Suspected intoxication by Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) of dairy cattle in the Azores, Portugal.

CASE HISTORY: An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT: The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia.The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis.Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several Fusarium spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals. DIAGNOSIS: The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro- and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.

Recovery of pre-injury functional state following operative treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures; a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of fracture neck of femur (FNF) has been projected to increase significantly. This study sought to determine the recovery of preinjury functional state following operative treatment of displaced FNF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A six-month prospective cohort study was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and PCEA Kikuyu Mission Hospital (KMH) between November 2008 and May 2009. Sixty patients were enrolled using a pre-tested questionnaire. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) scores were used. The functional outcome measures included pain, stiffness and activities of daily living (ADL). Stratification and subgroup analysis were done especially based on age. Student's t-test and χ 2 test were used for comparison between variables as appropriate with a p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Majority of the patients recruited were males (68%) with a mean age of 51.6 years. Eighty eight percent of the patients had a mean negative early functional outcome score. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) had comparable early post-operative functional outcome while Osteosynthesis (OS) had a poorer ADL outcome. Prolonged hospital stay was associated with a poor ADL outcome (p = 0.020). Use of the antero-lateral approach to the hip was associated with a better ADL outcome in patients older than 50 years (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: At three months post-operatively, most patients have not fully recovered their pre-injury level of function and independence. Both HA and THA are associated with better early functional outcome compared to OS. STUDY TYPE: Original research.

Kikuyu pastures associated with tall fescue grazed in autumn in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Mexico.

Intensive grazing increases the profitability and sustainability of small-scale dairy systems by reducing feeding costs. Kikuyu grass is a subtropical species from East Africa that has similar performance compared with temperate grasses when grazed by dairy cows in these systems during the summer rainy season but reduces growth and quality at low temperatures, when temperate species may have an advantage. The objective was to evaluate intensive grazing of kikuyu pastures (KYKY) alone or in association with two varieties of endophyte-free tall fescue, TF-33 (TF33) and Cajun II (CAJN), during the summer-autumn transition period when low temperatures set in, by lactating cows in small-scale dairy farms. Pasture variables were analysed with a split-plot design for sward height, net herbage accumulation and chemical composition, in vitro digestibility of organic matter, and estimated metabolisable energy content of herbage and concentrate. Experimental design for animal variables was a 3 × 3 Latin Square repeated three times with nine Holstein cows and 14 days experimental periods. Cows received 4.65 kg DM/day of a 16% CP commercial concentrate. Milk yield and composition, live weight, and body condition score were recorded. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for sward height and net herbage accumulation, nor for important components of chemical composition of herbages. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for milk yield (19 kg/cow/day) and composition, although differences (P < 0.05) were detected for live weight and body condition score. The conclusion is that there is no advantage of associating tall fescue with kikuyu in summer-autumn transition period for small-scale dairy systems.

A quality improvement project to improve diabetes self-management and patient satisfaction in a low-resourced central Kenyan hospital.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence about effective strategies for promoting culturally congruent diabetes education in low-resourced primary-care settings. OBJECTIVES: This project, conducted in Central Kenya, examined the effect of an intervention on provider practices and patients' knowledge of diabetes self-care management. METHODS: The intervention consisted of short (30-minute) sessions that offered providers evidenced-based, culturally congruent diabetes education and teaching materials to use with patients. A checklist was used to assess providers' diabetes care practices at baseline and post intervention. Data from semi-structured patient interviews assessed patients' diabetes knowledge at baseline and post intervention. Providers and patients also completed post-intervention satisfaction surveys. RESULTS: Six providers and 74 patients participated in the project. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS. Significant increases were noted in patients' post-intervention overall diabetes knowledge score (p=.05) and the foot care knowledge subscale (p=.02). No significant differences were noted between patients' baseline and post-intervention scores in the general diabetes (p=.86) or nutrition knowledge (p=.32) subscales. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest supporting providers with culturally congruent tools and resources about diabetes care guidelines can improve knowledge of self-care practices in patients with diabetes.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and their potential as bioinoculants on Pennisetum clandestinum (Poaceae)

