Head Weight Research Articles

The efficiency of pigs from different genetic origins under industrial conditions in Ukraine

The study investigated the dependence of the fattening qualities of pigs and the economic efficiency of their breeding on their genetic origin. Two groups of 28 sows of Danish and Canadian origin inseminated with semen from Durok boars served as research material. A control group consisted of F1 sows of the Landrace and Large White Danish breeds inseminated with semen from Danish Durok boars. The group II, on the other hand, consisted of F1 sows of similar breeds from Canadian selection inseminated with semen from Canadian Durok boars. The studies focused on the efficiency of the sows' reproductive function, the growth intensity of the hybrid piglets and the efficiency and profitability of their rearing and fattening. Methods of analogue pairs and statistical data analysis were used. It was found that piglets of Canadian origin had a 7.5% higher average head weight during the weaning period, which contributed to a 7.5% higher market value and at the same time to a 6.7% higher income from rearing a piglet during this period and to a 3% higher profitability of its rearing compared to analogues of Danish origin. It was shown that animals of Danish origin had a 9.6% higher gross growth of the piglet litter during the fattening period, which gave them a 7.6% higher weight at the end of the fattening period and contributed to a 7% higher cost price for this period, a 7.6% higher market value and a 10.1% higher feedlot income and a 0.77% better feedlot profitability compared to Canadian-bred counterparts. We recommend the use of sows of Danish origin if the farm intends to sell weaned piglets, in the industrial farms. If the farm intends to sell full-grown or (fattened) slaughter pigs, it is advisable to use pigs of Canadian origin.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Sawi Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) Akibat Dibudidayakan pada Berbagai Komposisi Media Tanam dan Konsentrasi Pupuk Organik Cair dengan Sistem Vertikultur

Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) is one of the important and popular vegetable crops in Indonesia. City development and massive urbanization have resulted in the shrinking of agricultural land in urban areas. Home gardens have great potential if managed optimally and planned. Therefore, the concept of urban farming with the vertical farming method can be a solution. This study aimed to determine the optimal composition of planting media and liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) concentration for the growth and production of pakcoy plants. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor was the composition of the planting medium, which consisted of three levels: soil, compost, and goat manure with a ratio of 1:1:1, 1:1:2, and 1:2:1. The second factor was the concentration of LOF and urea, which consisted of four levels: 1 gram urea, 2 ml/liter water, 4 ml/liter water, and 6 ml/liter water. The results of the study showed that the combination of planting medium composition and LOF concentration had an effect on all observation parameters. The combination of planting medium composition 1:1:2 and LOF concentration of 4 ml/liter water produced the best results for all observation parameters, namely plant height, number of leaves, total fresh weight, fresh head weight, fresh root weight, and plant dry weight. Key words : Pakcoy mustard, verticulture, media composition, concentration, LOF

Plasma-fixed Nitrogen Improves Lettuce Field Holding Potential

This study shows that plasma-fixed nitrogen applied as an inorganic biostimulant can improve marketable lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) yield following delayed harvest. Using just one-tenth of the conventional nitrogen, plasma-fixed nitrogen—which is generated by a dielectric barrier discharge over water—was field-tested against traditional fertilization methods. Although no statistically significant differences were observed in total weight of heads among treatments, plasma-fixed nitrogen–treated plants had significantly increased marketable yields of 250% compared to those grown conventionally, despite reducing applied nitrogen fertilizer.

Screening for Heat and Rain Tolerant Cultivars of Cauliflower for Cultivation in Monsoon Season in the Subtropical Region of Bhutan

