Life Sciences Commons^™

The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.

Loved--Or Lost?

Close Up Reports

No abstract provided.

On The Relative Importance Of Floral Color, Shape, And Nectar Rewards In Attracting Pollinators To Mimulus, Steven D. Sutherland, Robert K. Vickery Jr.

Great Basin Naturalist

Pollinator preferences were observed for the six species of section Erythranthe of the genus Mimulus using greenhouse-grown plants placed in a meadow in the Red Butte Canyon Natural Area, Salt Lake County, Utah. The principal pollinators were hummingbirds and bumble bees. Hummingbirds preferred the species with the most reflexed tubular flowers regardless of color, whereas bumblebees preferred pink. lavender, or yellow flowers to red flowers regardless of shape. Results for the six species were confirmed by observations of F₂ hybrid recombinant plants selected such that flower color could be held constant and flower shape varied and vice versa.

Comparison Of Predicted And Observed Dioxin Levels In Fish: Implications For Risk Assessment, Judy S. Lakind, Daniel Q. Naiman

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

After comparing sampled and modelled dioxin levels in the tissue of fish near pulp and paper mill discharges, the authors argue that, until an improved bioaccumulation model is incorporated into EPA's Risk assessment process, determination of human health Risks associated with consuming dioxin-contaminated fish should be based on sampling.

Prisoners Of The Trade

Close Up Reports

No abstract provided.

The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.

Slaughter On The High Seas

Close Up Reports

No abstract provided.

Sheep And Wool Industries Need To Improve Their Performance, Rob Kelly, Tim Marshall

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Today in Western Australia, sheep are run at slightly higher stocking rates, are achieving greater lambing percentages (up JO per cent) and higher wool cuts per animal ( up 0. 6 kg greasy) than in the 1960s. When all components of production are considered, the productivity of sheep fanns has increased by 2. 7 per cent per year over the past 35 years.

The challenge of the next decade is to achieve substantially greater rates of improvement than for past years if the sheep and wool industries are to maintain their significant place in Western Australian agriculture.

Should We Export Our Native Birds?, Ross Kingwell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The export of Australia's native birds is prohibited by the Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982. A review of the Act in 1991 has not led to any relaxation of the export ban.

However, the review recommended that government examine "the practical aspects of establishing a fully funded administrative control mechanism to allow strictly regulated commercial exports of a limited number of species of captivebred native birds which are not endangered or threatened". In making this recommendation, the report acknowledged there may be a case for highly regulated export of some native bird species.

This article explores …

Artificial Insemination Of Ewes With Frozen Semen, David Windsor

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The judicious use of artificial insemination (Al) of ewes with frozen semen by ram breeders offers substantial gains for wool producers, but it promises even greater benefits if it can be used more widely within commercial breeding flocks.

In the Western Australian dairy industry, for example, genetic gains between 1971 and /986 are estimated to have been three times as great in herds bred by Al as in herds that were mated naturally.

Choosing Shower Dips For Sheep Lice, Tony Higgs, Bob Love

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The performance of all shower dip chemicals for sheep lice can vary depending on the active chemical and the conditions under which they are used.

Department of Agriculture trials have indicated that the wettable powders coumaphos and magnesium fluorosilicate were less effective at eradicating sheep lice than were synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate dipping chemicals.

However, failure to eradicate sheep lice may be the result of several factors, many of them related to management.

Control Of Cheesy Gland In Sheep, Michael Paton

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Cheesy gland is a widespread problem in Western Australian sheep flocks. Less than 1 per cent of flocks are free of this disease, and all sheep in one line of 550 cull ewes slaughtered at Katanning Abattoir were infected.

A study of what affects new cheesy gland . infection found that shower dipping and keeping sheep under cover after shearing increased new infections. Farmers who shower dip sheep should consider vaccinating them against cheesy gland. Sheep should be let out into the open as soon as possible after shearing.

The total cost of the disease in Australia is about $30 …

An Update On The Biological Control Of Rabbits, Stuart Wheeler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

When myxomatosis was introduced into Western Australia in the early 1950s, farmers, pastoralists and government alike thought it was an answer to the rabbit problem.

The disease was devastatingly effective in the short term and initially had a 99 per cent kill rate. With time, the virus declined in strength, and the surviving rabbits have multiplied.

There have been many recent reports about new forms of biological control for rabbits and potential improvements in old ones.

This article summarises each of the prospective methods and improvements, and assesses the potential usefulness of each.

Do Farmers Really Want To Eradicate Sheep Lice?, Chris Hawkins

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

With the termination of Western Australia's Sheep Lice Eradication Campaign in 1993 farmers' views about the eradication of sheep lice are of greater relevance now than in the past. Lice control now rests with individual farmers and continuing local lice cell groups .

A recent survey of producers in the Moora Shire provides some key insights into farmers' thoughts about sheep lice and their eradication.

