A modification of land suitability requirements for maize in the humid tropics of South Sulawesi

Evaluation of land suitability needs to be supported by site-specific approach including criteria of the land use type. One of the important food crops in the humid tropic of Indonesia is maize (Zea mays L.). The main aim of this study was to modification land suitability requirements for maize in the specific humid tropic of Indonesia. There were 3 representative districts in the South Sulawesi of Indonesia, consists of Jeneponto (dry zone, climate type E), East Luwu (wet zone, climate type A), and Bulukumba (relative dry, climate type D). There were 20 profiles in each district so that total of representative are 60 farmers and 60 profiles. This study used the deductive parametric approach on determine land suitability index (based on crops yield), the determination of observation’s point was purposive sampling, data analysis was use Pearson correlation and linier regression analysis including on determination of interval value of land characteristics that have correlation and significant effect to maize yield. The result showed that land characteristics that have significant effect (p<0.01) to maize yield in the humid tropic of South Sulawesi were precipitation of growth cycle, soil pH, C-Organic, and base saturation. The range values of land characteristics which classified as optimal (S1) for humid tropic region of Indonesia were precipitation of growth cycle (650-900 mm), soil pH (6.8-7.0), C-organic ( >2.2%), and base saturation (>62%), furthermore classified as marginal (S3) whether precipitation of growth cycle(<270 mm), C-organic (<1.15%), soil pH (<5.47 or >8.0), and base saturation (10-41%).

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROWN SWISS AND MESTIZO BOVINE IN HUMID TROPIC

The ability of ruminants to regulate body temperature depends on the genotype. Dairy breeds are generally more sensitive to heat stress than beef breeds. Higher-producing animals are more susceptible to heat stress because they generate more metabolic heat. The objective of evaluating reproductive performance as a response of adaptability to the management and climatic conditions of the Humid Tropics. 78 animals were used (40 Brown Swiss, from Puno and 38 Mestizas from local origin) raised in humid tropic conditions. Parametric statistics are presented as analysis of measures of central tendency and dispersion, non-parametric statistics by frequency analysis, the χ2 test of independence was used to detect differences, α = 0.05. The categorized and continuous dependent variables were evaluated with Student's t test using SPSS Software v.23. The mean age at first estrus in Brown Swiss was 12.43 months, in mestizo cattle 18.68 months (P <0.05). Average age of first calving in Brown Swiss of 25.25 months versus mestizo cattle 28.34 months (P <0.05). Interval from calving to the first service in Brown Swiss was 99.29 days. Open days observed in Brown Swiss was 107.29 days. The pregnancy rate at the first service in Brown Swiss was 70.0% pregnancy at the first service and 30.0% at the second service, for the mestizo genotype it was 68.4% at the first service, 28.9 at the second and 2.6 at the third service (P> 0.05; X2 = 0.50; p = 0.47). It is concluded that bovine animals of the Brown Swiss genotype have a good reproductive performance in the Humid Tropic climate compared to the Mestizo genotype

Immune and parasitological response in horses infected with gastrointestinal nematodes in the humid tropic of Mexico

The objective of the study was to determine the parasitological and immune response in horses naturally re-infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) after an- thelmintic treatment in the humid tropic of Mexico. The study was conducted in Tenosique, Tabasco, Mexico. A total of 30 horses were sampled monthly for nine months. Fecal samples were obtained to determine the number of nematode eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. Stool cultures were performed to obtain and identify infective larvae (L3) genera. Blood samples were also obtained to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), the total plasma protein (TPP), and the differential leukocyte count (DLC). Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to determine IgA levels against adult cyathostomins and Strongylus nematode antigen. The analyses considered the age and gender of the horses, and the season (Cold, rainy and dry). The number of EPG and TPP were higher in females (1224 ± 1269 and 7.6 ± 0.6 gdL−1, respectively) than males (623 ± 671 and 7.4 ± 0.5 gdL−1, respectively), and no differences were observed with animal age (p > 0.05). The number of EPG increased in the rainy season. The main nematodes involved were of the subfamily Cyathostominae (97.4%) and to a lesser degree of species Strongylus equinus, S. edentatus, S. vulgaris, and Oxyuris equii. The season affected the leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes counts but not eosinophils. Variables such as gender, animal age, and environmental conditions are important elements for a diagnosis of GIN and the application of treatments for its control.

