Incomplete Randomized Block Design Research Articles

Dissecting the Genetic Architecture of Morphological Traits in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most essential oil crops in the world. Several component traits, including flowering time, plant height, stem diameter, seed weight, and kernel weight, determine sunflower seed and oil yield. Although the genetic mechanisms governing the variation of these yield-related traits have been studied using various approaches, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not been widely applied to sunflowers. In this study, a set of 342 sunflower accessions was evaluated in 2019 and 2020 using an incomplete randomized block design, and GWAS was conducted utilizing two complementary approaches: the mixed linear model (MLM) and the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (farmCPU) model by fitting 226,779 high-quality SNPs. As a result, GWAS identified a number of trait-associated SNPs. Those SNPs were located close to several genes that may serve as a basis for further molecular characterization and provide promising targets for sunflower yield improvement.

190 Effect of Segregation in Pigs in the Nursery Period by Body Weight (Light, Medium, and Heavy) on the Productive Performance on Wean-to-Finish

Abstract A management strategy to improve growth performance at weaning is segregation of pigs in the nursery period by body weight (BW; Light, Medium, and Heavy) in an attempt to increase productive performance and decrease within pen variation in BW. However, the result of current studies indicated that this practice may not be as effective as not sorting pigs. The objective was to determine the effect on productive performance and coefficient of variation (CV) within four categories of BW: Normal (without segregation), Light, Medium, and Heavy. A total of 24 Experimental Units, (EU; 50% barrows and 50% gilts) in an Incomplete Randomized Block Design with four treatments (Trt) and six replicates per Trt. Pen was the EU and block was the weaning group. Treatments were four; Normal (without segregation; 6.35 kg BW); Light (4.45 kg BW); Medium (5.89 kg BW); and Heavy (7.15 kg BW). Pigs were weighed individually on d 21 (at the beginning of the experiment), 70, 119, 135 and 146 of life. Growth data were analyzed using PROC MEANS and GLM of SAS. Results indicated that at the beginning of the experiment (for design) BW and the CV were different (P < 0.05). From weaning to d 70 Medium and Normal categories had similar BW (29.79 vs. 30.57 kg; P > 0.05), respectively. Light and Heavy pigs remained unchanged in their weight categories. Interestingly, the CV at d 70 was 3.46 percentage points greater in all the groups of pigs that were regrouped by weight, in fact, the only group that reduced the CV at d 70 was the Normal (it was decreased by 3.26 percentage points). Average daily gain at day 70 was less (P < 0.05) for Light (0.62 kg/d) compared with any of the other treatments (0.69 kg/d, average of the rest of the treatments). Average daily feed intake was less for Light (0.940 kg/d) followed by Medium and Normal (1.00 and 1.04 kg per day, respectively) and the Heavy which had the greatest intake (1.08 kg/d). No differences were found in removed animals and mortality (P > 0.05). However, the total number of animals treated parenterally was greater in the Light and Medium (16.75 vs. 12.80, respectively; P < 0.05) than the Heavy and Normal (7.83 and 7.00, respectively, P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment the BW of the pigs was different between treatments (P < 0.05) being the Light group pigs the least heavy (120.62 kg), followed by the Medium (128.02 kg) and Normal (131.31 kg) the treatment Heavy was the heaviest with 133.04 kg. These results suggest that segregation in nursery by BW has a negative effect on the CV.

Assessment of the Effects of Farmyard Manure and NPK Fertilizer application on Banana Yields in Shuuku Town Council, Sheema District, Western Uganda

The Experiment was on the effect of Farmyard Manure and NPK Fertilizer on banana yields in Shuuku Town council, Sheema district. It was guided by three objectives which were, determining the effect of Farmyard Manure and NPK Fertilizer on plant girth, plant height, establishing the effect on leaf and sucker development and also determining hands formation on banana bunches in the 3 selected Sites. 
 The experiment was set using an incomplete randomized block design to evaluate the effects of Farmyard Manure and NPK fertilizer on banana yields, with an aim of determining the effect of Farmyard manure and NPK fertilizer on plant girth, plant height, establishing the effect on leaf and sucker development and also determining Hands formation on banana bunches in the 3 selected farms. Each block consisted of 30 banana stools, each farm with 4 blocks, one block cattle manure, another for NPK fertilizer, another one for a combination of both and the last one as a control in a randomized form. 
 Data was collected from at least 15 banana stools from each block. Data was used to give conclusions to the experiment objectives. Data was coded, edited and analyzed using SPSS to give meaning. After data processing, it was presented in tables. The researcher recommended the combined application of cattle manure and NPK fertilizers in banana production since they provide different nutrients to the soil hence ensuring increased yields.
 The researcher recommended utilization of cattle manure for the average Farmers. For the farmers involved in production of the banana crop, the researcher recommended cattle manure to enhance plant heights for both the maiden plants and suckers.

EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF VARIED SYNTHETIC FERTILIZER CONCENTRATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH VERMICOMPOST AND FYM ON THE GROWTH, YIELD, AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF BLACK GRAM (Vigna mungo) CULTIVATION IN THE DEHRADUN REGION OF UTTARAKHAND

– To explore the effects of vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM), and synthetic fertilizers on the growth, yield, and economics of black gram cultivation, a field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2019-20 at the Research Block of Uttaranchal University in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The experimental layout followed an incomplete randomized block design featuring ten treatments and three replications. The findings highlighted that among all the treatments, Treatment T10, which consisted of 75% Vermicompost, 50% FYM, and 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), emerged as the most favourable option from the farmer’s perspective. It exhibited notable improvements in various parameters, including plant height (58.67 cm), straw yield (80 q/ha), the number of pods per plant (69), and grain yield (15.023 quintals per hectare) at harvest. Furthermore, Treatment T10 also yielded a commendable net return of 88,215.65 Rs per hectare, which is economically advantageous for farmers. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the combination of 75% Vermicompost, 50% FYM, and 50% RDF significantly enhances the growth, yield, and overall economic viability of black gram cultivation, especially in the agroclimatic conditions of Dehradun

EVALUACIÓN NUTRICIONAL DE TULE (Typha latifolia) EN LA ALIMENTACIÓN DE OVINOS EN EL ALTIPLANO CENTRAL DE MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sheep production in central Mexico is an important livestock activity that requires the evaluation of feeding strategies to increase or sustain production in times of feed scarcity. <strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the performance of ewes fed diets with different levels of inclusion of <em>Typha latifolia</em>. <strong>Methodology: </strong>Fifteen <em>criollo </em>adult ewes were randomly grouped to receive different levels of tule (<em>Typha latifolia</em>) in their feeding as a complement to grazing. An incomplete randomized block design was employed. Daily live weight gain, intake, and body condition score were evaluated, as well as grassland parameters and the chemical composition of feeds. The experiment lasted 60 days divided in four measurement periods. All ewes were supplemented with a commercial pelleted concentrate. The control group (T1) had 0g DM of tule, 461.75 g DM commercial concentrate, and 8 h grazing; T2 had 116.5g DM of tule, 461.75 g DM commercial concentrate, and 8 h grazing; and T3 had 174.75 g DM of tule, 461.75 g DM commercial concentrate, and 8 h grazing. <strong>Results: </strong>There were significant differences (P<0.05) in DM intake of pasture and <em>Typha latifolia.</em> There were no significant differences among treatments (P>0.05) for initial and final live weight, daily weight gain and body condition score. <strong>Implications: </strong><em>Typha latifolia</em> is an available non-conventional forage source for adult sheep maintenance in the dry season for small-scale systems. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>The inclusion of <em>Typha latifolia </em>in diets for sheep may be a good option for feeding adult ewes in maintenance.</p>

Yield Advantage of Elite Cereal and Legume Genotypes in Varying Potential Agro-ecologies of Central Tanzania

Ten elite genotypes in total (of groundnut, pigeon pea, sorghum and pearl millet) and four local checks (one for each crop) were used in the study to identify legume and cereal genotypes of higher productivity in the varying potential agro-ecologies. The experiments were established following an incomplete randomized block design with two farmers selected per sub agro-ecology as replications. Combined analysis of variance over locations was carried out for grain yield and yield components. The results showed significant differences among groundnut and pearl millet genotypes tested for grain yield while for pigeon pea and sorghum genotypes the differences were insignificant. Genotype ICGV-SM 05650 of groundnut had the highest grain yield of 2105.08 kg ha-1, whereas the lowest grain yield of 1538.87 kg ha-1 was recorded in ICGV-SM 02724 in the high potential agro-ecology. Pearl millet genotype IP 8774 ranked highest in terms of yield performance (1049.4 kg ha-1) and the local check had the lowest yield of 388.9 kg ha-1. Though non-significant differences among genotypes tested for grain yield were observed in pigeon pea and sorghum genotypes however, pigeon pea genotype ICEAP 00040 had a slightly higher grain yield of 779.17 kg ha-1 and sorghum genotype GAMBELLA 1107 outperformed the other genotypes with grain yield of 1420.8 kg ha-1. Genotypes ICGV-SM 05650, ICEAP 00040, GAMBELLA 1107 and IP8774 were therefore recommended for deployment in these varying potential agro-ecologies due to their superior performance in terms of grain yield.