Scaled Chrysophytes From The Lake Itasca Region. Iii: Additions To The Flora, Huan M. Ngo, Daniel E. Wujek

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Eighteen localities within Itasca State Park, Minnesota, were sampled in 1987 and examined for silica-scaled chrysophytes. Sixteen species from six genera, including seven new reports for Minnesota, were observed. Brief comments on distribution are given for several species. Recent taxonomic revisions for a number of previously reported species from the Lake Itasca region are also discussed.

Distribution Of The Mole Salamander, Ambystoma Talpoideum (Urodela: Ambystomatidae), In Arkansas With Notes On Paedomorphic Populations, Stanley E. Trauth, Betty G. Cochran, David A. Saugey, William R. Posey Ii, Wesley A. Stone

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Caudal Hedonic Glands In The Dark-Sided Salamander, Eurycea Longicauda Melanopleura (Urodela: Plethodontidae), Stanley E. Trauth, Richard D. Smith, Abbey Cheng, Patrick Daniel

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Unhatched Eggs In Nests Of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers, Warren G. Montague, Claudia F. Bailey, Joseph C. Neal, Douglas A. James

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

During 1991 and 1992, nests of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) were monitored in the Ouachita National Forest in Scott and Polk counties of west-central Arkansas. Nests in three additional woodpecker areas in Arkansas and Oklahoma were also monitored in 1992. Of 92 eggs laid in 27 nesting attempts in the Ouachita National Forest, 18 (19%) failed to hatch. When viewed in the cavities, six unhatched eggs were noticeably below average in size for the species and eight were average size. Seven unhatched eggs were removed in 1992 from seven nests in Arkansas and Oklahoma; three eggs showed some embryological development …

Enlarged Posterior Maxillary Teeth In The Scarlet Snake, Cemophora Coccinea (Serpentes: Colubridae), Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Stanley E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Arkansas Range Extensions Of The Eastern Small-Footed Bat (Myotis Leibii) And Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotisseptentrionalis) And Additional County Records For The Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris Noctivagans), Hoary Bat (Lasiurus Cinereus), Southeastern Bat (Myotis Austroriparius), And Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat (Plecotus Rafinesquii), David A. Saugey, V. Rick Mcdaniel, Daniel R. England, Marsha C. Rowe, Laura R. Chandler-Mozisek, Betty G. Cochran

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We continued field studies of bats in non-cave regions of Arkansas from 1989 to present and utilized specimens submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health Rabies Laboratory to establish Arkansas range extensions for the eastern smallfooted bat (Myotis leibii) and northern long-eared bat (Myotisseptentrionalis). In addition, we documented additional county records for the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), southeastern bat (Myotis austroriparius), and Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Plecotus rafinesquii).

Progress Toward Eradication Of Virulent Footrot, Bob Mitchell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Western Australia is well placed to eradicate virulent footrot from the State's sheep and goat populations.

Between 1950 and 1993 the proportion of sheep flocks with footrot fell from about 15 per cent to less than 2 percent, and the 1990-92 outbreak has been turned around. One hundred and eighty properties (]. 7 per cent) of flocks, mostly in the high rainfall South-West, are in quarantine for footrot today.

This high level of footrot control is the result of strong support from the sheep industry and years of good cooperation between farmers and the Department of Agriculture.

Western Australia leads …

Influence Of Dietary Lysine On Carcass Characteristics Of High-Lean Growth Gilts Fed From 80 To 160 Lb (1993), K G. Friesen, B J. Kerr, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, John A. Unruh, Donald H. Kropf

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Seventy-two high-lean growth gilts (initially 75.5 lb BW) were used to determine the influence of dietary lysine on carcass characteristics at 120 and 160 lb. Gilts were randomly selected for slaughter when the average weight of pigs in the pen equaled or exceeded 120 and 160 lb. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block, with initial weight serving as the blocking factor. Six dietary treatments were included, ranging from .54 to 1.04% digestible lysine (.69 to 1.25% total dietary lysine). At 120 lb, hot carcass weight decreased and then increased as did dressing percentage for gilts fed increased …

Optimal Dietary Sequence In A Nursery-Phase Feeding Program For Segregated Early-Weaned (9±1 D Of Age) Pigs (1993), K Q. Owen, L J. Kats, B T. Richert, Steven S. Dritz, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two hundred forty weanling pigs (initially 7.2 lb BW and 9 + 1 d of age) were used to compare four dietary sequences of three diets in a 21-d growth trial. Diet A was formulated to contain 1.7% lysine and contained 7.5% spray-dried porcine plasma and 1.75% spray-dried blood meal. Diet B was formulated to contain 1.4% lysine and contained 2.5% spray-dried porcine plasma and 2.5% spray-dried blood meal. Diet C was formulated to contain 1.25 % lysine and contained 2.5% spray-dried blood meal. The four dietary sequences were as follows AAB, AAC, ABB, and ABC, with each letter indicating …

