Barnes Type Research Articles

Assessing the Abundance of Airborne Fungi in a Dairy Cattle Barn

The presented research aimed at determining the species composition and concentration of colony forming units (CFU) in two types of cattle barns for dairy cows and in a calf barn. The study was carried out in winter and summer 2012. The measurements took place in a free stall and tie stall barn and, additionally, in a calf barn. The mycological analysis of the air was conducted using the impact method, with an Air Ideal 3P apparatus. Spores of 45 species of fungi were found in cattle barn air, among them 36 species were collected in winter and 30 in summer. The fungal population was characterized by considerable variation across the seasons of the year and between bar types. The species most abundant irresepective of the season was Cladosporium herbarum. Winter conditions favored Penicillium nigricans, whereas summer was conducive to the development of Rhodotorula glutinis. The concentrations of fungal spores determined in the study were not a direct hazard to barn workers or animals.

Series expansions of multi-dimensional Mellin convolution integrals

In a recent paper [Lopez JL. Asymptotic expansions of Mellin convolution integrals. SIAM Rev. 2008;50(2):275–293], we have presented a new, very general and simple method for deriving asymptotic expansions of for small x. In this paper we generalize that method to multi-dimensional integrals of the form . In this multi-dimensional case we require for f an extra condition not required in the one-dimensional case, namely, f must satisfy a certain homogeneity property in its variables. Watson's lemma for multiple integrals is obtained as a corollary. An asymptotic expansion of the Lauricella's function FA for large values of its variables is given as an illustration. The possible application of the method to study the asymptotic behaviour near the origin of double Mellin–Barnes type convolution integrals [Yakubovich SB. A constructive method for constructing integral convolutions. (Russian) Dokl Akad Nauk BSSR. 1990;34(7):588–591] is also indicated.

Using the Fan Assessment Numeration System (FANS) in Situ: A Procedure for Minimizing Errors During Fan Tests

Abstract. The Fan Assessment Numeration System (FANS), developed by the USDA-ARS Southern Poultry Research Laboratory and refined at the University of Kentucky, has become a useful tool to measure airflow of agricultural ventilation fans in situ. However, procedures for using FANS for in situ ventilation fan performance have not been standardized. A common practice for changing the static pressure inside tunnel-ventilated animal housing during fan tests is to energize other fans, although little is known about the effects of adjacent operating fans on FANS test results. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the position of various operating fans relative to the FANS unit and test fan. Tests were conducted for ten 1.22 m diameter fans of two different models in two types of poultry barns in which fans were installed either immediately next to each other or 1.6 m apart. The effect of the FANS unit placement at both the intake and discharge sides of the tested fans was also evaluated. Airflow values obtained for different FANS unit placement and operating fan combinations at constant static pressure differed by as much as 12.6% ±4.4% compared to the control configuration with the FANS placed on the intake side of the sidewall fans. In contrast, placing the FANS unit on the fan discharge provided valid fan test results compared with the (inside) control configuration. A standardized procedure for using the FANS unit to test fans in situ was developed and is suggested for future FANS use.

New solutions for horse shelters to connect to the equestrian paths

A rational and modern network of riding trails involves the building of specific structures for the horses according to the new needs of equestrian tourists. These shelters require appropriate technical models that today cannot be found easily in the Italian or foreign literature. Over the years this gap has led to the development of the practice “do it yourself”, following old techniques of construction, not able to meet the new demands of the market of horse tourism. This research has highlighted two different solutions that can meet the needs of tourists riding today, in accordance with the laws about the construction and the health part. These structures have been designed observing the principles of low impact, low cost, easy installation, complete reuse. Two kinds of structures have been planned. Temporary stay horse shelter: building to put in resting places of interest along the path (historic villages, monasteries, etc.), where it is possible to arrange the horses for a few hours and allow to the riders to make a careful visit of places of interest. Overnight stay horse shelter: structure to put in particular points where horses and riders can spend the night. A new type of horse barn with annexed feed storage and saddle room. The structure is dynamic, due to the possibility to change quickly the position of the horses (max 8 places).