There is a shortage of cauliflower in the domestic market during monsoon and early autumn seasons in Bhutan due to the absence of suitable cultivars for cultivation in subtropical region during these seasons. This study was conducted to assess the genotypic variability in yield of different cultivars of cauliflower under heat and rain (flood) stresses in the subtropical region. Four F1 hybrid varieties of cauliflower from the Takii Seeds, Japan (KSB-12.179, KSB-12.180, KSB-18.297 and KSB-20.320) and three F1 hybrid varieties from Syngenta Seeds, India (C-6099, CFL-1522 and Monsoon Queen) were evaluated in August 2022 in open field at ARDC Samtenling. The experiment was laid out in a RCDB design with three replications using Snow Mystique as the check variety. The objective of the study was to identify short duration, rain and heat tolerant varieties of cauliflower for cultivation in the monsoon season (July-August) in the subtropical region of Bhutan. In addition, all the cultivars were further assessed in September, and five cultivars that performed well in monsoon planting were evaluated in November 2022 as the second and third staggered planting trials to find out their performance in late monsoon and main seasons (September-November) respectively. The results from three staggered trials showed that Monsoon Queen matured in 53 days after transplanting (DAT), 56 DAT and 35 DAT in the first, second and third staggered planting trials with the mean head of 462 g, 376 g and 211 g respectively. In comparison, the check variety matured in 142 DAT, 114 DAT and 77 DAT in the first, second and third staggered planting trials with the mean head of 658 g, 403 g and 767 g, respectively. Monsoon Queen was the earliest maturing variety with good head weight and curd quality among the eight cauliflower varieties when transplanted in August 2022. However, both the head yield and curd quality of this cultivar declined in later plantings, indicating that this variety is not suitable for main season (autumn) planting. With the identification of Monsoon Queen as the heat and rain tolerant cultivar in this study, cauliflower can now be grown even in the monsoon season in the subtropical region of Bhutan.

Role of gamma-irradiated sodium alginate on growth, physiological and active components of iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant

BackgroundOne of the most widely recognized biostimulators of plant development; is oligoalginate, which regulates the biological processes of plants and was used in horticultural fields as a plant growth regulator. The plan of the current research was to study, however, the foliar application of un-irradiated and irradiated Na-alginate (UISA and ISA) to improve the growth, physiological activity, and other active components of the Egyptian iceberg lettuce plant. Degraded Na-alginate is equipped with exposure of sodium alginate in its solid state to gamma-rays at different dose levels (0.0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy). The characterization of the oligo-alginates achieved by γ-radiation deprivation at different dose levels was performed by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM. Different concentrations of irradiated sodium alginate at dose levels of 100 kGy (200, 400, 600, and 800 ppm, as well as deionized water used as a control) were sprayed with a hand sprayer every week after transplanting the iceberg lettuce seedlings in the field until the harvest stage. Morphological traits were evaluated, as well as pigments, ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, and antioxidant activity.ResultsIrradiated Na-alginate resulted in the depolymerization of Na-alginate into small molecular-weight oligosaccharides, and the best dose to use was 100 kGy. Certain chemical modifications in the general structure were observed by FTIR analysis. Two absorbed bands at 3329 cm−1 and 1599 cm−1, were recognized that are assigned to O–H and C-O stretching, respectively, and peaks achieved at 1411 cm−1 represent the COO-stretching group connected to the sodium ion. The peak obtained at 1028 cm−1 was owing to the stretching vibration of C-O. The results of TGA provided that the minimum weight reminder was in the ISA at 100 kGy (28.12%) compared to the UISA (43.39%). The images of TEM pointed out that the Na-alginate was globular in shape, with the particle distribution between 12.8 and 21.7 nm in ISA at 100 kGy. Irradiated sodium alginate caused a noteworthy enhancement in the vegetative growth traits (leaf area, stem length, head weight, and leaf number). By spraying 400 ppm, ISA showed a maximum increase in total pigments (2.209 mg/g FW), ascorbic acid (3.13 mg/g fresh weight), phenols (1.399 mg/g FW), flavonoids (0.775 mg/g FW), and antioxidant activities (82.14. %). Also, there were correlation coefficients (R values) between leaf area, stem length, head weight, and leaf number values with total pigment content, antioxidant activity, total soluble proteins, and ascorbic acid.ConclusionsThe outcomes of the recent investigation demonstrated that the application of spraying irradiated Na-alginate (100 kGy) resulted in an improvement of the considered characters.

Intrauterine exposure to maternal opioid maintenance treatment and associated risk factors may impair child growth.

How maternal opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) affects children is under-researched. This population-based registry study investigated child growth and somatic health following intrauterine exposure to this treatment. Children born between 1 March 2011 and 30 May 2021 to mothers who used buprenorphine, buprenorphine-naloxone, or methadone throughout their pregnancies were followed for 2 years at the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare the treatment groups. Of the 67 neonates, 52% were male, 96% were born full-term and 63% were treated for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Otherwise, the children were predominantly healthy, although relatively small: 22% were small for gestational age, the methadone group children being the smallest. Foetal exposure to maternal methadone treatment, illicit drugs, hepatitis C and smoking were associated with small for gestational age; the former two were also associated with later slower growth, especially head growth and weight gain (p < 0.001). However, 29% were overweight at 2 years. Using child growth as the outcome, we found that buprenorphine-naloxone and buprenorphine-monotherapy had equal effects as forms of maternal OMT. Exposure to multiple risk factors may harm foetal and subsequent growth. We recommend long-term follow-up of children exposed to maternal OMT.

