Soil amendments and water management to improve attenuation and recovery of wastewater originated nutrients through a vegetation filter.

Vegetation filters (VFs) are on-site wastewater (WW) treatments that can be considered as a nature-based solution (NbS). They are green infrastructures that provide several environmental benefits such as non-potable water reuse, contamination reduction, biomass production, landscaping improvements and CO2 fixation, among others. However, nutrient leaching, especially nitrate, partially exists. To overcome this limitation, operational parameters related to the irrigation water management and soil amendments were tested in a real system receiving WW from an office building operated along 4 years. The attenuation of N is improved (up to 83%) in the vadose zone by boosting biodegradation. Lower hydraulic loads and more frequent irrigation events using drippers and the incorporation of woodchips as a layer above the topsoil promote denitrification processes. Changes in organic carbon characteristics also confirm that biodegradation is enhanced. P attenuation is a result of abiotic processes, mainly driven by chemical equilibriums between the liquid and the sorbed and/or precipitated phase and, when uncontrolled changes in the WW quality occurs, removal efficiency is negatively affected. However, only 10% of the samples collected at 45 cm depth present concentrations above 2 mg/L. The woodchips application does not seem to ameliorate P removal regardless of the application method. The implemented measures allow higher soil water content, infiltration and groundwater recharge and prevents aquifer contamination.

Cattle aggregations at shared resources create potential parasite exposure hotspots for wildlife.

Globally rising livestock populations and declining wildlife numbers are likely to dramatically change disease risk for wildlife and livestock, especially at resources where they congregate. However, limited understanding of interspecific transmission dynamics at these hotspots hinders disease prediction or mitigation. In this study, we combined gastrointestinal nematode density and host foraging activity measurements from our prior work in an East African tropical savannah system with three estimates of parasite sharing capacity to investigate how interspecific exposures alter the relative riskiness of an important resource - water - among cattle and five dominant herbivore species. We found that due to their high parasite output, water dependence and parasite sharing capacity, cattle greatly increased potential parasite exposures at water sources for wild ruminants. When untreated for parasites, cattle accounted for over two-thirds of total potential exposures around water for wild ruminants, driving 2-23-fold increases in relative exposure levels at water sources. Simulated changes in wildlife and cattle ratios showed that water sources become increasingly important hotspots of interspecific transmission for wild ruminants when relative abundance of cattle parasites increases. These results emphasize that livestock have significant potential to alter the level and distribution of parasite exposures across the landscape for wild ruminants.

Mitigating the effects of climate change on the nests of sea turtles with artificial irrigation.

For sea turtles, like many oviparous species, increasing temperatures during development threaten to increase embryonic mortality, alter offspring quality, and potentially create suboptimal primary sex ratios. Various methods are being implemented to mitigate the effects of climate change on reproductive success, but these methods, such as breeding programs, translocations, and shading, are often invasive and expensive. Irrigation is an alternative strategy for cooling nests that, depending on location, can be implemented relatively quickly and cheaply. However, multiple factors, including ambient conditions, nest substrate, and species characteristics, can influence irrigation success. Additionally, irrigation can vary in duration, frequency, and the volume of water applied to nests, which influences the cooling achieved and embryonic survival. Thus, it is critical to understand how to maximize cooling and manage risks before implementing irrigation as a nest-cooling strategy. We reviewed the literature on nest irrigation to examine whether artificial irrigation is feasible as a population management tool. Key factors that affected cooling were the volume of water applied and the frequency of applications. Embryonic responses varied with species, ambient conditions, and the timing of irrigation during development. Nest inundation was the key risk to a successful irrigation regime. Future irrigation regimes must identify clear targets, either primary or adult sex ratios, that maximize population viability. Monitoring population responses and adjusting the irrigation regime in response to population characteristics will be critical. Most studies reported on the manipulation of only one or two variables, further research is required to understand how altering multiple factors in an irrigation regime influences the cooling achieved and embryonic responses.

