scholarly journals PSIV-21 Landscape-use pattern and performance of small ruminants in woodlands with altering understory vegetation heights

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 230-231
Author(s):  
Shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Bidur Paneru ◽  
Nevershi Ellis ◽  
Sanjok Poudel

Abstract The vast coverage of woodlands (>60%) in Alabama and other Southeast states presents a great potential for increasing grazing opportunity for small ruminants. Canopy height and openness may influence the utilization of woodland vegetation by small ruminants. However, such information is least explored and reported. The study objectives were to 1) determine the browsing height and preference of small ruminants for woodland vegetation present at different heights and 2) evaluate animal performance while stocked in woodlands. Study plots (6; 0.4-ha each) comprised southern pines [longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly (Pinus taeda L.)], hardwood trees, and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine (non-target) species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0-m, 0.91-m, 1.52-m) or left uncut (control). Kiko wethers (n = 8, 73±2.6 kg LW) and Katahdin rams (n = 5, 98±4.6 kg LW) were rotationally stocked (3 plots/species). Browsing height was measured at ten random points in each treatment and control, and animals’ preference for different plant species (0–5: 0-not preferred, 5-highly preferred) was recorded after moving animals out of each plot at each rotation. Animal performance data (LW; body condition score, BCS; and FAMACHA score) were collected fortnightly. Data were analyzed in SAS 9.4 (Mixed and GLM procedures). Goats browsed from higher heights than sheep in 0.9-m (1.3-m vs. 1-m) and 1.52-m (1.6-m vs. 1.1-m) treatments and control (1.3-m vs. 1-m) (P < 0.0001). Numerous plant species present in 0-m and 0.91-m treatments were consumed more by both species versus the same plant species present in the control (P < 0.0001). Both animal species performed well while grazing in woodlands, maintaining the desirable BCS (goats: 2.6–2.8; sheep: 3.7–4.0) and FAMACHA (goats: 1.6–2.1; sheep: 1.0–1.6) scores. Results show that lowering the height of non-target vegetation in woodlands is very useful to increase vegetation utilization and achieve desired animal performance.

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Nevershi Ellis ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Bidur Paneru ◽  
Lila B Karki

Abstract The health and performance of small ruminants can be influenced by the type of vegetation available in the grazing lands, which are evolving from conventional sole pastures to other systems containing browse species, such as pastures incorporated with browse, silvopastures, and woodlands. However, how the type of grazing lands would impact animal performance and health is not documented well. The objective of this study was to determine the health and performance of ewe lambs in southern-pine silvopastures and woodlands. The study site consisted of pine silvopastures (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) planted with different cool- and warm-season forages, and woodlands (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) having numerous understory shrubs and herbaceous species. Katahdin-St. Croix-cross ewe lambs (n = 20; live weight – 29.4±1.03 kg., 5–6 months old) were rotationally stocked in study plots (10 animals/system) from May to August 2019. Both silvopasture and woodland systems consisted of 14-year-old longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Animal performance data [live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, and fecal egg count] were collected every 14 days and blood samples collected at the beginning and on day 80 after they were stocked in the study plots. Blood samples were analyzed for PVC using centrifuge machine and other parameters in IDEXX. Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. The silvopasture ewes gained more weight versus the woodland ewes (P < 0.0001). Fecal egg count was correlated negatively with live weight and BCS and positively with FAMACHA score in both groups (P < 0.05). Woodland ewes showed greater levels of RBC, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte, but less blood urea nitrogen (BUN), monocyte, and basophil than silvopasture ewes (P < 0.05). Results indicate that woodland ewes may need some supplement to improve their weight gain and BUN.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 70-70
Author(s):  
Nevershi Ellis ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Bidur Paneru ◽  
Lila B Karki