Varietal characteristics of the new barley variety ‘Lyuboyar’ when cultivated with different sowing density

The purpose of the current study was to identify the optimized seeding rate of the spring barley variety ‘Lyuboyar’ to obtain an economically profitable yield in the conditions of the non-blackearth part of the Central region of the Russian Federation on dark gray forest soils of a mean fertility level. The trials were carried out in the conditions of the Ryazan region in the selection crop rotation when sown in “black” fallow in 2022–2023. The trial scheme included the study of 6 options: 3.0; 3.5; 4.0; 4.5; 5.0 and 5.5 million germinating seeds per 1 hectare. There has been established that the optimal option in terms of field germination and preservation of plants for harvesting is the norm of 4.0 million per 1 ha with 89.5 % and 77.5 %, respectively. The number of survived plants before harvesting, the number of productive stems, plant height, head length, number of grains per head and grain weight per head have a significant contribution to crop productivity (r = +0.727...+0.955). The maximum number of stems (924 pcs/m2) and head length (9.2 cm) was demonstrated by the variant with a seeding rate of 4.5 million, height (83 cm) with 5.0 million, productive tillering (3.1) with 5.0–5.5 million, number of grains per head (23.9 pcs.) with 4.0 million, weight of grain per head (1.2 g) with 4.0–4.5 million, 1000-grain weight (47.5 g) with 3.0 million seeds per hectare. It was found that with an increase in the seeding rate, the number of plants increases before harvesting, the number of productive stems, plant height, tillering coefficient and head length increase with r = +0.543...+0.889, but there has been a decrease in indicators such as head weight (r = -0.355) and, especially, 1000-grain weight (r = -0.752). The largest productivity of 7.05 t/ha was obtained with a seeding rate of 4.0 million seeds per hectare, in the second place there was 6.90 t/ha with a rate of 4.5 million seeds per ha. At seeding rates of 4.0–4.5 million germ. seeds per 1 ha, the highest profitability was 67.2–60.2 %.

An energy efficient fusing data gathering protocol in wireless sensor networks

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly developing as a promising technology for today’s digital world. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are a crucial component of IoT, and one of the major problems faced is energy constraints. The clustering protocol is an effective energy saving solution. In this paper, we propose an energy efficient fusing data gathering protocol via distributed second level clustering and deep learning-based data fusion (EEFDG) for WSN. EEFDG divides the WSN into several second-level clusters by a novel distributed cluster algorithm. The transmission distance and the number of neighbors are jointly considered to select an energy-efficient parent node in each second-level cluster. A new cluster head weight function is proposed for intra-cluster parent node rotation. To minimize redundant data transmission, a multivariate convolutional neural network and long short-term memory network (MVCLNet) are designed for data fusion. MVCLNet is deployed hierarchically into the second-level clustered structure to extract features of the multi-sensor data. The EEFDG is an effective solution to the energy limitation problem of WSN. The proposed second-level clustering and data fusion algorithm based on MVCLNet typically decreases communication distances and the amount of data, thereby minimizing communication overhead and energy consumption. Simulation results show that EEFDG significantly prolongs the network lifetime in terms of the first node dead, compared to existing protocols including MR-LEACH, BPDA, CNNDA, FDEAM, DCNN, and LPLL-LEACH, achieving improvements of 181.3%, 42.2%, 48.2%, 19.6%, 62.0%, and 30.2%, respectively. The EEFDG enables highly accurate data fusion and has superior performance in terms of remaining energy, network lifetime, and data collection.

