A Hazard Analysis of Three Silage Storage Methods for Dairy Cattle

Objectives: The study objective was to characterize work methods, hazards and annual hazard exposure hours of three silage storage methods. Methods: A telephone questionnaire was designed and administered to 24 Wisconsin dairy managers. The exposure durations reported were scaled to a standard-sized dairy herd with equal dry matter tons of silage stored and fed each year. Results: Managers reported no silo gas hazards with either bunker or bag silos. Compared to tower silos, managers reported reduced fall hazards with bunker silos and no fall hazards with bag silos although both introduced front end loader operation injury hazards. Compared to bunkers, managers who used bag silos reported no exposure to tractor overturns. Conclusions: Although some hazards are clearly present using any ensling method, dairy farms that adopt silage bag technology can reduce many of the hazards traditionally associated with silage work.     

A spatial cluster analysis of tractor overturns in Kentucky from 1960 to 2002

Background

Agricultural tractor overturns without rollover protective structures are the leading cause of farm fatalities in the United States. To our knowledge, no studies have incorporated the spatial scan statistic in identifying high-risk areas for tractor overturns. The aim of this study was to determine whether tractor overturns cluster in certain parts of Kentucky and identify factors associated with tractor overturns.

Methods

A spatial statistical analysis using Kulldorff''s spatial scan statistic was performed to identify county clusters at greatest risk for tractor overturns. A regression analysis was then performed to identify factors associated with tractor overturns.

Results

The spatial analysis revealed a cluster of higher than expected tractor overturns in four counties in northern Kentucky (RR = 2.55) and 10 counties in eastern Kentucky (RR = 1.97). Higher rates of tractor overturns were associated with steeper average percent slope of pasture land by county (p = 0.0002) and a greater percent of total tractors with less than 40 horsepower by county (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

This study reveals that geographic hotspots of tractor overturns exist in Kentucky and identifies factors associated with overturns. This study provides policymakers a guide to targeted county-level interventions (e.g., roll-over protective structures promotion interventions) with the intention of reducing tractor overturns in the highest risk counties in Kentucky.     

Evaluation of Aerial Cluster Sampling of Double-Crested Cormorants on Aquaculture Ponds in Mississippi

Abstract Concern over increasing numbers of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) and their impacts on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture has resulted in increased need for quantitative information to develop and evaluate depredation management efforts. We evaluated aerial surveys in a stratified cluster sampling (SCS) design to estimate and monitor abundance of cormorants on catfish aquaculture ponds in the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi, USA (hereafter Yazoo Basin). Twice monthly abundance estimates and coefficient of variation during winter averaged 8,128 (n = 29, SE = 1,233) and 33% (n = 29, SE = 0.02), respectively. Counts of cormorants on catfish aquaculture ponds between survey years were correlated (r = 0.87, n = 28). The correlation between diurnal counts of cormorants on ponds and cormorant night roost counts was 0.64 in 2000–2001 and 0.58 in 2003–2004 (n = 20 in both years). A priori estimates of sample size indicated an average increase in sampling effort of 39% during peak periods of cormorant use would be necessary to detect a ±15% change in cormorant abundance on aquaculture ponds at α = 0.05 and β = 0.80. The sampling design we used has the potential to be an effective tool for providing quantitative information on cormorant abundance on catfish aquaculture ponds in the Yazoo Basin. However, increased sampling effort would be necessary to obtain desired levels of precision. The SCS design we evaluated represents only one of many possible survey methods, and we recommend additional evaluation of this method and related survey methods.     

A PCR‐BASED TEST TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL FOR MICROCYSTIN OCCURRENCE IN CHANNEL CATFISH PRODUCTION PONDS1,2

Microcystis aeruginosa is a common form of cyanobacteria (blue‐green algae) capable of forming toxic heptapeptides (microcystins) that can cause illness or death. Occasionally, blooms of cyanobacteria have caused toxic fish‐kills in catfish production ponds. We have developed a PCR test that will detect the presence of microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria. Microcystin producers are detected by the presence of the microcystin peptide synthetase B gene (an obligate enzyme in the microcystin pathway), which appears to be present only in toxin‐producing cyanobacteria. These PCR amplifications can be performed in multiplex using purified DNA from pond waters or by two‐stage amplification from native water samples. A synoptic survey of 476 channel catfish production ponds from four states in the southeastern United States revealed that 31% of the ponds have the genetic potential to produce microcystins by toxic algae.     

