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Gdp-Mannose 4,6-Dehydratase Is A Key Driver Of Mycn-Amplified Neuroblastoma Core Fucosylation And Tumorigenesis, Beibei Zhu, Michelle G. Pitts, Michael D. Buoncristiani, Lindsay T. Bryant, Oscar Lopez-Nunez, Juan P. Gurria, Cameron Shedlock, Roberto Ribas, Shannon Keohane, Jinpeng Liu, Chi Wang, Matthew S. Gentry, Nathan R. Shelman, Derek B. Allison, B. Mark Evers, Ramon C. Sun, Eric J. Rellinger

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

MYCN-amplification is a genetic hallmark of ~40% of high-risk neuroblastomas (NBs). Altered glycosylation is a common feature of adult cancer progression, but little is known about how genetic signatures such as MYCN-amplification alter glycosylation profiles. Herein, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) revealed increased core fucosylated glycan abundance within neuroblast-rich regions of human MYCN-amplified NB tumors. GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMDS) is responsible for the first-committed and rate-limiting step of de novo GDP-fucose synthesis. High GMDS expression was found to be associated with poor patient survival, advanced stage disease, and MYCN-amplification in human NB tumors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter reporter assays …

A Microrna-Regulated Transcriptional State Defines Intratumoral Cd8+ T Cells That Respond To Immunotherapy, William W. Tang, Ben Battistone, Kaylyn M. Bauer, Allison M. Weis, Cindy Barba, Muhammad Zaki Hidayatullah Fadlullah, Arevik Ghazaryan, Van B. Tran, Soh-Hyun Lee, Z. Busra Agir, Morgan C. Nelson, Emmanuel Stephen Victor, Amber Thibeaux, Colton Hernandez, Jacob Tantalla, Aik C. Tan, Dinesh Rao, Matthew Williams, Micah J. Drummond, Ellen J. Beswick, June L. Round, H. Atakan Ekiz, Warren P/ Voth, Ryan M. O’Connell

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The rising incidence of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) and poor survival outcomes necessitate new and effective therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), specifically anti-PD-1 therapy, show promise, yet clinical determinants of a positive response are suboptimal. Here, we identify microRNA-155 (miR-155) as necessary for CD8 + T cell-infiltrated tumors through an unbiased in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifying functional tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cell-expressed microRNAs. T cell miR-155 is required for anti-PD-1 responses and for a vital intratumor CD8 + T cell differentiation cascade by repressing Ship-1, inhibiting Tcf-1 and stemness, and subsequently enhancing Cxcr6 expression, anti-tumor immunity, and effector functions. Based …

Staying Sane In The Membrane: Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 As A Master Regulator Of Plasma Membrane Ceramide, Zainuddin Quadri, Erhard Bieberich

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Ceramide, a key signaling sphingolipid in the plasma membrane, plays a pivotal role in fundamental cellular processes such as adhesion, polarity, and programmed cell death. The generation of plasma membrane ceramide is largely attributed to the activity of two types of sphingomyelinases: neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2, Smpd3) and acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase, Smpd1). While many studies have explored ceramide generation following experimental activation of these enzymes, the mechanisms governing basal or steady- state ceramide levels have remained poorly understood. Using an innovative mass spectrometry approach developed in the Canals’ lab, the team has quantified the distinct contributions of nSMase2 and aSMase …

Bilirubin Bioconversion To Urobilin In The Gut-Liver-Kidney Axis: A Biomarker For Insulin Resistance In The Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (Ckm) Syndrome, Zachary A. Kipp, Olufunto O. Badmus, David E. Stec, Brantley Hall, Terry D. Hinds Jr.

