group IV (supplemented 0.3 ppm organic Se) was significantly (P?<?0.05) lower (2.83 g/day) than group II and III, but comparable (P?>?0.05) to group I. Findings of the present experiment suggests that Se requirements of guinea pigs are ≥0.2 ppm, as supplementation of 0.1 ppm organic Se in the diet (having 0.1 ppm Se) not only enhanced their growth rate but also improved the protein utilization.     

Improving the endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes with chromium and vitamin D3 byreducing homocysteine and oxidative stress: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundChromium picolinate (CrPic) and vitamin D3 are known as two antioxidant micronutrients. Through inducing endothelial dysfunction, oxidants such as homocysteine (Hct) and malondialdehyde (MDA) lead to cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). No published data has directly examined the effects of these two antioxidants on improving the endothelial dysfunction in T2DM throughreducing homocysteine and oxidative stress.MethodsSubjects (n = 92) in this randomized, double blind, placebo-control study were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo (group I), D₃ (group II: 50,000 IU/ week), chromium picolinate (CrPic) (group III: 500 μg/day), and both vitamin D₃ and CrPic (group IV) for four months. Fasting blood samples were drawn at study baseline and following intervention to determine Hct, MDA, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (SHs), vascular cell adhesion molecule- 1 (VCAM-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).ResultsAfter intervention, MDA significantly decreased in groups II and IV; TAC significantly increased in group IV, and SHs significantly augmented in group III; Hct was significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV; and VCAM-1 significantly decreased in groups III and IV and PAI-1 was significantly reduced in groups II, III, and IV.ConclusionOur findings suggest that through reducing homocysteine and oxidative stress and improving endothelial dysfunction, chromium and vitamin D₃ co-supplementation might be predictive and preventive of cardiovascular diseasesassociated with T2DM.IRCT, IRCT20190610043852N1, registered 21 October 2019, https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/42293/view     

Comparison of the nucleotide sequences at the 3′-terminal region of RNAs from RNA coliphages

In order to study the genealogical relationships among four groups (I to IV) of RNA coliphages, we sequenced 200 to 260 nucleotides from the 3′ termini of 14 phage RNAs according to the method of Sanger et al. (1977), and compared the results. It was found that the sequences of phage RNAs in the same group were extremely homologous (about 90%). On the other hand, when the sequences were compared with those from other groups, they were seen to be only about 50 to 60% homologous between group I and group II, and about 50% homologous between group III and group IV. In other combinations, such as groups I (or II) and III, and groups I (or II) and IV, however, the extent of homology was small. Furthermore, the sequences up to 30 residues from the 3′ end were found to be about 90% homologous between groups I and II, and between groups III and IV.These results confirm our previous findings, that the sequences located in the proximity of the 3′ end of phage RNA in the same group were well-conserved (Inokuchi et al., 1979), and that close relationships exist between groups I and II, and between groups III and IV (Furuse et al., 1979).     

Fertility trial in Zebu cattle after a natural or controlled estrus with prostaglandin F2 Alpha, comparing natural mating with artificial insemination

With the object of comparing reproductive efficiency obtained by natural mating and by artificial insemination (AI), not only following a natural estrus but also after an induced estrus with PGF2Alpha in Zebu cattle in the tropics, 244 adult cows were divided into 4 groups. Group I (N = 69) and Group III (n = 62) were injected with 25 mg of PGF2Alpha when a functional CL was found on rectal examination. Group I was inseminated and group III was served by natural mating, both groups within five days after injection. Groups II (n = 57) and IV (n = 56) were left untreated, group II being AI and group IV ran with a fertile bull for 22 days. Estrus detection was carried out only in the injected groups (I and III) for 15 minutes every three hours between 0600 and 1800. All information was analyzed by linear trigonometric models. The onset of estrus occurred on average 68.7 h after injection in group I and 59.5 h in group III. However only 46.3% and 54.8% of animals were detected in estrus in group I and III respectively, the difference being significant (P < 0.10). Conception rates were 18.6%, 29.8%, 19.3% and 33.9% for groups I, II, III, and IV respectively. A significant difference (P < 0.10) existed between the injected groups and the untreated ones.     

The effect of adjuvant and specific or non-specific vaccination on development of protective immunity of rabbits against Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection.

