Commercial Mineral Research Articles

Assessment of the Efficacy of Home Remedial Methods to Improve Drinking Water Quality in Two Major Aquifer Systems in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka.

Chunnakam and Vadamaradchi are two major aquifer systems in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. This study was performed to compare water quality in the domestic wells in these aquifers and to assess the efficacy of household water treatments for treating contaminated water. Replicate well water samples were collected from each aquifer and pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, total solids (TS), total hardness (TH), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil and grease (OG), nitrate N (N), and total phosphate (TP) were measured. The sampled water from the domestic wells was filtered through commercial mineral filter and Moringa oleifera leaf powder and boiled at 100°C for 10 minutes and the TH, OG, N, and TP were measured. Both OG and N in Chunnakam were significantly higher and the DO were significantly lower than those of Vadamaradchi. TH, N, and OG of some wells exceeded the drinking water quality standards established by Sri Lanka Standards Institution. Moringa oleifera leaf powder filtration reduced N significantly and filtering through commercial mineral filter reduced OG, TH, and N significantly. Boiling at 100°C could remove TH significantly but may cause significant increase in N which might result in health impacts.

Phosphorus supplementation with or without other minerals, ionophore and antibiotic did not affect performance of Nellore bulls receiving high-grain diets, but increased phosphorus excretion and dietary costs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of phosphorus (P) supplementation, with or without addition of other minerals, ionophore and antibiotic, on performance, P utilisation and profitability in finishing Nellore bulls in a feedlot. Forty-two animals, with an initial bodyweight of 296 ± 25 kg, were distributed in a completely randomised design consisting of three treatments and 14 replicates. The treatments were without P supplementation (T1), commercial mineral supplement specific for feedlot cattle (T2) and supplementation with dicalcium phosphate (T3). The T3 was formulated to achieve a P concentration similar to that of T2, but without adding other additives (e.g. vitamins, ionophores, yeast and chelates) in the mineral mix. The P concentrations were 2.4, 4.2 or 5.0 g P/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively, for T1, T2 and T3. The diet, on a DM basis, comprised sugarcane bagasse (200 g/kg) plus concentrate (800 g/kg). The DM, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre intakes and apparent DM digestibility were similar among the three treatments (P > 0.05). Despite the numerical difference on P concentration in T2 and T3 treatments, P intakes were similar in these treatments. The addition of commercial mineral supplement specific for feedlot cattle or dicalcium phosphate in diets increased P excretion in the faeces and urine, increased P retention and reduced the profitability of the feedlot. Performance and carcass traits were not affected by diet P concentrations (P > 0.05). The profit per head in T1 treatment was US$13.7 and the addition of the dicalcium phosphate and mineral mix in T2 and T3 did not result in profit, these treatments gave economic losses of US$6.80 and US$6.20 per head, respectively. Under Brazilian conditions, feedlot Nellore cattle fed high-grain diets do not require any additional mineral supplements. P concentration of 2.4 g/kg DM, as used in the control diet, was adequate to ensure animal performance and reduce faecal P excretion, which is in agreement with NRC and CSIRO recommendations. Lower values may also be appropriate, but were not tested here.

Mineral Mapping for Exploration: An Australian Journey of Evolving Spectral Sensing Technologies and Industry Collaboration

