长期不同施肥措施对双季稻田土壤活性有机碳组分和水解酶活性的影响

施肥是改善土壤质量、提高土壤肥力和影响土壤微生物多样性的关键措施。为了探明南方双季稻区长期不同施肥处理下稻田土壤活性有机碳组分和水解酶活性的变化特征,本研究以34年大田定位试验为平台,设置化肥(MF)、秸秆还田+化肥(RF)、30%有机肥+70%化肥(OM)3个处理,并以无肥处理为对照(CK),分析了长期不同施肥处理下双季稻田土壤有机碳含量、活性有机碳组分、有机碳水解酶活性及其相关性。结果表明: MF、RF和OM处理增加了稻田土壤有机碳含量,分别比CK增加4.5%、22.4%和53.5%。与MF和CK处理相比,RF和OM处理均有利于增加土壤各活性有机碳组分[累积碳矿化(Cmin)、高锰酸钾可氧化碳(KMnO₄-C)、颗粒有机碳(POC)、溶解性有机碳(DOC)、轻组有机碳(LFOC)和微生物生物量碳(MBC)]和各活性有机碳组分占总有机碳的比例。OM处理土壤Cmin、KMnO₄-C、POC、DOC、LFOC和MBC含量分别比CK增加3.5、3.1、3.7、1.9、1.2和1.9倍;RF和OM处理土壤各活性有机碳组分占总有机碳的比例均显著高于CK。各施肥处理土壤水解酶活性(α-葡萄糖苷酶、β-葡萄糖苷酶、木糖苷酶、纤维二糖水解酶和N-乙酰-β-氨基葡萄糖苷酶)的大小顺序均为: OM>RF>MF>CK,其中OM处理的各土壤水解酶活性分别比CK增加111.8%、14.1%、127.3%、285.6%和91.4%。RF和OM处理有利于增加土壤过氧化物酶活性,MF处理有利于增加土壤多酚氧化酶活性。土壤水解酶与土壤有机碳含量及其活性有机碳组分均呈显著正相关。综上,有机肥和秸秆还田与化肥配合施用是提高南方双季稻田土壤活性有机碳组分和水解酶活性的有效措施。     

施用生物炭基肥对喀斯特石灰土磷元素特性的影响

以贵州省喀斯特山地石灰土为研究对象,采用盆栽试验方法,研究施用生物炭(稻壳炭)、猪粪堆肥和NPK肥3种肥料制成的生物炭基肥,测定土壤中不同形态磷含量、碱性磷酸酶活性及刺槐幼苗生物量。试验共设10个处理,分别为CK、M、F、MF、RH1MF、RH2MF、RH4MF、RH8MF、RH4M、RH4F(其中CK代表对照,M代表堆肥,F代表化肥,RH代表稻壳炭,数字代表生物炭按炭土质量比计算在生物炭基肥中的配比)。结果表明,施用生物炭基肥可显著提高喀斯特石灰土中总磷、有效磷、有机磷、微生物量磷含量及刺槐幼苗生物量,生物炭高施用量下处理(RH8MF)的效果更好,且4种不同形态的磷含量相互之间呈极显著正相关(P0.01);生物炭中等用量配比下生物炭基肥处理(RH2MF、RH4MF)的土壤碱性磷酸酶活性最高,分别比CK提高82.7%、63.4%。综上所述,施用生物炭基肥,尤其在生物炭较高施用量下,可以显著改善喀斯特石灰土中磷素含量,可改善石灰土中磷素含量较低状况,提高喀斯特山地人工幼林地生态恢复的成效。     

Determining optimum age of Holstein dairy calves when adding chopped alfalfa hay to meal starter diets based on measures of growth and performance