Introduction: The sustainable production of pastures has become a fundamental challenge for the livestock sector where research with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria as a viable solution, has nearly not been reported. Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine the potential to stimulate growth in Pennisetum clandestinum grass using four isolated bacterial strains from soils obtained from a Colombian tropical silvopastoral system. Methods: We previously identified genetically the strains and characterized two plant growth promoting activities. In addition, we evaluated the growth-promoting effect of the strains in Kikuyo grass under greenhouse conditions. Results: We found that the four bacterial strains were phylogenetically associated with Klebsiella sp. (strains 28P and 35P), Beijerinka sp. (37L) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (E37), based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the in vitro biochemical assays demonstrated that the strains exhibited some plant growth promoting mechanisms such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity and indole compound synthesis. Notably, bacterial inoculation under greenhouse conditions showed a positive influence on P. clandestinum growth. We found a significant (P < 0.05) effect on root and shoot length and shoot dry weight. Shoot length increased by 52 % and 30 % with 37L and 35P compared to those without inoculation treatment. Similarly, the use of 37L and 28P raised shoot dry weight values by 170 % and 131 %, respectively. In root development, inoculation with strains 37L and E37 increased root length by 134 % and 100 %, respectively. Conclusion: Beijerinckia sp. 37L was the most effective of the four strains at increasing P. clandestinum biomass and length.

Introducción: La producción sostenible de pastos se ha convertido en un desafío fundamental para el sector ganadero, donde investigaciones con bacterias promotoras de crecimiento vegetal, como una solución viable, han sido poco reportadas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar el potencial para estimular el crecimiento del pasto Pennisetum clandestinum utilizando cuatro cepas bacterianas aisladas de suelos obtenidos de un sistema silvopastoril tropical colombiano. Métodos: Anteriormente identificamos genéticamente las cepas y caracterizamos dos actividades que promueven el crecimiento de las plantas. Además, evaluamos el efecto promotor del crecimiento de las cepas en el pasto Kikuyo en condiciones de invernadero. Resultados: Encontramos que las cuatro cepas bacterianas se asociaron filogenéticamente con Klebsiella sp. (cepas 28P y 35P), Beijerinka sp. (37L) y Achromobacter xylosoxidans (E37), basados en la secuenciación parcial del gen 16S rRNA. Además, los ensayos bioquímicos in vitro demostraron que las cepas exhibían algunos mecanismos que promueven el crecimiento de las plantas tales como la actividad de la enzima desaminasa del ácido 1-aminociclopropano-1- carboxílico, y la síntesis del compuesto indol. En particular, la inoculación bacteriana bajo condiciones de invernadero mostró una influencia positiva en el crecimiento de P. clandestinum. Encontramos un efecto significativo (P < 0.05) en la longitud de la raíz y el tallo, y el peso seco del tallo. La longitud del tallo aumentó en un 52 % y 30 % con 37L y 35P, respectivamente, en comparación con aquellos sin tratamiento de inoculación. Igualmente, el uso de las cepas 37L y 28P aumentó los valores de peso seco del tallo en un 170 y un 131 %, respectivamente. En el desarrollo de la raíz, la inoculación con las cepas 37L y E37 aumentó la longitud de la raíz en 134 y 100 %, respectivamente. Conclusión: Beijerinckia sp. 37L fue la más efectiva de las cuatro cepas al aumentar la biomasa y la longitud de P. clandestinum.

Methane production from four forages at three maturity stages in a ruminal in vitro system / Producción de metano de cuatro forrajes en tres estados de madurez en un sistema ruminal in vitro / Produção de metano de quatro forragens em três estágios de maturidade em um sistema ruminal in vitro

