Grazing intensity of cattle on a complex of rangeland communities in Central Australia.

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
WA Low ◽  
WJ Muller ◽  
ML Dudzinski
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Range Condition ◽  
Aerial Surveys ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Central Australia ◽  
Free Ranging

Distribution of cattle grazing the rangeland communities of Kunoth Paddock in central Australia was determined from aerial surveys at fortnightly intervals over a 4.5 year period. Mean density throughout the study was 3.5 cattle/km2 and varied between communities from 8.0 cattle/km2 to 0.4 cattle/km2 on the major communities and from 25.6 cattle/km2 to 3.2 cattle/km2 on the minor communities. Cow-days of use were calculated for seasonal intervals to show grazing intensity on the communities over ti~ne. Grazing concentrations throughout the study revealed three groups of utilization levels of the major communities. Foothill fans, Woodlands, Floodplains and Gilgaied plains received about twice the mean grazing intensity for the paddock. Mulga-annual grass received about average grazing intensity and Hills and Mulga-perennial grass received less than half the average grazing intensity. Our sti~dy shows that cattle graze range communities differentially in a free-ranging situation. This information is useful in interpreting results of range condition and trend studies, and also suggests that more uniform utilization of all the communities might be obtained by controlhng grazing distribution.

Change in range condition with distance from watering point and its implications for field survey.

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
BD Foran
Keyword(s):  
Field Survey ◽  
Reasonable Accuracy ◽  
Grid Pattern ◽  
Range Condition ◽  
Water Point ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Central Australia ◽  
Open Woodland

The effect of distance from a water point on range condition was examined for two rangeland types in central Australia; an open woodland community and a mulga annual community. Range condition was measured on a systematic grid pattern around the bore using the STARC method. In open woodland, range condition improved at about 2 km from water, but in mulga annual no change was detected due partly to a low number of sites close to the bore. The location of sampling sites adjacent to station roads did introduce some bias vrhen compared to the mean score over the whole area. The amount of bias acceptable must be seen in relation to factors such as time available for survey and the ease with which sample sites can be relocated. Two to four sampling sites located at a distance greater than 2 km, in rangeland preferred by cattle gave a mean score within 30% of the true mean for the whole area with the influence of 'sacrifice area' excluded. A reasonable accuracy of range condition sampling can be achieved in extensive central Australian rangelands. by stratifying the areas sampled with respect to country preferred by cattle and distance grazed from water.

scholarly journals Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) distribution in relation to topography and management on seven high country properties in the South Island

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. 168-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.N. Tozer ◽  
A.J. Marshall ◽  
J.R. Sedcole ◽  
G.R. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Plant Competition ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
The South ◽  
Bromus Diandrus ◽  
Brome Grass

Seeds of ripgut brome an annual grass can contaminate the wool pelt and carcasses of sheep grazing on high country properties The distribution of ripgut brome on seven high country properties in Marlborough Canterbury and Otago was determined during December 2006 to February 2007 The presence of ripgut brome was measured in paddocks of different management intensities at altitudes ranging from 400 to 1400 m Ripgut brome grass presence was lower in sites managed less intensively (eg less fertiliser and oversowing) in hard than laxly grazed sites and in sites of high exotic perennial grass cover It was more prevalent on stock camps than off stock camps and on steeper slopes and sunny aspects but was unaffected by legume cover shrub presence or altitude The results suggest that increased grazing intensity and enhanced plant competition are methods that may be used to suppress ripgut brome on hill and high country properties