The present study was conducted to determine the optimum age of Holstein dairy calves for an effective inclusion of alfalfa hay (AH) in starter feed on performance, apparent digestibility and feeding behavior. A total of 40 Holstein dairy calves (20 female and 20 male) were used in a completely randomized design in which calves were randomly assigned to one of four different dietary treatments including control (CON) calves fed starter feed without any forage and three treatments consisting of the same starter feed plus 15% chopped AH fed when calves were at the 2^nd (AH2), 4^th (AH4) or 6^th (AH6) week of age. Calves were individually housed and bedded with sand that was replaced every other day. Feed and water were available ad libitum throughout the experiment. Calves were fed milk at 10% of birth BW twice daily until d 57. The study concluded when calves were 73 days old. Starter intake was recorded daily and BW was measured weekly. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design by MIXED procedures of SAS. Results demonstrate that calves receiving AH treatments numerically consumed more starter feed (0.62 v. 0.78, 0.71 and 0.65 kg/day for CON, AH2, AH4 and AH6, respectively) and had greater average daily gain (ADG) compared with CON (0.48 v. 0.57, 0.49 and 0.49 kg/day for CON, AH2, AH4 and AH6), although the significant difference was observed only between AH2 and CON. Among AH treatments, calves in AH2 had better performance than AH6 in several cases including starter intake, ADG. No detectable differences were observed, however, in apparent dry matter, organic matter or CP digestibility among treatments. Ruminal pH and NH₃ concentrations, measured on weeks 4, 6, 8 and 10, were lower for calves fed CON compared with other treatments, with ammonia concentrations decreasing over time. Calves in the AH treatments spent more time eating and ruminating compared with CON. Calves fed CON, however, spent more time on laying down compared with other treatments. Overall, results from the present study illustrated that inclusion of alfalfa in starter feed for calves at 2 weeks of age may improve feed intake, ADG and stimulate rumination in young Holstein dairy calves. Results, however, should be viewed with caution as the number of calves per treatment was small and large calf-to-calf variation may have affected the results reported.     

施氮量对夏玉米根际和非根际土壤酶活性及氮含量的影响

在华北平原潮土上进行田间试验,研究施氮量对夏玉米根际和非根际土壤酶活性及氮含量的影响.结果表明: 不同施氮水平下土壤酶活性均表现出一致的季节性变化趋势.与不施氮处理相比,施氮处理能显著提高根际和非根际土壤硝态氮含量及根际土壤铵态氮含量,显著增强土壤几丁质酶、β-葡萄糖苷酶、纤维素酶和木聚糖酶活性.在整个玉米生育期内,非根际土壤硝态氮含量显著高于根际土壤;非根际土壤铵态氮含量在灌浆期显著高于根际土壤,但在苗期和完熟期则显著低于根际土壤;根际土壤几丁质酶、β-葡萄糖苷酶、纤维素酶和木聚糖酶活性都显著高于非根际土壤.施氮对土壤有机质含量没有显著影响;在0～180 kg·hm^-2施氮范围内,施氮可明显增加土壤全氮含量,但当施氮量超过180 kg·hm^-2时,土壤全氮含量则明显下降.综上,适量施氮能显著增强土壤酶活性,提高土壤全氮含量,改善土壤生化性质.     

Soil Enzyme Activities and Their Relationship with Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Oxide Minerals in Coastal Agroecosystem of Puducherry

The objectives of our research were to assess the soil enzyme activities in relation with soil physicochemical and oxide minerals in the coastal agroecosystem of Puducherry region, India. Soils from nine farms in organic (ORG), sustainable (SUS), and conventional (CON) farming were sampled. Organically managed farming system soils contain significantly higher amounts of soil total N, organic carbon, and a higher level of microbial biomass C and N. Urease, protease, β-glucosidase, cellulose, saccharase, xylanase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities were higher in organic farming system soils compared to sustainable and conventional farming soils. In addition, silt, clay, Al₂O₃, CaO, Fe₂O₃, K₂O, MgO, MnO, Na₂O, and P₂O₅ oxides were higher in organic farming soil and they showed a significant positive correlation with soil enzyme activities. Our study revealed that soil enzyme activities and soil minerals were significantly affected by farm management practices. The organic farming system had improved the soil health, enzyme activities, and plant available nutrients in coastal agro-ecosystem.     