This paper describes selected results from over a dozen collaborative projects led by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia spanning a 30-year history of developments in satellite, airborne, field and drill core sensing technologies and how these can assist explorers to measure and map valuable mineral information. The exploration case histories are largely from Australian test sites and describe how spectral sensing technologies have progressed from early “niche creation” systems, such as the field PIMA-II (Portable Field Mineral Analyzer) and airborne Geoscan, HyMap™ and OARS-TIPS (Operational Airborne Remote Sensing – Thermal Infrared Profiling Spectrometer) systems and drill-core HyLogger™ systems, to the current expanding array of pubic and commercial mineral mapping sensors, including the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflectance Radiometer) satellite system which has acquired imagery spanning the entire Earth’s land surface (<83° latitude). These sensors are delivering voluminous spectral data from different parts of the visible to the thermal infrared (400 to 14,000 nm) spectrum at different spectral, radiometric and spatial resolutions. Two critical exploration challenges are central to the case histories, namely: (i) can surface cover, such as vegetation, regolith or transported materials, be characterized and accounted for so that the target geology is accurately revealed; and (ii) does this revealed geology show evidence of alteration footprints to potential economic mineralization. Spectrally measurable minerals important to solving these challenges include white micas, kaolinite and garnets, with measurement of their respective physicochemistries being key. For example, kaolin disorder is useful for mapping transported versus weathered in situ materials, while the chemical substitution in white micas and garnets provide vectors to potential economic mineralization. Importantly, appropriate selection of the optimum sensor/data type for a given geological application depends primarily on the level of detail/accuracy of the mineral information required by the user. A major opportunity is to now harness the many sensor/data types and deliver to users consistent, accurate mineral information products, that is, creation of a number of valuable global mineral product standards. As part of this vision, CSIRO has been developing improved sensor/data calibration processes and information extraction methods that for example, unmix the target mineralogy from green and dry vegetation cover in remote sensing data sets. Emphasis to date has been on generating public spectral-mineral product standards, especially at ASTER’s limited but geologically-valuable spectral resolution. The results are showing that scalable, global, three-dimensional (3D) mineral maps are achievable which will only improve our ability to more accurately characterize regolith and geological architecture, increase our understanding of formative processes and assist the discovery of new economic mineral systems.

Hematological and biochemical values in Brazilian four-beat gaited horses

Horse selection is still associated with gait type, and this aspect is important for four-beat gaited horses, a large group that is distributed around the globe with more than 140 breeds. However, there is little information about their hematological and biochemical profiles, and such information will contribute to improving their exercise and nutritional evaluation programs. The aim of this study was to determine the hematological and biochemical values of athletic Campolina (CAMP) and Mangalarga Marchador (MM) horses performing two different types of gait. Overall, 100 adult horses (53 males and 47 females) with ages between 5 and 15 years and body weights between 350 and 550 kg were evaluated. The horses were grouped as follows: 25 Campolina marcha batida (CAMP-batida), 25 Campolina marcha picada (CAMP-picada), 25 Mangalarga Marchador marcha batida (MM-batida), and 25 Mangalarga Marchador marcha picada (MM-picada). They were fed fresh elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureumSchum; ~15–20 kg/day) and commercial concentrate (5–7 kg/day) as well as commercial mineral salt and water ad libitum. They were trained three times a week (~40–50 min/day), and ~60% of the sessions involved speeds ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 m/s. The results of hematological and biochemical tests were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s test (P ≤ 5%). The results showed no differences in the hematological values that were found between the CAMP and MM horses, even when they were grouped by gait. In contrast, differences in the biochemical values were observed between the groups for triglycerides, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, total plasma protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, and creatine kinase (P < 0.05). The highest values were recorded in the following groups: CAMP-batida (triglycerides ~33.77 mg/dL, urea ~35.88 mg/dL, and uric acid ~2.11 mg/dL), CAMP-picada (creatinine ~1.44 mg/dL), and MM-batida (cholesterol ~95.77 mg/dL, non-esterified fatty acid ~0.35 mmol/L, total plasma protein ~10.00 mg/dL, ALT ~11.30 U/L, and CK ~198.80 U/L). In conclusion, despite having different gaits, there were no differences in hematological parameters between Campolina and Mangalarga Marchador horses; however, biochemical values associated with fat and protein metabolism were significantly different between the groups.

Enzymatic synthesis of dioctyl sebacate

Pollution and environmental conservation have increased visibility in the global context over past decades. Specifically, regarding lubricants market, concern has been raised due to the large amount of this material released to the environment. In this scenario, development of biodegradable lubricants was investigated. One of the most important class of biodegradable lubricants includes esters of dicarboxylic acids, as sebacic esters. The aim of this work was to study the enzymatic synthesis of diesters derived from sebacic acid in solvent-free system. The effects of commercial immobilized lipase (Novozym 435, Lipozyme RM IM, Lipozyme TL IM), lipase amount (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13wt.%), reaction temperature (90, 100, 110°C) and molar ratio of reactants (sebacic acid/octanol molar ratio of 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7) were studied. Experiments using sulphuric acid as catalyst were carried out for the purpose of comparison. Sebacic acid conversion close to 100% and diester molar percentage higher than 90% were obtained at 100°C, using 5wt.% of Novozym and sebacic acid/octanol molar ratio of 1:5. Removal of water produced in the reaction (using molecular sieves, vacuum and free evaporation of water), and reuse of biocatalyst were also investigated. The product obtained was characterized (viscosity, viscosity index, flash point, pour point and acid number) and compared with commercial mineral lubricants. Synthesized esters showed suitable physico-chemical properties similar to naphthenic oil.

INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY OF THE KARELIAN RESEARCH CENTRE RAS – HISTORY OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (ON 55th ANNIVERSARY SINCE FOUNDATION)

In 2016, the Institute of Geology at the Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences celebrated the 55th anniversary since its founding. The history and mainstream of the scientific research conducted by the institute are briefly described in this paper. The key results of geological, petrological and geophysical, geoecological, nanotechnological and other studies carried out in the past three years are reported. The decree on founding the Institute of Geology as part of the Karelian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences was issued on May 18, 1961. It was stated in the Decree that the Presidium of the USSR Academy decided to establish the Institute of Geology on the basis of the Department of Petrography and Mineralogy and the Department of Regional Geology with their units, which were already part of the Karelian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, to invigorate the geological study and technological application of Karelia’s mineral resources. The main fields of the research conducted by the institute in the 1960s were as follows: The fundamentals of the Precambrian geology of the Fennoscandian (Baltic) Shield; Magmatism, mineralogy, geochemistry and metallogeny; Tectonics and structure of metalliferous commercial minerals; Quaternary geology and geomorphology of Karelia and adjacent areas; Applied geology, including metalliferous and non-metalliferous mineral prospecting criteria; Feasibility study of the mining and industrial application of Karelia’s mineral resources; Engineering geology and hydrogeology of Karelia. In the last 55 years the institute’s staff has conducted extensive research and made many scientific discoveries. The basic modern concepts of Karelia’s geology were developed in Soviet time, when the Karelian Finnish Scientific Research Facility, transformed later into the Karelian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, was founded in 1946. It consisted of the Geology Sector (later ‘Unit’) with a chemical laboratory and a polishing workshop. Two more sections were established later. In post-war time, young geologists, such as K. O. Kratz and others, worked enthusiastically and productively under the supervision of Prof. P. A. Borisov. During this period the institute’s staff contributed greatly to a better understanding of the geological structure and lithospheric evolution of the southeastern Fennoscandian Shield and adjacent areas and the conditions behind the formation and distribution of useful minerals [Shchiptsov & Golovanova, 2006]. Multi-lateral, interdisciplinary and interregional studies in earth sciences were conducted. A volume of scientific papers, entitled “Geology of Karelia from the Archean to the present” was published in 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Geology. The main fields of research conducted by the institute over that period are described by the authors. The study of Precambrian stratigraphy and the technological study of genetically different rocks are discussed retrospectively. The origin of various scientific problems, relevant approaches and expected results are described. Modern data obtained by recent geochemical and geochronological studies are reported and models of the crustal evolution of the eastern Fennoscandian Shield are presented. The mineral resources of the Republic of Karelia are evaluated. Ongoing seismological and geoecological monitoring conducted by the institute is discussed. The main ongoing scientific studies at the institute are concerned with: 1. The structure, composition, conditions for the formation and lithospheric evolution of the Fennoscandian Shield and global Precambrian correlations; 2. Mineralogy of Karelia. Integrated technologies: shungite and industrial minerals; 3. Neotectonics, seismicity and geoecology of Northwest Russia. The 55th anniversary of the Institute of Geology is a significant landmark in its history. It shows the institute’s scientific contribution and prospects for the future. Scientific priorities are changing, methods and analytical approaches are updated, new scientific trends are developed and new schools are established. All that will contribute to the institute’s further activities, success in priority projects and a better internal structure.