New solutions for horse shelters to connect to the equestrian paths

A rational and modern network of riding trails involves the building of specific structures for the horses according to the new needs of equestrian tourists. These shelters require appropriate technical models that today cannot be found easily in the Italian or foreign literature. Over the years this gap has led to the development of the practice “do it yourself”, following old techniques of construction, not able to meet the new demands of the market of horse tourism. This research has highlighted two different solutions that can meet the needs of tourists riding today, in accordance with the laws about the construction and the health part. These structures have been designed observing the principles of low impact, low cost, easy installation, complete reuse. Two kinds of structures have been planned. Temporary stay horse shelter: building to put in resting places of interest along the path (historic villages, monasteries, etc.), where it is possible to arrange the horses for a few hours and allow to the riders to make a careful visit of places of interest. Overnight stay horse shelter: structure to put in particular points where horses and riders can spend the night. A new type of horse barn with annexed feed storage and saddle room. The structure is dynamic, due to the possibility to change quickly the position of the horses (max 8 places).

Herd-level relationship between antimicrobial use and presence or absence of antimicrobial resistance in gram-negative bovine mastitis pathogens on Canadian dairy farms

Concurrent data on antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance are needed to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. The present study examined a herd-level association between AMU and AMR in Escherichia coli (n=394) and Klebsiella species (n=139) isolated from bovine intramammary infections and mastitis cases on 89 dairy farms in 4 regions of Canada [Alberta, Ontario, Québec, and Maritime Provinces (Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick)]. Antimicrobial use data were collected using inventory of empty antimicrobial containers and antimicrobial drug use rate was calculated to quantify herd-level AMU. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using Sensititre National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) gram-negative MIC plate (Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc., Cleveland, OH). Isolates were classified as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant. Intermediate and resistant category isolates were combined to form an AMR category, and multivariable logistic regression models were built to determine herd-level odds of AMR to tetracycline, ampicillin, cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination, sulfisoxazole, streptomycin and kanamycin in E. coli isolates. In the case of Klebsiella species isolates, logistic regression models were built for tetracycline and sulfisoxazole; however, no associations between AMU and AMR in Klebsiella species were observed. Ampicillin-intermediate or -resistant E. coli isolates were associated with herds that used intramammarily administered cloxacillin, penicillin-novobiocin combination, and cephapirin used for dry cow therapy [odds ratios (OR)=26, 32, and 189, respectively], and intramammary ceftiofur administered for lactating cow therapy and systemically administered penicillin (OR=162 and 2.7, respectively). Use of systemically administered penicillin on a dairy farm was associated with tetracycline and streptomycin-intermediate or -resistant E. coli isolates (OR=5.6 and 2.8, respectively). Use of cephapirin and cloxacillin administered intramammarily for dry cow therapy was associated with increasing odds of having at least 1 kanamycin-intermediate or -resistant E. coli isolate at a farm (OR=8.7 and 9.3, respectively). Use of systemically administered tetracycline and ceftiofur was associated with cefoxitin-intermediate or -resistant E. coli (OR=0.13 and 0.16, respectively); however, the odds of a dairy herd having at least 1 cefoxitin-intermediate or -resistant E. coli isolate due to systemically administered ceftiofur increased with increasing average herd parity (OR=3.1). Association between herd-level AMU and AMR in bovine mastitis coliforms was observed for certain antimicrobials. Differences in AMR between different barn types and geographical regions were not observed.

Certain convolution formulas for multiple series

In this paper, computing a double integral of convolution type in two ways, we give certain formulas for general multiple series. The method is based on that of Kanemitsu–Tanigawa–Yoshimoto in their previous work. As concrete examples, considering multiple zeta-functions of Barnes type and Euler–Zagier type, and Epstein zeta-functions, we give new formulas for multiple series involving these zeta-functions.

Semiparametric Stochastic Frontier Estimation Using Generalized Additive Models

This article specified a semiparametric stochastic frontier function using generalized additive models that accounts for random noise in the sample data. We estimated the parameters of the model by applying the generalized spline-smoothing approach to measure technical efficiency scores of Wisconsin dairy producers between 1993 and 1998. Results showed that the sample dairy producers did not use resources efficiently, as the estimated mean technical efficiency score was found to be 0.778. Unlike precedent studies, we found no correlation between the estimated technical efficiency scores and four farm-specific characteristics, such as operation type, milk system, barn type, and milk frequency.