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The rising rates of obesity worldwide have increased the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it the number one cause of death. Higher plasma bilirubin levels have been shown to prevent metabolic dysfunction and CVD. However, reducing levels leads to deleterious outcomes, possibly due to reduced bilirubin half-life that escalates the production of its catabolized product, urobilinogen, produced by gut bacteria and naturally oxidized to urobilin. Recent findings suggest that the involvement of the microbiome catabolism of bilirubin to urobilin and its absorption via the hepatic portal vein contributes to CVD, suggesting a liver-gut axis involvement. We discuss the studies …

Ddo-Adjuvanted Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein Mrna Vaccine Induces Robust Humoral And Cellular Type 1 Immune Responses And Protects Mice From Challenge, Victoria Gnazzo, Hanaa Saleh, Ítalo A. Castro, Adrianus C. M. Boon, Amelia K. Pinto, James D. Brien, Carolina B. López

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

A challenge in viral vaccine development is to produce vaccines that generate both neutralizing antibodies to prevent infection and cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells that target conserved viral proteins and can eliminate infected cells to control virus spread. mRNA technology offers an opportunity to design vaccines based on conserved CD8-targeting epitopes, but achieving robust antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells remains a challenge. Here, we tested the viral-derived oligonucleotide DDO268 as an adjuvant in the context of a model influenza A virus (IAV) nucleoprotein (NP) mRNA vaccine in C57BL/6 mice. DDO268 when co-packaged with mRNA in lipid nanoparticles is sensed by RIG I-like receptors and …

The Mitochondria As An Emerging Target Of Self- Renewal In T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Majd Al-Hamaly, Evelyn Winter, Jessica S. Blackburn

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common leukemia in children, with the T-cell subtype (T- ALL) accounting for 15% of those cases. Despite advancements in the treatment of T-ALL, patients still face a dismal prognosis following their first relapse. Relapse can be attributed to the inability of chemotherapy agents to eradicate leukemia stem cells (LSC), which possess self-renewal capabilities and are responsible for the long-term maintenance of the disease. Mitochondria have been recognized as a therapeutic vulnerability for cancer stem cells, including LSCs. Mitocans have shown promise in T-ALL both in vitro and in vivo, with some currently in …

Gdp-Mannose 4,6-Dehydratase Is A Key Driver Of Mycn- Amplified Neuroblastoma Core Fucosylation And Tumorigenesis, Beibei Zhu, Michelle G. Pitts, Michael D. Buoncristiani, Lindsay T. Bryant, Oscar Lopez-Nunez, Juan P. Gurria, Cameron Shedlock, Roberto Ribas, Shannon Keohane, Jinpeng Liu, Chi Wang, Matthew S. Gentry, Nathan R. Shelman, Derek B. Allison, B. Mark Evers, Ramon C. Sun, Eric J. Rellinger

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

MYCN-amplification is a genetic hallmark of ~40% of high-risk neuroblastomas (NBs). Altered glycosylation is a common feature of adult cancer progression, but little is known about how genetic signatures such as MYCN-amplification alter glycosylation profiles. Herein, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) revealed increased core fucosylated glycan abundance within neuroblast-rich regions of human MYCN-amplified NB tumors. GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMDS) is responsible for the first-committed and rate-limiting step of de novo GDP-fucose synthesis. High GMDS expression was found to be associated with poor patient survival, advanced stage disease, and MYCN-amplification in human NB tumors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter reporter assays …

A Comparison Of Commonly Utilized Diagnostic Biopsy Techniques For Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review By The Apsa Cancer Committee., Martha Teke, Barrie S. Rich, Ashley Walther, Dana Schwartz, Lucas A. Mcduffie, Gisela Butera, Jonathan P. Roach, David H. Rothstein, Dave R. Lal, Kimberly Riehle, Andres Espinoza, Nicholas Cost, Elisabeth Tracy, David Rodeberg, Timothy Lautz, Jennifer H. Aldrink, Erin G. Brown

Surgery Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Historically, surgical biopsy (SB) for diagnosis of pediatric solid tumors was considered necessary to provide adequate tissue for histologic and molecular analysis. Less invasive biopsy techniques such as image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB), have shown comparable accuracy with decreased morbidity in some adult studies. However, data regarding the safety and efficacy of CNB in pediatric tumors is limited. This study's aim was to assess the overall rate of successful diagnosis and safety of CNB compared to SB in children with malignancies.