Determination of Stability and G × E Interaction of Legume and Cereal Genotypes in Different Agro-Ecologies of Central Tanzania

Legumes and cereals are essential components of sustainable agricultural production systems and are vital in sustaining food, nutrition, income security as well as improving soil health status in the semi-arid tropics. Field experiments were conducted during the 2019-2020 cropping season in different sub agro-ecologies of central Tanzania to determine stability and genotype x environment interaction (GEI) of legume and cereal genotypes for grain yield in the different sub agro-ecologies. An incomplete randomized block design with farmers as replications was used at each sub agro-ecology. Grain yield data of the fourteen genotypes in total of the four crops (groundnut, pigeon pea, sorghum and pearl millet) was collected. Results from the experiments generally revealed that G x M x E interactions were insignificant in terms of grain yield for all the crop genotypes studied. Among the groundnut and pigeon pea genotypes, significant differences were observed across the sub-ecologies while significant genotypic effects were observed in both sorghum and pearl millet genotypes. Although early planting outperformed late planting for the crop genotypes tested in terms of grain yield, non-significant differences in planting dates were observed. Furthermore, crop genotypes in the high potential generally out performed those under the moderate and low potential sub-ecologies. The above findings revealed that genotypes ICGV-SM 05650, ICEAP 00040, GAMBELA 1107 and IP8774 with superior grain yield performance were more adapted thus, recommended for deployment in these sub agro-ecologies of central Tanzania

Type of teat cup liner and cluster ventilation affect vacuum conditions in the liner and milking performance in dairy cows

The optimal milking cluster should milk as gently as possible to minimize the mechanical effect on the teat tissue at an optimal milking performance and milk quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of liner shape (round vs. triangular) and type of cluster ventilation (claw vs. mouthpiece chamber; MPC) on milking performance and vacuum at the teat end and in the MPC. Our hypothesis was that liner shape and cluster ventilation affect milking performance and MPC vacuum. Six Holstein Friesian cows were milked twice daily over 12 d with a bucket milker, using 4 different cluster types that combined liner shape and type of cluster ventilation at 3 different system vacuum settings (35, 42, and 50 kPa) in an incomplete randomized block design. Milk flow and vacuum in the MPC, at the teat end (measured in the short milk tube), and in the short pulse tube were continuously recorded during milking. Milk flow was higher, and hence main milking time was shorter, with the round than with the triangular liners. The MPC vacuum was lower in round than triangular liners, which was caused by higher air leakage between teat and liner barrel in the triangular liners. The MPC vacuum, as well as its cyclic fluctuations, increased at the end of milking (immediately before cluster detachment) in all cluster types, with the highest amplitude of fluctuation in the triangular liners with MPC ventilation. The MPC ventilation reduced the MPC vacuum in both liner types at the end of milking, and also in triangular liners during peak milk flow. Despite the observed differences of MPC vacuum, the ventilation type did not affect milking performance. However, milking with triangular MPC-ventilated liners caused an increased proportion of foamed milk, which could potentially have a negative effect on milk quality.

Partial diallel and genetic divergence analyses in maize inbred lines

In this study, we aimed to estimate general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA, respectively) and to verify genetic divergence (Rogers distance, Unweighted Pair-Group Method Using Arithmetic Average - UPGMA) using microsatellite markers in maize inbred lines. Using a partial diallel scheme, a total of 19 inbred lines were crossed as (9 x 10), which were derived from the single hybrids SG6015 and P30F53, respectively. The 90 hybrids were evaluated in an incomplete randomized block design with common checks and three replications during the 2017-2018 growing season. Flowering time, average plant height, ear height insertion, average ear diameter, ear length, number of lodged and broken plants, mass of 100 grains and grain yield were measured. According to the analysis of variance, GCA, and SCA were significant (p < 0.05) in all the measured traits; inbred line B as well as 1 and 8, derived from the single hybrids SG6015 and P30F53, respectively, were selected due to their higher GCA values in grain yield to be used in crosses as testers, while the single cross hybrid (B x 1) was selected due to their higher SCA value in grain yield to be used in future breeding programs. The molecular marker analysis divided the inbred lines into two groups, where the highest dissimilarity (0.74) was observed between lines A and 9; however, these did not result in a high SCA value, therefore the hybrids obtained by such crossings were not selected for grain yield.