施用猪粪对油麦菜产量、硝酸盐含量及土壤养分的影响

应用盆栽试验方法,研究了施用猪粪对西南地区黄壤和紫色土中油麦菜产量、硝酸盐含量及土壤养分的影响.结果表明:施用猪粪能显著提高油麦菜产量,且黄壤中油麦菜增产幅度大于紫色土;油麦菜中硝酸盐、氮磷钾含量与土壤类型及猪粪施用量密切相关,以中国农业科学院制定的蔬菜中硝酸盐污染程度评价标准为依据,在紫色土对照(CK)及1倍猪粪(相当于施纯N 200 kg·hm^-2)处理下油麦菜硝酸盐含量较低,符合一级标准(≤432 mg·kg^-1,轻度污染);其他处理多超过二级标准(≤758 mg·kg^-1,中度污染),但均未超过三级标准(≤1440 mg·kg-¹,重度污染);黄壤中除化肥和8倍猪粪(相当于施纯N 1600 kg·hm^-2)处理下油麦菜硝酸盐含量超过二级标准外,其他各处理均符合一级标准;黄壤和紫色土中表征磷素淋失风险的有效磷临界值分别为96.3和107.7 mg·kg^-1.黄壤的猪粪环境安全容量较紫色土高.施用猪粪能显著提高两种土壤的有机碳和全氮含量.     

不同填闲模式对黄瓜根际土壤酶活性及细菌群落的影响

以温室连作3年黄瓜土壤为研究对象,以黄瓜为主栽作物,以青葱、小麦、油菜为不同季节填闲作物设置盆栽试验,采用常规化学方法、PCR-DGGE及qPCR技术,研究不同填闲模式对黄瓜土壤酶活性及细菌群落的影响.结果表明: 随着种植茬次的增加,填闲小麦处理的土壤脲酶、中性磷酸酶及转化酶活性均显著高于填闲青葱和油菜处理,同时油菜处理显著高于青葱处理;不同填闲模式间黄瓜根际土壤细菌群落结构不同,冬季填闲青葱和夏季填闲小麦处理维持了相对较高的多样性指数.qPCR检测结果表明: 随着种植茬次的增加,小麦处理的土壤细菌数量显著高于青葱和油菜处理.综上,不同填闲模式对土壤酶活性和细菌群落均产生一定影响,改变了土壤环境,其中夏季填闲小麦能保持相对较高的土壤酶活性、土壤细菌群落结构多样性及细菌数量.
     

Over-expression of l-galactono-γ-lactone dehydrogenase increases vitamin C, total phenolics and antioxidant activity in lettuce through bio-fortification

Epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. Vegetables can provide vitamins, phenolics, flavonoids, minerals and dietary fibers for optimal health benefits. However, some nutrients contained in many fruits and vegetables cannot meet of the complete nutrition need in the human body. Biotechnology has the potential to improve the nutritional value of crops. Considering the high consumption of romaine lettuce in human diet worldwide, the objective of study is to enhance the contents of vitamin C, phenolics and antioxidant activity in lettuce leaves by genetic engineering techniques. The gene expression level, vitamin C content, total phenolics, as well as total and cellular antioxidant activities were analyzed by real-time PCR, HPLC, Folin–Ciocalteu, Hydro-PSC and CAA methods, respectively. The bio-fortification of genetically engineered lettuce increased vitamin C up to 48.94 ± 1.34 mg/100 g FW following the increased over-expression of _At GLDH. This is almost a 3.2-fold increase as the content when compared with wild type lettuce (p < 0.05). In addition, phenolic compounds in transgenic lettuce contained 120.4 ± 1.62 mg GA equiv./100 g FW, almost double the phenolic content of the wild type. Total antioxidant activities were 735.4 ± 47.7 μmol vitamin C equiv./100 g FW, cellular antioxidant activities were 7.33 ± 0.86 μmol quercetin equiv./100 g FW (PBS wash) and 18.14 ± 0.68 μmol quercetin equiv./100 g FW (No PBS wash) in transgenic lettuce, respectively, 1.5, 4 and twofold increases when compared with the wild type. This study suggests that bio-fortification by genetic engineering has great potential to improve vitamin C, phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in lettuce.     