Abstract Background: Forage characteristics can modify in vitro methane production. There is little information about in vitro methane production of legumes and grasses at different maturity stages in tropical highland grazing systems. Objective: To evaluate the effect of species and forage maturity on in vitro methane production. Methods: Four forage species grown in tropical highlands of Colombia, two grasses: Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus, previously named Pennisetum clandestinum) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne var. Samsum), and two legumes: Lotus (Lotus uliginosus var. Maku) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) were harvested in two paddocks at three maturity stages (young, intermediate, and mature). In vitro 48 h gas production was measured and methane proportion in gas was quantified by gas chromatography. Data were analysed as a randomized complete block (paddocks) design with a factorial arrangement 4×3 (4 species × 3 maturity stages) using the GLM procedure of SAS®. Results: Lotus produced less methane (p<0.01) than ryegrass, clover, and kikuyu (35.5 vs 64.7, 55.7 or 51.4 mL/g degraded organic matter, respectively). Younger forages produced less methane than intermediate and mature forages (42.8 vs 56.3 and 56.4 mL/g degraded organic matter, respectively). Cellulose concentration and organic matter degradability explained 67% (p<0.01) of methane production. Conclusion: Forage composition, presence of condensed tannins, and changes in fermentation patterns may explain the differences observed in in vitro methane production among species and maturity stages.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las características de los forrajes pueden afectar la producción de metano. Hay poca información sobre la producción de metano de leguminosas y gramíneas en diferentes estados de madurez en los sistemas pastoriles de trópico alto. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la especie y la madurez de los forrajes sobre la producción de metano in vitro. Métodos: Cuatro especies forrajeras de trópico alto colombiano, dos gramíneas: Kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus, anteriormente llamado Pennisetum clandestinum) y ryegrass (Lolium perenne var. Samsum) y dos leguminosas: Lotus (Lotus uliginosus var. Maku) y trébol rojo (Trifolium pratense), fueron cosechadas de dos parcelas en tres estados de madurez (joven, intermedio y maduro). Se midió la producción de gas in vitro a las 48 h y la proporción de metano en el gas por cromatografía de gases. Los datos se analizaron empleando un diseño de bloques completos al azar (parcelas) con un arreglo factorial 4×3 (4 especies × 3 estados de madurez) mediante el procedimiento GLM de SAS®. Resultados: El lotus produjo menos metano (p<0,01) que el ryegrass, trébol o kikuyo (35,5 vs 64,7, 55,7 o 51,4 mL/g materia orgánica degradada, respectivamente). Los forrajes jóvenes produjeron menos metano que aquellos de edad intermedia y madura (42,8 vs 56,3 y 56,4 mL/g materia orgánica degradada, respectivamente). La concentración de celulosa y la digestibilidad de la materia orgánica explicaron el 67% (p<0,01) de la producción de metano. Conclusión: La composición de la pastura, la concentración de taninos condensados y los cambios en los patrones de fermentación pueden explicar las diferencias en la producción de metano in vitro según la especie y madurez del forraje.

Resumo Antecedentes: As caraterísticas das forragens podem modificar a produção de metano. Existe pouca informação sobre a produção de metano de leguminosas e gramíneas em diferentes fases de maturidade nos sistemas de pastoreio de trópico alto. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da espécie e a maturidade das forragens sobre a produção de metano in vitro. Métodos: Quatro espécies de forragens de trópico alto colombiano, duas gramíneas: Capim quicuio (Cenchrus clandestinus), antigamente chamado Pennisetum clandestinum) e azevém (Lolium perenne var. Samsum) e duas leguminosas: Trevina (Lotus uliginosus var. Maku) y trevo (Trifolium pratense), foram colhidas de duas parcelas diferentes em três fases diferentes de maturidade (jovem, intermedia e madura). Foi avaliada a produção de gás in vitro às 48 h e a proporção de metano foi determinada por cromatografia de gases. Os dados foram analisados com um delineamento em blocos ao acaso (parcelas) com um arranjo fatorial 4×3 (4 espécies × 3 fases de maturidade) utilizando o procedimento GLM de SAS®. Resultados: Trevina produz menos metano (p<0,01) que azevém, trevo o capim quicuio (35,5 vs 64,7, 55,7 ou 51,4 mL/g matéria orgânica degradada, respetivamente). Forragens jovens produzem menos metano que forragens com idade intermedia e matura (42,8 vs 56,3 y 56,4 mL/g matéria orgânica degradada, respetivamente). A concentração de celulosa e a digestibilidade da matéria orgânica explicaram o 67% (p<0,01) da produção de metano. Conclusão: A composição da pastagem, a concentração de taninos condensados e as mudanças nos padrões de fermentação podem explicar as diferencias na produção de metano in vitro entre espécies e maturidade de forragens.

