Biogas production from different substrates in an experimental Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor anaerobic digester

Different mixtures were digested in a single-stage, batch, mixed, laboratory scale mesophilic anaerobic digester at the Biomass Research Centre Laboratory (University of Perugia). The yield and the composition of biogas from the different substrates were evaluated and the cumulative curves were estimated. Two experimental campaigns were carried out, the first on three mixtures (chicken, pig and bovine manures), the second on animal and vegetal biomasses (chicken and cow manure, olive husk) with different inocula (rumen fluid and digested sludge). In the first campaign pig manure mixture showed the maximum biogas production (0.35 Nm³/kg) and energy content (1.35 kWh/kg VS); in the second one the differences in produced biogas from the different inocula were analyzed: olive husk with piggery manure anaerobically digested as inoculum showed the higher biogas (0.28 Nm³/kg VS) and methane yield (0.11 Nm³/kg VS), corresponding to an energetic content of 1.07 kWh/kg VS. All data obtained from the laboratory scale anaerobic digester are comparable to the values in literature for several biomass and in particular for olive husk, dairy manure and chicken manure.     

Acetaminophen at Different Doses Protects Brain Microsomal Ca2+-ATPase and the Antioxidant Redox System in Rats

Acetaminophen, an analgesic and antipyretic drug, rescues neuronal cells from mitochondrial redox impairment and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive administration of acetaminophen above the recommended daily dose range has some negative effects on the brain. We investigated the effects of different doses of acetaminophen on Ca²⁺-ATPase and the antioxidant redox system in rats. Seventy rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups. The first was used for the control. One dose of 5, 10, 20, 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg acetaminophen was intraperitoneally administered to rats constituting the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh groups, respectively. After 24 h, brain cortical samples were taken and brain microsomal samples were obtained by ultracentrifugation. Brain and microsomal lipid peroxidation (LP) and brain calcium levels in the sixth and seventh groups were increased compared to control. LP levels in the second, third, and forth groups; brain vitamin E levels; brain and microsomal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity in the sixth and seventh groups were lower than in control, although brain vitamin E concentrations in the second, third, fourth, and fifth groups and microsomal GSH-Px activity in the third and fourth groups were higher than in control. Brain cortical β-carotene and vitamin A concentrations did not differ in the seven groups. In conclusion, 5–100 mg/kg acetaminophen seems to have protective effects on oxidative stress-induced brain toxicity by inhibiting free radicals and supporting the antioxidant redox system.     

集约化养殖禽畜粪中主要化学物质调查

对广东省集约化养殖场61个禽畜粪样本进行调查的结果表明,鸡粪和猪粪的总N、P、K含量均明显高于传统养殖,鸡、猪和鸽粪的P/N比高于一般作物的P/N比;3种禽畜粪总盐分含量分别为49.0、20.6和60.3 g·kg^-1,盐分组成以K和Na的硫酸盐和氯化物为主;鸡粪Cu、Zn和As的平均含量分别为107.5、366.6和21.6 mg·kg^-1;猪粪分别为765.1、1128.0和89.3 mg·kg^-1;鸽粪分别为56.1、210.9和2.9 mg·kg^-1.这3种禽畜粪的Pb、Cd和Cr含量均很低,在未检出至12.0 mg·kg^-1之间.按不同肥料重金属限量标准,鸡粪和猪粪重金属超标以Cu、Zn和As为主,其中Zn的超标最为普遍.     

Effect of Host Plant on the Infectivity of Sl MNPV to Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae

The susceptibility of Spodoptera litura to SlMNPV infection was markedly affected by phyto-chemicals ingested during the acquisition of viral inoculum on foliage of tomato and cauliflower. The LD₅₀ values computed for second, third and fourth instar larvae assayed on tomato leaves were 254, 819 and 23395 PIBs/larva, respectively whereas, it was 326, 1719 and 43843 PIBs/larva for respective instars when assayed on cauliflower leaves. Thus LD₅₀ values for second, third and fourth instar larvae were 1.28-, 2.09- and 1.87- fold lower, respectively in tomato leaves. Similarly, LT₅₀ values for second, third and fourth instar larvae assayed on tomato leaves were 7.1 and 7.5 days, respectively at inoculum dose of 2.7×10⁴ PIBs/larva whereas, it was 7.7 and 8.0 days for respective instars when assayed on cauliflower leaves at same inoculum. This result also showed that the S. litura were more susceptible on tomato leaves in comparison to cauliflower leaves as the time required for mortality was lower in tomato leaves. The possible biochemical bases for differential level of mortality of S. litura larvae on tomato and cauliflower crops needs to be investigated.     