Abstract The health and performance of small ruminants can be influenced by the type of vegetation available in the grazing lands, which are evolving from conventional sole pastures to other systems containing browse species, such as pastures incorporated with browse, silvopastures, and woodlands. However, how the type of grazing lands would impact animal performance and health is not documented well. The objective of this study was to determine the health and performance of ewe lambs in southern-pine silvopastures and woodlands. The study site consisted of pine silvopastures (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) planted with different cool- and warm-season forages, and woodlands (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) having numerous understory shrubs and herbaceous species. Katahdin-St. Croix-cross ewe lambs (n = 20; live weight – 29.4±1.03 kg., 5–6 months old) were rotationally stocked in study plots (10 animals/system) from May to August 2019. Both silvopasture and woodland systems consisted of 14-year-old longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Animal performance data [live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, and fecal egg count] were collected every 14 days and blood samples collected at the beginning and on d 80 after they were stocked in the study plots. Blood samples were analyzed for PVC using centrifuge machine and other parameters in IDEXX. Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. The silvopasture ewes gained more weight versus the woodland ewes (P < 0.0001). Fecal egg count was correlated negatively with live weight and BCS and positively with FAMACHA score in both groups (P < 0.05). Woodland ewes showed greater levels of RBC, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte, but less blood urea nitrogen (BUN), monocyte, and basophil than silvopasture ewes (P < 0.05). Results indicate that woodland ewes may need some supplement to improve their weight gain and BUN.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 67-68
Author(s):  
Uma Karki

Abstract Pasture-based small-ruminant farming is a popular enterprise in the Southeast, especially for small and limited-resource producers. Although woodlands occupy a majority of the land cover in the South and can be a promising resource for raising small ruminants, not much attention has been given on using such resources. A series of studies were conducted at the facilities of Tuskegee University with the overall objective of exploring the potential of using silvopastures and woodlands for raising small ruminants. Grazing studies were conducted from 2015 to 2019 using meat goats and hair sheep in silvopastures and woodland plots. Silvopastures were developed by thinning down the existing woodlands and planting suitable cool- and warm-season forages. Grazing facilities were installed in the study plots and animals were rotationally stocked each year during both cool- and warm-season grazing periods. In 2017, non-pine plants in woodlands were cut to three different heights (ground level and 0.9 m and 1.5 m from the ground level) or left uncut (control) to see the effects on understory vegetation biomass production and utilization by small ruminants. Data on vegetation biomass and quality, canopy height, animal performance and behavior, browsing height, and vegetation preference were collected and analyzed. Small ruminants were found to utilize all planted forages (silvopastures) well and most of the understory plants in woodlands. Vegetation biomass in woodlands increased in areas where non-pine plants were cut versus the control (36–106%; P < 0.0001). Mature animals maintained a desirable body condition score (≥2.6) and FAMACHA score (≤2.6) in woodlands. However, young, growing animals showed a poor live weight gain, especially during some portion of the study. Animals performed well when they were stocked in silvopastures. Both species showed a similar preference for most plant species available in woodlands. Results show a tremendous potential of using silvopastures and woodlands for expanding the grazing opportunity for small ruminants. However, the provision of some supplements would be necessary while stocking young animals in woodlands.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zewdu Seyoum ◽  
Tsegaye Tadesse ◽  
Agerie Addisu

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and type of ectoparasites and to identify risk factors associated with ectoparasite infestations in small ruminants in and around Sekela, Northwest Ethiopia. Clinical examination and laboratory analysis were made on 304 sheep and 96 goats. The collected raw data were analyzed using χ2-test. Out of the 400 sampled animals, 182 (45.5%) were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The prevalent ectoparasites observed were lice, ticks, Ctenocephalides species, Melophagus ovinus, and Demodex species. The infestation rates of ectoparasites with age and sex were significantly varied (P<0.05) in sheep but not in goats (P>0.05). Body condition score was not significantly associated (P>0.05) with ectoparasites infestation in both sheep and goats. In our attempt, only two cases due to Demodex species were recorded in sheep. In conclusion, the prevalence of ectoparasites in the present study was high and this could affect the wellbeing and productivity of small ruminants. Therefore, to reduce ectoparasites prevalence and impact on the productivity and health status, planning of integrated control measures with sustainable veterinary services aiming at creating awareness about the importance and control of ectoparasites for livestock owners is required.


TAPPI Journal ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 37-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
PEDRO E.G. LOUREIRO ◽  
SANDRINE DUARTE ◽  
DMITRY V. EVTUGUIN ◽  
M. GRAÇA V.S. CARVALHO