METHODS: A PRISMA compliant systematic review was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase and CINAHL Plus database searches …

The 2024 American Association For Thoracic Surgery Expert Consensus Document, Jasleen Kukreja, Jose Luis Campo-Canaveral De La Cruz, Dirk Van Raemdonck, Edward Cantu, Hiroshi Date, Frank D'Ovidio, Matthew Hartwig, Jacob A. Klapper, Rosemary F. Kelly, Sandra Lindstedt, Lorenzo Rosso, Lara Schaheen, Michael Smith, Bryan Whitson, Sahar A. Saddoughi, Marcelo Cypel

Surgery Faculty Publications

Background: Donor lung procurement and preservation is critical for lung transplantation success. Unfortunately, the large variability in techniques impacts organ utilization rates and transplantation outcomes. Compounding this variation, recent developments in cold static preservation and new technological advances with machine perfusion have increased the complexity of the procedure. The objective of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Clinical Practice Standards Committee (CPSC) expert panel was to make evidence-based recommendations for best practices in donor lung procurement and preservation based on review of the existing literature. Methods: The AATS CPSC assembled an expert panel of 16 lung transplantation surgeons from …

Coccidia Vaccine Challenge And Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation In Broiler Chicken 2—Effect On Apparent Ileal Nutrient And Energy Digestibility And Intestinal Morphology 7 And 14 Days Post-Challenge, Sunday A. Adedokun, Andrew Dunaway, Richard Adefioye

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

The efficiency with which the nutrients and energy in any diet are digested, absorbed, and utilized depends on several factors, with the health status of the bird’s gastrointestinal tract playing an important role. The protozoan parasite Eimeria has been reported to significantly reduce the performance of birds because of poor absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. In this study, the effect of Eimeria sp. challenge and exogenous enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers fed corn-soybean meal- or wheat-corn–SBM-based diets was examined. During the first 7 days post-challenge (days 14–21), in birds fed the corn–soybean-meal-based diets, the …

Characterizing The Impact Of Race And Contemporary Redlining On Receipt Of Guideline-Concordant Locoregional Therapy Among Older Women With Breast Cancer, Sara Beltrán Ponce, Bethany Canales, Emily L. Mcginley, Tina W.F. Yen, Sergey Tarima, Yuhong Zhou, Jean C. Bikomeye, Kirsten M.M. Beyer

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Purpose: Improving locoregional control for breast cancer (BC) results in better overall survival. Contemporary redlining is associated with worse BC survival in older patients. Self-reported race is associated with survival, redlining, and access to care. We aim to examine the relationship between race, redlining, and the receipt of guideline-concordant locoregional therapy (LRT) in older women with BC. Methods and Materials: Women aged 66 to 90 years with stage I to III BC diagnosed in 2010 to 2017 with known metropolitan statistical area were identified in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare. Redlining was estimated using Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Guideline-concordant …

Recurrent Selection For Partial Resistance To Anthracnose Disease In Shrubby Stylo (Stylosanthes Scabra), D F. Cameron, R A. Boland, S Chakraborty, B Jamieson, J.A G. Irwin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Three cycles of crossing have been completed in a recurrent selection programme for partial resistance to anthracnose disease of shrubby stylo (Stylosanthes scabra) In a field study of a subset of 40 F2 populations from the first cycle, highly significant differences (P<0.001) in anthracnose resistance were found for both male and female effects and for the female x male interaction, In a subsequent F3 progeny test of 99 families selected for disease resistance and yield, 92 of the families were resistant to highly resistant with leaf damage <1% (cf, >50% damage for the susceptible cultivar, Fitzroy). Strong discrimination for resistance was also obtained in a second subset of 23 F2 populations using combined glasshouse and field selection for resistance. Further improvement in anthracnose resistance was achieved in the second and third cycles of recurrent selection. The broadly based resistance of selections from the third cycle …

Calliandra Calothyrsus - A Potential New Shrub Legume For Tropical Animal Production?, B Palmer, R A. Bray, T M. Ibrahim

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Calliandra calothyrsus outyielded leucaena in cutting experiments at 2 sites in northern Australia and I in Indonesia. Drying significantly depressed the voluntary intake and digestibility of leaf, possibly due to the presence of tannin. Calliandra has the potential as a supplement for the low quality grass common to the tropics both ln grazing and cut-and-carry systems.