Adult New Zealand rabbits were vaccinated subcutaneously with one dose of 100 micrograms adult nematode phosphate buffered saline-soluble proteins (PBS-ASP, groups I and II), a detergent-soluble fraction of adult somatic proteins (DS-ASP, group III) or three doses of 1 mg normal rabbit serum proteins (group IV). Injections of the immunogens in groups II, III and IV were accompanied with beryllium hydroxide, Be(OH)2 as an adjuvant. Vaccinated rabbits and also those of group V (naive) were challenged orally with 10,000 infective larvae of T. colubriformis 14 days after antigen injection and necropsied 2 weeks later. A single dose of PBS-ASP induced 33.5% protection when the antigen was given alone (group I) and 69.4% when injected with Be(OH)2 (group II). A detergent-soluble fraction of ASP given with the adjuvant provided 87.2% protection (group III), whilst non-specific vaccination with serum proteins plus Be(OH)2 elicited 99% protection (group IV). Mesenteric lymph node leukocyte responses were measured using a leukocyte migration inhibition assay. A significant response was observed only in group IV. In ELISA tests IgA antibodies specific to PBS-ASP reached the highest level in the intestinal mucosa of groups I and II and in the bile of groups I and III. Antibody levels of IgG isotype were similar in the intestinal mucosa of all the immunized groups. Nematode antigen was detected using a 'sandwich' ELISA method in faecal protein extracts of rabbits of groups II and III on days 2-6 after challenge.     

Effects of carvacrol on defects of ischemia-reperfusion in the rat liver

Many plants found in nature have been used to treat various illnesses. One such plant is oregano (Kekik in Turkish). Health beneficial effects of carvacrol obtained from oregano oil have been shown scientifically. We have investigated the comparative effects of carvacrol in the liver of rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion defect, with silymarin. To test the effects we formed four groups using male Wistar albino rats. Group I was control. The other three groups of animals were administered 60 min prior to surgical operation single doses of physiological serum, carvacrol and silymarin, respectively. Group II, III and IV animal were subjected to 45 min long liver ischemia and 60 min reperfusion. Blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analysis following the test.AST and ALT values obtained after biochemical analysis of the serums showed statistically significant difference in group II than the other three groups. A statistical evaluation of the serum AST levels among the groups II, III and IV showed that both groups III and IV which had no difference in between were significantly different in a positive way from group II (p<0.001). As to the serum ALT levels, difference between group II and group III (p<0.001) and group II and group IV (p<0.01) was found significant. No statistical difference was observed in groups I, III and IV for GSH, MDA and CAT levels of the liver. A statistical evaluation of the GSH level in group III and group IV was found to be significantly different from group II (p<0.001) without any difference between them. A similar evaluation for MDA and CAT levels among the revealed no difference between group III and group IV, however, group II showed difference with group II and group IV (p<0.05).Histological findings were in harmony with the biochemical results. We conclude that carvacrol protects the liver against defects caused by ischemia and reperfusion, and carvacrol is not hepatotoxic at the applied dosage.     

Studies on blood biochemical constituents and rumen fermentation in growing buffalo calves fed ammoniated straw-based rations supplemented with different protein sources

Studies were done on blood biochemical constituents and rumen fermentation pattern of growing buffalo calves fed ammoniated wheat straw (UAS)-based rations supplemented with three different protein supplements. Eighteen buffalo calves (140 kg) were divided into three groups of six calves each and were fed on UAS supplemented with a concentrate mixture (roughage:concentrate ratio 58:42) containing 8% (or 3.5% of total ration) untreated groundnut cake (GNC) (group I), 8% formaldehyde treated GNC (group II) and 8% fish meal (group III), respectively, for 19 weeks. During this growth study, blood biochemistry was studied. Rumen fermentation study was done on three fistulated growing buffalo calves using a 3×3 Latin square switch over design. Blood glucose and ammonia-N did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, blood urea-N of calves in group III was higher (P<0.05) than in groups I and II, but the latter two did not differ from each other in this respect. Total protein in group I was comparable to group II and group III which were significantly different from each other. The rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N and total protozoal count were similar, however, total N and TCA insoluble N in group II and group III were higher (P<0.01) than in group I. Fish meal containing diet favoured holotrichs, whereas, protected GNC containing diet favoured spirotrichs as indicated by significantly higher count. It was concluded that the beneficial effects of supplementing formaldehyde protected GNC at 8% in the concentrate mixture to the UAS-based diets were greater than supplementation of unprotected GNC or low quality fish meal in ration of buffalo calves growing at 400 g because of improved rumen fermentation, absorption and metabolism of nutrients as observed in blood biochemistry.