Assessment of vitamin status; A, E and D in Egyptian neonates with IUGR: a cross sectional study

BackgroundNeonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may present with fatal complications and permanent serious consequences. Vitamin status may influence fetal development. In this study we assessed vitamin A, E and D concentrations in umbilical cord blood in newborns with IUGR.MethodsMaternal data were obtained. Neonatal assessment included; age of gestation calculated from last menstrual period, Ultrasound (U/S), new Ballard, Apgar scores and anthropometric measurements including; Head circumference, length and weight. WHO growth percentile curves were used. Vitamin A, E and D in cord blood samples were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ELISA consecutively.ResultsA total of 86 full term newborns were enrolled in this study, 42 (48.8%) with IUGR with gestational age (33.59 ± 1.20) week by U/S and 44 (51.2%) appropriate for gestational age neonates with gestational age (38.70 ± 1.50). Ballard and Apgar scores (p < 0.05) and Z scores for weight, length and head circumference (p < 0.001) at birth were significantly lower in neonates with Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. The levels of Vitamin A, E and D were significantly lower in the IUGR group than the AGA (p < 0.05) for all. Significant positive correlations of weight with vitamin A, and E cord blood levels were found (p < 0.05), while length was significantly positively correlated only with vitamin A (p < 0.05). Head circumference showed significant positive correlations with the three vitamins (p < 0.05) for all.ConclusionNeonates with IUGR had significantly lower levels of Vitamin A, E and D than AGA neonates. Significant positive correlations of weight with vitamin A, and E cord blood levels was detected, while neonatal length was associated only with vitamin A level. The present study highlights the significance of nutritional policies for inhibiting deficiency of these vitamins during pregnancy and childhood.

Design of a novel lateral mass screw–plate system for the treatment of unstable atlas fractures: a finite element analysis

BackgroundOsteosynthesis of unstable atlas fractures preserves joint motion and therefore has a distinct advantage over a range of treatment procedures. To prevent the potential disadvantages associated with osteosynthesis, a new atlas lateral mass screw–plate (LMSP) system has been designed. However, the biomechanical role of using the LMSP system in atlas internal fixation is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of a new LMSP with traditional posterior screw and rod (PSR) fixation techniques on the occipitocervical junction (C0–C2) through finite element analysis.MethodsA nonlinear C0–C2 finite element model of the intact upper cervical spine was developed and validated. The unstable model using the PSR system was then compared with the model using the LMSP system for fixation. A vertical load of 40 N was applied to the C0 to simulate head weight, while a torque of 1.5 Nm was applied to the C0 to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation.ResultsThe range of motion of both systems was close to the intact model. Compared with the LMSP system model, the PSR system model increased flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation by 4.9%, 3.0%, 5.0%, and 29.5% in the C0–C1 segments, and 4.9%, 2.7%, 2.4%, and 22.6% in the C1–C2, respectively. In flexion, extension, and lateral bending motion, the LMSP system model exhibited similar stress to the PSR system model, while in axial rotation, the PSR system model exhibited higher stress.ConclusionsThe findings of our study indicate that the two tested system models provide comparable stability. However, better stability was achieved during axial rotation with the LMSP system, and in this system, the maximum von Mises stress was less than that of the PSR one. As the atlantoaxial joint functions primarily as a rotational joint, the use of the LMSP system may provide a more stable environment for the joint that has become unstable due to fracture.

Heat-tolerant Lettuce Germplasm (Lactuca sativa L.) Identified in Romaine and Butterhead Types for Warmer Plantings

Warmer temperatures during crop production are not desirable for a cool-season crop such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Lettuce is among the top 10 most consumed vegetables in the United States. Production of this vegetable is concentrated mostly in temperate areas of California, and during the wintertime in Arizona and Florida as a result of their mild climatic conditions. Heat-tolerant cultivars are needed for the leafy vegetable industry to continue thriving. However, there is very little information on heat-tolerant germplasms of lettuce that can be used as a source to improve heat tolerance in lettuce. This is particularly important in romaine and butterhead lettuce, which are two morphological types with increasing demand in the market. Therefore, research was conducted to identify germplasm that performs acceptably in warmer regions in the western United States. This investigation also aimed to understand the reaction of varieties to different environments, which could help plant breeders select and evaluate lettuce plants during the breeding process. Twenty-three and 25 accessions of romaine and butterhead lettuce, respectively, were planted in five trials near Holtville, CA, USA: Five Points, CA, USA, under warmer temperatures and Salinas, CA, USA, under cooler temperatures. Romaine genotypes Bambi, Blonde Lente a Monter, Medallion MT, and Red Eye Cos; and butterhead genotypes Butter King and Margarita had no bolting, an acceptable head weight, short cores, and acceptable head height. Head weight and related traits (including core length, height, width, etc.) and heat-related disorders were significantly different across multiple experiments, indicating genetic variation. The major component of the phenotypic variation in these experiments was a result of environmental factors. Therefore, plant breeders may still need to evaluate progeny in multiple trials and multiple locations to select heat-tolerant romaine and butterhead lettuce effectively.