Avaliação bioeconômica de estratégias de suplementação de novilhos zebuínos mantidos em pastagens diferidas de capim-marandu no período seco

RESUMO O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar estratégias de suplementação sobre o consumo de suplemento, comportamento e desempenho de novilhos zebuínos mantidos em pastagem de capim-marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) diferido. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado para testar cinco estratégias de suplementação: sal mineral (SM), sal proteinado com 25% de ureia (SP) e três multimisturas (45,5% NDT) com 10% (MM10), 15% (MM 15), ou 20% (MM20) de ureia. Foram utilizados vinte novilhos com peso inicial 300±24,9kg, sendo quatro por tratamento, mantidos em cinco piquetes de 3,4ha rotacionados semanalmente, de julho a outubro de 2010. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA, usando o Teste de Tukey para comparar as médias (P&lt;0,05); entretanto, a análise econômica determinou a melhor estratégia. A ingestão de suplementos foi alterada (P&lt;0,05) pela estratégia de suplementação, sendo de: 106, 196, 852, 666 e 400 g/animal/dia para SM, SP, MM10, MM15 e MM20, respectivamente. O aumento do consumo de suplementos não alterou o tempo de pastejo ou ruminação/ócio (P&gt;0,05). SM resultou em perda de peso (-137 g/animal/dia). Utilizando-se o SP praticamente manteve o peso dos novilhos. Entretanto, para obtenção de ganho de peso, as multimisturas devem ser utilizadas (P&lt;0,05). Nesses casos, o ganho de peso diário chegou a 324 g/animal (MM10). Baseado nos resultados econômicos, a melhor estratégia foi MM20, seguida de MM10.

Methodological approaches for fractionation and speciation to estimate trace element bioavailability in engineered anaerobic digestion ecosystems: An overview

ABSTRACTOptimal supply of trace elements (TE) is a prerequisite for microbial growth and activity in anaerobic digestion (AD) bioprocesses. However, the required concentrations and ratios of essential TE for AD biotechnologies strongly depend on prevailing operating conditions as well as feedstock composition. Furthermore, TE in AD bioreactors undergo complex physicochemical reactions and may be present as free ions, complex bound or as precipitates depending on pH, or on the presence of sulfur compounds or organic macromolecules. To overcome TE deficiency, various commercial mineral products are typically applied to AD processes. The addition of heavy metals poses the risk of overdosing operating systems, which may be toxic to microbial consortia and ultimately the environment. Adequate supplementation, therefore, requires appropriate knowledge not only about the composition, but also on the speciation and bioavailability of TE. However, very little is yet fully understood on this specific issue. Evaluations of TE typically only include the measurement of total TE concentrations but do not consider the chemical forms in which TE exist. Thus detailed information on bioavailability and potential toxicity cannot be provided. This review provides an overview of the state of the art in approaches to determine bioavailable TE in anaerobic bioprocesses, including sequential fractionation and speciation techniques. Critical aspects and considerations, including with respect to sampling and analytical procedures, as well as mathematical modeling, are examined. The approaches discussed in this review are based on our experiences and on previously published studies in the context of the “COST Action 1302: European Network on Ecological Roles of Trace Metals in Anaerobic Biotechnologies.”

Assessment of the Potential of Clusterization of Fuel and Energy Complex of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

Background/Objectives: The article deals with the issues of clusterization of the region's economy. The objective of research is to assess the potential of clusterization of basic region's economic sectors. Methods/Statistical Analysis: On the ground of study of methodical basis of clusterization the authors suggest a complex methodical approach to the establishment of regional industrial cluster. It consists of 3 stages and defines a system of internal coefficients and key figure blocks, characterising potential of clusterization of the region's economy. Author's approach also suggests criteria of assessment of clusterization of basic region's economic sectors (low, middle and high). Findings: According to suggested methodical approach the authors analysed and assessed social and economic figures of subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District. This revealed that in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) the extraction of commercial minerals and production and distribution of electricity, gas and water are main types of economic activity, which can serve as basis for establishment of regional industrial and intraregional clusters. For practical approval of potential of clusterization the authors have considered fuel and energy complex of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) (FEC SR (Ya)). Applications/Improvements: The results of calculations show high level of potential of clusterization. The authors also suggest a structural pattern (a model) of fuel and energy cluster of SR (Ya).

The large Bystrinskoe Cu–Au–Fe deposit (Eastern Trans-Baikal Region): Russia’s first example of a skarn–porphyry ore-forming system related to adakite

The Bystrinskoe skarn-porphyry Cu–Au–Fe deposit (Eastern Trans-Baikal Region) is confined to skarn zones, which were formed along the contact of granitoids referred to the Shakhtama intrusive complex (J2–3), with terrigenous–carbonate sedimentary rocks. Commercial (Cu–Au–Fe ± W, Mo) mineralization was formed due to the regional postcollision development involving the intrusion of porphyritic granitoids, the derivatives of oxidized adakite highly magnesian magmas enriched in water, sulfur, and metals, which could develop under melting of garnet-bearing amphibolite in the mafic lower crustal arc.

