Contamination Of Forage Research Articles

Summer rain and wet soil rather than management affect the distribution of a toxic plant in production grasslands

In the northern forelands of the Alps, farmers report an increase of Jacobaea aquatica in production grasslands. Due to its toxicity, the species affects grassland productivity and calls for costly control measures. We are investigating the extent to which management practices or climatic factors are responsible for the increase of the species and how the situation will change due to climate change. We tested for effects of management intensity, fertilization, agri-environmental measures, and soil disturbance, and modeled the occurrence of the species under rcp4.5 and rcp8.5 scenarios. The main determinants of the occurrence of the species are soil type and summer rainfall. A high risk is associated with wet soils and > 400 mm of rain between June and August; an influence of the management-related factors could not be detected. Under the climate-change scenarios, the overall distribution decreases and shifts to the wetter alpine regions. Thus, the current increase is rather a shift in the occurrence of the species due to the altered precipitation situation. Under future climatic conditions, the species will decline and retreat to higher regions in the Alps. This will decrease the risk of forage contamination for production grassland in the lowlands.

ПРОТИВОГРИБКОВАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ ПРОИЗВОДНЫХ АНТРАХИНОНА (Сообщение 2)

Fungal infections are an increasingly recognized global threat to human, animal and plant health. The problem is acute in agriculture as well. The problems posed by fungal plant pathogens affect global food security by causing severe damage to many valuable crops. This is related to crop yields, post-harvest losses, and contamination of forage and consumer products.The purposeof the review is to analyze the problem of fungal diseases of plants and search for effective fungicides in the family of anthraquinone derivatives. Objects. Derivatives of 9,10-anthraquinone: chrysophanol, emodin, рhyscion, rhein, aloe-emodin.Results.Fungi are key components of global biogeochemical cycles and include numerous species with pathogenic potential that affect various plant species. Of particular concern is the impact of fungal pathogens on cultivated and commercial plant species on which the food security of the world population depends. Among natural compounds, 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives represent a group of quinones with biological activity and great structural diversity. This review presents the data on the main fungal plant pathogens and the analysis of the antifungal activity of the most abundant anthraquinone molecules, such as chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, rein and aloe-emodin, as well as some structurally related molecules, in order to analyze the influence of chemical structure of derivatives on their activity.Conclusion. Natural sources of antimicrobial agents, which can be regarded as an alternative to traditionally used drugs, have now begun to receive special attention. Natural sites contain a variety of biologically active secondary metabolites. Among them, derivatives of 9,10-anthraquinone, such as chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, rein, aloe-emodin, have shown activity against a variety of plant fungal pathogens and can be considered as promising structures for finding new antifungal agents.

Entomological Surveillance and Cantharidin Concentrations in Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum Blister Beetles in Slovenia.

Simple SummaryTrue blister beetles (genus Epicauta, family Meloidae) produce cantharidin, which is a potent blistering agent. Cantharidin toxicosis is well documented in humans and animals. Drought and modern harvesting techniques are thought to increase the likelihood of blister beetle contamination of forage and cantharidin intoxication in animals. Local presence, behavioral patterns, and cantharidin concentration were studied in Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum. In this study, E. rufidorsum was found to be the most likely source of forage contamination due to its local abundance, swarming activity, and tendency to reside in the green parts of plants after cutting. Cantharidin was detected in the bodies of both blister beetles species studied. It is likely that modern forage harvesting methods, which involve simultaneous processing of forage after cutting, increase the incidence of cantharidin toxicoses in animals. Delaying these processes by a few minutes would reduce the likelihood of Epicauta contamination of the forage.True blister beetles (genus Epicauta, family Meloidae) produce cantharidin, which can cause toxicosis in humans and animals. Some recent reports suggest that poisoning by the blister beetle has occurred in the Mediterranean part of Slovenia, which has never been reported before. Drought and modern harvesting techniques are thought to increase the likelihood of blister beetle forage contamination and cantharidin intoxication in animals. A survey of fields associated with blister beetle contamination was conducted and the Meloid species present were identified. Entomological surveillance was conducted for Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum. Cantharidin concentrations were also measured in both blister beetle species. Cantharidin concentration in Mylabris variabilis (n = 17) ranged from 0.038 to 0.354 µg/mg (mean 0.151 µg/mg). Cantharidin concentration in Epicauta rufidorsum (n = 36) ranged from 0.055 to 0.341 µg/mg (mean 0.142 µg/mg). Both species exhibited variable concentrations of cantharidin that could not be associated with their biology, sex, age, size, and/or reproductive status. Epicauta rufidorsum have never previously been studied as a possible source of forage contamination, nor have cantharidin concentrations been determined in this species. It is the most likely source of forage contamination due to its abundance in the investigated fields, its swarming activity, and its tendency to reside in the green parts of plants immediately after cutting. Delaying the simultaneous processing and storage of forage after cutting would reduce the likelihood of forage contamination by blister beetles, as they can then retreat to the ground or fly away.