Optimal barn characteristics for high-yielding Holstein cows as derived by a new heat-stress model

Meticulous planning is required to minimize heat-stress conditions in barns. The objective of this study was to determine optimum barn characteristics for high-yielding dairy cows under Israeli (Mediterranean) summer ambient conditions, by using a new stress model that takes ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity into account. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, three meteorological stations were alternately installed in 39 barns: two stations inside the barn at the prevailing downwind direction, and a third station outside the upwind end of the barn. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction were measured and recorded every 10 min for 3 to 5 consecutive days at each barn in turn. The data were collected at different geographical and climatic conditions. Therefore, the data collected by an outside station were used as covariates. A heat-stress model was used to determine the threshold temperature (THRT) at which a cow begins to increase its respiratory rate; THRT was the response variable in the statistical model. The THRT model takes in account assumed values of a cow's physiological characteristics: daily milk yield of 45 kg, containing 3.5% fat, and 3 mm fur depth. The independent variables were: orientation, barn type, roof slope, roof ridge, marginal height, roof type (fixed or sliding) and barn width. Results showed that the optimal barn for high-yielding cows is the loose-housing type, oriented with its long axis perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Advantageous to the design would be an open ridge or pagoda with marginal height of over 4.7 m for north-south orientation and over 5 m for east-west orientation, roof slope over 11%, and barn width between 43 and 51 m for north-south orientation but lower than 42 m for east-west orientation. A sliding roof was also found to be an excellent solution when outside yards are banned by environmental regulations.

On a basic integral formula involving Generalized Mellin - Barnes Type of contour integrals

. Abstract: The aim of the present paper is to study some new unified integral formulas associated with the

A unified approach to the integrals of Mellin–Barnes–Hecke type

In this paper, we provide a unified approach to a family of integrals of Mellin–Barnes type using distribution theory and Fourier transforms. Interesting features arise in many of the cases which call for the application of pull-backs of distributions via smooth submersive maps defined by Hörmander. We derive by this method the integrals of Hecke and Sonine related to various types of Bessel functions which have found applications in analytic and algebraic number theory.

Archaeal characterization of bioaerosols from cage-housed and floor-housed poultry operations

Although bioaerosols from both cage-housed (CH) and floor-housed (FH) poultry operations are highly concentrated, the concentrations of dust, endotoxin, and bacteria are significantly higher in FH bioaerosols. Workers from CH operations have reported a greater prevalence of respiratory symptoms. To date, archaea have been examined in swine and dairy bioaerosols but not in poultry bioaerosols. The objective of this study was to directly compare methanogenic archaea concentrations in bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry facilities. Bioaerosols were collected from 15 CH and 15 FH poultry operations, using stationary area samplers as well as personal sampling devices. Archaea were quantified and their diversity was investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and band sequencing. Archaea were significantly higher in area and personal bioaerosols of CH poultry operations than in those from FH poultry operations (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and did not differ significantly between area and personal samples within each barn type. Sequences matching Methanobrevibacter woesei, an archaea previously found in poultry samples, were detected in bioaerosol samples from CH operations. Methanogenic archaea concentrations are significantly different between bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry operations.

Enkele kritische punten bij de huisvesting van melkvee

Huisvesting bepaalt of koeien zich al dan niet comfortabel in hun leefomgeving voelen. Een goede huisvesting moet leiden tot een comfortabele leefomgeving waarin een gezonde melkveestapel optimaal kan produceren en reproduceren. Dit artikel geeft een overzicht van enkele kritische punten bij de huisvesting van melkvee. Vooral loopstallen met ligboxen worden besproken omdat dit in België het meest voorkomende staltype is. In het eerste deel worden de afmetingen en de verschillende onderdelen van een ligbox behandeld. Verkeerde afmetingen en opstellingen leiden tot ongewenst gedrag met nadelige gevolgen voor het welzijn, voor de boxhygiëne en voor de uier- en klauwgezondheid. Daarna volgt een overzicht van de verschillende beddingmaterialen en hun invloed op het beenwerk en op de klauw- en uiergezondheid. Vervolgens worden de voor- en nadelen van een betonnen vloer, een rubberen toplaag en van gietasfalt besproken. Tot slot wordt het belang van een optimale bezetting toegelicht in relatie tot het aantal ligbedden en het aantal voeder- en drinkplaatsen. De conclusie is dat de huisvesting een zeer belangrijke rol speelt bij de gezondheid, het welzijn en de productie- en reproductieresultaten van melkvee. De kritische punten hebben vooral betrekking op de constructie van de ligbox, de kwaliteit van de bodem, de fotoperiodiciteit en de dierbezetting.