Postural supporting cervical traction workstation to improve resting state brain activity in digital device users: EEG study.

This study aimed to determine the effect of postural support workstation on inducing effective brain activity during rest. Thirty-five healthy digital overusers were recruited as participants. We conducted two interventions of head weight support traction (ST) and conventional traction (CT) strength on all participants in random order. Participants' arousal levels and psychological comfort were assessed. In addition, changes in brain activity caused by traction were confirmed by measuring changes in resting state brain activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Under the ST condition, psychological comfort improved while alert levels were maintained. In addition the resting brain activity of EEG was characterized by strong focused attention and relaxed activity, as evidenced by increased alpha waves throughout the brain. By contrast, in the CT condition, no significant improvement in comfort was observed. Furthermore, high-frequency brain activity, such as beta 3 and gamma waves, was observed across the entire brain regions. In this study, the ST workstation was shown to effectively improve resting attention and psychological comfort in individuals who excessively use digital devices by inducing resting state alpha activity without stimulating high-frequency brain waves, while maintaining an upright posture with appropriate traction.

Performance of bread wheat advanced lines under late sowing

Thirty two advanced wheat lines which included four groups of sister lines and the commercial bread wheat cultivar Borlaug 100 were sown on January 16 and 30, 2019, at the Norman E. Borlaug Experimental Station, in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, Mexico. Plots consisted of 1 bed 2 m long with two rows and 0.80 m apart without replications, and a seed density of 100 kg ha-1. Average daily temperature (°C), maximum, minimum, relative humidity, rainfall, heat and cold units were recorded from January 1 to May 15, 2019. The variables evaluated were: days to heading, plant height (cm), and grain weight in 20 spikes (g). The average days for heading of lines was 76 for the first sowing date and 73 for the second. The average plant height of the group for the first sowing date was 95 cm and 88 for the second; line W15.92/4/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU/3/WBLL1/5/OAX92.2.5/6/BABAX/LR42//BABAX/3/ ER2000 was the tallest in the first date with 120 cm and with 115 in the second date. The average grain weight of the group in 20 spikes in the first sowing date was 55 g and 40.9 in the second; the line MEX94.15.34/4/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU/3/WBLL1/5/ BABAX/LR42//BABAX/3/ER2000 showed the highest weight in the first and second dates with 71.1 g and 49.5, respectively. In the first date, the line W15.92/4/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU/3/WBLL1/5/IWA8612414/6/BABAX/ LR42//BABAX/3/ER2000 showed the lowest grain weight in 20 spikes with 41.0 g, while in the second date, the sister line PBL94.14.30/4/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU/3/WBLL1/5/BABAX/LR42//BABAX/3/ER2000 (PTSS12SHB 00003T-0TOPB-099Y-099B-7Y-020Y-0B) showed 25.6 g. The average temperature was 18.26 °C with a maximum of 35.2 °C and a minimum of 3.6 °C; the average relative humidity was 67.0 %; there were 13.1 mm of precipitation, and the number of heat and cold units was 146 and 293, respectively.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Component Traits on Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes

The research was conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center Main Station, during July–November, 2021 (Main cropping season) to study the association among traits and estimate the direct and indirect effects of various traits on grain yield of bread wheat genotypes. A total of 64 bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for 16 traits in 8×8 simple lattice design. Grain yields showed positive and highly significant at (p&lt;0.01) genotypic and phenotypic correlation with plant height, number of seeds spike-1, head weight, yield head-1, biomass yield, hectoliter weight, test weight and harvest index. Genotypic correlation coefficients were greater for all significantly correlated with grain yield studied traits than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients, indicating inherent association of the characters, therefore, selection for these characters could improve grain yield. Genotypic path analysis of the direct effects revealed that days to maturity, number of spikelets spike-1, head weight, yield head-1, biomass yield, hectoliter weight, test weight and harvest index exerted direct positive effect on grain yield. Phenotypic path analysis of the direct effects showed that days to maturity, plant height, number of tillers plant-1, number of seeds spike-1, head height, yield head-1, biomass yield, test weight and harvest index had direct positive effect on grain yield. Therefore, these traits should be considered for bread wheat breeding program for yield improvement.