A simplified, economical, and robust light trap for capturing benthic and pelagic zooplankton

Most of the commonly used light traps for plankton studies are often large, heavy and expensive, and cannot be easily used for pelagic sampling. Although many small, and simple light traps have been designed, most of them are fragile and have weak light sources, allowing only limited collection. In the present study, a new simplified light trap design was described, which is small, lightweight, robust, inexpensive ($70 USD) and easy to construct. The main body of the trap is constructed from a 6L commercial mineral water PET bottle, and the lighting component consists of four 3W white LED bulbs. Pelagic deployment of the new simplified trap and the commonly-used modified Doherty trap was conducted in the same location and compared the composition of the catches including larval fishes and invertebrates. The taxonomic composition of larval fishes collected between the two traps was similar, but it appears that the Doherty trap can collect larger sized larval fishes. Catch composition, wet weights and total number of marine invertebrates collected between the two types of traps are comparable. Ten taxa (copepods, amphipods, crab larvae and juveniles, Cumacea, Euphausiacea, molluscan larvae, isopods, mysids, ostracods and Polychaetes) accounted for over 98% of the total catch of individuals by both trap models. Copepods and crabs larvae were the two most abundant taxa, accounting for more than 55% of the catch. The new and simplified traps therefore represent a robust and comparable design that can be manufactured in large quantities (even in developing countries) and easier in transportation for spatial and temporal studies of plankton dynamics.

Energizing marginal soils – The establishment of the energy crop Sida hermaphrodita as dependent on digestate fertilization, NPK, and legume intercropping

Growing energy crops in marginal, nutrient-deficient soils is a more sustainable alternative to conventional cultivation. The use of energy-intensive synthetic fertilizers needs to be reduced, preferably via closed nutrient loops in the biomass production cycle. In the present study based on the first growing season of a mesocosm experiment using large bins outdoors, we evaluated the potential of the energy plant Sida hermaphrodita to grow in a marginal sandy soil. We applied different fertilization treatments using either digestate from biogas production or a commercial mineral NPK-fertilizer. To further increase independence from synthetically produced N-fertilizers, the legume plant Medicago sativa was intercropped to introduce atmospherically fixed nitrogen and potentially facilitate the production of additional S. hermaphrodita biomass. We found digestate to be the best performing fertilizer because it produced similar yields as the NPK fertilization but minimized nitrate leaching. Legume intercropping increased the total biomass yield by more than 100% compared to S. hermaphrodita single cropping in the fertilized variants. However, it negatively influenced the performance of S. hermaphrodita in the following year. We conclude that a successful establishment of S. hermaphrodita for biomass production in marginal soils is possible and digestate application formed the best fertilization method when considering a range of aspects including overall yield, nitrate leaching, nitrogen fixation of M. sativa, and sustainability over time.

Ozonated Mineral Oil: Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of the Microbicidal Activity

ABSTRACTThe ozonation of vegetable oils has been studied, since the produced ointments have antibacterial and fungicidal activities. However, the ozonation of mineral oils has not been reported in the literature yet, opening an interesting field for examination. In this work, we have shown the ozonation of a commercial mineral oil (Nujol). The main goal was to produce oils containing free ozone, so that this gas could act as antimicrobial agent. It was found that in Nujol, ozone remains for at least 40 days and in the sample ozonized for 15 h its concentration was 7.5 mg mL−1. Neat Nujol showed no antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, however, when ozonated it showed antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Antarctic geoconservation: a review of current systems and practices

SUMMARYThe prohibition of commercial mineral resource extraction through the Antarctic Treaty System has removed one significant source of potential damage to Antarctica's geological and geomorphological values. However, given the on-going increase in Antarctic tourism and scientific footprint, some high-quality geological features may be vulnerable to human impact, such as damage due to the construction of logistical facilities, unregulated collection of geological specimens or oversampling for scientific purposes. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty puts in place a framework for the protection of Antarctica's environmental, scientific, historic, wilderness and aesthetic values. However, the Antarctic Protected Area system is still immature and further implementation of existing management tools may be required to protect the diverse range of vulnerabilities, qualities and spatial scales represented in the geology and geomorphology of the continent. At sites where high-quality mineralogical or palaeontological specimens exist in limited quantities, considerations of how best to prevent oversampling and manage access to remaining material may be supported by assessment of cumulative impacts. Examination of the level of Antarctic specimen loans from a selection of national geological collections suggested that existing publically accessible geological collections could be better utilized, which could reduce environmental impact and oversampling at vulnerable Antarctic sites.