古尔班通古特沙漠土壤酶活性和微生物量氮对模拟氮沉降的响应

本文以新疆古尔班通古特沙漠为研究区,原位设定0 (N0)、0.5 (N0.5)、1.0 (N1)、3.0 (N3)、6.0 (N6)和24.0 (N24) g N m?2 a-1 6个模拟施氮浓度,研究氮沉降对土壤酶活性和微生物量N的影响。结果表明：不同浓度的氮增加未改变土壤酶活性和微生物量N原有的垂直分布格局,0 ~ 5 cm土层土壤多酚氧化酶和过氧化物酶活性分别比5 ~ 10 cm土层低11.5 ~ 29.1%和1.4 ~ 14.2%,而该土层的蔗糖酶、脲酶、碱性磷酸酶活性和微生物量N则分别比5 ~ 10 cm土层高4.3 ~ 98.1%、45.3 ~ 119.0%、76.1 ~ 138.1%和77.5 ~ 162.3%。氮增加后,0 ~ 5 cm土层的土壤酶活性和微生物量N比5 ~ 10 cm土层受影响更大。低氮和中氮(N0.5～N3)增加对0 ~ 5 cm土层氧化酶活性影响较小,各处理间差异不显著;高氮(N6,N24)对该层氧化酶活性有明显抑制作用。与对照相比,N24处理下土壤多酚氧化物活性和过氧化物酶活性分别降低了22.4%和12.1%;5 ~ 10 cm土层氧化酶活性对氮增加响应不敏感,各施氮量之间差异不显著;两层土壤的蔗糖酶和碱性磷酸酶活性随氮的增加具有先增加再减少的趋势,而两层土壤的脲酶活性和土壤微生物量N随着施氮量增加分别降低和增加;随着土壤酶活性变化,土壤有效氮和微生物量N增加,有效磷先增加后减少。这些响应表明,氮增加可以改变该荒漠土壤系统的土壤酶活性和微生物量并影响土壤相关营养元素循环。     

有机肥和化肥配施对不同熟期大白菜土壤生物特性及产量品质的影响

以早熟和晚熟品种大白菜为试材,根据化肥氮(尿素)、有机肥氮(生物有机肥)配施比例设置4个施肥处理,测定不同施肥处理下不同熟期大白菜土壤酶活性、可培养微生物数量及产量、品质的变化特征.结果 表明:早熟品种'德高16'大白菜莲座期和结球紧实期均以配施1/2生物有机肥(T2)处理的土壤蔗糖酶、土壤脲酶、土壤过氧化氢酶活性较强...     

Classical and biochemical endpoints in the evaluation of phytotoxic effects caused by the herbicide trichloroacetate

Three terrestrial plant species, oat (Avena sativa ), Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris cv. chinensis) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa), were exposed to different concentrations of herbicide TCA (sodium trichloroacetate) in a growth test according to guideline OECD # 208. Classical (i.e. germination and biomass) and biochemical (i.e., antioxydant enzyme activities) endpoints were investigated. Germination rate decreased significantly at 3.9 mg TCA kg dry soil(-1) (for oat and lettuce) and 62.5 mg TCA kg dry soil(-1) (for Chinese cabbage). Biomass decreased significantly only at 1.9 mg TCA kg dry soil(-1) (for oat and lettuce) and 15.6 mg TCA kg dry soil(-1) (for Chinese cabbage). The activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) increased significantly at the lowest concentration of TCA tested, i.e. 0.03 mg TCA kg dry soil(-1) (for oat and lettuce) and 0.48 mg TCA kg dry soil(-1) (for Chinese cabbage). Our results showed a ranking of sensitivity among the different endpoints for the three plant species: enzyme activities>biomass>germination rate. The increase in antioxidant enzyme activities observed in this study ensured the detoxification of increased levels of active oxygen species, and presumably prevented the plants from undergoing oxidative stress damage. Thus, the use of enzyme activities will permit the detection of early injury in plant growth testing.     

