Black Coat Research Articles

Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)

Abstract Variation in coat colour within mammal species is of enduring interest, likely because of its potential to be either adaptive or maladaptive. Coat colour in the genus Lynx tends to be stable, with little variation within species compared to that of other felids. Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) have coats that typically are silver grayish in winter and reddish brown in summer with dark spots, and black hairs on the tips of their tails and ears. A rare pallid colourmorph is occasionally observed, suggestive of partial albinism. Here, I report the first record of a melanistic Canada lynx. The individual was photographed during summer in the Yukon (Canada). It had a black coat containing whitish gray guard hairs throughout, as well as whitish gray hairs in the facial ruff and the rostrum and dorsal regions. There are only a small number of records of coat colour polymorphisms in the genus Lynx. The adaptive significance of melanism in lynx is unknown, but the loss of camouflage when hunting during winter is likely maladaptive.

Chemical black nickel coatings on steels

Having high corrosion resistance and hardness, black conversion coatings are used as functional, as well as protective and decorative coatings. Black chrome and nickel electroplated coatings are mainly used for these purposes. The main drawbacks of the chromium plating processes are related to the fact that they are rather difficult to realize and control and that they consume a great amount of energy as the solutions need to be heated up and some of the heat gets lost during hydrogen evolution reaction. The known black nickel plating processes are less energy intensive and easier to implement, however they have their drawbacks, such as low protective ability and wear resistance and poor adhesion to the substrate, especially to steel. This paper describes certain processes that were tested, as well as two plating techniques for producing black wear-resistant coatings with a high protective ability on chemically deposited nickel-phosphorus layers. It was found that the treatment of black coatings with nitric acid and anodic treatment with phosphoric acid lead to increased roughness and porosity of the coatings. Nickel oxides NiO, Ni2O3, as well as nickel phosphates were found in the final coating. It was established that heat treatment enhances the wear resistance and protective ability of black nickel-phosphorus coatings and they even outperform black chrome and nickel electroplated coatings. The properties of the resulting coatings were studied using an OLYMPUS LEXT4100 confocal laser microscope, a Taber Elcometer 5135 rotary abraser, an EDX-7000 energy-dispersive spectrometer, an HB100 Auger microscope (Vacuum Generators, GB), and a 410 Quick Start Guide reflectometer. The paper demonstrates the possibility of using a safer chemical nickel plating process instead of chromium and nickel electroplating processes.The authors would like to thank the Mendeleev Shared Knowledge Centre for support of this research.

Black protective molybdate coatings obtained on galvanized steel

This paper looks at the passivation of zinc in environmentally safe molybdate solutions with the aim to replace highly toxic solutions used in black chromate passivation. It is shown that higher current density and process duration make black coatings more saturated. However, this affects the adhesion of the deposited layers. The optimum pH of the solution was found to be in the range from 4.0 to 4.3 units. At the same time, poor quality coatings are obtained outside the above range. It was also found that the process duration can be reduced from 3–6 to 2–5 min by lowering the pH of the solution from 5 to 4 units. The colour of the coatings changes from the colour of the rainbow to black depending on the process duration, current density and the temperature of the working solution. The coatings of deep black colour are formed at the process time of 2 to 5 min, current density of 0.7 to 0.8 A/dm2 and temperature of 50 to 65 oC. Spectral studies showed that molybdate coatings that were produced in optimal conditions consist of molybdenum(VI) oxide, molybdenum(IV) oxide, molybdenum(IV) oxide-hydroxide, zinc oxide, as well as zinc and nickel hydroxides. It should be noted that molybdenum is predominantly integrated in the coating in the form of MoO2. The authors have developed an electrochemical process for the deposition of protective black molybdate coatings on galvanized surfaces in the following solution, g/L: 15–19 (NH4)6Mo7O24; 16 CH3COONa; 4 NiSO4·6H2O. This process helps obtain compact coatings corresponding to 10 on a ten-point black colour scale in the following conditions: i = 0.7–0.8 A/dm2, t = 50–65 оC, = 7–10 min and pH = 4.0–4.3.The authors would like to thank the Mendeleev Shared Knowledge Centre for support of this research.