Synchrotron based high throughput screening method for mineral analysis in cereal and pulse grains meal

A rapid high throughput non-destructive method, using an X-ray microprobe beamline (Very Sensitive Elemental and Structural Probe Employing Radiation from Synchrotron, VESPERS, CLS Saskatoon), has been developed to screen multiple minerals in cereal and pulse meals. Starch spiked with commercial mineral standards cocktail at different concentrations was optimized to develop standard curve to determine mineral concentrations in grain meal samples. A grid sample holder to hold 84 samples was built for high precision and rapid analysis of multiple samples. The developed analytical method can be used for quantitative determination of eleven minerals including Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb and Mo at mgKg−1 or ppm concentrations. Method adaptability was assessed using a cereal crop wheat and pulse crop chickpea grain meal. The method was successfully used for Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb and Mo determination in wheat and chickpea and measurements were cross analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy ICP-MS technique for the same samples. The method is highly sensitive (sensitivity at ppm level) and can be adapted to analyze mineral concentrations in grain meal from crops of interest. The precise and reproducible high throughput screening method can be used in crop improvement to develop bio-fortified grains with increased mineral concentrations.

Bioavailability of Cu, Zn and Mn from Mineral Chelates or Blends of Inorganic Salts in Growing Turkeys Fed with Supplemental Riboflavin and/or Pyridoxine.

An 84-day feeding trial was conducted in growing turkeys to measure the bioavailability of Cu, Zn and Mn from a commercial mineral chelate and corresponding inorganic salts in composite feeds containing supplemental riboflavin (B2) and/or pyridoxine (B6). A total of 320, 28-day-old British United Turkeys (BUT) were assigned to eight dietary treatments in a 2×4 factorial arrangement comprising two trace mineral sources: chelated trace mineral blend (CTMB) and its corresponding inorganic trace minerals blend (ITMB) fed solely or with supplements of vitamin B2 (8ppm) or B6 (7ppm) or 8ppm B2+7ppm B6. Each treatment was replicated four times with 10 turkeys each. It was observed that turkeys fed with diets supplemented solely with ITMB elicited higher (P<0.05) Zn excretion than their counterparts fed with diets containing ITMB with supplements of vitamins B2 and/or B6. Manganese retention was lower (P<0.05) in turkeys fed with diets supplemented solely with ITMB than those fed with diets containing vitamins B2 and/or B6 additives. Combination of CTMB or ITMB with B6 improved (P<0.05) the concentration of Mn in the liver and Cu in the bone. It was concluded that the minerals in CTMB were more available to the animals than ITMB. Furthermore, vitamins B2 and/or B6 supplementation improved the bioavailability of the inorganic Cu, Zn and Mn in growing turkeys and tended to reduce the concentration of these trace elements in birds' excreta.

Some Problems of Buildings and Structures Service Within Permafrost Area

Cryolithic zone occupies almost quarter of our planet area or 66% of the territory of Russian Federation. For our country longstanding permafrost is an essential factor of nature, economy and social sphere. Construction, deposit of commercial minerals within area of longstanding permafrost is very sophisticated activity for the following factors: availability of hazardous geological (geocryological) processes and occurrences - thermokarst, soilfluction, crack formation of soils and ettls, freeze over, knobs, stratificated missives, ice of repeated ice veins, thermal erosion, bogging of territories, cryopeg development and permafrost mound. Nowadays Extreme North is the biggest raw hydrocarbon deposit together with other treasures of the soil. Negligence of design specialties and construction within area of longstanding permafrost, lack of information regarding natural conditions of severe environment are the reason of man-made accidents with crucial effects to nature. Being conducted climatic change of our planet has negative influence on interaction of men with environment. Permafrost may form continuous, broken and island type features. Concerning temperature it may be classified as low temperature and high temperature permafrost soils. Very often permafrost has various grade of salinity with presence of salt brine which makes serious influence on soil features and interaction with buildings and other facilities under construction stage. To preserve permafrost basic characteristics systems of soil thermo stabilization are being applied (STS). The experience of Bovanenkovsky oil and gas condensate field showed that foundations are 42-60% of cost estimate and the share of STS considered from 5.8 up to 16.4% from construction expenses. During design stage of underground mine openings within permafrost conditions it is very important to be familiar with nature specialties for the reason to avoid man-made disasters as we had on minery Ihal.