Uptake and Dissipation of Carbofuran and Its Metabolite in Chinese Kale and Brinjal Cultivated Under Humid Tropic Climate

Carbofuran is an insecticide with a broad spectrum of activity and is relatively cheap. It is banned in many countries in the world; however, it remains widely used in Asia, Australia, and South America. Carbofuran is commonly used in vegetable farming in Malaysia and it is a legally registered pesticide. This study reports the uptake and dissipation of carbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran in Chinese kale and brinjal under humid tropic field conditions. The residue profile in plants demonstrated an increase to a maximum, followed by a consistent reduction to a level below the limit of determination (<0.01 mg/kg) over the experimental period. The maximum residue concentration was attained on Day 3 for kale (1.16 mg/kg fresh weight) and Day 7 for brinjal (0.06 mg/kg fresh weight) after carbofuran application. In order to comply with the maximum residue level (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg, the preharvest interval for kale and brinjal were suggested at 23 and 28 days, respectively. The preharvest interval indicates that carbofuran is not recommended for Chinese kale but it is acceptable for brinjal. The average half-life of carbofuran in soil is 1.24 days, shorter than the literature values reported based on temperate condition, indicating accelerated dissipation under tropical climate. The estimated half-life of carbofuran in leaves was shorter than that in fruits with kale leaves reported at 2.54 days whilst brinjal leaves and fruits recorded at 3.22 and 10.33 days, respectively.

Nutrient Profile and in vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Flamboyant (Delonix regia) Seeds Subjected to Different Processing Methods for Sustainable Ruminant Production in Humid Tropic

This study assessed the nutrient profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of flamboyant (Delonix regia) seeds subjected to different processing methods for sustainable ruminant production in humid tropic. Eight (8) different processing methods formed the experimental treatments, namely T1 (raw/control); T2 (roasted); T3 (soaked in water for 24 hours); T4 (soaked in water for 48 hours); T5 (soaked in rumen liquor for 24 hours); T6 (soaked in rumen liquor for 48 hours); T7 (parboiled for 45 minutes.) and T8 (cooked 45 minutes. The treatments were replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data obtained on the nutrient profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics was subjected to a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9. The mean was separated using Duncan’s New multiple Range Test (DNMRT). The results showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) effects of processing methods on crude fibre (CF) and calcium (Ca) contents of the processed seeds with the values ranges from 2.97 % in T4 to 4.59% in T8 for crude fibre (CF). Similar (P>0.05) contents was recorded for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), phosphorous (P) and iron (Fe) content across the experimental treatments, the contents ranges from 88.41 – 89.51%, 20.59 – 21.45%, 2.24 – 3.05%, 4.25 – 4.89% 38.89 – 39.78%, 25.14 – 25.47%, 3.7 – 4.0%, 62.90 – 66.50mg/kg for DM, CP, EE, ash, NDF, ADF, P and Fe content respectively. Significant (P<0.05) different was observed for methane gas (CH4) production, with values ranges from 15.33 – 29.33 (ml). Similar value was observed for fermentation efficiency (FE), short chain fatty acids (SCFA), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisible energy (ME) across the experimental treatments and the values ranges from 0.37 – 0.67, 0.75 – 1.02 Mmol, 61.92 – 68.61% and 7.38 – 9.55 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Conclusively, irrespective of the processing methods flamboyant seeds had adequate nutrients to meet the nutritional requirements of ruminants except crude fibre (CF) which can be fortified with roughages or fibrous feedstuffs. The in vitro fermentation characteristics showed that the seed has potentials as a feed resource to support ruminant animal production especially in the dry season.