Response of four potato cultivars to soil application with organic and amino acid compounds

A field experiment was implemented at Vegetable field, Department of Plant Production, Agricultural Technical College, Mosul, Iraq during spring season of 2018 to study the response of four potato cultivars (Actrice, Arizona, Riviera and Universa) to four organic and amino acid compounds (Azomine 4 ml/l, Tecamin Max 3 ml/l, Delfan plus 3 ml/l and Humibest 4 g/l) as soil application. These compounds were applied near the plant roots three times, the first after complete tubers emergency 45 days after planting, the second after 60 days and the third after 75 days of planting. The four potato cultivars were sown on 1st February in loamy soil, sprouted seed tubers were planted at 25 cm apart within the row. The treatments were arranged incomplete randomized block design with three replicates. The area of each plot was 6.75m2 (3linex3m long x 0.75 m wide). All experimental areas received the recommended dose of organic and mineral fertilizers. Samples of three plants from each treatment and each plot were randomly taken after 90days of planting and growth characters recorded were plant length, shoot number, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of shoots/plant. The total chlorophyll content in fully expanded leaves after 80 days of planting was measured as SPAD units using Minolta Chlorophyll Meter (model SPAD 502).

113 Effects of Bismuth Subsalicylate and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate on Liver Mineral Concentration and Performance of Growing Beef Heifers.

To evaluate the effects of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate (eCAN) on performance and liver mineral concentration of growing cattle, 75 Bos taurus × Bos indicus heifers (279 ± 57 kg of initial BW; 15.6 ± 4.1 mo of age) were used in an incomplete randomized block design with a 2 × 2 + 1 arrangement of treatments. The experiment consisted of a 28-d adaptation period followed by a 56-d data collection period in which heifers were weighed every 14 d. Heifers were stratified, blocked by weight, and allotted to 25 dormant bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures where they received 1.07 kg/heifer/d of molasses and ad libitum access to bahiagrass hay. Pastures were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments: NCTRL (no added NPN or BSS), U (urea supplemented at 182 mg/kg of BW), NIT (eCAN supplemented at 350 mg/kg of BW), UB (urea supplemented at 182 mg/kg of BW and BSS supplemented at 58.4 mg/kg of BW) and NITB (eCAN supplemented at 350 mg/kg of BW and BSS supplemented at 58.4 mg/kg of BW). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with pasture as the experimental unit. Contrasts were used to determine: effect of NCTRL vs. all other treatments (N); source of NPN (NS); effect of BSS (B); and the interaction between NPN source and BSS (B×NS). Final BW was not affected by N (P = 0.470), NS (P = 0.384), or B (P = 0.600); however, there was a B×NS interaction (P = 0.048) where NITB heifers had lesser BW compared with UB heifers. There was no effect of N, NS, B, or B×NS for ADG measured within any time points (P > 0.05). For carcass ultrasound measurements, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of N, NS, or B on LM area; however, a B×NS interaction (P = 0.001) was observed for 12th-rib fat thickness where NITB heifers had less back-fat compared with UB heifers on d 56. Concentration of minerals in the liver was not affected by NS (P > 0.05). No B×NS interactions (P = 0.05) were observed affecting liver mineral concentration; however, the addition of BSS decreased liver concentration of Cu (P = 0.002). In conclusion, the addition of eCAN did not affect performance of growing heifers unless it was provided in combination with BSS, which may decrease growth performance. Furthermore, BSS may negatively affect trace mineral concentrations in the liver.