Como sucede con muchas especies ovíparas, el incremento en las temperaturas durante el desarrollo embrionario puede aumentar la mortalidad embrionaria, alterar la calidad de la descendencia y tiene el potencial de crear proporciones sexuales primarias poco óptimas en las tortugas marinas. Se están implementando varios métodos para mitigar los efectos del cambio climático sobre el éxito reproductivo, aunque dichos métodos (p. ej.: los programas de reproducción, reubicaciones y sombreado) suelen ser invasivos y costosos. La irrigación es una estrategia alternativa para el enfriamiento de los nidos, la cual, según la ubicación, puede implementarse de manera rápida y económica. Sin embargo, factores como las condiciones ambientales, el sustrato de anidación y las características de la especie pueden influir sobre el éxito de la irrigación. Además, la duración, frecuencia y volumen del agua aplicada a los nidos durante la irrigación puede variar, lo que influye sobre el enfriamiento y la supervivencia embrionaria. Por todo esto, es importante entender cómo maximizar el enfriamiento y gestionar los riesgos antes de implementar la irrigación como estrategia de enfriamiento de nidos. Revisamos la literatura sobre la irrigación de nidos para analizar si la irrigación artificial es una herramienta viable de manejo poblacional. Los factores clave que afectaron el enfriamiento fueron el volumen aplicado de agua y la frecuencia de las aplicaciones. Las respuestas embrionarias variaron según la especie, condiciones ambientales y el momento de irrigación durante el desarrollo. El principal riesgo para un régimen exitoso de irrigación fue la inundación del nido. Los próximos regímenes de irrigación deben identificar objetivos claros, ya sean las proporciones sexuales adultas o primarias, que maximicen la viabilidad poblacional. Para esto, serán muy importantes el monitoreo de las respuestas poblacionales y el ajuste del régimen de irrigación en respuesta a las características de la población. La mayoría de los estudios reportaron la manipulación de una o dos variables, por lo que se requiere de mayores estudios para entender cómo la alteración de varios factores en el régimen de irrigación influye sobre el enfriamiento obtenido y las respuestas embrionarias.

Assessment of water resources for livestock in the Wilaya of Naama, Southwest Algeria: a GIS-based approach.

This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and spatial data to evaluate water resource availability for livestock watering in Algeria's southwestern Wilaya of Naama. The research adopts a two-stage approach, starting with the creation of seven thematic maps encompassing livestock water needs, proximity to water sources, water quantities from boreholes, hillside reservoirs, wells, and springs, precipitation, and land use/land cover (LULC). Subsequently, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to identify suitable areas within the Wilaya for livestock watering. Beyond its primary objective of establishing a benchmark for water resources to facilitate optimal and sustainable livestock management, this study also aims to assess suitable sites for livestock and provide a comprehensive evaluation of water resources for grazing. The findings reveal that the majority of the area is unsuitable for grazing due to limited water resources, with approximately 2.43% being "highly suitable" (S1), 13.42% "moderately suitable" (S2), and the remaining 84.15% categorized as "marginally suitable" (S3), "temporarily unsuitable" (N1), or "permanently unsuitable" (N2). These results underscore the significance of GIS and spatial analysis in natural resource management and emphasize the need for further research to refine the methodology. The data generated in this study will be invaluable to researchers and water stakeholders for informed decision-making in this sensitive zone.

Nitrogen fertilisation disrupts the temporal dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal hyphae but not spore density and community composition in a wheat field.