Traditional, breeding objectives and selection criteria of Arsi-bale goats reared at different Agro ecologies of bale zone, Ethiopia

Background and objectives: This study was carried out to access the indigenous knowledge pertaining to the selection criteria and breeding objectives of Arsi-Bale goats reared under different agro ecologies of Bale zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Thus, the study indicated that long-haired goats are reared only at highlands with a few being reared at the midlands. Most of the goats in the midlands were short coated. In the high lands the does were selected based on their coat type (long hair and glossy) coat color(black),.While at the midlands the does were selected based on their reproduction rate, kidding interval for does and reproduction rate followed by body conformation were preferred trait of buck for the mid land. While in the low land they preferred does and buck for their body conformation, hair coat type(White).Bucks were reared at Highland for cash income, skin (saddle) and wealth. At mid-lands they were kept for meat, cash and manure while in the case of Low land Bucks are for cash and meat. The selection criteria of buck and does in High land included their adaptability to high altitude conditions besides black coat color and high body weight and does in Highland include long hair, large body and coat color (black).respectively. However, in Mid-Land does and bucks were selected based on higher body weight and with large body size followed by good mothering ability. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in three Woredas of Bale zone Oromiya (Highland, Mid-Land, Low land) National Regional State. Bale zone has a latitude and longitude of 7°7′N 40°0′E with an elevation of 2,492 meters (8,176 ft) above sea level. Sampling methodology: The weredas in the zone was selected based on purposive sampling method. The woredas i,e highlands (Dinsho),midlands (Agarfa) and lowlands (Ginnir)were selected based on the agro ecologies, goat population within the agro ecology. 135 respondents were identified purposively based on their experience in rearing goats, besides their willingness to participate in the project. Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (V24) of Windows. The data was divided into both quantitative and qualitative parameters. The quantitative traits were analyzed using descriptive statistics the means(inferential eta ANOVA) were compared across the three agro ecologies using Duncan’s multiple Range test, while the qualitative traits were assessed using non parametric tests ( viz. chi square test). Results: The preferred traits of does reared at different agro ecology of Bale Zone in the highlands indicate selection based on coat color of the goats were preferred the most over the other traits. The findings indicate that bucks are primordially reared for cash income. At midlands and lowlands the bucks are also reared for wealth and manure. Conclusion: It can be concluded that goat selection criteria and breeding objective at different agro ecology are different. Most goat selection criteria was coat color and the main objective was for cash income, wealth and manure.

Flat Absorber Black PEO coatings on Ti6Al4V for spacecraft thermal control application

Black appearance and flat absorber, i.e., high solar absorptance (αs) and high IR emittance (εir) surfaces, are essential for optical benches and optical mounts in astronomical and scientific payloads/spacecraft. Generally, these optical benches and optical mounts are fabricated by Ti6Al4V alloy due to its superior mechanical and thermal properties. However, bare Ti6Al4V is restricted for spacecraft thermal control applications due to its low emittance, intermediate absorptance, and moderate corrosion resistance behaviors. Hence, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique was utilized to develop black and flat absorber coatings on bare Ti6Al4V alloy. Sodium silicate (SS), sodium hypophosphate (SHP), and potassium fluoride (KF) were used for the preparation of the electrolytic bath. Process parameters such as current density, duty cycle, frequency, the concentration of electrolytes, and duration were judiciously altered to get uniform PEO coatings with the flat absorbing property. Six numbers of PEO coatings were finally chosen for further in-depth characterizations as they showed adequate flat absorbing property. The phase composition, microstructure, roughness, and wettability of those PEO coatings were thoroughly studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), profilometry, and water contact angle measuring techniques, respectively. Thermo-optical properties viz., εir and αs of the coatings were recorded by portable IR emissometer and solar reflectometer, respectively, and electrical sheet resistance was measured by two probe method. The Nanomechanical properties of the coatings, such as modulus (E) and nanohardness (H), were evaluated by the nanoindentation technique. The PEO coatings were also investigated with respect to potentiodynamic polarization to investigate corrosion resistance of the PEO coatings. The highest εir value of PEO coating was achieved as 0.87 for a 20% duty cycle with a combination of SS + SHP electrolytes, while the maximum αs value was achieved as 0.83 for the same 20% duty cycle with a combination of SS + SHP + KF electrolytes.