Rate And Extent Of Losses From Top Spoilage In Alfalfa Silages Stored In Bunker Silos (1993), D.L. Holthaus, D.R. Bonilla, L. Pfaff, D. Haverkamp, B.S. Dalke, R.N. Sonon, K. Budiongo, K.K. Bolsen, Matthew A. Young

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Alfalfa silages were made in pilot- and farm-scale silos, and five sealing treatments were compared. After 90 days, sealing dramatically reduced DM losses at the 5 and 10 in. depths in the farm silos and at the 0 to 12, 12 to 24, and 24 to 36 in. depths in the pilot silos. Extending the storage period to 180 days in pilot silos had no effect on DM losses for sealed or delay sealed silages, but DM losses for unsealed silages continued to increase at all three depths. Placing a roof over the unsealed, farm-scale silo increased the silage DM …

Use Of Cystorelin® And Artificial Insemination In Repeat-Breeding Beef Heifers After Estrous Synchronization (1993), J.P. Holz, P.L. Houghton, M.F. Spire

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was administered to a group of 13- to 14- month-old Angus and Angus crossbred repeat-breeding heifers at the time of the second or third artificial insemination to determine its effect on conception rates. Little benefit was derived from the use of GnRH at either second or third service in highly developed repeat-breeding heifers.

Value-Added Beef Processing: Increasing The Value Of Beef Shanks Using Baadertm Processing Technology (1993), R.E. Campbell, Melvin C. Hunt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Using a BaaderTM desinewing machine on beef shanks can increase the value of a beef carcass by $1 to $5 by improving palatability and texture and reducing fat. By varying belt pressure and drum opening size and passing shanks twice through the desinewer, we obtained commercially acceptable yields. Maximum lean yield was 93% of the shank using 5 mm drum holes for both passes. With 3 mm drum holes, very lean produced on the first pass. Using desinewed lean and flaking the sinew with an Urschel Commitrol®, we produced low-fat (10%) ground beef patties. Patties from desinewed lean alone and/or …

Large Round Bale Hay Wastage By Various Feeding Methods (1993), R.K. Taylor, G.W. Warmann, B.M. Plaschka, Dale A. Blasi, Glenn E. Newdigger Jr.

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The amounts of wheat or hybrid sudan hay wasted with three large round bale feeding methods were evaluated at two ranch locations. The feeding methods were: 1) bale processor (Hay Forage Industries BP 25®) used to shred forage into bunks; 2) the same processor used to shred forage onto the ground; and 3) unrolling large round bales on the ground. Estimated forage wastages or refusals from unrolling, shredding onto ground, and shredding into bunks were 23, 13, and 8% with wheat hay and 22, 16, and 11% with sudan hay, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential for substantial savings of …

Can "Natural" Flavorings Enhance The Flavor Of Low-Fat Ground Beef? (1993), C.F. Carmack, Melvin C. Hunt, Donald H. Kropf, J.R. Schwenke, Curtis L. Kastner

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Natural flavorings were evaluated for use in low-fat ground beef, which frequently lacks flavor intensity. Three lean sources, A-maturity (young), E-maturity (mature cow), and imported (cow) beef round muscles, were used to formulate 7% and 25% fat ground beef. A-maturity fat was added to adjust fat levels. Controls (no added flavors) were prepared for each lean source. No additives were used in 25% fat controls, but 7% fat controls contained water (10%), carrageenan (.5%), and encapsulated salt (.38%). Four "natural" flavorings; Dried Cream Extract (DCE, Cumberland Packing Co., Inc.); Natural Prime Beef Base WONF #224545 and #224546 (224545, 224546, Tastemaker); …

Effect Of Diet Energy Content And Level Of Restriction On Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, And Puberty In Replacement Beef Heifers (1993), Robert T. Brandt Jr., Ronald V. Pope, Jeffrey S. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty Angus x Hereford crossbred weanling heifers (548 lb) were used in a 2x2 factorial experiment to evaluate dietary energy concentration (NEg .51 vs .61 Mcal/lb) and intake restriction (to produce 1.25 and 2.0 lb/d gain). Intake of the diets (corn - corn silage based; 14% CP) was adjusted every 2 weeks. Steer counterparts to the heifers were used in a 2x3 factorially arranged digestion experiment using the same treatments with an additional ad libitum intake level. There were no interactions between energy content and level of restriction. Heifers fed the higher energy diet maintained equal daily gain on 9.7% …

Factors Affecting Cattle Finishing Profitability (1993), J.R. Mintert, Ted C. Schroeder, Michael R. Langemeier, M.L. Albright

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The relative contributions of fluctuating cattle performance; interest rates; and feeder cattle, fed cattle, and feed grain prices to profit variability of cattle feeding were examined in this study. Closeout data from 6696 pens of steers placed on feed between January 1980 and May 1991 at two western Kansas custom feedyards were used to estimate the relative impacts of prices and animal performance on cattle feeding profits. Combined, fed and feeder cattle prices explained 70 to 80% of profit variability, depending on placement weight. Overall, cattle prices and feeding costs explained at least 85% of the variation in profitability. Animal …