Elucidating the temporal dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is critical for understanding their functions. Furthermore, research investigating the temporal dynamics of AM fungi in response to agricultural practices remains in its infancy. We investigated the effect of nitrogen fertilisation and watering reduction on the temporal dynamics of AM fungi, across the lifespan of wheat. Nitrogen fertilisation decreased AM fungal spore density (SD), extraradical hyphal density (ERHD), and intraradical colonisation rate (IRCR) in both watering conditions. Nitrogen fertilisation affected AM fungal community composition in soil but not in roots, regardless of watering conditions. The temporal analysis revealed that AM fungal ERHD and IRCR were higher under conventional watering and lower under reduced watering in March than in other growth stages at low (≤ 70 kg N ha-1 yr-1 ) but not at high (≥ 140) nitrogen fertilisation levels. AM fungal SD was lower in June than in other growth stages and community composition varied with plant development at all nitrogen fertilisation levels, regardless of watering conditions. This study demonstrates that high nitrogen fertilisation levels disrupt the temporal dynamics of AM fungal hyphal growth but not sporulation and community composition.

Dynamics of initial carbon allocation after drought release in mature Norway spruce-Increased belowground allocation of current photoassimilates covers only half of the carbon used for fine-root growth.

After drought events, tree recovery depends on sufficient carbon (C) allocation to the sink organs. The present study aimed to elucidate dynamics of tree-level C sink activity and allocation of recent photoassimilates (Cnew ) and stored C in c. 70-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees during a 4-week period after drought release. We conducted a continuous, whole-tree 13 C labeling in parallel with controlled watering after 5 years of experimental summer drought. The fate of Cnew to growth and CO2 efflux was tracked along branches, stems, coarse- and fine roots, ectomycorrhizae and root exudates to soil CO2 efflux after drought release. Compared with control trees, drought recovering trees showed an overall 6% lower C sink activity and 19% less allocation of Cnew to aboveground sinks, indicating a low priority for aboveground sinks during recovery. In contrast, fine-root growth in recovering trees was seven times greater than that of controls. However, only half of the C used for new fine-root growth was comprised of Cnew while the other half was supplied by stored C. For drought recovery of mature spruce trees, in addition to Cnew , stored C appears to be critical for the regeneration of the fine-root system and the associated water uptake capacity.

High resilience of carbon transport in long-term drought-stressed mature Norway spruce trees within 2 weeks after drought release.

Under ongoing global climate change, drought periods are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity in the future. Under these circumstances, it is crucial for tree's survival to recover their restricted functionalities quickly after drought release. To elucidate the recovery of carbon (C) transport rates in c. 70-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] KARST.) after 5 years of recurrent summer droughts, we conducted a continuous whole-tree 13 C labeling experiment in parallel with watering. We determined the arrival time of current photoassimilates in major C sinks by tracing the 13 C label in stem and soil CO2 efflux, and tips of living fine roots. In the first week after watering, aboveground C transport rates (CTR) from crown to trunk base were still 50% lower in previously drought-stressed trees (0.16 ± 0.01 m h-1 ) compared to controls (0.30 ± 0.06 m h-1 ). Conversely, CTR below ground, that is, from the trunk base to soil CO2 efflux were already similar between treatments (c. 0.03 m h-1 ). Two weeks after watering, aboveground C transport of previously drought-stressed trees recovered to the level of the controls. Furthermore, regrowth of water-absorbing fine roots upon watering was supported by faster incorporation of 13 C label in previously drought-stressed (within 12 ± 10 h upon arrival at trunk base) compared to control trees (73 ± 10 h). Thus, the whole-tree C transport system from the crown to soil CO2 efflux fully recovered within 2 weeks after drought release, and hence showed high resilience to recurrent summer droughts in mature Norway spruce forests. This high resilience of the C transport system is an important prerequisite for the recovery of other tree functionalities and productivity.

Soil Moisture a Posteriori Measurements Enhancement Using Ensemble Learning.