Effect of different planting density of sunflower varieties on yield and yield attributing characters in rice-rice-sunflower cropping pattern

The experiments were carried out at the Agronomy Experimental Field of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali in order to evaluate the effect of sowing date and planting density on the yield and yield contributing characters of sunflower varieties. The experiment comprised of two varieties viz. BARI Sunflower2 and Hysun33 and six planting densities viz. 40cm×25cm, 40cm×35cm, 40cm×45cm, 50cm×25cm, 50cm×35cm, 50cm×45cm. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, where the variety was assigned in the main plot and planting density was assigned as sub-plot treatment. Planting density had a significant influence on all the characteristics of morphological growth, yield, and yield contributing character except plant height at 75 DAS and 90 DAS. In case of Hysun33 variety, the highest number of leaves (21.89), leaf area (3214.22 cm2), head diameter (19.27 cm), head weight (539.07 gm), number of seed head-1 (973.33), seed weight head-1 (65.89 gm), thousand seed weight (67.73 gm), total seed yield (3.27 tha-1) and harvest index (34.30 %) was obtained from 50 cm × 45 cm planting density. On the other hand, in case of BARI Sunflower2 variety the highest number of leaves (18.44), leaf area (3342.90 cm2), head diameter (18.73 cm), head weight (457.80 gm), number of seed head-1 (832.17), seed weight head-1 (53.39 gm), thousand seed weight (64.07 gm) was obtained from 50 cm × 45 cm planting density and the highest stover yield (8.04 tha-1) and biological yield (10.73 tha-1) were obtained from 40 cm × 25 cm planting density. The highest total seed yield (2.94 tha-1) was obtained from 50 cm × 25 cm (8 plants m-2) planting density. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 229-235

The impact of early caloric intake on growth parameters in extremely preterm neonates

Introduction: Even though adequate caloric intake is essential for the promotion of growth in extremely premature infants, this is rarely achieved. We investigated how total caloric intake in the first week of life and other events during the hospitalization impact head circumference and weight at 36 weeks of corrected age in extremely preterm infants. Patients and methods: The study sample consisted of extremely preterm infants treated at Osijek University Hospital Centre, born between January 2018 and December 2020. Records were collected regarding nutritional data, sex, gestational age, birth weight and head circumference, invasive respiratory support, bacterial infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, postnatal steroids, need for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks gestation, day of introduction of enteral nutrition, duration of parenteral nutrition, length of stay, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and retinopathy of prematurity. Results: The study cohort included 30 infants. At 36 weeks gestation for weight, median Z scores were -1.63 (IQR -2.34 to -1.15; 95% CI -2.09 to -1.52), and for head circumference were -1.32 (IQR 2.37 to - 0.81; 95% CI -1.75 to -0.91). Median energy intake on the first day of life was 33.42 kcal/kg, and 80.78 kcal/kg on day 7. Early caloric intake was not correlated with changes in Z scores for head circumference and weight at 36 weeks of gestation. Other factors influenced changes in head circumference and weight Z scores, namely: gestational age, respiratory support during the first week, need for additional O2 at 36 weeks, and retinopathy of prematurity requiring intervention. Conclusion: In our cohort of premature infants at 36 weeks corrected age other factors, not primarily total caloric intake influenced growth parameters.

Varietal Effect on Plant Growth and Soil Moisture Content of Cabbage under Drip Irrigation Levels

An experiment was conducted for two Rabi seasons of year 2021-22 and 2022-23 on four irrigation levels (60 per cent, 80 per cent, 100 per cent and 120 per cent PE) and four varieties of cabbage (Golden Acre, Pusa Mukta, Pusa Cabbage -1 and Pusa Cabbage Hybrid-81) at College of Agriculture, SKRAU, Bikaner. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results showed that irrigation at 100 per cent PE was recorded significantly increased plant height (26.15, 25.66 and 25.91 cm)over 60 per cent and 80 per cent PE. The weight of head with unfolded leaves (1179.06, 1161.40 and 1170.23 g plant-1) and soil moisture content at 60 DAT(11.63, 11.30 and 11.46 per cent) were recorded significantly higher with 120 per cent PE over 60, 80 and 100 per cent PE irrigation levels in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and pooled mean basis, respectively. Among the varieties, plant height (25.62 cm) was recorded significantly higher with Pusa Mukta over the Pusa Cabbage -1 and Pusa Cabbage Hybrid -81 during both the years and pooled mean basis. The significantly maximum weight of head with unfolded leaves (940.65 g plant-1) was recorded under the variety of Pusa Mukta campared to other varieties on pooled mean basis. Soil moisture content was not significantly affected with different cabbage varieties during both the experimental years.