This study puts particular emphasis on the role of copper ions in the performance of hydrogen peroxide bleaching (P-stage). Owing to their variable levels across the bleaching line due to washing filtrates, bleaching reagents, and equipment corrosion, these ions can play a major role in hydrogen peroxide decomposition and be detrimental to polysaccharide integrity. In this study, a Cu-contaminated D0(EOP)D1 prebleached pulp was subjected to an acidic washing (A-stage) or chelation (Q-stage) before the alkaline P-stage. The objective was to understand the isolated and combined role of copper ions in peroxide bleaching performance. By applying an experimental design, it was possible to identify the main effects of the pretreatment variables on the extent of metals removal and performance of the P-stage. The acid treatment was unsuccessful in terms of complete copper removal, magnesium preservation, and control of hydrogen peroxide consumption in the following P-stage. Increasing reaction temperature and time of the acidic A-stage improved the brightness stability of the D0(EOP)D1AP bleached pulp. The optimum conditions for chelation pretreatment to maximize the brightness gains obtained in the subsequent P-stage with the lowest peroxide consumption were 0.4% diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), 80ºC, and 4.5 pH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 296-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Céline Leroy ◽  
Arthur QuyManh Maes ◽  
Eliane Louisanna ◽  
Nathalie Séjalon-Delmas

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Sanjok Poudel

Despite the huge potential of using woodlands for small ruminant grazing in the southeast US, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimize the utilization of such vegetation. This study aimed to determine the effect of vegetation height and diurnal period on the behavior and distribution patterns of goats and sheep in woodlands around summer. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4 ha each) comprising southern pines and non-pine (non-target) plant species. Non-pine plants in each study plot were assigned to four treatments: cut to 0 m, 0.9 m, or 1.5 m from the ground level or left uncut (control). Cut plant stubs were allowed to regrow to full canopy before stocking animals. Eight Kiko wethers and five Katahdin rams were rotationally stocked in separate plots, and their diurnal (dawn–dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns were monitored when they were in each plot (three plots per animal species) around the summer of 2018. Animal behavior data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SAS, while animal distribution pattern and weather data were analyzed in SAS using a GLM procedure and the distribution evenness index (DEI) using the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test in R. Level of significance was set at 5%. Both animal species visited the control area the least. Wethers browsed predominantly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to 0.9 m from the ground level, and rams grazed mostly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to the ground level, mostly during the post-midday period. Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was a predominant diurnal behavior in both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), mostly during the midday period. Wethers had a higher value for DEI than rams during the morning and post-midday periods. This study established that (1) the utilization of woodland understory foliage by small ruminants can be increased by lowering plant height, and (2) both vegetation characteristics and diurnal period are important factors for influencing small ruminants’ behavior while stocked in woodlands around summer.


2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 3811-3814
Author(s):  
◽  
PAUL LUJAN

A new silicon detector was designed by the CDF collaboration for Run IIb of the Tevatron at Fermilab. The main building block of the new detector is a "supermodule" or "stave", an innovative, compact and lightweight structure of several readout hybrids and sensors with a bus cable running directly underneath the sensors to carry power, data, and control signals to and from the hybrids. The hybrids use a new, radiation-hard readout chip, the SVX4 chip. A number of SVX4 chips, readout hybrids, sensors, and supermodules were produced and tested in preproduction. The performance (including radiation-hardness) and yield of these components met or exceeded all design goals. The detector design goals, solutions, and performance results are presented.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy H. Lucas ◽  
Daniel L. Drane ◽  
Carl B. Dodrill ◽  
George A. Ojemann

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether clinical speech deficits after brain injury are associated with functional speech reorganization. METHODS Across an 18-year interval, 11 patients with mild-to-moderate speech deficits underwent language mapping as part of their treatment for intractable epilepsy. These “aphasics” were compared with 14 matched “control” patients with normal speech who also were undergoing epilepsy surgery. Neuroanatomic data were compared with quantitative language profiles and clinical variables. RESULTS Cortical lesions were evident near speech areas in all aphasia cases. As expected, aphasic and control patients were distinguished by quantitative language profiles. The groups were further distinguished by the anatomic distribution of their speech sites. A significantly greater proportion of frontal speech sites was found in patients with previous brain injury, consistent with frontal site recruitment. The degree of frontal recruitment varied as a function of patient age at the time of initial brain injury; earlier injuries were associated with greater recruitment. The overall number of speech sites remained the same after injury. Significant associations were found between the number of the speech sites, naming fluency, and the lesion proximity in the temporal lobe. CONCLUSION Language maps in aphasics demonstrated evidence for age-dependent functional recruitment in the frontal, but not temporal, lobe. The proximity of cortical lesions to temporal speech sites predicted the overall extent of temporal lobe speech representation and performance on naming fluency. These findings have implications for neurosurgical planning in patients with preoperative speech deficits.


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