模拟氮沉降增加条件下土壤团聚体对酶活性的影响

氮沉降增加改变了森林土壤生态系统物质输入,影响土壤生物及酶活性,而土壤团聚体内相对稳定的微域生境可能减弱或延缓土壤生物和酶对氮沉降增加的响应强度。以广东省东莞大岭山森林公园荷木人工林为研究对象,用模拟N沉降方法,分析了2011年12月到2012年11月一年内氮沉降增加条件下表层混合土壤和土壤团聚体内脲酶、蔗糖酶和酸性磷酸酶活性的变化及影响因素,旨在理解氮沉降增加条件下土壤团聚体对酶活性的影响。结果表明:氮沉降增加对表层混合土壤中脲酶和蔗糖酶的抑制作用不显著,而酸性磷酸酶受氮沉降显著影响,表现为低氮(50 kg N hm-2a-1)促进,高氮(300 kg N hm-2a-1)抑制的规律。表层土壤团聚体内脲酶活性随氮沉降增加而降低,N300处理显著低于对照;蔗糖酶和酸性磷酸酶活性随氮沉降增加先降低后增加,N100处理最低,分别比其他处理降低了6.46%—25.53%和42.33%—68.25%。试验区内各粒径土壤团聚体内酶活性高于混合土壤,且随团聚体粒径增加酶活性均为先增加后降低。不同粒径土壤团聚体的3种酶活性均以2—5 mm最高,但脲酶、酸性磷酸酶在各团聚体粒径间差异不显著,蔗糖酶活性2—5 mm显著高于5—8 mm。土壤酶相对活性指数和相对活性综合指数结果显示,超过85%的团聚体粒径内的相对酶活性指数大于1,而土壤酶相对活性综合指数均大于1。以上结果表明,氮沉降增加条件下土壤团聚体对其团聚体内的土壤酶活性有隔离保护作用,但其隔离保护效果与酶的种类和土壤团聚体粒径有关。     

核桃凋落叶分解对莴笋抗氧化系统及光合特性的影响

为探讨核桃对农作物的化感作用,该试验采用盆栽法,设置4个凋落叶施用量水平(0、30、60、90g/盆),研究了核桃凋落叶在土壤中自然分解过程中对莴笋(播种后80、100、120和140d)抗氧化系统、光合生理特征及其生长的影响。结果显示:(1)核桃凋落叶处理的莴笋叶片超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性在播种80d时得到促进,在100d时受到抑制,而在120d之后基本恢复至正常水平,并以SOD表现最为敏感。(2)核桃凋落叶处理100和120d时,莴笋叶片可溶性蛋白(SP)含量显著降低,而可溶性糖(SS)含量显著增加。(3)核桃凋落叶处理100、120d时,莴笋叶片净光合速率(Pn)受到显著抑制,各处理气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)显著低于对照。(4)核桃凋落叶处理的莴笋株高、地上部分生物量及地上部分占总生物量比重在处理120d时均显著低于对照,在140d时基本恢复正常。研究表明,核桃凋落叶在土壤中分解对莴笋产生的化感作用强度随分解时间延长呈现出逐渐增强后再减弱的变化趋势;莴笋可以通过调控自身的保护酶活性和渗透调节物质含量在一定程度上缓解化感物质伤害,对核桃凋落叶的化感作用有较强的耐受能力,生产中可以在核桃林下进行间作或者套作莴笋。     

不同施肥模式对设施菜田土壤酶活性的影响

利用天津日光温室蔬菜不同施肥模式定位试验,研究了6种施肥模式对设施菜田土壤酶活性的影响.结果表明: 番茄生育期间不同施肥模式土壤α-葡萄苷酶、β-木糖苷酶、β-葡萄苷酶、β-纤维二糖苷酶、几丁质酶和磷酸酶的活性总体上均呈先增后降的趋势,土壤脲酶活性呈先增高后趋于平缓的趋势.与全部施用化肥氮相比,5种有机无机肥料配施模式土壤酶活性均有所提升,且随猪粪施用量的增加,尤其是配施秸秆条件下,土壤酶活性显著增加.番茄各生育期土壤酶活性与土壤微生物生物量碳、氮和可溶性有机碳、氮之间总体上呈显著或极显著正相关关系.同等养分投入量下,有机无机肥配施,特别是配施一定的秸秆可有效提高设施菜田土壤酶活性,维持较高的菜田土壤肥力,有利于设施蔬菜的可持续生产.     