scholarly journals Association between stress and bilateral symmetrical alopecia in free-ranging Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Chih Chen ◽  
Ai-Mei Chang ◽  
Ming-Shan Tsai ◽  
Yen-Hua Huang ◽  
Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Population ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Normal Hair ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSince 2013, a high incidence of bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been observed in free-ranging Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan. We hypothesized that stress induces alopecia in this population. To verify our hypothesis, we evaluated the histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy and used a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis, which act as an indicator of stress experienced by the individual. Follicular densities were lower (2.1–3.0 mm2) in individuals with symmetrical alopecia than in those with normal hair conditions (4.7 mm2). Furthermore, anagen to catagen/telogen ratios were lower in individuals with alopecia (0–1.4) than in those with normal hair (4.0). The histopathological characteristics of alopecia were similar to those of telogen effluvium, which indicates that stress is one of the possible etiologies. On the basis of the analytical and biological validation of EIAs for FGM analysis, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone was considered suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in both sexes of Formosan macaques. The mean concentrations (standard error; sample size) of 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were 2.02 (0.17; n = 10) and 1.41 (0.10; n = 31) μg/g for individuals with and without alopecia, respectively. Furthermore, the results of logistic regression analysis show that 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (p = 0.012) concentration was positively associated with alopecia. Thus, stress was the most likely to trigger symmetrical alopecia in Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity. Although stress can decrease the fitness of an individual, considering the population status of Formosan macaques in Taiwan is stable and alopecia was only observed in our study area, which is isolated from other populations, the impact on the total population of Formosan macaque in Taiwan is limited. Nonetheless, stress-induced immunosuppression and alopecia might affect the local abundance and increase zoonosis risk due to frequent human–macaque contact in Mt. Longevity. Future studies are suggested to focus on the causative factor of stress and the effects of stress and alopecia on the health and welfare in the Formosan macaques.

scholarly journals Apparent source levels and active communication space of whistles of free-ranging Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary and Beibu Gulf, China

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Tao Wang ◽  
Whitlow Au ◽  
Luke Rendell ◽  
Ke-Xiong Wang ◽  
Hai-Ping Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
River Estuary ◽  
Pearl River Estuary ◽  
Pearl River ◽  
Beibu Gulf ◽  
Apparent Source ◽  
Communication Space ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Active Communication ◽  
The Pearl River ◽  
Free Ranging

Background. Knowledge of species-specific vocalization characteristics and their associated active communication space, the effective range over which a communication signal can be detected by a conspecific, is critical for understanding the impacts of underwater acoustic pollution, as well as other threats. Methods. We used a two-dimensional cross-shaped hydrophone array system to record the whistles of free-ranging Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in shallow-water environments of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and Beibu Gulf (BG), China. Using hyperbolic position fixing, which exploits time differences of arrival of a signal between pairs of hydrophone receivers, we obtained source location estimates for whistles with good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR≥10 dB) and not polluted by other sounds and back-calculated their apparent source levels. Combining with the masking levels (including simultaneous noise levels, masking tonal threshold, and the Sousa auditory threshold) and the custom made site-specific sound propagation models, we further estimated their active communication space (ACS). Results. Humpback dolphins produced whistles with average root-mean-square apparent source levels (ASL) of 138.5 ± 6.8 (mean ± standard deviation) and 137.2 ± 7.0 dB re 1μPa in PRE (N=33) and BG (N=209), respectively. We found statistically significant differences in ASLs among different whistle contour types. The mean and maximum ACS of whistles were estimated to be 14.7 ± 2.6 (median ± quartiledeviation) and 17.1± 3.5 m in PRE, and 34.2 ± 9.5 and 43.5 ± 12.2 m in BG. Using just the auditory threshold as the masking level produced the mean and maximum ACSat of 24.3 ± 4.8 and 35.7± 4.6 m for PRE, and 60.7 ± 18.1 and 74.3 ± 25.3 m for BG. The small ACSs were due to the high ambient noise level. Significant differences in ACSs were also observed among different whistle contour types. Discussion. Besides shedding some light for evaluating appropriate noise exposure levels and information for the regulation of underwater acoustic pollution, these baseline data can also be used for aiding the passive acoustic monitoring of dolphin populations, defining the boundaries of separate groups in a more biologically meaningful way during field surveys, and guiding the appropriate approach distance for local dolphin-watching boats and research boat during focal group following.