Радиоэкологическая оценка кормовых сельскохозяйственных угодий юго-западных районов Брянской области на основе комплекса статистических моделей

This paper presents a radioecological assessment of forage agricultural land in the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region based on data characterizing the variability of the radionuclides content in the soil. Concentration of 137Cs in forage was calculated taking into account the proba-bility distributions of 137Cs soil contamination density and the soil to plant transfer factor. The pro-cessing data of the radioecological survey has shown the soil contamination density with 137Cs of agricultural lands in the southwestern areas of the Bryansk region obeys a lognormal law. The authors have used statistical models and software modules for the radioecological assessment of forage lands. Risks of exceeding the 137Cs content standards in forage obtained on soils with different texture have been calculated. The limiting levels of contamination of pastures and hay-fields with 137Cs, ensuring compliance with the specified risks for forage, have been estimated. The lowest limiting soil contamination density is characteristic of organic soils, which can be con-sidered “critical” from the point of view of 137Cs intake into forage. The authors have predicted the time of remediation of forage lands in the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region in the ab-sence of protective measures based on a probabilistic approach. The time period during which the risk of forage contamination for sandy, sandy loam and clay loam soils will decrease to 10% varies for the areas under consideration in a wide range, not exceeding 64 years. It is concluded that it is advisable to substantiate the value of the acceptable risk of forage contamination, taking into account radiological and socio-economic aspects.

Effects of life history stage and climatic conditions on fecal egg counts in plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti National Park

In wildlife, endoparasite burden can be affected by host life history stage, environmental conditions, host abundance, and parasite co-infections. We tested the effects of these factors on gastrointestinal parasite infection in plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania, using fecal egg counts of two nematode families (Strongylidae and Ascarididae) and the presence/absence of cestode (Anoplocephalidae) eggs. We predicted higher egg counts of Strongylidae and Ascarididae, and increased likelihood of Anoplocephalidae infection in individuals (1) during energetically costly life history stages when resource allocation to immune processes may decrease and in young zebras after weaning because of increased uptake of infective stages with forage, (2) when climatic conditions facilitate survival of infective stages, (3) when large zebra aggregations increase forage contamination with infective stages, and (4) in individuals co-infected with more than one parasite group as this may indicate reduced immune competence. Strongylidae egg counts were higher, and the occurrence of Anoplocephalidae eggs was more likely in bachelors than in band stallions, whereas Ascarididae egg counts were higher in band stallions. Strongylidae and Ascarididae egg counts were not increased in lactating females. Strongylidae egg counts were higher in subadults than in foals. Regardless of sex and age, Ascarididae infections were more likely under wet conditions. Co-infections did not affect Strongylidae egg counts. Ascarididae egg counts in adult females were higher when individuals were co-infected with Anoplocephalidae. We present evidence that parasite burdens in plains zebras are affected by life history stage, environmental conditions, and co-infection.

Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) biology and management—A review of an emerging global invader

AbstractThe globally invasive weed, mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) is an annual, bushy, ill‐scented herb, originating in Eurasia. It is aggressively weedy in croplands, field‐side ditches, wet areas and along roadsides, especially in slightly acidic, nitrogen‐rich, clay‐loam soils. In addition to interfering with crop growth, the weed causes dermatitis and eye irritation in humans, skin rashes and sour mouth in domesticated mammals, and off‐flavours in cow's milk through forage contamination. Although A. cotula may be managed effectively with some broadleaf herbicides in cereal crops, it is much more difficult to manage in broadleaved crops and cover crops. In some regions, aggressive use of relatively few herbicides has selected for acetolactate synthase herbicide resistance in A. cotula. Therefore, A. cotula poses serious ecological and economic challenges in many regions. Despite this threat, the details of A. cotula biology and ecology in the context of environmental change remain relatively unknown. For example, the reason for the invasiveness of A. cotula remains uncertain, but is presumed to be due to abundant seed production, allelochemicals, mycorrhizal associations, minimal herbivory in invaded ranges, ability to attract generalist pollinators through an extended flowering period and adaptive capacity in a wide range of soil types and conditions. In this paper, we comprehensively review the literature and ongoing work on A. cotula and provide a research agenda to improve understanding and management of this species.

Influence of soil contamination before and after ensiling on mineral composition of grass silages, feed intake and carry-over to body tissue of goats

Iron (Fe) is ubiquitous in the environment and has possible impact on quality and safety of feed and food due to the fact that it can be transferred from soil to animal feed and further to the products of animal origin. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of contamination of forage with soil differing in Fe concentration on Fe solubility, mineral composition and quality of grass silages. Furthermore, the effect of feeding these silages on feed intake, performance, trace element absorbability and carry-over into edible tissues was tested in young goats. Two ensiling experiments revealed that treating grass without or with different levels and types of soil before ensiling did not affect fermentation parameters of silages. Nevertheless, the addition of soil caused a highly significant increase of crude ash and trace elements contents in forage and silages. During ensiling, the in vitro solubility of Fe increased on average 5 times. Also, the aluminium content was the best indicator of soil contamination in forages. In a feeding trial with growing goats, feed intake and live weight gain were decreased in the group fed grass ensiled with the soil in contrast to the control group and animals receiving feed with soil added just before feeding. Fe concentration was highest in the duodenal tissue of kids fed the forage contaminated with soil before ensiling (184 vs 88-80 mg Fe/kg DM in the other two treatments), which might be also an indicator of Fe regulating properties. Fe concentration in the liver increased likewise. In conclusion, data indicate that ingesting ensiled soil impairs animal performance.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid production of Jacobaea aquatica and contamination of forage in meadows of Northern Austria

AbstractJacobaea aquatica (=Senecio aquaticus, Asteraceae), marsh ragwort, grows regionally in low management intensity wet grasslands in various European countries. The plant can be regarded as a noxious weed as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which cause health problems in livestock. In the Waldviertel region of Northern Austria, marsh ragwort has established dense populations as the fertilizing and production intensity of the meadows changed during the last decades. Ragwort biomass production and alkaloid concentration in J. aquatica were recorded during three consecutive years at three sites to study the effects of two treatments: cutting twice a year either early in June plus September, or in July plus August, respectively. Six PAs (Z‐erucifoline > senecionine > integerrimine > seneciphylline > acetyl‐erucifoline and acetyl‐seneciphylline) were evaluated. The alkaloid contents were highest in July and August when 600–1,400 mg/kg dry matter (DM) total PAs occurred in most ragwort samples. Consequently, the forage can easily be contaminated with 40–80 mg/kg DM of PAs and may present a health risk for domestic animals and also affect human health as these alkaloids are transferred into milk.