This work aimed to assess the recalibration and accurate characterization of commonly used smart soil-moisture sensors using computational methods. The paper describes an ensemble learning algorithm that boosts the performance of potato root moisture estimation and increases the simple moisture sensors' performance. It was prepared using several month-long everyday actual outdoor data and validated on the separated part of that dataset. To obtain conclusive results, two different potato varieties were grown on 24 separate plots on two distinct soil profiles and, besides natural precipitation, several different watering strategies were applied, and the experiment was monitored during the whole season. The acquisitions on every plot were performed using simple moisture sensors and were supplemented with reference manual gravimetric measurements and meteorological data. Next, a group of machine learning algorithms was tested to extract the information from this measurements dataset. The study showed the possibility of decreasing the median moisture estimation error from 2.035% for the baseline model to 0.808%, which was achieved using the Extra Trees algorithm.

A Smart Sensing System of Water Quality and Intake Monitoring for Livestock and Wild Animals.

This paper presents a water intake monitoring system for animal agriculture that tracks individual animal watering behavior, water quality, and water consumption. The system is deployed in an outdoor environment to reach remote areas. The proposed system integrates motion detectors, cameras, water level sensors, flow meters, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, and water temperature sensors. The data collection and control are performed using Arduino microcontrollers with custom-designed circuit boards. The data associated with each drinking event are water consumption, water temperature, drinking duration, animal identification, and pictures. The data and pictures are automatically stored on Secure Digital (SD) cards. The prototypes are deployed in a remote grazing site located in Tucumcari, New Mexico, USA. The system can be used to perform water consumption and watering behavior studies of both domestic animals and wild animals. The current system automatically records the drinking behavior of 29 cows in a two-week duration in the remote ranch.

Evaluating the Ecological Benefits of Management Actions to Complement Environmental Flows in River Systems.

Globally, many river systems are under stress due to overconsumption of water. Governments have responded with programmes to deliver environmental water to improve environmental outcomes. Although such programmes are essential, they may not be sufficient to achieve all desired environmental outcomes. The benefits of environmental water allocation may be improved using 'complementary measures', which are non-flow-based actions, such as infrastructure works, vegetation management and pest control. The value of complementary measures is recognised globally, but their ecological benefits are rarely well understood, either because there is limited experience with their application, or the importance of context- and location-specific factors make it difficult to generalise benefits. In this study, we developed an approach to evaluate complementary measures at different levels of detail as a mechanism to aid decision-making. For systems that require a rapid, high-level evaluation, we propose a score-based multi-criteria benefit assessment module. If more ecological detail is necessary, we outline a method based on conceptual models, expert elicitation and probability assessment. These results are used to populate a cumulative benefit assessment tool. The tool evaluates the benefits of proposed measures in the wider context by including variables such as flow, dependence on ongoing maintenance and additional ecological values. We illustrate our approach through application to the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. As many water recovery programmes mature into their evaluation phases, there is an increasing need to evaluate the ecological benefits of including complementary measures in the toolkit available to policy makers.

Effect of glutamic acid foliar applications on lettuce under water stress.

The yield and quality of leafy vegetables can be compromised by reduced water availability. Glutamic acid is involved in different biological processes and among them it plays an important role in chlorophyll and proline biosynthesis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible efficacy of glutamic acid in counteracting water stress in romaine lettuce. Lettuce plants were grown in pots filled with substrate and subjected to water deprivation. A glutamic acid solution (1.9 mM) was applied as foliar treatment, both in stressed and non-stressed plants. The effect of the treatment was evaluated at different time points during the experiment in order to evaluate changes at a molecular, physiological, biochemical and agronomic level. Yield was reduced by 35% in stressed plants, while no significant changes in quality parameters were observed, except for nitrate content, which increased under water stress. At a molecular level, the expression of genes encoding for ROS scavenging enzymes was monitored but, apparently, glutamic acid did not significantly prevent the water stress response. Slightly positive effects deriving from glutamic acid application were found for nitrate and proline contents, suggesting that a possible mode of action of glutamic acid would involve a role for these molecules. Further studies are required, also on other crop species, for confirming these results. Different concentrations and application modes should be also tested.