Coat color affects cortisol and serotonin levels in the serum and hairs of Holstein dairy cows exposed to cold winter

Previous studies showed that coat color significantly affects hair cortisol levels but not serum cortisol and serotonin levels in heifers and dairy cows under heat stress conditions. As a follow-up study, we tested whether both serum and hair cortisol and serotonin levels in winter-housed dairy cows were affected by coat color (black vs white). Twenty multiparous high-yielding dairy cows (DIM = 110 ± 25, milk yield = 35 ± 2.1 kg) were assigned to one of the following groups: 1) black coat color (BCC; over 85% of coat black, n = 14) and 2) white coat color (WCC; over 85% of coat white, n = 6). The experimental period lasted 60 d (from December to February), during which the animals were kept in a building with free stalls that had dry river sand bedding. Blood was harvested for 3 consecutive days at the end of the study. Hair was harvested from the forehead of each individual at the beginning and on the end-day of the study. Cortisol and serotonin hormones were measured in serum and hair. Data were analyzed using t-test. The results revealed that cows with BCC had lower hair cortisol and higher hair serotonin levels than those with WCC (P < 0.05). No differences in serum cortisol levels were observed between cows with WCC and BCC (P > 0.05). The serum serotonin level was lower in cows with WCC compared to the BCC group (P < 0.05). Taken together, coat color significantly affected stress levels indicated by higher hair cortisol and lower hair serotonin levels in WCC cows in addition to lower serum serotonin levels in the corresponding animals. This feature of coat color should be considered as a management tool, particularly in countries with long winters.

Nano-and micro-engineered vertical graphene/Ni for superior optical absorption

Black coatings benefit from low reflectance or high light absorption are utilized in multifarious optical applications. Due to their unique three-dimensional nanostructure and π-band optical transitions, vertical graphene (VG) has drawn great attention to the field of black coatings. However, how the morphology of VGs affects reflectance has not been comprehensively disclosed yet. In addition, the morphology of the substrate for VG growth also affects the absorption properties. Here, we report a nano-and micro-engineered VG/Ni structure based on VG and laser-modified nickel foil, which possesses omnidirectional low reflectance of ∼0.25% over the visible range. A larger spacing of graphene nanowalls is more conducive to the formation of light traps and improves the absorption property. Besides, the surface of nickel substrate by laser irradiation presents a “cauliflower-like” microstructure, which further enhances light-trapping ability.

Pig Coat Color Manipulation by MC1R Gene Editing.

Black coat color in pigs is determined by the dominant E allele at the MC1R locus. Through comparing MC1R gene sequences between recessive e and dominant ED1 alleles, we identified four missense mutations that could affect MC1R protein function for eumelanin synthesis. With the aim of devising a genetic modification method for pig coat color manipulation, we mutated the e allele in the Duroc breed to the dominant ED1 allele using CRISPR-mediated homologous recombination for the four mutation substitutions at the MC1R locus. The MC1R-modified Duroc pigs generated using the allele replacement strategy displayed uniform black coat color across the body. A genotyping assay showed that the MC1R-modified Duroc pigs had a heterozygous ED1/e allele at the MC1R locus; in addition, the pigs remained in the Duroc genetic background. Our work offers a gene editing method for pig coat color manipulation, which could value the culture of new pig varieties meeting the needs of diversified market.

Morpho-Functional Traits in Pura Raza Menorquina Horses: Genetic Parameters and Relationship with Coat Color Variables

