BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF WILD HARBOR PORPOISES PHOCOENA PHOCOENA (L.)

Blood chemistry values were measured from 31 harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Sodium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, magnesium, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, cholesterol, serum osmolality, and alanine aminotransferase levels fell within ranges reported for captive harbor porpoises and other odontocetes. Glucose, potassium, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, thyroxine, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were generally higher than those reported for captive odontocetes. Cortisol and creatinine levels were significantly higher ( P = 0.0356 and 0.0174, respectively) in porpoises that were handled for longer periods and fitted with electronic tags (mean cortisol value = 314 ± 107 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 94 ± 14 μmol/L) than those receiving roto-tags (mean cortisol value = 222 ± 82 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 75 ± 15 μmol/L). A more controlled study of duration of handling, time spent out of water, degree of manipulation, and method of tag attachment is required to identify which factors are responsible for the stress response.     

Hematology of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The hematology of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) was investigated to provide reference values for the normal animal. Red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, hemoglobins, mean cell volumes and differential white blood cell mean values were determined for Texas A&M colony-born animals and those obtained from the wild. The analyses were completed on 31 animals, three times each, for a total of 93 analyses, which included 16 colony-born and 15 wild-born marmosets. The hematological mean values found for marmosets were similar to those mean values reported for humans. The ranges for the hematology values were much narrower in the colony-born marmosets, and the average white blood cell count was significantly lower in these animals. This indicated that it is possible to produce and maintain a more uniform animal in the colony environment and, consequently, these animals are more suitable than wild-born animals for use as models for human research.     

Application of a novel method for age estimation of a baleen whale and a porpoise

Eyeballs from 121 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and 83 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were used for age estimation using the aspartic acid racemization (AAR) technique. The racemization rate (k_Asp) for fin whales was established from 15 fetuses (age 0) and 15 adult whales where age was estimated by reading growth layer groups (GLGs) in the earplugs. The (k_Asp) for harbor porpoises was derived from 15 porpoises (two calves and 13 > 1 yr old) age‐estimated by counting GLGs in the teeth and two calves classified to age based on length. The (k_Asp) values were estimated by regression of GLGs against D/L ratios. For the fin whales an (k_Asp) of 1.15 × 10^?3/yr (SE ± 0.00005) and a D/L ratio at birth [(D/L)₀] of 0.028 (SE ± 0.0012) were estimated, which is in agreement with rates for other mysticeti. For the harbor porpoises a (k_Asp) of 3.10 × 10^?3/yr (SE ± 0.0004) and a (D/L)₀ value of 0.023 (SE ± 0.0018) were estimated, which is considerably higher than found for other cetaceans. Correlation between chosen age estimates from AAR and GLG counts indicated that AAR might be an alternative method for estimating age in marine mammals.     

Obesity, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts among police officers

Objective: To determine the association between several obesity indices (BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip and waist‐to‐height ratios, and abdominal height) and hematologic parameters [white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts] among police officers. Research Methods and Procedures: The authors conducted this cross‐sectional study among 104 randomly selected officers (41 women and 63 men) from the Buffalo, NY, Police Department. Anthropometric measures were performed by clinic staff, and fasting blood samples were drawn for complete blood counts. Pearson's correlation, Student's t tests, ANOVA, analysis of covariance, and linear regression were used to assess the associations. Results: Officers ranged in age from 26 to 61 years old and were predominantly white. Among women, current smokers had significantly higher WBC counts (7.4 × 10³ cells/µL ± 1.4) than former (5.2 × 10³ cells/µL ± 1.4) or never smokers (5.6 × 10³ cells/µL ± 1.5) (p = 0.002). Women had similar WBC counts but higher mean platelet counts than men (p = 0.005). Among women, abdominal height was positively associated with platelet count after adjustment for depression (p for trend = 0.039). Among women and men, a non‐significant step‐wise trend was observed between abdominal height and mean WBC counts before and after adjustment for smoking, race, and physical activity. No association was observed between obesity and platelet count among men. Discussion: Abdominal height was significantly associated with increased platelet counts among female officers. No significant associations were observed between obesity and WBC or platelet counts among male officers.     