APPLICATION OF FERTILIZATION TIME AND NITROGEN DOSAGE ON PEANUT PLANT (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract 
 
 This study aims to determine the effect of treatment of fertilization time and dosage of nitrogen to the growth and yield of peanut plants. This experiment is a two-factor experiment with incomplete randomized block design. The first factor is the time (S) of fertilizer consisting of three levels: During planting (S0), 15 days after planting (S1), 30 days after planting (S2), The second factor is the dosage of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer consisting of three levels: 25 kg/ha (N1), 50 kg/ha (N2). The results showed that treatment of fertilization time and a dose of nitrogen showed no significant effect on plant height, maximum leaf number, leaf area index, the total pod containing, total void pod, total pod number, oven dry weight of oven plants, and harvesting index. The interaction of nitrogen dose with a time of fertilization gave a very real effect to most observed variables except for maximum plant height, maximum leaf number, leaf area, harvest index that is not significant. The high dry weight of seed oven per plant was obtained at the fertilizer interaction treatment at 15 days after planting and the dose of nitrogen 25 kg/ha was 30.33 g and or increased by 152.75% and when compared with the control of 12.00 g. From a result of regression analysis got an optimum dose of nitrogen fertilizer that is 34.15 kg/ha with the dry weight of oven seeds per plant maximum 26.73 g.
 
 Keywords: Fertilization time, nitrogen dosage, peanut result

The social and behavioral influences (SBI) study: study design and rationale for studying the effects of race and activation on cancer pain management

BackgroundRacial disparities exist in the care provided to advanced cancer patients. This article describes an investigation designed to advance the science of healthcare disparities by isolating the effects of patient race and patient activation on physician behavior using novel standardized patient (SP) methodology.Methods/designThe Social and Behavioral Influences (SBI) Study is a National Cancer Institute sponsored trial conducted in Western New York State, Northern/Central Indiana, and lower Michigan. The trial uses an incomplete randomized block design, randomizing physicians to see patients who are either black or white and who are “typical” or “activated” (e.g., ask questions, express opinions, ask for clarification, etc.). The study will enroll 91 physicians.DiscussionThe SBI study addresses important gaps in our knowledge about racial disparities and methods to reduce them in patients with advanced cancer by using standardized patient methodology. This study is innovative in aims, design, and methodology and will point the way to interventions that can reduce racial disparities and discrimination and draw links between implicit attitudes and physician behaviors.Trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, #NCT01501006, November 30, 2011.

A nonparametric approach to selection popcorn hybrids to resistance to foliar diseases

The northern leaf blight (NLB) ( Exserohilum turcicum ) and gray leaf spot (GLS) ( Cercospora zeae-maydis ) are two major foliar diseases affecting maize. Losses caused by these diseases are up to 65%, and genetic resistance is widely employed. In the present study, the genetic resistance levels of popcorn hybrids to NLB and GLS determined with a nonparametric statistical approach using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests, which also allowed to estimate the genetic advancement values (AdV) for these hybrids. For this, an experi­ment in incomplete randomized block design was carried out in 2007/2008 cropping season and the area under the disease progress curve for NLB and GLS were estimated based on severity. The effect of hybrids was significant (P < 0.10) for resistance to NLB and GLS. All the 42 tested hybrids were resistant to NLB and eight of them were moderately susceptible to GLS. Eight hybrids had outstanding AdV and these materials are able to advance to subsequent stages of the breeding program without restrictions. Additional keywords: Cercospora zeae-maydis ; Exserohilum turcicum ; selection; Zea mays .

Dual Bone Fixation: A Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Implant Constructs in a Mid-Diaphyseal Fracture Model of the Feline Radius and Ulna.

To compare the biomechanical properties of dual bone fixation (DBF) constructs to radial locking compression plating (LCP) in an ex vivo feline antebrachial fracture gap model. Ex vivo study. Cadaveric feline antebrachii (n=12 pairs). Antebrachii were radiographed to confirm normal skeletal appearance and maturity. After creation of a 5 mm radial and ulnar ostectomy, each antebrachium received 1 of 3 constructs using an incomplete randomized block design (n=8 per group). All groups received a 10 hole 2.0 mm radial LCP. DBF groups received either a 1.2 mm ulnar intramedullary pin (LCP with pin) or an 8 hole 2.0 mm ulnar LCP in addition to the radial LCP. Biomechanical testing was performed in axial compression and caudocranial and mediolateral 4-point bending before destruction in axial compression. DBF constructs (LCP with pin and dual LCP) were significantly stiffer than radial LCP alone in axial compression and caudocranial bending. There were no differences between LCP with pin and dual LCP constructs in axial compression and caudocranial bending or between any constructs in mediolateral bending. Failure load was significantly greater for dual LCP than LCP with pin or LCP alone constructs. Failure loads were not different between LCP with pin and LCP alone. DBF significantly increased construct stiffness and strength. Given the high complication rate reported in cat antebrachial fractures when only the radius is stabilized, surgeons should consider DBF.