Simple SummaryIn this study, we estimated genetic parameters of 46 linear morpho-functional traits, and analyzed the relationship between two coat color traits (quality of black coat color [QB] and the quantity of white marks [WM]) and other linear morpho-functional traits within the breeding program of Pura Raza Menorquina horses, whose studbook only permits the use of black-coated animals with a small quantity of white marks as breeding stock. A total of 772 records from 333 animals were analyzed to estimate genetic parameters for 46 linear traits scored by four appraisers using seven classes. Heritability values for morpho-functional traits were low to medium and matched the range in the bibliography. Medium heritability values were obtained for both coat color traits (0.36 for QB and 0.23 for WM). Genetic correlations between coat and morpho-functional traits ranged between 0.015 and 0.816 in absolute value for QB and between 0.014 and 0.638 in absolute value for WM. The highest correlation values were obtained between QB and upper neck line (0.816) and between WM and form of the hoof (0.638). It was observed that the animal group with low and the group with high breeding values for QB and WM had a clear differentiation of the other mor-pho-functional traits.The studbook of Pura Raza Menorquina horses only permits the use of black-coated animals with a small quantity of white marks as breeding stock. Its breeding program uses linear morpho-functional traits as selection criteria. Our aim was to estimate the genetic parameters of linear morpho-functional traits, and reveal relationship of quality of black coat color (QB) and percentage of white marks (WM) with the other morphological and functional linear traits in this breed. A total of 46 linear traits were scored by four appraisers using seven classes, with a total of 772 records from 333 animals (≥4 years old). Univariate animal models using a Bayesian approach were used, with a pedigree of 757 animals. Sex (two) and appraiser-season (13) were included as fixed effects, age as a linear covariate, and permanent environmental and additive genetic as random effect. The heritabilities of the morpho-functional traits were low to medium (0.09–0.58) and matched the range in the bibliography. Heritabilities for coat color traits were 0.36 for QB and 0.23 for WM. The highest genetic correlations were obtained between QB and upper neck line (0.816) and between WM and form of the hoof (0.638). The negative signs of most of the genetic correlations between WM and the functional traits is also remarkable, contributing to the selection of functional traits against the presence of white marks in this population. A clear genetic differentiation was observed between animals with better breeding values for QB and WM, corroborated by a study on founders. In conclusion, QB and WM could show different genetic backgrounds.

Representation of Deaths due to Misrule during the Famine of 1974 in Neamat Imam’s The Black Coat

Death is the irreversible cessation of organismic functioning and human death is the irreversible loss of personhood. Death occurs at different situations and moments and has important significance in various circumstances. The phenomenon of death is present from the beginning of the world and it has been represented differently in literature and culture. If we relate death only in relation to physical loss, the significance of death is narrowed to a specific space. But death has a wider spectrum than that of physical loss. Though most deaths are forgotten, some incidents of deaths are important because of various social, philosophical and historical circumstances. An important phenomenon relating to death is that sometimes mass deaths are caused by state administered misrule. As for example during famine the failure of government to take necessary steps results in loss of numerous lives. Such is the case with millions of deaths during the 1974 famine in Bangladesh under the regime of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Faulty economic policies, mismanagement, black market, corruption and power hunger of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made havoc on the poverty-stricken people who were forced to die of starvation. Almost 1.5 million people died, but Mujibur Rahman acknowledged only 27000 deaths from starvation. Not only that, those who raised their voices against the misrule of the government are put to death by the state administered mechanism. This terrible situation of Bangladesh during the famine of 1974 is nicely portrayed in Neamat Imam’s famous novel The Black Coat. In this novel Imam very deftly upholds the autocratic rule of Sheikh Mujib which caused so many deaths from starvation. The violent death of Nur Hussain by Khaleque Biswas represents not only the death of an individual but also the violent suppression of conscious voice that has the guts to hold the government responsible for the misery of the people of Bangladesh. The present research article presents the pathetic condition of the people of Bangladesh during the famine of 1974 which made havoc on their lives due to the tyrannical government of that time.

Taguchi method and Box-Behnken design approach for process parameter optimization of magnetite (Fe3O4) coating developed on stainless steel 410 grade by hot alkaline treatment

The blackening of materials is widely used in the automobile industry, defense applications, aerospace applications, and solar applications. Methods such as electroless chemical process, conversion coating, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and diamond-like carbon are some of the commonly employed techniques to produce black coatings on various metals. Hot aqueous alkaline treatment is a chemical conversion coating process. In this study, hot alkaline treatment is used to blacken surgical equipment made of stainless steel 410, which is a novel approach. The effect of process variables such as immersion time, salt solution temperature, and wt% of sodium dichromate on the anti-reflective property of ferrous ferric oxide (magnetite, Fe3O4) coating has been optimized using the Taguchi method and response surface methodology. The experiments were designed using a Taguchi orthogonal array and a Box-Behnken design. The influences of coating parameters on average percentage reflectance were quantified by the signal-to-noise ratio, main effect plot, analysis of variance, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional plots. The comparison of experimental and confirmatory tests shows that both procedures optimized the parameters successfully. The lowest average percentage reflectance value of 8.013% was obtained at 56.976 min immersion time, 124.998°C salt solution temperature, and 348.689 g/l wt% of sodium dichromate in the composition by Box-Behnken design methodology.