Haematological and serum biochemical characterization and comparison of wild and cultured northern snakehead (Channa argus Cantor, 1842)

The objective of this study was to compare haematological and serum biochemical parameters of cultured and wild specimens of the northern snakehead, Channa argus, to establish baseline values. Thirty sexually immature and disease‐free wild fish (37.70 ± 13.68 cm total length, 555.3 ± 449.0 g weight) and 30 cultured fish (36.82 ± 1.72 cm total length, 450.5 ± 58.8 g weight) were examined. In cultured northern snakehead, the average values of alanine aminotransferases (370.1 IU L^?1), aspartate amino transferases (1145.3 IU L^?1), albumin (15.84 g L^?1), direct billuribin (6.15 μmol L^?1), urea (1.40 mmol L^?1), glucose (21.54 mmol L^?1) and cholesterol levels (6.60 mmol L^?1) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the wild fish. In wild specimens the corresponding values were 9.81 IU L^?1, 394.1 U L^?1, 12.90 g L^?1, 2.57 μmol L^?1, 0.97, 2.36 and 4.38 mmol L^?1, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found for total protein, globulin, total bilirubin, chromium, sodium, chloride or triglyceride levels between wild and cultured populations. The mean values of the red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit, haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the cultured population, while the values of the white blood cell (WBC) counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the wild population. The study showed that the environmental conditions significantly impacted the status of the fish. It is suggested that these physiological parameters can be conveniently employed as health monitoring tools in fish culture practices.     

Mature hematology in neonatal walruses supports diving alongside their mothers

An animal's physiology limits the environmental conditions where it can persist; quantifying the physiology of the walrus is timely since they are being impacted by alterations in sea ice. We examined postnatal changes in hematology, an important attribute that supports diving, by analyzing a longitudinal data set from aquaria walruses (five males and nine females) sampled from 0.04 to 12.0 years of age (n = 795 samples). Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCHC) did not change markedly after birth and appears to have not been influenced by sex. Estimated values at birth were RBC: 3.78 ± 0.12 × 10⁶ mm⁻³, Hb: 17.62 ± 0.82 g dl⁻¹, Hct: 45.21 ± 2.01%, MCV: 118.99 ± 3.99 fl, MCH: 47.10 ± 1.77 pg, and MCHC: 39.60 ± 0.70 g dl⁻¹. Compared to newborns, there were only subtle decreases in RBC, Hb, and MCHC, and a slight increase in MCV in the years following birth; Hct and MCH appear not to have changed. Unlike other pinnipeds, walruses swim within days of birth and have a prolonged 2-year nursing interval. Mature hematology early in life supports breath-holding, as young walruses must transit under sea ice with patchily distributed breathing holes.     

Characterization of hematological parameters and blood cells of cultured Gymnocypris eckloni Herzenstein, 1891

The objective of the study was to obtain baseline data on haematological parameters, blood cell sizes and morphology in cultured male and female Gymnocypris eckloni Herzenstein, 1891. Forty‐eight healthy 3‐year‐old G. eckloni (26 males: 525.79 ± 48.56 g weight, 34.51 ± 1.88 cm total length; 22 females: 507.60 ± 54.48 g weight, 33.97 ± 1.84 cm total length) were used for this study. Both male and female gonadal maturity were at stage III (maturing). The fish were reared in 25–36 m² outdoor tanks at dissolved oxygen 6.86 ± 0.48 mg L^?1, pH 7.22 ± 0.58, temperature 12.40 ± 0.94°C and stocking density 50–80 fish m^?3 during November 2014. The fish were fed commercial carp floating foods containing 35% crude protein three times daily. Haematological values were performed manually on heparin anticoagulated blood specimens using standard methods. The morphological features of blood cells and differential cell counts were done on Wright–Giemsa stained blood smears with no anticoagulants. Erythrocytes, leucocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) and thrombocytes were distinguished and characterized under light microscope. The percentage of the different leukocytes revealed predominance of small lymphocytes (male: 62.31 ± 2.06%; female: 63.00 ± 2.25%) and nurophiles (male: 23.85 ± 1.51%; female: 23.49 ± 1.67%) followed by fewer monocytes (male: 4.81 ± 0.68%; female: 4.80 ± 0.77%) and few eosinophils (male: 3.73 ± 0.82%; female: 3.52 ± 0.67%). The nurophile percentages of each stage showed that metamyelocyte accounted for the most (male: 13.29 ± 0.88%; female: 13.07 ± 0.98%), followed by banded ones (male: 7.18 ± 0.49%; female: 7.00 ± 0.58%). The microstructure of G. eckloni blood cells was similar to that of other fish. Sex‐dependent differences for the erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular haemoglobin were found (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); while differences in other haematological parameters (P > 0.05) and blood cell morphology between male and female fish were not significant. Hematologic parameters and knowledge of morphological characteristics of male and female G. eckloni blood cells could be utilized to evaluate the health status of this species in captivity.     