Histology of cultured channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

Dissolved oxygen and un-ionized ammonia concentrations were monitored in 12 0.04 ha earthen ponds stocked with 10 000 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus ,/ha. Gill, liver and trunk kidney tissue samples were removed periodically for histological examination. Total ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels were in the ranges reported for catfish culture at this level of intensity. Average un-ionized ammonia nitrogen concentrations ranged from 20 to 67 μgh⁻¹ and average daily maxima ranged from 63 to 183 μgh⁻¹. Gill lesions characteristic of un-ionized ammonia exposure were common in fish from all ponds.     

Total sleep deprivation does not significantly degrade semantic encoding

ABSTRACT

Sleep deprivation impairs performance on cognitive tasks, but it is unclear which cognitive processes it degrades. We administered a semantic matching task with variable stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) and both speeded and self-paced trial blocks. The task was administered at the baseline and 24 hours later after 30.8 hours of total sleep deprivation (TSD) or matching well-rested control. After sleep deprivation, the 20% slowest response times (RTs) were significantly increased. However, the semantic encoding time component of the RTs remained at baseline level. Thus, the performance impairment induced by sleep deprivation on this task occurred in cognitive processes downstream of semantic encoding.     

Intermediate disturbance promotes termite functional diversity in intensively managed Vietnamese coffee agroecosystems

The intensive agricultural practices used in coffee plantations have profound impacts on invertebrate biodiversity. We surveyed termite diversity in the central highlands of Vietnam and evaluated it relative to the in situ ecological conditions of the coffee farms. Two survey sites were established at farms that were in place for 1 month and 1, 3, 5, and 25 years at the time of sampling. In addition, two models were tested: the diversity–resource relationship and the diversity–disturbance relationship. Our results demonstrated that the loss of termite diversity due to land perturbation in newly cultivated coffee farms may be as high as 86% compared with the nearest forested site. Only two feeding groups of termite (Group II and Group III) were present in the study sites. Termite composition of young and old farms was similar, but they only shared 48% similarity and differed significantly from the composition of the 1, 3, and 5 year old coffee farms. Understory vegetation cover and moisture content were positively associated with the occurrence of Group II and III termites but negatively associated with soil bulk density. Termite species richness did not increase linearly with the increased biomass production (plant litter) that is characteristic of old coffee farms. In contrast, termite species richness and occurrence were related to the intensity of farm management. Farms subjected to an intermediate level of management intensity due to annual crop cultivation recorded the highest diversity. Our study highlights the importance of annual crop cultivation to enhance termite diversity.     

Does acute exposure to mobile phones affect human attention?

Recent studies have indicated that acute exposure to low level radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones affects human cognition. However, the relatively small samples used, in addition to methodological problems, make the outcomes of these studies difficult to interpret. In our study we tested a large sample of volunteers (168) using a series of cognitive tasks apparently sensitive to RF exposure (a simple reaction task, a vigilance task, and a subtraction task). Participants performed those tasks twice, in two different sessions. In one session they were exposed to RFs, with half of subjects exposed to GSM signals and the other half exposed to CW signals, while in the other session they were exposed to sham signals. No significant effects of RF exposure on performance for either GSM or CW were found, independent of whether the phone was positioned on the left or on the right side.     

Dynamics of manganese,cadmium, and lead in experimental power plant ponds

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of heated power plant water on the uptake and retention of manganese, cadmium and lead in selected aquatic invertebrates, channel catfish, green sunfish, and aquatic macrophytes and to study the distribution of manganese, cadmium and lead in sediments and water of experimental power plant ponds.The study was accomplished by placing fingerling channel catfish and green sunfish in holding pens in two ponds, one an experimental pond and one a control pond. Whole fish and selected organs of channel catfish and green sunfish were analyzed during the study. The experimental pond received heated power plant water and was maintained 4–6° C above ambient temperature during the study. Sediments, water, Odonata nymphs, tubificid annelids, snails, leeches, fingernail clams and duckweed were also analyzed for the metals.A typical distribution profile for manganese, cadmium and lead in power plant cooling ponds was developed.     