Effects of waveform shape and electrode material on KiloHertz frequency alternating current block of mammalian peripheral nerve

ObjectivesKiloHertz frequency alternating current waveforms produce conduction block in peripheral nerves. It is not clearly known how the waveform shape affects block outcomes, and if waveform effects are frequency dependent. We determined the effects of waveform shape using two types of electrodes.Materials and methodsAcute in-vivo experiments were performed on 12 rats. Bipolar electrodes were used to electrically block motor nerve impulses in the sciatic nerve, as measured using force output from the gastrocnemius muscle. Three blocking waveforms were delivered (sinusoidal, square and triangular) at 6 frequencies (10–60 kHz). Bare platinum electrodes were compared with carbon black coated electrodes. We determined the minimum amplitude that could completely block motor nerve conduction (block threshold), and measured properties of the onset response, which is a transient period of nerve activation at the start of block. In-vivo results were compared with computational modeling conducted using the NEURON simulation environment using a nerve membrane model modified for stimulation in the kilohertz frequency range.ResultsFor the majority of parameters, in-vivo testing and simulations showed similar results: Block thresholds increased linearly with frequency for all three waveforms. Block thresholds were significantly different between waveforms; lowest for the square waveform and highest for triangular waveform. When converted to charge per cycle, square waveforms required the maximum charge per phase, and triangular waveforms the least. Onset parameters were affected by blocking frequency but not by waveform shape. Electrode comparisons were performed only in-vivo. Electrodes with carbon black coatings gave significantly lower block thresholds and reduced onset responses across all blocking frequencies. For 10 and 20 kHz, carbon black coating significantly reduced the charge required for nerve block.ConclusionsWe conclude that both sinusoidal and square waveforms at frequencies of 20 kHz or higher would be optimal. Future investigation of carbon black or other high charge capacity electrodes may be useful in achieving block with lower BTs and onsets. These findings will be of importance for designing clinical nerve block systems.

Metabolite identification in fresh wheat grains of different colors and the influence of heat processing on metabolites via targeted and non-targeted metabolomics

Phenolic antioxidants are phytochemical components in wheat grains that provide a variety of potential health benefits. The metabolites and antioxidant activity of fresh, mature, and heat-treated, wheat grains with black, blue, purple, and white grain coats were identified by targeted and non-targeted metabolomics. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) increased with the darkening of grain color, the general trend being black > purple > blue > white. Purple and black wheat are rich in rutin (3916 µg/kg and 3066 µg/kg, respectively) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside chloride (2595 µg/kg and 1740 µg/kg, respectively), while blue wheat is rich in luteolin (2076 µg/kg). In most cases, TPC, TFC, and AOA had the greatest values in fresh grains and the lowest values in mature grains. Using non-targeted metabolomics, a total of 866 metabolites were identified in the tested fresh wheat grains, 106 flavonoids and 39 phenolic acids. In total, the relative abundance of flavonoids in purple and black wheat was higher than in blue wheat, indicating a higher nutritional value of fresh black and purple grains. After heat processing, the content of most metabolites decreased in heat-treated purple grain, whereas heat treatment significantly increased the content of peonidin-3-O-glucoside chloride (2.27-fold) and cynaroside (12.01-fold). This study clarifies that seed coat color and processing treatments impact the metabolite contents and antioxidant activity of wheat grains, providing valuable information for improving the nutritional quality of food during processing.

Characterization and grading of Black Bengal goat skin based on coat color

The research was conducted to study physical parameters and histological structural patterns based on the coat color of Black Bengal goat skins. Five hundred skins were randomly selected, and measured using scientific instruments and the Haematoxylin-Eosin staining method was used for histological study. Black coat color skin was found the highest (58%), the mean weight, length, and width of Black Bengal goat skin was 998.80 gm, 29.24, and 20.91 cm, respectively but there were no significant differences among the groups. The mean thickness of the skin was 1.97, 1.43, and 1.96 mm in the butt, bell, and shoulder regions, respectively, and significantly different between the groups in all categories. All slaughtered goats were flayed using the “Muchki” (Hoisting and fisting) method. The average flay cut length, depth, and mechanical and parasitic damages were 20.2 mm, 1.50 mm, 6.11, and 1.50 %, respectively. No significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) was found in inedible fleshing by-products, but significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found in trimming by-products production and salt required for curing. Salted skins were preserved for an average of 3.5 days. Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, erector pili muscles, collagen fibers, and fiber bundles were more regular in the butt region than shoulder and belly regions in the black, brown, white, and mixed coat color of Black Bengal goat skins.