Infectivity of an iridescent virus for larvae of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Laboratory tests were conducted with an iridescent virus (IV) of Anticarsia gemmatalis from Argentina to determine its infectivity for all six larval instars. For first, second, and third instars, the LC₅₀ values were 5.93, 6.14, and 11.30 mg/ml, respectively. The LD₅₀ values for fourth, fifth, and sixth instars were 1.21, 3.12, and 1.31μg/mg, respectively. The time until death was greater for early instars than for late instars; first instars averaged 23.1 days, second instars 19.6 days, third instars 19.5 days, fourth instars 14.3 days, fifth instars 8.2 days and sixth instars 6.5 days until death. High levels of iridescent virus inoculum appeared to activate a latent nuclear polyhedrosis virus in an average of less than 10% of larvae succumbing to a viral infection. Variable mortality rates were caused with low levels of IV inoculum; high dosages produced a high percentage of mortality, but it was virtually impossible to raise levels of inoculum to concentrations sufficient to produce 100% mortality.     

Experimental ivermectin treatment of sarcoptic mange and establishment of a mange-free population of Spanish ibex.

Ivermectin was used to treat sarcoptic mange in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica). Its therapeutic effectiveness was analyzed when it was administered through subcutaneous injection, to sick animals in the consolidation stage of mange (third phase) and, with double injections to chronically affected animals (fourth phase) at a dosage of 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg body weight (bw). Three wk after treatment, the animals in the third phase of mange treated with a high dose (0.4 mg/kg bw) of ivermectin were completely cured. The same result was achieved after 4 wk of treatment in those animals in phase 3 of mange when 0.2 mg/kg body weight was used. Double injection with ivermectin, even at high doses, did not guarantee the complete cure of all cases of sarcoptic mange in the chronic stage (phase 4); only three of six animals were free of Sarcoptes scabiei. The second experiment consisted on the application of a sanitation program in order to obtain a population of Spanish ibex free from S. scabiei, starting with free-ranging animals, some of them healthy and others sick. After capture the animals were classified as chronically ill, in which case they were excluded from the program, mite carriers and healthy specimens. All the animals were treated first topically with foxim (500 mg/l) and subcutaneously with ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg bw). The infected animals were housed in the treatment pen, and received two doses of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg bw) at an interval of 15 days, then spent 15 days in the quarantine pen, where they received a further dose before they were included in the pool of healthy animals, and immediately were placed in the quarantine phase. The sanitation we implemented was fully effective in curing the affliction of Spanish ibex affected by S. scabiei.     

Investigations on the frequency of chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells of Chinese hamsters after simultaneous application of caffeine and cyclophosphamide

Summary The potentiating effect of caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) on chemically induced chromosome aberrations was studied in bone marrow cells of chinese hamsters, exposed to the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide.Four experimental series were performed: In the first two tests caffeine (200 mg/kg) or cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg), respectively, were administered. A third and fourth test was performed with caffeine plus cyclophosphamide (200+40 mg/kg and 35+40 mg/kg, respectively) simultaneously.Aberrations induced by cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) were strongly potentiated by simultaneous application of caffeine (200 mg/kg) not only additively but even synergistically. This increase of aberrations cannot be found after injection of the lower dose of caffeine (35 mg/kg).     

Altered response of strain of Schistosoma mansoni to oxamniquine and praziquantel

The susceptibility of a fourth generation Ouh strain (Paranapanema Valley, S?o Paulo, Brazil) of Schistosoma mansoni to oxamniquine (OXA) and praziquantel (PZQ) was studied. Ten groups of 13 female albino mice each were infected with 70 cercariae per animal. These mice were medicated orally on the 50th day after infection. Five groups were given OXA doses of 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg (single doses) and the rest were treated with PZQ doses of 0, 100, 200, and 250 mg/kg/5 days. Each group was sub-divided: 8 animals underwent perfusion after 15 days treatment, 5 mice followed up for oviposition and their feces were tested every 15 days for miracidia hatching. The efficacy of the OXA doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg was 66% and 91.4%, respectively and for the 100 mg/kg PZQ dose it was 90.1%. The follow-up groups with 100 and 200 mg/kg of OXA and PZQ, 100 and 150 mg/kg, showed that they re-established the oviposition after a period of 60 to 75 days of treatment. The ED50 was 69.6 mg/kg OXA and 39.4 mg/kg PZQ. The results show the tolerance of the Ouh strain to a dose of 100 mg with both drugs and they appoint the need for a dose review during the follow up of the oviposition and in monitoring phenomena in the field.     