Glycine Latifolia- A Potentially Useful Native Legume For Clay Soils In Tropical And Subtropical Australia, M C. Rees, R M. Jones, A.H D. Brown, J N. Coote

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In tropical and subtropical Australia, more than 5 million ha of heavy-textured soils receive adequate rainfall for cropping or pasture improvement. Glycine latifolla, a perennial legume native to these areas, shows promise for permanent pastures or long term leys. It occurs from latitudes 22"8 to 31 •s on heavy textured soils in the 500-1200 mm rainfall zone. It is a prostrate plant that roots from stolons and sets seed under grazing, It is drought tolerant, frost resistant, and produces dry matter yields comparable to those from the introduced legumes Desmanthus virgatus and Indigofera schimperi, There is a need to …

Development Of Rhizoma Peanut For Forage In Lower South, Usa, Gordon M. Prine, Edwin C. French

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rhizoma (perennial) peanut (Arachiis glabrata Benth.) (RP) is n perennial, warm-season legume, adapted to well-drained soils of humid tropics and subtropics. It is grown in Florida and warmer portions of the south-eastern USA up to about 32°N. Cultivar Florigraze was released in 1978 and cv. Arbrook in 1986. Commercial hectarage of RP has increased about 40% annually to approximately 2000 ha in 1992. Propagated vegetatively from rhizomes, RP Is slow to establish. Rhizoma peanut is drought-tolerant, persistent, grows well on droughty, low-fertility soils, requires moderate to excessive soil drainage and requires no N and usually no P fertiliser. It …

Effects Of Cutting Heights And Cutting Frequencies On The Annual Yield Of Leucaena And Calliandra Hedges, O Ncamihigo, P Brandelard

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A 3-year study was conducted in Burundi to examine the effects of 3 cutting heights (0, 50 and 100 cm) and 3 cutting frequencies (3, 4 and 6 months) on the total annual biomass yield and leaf production of 3 shrub legumes, Leucaena diverslfolia cv, Buitenzorg, L. leucocephala cv, Peruvian and Calliandra calothyrsus. Highest annual biomass and leaf production were obtained at the 100 cm cutting hejght, There was no significant effect of cutting interval on L. leucocephala but for Calliandra calothyrsus, leaf production was highest at the 4- month cutting frequency. Both biomass production and leaf production …

Performance Of Desmanthus Virgatus Accessions In The Caribbean, M B. Adjei, K Albrecht

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Twenty-three Desmanthus virgatus accessions, established on a mildly alkaline clay soil (Typic Rendoll Mollisol), were repeatedly harvested to 10 cm stubble over a 2-year period whenever regrowths reached the early-pod stage of maturity to determine forage yield, leaf/stem proportions, forage quality and stand persistence. Differences were observed in seasonal growth distribution and annual forage yield of accessions. Collections from Venezeula and Mexico were among the most productive (8-11 t dry matter/ha/year) and from the Dominican Republic, the least productive (<6 t/ha/year) accessions. Most accessions perissted well under the lenient garvesting regime imposed. The proportion of leaf in dry forage ranged from 34 to 43% with average leaf crude protein (CP) content in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of 19.2% and 83.4%, respectively. The average stem CP and IVOMD were 7.4% and 48.9%, respectively, and were not affected by accessions. Leaf samples of all Desmanthus accessions contained high levels of tannins (26-31 g tannic acid equivalent s/kg DM). However, unlike fibre fractions, leaf IVOMD was only weakly correlated with leaf tannin content (r-0.38).

Breeding For Rust Resistance In Marcoptilium Atropurpureum, R A. Bray

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rust in Macroptilium atropurpurewn cv. Siratro is an important disease, reducing both yield and quality, Resistance to the disease is conditioned by several genetic mechanisms, including single dominant. genes, multiple dominant genes, single major genes together with genes of lesser effect, and single recessive genes. Near-isogenic lines have been developed by backcrossing dominant genes into Slratro background, and these lines used to demonstrate pathogenic specialisation in Mexican collections of the rust organism. No variation In virulence is apparent in S Australian isolates of the fungus, Pour of the backcross populations, with resistance genes from geographically diverse origins, have been mixed …