Effect of Area Specific Mineral Supplementation on Growth and Reproductive Performance of Female Black Bengal Goats

To find out the effect of area specific mineral supplementation (ASMS), 24 female Black Bengal goatling were divided into four groups (Gr.I, II, III and IV) which were supplemented with 0, 1, 2% deficient minerals and 2% commercial mineral mixture, respectively. Body weight (BW) was recorded in specific time span. Study revealed that final body weight as well as average daily gain (ADG) in three months significantly (P < 0.05) differed from control and treatment group. Among treatment groups, better body weight gain was observed in higher mineral supplemented group but was not significant. But, interestingly, the overall body condition score (BCS) differed significantly (P < 0.05) between control and treatment as well as within treatment group. Age at maturity of control and treatment groups were 222.50 +- 5.74,207.50 +- 8.92, 187.50 +- 5.12 and 192.50 +- 6.29 days, respectively and the difference was significantly varied. Mean oestrogen and progesterone level was marginally high in mineral supplemented group than control group.

Reduction of phosphorus concentration in mineral supplement on fertility rate, maternal ability and costs of beef cows reared in pastures of Urochloa decumbens.

Manufacturing and marketing of mineral mixtures with less than 40gkg(-1) phosphorus (P) is prohibited under Brazilian regulations, although scientific evidence rejects this recommendation. Considering the hypothesis that P levels in commercial mineral supplements can be reduced without affecting animal performance and health, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of reducing the concentration of P in the mineral supplement (from 40 to 18gkg(-1)) of a herd of beef cows grazing tropical pastures of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens). The experiment was carried out in the savanna region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, during the years 2011 to 2013. Variables analyzed included pregnancy rate, calving interval, weight of calves at weaning, and cost of mineral supplementation. There were no changes in the reproductive parameters of the herd and the weight at weaning of the calves. However, the cost of mineral supplementation was significantly lower when the herd was supplemented with the mineral mix containing only 18gkg(-1) P. Phosphorus concentration of the forage was analyzed monthly during 1year and averaged 1.9 ± 0.45gkg(-1) DM. Thus, it appears possible to reduce P content and cost of mineral supplementation without any adverse effects on the health and productivity of beef cattle herds in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. However, the final decision should be made based on the clinical-nutritional examination and by constant technical assistance to the farm.

Fertilizer value of phosphorus in different residues

AbstractThe phosphorus (P) fertilizer effect of a range of commonly available manure, waste treatment and by‐product residues was tested in pot, field and incubation experiments. The effect of the residues on P offtake was compared with that of commercial mineral P (super phosphate) to calculate the mineral fertilizer equivalent (MFE). Possible relationships between MFE and P extractable from residues using different agents (ammonium lactate, citrate, water) were examined. Dry matter yield and P concentration were measured in ryegrass grown in pots amended with 14 different residues. The effect on the first cut (after 5 weeks) was significantly higher for residues with a low organic matter content, for example ash and biogas residues (MFE = 74–85%), than for many other products with higher organic matter content, for example meat meal (MFE = 44%), cattle slurry (MFE = 57%) and sewage sludge (MFE = 0–37%). However, the effect on two combined cuts (after 11 weeks) was more similar between residues (MFE = 40–60% for most residues). Ammonium lactate‐extractable P (P‐AL) in residues correlated better with MFE (r2 = 0.48) than water‐extractable or citrate‐extractable P. Grain yield and P concentration were measured in a field experiment with spring wheat fertilized with four different residues. Pelleted meat meal had a similar effect on yield and P offtake as mineral fertilizer P, whereas two different sewage sludge and chicken manure had approximately 50% of the mineral fertilizer effect. The effect of residues on soil P‐AL (the Swedish measure of easily available soil P) in the incubation experiment showed no correlation with MFE from the pot experiments.