Insight into the structure of black coatings of ancient Egyptian mummies by advanced electron magnetic resonance of vanadyl complexes.

Ancient Egyptian mummies from the Late Period to the Greco-Roman Period were covered by a black coating consisting of complex and heterogeneous mixtures of conifer resins, wax, fat and oil with variable amounts of bitumen. Natural bitumen always contains traces of vanadyl porphyrin complexes that we used here as internal probes to explore the nanoscale environment of V ions in these black coatings by electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and hyperfine sub-level correlation spectroscopy (HYSCORE). Four types of vanadyl porphyrin complexes were identified from the analysis of N hyperfine interactions. Three types (referred to as VO-P1, VO-P2 and VO-P3) are present in natural bitumen from the Dead Sea, among which VO-P1 and VO-P2 are also present in black coatings of mummies. The absence of VO-P3 in mummies, which is replaced by another complex, VO-P4, may be due to its transformation during preparation of the black matter for embalming. Analysis of H hyperfine interaction shows that bitumen and other natural substances are intimately mixed in these black coatings, with aggregate sizes of bitumen increasing with the bitumen content but not exceeding a few nanometres.

Identification of mutant gene for Black crystal coat and non-allelic gene interactions in Neogale vison

Sable (Martes zibellina) and American mink (Neogale vison) are valuable species characterized by a variety of coat colour produced on fur farms. Black crystal fur phenotype is Mendelian codominant trait: heterozygous animals (Cr/ +) have white guard hairs scattered predominantly on the spine and the head, while homozygous (Cr/Cr) minks have coats resembling the Himalayan (ch/ch) or white Hedlund (h/h) types. It is one of the most recent of more than 35 currently known phenotypic traits of fur colour in American mink. Black crystal fur phenotype was first described in 1984 in the Russian population of mink, which had undergone selection for domestic defensive response to humans. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of American mink with Cr/Cr phenotype. We identified a missense mutation in the gene encoding the α-COP subunit of the COPI complex (COPA). The COPI complex mediates retrograde trafficking from the Golgi system to the endoplasmic reticulum and sorting of transmembrane proteins. We observed an interaction between a newly identified mutation in the COPA gene and a mutation in the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), the latter mutation led to the formation of the white Hedlund (h/h) phenotype. Double heterozygotes for these mutations have an entirely white coat and a black-eyed phenotype similar to the phenotype of Cr/Cr or h/h minks. Our data could be useful for tracking economically valuable fur traits in mink breeding programs to contribute to global fur production.

LAPORAN KASUS: KESEMBUHAN ENTERITIS HEMORAGIKA PADA ANAK ANJING KACANG YANG TERINFEKSI CANINE PARVOVIRUS

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is an infectious disease with clinical signs of bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic enteritis) which is cause of death in infected dogs. A five-month-old female local dog with a weight of 4.3 kg, black and white coat on the ventral side came to the Rumah Sakit Hewan Pendidikan, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University with complaints of weakness, loss of appetite since the day before and vomiting in the morning of the examination. The dog is rescued and never been vaccinated before. Clinical examination showed weakness such as holding pain, pink pale eye mucosae, delayed skin turgor, Capillary Refill Time (CRT) more than two seconds, and increased respiratory rate. Dogs do not respond to handfeeding. On observation the dog experienced clear and foamy vomiting and foul-smelling bloody diarrhea. The native stool faecal examination showed negative results, while the CPV antigen rapid test examination showed positive results. Complete blood count showed that on the first day of hospitalization the dog had leukopenia, granulocytopenia, hyperchromic normocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The dog was diagnosed with CPV with a dubious prognosis. Dogs were given fluid therapy using sodium chloride 0.9% infusion and vitamin B complex, anti-emetic ondansetron, antibiotic cefotaxime, and vitamin K. Dogs were also treated with traditional medicine Fu Fang 1 mL and trigona honey 1 mL. Dogs are given a special feed Hills Prescription Diet A/D Urgent Care. The dog's condition improved after offering therapy for seven days and the dog was declared cured and could be sent home on the ninth day.