Characterisation of members of the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex from undisturbed soils in South Africa.

The genus Fusarium hosts a large number of economically significant phytopathogens with a global distribution. Surprisingly, only a limited number of studies have tried to identify the natural distribution of members of this genus in undisturbed soils. Members of the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC) are increasingly associated with plant disease, and human and animal health problems. Recently, an outbreak of kikuyu poisoning of cattle was attributed to the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex. Thus, it is of importance to identify the natural distribution of members of the FIESC from the environment. The aim of this study was to use the phylogenetic signal within the TEF 1α gene region to characterise 54 F. incarnatum-equiseti isolates obtained from undisturbed soils from the grassland biome of South Africa. These isolates were further compared with members of the FIESC previously associated with kikuyu poisoning of cattle. The phylogenetic analysis indicated a high level of variation within this species complex. Several members were closely related to isolates implicated in the death of cattle from infected kikuyu grass.

Amelioration of bauxite residue sand by intermittent additions of nitrogen fertiliser and leaching fractions: The effect on growth of kikuyu grass and fate of applied nutrients.

Bauxite residue, a waste product of aluminium processing operations is characterised by high pH, salinity and exchangeable sodium which hinders sustainable plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake form, optimum application rate and timing of nitrogen fertiliser to improve bauxite residue characteristics for plant growth. Kikuyu grass was grown in plastic columns filled with residue sand/carbonated residue mud mixture (20:1) previously amended with gypsum, phosphoric acid and basal nutrients. The experiment was set up as a 4×4 factorial design comprising four levels of applied nitrogen (N) fertiliser (0, 3, 6 and 12mgNkg(-1) residue) and four frequencies of leaching (16, 8 and 4day intervals). We hypothesised that the use of ammonium sulfate fertiliser would increase retention of N within the rhizosphere thereby encouraging more efficient fertiliser use. We found that N uptake by kikuyu grass was enhanced due to leaching of excess salts and alkalinity from the residue profile. It was also concluded that biomass production and associated N uptake by kikuyu grass grown in residue is dependent on the type of fertiliser used.

Levels of nitrates in a urea fertilized Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone) pasture on the high plains of Antioquia, Colombia / Niveles de nitrato en pasto Kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone) fertilizado con urea en el antiplano de Antioquia, Colombia / Niveles de nitrato en pasto Kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone) fertilizado con urea en el antiplano de Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract Fertilization is one of the factors that can contribute to build-up of nitrates in kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus) pastures of the tropics. Field studies to evaluate the influence of nitrogen fertilization on yield and nitrate concentrations were conducted between December 2012 and June 2013 at the Agricultural Station of the National University at Santa Elena (Antioquia). The experimental design was a 4 x 4 block design with four replications in a monoculture paddock of kikuyu grass. Treatments were four levels of nitrogen applied as topdressing urea granules (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha per plot). Whole grass samples (blades and stems) were collected at 42 days post-fertilization to mimic cattle grazing exposure. Biomass was estimated as dry matter yield per hectare and nitrates were measured by ion chromatography and expressed as parts per million (ppm) on dry matter content. No significant difference in biomass was observed between urea application rates; however, all treated plots produced more biomass than non-treated plots (mean 2.14 vs 1.12 Tons/ha, p<0,05). Mean ± SEM concentrations of NO3 for all time intervals combined increased from 369 ± 216 ppm with no fertilization, to 878 ± 881 ppm at the highest application rate. In spite of the large variation within each group, the highest NO3 level attained was 5600 ppm NO3, which are considered safe for cattle consumption. It can be concluded that nitrate levels in kikuyu pastures fertilized with 4 times the usual rate of nitrogen did not accumulate to pose a health risk in cattle; however, other factors that could also influence nitrate accumulation were not determined in this study.