Review on Mycotoxin Issues in Ruminants: Occurrence in Forages, Effects of Mycotoxin Ingestion on Health Status and Animal Performance and Practical Strategies to Counteract Their Negative Effects.

Ruminant diets include cereals, protein feeds, their by-products as well as hay and grass, grass/legume, whole-crop maize, small grain or sorghum silages. Furthermore, ruminants are annually or seasonally fed with grazed forage in many parts of the World. All these forages could be contaminated by several exometabolites of mycotoxigenic fungi that increase and diversify the risk of mycotoxin exposure in ruminants compared to swine and poultry that have less varied diets. Evidence suggests the greatest exposure for ruminants to some regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A, fumonisins and zearalenone) and to many other secondary metabolites produced by different species of Alternaria spp. (e.g., AAL toxins, alternariols, tenuazonic acid or 4Z-infectopyrone), Aspergillus flavus (e.g., kojic acid, cyclopiazonic acid or β-nitropropionic acid), Aspergillus fuminatus (e.g., gliotoxin, agroclavine, festuclavines or fumagillin), Penicillium roqueforti and P. paneum (e.g., mycophenolic acid, roquefortines, PR toxin or marcfortines) or Monascus ruber (citrinin and monacolins) could be mainly related to forage contamination. This review includes the knowledge of mycotoxin occurrence reported in the last 15 years, with special emphasis on mycotoxins detected in forages, and animal toxicological issues due to their ingestion. Strategies for preventing the problem of mycotoxin feed contamination under farm conditions are discussed.

Sheep prefer clean forage over forage contaminated with military explosives TNT, RDX and HMX

The common military explosives 2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX) are distributed in many military training areas, and are thus encountered by grazing animals. The aim of this study was to examine small ruminant's intake of forage contaminated with explosives. An indoor, experimental setup was used to determine if contamination of forage by these compounds affected intake by sheep. The results clearly demonstrate that contamination by any of the three explosives reduced forage intake in sheep; in order of increasing avoidance: RDX<TNT<HMX. The results are discussed in a risk assessment context.

VERMINOSE EM CAPRINOS E OVINOS MANTIDOS EM PASTAGENS DE Panicum maximum Jacq. NO PERÍODO CHUVOSO DO ANO

The objective of this work was to evaluate the worm disease on goats and sheep kept on Panicum maximum Jacq. pastures, in the rainy season of the year. The dry matter density (DM) of different layers (0-15, 15-30 and above 30 cm) of Panicum maximum Jacq. pastures, and the forage contamination by gastrintestinal nematode infective larvae (L3) were quantified. Forty animals were submitted monthly to coproparasitological examinations (ECG and coproculture) during the rainy season. The experiment was carried out in Barreiras-Bahia-Brazil, in a split-plot design, with 10 replications on pastures and 20 replications on animals, from October of 2003 to March of 2004, and samples were taken from December to February. The number of infective larvae per kg/DM did not change with the grass layer, with average of 22.2 L3/kg DM. On the forage, Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. L3 larvae were indentified, reflecting the coproculture results. Goats showed higher ECG counting (2602) than Sheep (865), demanding more sanitary care.KEYWORDS: Coproculture, dry matter, ECG, nematodes.

Examination of Salmonella and Escherichia coli Translocation from Hog Manure to Forage, Soil, and Cattle Grazed on the Hog Manure‐treated Pasture