The body dimensions and body weight gain on Bali calf and cows with different coat colors on the semi-intensive maintenance system in Kupang, Indonesia

The aim of the study was determining body dimensions and body weight gain of bali calf and cows with different coat colors in a semi-intensive maintenance system in Kupang district. The method applied was observation and measurement of Bali cows with sorrel, black and white coat colors. Bali cows are 4-7 years old. The result of the data measurements was analyzed by one way ANOVA using SPSS software version 25. The Average body length, chest circumference, shoulder height, hip width, head length, and head width of the bali cows with different coat color in Kupang is 111.58 cm; 145.77 cm; 112.28 cm; 24.35cm; 36.28 cm; and 16.04 cm, respectively. While the average body dimensions of calf from bali cows are 77.27 cm; 92.49 cm; 85.90cm; 25.65 cm; 12.813 cm; and 50.76 cm. The average body weight gain of bali calves and cows was 173.68 g and 172.10 g/head/day. It was concluded that body color of bali cattle in Kupang has no significant effect on body dimensions and body weight gain of bali calves and cows. The body weight gain of Bali calves and cows with different coat colors which semi-intensively maintained was 173.68 g/head/day and 172.10 g/head/day.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Philippine Native Pigs (Sus scrofa L.) from Batanes, Quezon, and Marinduque Based on Mitochondrial DNA D-loop Markers

By analyzing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D-loop) region, we aimed to assess the genetic diversity of Philippine native pigs from Batanes, Quezon, and Marinduque and to determine the phylogenetic relationship between these subpopulations and other Asian and European pig breeds. Ear tissue samples were collected from the native pigs in Batanes (n = 17), Quezon (n = 37), and Marinduque (n = 40). Genomic DNA was extracted, and the D-loop sequences were amplified by PCR. The D-loop sequences of 94 Philippine samples were initially analyzed using the Kimura 2-parameter model and neighbor-joining method in MEGA7, identifying a total of 17 haplotypes designated as H1–H17. Notably, only eight haplotypes were specific to individuals coming from a particular province, whereas the remaining haplotypes were detected in samples from different provinces. Additional qualitative trait analysis that the majority of Philippine native pigs had black coat color, a plain coat pattern, short cylindrical snouts, straight head profiles, erect and forward-oriented ears, curly tails, and straight backlines. Phylogenetic analysis of the Philippine samples and 16 exotic pig breeds revealed that Philippine native pigs with H1 and H2 haplotypes formed a distinct clade with Taiwanese Type I Lanyu pig, whereas those with H3–H17 haplotypes clustered with other Asian and European pigs. Therefore, our findings suggest a close and unique relationship between Taiwanese Type I Lanyu and Philippine native pigs. The presence of several haplotypes also implies high genetic variation among Philippine native pigs. Specifically, the native pigs from Quezon and Marinduque are the most closely related, whereas those from Quezon and Batanes are the least closely related.

High Potential Decolourisation of Textile Dyes from Wastewater by Manganese Peroxidase Production of Newly Immobilised Trametes hirsuta PW17-41 and FTIR Analysis.

Coloured wastewater from the textile industry is a very serious global problem. Among 16 different white-rot fungal isolates, Trametes hirsuta PW17-41 revealed high potential for decolourisation of mixed textile dyes (Navy EC-R, Ruby S3B and Super Black G) from real industrial wastewater samples. The efficiency of dye decolourisation was evaluated using the American Dye Manufacturers’ Institute (ADMI) standard methodology. The suitable support for fungal mycelium immobilisation was nylon sponges. The optimal dye decolourisation (95.39%) was achieved by using palm sugar and ammonium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The initial pH was 5 and the agitation speed was 100 rpm at 30 °C. The ADMI values of textile dyes decreased from 2475 to 114 within two days, reducing the treatment time from seven days before optimisation. The major mechanism of dye decolourisation was biodegradation, which was confirmed by UV–visible and FTIR spectra. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) (4942 U L−1) was found to be the main enzyme during the decolourisation process at an initial dye concentration of 21,200 ADMI. The results indicated the strong potential of immobilised fungal cells to remove high concentrations of textile dyes from industrial wastewater and their potential ability to produce high MnP and laccase activities that can be used in further application.