Physiological Productivity of CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in Response to Planting Distance and Rate of Nitrogen Application

Cabbage is one of the most important vegetables in the world, known for being a heavy nutrient feeder crop, especially nitrogen (N), and is influenced by planting distance, which plays a big role in production to attain a higher yield while producing the best quality cabbage suited to consumers’ preferences. A study aimed to determine the levels of nitrogen and planting distance that influence the growth parameters, yield attributes, and yield of cabbage, as well as the economic efficiency of the treatments. Results show that the yield of cabbage is significantly influenced by planting distances and rate of nitrogen application, wherein 30 cm x 30 cm spacing proved to be the most productive when applied with 150-200 kg N/ha, obtaining the same highest yield in tons per hectare. Moreover, the same treatment combinations influenced other key physiological parameters, e.g., polar and equatorial head sizes and cabbage head weight. Economic analysis revealed that planting cabbage at a closer distance (e.g., 30 cm x 30 cm) with 150 kg/ha N, which will eventually provide more plant population density per area, would lead to a highly profitable venture for cabbage production.

NON-CIRCULATION HYDROPONIC LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa L. var. Rincon) PRODUCTION USING COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE NUTRIENT SOLUTION

This study assessed the production performance of lettuce using different simple nutrient addition programs (Yamasaki, MasterBlend, SNAP, Nutrihydro and Hydroplus) compared to organic fertilizer (Biovoltin) with water as a negative control in a Kratky hydroponic system. The crop experiment was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture, Camiguin Polytechnic State College – Catarman Campus, Tangaro, Catarman, Camiguin from January 25, 2022 to March 10, 2022. The study was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with seven (7) treatments and three (3) replications at eight plants per treatment. Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) was used to compare the significant differences between treatment means. Results showed a highly significant differences in the horticultural and root development characteristics, yield parameters, nutrient solution consumption and quality of nutrient solution, and sensory quality except for the survival rate, non-marketable head weight, and pH at 31 DAT. Our results showed that the use of SNAP solution could be used effectively to increase the overall production performance of lettuce. The use of Nutrihydro, Hydroplus, Yamasaki and Masterblend were also promising for its production performance. It can be concluded that the nutrient solution affects the production performance of lettuce in a hydroponic production system. However, the potential use of these various simple nutrient addition programs should be further tested for verification at different growing seasons to elicit substantial conclusions.

Genetic architecture of body weight, carcass, and internal organs traits of Ghanaian local chickens.

Information on the genetic architecture of the production traits of indigenous African chicken is limited. We performed a genome-wide association study using imputed Affymetrix Axiom® 600K SNP-chip genotypes on 1,113 chickens from three agroecological zones of Ghana. After quality control, a total of 382,240 SNPs remained. Variance components and heritabilities for some growth, carcass and internal organ traits were estimated. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among these traits were also estimated. The estimated heritabilities of body weight at week 22 (BW22), average daily gain (ADG), dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, and neck weight were high and ranged from 0.50 to 0.69. Estimates of heritabilities for head weight, shank weight, and gizzard weight were moderate (0.31-0.35) while those of liver weight, back weight, dressing percentage, and heart weight were low (0.13-0.21). The estimated heritabilities of dressed weight, breast weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, neck weight, shank weight, and gizzard weight, corrected for BW22, were moderate (0.29-0.38), while the remaining traits had low heritability estimates (0.13-0.21). A total of 58 1-Mb SNP windows on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 18, and 33 each explained more than 1% of the genetic variance for at least one of these traits. These genomic regions contained many genes previously reported to have effects on growth, carcass, and internal organ traits of chickens, including EMX2, CALCUL1, ACVR1B, CACNB1, RB1, MLNR, FOXO1, NCARPG, LCORL, LAP3, LDB2, KPNA3, and CAB39L. The moderate to high heritability estimates and high positive genetic correlations suggest that BW22, ADG, dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, and neck weight could be improved through selective breeding.