Use of hog (Sus scrofa) manure as a fertilizer is a practical solution for waste re-utilization, however, it may serve as a vehicle for environmental and domestic animal contamination. Work was conducted to determine whether pathogens, naturally present in hog manure could be detected in cattle (Bos taurus) grazed on the manure-treated pasture, and whether forage contamination occurred. During two 3 mo summer trials manure was applied to yield < or = 124 kg available N per hectare in a single spring or split spring and fall application. Samples of hog manure, forage, soil, and cattle feces were analyzed for naturally occurring Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli. To follow movement of Salmonella in the environment isolates were identified to serovar and serotyped. Transfer of E. coli from hog manure to soil and cattle was examined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of >600 E. coli isolates. While Y. enterocolitica was absent from all samples, in both years S. enterica Derby and S. enterica Krefeld were found in most hog manure samples, but were only on forage samples in the second year. Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, absent from hog manure was present on some forage in the first year. Cattle feces and soil samples were consistently Salmonella negative. These contaminations could not be traced to manure application. During this study, Salmonella and E. coli found in hog manure had different RAPD genomic profiles from those found in the feces of cattle grazing on manure-treated pasture.

Chromic Oxide Contamination of Pasture Previously Used in Marker Studies

Fecal output of range cows was determined during 2 periods of summer (period I) and late summer (period II) grazing using a constant release intraruminal Cr2O3 bolus. Chromic oxide contamination was determined by analyzing forage for Cr2O3 and by obtaining fecal samples from cows prior to bolusing. Control cows were also monitored along with the experimental cows during grazing periods. The overall herd least squares mean for fecal output during period I was lower than the expected value by 48%. Forage during period I contained an average of 55.7 microgram Cr2O3 g-1 of forage or about 45% of the daily dose of the bolus. Forage during period II contained an average of 38.3 microgram Cr2O3 g-1 of forage or about 29% of the daily dose of the bolus. Our results indicate that comparisons of fecal output least squares means by period of the year can be biased by Cr2O3 contamination of forage in pastures which have been previously used for marker studies.

Application of regional geochemical surveys to environmental studies; a case study from the Namaqualand copper district

Data from the Geological Survey of South Africa's regional geochemical programme is discussed with particular reference to environmental and agricultural aspects. Stream sediments from the Okiep copper district, Namaqualand in South Africa show highly elevated copper values as the result of a history of mining activity in the area. The potential for contamination of forage and drinking water was investigated and no obvious clinical evidence of copper excesses was observed in the ecosystem.

Contamination of roe deer forage in a polluted forest of southern Poland

Roe deer Capreolus capreolus L. bucks develop antlers during the winter and very early spring when they are feeding exclusively on browse and, under the snow, ground flora. Contamination of this forage by heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) and sulphur compounds was studied in the Niepołomice Forest in southern Poland exposed to chronic steel mill emissions. The mean concentration (dry weight) of heavy metals and sulphur in, and the pH of, 10 tree and shrub species were as follows: Cr, 1·2 ppm; Cd, 2·3; Ni, 4·7; Cu, 9·5; Pb, 12·8; Zn, 172·4; Fe, 336·4; Mn, 347·5; Mg, 1127·7; S, 1310; and pH, 4·77. Ground flora accumulated higher amounts of most of the heavy metals analysed, especially Pb (35·0 ppm), Ni (7·9 ppm) and Fe (2103 ppm), but was less acid (pH 5·10). The ground flora was contaminated by heavy metals 25% more in the deciduous part ( Tilio-Carpinetum) of the forest than in the pine complex ( Pino-Quercetum). During the approximately 110-day period of antler development, roe deer bucks in this forest ingested about 196 g of heavy metals (including 9·3 g of highly toxic Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr) and about 251 g of sulphur. These levels are about 8, 5·4 and 1·4 times more, respectively, than the amounts of heavy metals, especially toxic heavy metals and sulphur, ingested in an unpolluted control area. A sharp decline in the quality of roe deer antlers has been found in the Niepołomice Forest during the last 25 years, from the beginning of the operation of the steel mill. This decline may be the result of winter food contamination by the mill's emissions. This phenomenon is reviewed and the possible physiological mechanisms of the inhibition of antler growth are discussed.