Saline acclimation of striped mojarra <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eugerres plumieri</Emphasis> (Cuvier 1830) and optimal dosage of carp pituitary extract (CPE) to induce spawning

The main objective of the current study was to determine an optimal dosage of commercial carp pituitary extract (CPE) of the conventional heteroplastic hypophysation technique to induce spawning in the wild caught striped mojarra broodstock Eugerres plumieri under laboratory conditions. We also describe trials testing saline acclimation regimes (changes from 10‰ to 30‰) prior to hormonal induction. For saline acclimation, three treatments were performed: first and second treatments began 1-day after conditioning of broodstock fish with a total duration of the saline changes lasting 1-day and 2-days, respectively. The third treatment began 30-days after conditioning with a 7-day saline regime. After reaching 30‰, all fish from the first and second treatments died after the fourth and ninth days, respectively; while the fishes in the third treatment survived more than two years. These fish remain on public exhibit in the “Mundo Marino” Aquarium, Santa Marta, Colombia. Four treatments of hormonal induction were tested on females using a total concentration of 5-mg of CPE per kg of body weight: first, second and third treatments were applied in two hormonal doses that corresponded to 10%–90%, 30%–70% and 40%–60%, respectively, with time intervals between doses of 14-h for the first and second treatment and of 12-h for the third treatment. The fourth treatment was applied in four hormonal doses that it corresponded to 20%–20%–30%–30% with 12-h time intervals between doses. Only the fishes of the fourth treatment resisted the induction, continued to live and reached spawning artificially. Water temperature remained at 28 ± 1°C and at 30‰ salinity during the study. The “dry” method of fertilization was used. The fertilized eggs were incubated at 30‰ and 35‰ salinities. These eggs reached the Morula early stage, but were later attacked by protozoan. These results suggest that fast changes of saline and limited hormonal dosages do not offer effective results in Eugerres plumieri. This work provided fundamental procedures for the culture and maintenance of live broodstock for striped mojarra in saltwater and/or coastal lagoon habitats and provides an effective and viable dosage of CPE for artificial spawning and commercial production in this species.     

Effects of cationic polymer on performance of UASB reactors treating low strength wastewater

The effect of cationic polymer additives on biomass granulation and COD removal efficiency had been examined in lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, treating low strength synthetic wastewater (COD 300-630 mg/l). Under identical conditions, two reactors were operated with and without polymer additives in inoculum under four different organic loading rates (OLRs). The optimum polymer dose was adopted based upon the results of jar test and settling test carried out with inoculum seed sludge. With the use of thick inoculum, SS greater than 110 g/l and VSS/SS ratio less than 0.3, granulation was observed in UASB reactor treating synthetic wastewater as well as actual sewage, when OLR was greater than 1.0 kg COD/m(3) d. Polymer additive with such thick inoculum was observed to deteriorate percentage granules and COD removal efficiency compared to inoculum without polymer additives. At OLR less than 1.0 kg COD/m(3) d, proper granulation could not be achieved in both the reactors inoculated with and without polymer additive. Also, under this low loading, drastic reduction in COD removal efficiency was observed with polymer additives in inoculum. Hence, it is rational to conclude that biomass granulation for treatment of low strength biodegradable wastewater depends on the applied loading rate and selection of thick inoculum sludge.     

Leaching of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in diverse soils under various agricultural management practices

Application of animal manures to soil as crop fertilizers is an important means for recycling the nitrogen and phosphorus which the manures contain. Animal manures also contain bacteria, including many types of pathogens. Manure pathogen levels depend on the source animal, the animal's state of health, and how the manure was stored or treated before use. Rainfall may result in pathogen spread into soil by runoff from stored or unincorporated manure or by leaching through the soil profile. Steady rainfall consisting of 16.5 mm h(-1) was applied to 100-mm disturbed soil cores that were treated with manure and inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain B6914. The level of B6914 in leachate was near the inoculum level each hour for 8 h, as was the level of B6914 at several soil depths after 24 h, indicating that there was a high rate of growth. Bacterial movement through three different types of soil was then compared by using disturbed (tilled) and intact (no-till) soil cores and less intense rainfall consisting of 25.4 mm on 4 consecutive days and then four more times over a 17-day period. Total B6914 levels exceeded the inoculum levels for all treatments except intact clay loam cores. B6914 levels in daily leachate samples decreased sharply with time, although the levels were more constant when intact sandy loam cores were used. The presence of manure often increased total B6914 leachate and soil levels in intact cores but had the opposite effect on disturbed soil cores. Ammonia and nitrate levels correlated with B6914 and total coliform levels in leachate. We concluded that tillage practice, soil type, and method of pathogen delivery affect but do not prevent vertical E. coli O157:H7 and coliform transport in soil and that soluble nitrogen may enhance transport.     