The effects of water deprivation on the behavior of laying hens

Freedom from thirst is one of the most undeniable welfare requirements. Nevertheless, the welfare implication of water deprivation because of a particular situation (e.g., transport) or as an involuntary consequence (e.g., sick, injured, or subordinate animals) remains unclear. This experiment investigated the behavioral changes in laying hens following various durations of water deprivation by using a motivation test based on passing through a narrow, vertical gap to access water. Twenty laying hens were subjected to water deprivation for various durations (0, 12, 18, 24, or 32 h) and the cost of access was varied by changing the width of the vertical gap (150, 135, 120, or 100 mm) to access the water side of the testing cage. An incomplete randomized block design was used with two tests per hen per wk for 5 wk. The testing apparatus was identical to their home cage but with two cages connected through an adjustable vertical gap and a drinker on the other side. Hens spent more time in the control side rather than the water side at 100 mm compared to 120 mm (P = 0.03). The hens' willingness to pass through a narrow vertical gap in order to access water did not vary according to the duration of water deprivation. Nonetheless, water-deprivation duration had a marked effect on the hens' location and behavior. Hens spent more time in the vicinity of the drinker at 18, 24, and 32 h compared to 0 and 12 h (P < 0.05). Hens spent more time drinking at 24 h and 32 h, followed by 18, 12, and finally 0 h (P < 0.05). Drinking latency and frequency were higher for all water-deprivation durations as compared to the 0 h control (P < 0.05). Water deprivation can be characterized by behavioral changes such as drinking duration, reaching a plateau at 24 h. Complementary physiological data are warranted to fully assess the impact of water deprivation on hen welfare.

Use of mixed rations with different access time to pastureland on productive responses of early lactation Holstein cows

The intensification of milk production has required the development of new feeding strategies such as the use of mixed rations either with or without access to grazing. The aim of this study was, to determine milk production and composition, body condition score (BCS), live weight (LW) and grazing behaviour of Holstein dairy cows subject to diets combining mixed rations and herbage during their first 10-wk of lactation (period 1). In addition, both the behavioural adaptation and productive response of cows fed 100% mixed ration when returning to grazing for a 20 days period were examined (period 2). An incomplete randomized block design was used, with 41 early lactation multiparous cows, assigned to treatments: G0 (confined cows fed 100% mixed ration), G1 (6h access to paddocks+50% mixed ration) and G2 (9h access to paddock+50% mixed ration). In a second period (11 to 13- wk of lactation), G0 (Post-TMR) cows were managed as G1, with G1 as the control treatment. During the first period, G0 cows produced more milk (37.2 vs 33.7 and 33.9±0.92L/d; P<0.0001) and more protein (1.25 vs 1.12 and 1.13±0.038kg/d; P=0.006) than G1 and G2. Nevertheless, no significant differences in fat and lactose production, and output of milk energy were found between G0 and G2 cows. With more access time to the paddock G2 cows could express a higher herbage dry matter intake (DMI) than G1 cows through a higher total grazing time. However, no differences were found on milk production and composition between G1 and G2 cows, probably due to a higher maintenance energy requirement for G2 cows. In period 2 no significant differences were detected in milk production, milk fat and protein production, BCS or LW between Post-TMR and G1 cows. Also, grazing behaviour was not different between G1 and Post-TMR cows, suggesting a prompt adaptation of G0 cows to grazing. It can be concluded that 100% mixed ration systems had higher milk production than grazing plus TMR systems in early lactation. An increase in access time to pastureland allowed higher herbage intake, although with no significant differences in milk energy output. The use of fresh pasture to replace mixed rations after the first 65DIM allowed maintaining high milk and solids production.

Catheter securement systems: comparison of two investigational devices to a sutureless securement device, a securement dressing, and sutures in a pig model.