Differential regulatory pathways associated with drought-inhibition and post-drought recuperation of rhizome development in perennial grass.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rhizomes are key organs for the establishment of perennial grass stands and adaptation to environmental stress. However, mechanisms regulating rhizome initiation and elongation under drought stress and during post-drought recovery remain unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate molecular factors and metabolic processes involved in drought effects and post-drought recovery in rhizome growth in perennial grass species by comparative transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. METHODS: Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) (B-type rhizome genotype, 'BR') plants were exposed to drought stress and re-watering in growth chambers. The number and length of rhizomes were measured following drought stress and re-watering. Hormone and sugar contents were analysed, and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed to identify metabolic factors, genes and proteins associated with rhizome development. KEY RESULTS: Rhizome initiation and elongation were inhibited by drought stress, and were associated with increases in the contents of abscisic acid (ABA) and soluble sugars, but declines in the contents of indoleacetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside (ZR) and gibberellin (GA4). Genes involved in multiple metabolic processes and stress defence systems related to rhizome initiation exhibited different responses to drought stress, including ABA signalling, energy metabolism and stress protection. Drought-inhibition of rhizome elongation could be mainly associated with the alteration of GA4 and antioxidants contents, energy metabolism and stress response proteins. Upon re-watering, new rhizomes were regenerated from rhizome nodes previously exposed to drought stress, which was accompanied by the decline in ABA content and increases in IAA, ZR and GA4, as well as genes and proteins for auxin, lipids, lignin and nitrogen metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Drought-inhibition of rhizome initiation and elongation in tall fescue was mainly associated with adjustments in hormone metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and stress-defence systems. Rhizome regeneration in response to re-watering involved reactivation of hormone and lipid metabolism, secondary cell-wall development, and nitrogen remobilization and cycling.

Current status of eye disorders caused by docetaxel administration every 3 weeks: A case-control study in Japanese patients.

PURPOSE: Docetaxel is known to cause eye disorders. In this study, current status of eye disorders caused by docetaxel administration every 3 weeks in Japanese patients was examined. METHODS: This case-control study targeted patients who were newly administered docetaxel at the Kyoto Okamoto Memorial Hospital between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2018. Eye disorder occurrence was defined as an event in which the pharmacist confirmed the symptoms in a patient interview and the ophthalmologist diagnosed the disorder. RESULTS: Of the 89 subjects, 7 (7.9%) had eye disorders. The symptoms were watering eyes (7.9%), a stye and eye discharge (2.2% each), corneal and conjunctival disorder, visual acuity reduction, and blepharedema (1.1% each). Four patients who presented with watering eyes, eye discharge, or corneal and conjunctival disorder showed improvement with the use of eye drops such as artificial tears. Two patients who presented with a stye showed improvement with the use of oral cefcapene. One patient with mild symptoms showed spontaneous improvement. However, one patient had irreversible visual acuity reduction. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a cumulative docetaxel dose of ≥300 mg/m2 (odds ratio: 15.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.37-175.00, p = 0.027) and concomitant cyclophosphamide use (odds ratio: 13.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-153.00, p = 0.039) were significant risk factors associated with eye disorders. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it was determined that docetaxel-related eye disorders might be influenced by the cumulative dose of docetaxel and concomitant cyclophosphamide use. In addition, relatively mild symptoms improved with medication.

Bacterial diversity in the waterholes of the Kruger National Park: an eDNA metabarcoding approach 1.