Comparison of natural and artificial epidemics of take-all in sequences of winter wheat crops

Winter wheat was grown for six successive years (Expt 1) and for three successive years (Expt 2) in field experiments on different soil types. Artificial inoculum of the take-all fungus (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici cultured on autoclaved oat grains) was incorporated in the soil of some of the plots just before, or at, sowing of the first winter wheat crop. Expt 1 tested the incorporation of similar amounts of inoculum (212 kg ha^-1) at different depths. Expt 2 tested different amounts of inoculum at the same, shallow depth. Early sowing (September), late sowing (October) and spring inoculation were additional treatments, applied to the first crop only, in Expt 2. Seasonal factors apart, the disease outcome in the first year after inoculation depended on amounts and placement of applied inoculum, as well as date of sowing. Deeper inoculum resulted in less disease (Expt 1). Severe take-all was produced in Expt 2 by incorporating inoculum shallowly in sufficient quantities (400 kg ha^-1 or more). Less inoculum (200 kg ha^-1) generated less disease, especially in earlier-sown plots. Differences in disease amongst inoculum treatments were greatest in the first year and diminished subsequently, particularly where sowing had been early in the first year. In Expt 1, where first crops exposed to artificial inoculum developed moderate-to-severe disease, disease in subsequent second and/or third crops was less. In the fourth crop a second peak of disease occurred, coinciding with a first peak in sequences without added inoculum. Take-all decline (TAD) appeared to be expressed in all sequences thereafter. In Expt 2 in sequences without added inoculum, TAD occurred after a peak of disease in the second crop. Where 400 kg ha^-1 or more of inoculum were added, disease was severe in the first year and decreased progressively in successive years. Disease was less patchy in plots that received artificial inoculum. However, it remains uncertain mat severe disease caused by artificial inoculation achieved an early onset of true TAD. The infectivity of the top 12 cm of soil in the first 3 yr of Expt 1, determined by bioassay, depended on the depth of added inoculum and amount of disease in subsequent crops. However, at the time of the naturally occurring peak of disease severity (in either inoculated or non-inoculated plots) it did not predict either disease or TAD. Differences and similarities amongst epidemics developing naturally and those developing from different amounts and placement of applied inoculum have been revealed. The epidemiological implications of adding inoculum and the potential value of artificially-created epidemics of take-all in field trials are discussed.     

有机肥中可溶性有机碳、氮含量及其特性

测定了7种不同种类、不同腐熟程度有机肥中可溶性有机氮（SON）和可溶性有机碳（SOC）的含量,结果表明：有机肥的水和0．01mol／LCaCl2溶液提取液中SON含量分别平均为105．2mg／L和91．6mg／L;每千克干样平均含SON分别为1188mg和1037mg;SON占可溶性总氮（TSN）和全氮（TN）的比例分别在70．5％～74．7％和4．3％～4．9％之间。水和0．01mol／LCaCl2溶液提取液中SOC含量分别平均为695mg／L和622mg／L;每千克干样平均含SOC分别为7873mg和7054mg;SOC占有机肥有机碳（TOC）比例分别平均为2．1％和1．9％;SOC／SON平均分别为6．7和6．9。SON与SOC间的相关性较高,SON与NO3^--N含量呈现负相关关系。有机肥料中的可溶性氮素绝大部分以SON形式存在,如此高的SON和SOC含量可能会成为氮、碳养分流失和环境污染的潜在来源。     

Seasonal population trend of the peach fruit fly (PFF), Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Assiut,Northern Upper Egypt