DIVING BEHAVIOR AND PERFORMANCE OF HARBOR PORPOISES, PHOCOENA PHOCOENA, IN FUNKA BAY, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

In order to monitor the diving behavior of free-ranging cetaceans, microdataloggers, with pre-programmed release mechanisms, were attached to the dorsal fins of two female harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan, in 1994. The two loggers were successfully recovered and a total of 141 h of diving data (depth and water temperature in 4,671 dives) was obtained. Both porpoises dived almost continuously, rarely exhibiting long-term rest at the surface. Maximum dive depths were 98.6 m and 70.8 m, respectively, with more than 70% of diving time at 20 m or less. Most shallow dives were V-shaped with no bottom time. The V-shaped dives were significantly shallower in dive depth and shorter in dive duration than U-shaped dives. Descent rate was not constant during a dive. The deeper the dive depths, the faster the mean descent and initial descent rates. This suggests that porpoises have anticipated the depth to which they will dive before initiating the dive itself.     

REACTIONS OF CAPTIVE HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) TO PINGER-LIKE SOUNDS

Pingers on gill nets can reduce bycatch of harbor porpoises. If harbor porpoises habituate to pingers, the effect may be reduced or lost. Two captive harbor porpoises were exposed to three sound types. All sounds were in the frequency band from 100 kHz to 140 kHz, 200 ms long, and presented once per 4 s. The source level was 153 dB re 1 μPa RMS at 1 m. Each session consisted of a 10‐min presound, a 5‐min sound, and a 10‐min postsound period. Behavior was recorded on video and on dataloggers placed on the dorsal fin of one animal. The loggers recorded heart rate, swimming speed, dive duration, and depth. The animals responded most strongly to the initial presentations of a sound. Surface time decreased, the heart rate dropped below the normal bradycardia, and echolocation activity decreased. The reactions of both animals diminished rapidly in the following sessions. Should the waning of responsiveness apply to wild animals, porpoises may adapt to the sounds but still avoid nets, or the bycatch may increase after some time. The success of long‐term use of pingers may then depend on the variety of sounds and rates of exposure.     

BILATERAL DIRECTIONAL ASYMMETRY OF THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON OF THE HARBOR PORPOISE (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA)

Directional asymmetry ( DA ) of the lengths, diameters, and masses of the scapula, humerus, radius, and ulna were analyzed on a sample of 213 harbor porpoises from Denmark and West Greenland. The levels of DA were consistent across yearlings and older animals, mature and immature animals, sexes, and populations. All investigated variables showed significant DA favoring the right side. For the pooled sample, DA of lengths ranged from 0.2% SE 0.1 (ulna) to 1.2% SE 0.1 (scapula). DA s of diameters were 1.5% SE 0.2 for the humerus, 0.6% SE 0.1 for the radius, and 1.3% SE 0.2 for the ulna. DA of mass ranged from 2.8% SE 0.5 (humerus) to 4.3% SE 0.7 (ulna). The humerus and ulna had significantly larger mean diameter/ length ratios on the right side than the left, making them more robust. The large DA of scapula length indicates larger muscle mass associated with the right flipper, while the generally more robust right humerii and ulnae may be designed for higher levels of mechanical stress. These DA s and the examples of lateralized behavior recorded in cetaceans, point to the existence of lateralized use of the flippers at the population level in harbor porpoises and possibly other cetacean species.     

ECHOLOCATION RATES OF TWO HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA)

The rate of occurrence of click trains of two harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) were counted during 14 nights. We developed an echolocation signal detection system that was harnessed to a porpoise and activated a light when the animal emitted an echolocation signal. This device, referred to as a click-light, detects echolocation signals above 150 dB re 1 μPa in the 28–180 kHz range. Echolocation rates, i.e., occurrences of click trains, changed frequently, ranging from 0 to 25 per minute. Echolocation rates were affected by feeding, individual difference, and enclosure type such as the net enclosure and the pool. The porpoise echolocation rates seemed to show acclimation.     