连作西瓜抗逆系统及土壤微生态对大蒜伴生的响应

以大蒜-西瓜化感伴生栽培模式为研究对象,设置连作西瓜单作(对照)、大蒜苗期伴生连作西瓜、大蒜全生育期伴生连作西瓜3个处理,考察西瓜枯萎病发病率,西瓜叶片抗氧化酶活性和渗透调节物质含量,以及根际土壤酶活性和微生物数量,探索大蒜伴生对西瓜酶促抗氧化系统及土壤特性的影响.结果表明:(1)大蒜-西瓜伴生栽培体系中,西瓜枯萎病发...     

Phosphate-solubilizing soil yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii CC1 improves maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and minimizes requisite chemical fertilization

Aim

Phosphate-solubilizing yeasts have been under-exploited in eco-friendly maize cultivation. In this regard, soil yeasts Meyerozyma guilliermondii CC1, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CC2 and M. caribbica CC3 were investigated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities.

Methods

Soil yeasts were isolated and characterized. Maize (Zea mays L. cv. Tainong No.1) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. cv. Pekinensis) were used for seed bioassay. Growth-promoting effects of yeasts under greenhouse conditions were evaluated using maize and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cvs. Capitata and Taiwan sword leaf). Ultimately, M. guilliermondii CC1 was tested on field-grown maize; treatments included full-dose chemical fertilizers (CF), yeast (CC1), half-dose chemical fertilizers (½CF), CC1?+?½CF and control. Nutrient uptake, growth, and yield of maize and rhizospheric soil microbes were estimated.

Results

Strain M. guilliermondii CC1 exhibited better seed vigor index in maize and Chinese cabbage. CC1?+?½CF significantly improved the dry-weights, and nutrient uptakes of maize and sword leaf lettuce under greenhouse conditions. In field, CC1?+?½CF application exerted a pronounced effect on growth of maize, cob yield, nutrient-uptake and rhizospheric soil microbial counts.

Conclusion

Our results validated superior biochemical potency and PGP traits of M. guilliermondii CC1 that reduced requisite chemical fertilizer application without affecting the optimal productivity in maize.     

Germination activity of smoke residues in soils following a fire

A simple and rapid bioassay was implemented to detect the germination activity of extracts from soils in pre/post-burn conditions. Soil samples taken from burnt, unburnt and adjacent plots at depths of 0–2, 2–4, 4–6 and 6–8 cm before and after burning mesic grassland in South Africa were analysed for germination activity over an eight-week period. Soil samples were extracted using dichloromethane and bioassayed using Grand Rapids lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) achenes (seeds). The Grand Rapids lettuce seeds exhibited greater germination percentages when treated with extracts from burnt soil compared to the other plots. The magnitude of the germination activity declined with time since the burn. The Grand Rapids lettuce seeds also exhibited significantly higher germination when treated with unburnt soil extracts compared to the control (distilled water) which indicates the existence of other factors controlling germination in unburnt soil. Germination activity in the adjacent plots decreased with time. These findings indicate that the germination activity of the smoke derived from burning plant-material diffuses into the soil and its persistence declines with time. Considering that the soil seed bank contains viable seeds, at a moderate depth, and that they are initially unaffected by the heat of the fire, then smoke residues following a fire can influence the germination and recruitment of plant species that are responsive to smoke-derived compounds and are represented in the germinable soil seed bank.     

Long-Term Effects of Irrigation with Waste Water on Soil AM Fungi Diversity and Microbial Activities: The Implications for Agro-Ecosystem Resilience

The effects of irrigation with treated urban wastewater (WW) on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity and soil microbial activities were assayed on a long-term basis in a semiarid orange-tree orchard. After 43 years, the soil irrigated with fresh water (FW) had higher AMF diversity than soils irrigated with WW. Microbial activities were significantly higher in the soils irrigated with WW than in those irrigated with FW. Therefore, as no negative effects were observed on crop vitality and productivity, it seems that the ecosystem resilience gave rise to the selection of AMF species better able to thrive in soils with higher microbial activity and, thus, to higher soil fertility.     