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas balances of managed peatlands in the Nordic countries – present knowledge and gaps

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 2711-2738 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Maljanen ◽  
B. D. Sigurdsson ◽  
J. Guðmundsson ◽  
H. Óskarsson ◽  
J. T. Huttunen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Organic Soils ◽  
Peat Extraction ◽  
Gas Fluxes ◽  
The Mean

Abstract. This article provides an overview of the effects of land-use on the fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) and from peatlands in the Nordic countries based on the field data from about 100 studies. In addition, this review aims to identify the gaps in the present knowledge on the greenhouse gas (GHG) balances associated with the land-use of these northern ecosystems. Northern peatlands have accumulated, as peat, a vast amount of carbon from the atmosphere since the last glaciation. However, the past land-use and present climate have evidently changed their GHG balance. Unmanaged boreal peatlands may act as net sources or sinks for CO2 and CH4 depending on the weather conditions. Drainage for agriculture has turned peatlands to significant sources of GHGs (mainly N2O and CO2). Annual mean GHG balances including net CH4, N2O and CO2 emissions are 2260, 2280 and 3140 g CO2 eq. m−2 (calculated using 100 year time horizon) for areas drained for grass swards, cereals or those left fallow, respectively. Even after cessetion of the cultivation practices, N2O and CO2 emissions remain high. The mean net GHG emissions in abandoned and afforested agricultural peatlands have been 1580 and 500 g CO2 eq. m−2, respectively. Peat extraction sites are net sources of GHGs with an average emission rate of 770 g CO2 eq. m−2. Cultivation of a perennial grass (e.g., reed canary grass) on an abandoned peat extraction site has been shown to convert such a site into a net sink of GHGs (−330 g CO2 eq. m−2). In contrast, despite restoration, such sites are known to emit GHGs (mean source of 480 g CO2 eq. m−2, mostly from high CH4 emissions). Peatland forests, originally drained for forestry, may act as net sinks (mean −780 g CO2 eq. m−2). However, the studies where all three GHGs have been measured at an ecosystem level in the forested peatlands are lacking. The data for restored peatland forests (clear cut and rewetted) indicate that such sites are on average a net sink (190 g CO2 eq. m−2). The mean emissions from drained peatlands presented here do not include emissions from ditches which form a part of the drainage network and can contribute significantly to the total GHG budget. Peat soils submerged under water reservoirs have acted as sources of CO2, CH4 and N2O (mean annual emission 240 g CO2 eq. m−2). However, we cannot yet predict accurately the overall greenhouse gas fluxes of organic soils based on the site characteristics and land-use practices alone because the data on many land-use options and our understanding of the biogeochemical cycling associated with the gas fluxes are limited.

Effect of grain or silage supplementation on meat quality attributes of cryptorchid lambs grazing lucerne or annual grass-clover pastures

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Hopkins ◽  
PJ Holst ◽  
DG Hall
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Shear Force ◽  
The Other ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ad Libitum

Objective and subjective tests for quality were performed on the meat from 40 cryptorchid second-cross lambs fed lucerne only (L; n = 8), lucerne plus an oat grain supplement ad libitum (LO; n = lo), lucerne plus wilted lucerne silage ad libitum (LS; n = 11), or an oat-lupin grain (3:1) supplement at 90% of ad libitum while grazing dry summer annual pasture (OL; n = 11). All carcasses complied with the Elite lamb specification of weight >22 kg and GR measurement 6-15 mm. There was no significant difference between groups for hot carcass weight, the mean (� s.e) values being 25.1 0.43, 25.2 � 0.36,25.2 � 0.38, and 25.3 � 0.36 kg for L, LS, LO, and OL groups, respectively. When the GR and fat depth over the eye muscle at the 12th rib were adjusted to a common carcass weight of 25.2 kg there was no significant difference between groups. There was no significant difference between groups for pH, or the colour values a*, b*, and L* of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (a* is relative redness, b* relative yellowness, and L* relative lightness). The shear force values for the loin muscle were significantly (P<0.05) greater for lambs from group OL than for those from group LO. Cooking loss for the loin muscle was significantly (P<0.05) greater for OL lambs than all other groups. A comparison of the mean values for aroma and flavour showed the lambs from group OL produced meat that was considered significantly (P<0.05) less desirable for these characteristics, with other groups being similar. Meat from OL-fed lambs was considered oilier and less meaty than meat from lambs fed the other diets. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference in absolute scores between panellists, but their ranking was not affected and there was no panellist x sample interaction. Because many producers use grain supplements such as oats and lupins for finishing lambs on dry forages, further study is recommended that focuses on the interaction between supplement and the base forage.