Phenological Development Of Line 8400 Stylo And Alyeclover Planted At Two Dates In Subtropical Florida, M J. Williams, C G. Chambliss, J B. Brolmann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Line 8400 slylo (Stylosathes guianensis) remains vegetative later in the autumn than many tropical annual legumes. The objective of our study was lo determine the effect of planting dale (April or June) on the phenological development of Line 8400 stylo compared with alyceclover (Alysicarpus vaginalis). Root/shoot ratio of Line 8400 stylo (0.16) was not affected by planting date and was similar to April-planted alyceclover (0.15), but was lower (P<0.05) than June­planted alyceclover (0,21). Legume leaf/stem ratio was not affected by planting date, declined (P=0.0001) from an average of 2.79 at 4 weeks to 0.55 by 16 weeks post-planting, and was higher (P=0.03) for Line 8400 stylo (1.76) than alyceclover (1.29). Maximum dry mailer yield was 10.1 and 5.0 Mg/ha for April- and 7.2 and 5.6 Mg/ ha for June-planted Line 8400 stylo and alyceclover, respectively.

Selection Of Sylosanthes Spp. For The Cerrados Of Brazil, B Grof, A.T F. Fernandes, C D. Fernandez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Improved seed yield and leaf retention during the dry season coupled with anthracnose resistance were recorded among mid-season flowering progenies of intervarietal hybrids of Stylosantheses guianensis var. vulgaris x var. panciflora. Mineirao, a late-flowering accession of S. g11ia11e11sis var. vulgaris, displayed similar agronomic traits, but produced lower seed yields. Venezuelan accessions of S. capitata, and a binary mixture of S. capitata-S. ,nacrocepllala showed field resistance to anthracnose. Inter- and intraspecific variation for resistance to anthracnose disease was demonstrated by inoculation with virulent local and introduced pathotypes of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The development from these heterogeneous populations of cultivars …

Meeting The Challenge Of Adapting Leucaena Leucocephala To The Acid Oxisols And Utisolds Of South America And South-East Asia, E M. Hutton, Chin Peng Chen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Shtteen lines from 2 families of Leucaena leucocephala-L. diversifolia hybrids selected for acid-soil tolerance in Brazil were reselected in the Kuala Linggi acid-sulphate soil and Serdang oxisol in Malaysia. In the K. Linggi soil with 81 % Al saturation, highly acid-tolerant hybrids were selected with 35-79% more growth than the intolerant cv. Cunningham. At Serdang the oxisol had ·a mean 68% Al saturation and hybrids were selected with 19-49% more growth than Cunningham which lacked intolerance symptoms due to annual dolomite application. In a severe psyllid infestation at K. Linggi, 5 of the 14 hybrids from one family had …

Evaluation Of Wild Nut-Producing Arachis Species For Forage, A E. Kretschmer Jr, C E. Simpson, T C. Wilson, W D. Pitman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Fourteen nut-producing wild peanut (Arachis spp,) accessions were evaluated in single-plant plots and in ranchers' fields under grazing. Transplants were used for initial and some secondary planting, Agronomic characteristics and persistence were measured. The cv. Amarillo (4222) and a selection previously evaluated (2273) were used as controls. Plant yield, leaf and stem weights, nut production and other attributes varied among the accessions. Accession 2273 was one of the earliest and most prolific flowering and nut producers, while 4222 was the most persistent under initial grazing evaluation,

Production And Growth Characteristics Of Sixteen Gliricidia Provenances Grown In A Dryland Farming Are In Bali, W Puger, I M. Nitis, K Lana, M Suarna, W Sukanten

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

At evaluation of Gliricidia sepium provenances was conducted in Bali for 3 years on a calcareous-based red-brown Mediternn soil at a lowland site with 1000 mm annual rainfall. Fifteen provenances representing diverse geographical regions in Latin America were compared with an Indonesian provenance using a randomised block design. Plants were grown in alleys 4 m apart with plants spaced at 0.5 m apart within the alley. All the plants were cut at 150 cm height periodically, twice during the 4-month wet season and twice during the 8-month dry season. Significant differences were found between provenances for leaf and branch …

Advances In Forage Legumes: A Subsahara African Perspective, B H. Dzowela

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the context of diverse agricultural production systems in subSaharan Africa, advances made with forage legume research are outlined. The direction of research has been geared to evaluating and incorporating the forage legume technology in crop farming and pastoral livestock feeding systems, In systems with minimal fertiliser inputs; legumes have contributed to the crop phase by reducing the rate. of soil fertility decline, In pastoral systems legumes have contributed to rehabilitating the range and in improving the quality of grazing. In agropastoral systems legumes have conferred better quality and improved utilisation of crop residues, natural pastures and fallow lands. Major …