Mobile telephone use is associated with changes in cognitive function in young adolescents

As part of the Mobile Radiofrequency Phone Exposed Users' Study (MoRPhEUS), a cross‐sectional epidemiological study examined cognitive function in secondary school students. We recruited 317, 7th grade students (144 boys, 173 girls, median age 13 years) from 20 schools around Melbourne, Australia. Participants completed an exposure questionnaire based on the Interphone study, a computerised cognitive test battery, and the Stroop colour‐word test. The principal exposure metric was the total number of reported mobile phone voice calls per week. Linear regression models were fitted to cognitive test response times and accuracies. Age, gender, ethnicity, socio‐economic status and handedness were fitted as covariates and standard errors were adjusted for clustering by school. The accuracy of working memory was poorer, reaction time for a simple learning task shorter, associative learning response time shorter and accuracy poorer in children reporting more mobile phone voice calls. There were no significant relationships between exposure and signal detection, movement monitoring or estimation. The completion time for Stroop word naming tasks was longer for those reporting more mobile phone voice calls. The findings were similar for total short message service (SMS, also known as text) messages per week, suggesting these cognitive changes were unlikely due to radiofrequency (RF) exposure. Overall, mobile phone use was associated with faster and less accurate responding to higher level cognitive tasks. These behaviours may have been learned through frequent use of a mobile phone. Bioelectromagnetics 30:678–686, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

哈尼梯田稻-渔共作模式下杂交黄颡鱼肠道微生物研究

为了探究哈尼梯田稻-鱼共作综合种养模式(稻渔组, DY组)和传统池塘养殖模式(池塘组, CT组)下杂交黄颡鱼(Tachysurus fulvidraco♀×Pseudobagrus vachellii♂)肠道微生物结构变化, 试验采用16S rDNA测序技术对不同养殖模式下黄颡鱼肠道微生物进行分析。测序结果显示, CT组和DY组优势菌门均为变形菌门(Proteobacteria)、厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)、拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)和梭杆菌门(Fusobacteria)。和CT组相比, 在门水平上DY组厚壁菌门和拟杆菌门相对丰度显著上升, 而变形菌门相对丰度显著下降。在属水平上DY组梭状芽孢杆菌属、Romboutsia属、Paludibacter属、Epulopiscium属和拟杆菌属相对丰度显著上升, 而邻单胞菌属丰度显著下降。不同的养殖模式没有显著影响黄颡鱼肠道微生物的丰富度(Richness), 但DY组拥有更高的微生物均匀度(Evenness)。BugBase表型预测结果如下, CT组革兰氏阴性菌, 兼性厌氧菌丰度更高, DY组则革兰氏阳性菌, 厌氧菌丰度更高。同时DY组肠道菌群相较于CT组具有更低的潜在致病性和生物膜形成能力。DY组黄颡鱼肠道微生物多样性更高, 稳定性更好, 对疾病的抵抗力可能更强。水稻-黄颡鱼新型稻渔综合种养模式具有更佳的经济和生态效应。     

Combined use of 16S ribosomal DNA and automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis to study the bacterial community in catfish ponds

AIMS: To apply culture-independent techniques to explore the bacterial community composition in catfish pond water. METHODS AND RESULTS: 16S rDNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from 15 pond water samples. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) was used to fingerprint each bacterial community. A broad diversity in bacterial species composition was found by 16S rDNA analysis. Alphaproteobacteria was the most represented class in all ponds, followed by Gammaproteobacteria and Gram-positive high G + C content bacteria. Uniqueness of bacterial communities from each individual pond was confirmed by ARISA. Catfish pathogens were detected sporadically. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial communities in a catfish aquaculture setting can vary from pond to pond at one given point. No correlation could be made between bacteria composition and fish strain or between bacterial profile and the presence of catfish pathogens in a particular pond. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report showing the composition of bacterial communities in catfish ponds. Fish health specialists and catfish aquaculture managers should be aware of the wide differences in bacterial communities between ponds and include this variable in fish husbandry practices.     