Bacteria are essential components of natural environments. They contribute to ecosystem functioning through roles as mutualists and pathogens for larger species, and as key components of food webs and nutrient cycles. Bacterial communities respond to environmental disturbances, and the tracking of these communities across space and time may serve as indicators of ecosystem health in areas of conservation concern. Recent advances in DNA sequencing of environmental samples allow for rapid and culture-free characterization of bacterial communities. Here we conduct the first metabarcoding survey of bacterial diversity in the waterholes of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. We show that eDNA can be amplified from waterholes and find strongly structured microbial communities, likely reflecting local abiotic conditions, animal ecology, and anthropogenic disturbance. Over timescales from days to weeks we find increased turnover in community composition, indicating bacteria may represent host-associated taxa of large vertebrates visiting the waterholes. Through taxonomic annotation we also identify pathogenic taxa, demonstrating the utility of eDNA metabarcoding for surveillance of infectious diseases. These samples serve as a baseline survey of bacterial diversity in the Kruger National Park, and in the future, spatially distinct microbial communities may be used as markers of ecosystem disturbance, or biotic homogenization across the park.

Pharmacokinetics of S-1 monotherapy in plasma and in tears for gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: S-1 is an oral anticancer drug composed of tegafur (FT), which is a prodrug of 5-FU, 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP), and potassium oxonate. Recently, some studies have been reported on watering eyes caused by S-1. However, the mechanism of watering eyes caused by S-1 is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between tears and plasma concentrations of FT, 5-FU, and CDHP, which are components and active modulator of S-1. METHODS: We prospectively investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of FT, 5-FU, and CDHP in plasma and in tears of gastric cancer patients who were treated with S-1 monotherapy at the dose of 80 mg/m2/day. Plasma and tears from both eyes were obtained 1, 2, 4, and 8 h after S-1 administration on day 1 and 14 of the first cycle. RESULTS: Total of eight patients were enrolled. All the FT, 5-FU and CDHP were detected both in plasma and in tears, and their PK parameters were measured. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of FT, 5-FU and CDHP in the plasma and those in the tears on day 1 and day 14 (correlation coefficients r, right eye/left eye: r = 0.882/0.878, 0.877/0.890, and 0.885/0.878, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of FT, 5-FU and CDHP in the plasma and those in the tears. The result is expected to facilitate the further investigation into the causes of watering eyes and the establishment of the effective methods for the prevention and the treatment.

Critical issues and alternatives for the establishment of chemical water quality criteria for livestock.

Good water quality for livestock is essential for animal health, supply of safe food and food production economy. Few countries have established water quality criteria for livestock for chemical contaminants. For those that have them, the values are quite variable among each other for the same substance due to differences in the approach for the acceptable daily intakes and algorithms for the calculation. In several countries, including Brazil, these standards are based on international or other countries' data, which differ among protected species, exposure scenarios, and levels of protection. The objective of this work was to discuss critical issues to establish chemical water quality criteria for livestock in Brazil. A discussion about the difficulties involved and the alternatives when sufficient data are not available is presented. Using the Canadian framework for reference, we provide recommendations on a revised framework and alternatives regarding the use of chronic studies as mandatory, defaulting to human health drinking water quality guidelines/criteria for livestock, the use of additional safety factors, and alternatives in the absence of toxicological data.

Preparation, characterization and functional properties of Moringa oleifera seed protein isolate.

Moringa seed protein isolate (MPI) was prepared by aqueous salt extraction followed by watering-out to precipitate proteins. Extraction and precipitation steps were optimized to achieve maximum MPI yield. Besides, MPI was characterized based on its composition and functional properties. Among the multiple salts examined, Na2SO4 (69.9%), KCl (66.2%), NaCl (65.4%), and NaBr (63.5%) displayed better protein extractability as well as higher MPI yield (~ 52%) with a protein content of > 90% d.b. However, NaCl was preferred considering its wider acceptance. Based on response surface methodology analysis, solvent-to-flour ratio, 22:1 (v/w), NaCl concentration, 0.4 M and temperature, 55 °C were found optimal for maximum protein extractability of 70.3%. Subsequent watering-out resulted in a maximum MPI yield of 56% (protein basis). MPI contained all the protein subunits (6.5, 14, 29 kDa) present in its source. It also scored over commercial soy protein isolate in many of the functional properties.