The population of peach fruit fly during 2011 season increased gradually starting from the fourth week of July to reach its first major peak throughout the second week of September with 1340?flies/trap/day for traps suspended at 1?m height and during the third week of September with 909?flies/trap/day for traps hung at 2?m heights. Afterwards, the population trend showed a slight but gradual declining trend from the third week of September up to the third week of October. The population was then increased to reach its second major peak during the fourth week of October with 696 and 595?flies/trap/day for traps hung at 1 and 2?m heights, respectively. The greatest drop in the trapped population at both trap heights was observed from the second week of November until the end of the season (second week of December). A total of 105270?flies/trap at both 1 and 2?m trap heights during the entire seasons of 2011 were recorded. In 2012 season, the population followed nearly the same trend as that observed during 2011 season with minor variations. One major peak of abundance was recorded during the first week of October with 1344 and 955?flies/trap/day for traps hung at 1 and 2?m, respectively. The second major peak (1104 and 894?flies/trap/day) was observed during the fourth week of October for traps suspended at 1 and 2?m, respectively. A remarkable decrease in the population could be seen from the first week of December until the end of the season (fourth week of December). Statistical analysis of the data showed highly significant differences between fruit fly population captured at 1?m trap height (Mean = 446.9 ± 97?flies/trap/day) and that captured at 2?m trap heights (Mean = 321 ± 72?flies/trap/day) with paired t of 4.7^** and p-value of 0.0001^**.     

Muscle power and metabolism in maximal intermittent exercise

Muscle power and the associated metabolic changes in muscle were investigated in eight male human subjects who performed four 30-s bouts of maximal isokinetic cycling at 100 rpm, with 4-min recovery intervals. In the first bout peak power and total work were (mean +/- SE) 1,626 +/- 102 W and 20.83 +/- 1.18 kJ, respectively; muscle glycogen decreased by 18.2 mmol/kg wet wt, lactate increased to 28.9 +/- 2.7 mmol/kg, and there were up to 10-fold increases in glycolytic intermediates. External power and work decreased by 20% in both the second and third exercise periods, but no further change occurred in the fourth bout. Muscle glycogen decreased by an additional 14.8 mmol/kg after the second exercise and thereafter remained constant. Muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was reduced by 40% from resting after each exercise period; creatine phosphate (CP) decreased successively to less than 5% of resting; in the recovery periods ATP and CP increased to 76 and 95% of initial resting levels, respectively. Venous plasma glycerol increased linearly to 485% of resting; free fatty acids did not change. Changes in muscle glycogen, lactate, and glycolytic intermediates suggested rate limitation at phosphofructokinase during the first and second exercise periods, and phosphorylase in the third and fourth exercise periods. Despite minimal glycolytic flux in the third and fourth exercise periods, subjects generated 1,000 W peak power and sustained 400 W for 30 s, 60% of the values recorded in the first exercise period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Microbial control of black cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in turfgrass using Agrotis ipsilon multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus

Agrotis ipsilon multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (family Baculoviridae, genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus, AgipMNPV), a naturally occurring baculovirus, was found infecting black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on central Kentucky golf courses. Laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies investigated the potential of AgipMNPV for managing black cutworms in turfgrass. The virus was highly active against first instars (LC50 = 73 occlusion bodies [OBs] per microl with 2-microl dose; 95% confidence intervals, 55-98). First instars that ingested a high lethal dose stopped feeding and died in 3-6 d as early second instars, whereas lethally infected fourth instars continued to feed and grow for 4-9 d until death. Sublethal doses consumed by third or fifth instars had little or no effect on subsequent developmental rate or pupal weight. Horizontal transmission of AgipMNPV in turfgrass plots was shown. Sprayed suspensions of AgipMNPV (5 x 10(8) - 6 x 10(9) OBs/m2) resulted in 75 to > 93% lethal infection of third or fourth instars in field plots of fairway-height creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera (Huds.), and on a golf course putting green collar. Virus spray residues (7 x 10(9) OBs/m2) allowed to weather on mowed and irrigated creeping bentgrass field plots significantly increased lethal infection of implanted larvae for at least 4 wk. This study, the first to evaluate a virus against a pest in turfgrass, suggests that AgipMNPV has potential as a preventive bioinsecticide targeting early instar black cutworms. Establishing a virus reservoir in the thatch and soil could suppress successive generations of that key pest on golf courses and sport fields.     