应用矿物盐改良池塘水质的研究

为了研究矿物盐对淡水养殖池塘水质的改良效果及应用前景,在12口土质池塘中对淡水养殖斑点叉尾鲴(Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque,1818)施用三组矿物盐:NaNO3、KCl+MgCl2、NaNO3+KCl+MgCl3的对照实验,对照组池塘不施用任何矿物盐类;在182d的养殖期间,对所有处理组和对照组池塘的17项水质和5项底质因子进行了定期监测.结果表明,各处理组均显著降低了池塘水中的蓝藻相对密度;KCl+MgCl2的施用可促进水中硝化作用的进行;NaNO3+KCl+MgCl2的施用,显著提高了养殖池塘底泥表层的氧化还原电位;NaNO3+KCl+MgCl2组的池塘鱼产量比对照组显著提高6.6%,而饲料系数显著降低6.2%;NaNO3与KCl+MgCl2的共同施用起到了协同改良池塘水质和底质的作用.因此,NaNO3+KCl+MgCl2的应用可为淡水池塘水质的改良开辟一个新的途径,具有一定的应用前景.     

Predator Avoidance of Transgenic Channel Catfish Containing Salmonid Growth Hormone Genes

Transgenic channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) containing salmonid growth hormone genes can grow 33% faster than normal channel catfish under aquaculture conditions. However, before transgenic catfish are released and utilized by the private sector, their genetic impact on the natural environment must be examined. Predator avoidance is one of the major fitness traits determining potential environmental risk. To determine the predator avoidance ability and growth performance of transgenic catfish in a natural habitat, various densities of transgenic and nontransgenic channel catfish were communally stocked in 0.04-ha earthen ponds without supplemental feeding. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) were stocked as predators. Nontransgenic fry had better predator avoidance than transgenic channel catfish when data were pooled (p < .01). When data were not pooled, nontransgenic catfish had better predator avoidance in six trials and transgenic individuals had better predator avoidance in four trials. There was no difference in predator avoidance in three trials. Overall predator avoidance was also better for nontransgenic individuals (p < .01) when the fish were evaluated as 3.5-g fingerlings, more clearly than as fry, as transgenic individuals were more vulnerable in 3 of 4 trials at this life stage. There was no significant difference in growth performance between transgenic and nontransgenic channel catfish in ponds without supplemental feeding. These findings indicate that transgenic channel catfish could be used for commercial aquaculture without affecting the natural environment. Although transgenic channel catfish may be released to nature by accident, any ecological effect would be unlikely because the increased susceptibility of transgenic channel catfish to predators would most likely decrease or eliminate the transgenic genotype. Received March 8, 1999; accepted June 3, 1999.     

Short‐term exposure to mobile phone base station signals does not affect cognitive functioning or physiological measures in individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic fields and controls

Individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic fields often report cognitive impairments that they believe are due to exposure to mobile phone technology. Previous research in this area has revealed mixed results, however, with the majority of research only testing control individuals. Two studies using control and self‐reported sensitive participants found inconsistent effects of mobile phone base stations on cognitive functioning. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether short‐term (50 min) exposure at 10 mW/m² to typical Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) base station signals affects attention, memory, and physiological endpoints in sensitive and control participants. Data from 44 sensitive and 44 matched‐control participants who performed the digit symbol substitution task (DSST), digit span task (DS), and a mental arithmetic task (MA), while being exposed to GSM, UMTS, and sham signals under double‐blind conditions were analyzed. Overall, cognitive functioning was not affected by short‐term exposure to either GSM or UMTS signals in the current study. Nor did exposure affect the physiological measurements of blood volume pulse (BVP), heart rate (HR), and skin conductance (SC) that were taken while participants performed the cognitive tasks. Bioelectromagnetics 30:556–563, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Environmental Effects of Marine Fish Pond Culture in the Ria Formosa (Southern Portugal)

Macrobenthic organisms, sediment and water characteristics were analysed in two fish farms in the Ria Formosa at control sites, near the outflows and inside the decantation ponds, in winter and summer 2001. Both farms operate under semi-intensive and intensive regimes. Statistical analysis reveals a very localised effect of fish farms near the outflow of the semi-intensive ponds, with an increase of density of small-sized organisms. The fish farms released high concentrations of nutrients and relatively low quantities of suspended solids. The effects of the effluents on the sediment were significant in the immediate vicinity of discharge point-source. The effects were localized mainly because all farms operate near the sea inlets, where water renewal rates are higher to ensure good fish production, thus permitting a important flushing of waste water. The effects of the effluents were more pronounced in summer because of the farms’ higher productivity at that time of the year. The decantation ponds, obligatory for the intensive regime, were apparently efficient in removing part of the solid waste. However, semi-intensive fish farms represent important sources of dissolved nutrients in the Ria Formosa and the joint effect of several fish farms in a semi-enclosed coastal system may be considerable.     