Resumen La fertilización es uno de los factores que contribuye a la acumulación de nitratos en el pasto kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus) en el trópico. Este estudio, realizado entre diciembre de 2012 y junio de 2013 en la Hacienda Paysandú de la Universidad Nacional, ubicada en Santa Elena-Medellín (Antioquia), evaluó la influencia de la fertilización con nitrógeno sobre la producción y las concentraciones de nitratos. El diseño experimental fue en bloques de 4 x 4 con cuatro repeticiones de parcelas monocultivo de pasto kikuyo. Los tratamientos fueron cuatro niveles de nitrógeno aplicado como gránulos de urea sobre la superficie (0, 50, 100 y 200 kg/ha por corte). Las muestras de pasto completo (hojas y tallos) se colectaron a los 42 días posfertilización, con el fin de simular la exposición al pastoreo con ganado. La biomasa se midió como la producción de materia seca por hectárea; los nitratos se midieron por cromatografía iónica, expresada en partes por millón (ppm) sobre el contenido de materia seca. No hubo diferencia significativa en la producción de biomasa entre las diferentes tasas de aplicación de urea; sin embargo todas las parcelas tratadas produjeron más biomasa comparadas con las parcelas no tratadas (promedio 2.14 vs 1.12 ton/ha, p<0,05). Las concentraciones promedio ± SEM de NO3 para todos los tiempos de muestreo combinados, se incrementaron de 369 ± 216 ppm sin fertilización a 878 ± 881 ppm con la más alta tasa de fertilización aplicada. A pesar de la gran variación dentro de cada grupo, los niveles más altos de NO3 obtenidos fueron de 5600 ppm NO3, los cuales se consideran seguros para el consumo en ganado. Se puede concluir que los niveles de nitrato en el pasto kikuyu fertilizado con cuatro veces la tasa normal de nitrógeno, no se acumulan como para plantear un riesgo para la salud en el ganado. Sin embargo, es importante señalar que otros factores que pueden influir en la acumulación de nitratos no se evaluaron en este estudio.

Resumo A adubação é um dos fatores que contribuem na acumulação de nitratos da pastagem kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus) do trópico. Este estudo foi realizado entre dezembro de 2012 e junho de 2013 na fazenda Paysandu da Universidade Nacional da Colômbia, localizada no corregimento Santa Elena da cidade de Medellín, Antioquia. Avaliou-se a influência da adubação com nitrogênio sobre a produção e as concentrações de nitratos. O desenho experimental foi de blocos de 4 x 4 com quatro repetições nas parcelas da monocultura de pastagem kikuyo. Os tratamentos foram quatro níveis de nitrogênio aplicado como grânulos de uréia sobre a superfície (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg/ha por safra). As amostras da pastagem completa (folhas e talhos) coletaram-se aos 42 dias após adubação, com o intuito de simular a exposição ao pastoreio com gado. A biomassa mediou-se com a produção de matéria seca por hectare; os nitratos mediram-se por cromatografia iônica, expressada em partes por milhão (ppm) sobre o conteúdo de matéria seca. Não houve diferença significativa na produção de biomassa entre as diferentes taxas de aplicação de uréia; embora, todas as parcelas experimentais produziram maior biomassa comparada com as parcelas não tratadas (media 2.14 vs 1.12 ton/ha, p<0,05). As concentrações medias ± SEM de NO3 para todos os tempos de amostragem combinadas, se incrementaram de 369 ± 216 ppm sem adubação até 878 ± 881 ppm com a maior adubação aplicada. Ainda que houve grande variação dentro de cada grupo, os níveis maiores de NO3 obtidos foram de 5600 ppm NO3, os quais se consideram seguros para o consumo do gado. Pode-se concluir que os níveis de nitrato na pastagem kikuyo adubado com quatro vezes a taxa normal de nitrogênio, não apresentam acumulação como para ter um risco de saúde quando é consumido pelo gado. Embora, outros fatores são importantes para ter em conta, pois eles podem influir na acumulação de nitratos que não foram avaliados neste estudo.