Association Between Stress and Bilateral Symmetrical Alopecia in Free-Ranging Formosan Macaques (Macaca Cyclopis) in A High-Population-Density Area

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Chih Chen ◽  
Ai-Mei Chang ◽  
Ming-Shan Tsai ◽  
Yen-Hua Huang ◽  
Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Population ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Macaca Cyclopis ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Biological Validation ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Normal Hair ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Free Ranging

Abstract Since 2013, a high incidence of bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been observed in free-ranging Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan. We hypothesized that stress induces alopecia in this population. To verify our hypothesis, we evaluated the histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy and used a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis, which act as an indicator of stress experienced by the individual. Follicular densities were lower (2.1–3.0 mm2) in individuals with symmetrical alopecia than in those with normal hair conditions (4.7 mm2). Furthermore, anagen to catagen/telogen ratios were lower in individuals with alopecia (0–1.4) than in those with normal hair (4.0). The histopathological characteristics of alopecia were similar to those of telogen effluvium, which indicates that stress is one of the possible etiologies. On the basis of the analytical and biological validation of EIAs for FGM analysis, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone was considered suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in both sexes of Formosan macaques. The mean concentrations (standard error; sample size) of 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were 2.02 (0.17; n = 10) and 1.41 (0.10; n = 31) μg/g for individuals with and without alopecia, respectively. Furthermore, the results of logistic regression analysis show that 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (p = 0.012) concentration was positively associated with alopecia. Thus, stress was the most likely to trigger symmetrical alopecia in Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity. Although stress can decrease the fitness of an individual, it should not impact the total population of Formosan macaque in Taiwan. Nonetheless, stress-induced immunosuppression might increase zoonosis risk due to frequent human–macaque contact in Mt. Longevity.

scholarly journals Weight gain of free-ranging beef cattle grazing in the boreal forest of south-eastern Norway

2020 ◽  
Vol 233 ◽  
pp. 103955
Author(s):  
Morten Tofastrud ◽  
Anna Hessle ◽  
Yngve Rekdal ◽  
Barbara Zimmermann
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Eastern Norway

Indirect effects of an invasive annual grass on seed fates of two native perennial grass species

Oecologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 174 (4) ◽  
pp. 1401-1413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Meyer ◽  
Katherine T. Merrill ◽  
Phil S. Allen ◽  
Julie Beckstead ◽  
Anna S. Norte
Keyword(s):  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Seed Fates ◽  
Native Perennial Grass

Implications of soil type, pasture composition and mineral content of pasture components for the incidence of grass tetany in the South East of South Australia

1991 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 609 ◽  
Author(s):  
DC Lewis ◽  
LA Sparrow
Keyword(s):  
Soil Type ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
The South ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Extractable Cations

The occurrence of grass tetany related deaths in cattle grazing pasture in the South East of South Australia is related to soil type. The greatest losses occur on the solodised solonetz soils, with few, if any, on the rendzina or siliceous sand soils in the region. Pastures from 3 soil types were sampled on 2 occasions during the growing period, and soils were sampled once. Comparisons were made for the pasture components of potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in soils, and K, Ca, Mg, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) concentrations in plants. In the July sampling, the mean herbage K/(Ca + Mg) ratio for both annual and perennial grass species grown on the solodised solonetz soils exceeded 2.2 but was below 2 for the other 2 soil types. At the same time the mean K/(Ca + Mg) ratio for soil-extractable cations was 0.10 for the solodised solonetz soils but only 0.058 and 0.025 for the rendzina and siliceous sand soils. A critical value for the K/(Ca + Mg) ratio for the soil extractable cations of 0.07-0.08 is suggested. Of the 22 sites in the investigation, grass tetany deaths had occurred on 9 within the previous 5 years; all of these were classified as solodised solonetz soils. Deaths were reported in late autumn and winter, and in all cases the dominant pasture species growing at these sites in July were grasses. It is suggested that deaths ceased in spring because there was either a change to legume dominance or an increase in air temperature.

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