The role of pollutant accumulation in determining the use of stormwater ponds by amphibians

Urbanization often results in the creation of habitats such as stormwater management ponds. Although stormwater ponds are designed to retain runoff and associated pollutants, they are frequently colonized by wildlife including pond-breeding amphibians. Understanding of the ecological function of these created habitats is limited. This study investigated the role of pollutants in shaping use of stormwater ponds by amphibians. A survey of 68 stormwater ponds in Baltimore County, Maryland, and statistical modeling found wood frogs (Rana [= Lithobates] sylvatica) were more likely to breed in ponds with longer hydroperiods and Cl^? concentrations below approximately 250 mg/L. American toad (Bufo [= Anaxyrus] americanus) use of ponds was primarily influenced by hydroperiod; toads were more likely to use longer hydroperiod ponds. To confirm use was a result of toxicity and differential sensitivity among species, wood frog and American toad embryos and larvae were exposed to sediment from six stormwater ponds spanning the range of pollutant conditions documented in the field. Survival of wood frogs through metamorphosis was related to metal and salt levels of pond sediments, but survival of American toads was not. In agreement with the field study, no wood frog larvae survived to metamorphosis when Cl^? levels were above 260 mg/L. The results suggest that pollutants that accumulate in stormwater ponds, specifically road deicing salts, are acting as local filters capable of creating unique assemblages of anuran larvae in urban areas.     

Estimation of fish consumption rates based on a creel angler survey of an urban river in New Jersey,USA

Abstract

A one-year angler intercept survey was conducted on the lower 17 miles of the Passaic River, an urban industrialized river that flows through Newark, New Jersey. The purpose of the survey was to collect data about anglers’ behaviors and fish consumption habits in order to calculate exposure factors for a human health risk assessment of the Study Area. This paper focuses on estimating site-specific fish consumption rates for LPRSA anglers that consume their catch. The study design included on-site interviews and counts (angler enumeration). Forty survey locations were included in the stratified random sampling plan; interviews were conducted on 136 days and counts on 164 days. After matching intercepts with the same angler, a total of 294 anglers were interviewed, of which 25 reported consuming their catch. LPRSA fishing trips ranged from 2 to nearly 50 annual trips for anglers who reported consuming their catch. Species caught and reported to be consumed included carp, catfish, white perch, smallmouth bass, and eel. The estimated mean and 90th percentile consumption rates for the population of consuming anglers are 5.0 and 8.8?g/day, respectively. Based on sensitivity analyses, the 90th percentile fish consumption rates range from approximately 4 to 18?g/day.     

Effect of oxytetracycline-medicated feed on antibiotic resistance of gram-negative bacteria in catfish ponds.

The effect of oxytetracycline-medicated feeds on antibiotic resistance in gram-negative bacteria from fish intestines and water in catfish ponds was investigated. In experiments in the fall and spring, using ponds with no previous history of antibiotic usage, percentages of tetracycline-resistant bacteria in catfish intestines obtained from medicated ponds increased significantly after 10 days of treatment. In the fall, resistance of the intestinal and aquatic bacteria returned to pretreatment levels within 21 days after treatment. In the spring, resistance declined after treatment but remained higher than pretreatment levels for at least 21 days in intestinal bacteria and for 5 months in aquatic bacteria. Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Citrobacter freundii were isolated frequently in both spring and fall; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Edwardsiella tarda, and Enterobacter spp. were isolated primarily in the spring. Oxytetracycline treatment did not affect the distribution of bacterial species in the fall but may have accelerated a shift toward greater prevalence of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae in the spring. Multiple antibiotic resistance did not appear to be elicited by oxytetracycline treatment.     

Plasma corticosteroid dynamics in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), during and after oxygen depletion

Plasma corticosteroid concentrations in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus , (normally 1.0 ± 0.3 μg/100 ml) increased significantly (to 5.9 ± 1.2μg/100 ml) in response to acute oxygen depletion and then returned to control levels within 30 min after the dissolved oxygen concentration was increased; however, a secondary increase in plasma corticosteroid levels was observed 6 h after exposure. Corticosteroid levels also increased in fish exposed to dissolved oxygen concentration of <0.2 mg/1 for three days. Methylene blue was not effective in preventing interrenal response to low dissolved oxygen. No diurnal plasma corticosteroid rhythm was observed in fish exposed to diurnal chemical rhythms of culture ponds.