BackgroundCatheter securement is critical for the success of infusion therapy and to prevent complications. Our purpose was to compare the strength of catheter securement achieved with two investigational adhesive securement devices to two securement products and also to sutures using an in vivo animal model.MethodsTwenty-five live pigs were prepared for aseptic abdominal surgery. Four central venous catheters were inserted per animal into the epigastric veins and secured with four of the five securement systems studied, following a balanced incomplete randomized block design. A peak axial pull force test method was used to measure the force required to dislodge the catheter 1 cm from the insertion site and/or cause failure of the device and/or dressing. This pull test was done 10 min after device application, per constraints of the animal model. Comparison analysis was carried out using a mixed effects model with pig, sample, and sample location as factors. Non-inferiority testing was carried out using 95 % confidence intervals with a margin of 4.52 N or 1 lb (454 g). Tukey’s method was used to adjust for multiple pairwise comparisons.ResultsResults showed that the two investigational devices displayed the highest mean peak axial pull forces (40–41 N) and were significantly better than sutures (28 N, p < 0.0001) and the securement dressing (17 N, p < 0.0001) and non-inferior to the securement device (37 N) in this test. The securement device required a higher mean peak axial pull force than sutures (p = 0.0007) and the securement dressing (p < 0.0001) for failure to occur. Finally, there was also a statistical difference between sutures and the securement dressing, with sutures requiring a higher mean peak axial pull force for catheter dislodgement than the securement dressing (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe two investigational devices appear to be a promising alternative for catheter securement, superior to sutures and the securement dressing, and non-inferior to the securement device.

Performance of lactating crossbred cows on pasture supplemented with conventional urea or slow release urea

The effect of using conventional urea (CU) or slow release urea (SRU) was evaluated by replacing soybean meal (SBM) in concentrated supplements in levels of 2, 4 or 6% (dry matter basis) on productive performance of crossbred Holstein x Zebu lactating dairy cows (499±61kg body weight and 167 days of lactation) grazing on elephant grass (11.5% CP and 60% NDF) under rotational grazing during the rainy season. A supplement control (no urea) was used containing SBM as a protein source. A total of 21 cows were distributed an incomplete randomized block design with three periods of 21 days each (14 days of adaptation and seven days of collection). The animals entered the paddocks with a pasture height of 110-120cm and left when the grass reached the height of 40-50cm. The concentrated isonitrogenous supplements (24% crude protein, dry matter basis) were provided in the amount of 3.2kg/cow/day (fed basis). There was no effect (P&gt;0.05) on source of crude protein (SBM vs source NPN), source NPN, level of NPN, interaction between source NPN and level of NPN on milk production (10.0kg/day), fat milk production corrected to 3.5% (10.7kg/day), levels of fat (4.01%), protein (3.66%), lactose (4.16%), total solids (12.86%) and non-fat solids (8.60%) in milk. The replacement of CU by SRU does not promote improvement in the productive performance of crossbred dairy cows grazing on elephant grass during the rainy season. Urea (CU or SRU) can be included in up to 6% of the DM concentrated supplements, replacing SBM, without affecting the productive performance of crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) in pasture during the rainy season.

Field Trial on the Effects of Homemade Probiotics and Sweet Potato Silage Supplementation on Sows Productivity and Profitability in the Marginal Upland Area in Inopacan, Leyte

This study is part of the big CHED-Phernet program on “Enhancing Farm Productivity and Environmental Quality in Climate Change Vulnerable Marginal Uplands of Eastern Visayas. An incomplete randomized block design was used in control field trial was conducted from May 2013 to December 2013 involving 9 sows in Guinsangaan, Linao, and Marao Inopacan, Leyte. Homemade liquid probiotics and sweetpotato silage were given to the treatment group. The sows performance on the average litter size born/Average littersize at weaning for T0 (commercial feeds) was 9.33/6.33 hds., while T1 (commercial feeds + 20 ml HMP) was 11.0/10.33 hds, and T2 (commercial feeds + 20 ml HMP + crop-silage by-products @ 0.10% BW on DM basis) 9.67/8.67 hds, and the average weaning weight for T0 = 8.61kg, T1 = 01 9.23 kgs, and T2 = 8.35kgs, respectively. However,the total number of weaned piglets for each treatment resulted to a significant profitability (given the price per weanling equivalent to Php 2,000 per head) of the treatment assigned to sows productivity performance based on these results T0 = 19 hds (Php 38,000.00), T1 = 31 hds (Php 62,000.00), and T2 = 26 hds (Php 12 48,000.00). The introduction of crop-silage plus HMP technology increases the productivity of the sows and likewise, increases the profitability in terms of peso income after weaning the piglets of marginal upland area pig raisers.