HARBOR PORPOISE (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) ABUNDANCE IN ALASKA: BRISTOL BAY TO SOUTHEAST ALASKA, 1991-1993

Between 1991 and 1993, Alaska harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena ) abundance was investigated during aerial surveys throughout much of the coastal and offshore waters from Bristol Bay in the eastern Bering Sea to Dixon Entrance in Southeast Alaska. Line-transect methodology was used, and only those observations made during optimal conditions were analyzed. Survey data indicated densities of 4.48 groups/100 km², or approximately 3,531 harbor porpoises (95% C. I. 2,206-5,651) in Bristol Bay and 0.54 groups/100 km², or 136 harbor porpoises (95% C. I. 11-1,645) for Cook Inlet. Efforts off Kodiak Island resulted in densities of 1.85 groups/100 km², or an abundance estimate of 740 (95% C. I. 259-2,115). Surveys off the south side of the Alaska Peninsula found densities of 2.03 groups/100 km² and an abundance estimate of 551 (95% C. I. 423-719). Surveys of offshore waters from Prince William Sound to Dixon Entrance yielded densities of 4.02 groups/100 km² and an abundance estimate of 3,982 (95% C. I. 2,567-6,177). Combining all years and areas yielded an uncorrected density estimate of 3.82 porpoises per 100 km², resulting in an abundance estimate of 8,940 porpoises (CV = 13.8%) with a 95% confidence interval of 6,746-11,848. Using correction factors from other studies to adjust for animals missed by observers, the total number of Alaska harbor porpoises is probably three times this number.     

Seasonal variation in steroid hormones and blood parameters in cage-farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

For a period of 1 year, some blood parameters were evaluated on a monthly basis in a population of adult European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) intensively reared in floating marine cages (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean). From April (13 months old) to July (16 months old) males (35–50%) and sexually indeterminate individuals were collected. From August to March (24 months old) only males were sampled. During this period the percentage of spermiated males was highest (100%) from November (20 months old) to January (22 months old). Plasma testosterone in males was inversely related to sunlight (h month^?1) and was elevated between October and January, when males first achieved sexual maturity. Testosterone showed the highest value (0.49 ± 0.02 ng ml^?1) in January and the lowest (0.09 ± 0.02 ng ml^?1) in March. Haematocrit, red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentration were elevated from November to March, being inversely related to sunlight. The two latter parameters were also inversely related to daily food intake. Haematocrit, red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentration were highest in December [53 ± 1%, (5.36 ± 0.06) × 10⁶ mm^?3, 10.08 ± 0.14 g 100 ml^?1, respectively] and lowest in June [35 ± 1%, (3.33 ± 0.05) × 10⁶ mm^?3, 6.47 ± 0.13 g 100 ml^?1, respectively]. White blood cell counts were not correlated with sea water temperature, sunlight or daily food intake. They were highest in February [(8.45 ± 0.20) × 10⁴ mm^?3] and lowest in April [(6.07 ± 0.14) × 10⁴ mm^?3]. Total plasma protein concentration (4.88 ± 0.11–5.93 ± 0.10 g 100 ml^?1) and mean cell volume (93.3 ± 0.9–105.5 ± 1.8 μm³) showed small fluctuations throughout the year. Sexual maturity appears to be a major factor that significantly affects haemopoiesis of D. labrax. This study contributes to the evaluation of normal levels of some blood parameters in European sea bass, which are helpful for the assessment of physiological status and health of this species.     

Group characteristics,site fidelity,and photo‐identification of harbor porpoises,Phocoena phocoena,in Burrows Pass,Fidalgo Island,Washington

Little is known about harbor porpoises at the individual level or local group structure. Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo‐identification of harbor porpoises were investigated off Fidalgo Island, Washington State. Harbor porpoise presence was affected by season and rip tide strength (Wald χ² P < 0.04); calf presence was influenced by season and tide (Wald χ² P < 0.0075). Average group size (2.32 ± 1.38, n = 266) was influenced by season, behavior, and calf presence (F₇ = 9.71, P < 0.0001, R² = 0.294). Fifty‐three individuals were identified using a matrix of primary, secondary, and confirmation markings that were stable over months/years. Over 35% were resighted in more than 1 mo (range 1–7, = 1.83); 15.1% were seen in more than 1 yr, suggesting some level of residency. Despite having higher effort, presence and group size were significantly lower in Summer. Variations in the significance of rip tide strength and tides relate to calf presence and support other findings that harbor porpoise population structure is complex and varies at small spatiotemporal scales and may also vary between populations and habitats. This study identifies variables affecting group characteristics and emphasizes the importance of research on local populations of harbor porpoises.     