Advances In Research And Development With Sylosanthes And Other Tropical Pasture Legumes, D F. Cameron, C P. Miller, L A. Edye, J W. Miles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The last 20 years have seen major advances in research and development wilh tropical legumes. Research advances have been closely associated with substantial increases in the number and diversity of genetic resource collections, Release of a wide range of new cultivars has been based on selection for plant adaptation, persistence and productivity, screening for resistance to pest's and diseases, and the development of efficient seed production. Determination of fertiliser requirements and grazing management practices has resulted in sustainable animal production from legume-based pasture systems. Extensive pasture development has now occurred in both high and low input systems. Options vary from …

Integration Of Wildlife And Cattle On Communal Lands In Kangwane, South Africa, M Stalmans, A Van Wyk, M T. Mentis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The feasibility of integrating wildlife with the current livestock husbandry on communal lands in KaNgwane was investigated. Present stocking rates were 3 times the recommended figure for production farming. This fitted predictions based on the Jones-Sandland model for populations where the major consideration is maximum number of animals rather than high productivity. The integration of game was seen as a means to increase economic output, while spreading benefits from the use of natural resources to the community at large and establishing a form of ecologically sustainable land use. The active involvement of the community in the planning process and their …

Integrated Gamebird Farming As An Incentive To Promote Biodiversity And Conservation Of Rangelands, P J. Wiljoen, C R. Hurt

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The popularity of gamebird hunting as a sport in Southern Africa serves as an incentive to rangeland owners to increase biodiversity on their properties. Gamebird utilisation is compatible with virtually all forms of land use, be it crop, domestic stock or wildlife production or a combination thereof, The range in habitat requirements, behaviour patterns and feeding niches of indigenous gameblrds ensures that at least one species is compatible with a specific agricultural practice, climate or vegetation type. Marginal and wasteland areas such as marsl}es, gullies, road verges and rocky outcrops, are prime gamebird production areas. The prospects of sport and …

Game Production On Private Land In South Africa, J C. Pauw, M J.S Peel

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The game industry on private land in South Africa has grown considerably in the last 30 years, resulting in a greatly increased biodiversity on private rangeland. However, animals are not domesticated and management is difficult. Management becomes even more complex because commercial game production normally involves a number of species, including domestic stock, in the same production system. Mixed livestock-game ranching holds certain advantages for management and is generally perceived to be more profitable than either alone. Because of human preferences, a lack of clearly defined management objectives and lack of practical management recommendations, veld is generally heavily utilised and …

Determinants Of Herbaceous Species Composition On Wildlife Utilization Areas In The Eastern Transvaal Lowveld Of South Africa- A Preliminary Investigation, M.J S. Peel, G C. Stuart-Hill

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study investigated the. effect of recent past annual rainfall and stocking rate on herbaceous plant species composition in the Lowveld of the eastern Transvaal, South Africa. Annual rainfall and grazing (stocking rate) act synergistically in determining herbaceous species composition, annual rainfall exerting the greatest influence and grazing having a modifying effect particularly under extreme conditions. In mesic areas (mean annual rainfall of around 600 mm) a relatively favourable herbaceous composition was found under relatively higher grazer stocking rates of around 10 grazer units/JOO ha (10 GU/100 ha) In semi-arid areas (mean annual rainfall of around 400 mm) a lighter …

Cattle And Wildlife Ranching In The Zimbabwe Midlands: Are They Economically Compatible?, Urs P. Kreuter, John P. Workman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Thirty-five Midlands ranches earning revenue from beef caltle, wildlife, or both during 1989-90 were surveyed to determine their financial and economic· profitability. Market prices were used to calculate financial profit, and opportunity costs were used to estimate economic profit of each operation. Under current market conditions, only mixed ranches produced positive financial profits, Economic profits were significantly higher than financial profits for all three types of operation. This implies that they all faced production disincentives due to government policy interventions. However, there were no significant differences between the economic profits of the three types of operations and none of them …