Localization and characteristics of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons in the sacral spinal cord

Antidromic responses of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons (PPN) in the sacral spinal cord evoked by stimulation of the pelvic nerve were studied in acute experiments on anaesthetized and immobilized cats by means of extracellular recording technique. The conduction velocities for preganglionic axons were calculated from the latency of these responses. It was shown that the upper limits of the conduction velocities for sacral parasympathetic axons extended the range (limit 12–15 m/sec) previously described: The velocities varied from 0.9 to 30.5 (mean 11.3±0.47) m/sec. According to the axonal conduction velocities the PPN were divided into four groups: the first group with conduction velocities from 0.9 to 3.0 m/sec; the second — 4.0–12; the third — 13–21; and the fourth group — 21–30 msec. PPN of the second group quantitatively prevailed — 57.6%, those of the third group represented 29.9%, and those of the first and fourth groups 6.8 and 6.2% of the total amount of PPN, respectively. Relative topic specialization of the second and third PPN groups was revealed. The density of PPN distribution in the intermediolateral region was higher in the second group than in the third one, while in ventral parts of the ventral horn concentration of the third PPN group was higher than that of other groups. The functional significance of PPN from the third group with fast-conducting axons (the conduction velocities correspond to those of group B fibers) is discussed.Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 39–45, January–February, 1993.     

An initial evaluation of camel and cow manures as dietary ingredients in pelleted feed for blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)

Camel and cow manures were evaluated as dietary components in pelleted feed for male tilapia over a 12 week period. Seven isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) and isocaloric (4·00 kcal/g gross energy) diets were prepared. Each manure was included in the diets at 10, 20 and 30%. A control diet containing neither of the two manures was used. The best survival rate, growth performance and feed utilization efficiency values were achieved by the control diet. Diets containing 10 or 20% camel manure or 10% cow manure gave relatively good results. Higher inclusions of the two manures significantly (P < 0·05) suppressed growth. It is recommended that camel and cow manures could be included in pelleted feeds of tilapia at levels of up to 20 and 10% respectively.     

Condensed tannins inhibit house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) development in livestock manure

Reducing chemical use for suppressing internal and external parasites of livestock is essential for protecting environmental health. Although plant condensed tannins are known to suppress gastro-intestinal parasites in small ruminants, no research on the effects of tannins on external arthropod populations such as the house fly, Musca domestica L., have been conducted. We examined the impact of plant material containing condensed tannins on house fly development. Prairie acacia (Acacia angustissima (Mill.), Kuntze variety hirta (Nutt.) B.L. Rob.) herbage, panicled tick-clover (Desmodium paniculatum (L.) DC.) herbage, and quebracho (Shinopsis balansae Engl.) extracts were introduced at rates of 1, 3 or 5% condensed tannins/kg beef cattle, dairy cattle, and goat manure, respectively. In a second experiment, we also introduce purified catechin at 1 or 3% of dairy manure dry matter and measured its impact on house fly development. For the house flies used in these experiments, the following was recorded: percent fly emergence (PFE), average daily gain (ADG), and average fly weight (AFW). No effects (P>0.05) in house fly development were measured in the caprine manure. Prairie acacia (20.9% condensed tannins) had no effect on house flies developing in either bovine manures. Tick clover (4.9% condensed tannins) had a negative effect on all three quantifiable variables of house fly development in the bovine manures, whereas quebracho extract (64.0% condensed tannins) at the 3 and 5% rate reduced fly emergence in beef manure and average daily gain in dairy manure. The application of purified catechin at 3%, but not 1%, reduced fly PFE, ADG, and AFW.     

Leaching of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Diverse Soils under Various Agricultural Management Practices

Application of animal manures to soil as crop fertilizers is an important means for recycling the nitrogen and phosphorus which the manures contain. Animal manures also contain bacteria, including many types of pathogens. Manure pathogen levels depend on the source animal, the animal's state of health, and how the manure was stored or treated before use. Rainfall may result in pathogen spread into soil by runoff from stored or unincorporated manure or by leaching through the soil profile. Steady rainfall consisting of 16.5 mm h⁻¹ was applied to 100-mm disturbed soil cores that were treated with manure and inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain B6914. The level of B6914 in leachate was near the inoculum level each hour for 8 h, as was the level of B6914 at several soil depths after 24 h, indicating that there was a high rate of growth. Bacterial movement through three different types of soil was then compared by using disturbed (tilled) and intact (no-till) soil cores and less intense rainfall consisting of 25.4 mm on 4 consecutive days and then four more times over a 17-day period. Total B6914 levels exceeded the inoculum levels for all treatments except intact clay loam cores. B6914 levels in daily leachate samples decreased sharply with time, although the levels were more constant when intact sandy loam cores were used. The presence of manure often increased total B6914 leachate and soil levels in intact cores but had the opposite effect on disturbed soil cores. Ammonia and nitrate levels correlated with B6914 and total coliform levels in leachate. We concluded that tillage practice, soil type, and method of pathogen delivery affect but do not prevent vertical E. coli O157:H7 and coliform transport in soil and that soluble nitrogen may enhance transport.