Effects of intraperitoneally‐administered vitamin E and selenium on the blood biochemical and haematological parameters in rats

The aim of this work was to determine the role of intraperitoneally‐administered vitamin E and selenium on the biochemical and haematological parameters in the blood of rats. Thirty‐two adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. All rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was used as the control. The second group was intraperitoneally administered with vitamin E (±‐α‐tocopheroryl acetate, 10 mg day⁻¹), the third group with Se (Na₂SeO₃ 0·2 mg over a day), and the fourth group with vitamin E and Se (vitamin E 10 mg + Na₂SeO₃ 0·2 mg over a day). This administration was done for 5 weeks. Blood samples were taken from animals at the end of the dosage period and biochemical parameters in serum samples and haematological parameters in total blood were determined. The levels of total cholesterol (p<0·01) and number of white blood cells (p<0·001) in blood were significantly higher in the vitamin E group than in the control group. The levels of ALP, total cholesterol (p<0·01) and number of white blood cells (p<0·01) in blood were significantly higher in the selenium group than in the controls. The levels of glucose (p<0·05), ALP (p<0·01), total cholesterol (p<0·001) and number of white blood cells (p<0·01) were higher in the vitamin E and selenium combined group than in the controls. Other parameters considered within this trial (ALT, LDH, creatinine, albumin, total protein, amylase, creatine kinase, HDL, triglycerides, total lipid, sodium, chloride, uric acids, red blood cell, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, MCV, MCH, MCHC) did not show statistically significant differences between the control and injected groups. The results indicated that blood glucose and total cholesterol levels, ALP activity and white blood cell counts were significantly increased by intraperitoneal administration of vitamin E and selenium in rats. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

EFFECT OF THE SOUND GENERATED BY AN ACOUSTIC HARASSMENT DEVICE ON THE RELATIVE ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) IN RETREAT PASSAGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA

We describe an experiment conducted to assess the impact of the sound generated by an acoustic harassment device (AHD) on the relative abundance and distribution of harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) in Retreat Passage, British Columbia. During control periods when the AHD was inactive, the mean number of porpoises observed in the study area was 0.39 for broad area scans conducted with the naked eye and 0.48 for narrow sector scans conducted with binoculars. Abundance declined precipitously when the AHD was activated, to 0.007 porpoises per broad area scan and 0.018 per narrow sector scan. The mean number of porpoise resightings while tracking their movements also declined from 12.2 to 13.6 per sighting during control periods to 1.1–1.9 per sighting when the AHD was activated, which suggested that the few porpoises that ventured into the study area spent less time within it when the AHD was activated. The effect of the AHD diminished with distance. No porpoises were observed within 200 m of the AHD when it was activated. The number of sightings and resightings observed when it was activated was less than 0.2% of the number expected had there been no AHD effect at a range of 200–399 m, 1.4% the number expected at a range of 400–599 m, varied between 2.5% and 3.3% of the number expected at a range of 600–2,499 m, and was 8.1% the number expected at a range of 2,500–3,500 m, which suggested that the impact of the AHD extended beyond our maximum sighting range of 3.5 km.     

Total mercury in stranded marine mammals from the Oregon and southern Washington coasts

Muscle samples from 105 marine mammals stranded along the Oregon and Washington coasts (2002–2009) were tested for levels of total mercury (THg) by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. The THg present is in the form of the highly toxic methylmercury. After normalizing tissue to 75% water weight, Steller sea lions and northern elephant seals exhibited the highest mean concentrations of THg followed by harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and California sea lions, 0.34 ± 0.278, 0.34 ± 0.485, 0.21 ± 0.216, 0.17 ± 0.169, and 0.15 ± 0.126 mg/kg normalized wet weight (ww), respectively. The mean normalized values demonstrate limited muscle methylmercury accumulation in these species in the Pacific Northwest. However, actual ww concentrations in some of the stranded carcasses may pose a risk to scavengers. Normalizing muscle mercury concentrations eliminated the variability from desiccation, and allowed for a clearer indication of the amount of mercury the animal accumulated before stranding.     