Effects of Cattle Feces Rapidly Buried by Dung Beetles on Yield and Quality of Coastal Bermudagrass1

AbstractCattle numbers have steadily increased in the southeastern United States partly in response to increased fertilizer use and higher producing forage varieties that permit higher stocking rates. Heavily stocked pastures result in accumulation of feces on pasture surfaces and contamination of forage. This study was initiated to study the effects of rapid burial of cattle feces by dung beetles on Coastal bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers]. Fresh cattle feces containing the equivalent of 224 kg N/ha were applied to duplicate plots of Coastal bermudagrass for determinations of pasture yield: 1) when feces are buried by dung beetles, and 2) when feces remain on the pasture surface. The soil was a Tifton loamy sand (Plinthic Palendults; fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic family) . Dung beetles confined to one‐half of the plots buried 78% (175 kg N/ha) of the applied feces. Total dry matter yields were 7,791 kg/ha where the feces were buried by beetles and 6,364 kg/ha where not buried as compared to yields of 5,369 and 8,305 kg/ha where 112 and 224 kg N/ha were applied as ammonium nitrate. The yield from plots with the buried feces was not significantly different from that from plots receiving 224 kg/ha of N fertilizer. Similar results were obtained when wheat was oversecded on Coastal bermudagrass plots in which the effect of application of ammonium nitrate fertilizer was compared with that of cattle feces buried by dung beetles in the fall. Burial of feces by a greater than normal dung beetle population on pasture with grazing cattle also produced higher yields of Coastal bermudagrass compared to similar pastures with lower dung beetle populations. The results indicated that Increasing the dung beetle population on pastures by introduction of foreign species of beetles would be very beneficial for forage production in high density grazing systems.

Lead in forage grass from a suburban area in Northern California

Particulate lead from motor vehicle exhausts contaminates plants. We found the lead content of forage grass from sites at varying distances from roads sufficient to pose a threat to grazing animals. In comparison with earlier studies, where smelting was responsible for contamination of forage that caused plumbism in animals, the present study shows motor vehicle exhaust to be an important source of toxic levels of lead in California's most common forage grass, Avena fatua. Ingestion of such grass by cattle may pose a threat to them and, in addition, may provide an additional increment of lead in Man's diet.

Salivary Contamination of Forage Selected by Esophageal Fistulated Steers Grazing Sandhill Grassland

Salivary Contamination of Forage Selected by Esophageal Fistulated Steers Grazing Sandhill Grassland

Deposition of Fallout Cesium 137 on Forage and Transfer to Milk

ESIUM 137 is one of the most important contaminants from fallout nuclear debris because of its long physical half-life and affinity for biological systems. Body burdens of this radionuclide in man result principally from the food-chain sequence: air and precipitation to plants, plants to milk and meat, with dairy and beef cattle as the principal vectors between plants and man's diet. This apparently simple relation describes the food-chain pattern for cesium 137 quite adequately since uptake of cesium 137 by plants from soil is negligible (1) and dairy products and beef contribute most of the cesium 137 in the average U.S. diet (2). Mathematical models describing the transport of radioactive fa,llout to milk, emphasizing strontium 90, have been presented (3-7). In these models, certain common assumptions were made regarding forage contamination and feeding practices, but actual data were unavailable. The relation between radionuclide levels of forage and milk has been reported by several workers for strontium 90 (8-12) and cesium 137 (13,14). The general relation between fallout, feeding practices, and milk levels has been discussed (15-18). A common deficiency of these models and discussions has been the absence of concomitant data for all three: fallout, feed, and milk. As pointed out in a recent panel discussion of approaches to studying radiological hazards in the environment, the large-scale monitoring network method and t,he investigation of specific ecosystems are complementary in understanding the behavior of fission products in the biosphere (19). Observations on the transport of cesium 137 in a controlled dairy ecosystem at Colorado State University were initiated in 1962, and data have been collected for the va.rious steps in the food chain. The ecotsystem consisted of one herd of 112 cows and an irrigated farm in a geographic region that would be classified as a dry area (20). From the study of this ecosystem, we believe that estimates of ceisium 137 body burdens of the general population can be significantly improved.