WITHDRAWN:The Effect of Intermittent Watering on Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Nutrient Digestibility in Baluchi Lambs.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of intermittent watering on Baluchi lambs, regarding their performance, blood metabolites, and nutrient digestibility. Methods: Twenty male Baluchi lambs, 120 ± 5 days of age and 29 ±2.2 kg body weight were randomly assigned to four watering treatments: (T1) free access to water during the day, (T2) watered ad libitum twice a day, (T3) watered ad libitum once a day, (T4) watered ad libitum once every two days. The experiment lasted 42 days. Results: water restriction led to reduction in weight gain, DMI, water consumption, Water/DMI (p<0.05). Rectal temperature and respiration rate non influenced (p>0.05). aldosterone, cortisol, insulin hormone affected by treatments (p<0.05). Serum glucose, creatinine, total protein and globulin not affected (p> 0.05). while observed significant difference among T3 with other treatment in BUN (p<0.05). significant differences were observed in serum cholesterol and triglyceride between T4 and other groups (p< 0.05). There was a significant difference between T4 and T1 and T2 in albumin serum (p< 0.05). RBC WBC non influenced by water restriction (p< 0.05). However, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and hemoglobin influenced by treatments (p< 0.05). sodium and chloride of serum was significantly higher in T4, and there were significant differences among the treatments (p< 0.05). But there were no differences among the treatments (p> 0.05), with regard to calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. Digestibility of ADF, NDF, CP and OM was different among T3, T4 and other treatments (p< 0.05), while no differences were found in EE digestibility among treatments (p> 0.05). There was a significant difference between T4 and other groups and between T4 and T1 regarding fecal output and urine exertion respectively. Conclusion: This results implies that Baluchi lambs can tolerate water restriction up to once a day for at least 28 days without harmful effects.

Influence of drinking water salinity on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Santa Inês lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different salinity levels in drinking water on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of lamb carcass and meat. Ram lambs (n = 32) were distributed in a completely randomized design with four levels of salinity in the drinking water (640 mg of total dissolved solids (TDS)/L of water, 3188 mg TDS/L water, 5740 mg TDS/L water, and 8326 mg TDS/L water). After slaughter, blending, gutting, and skinning the carcass, hot and biological carcass yields were obtained. Then, the carcasses were cooled at 5 °C for 24 h, and then, the morphometric measurements and the cold carcass yield were determined and the commercial cuts made. In the Longissimus lumborum muscle color, water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, and chemical composition were determined. The yields of hot and cold carcass (46.10 and 44.90%), as well as losses to cooling (2.40%) were not affected (P > 0.05) by the salinity levels in the water ingested by the lambs. The meat shear force was 3.47 kg/cm2 and moisture, crude protein, ether extract, and ash were 73.62, 22.77, 2.5, and 4.3%, respectively. It is possible to supply water with salinity levels of up to 8326 mg TDS/L, because it did not affect the carcass and meat characteristics of Santa Inês lambs.

[Presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in watering trough in La Pampa province, Argentina]. / Presencia de Acanthamoeba spp. en agua para consumo ganadero en la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina.

Free-living Amoebae of Acanthamoeba genus include non-pathogenic and pathogenic strains that are currently classified in 18 different genotypes, T1-T18. In this study, a survey was carried out to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba strains inwatering trough sample in La Pampa province, Argentina. Sample were inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates and were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba. Polymerase chain reaction was performed with genus-specific primers JDP1/JDP2, followed by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction product for molecular identification. Sequencing results revealed the presence of T4, T5 and T15 genotypes within the studied samples. Sequencing revealed presence of T4, T5 and T15 in the samples studied genotypes, the most frequent T4. Our study reveals importance of the presence of Acanthamoeba in the livestock environment and the need for further studies to associate the presence of these organisms and the role in veterinary pathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the presence Acanthamoeba in La Pampa province and the first study at the genotype level in Argentina.