Effect of fibre sources on performance,serum parameters,intestinal morphology,digestive enzyme activities and microbiota in weaned pigs

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of wheat bran (WB) as insoluble fibre source, and sugar beet pulp (SBP) as soluble fibre source, on performance, serum parameters and intestinal health in weaned pigs. A total of 90 weaned pigs (BW: 7.33 ± 1.24 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) a control diet (CON) based on corn and soybean meal; (2) CON + 6% WB; (3) CON + 6% SBP. Each treatment had five replicate pens with six pigs per pen. The experimental period was divided into two phases (d 0 to 14 and d 14 to 28). Pigs in group WB tended to have greater avarage daily gain than those in group SBP. Compared with CON, SBP reduced (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter (OM), gross energy and neutral detergent fibre on d 14 and 28, while WB decreased (p < 0.05) the ATTD of OM on d 28. Pigs in group SBP had higher (p < 0.05) glucagon-like peptide 1 concentration than the other groups on d 14 and 28. The villus height to crypt depth (V:C) ratio of duodenum and jejunum in pigs fed diet WB were greater (p < 0.05) than in group SBP. The WB increased (p < 0.05) the V:C ratio of ileum compared with CON or SBP. Compared with SBP, WB increased (p < 0.05) the sucrase activity in the duodenum. Moreover, pigs in WB had higher (p < 0.05) activities of maltase and sucrase in the jejunum compared with CON or SBP. The abundances of Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae were increased (p < 0.05) in WB, while the Lachnospiraceae abundance was increased (p < 0.05) in SBP. WB increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), while SBP increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of acetate and total SCFA when compared with CON. In conclusion, WB was beneficial to performance in weaned pigs by improving morphology, enzyme activities and microbiota when compared with SBP, highlighting that effects of fibre depends on the fibre sources.     

Thyroid Hormone Influences Antioxidant Defense System in Adult Rat Brain

The objective of the current study was to find out whether thyroid hormone influences antioxidant defense parameters of rat brain. Several oxidative stress and antioxidant defense parameters of mitochondrial (MF) and post-mitochondrial (PMF) fractions of cerebral cortex (CC) of adult rats were compared among euthyroid (control), hypothyroid [6-n-propylthiouracil (PTU)-challenged], and hyperthyroid (T3-treatment to PTU-challenged rats) states. Oxidative stress parameters, such as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS) and protein carbonyl content (PC), in MF declined following PTU challenge in comparison to euthyroid rats. On the other hand, when PTU-challenged rats were treated with T3, a significant increase in the level of oxidative stress parameters in MF was recorded. Hydrogen peroxide content of MF as well as PMF of CC was elevated by PTU-challenge and brought to normal level by subsequent treatment of T3. Although mitochondrial glutathione (reduced or oxidized) status did not change following PTU challenge, a significant reduction in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) level was noticed in PMF following the treatment. T3 administration to PTU-challenged rats had no effect on mitochondrial glutathione status. Total and CN-resistant superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in MF of CC augmented following PTU challenge. CN-resistant SOD activity did not change when PTU-challenged rats were treated with T3. Although CN-sensitive SOD activity of PMF remained unaltered in response to PTU challenge, its activity increased when PTU-challenged rats were treated with T3. Catalase activity in PMF of CC of PTU-challenged rats increased, whereas the activity was decreased when hypothyroid rats were treated with T3. Similarly, total and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities of MF increased following PTU challenge and reduced following administration of T3. Se-independent GPx activity of MF and PMF and glutathione reductase activity of PMF decreased following PTU challenge and did not change further when rats were treated with T3. On the other hand, glutathione S-transferase activity of MF and PMF of CC did not change following PTU challenge but decreased below detectable level following T3 treatment. Results of the current investigation suggest that antioxidant defense parameters of adult rat brain are considerably influenced by thyroid states of the body.