RESPONSE OF PROROCENTRUM MARIAE-LEBOURIAE (DINOPHYCEAE) TO LIGHT OF DIFFERENT SPECTRAL QUALITIES AND IRRADIANCES: GROWTH AND PIGMENTATION1

Growth and pigment concentrations of the, estuarine dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum mariae-lebouriae (Parke and Ballantine) comb. nov., were measured in cultures grown in white, blue, green and red radiation at three different irradiances. White irradiances (400–800 nm) were 13.4, 4.0 and 1.8 W · m^?2 with photon flux densities of 58.7 ± 3.5, 17.4 ± 0.6 and 7.8 ± 0.3 μM quanta · m^?2· s^?1, respectively. All other spectral qualities had the same photon flux densities. Concentrations of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll c were inversely related to irradiance. A decrease of 7- to 8-fold in photon flux density resulted in a 2-fold increase in chlorophyll a and c and a 1.6- to 2.4-fold increase in both peridinin and total carotenoid concentrations. Cells grown in green light contained 22 to 32% more peridinin per cell and exhibited 10 to 16% higher peridinin to chlorophyll a ratios than cells grown in white light. Growth decreased as a function of irradiance in white, green and red light grown cells but was the same at all blue light irradiances. Maximum growth rates occurred at 8 μM quanta · m^?2· s^?1 in blue light, while in red and white light maximum growth rates occurred at considerably higher photon flux densities (24 to 32 μM quanta · m^?2· s^?1). The fastest growth rates occurred in blue and red radiation. White radiation producing maximum growth was only as effective as red and blue light when the photon flux density in either the red or blue portion of the white light spectrum was equivalent to that of a red or of blue light treatment which produced maximum growth rates. These differences in growth and pigmentation indicate that P. mariae-lebouriae responds to the spectral quality under which it is grown.     

Functionality and DNA-damage properties of blood cells in lactating cows exposed to glyphosate contaminated feed at different feed energy levels

ABSTRACT

Glyphosate (GL) inhibits the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in plants and is worldwide the most used non-selective herbicide. Less is known about in vivo effects of GL contaminated feedstuffs on the health of dairy cows. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of GL residues in feed at different concentrate feed proportions (CFP) on haematology, immunological and redox parameters and on DNA-damage of blood cells in lactating dairy cows. During a 16-trial, 61 German Holstein cows (207 ± 49 d in milk; mean ± SD) were fed the same ration in week 0. Afterwards, they were assigned to either a group receiving a GL contaminated or a group receiving an uncontaminated total mixed ration (CON). Each group was subdivided into a “low concentrate” group (LC) and a “high concentrate” group (HC) with an energy content of 6.63 MJ NEL and 7.18 MJ NEL/kg dry matter, respectively. The diets were offered for ad libitum consumption. Blood samples were taken at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. All blood samples were analysed for white and red blood cell counts. T-cell subpopulations, oxidative burst capability of leukocytes, apoptosis rate, phagocytic activity, activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, the total non-enzymatic antioxidative capacity, viability and stimulation capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and micronucleus- and comet assay on bovine leukocytes were measured only in week 16. The average individual GL intake of groups CON, GL_LC and GL_HC was 1.2 µg, 112.6 µg and 132.8 µg per kg body weight and day, respectively. GL contamination did not affect any of the tested parameters whereas CFP and time-influenced leukocytes, granulocytes, red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and CD4⁺ T-cells in an interactive manner characterised by a time-dependent increase in HC groups. It can be concluded that GL and GL in combination with different CFP showed no influence on any of the tested endpoints, whereas CFP and time influenced most parameters in an interactive manner.     

Calorimetrie Study of Escherichia coli Growth on Bouillon Medium

Heat evolution during the growth of Escherichia coli in a stationary culture on bouillon medium was continuously monitored with a conduction-type batch calorimeter at different pHs and temperatures. The growth thermograms were found to be reproducible within percent errors of ±2.1%, ±0.8% and ±1.5% for the peak time of a thermogram, the peak height and the total heat evolution, respectively. The mean heat evolution for the formation of a unit E. coli cell was co = (1.69 ±0.08) X 10^—8 J cell^{— 1} at pH 6.2 and 37°C. The mean heat evolution rate per unit cell during growth was </ = 3.6ρwcell^_1, which was consistent with values calculated for other microbial cells. The growth rate constant calculated on kinetic analysis of the growth thermograms was μ = 0.532 ± 0.068 hr ^-1 at pH 6.2 and 37°C. The pH dependence of the growth rate constant showed that the growth activity of E. coli cells on bouillon medium is maximum in the pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. From the temperature-dependent variations in the growth rate constant, the apparent activation energy of E. coli growth was found to be E_a =65.3 ±7.1 kJ mol^-1.