Integral and computational representations of the extended Hurwitz–Lerch zeta function

This article presents a systematic investigation of various integrals and computational representations for some families of generalized Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta functions which are introduced here. We first establish their relationship with the -function, which enables us to derive the Mellin–Barnes type integral representations for nearly all of the generalized and specialized Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta functions. The integral expressions studied in this paper provide extensions of the corresponding results given by many authors, including (for example) Garg et al. [A further study of general Hurwitz-Lerch zeta function, Algebras Groups Geom. 25 (2008), pp. 311–319] and Lin and Srivastava [Some families of the Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta functions and associated fractional derivative and other integral representations, Appl. Math. Comput. 154 (2004), pp. 725–733]. We also derive a further analytic continuation formula which provides an elegant extension of the well-known analytic continuation formula for the Gauss hypergeometric function. Fractional derivatives associated with the generalized Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta functions are obtained. The relationship between the generalized Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta function and the -function, which was given by Garg et al., is seen to be erroneous and we give its corrected version here. Finally, a unification and extension of the Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta function, introduced in this article, is presented and two of its interesting special cases associated with the Mittag–Leffler type functions due to Barnes [The asymptotic expansion of integral functions defined by Taylor series, Philos. Trans. Roy. Soc. London Ser. A 206 (1906), pp. 249–297] and the generalized M-series considered recently by Sharma and Jain [A note on a generalzed M-series as a special function of fractional calculus, Fract. Calc. Appl. Anal. 12 (2009), pp. 449–452.] are deduced.

Bacterial diversity characterization of bioaerosols from cage-housed and floor-housed poultry operations

Background Although bioaerosols from both cage-housed (CH) and floor-housed (FH) poultry operations are highly concentrated, workers from CH operations have reported a greater prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Objective The objective of this study was to directly compare bacteria, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry facilities. Methods Bioaerosols were collected from fifteen CH and fifteen FH poultry operations, using stationary area samplers as well as personal sampling devices. Dust, endotoxin and bacteria were quantified and bacterial diversity was investigated using PCR followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Results Dust ( p<0.001), endotoxin ( p<0.05) and bacteria ( p<0.05) were significantly higher in personal bioaerosols of FH poultry operations than CH bioaerosols. Although dust and endotoxin did not differ significantly between area and personal samples within each barn type, clustering analysis of DGGE profiles of bacteria revealed that area and personal samples shared less than 10% similarity. These data suggest that area samples are not representative of personal bacteria exposures, which may be affected by worker movement, bacteria carried on the worker and worker location. Personal DGGE profiles from CH and FH operations shared less than 20% similarity and composite analysis showed that bacteria were more prevalent in personal samples from CH bioaerosols than FH bioaerosols. Conclusions Bacteria concentration and diversity are significantly different between bioaerosols from CH and FH poultry operations.

Management practices associated with the bulk-milk prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in Canadian dairy farms

When designing mastitis-prevention and control programs, it is important to know the level of adoption of mastitis-prevention management practices and control programs and the herd-level prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens. Our objectives were to estimate: (1) adoption of recommended mastitis-preventive management on Canadian dairy farms; (2) herd-level prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens on Canadian dairy farms; and (3) associations of certain management practices with the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from the bulk tank milk from Canadian dairy farms. In total, 226 farms participating in dairy herd improvement milk recording were randomly selected. All participating farms in British Columbia had free-stall barns and 85% of farms in Québec had tie-stall barns. Post-milking teat disinfection was practised on 96% of the farms and 72% had implemented blanket dry-cow treatment. Weighted and province-stratified prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staph. aureus in bulk tank milk was 4% (95% confidence interval: 0–12%) and 74% (95% confidence interval: 61–86%), respectively. Highest Staph. aureus prevalence was found in Nova Scotia (91%) and lowest prevalence in British Columbia (38%). No Mycoplasma spp. were isolated, but detection of Mycoplasma spp. could have been hampered by the frozen shipment and storage of the milk samples. Management practices associated with a lower probability of isolating Staph. aureus were blanket dry-cow treatment and believing that a nutritionist is important in mastitis data review. Having the milking equipment checked by an independent technician at least once a year and rubber mats or mattresses in the free-stall barns were associated with an increased probability of isolating Staph. aureus from the bulk tank. Most of Canadian dairy farms adopted important mastitis-prevention practices, such as post-milking teat disinfection and drying off all cows with antibiotics; however, improvements can still be made. A few management practices were associated with the prevalence of Staph. aureus in bulk tank milk, such as dry-cow treatment and barn type for the lactating cows. Further work has to be carried out to investigate to what extent the associations are causal.

Reproductive Performance, Udder Health, and Antibiotic Resistance in Mastitis Bacteria isolated from Norwegian Red cows in Conventional and Organic Farming

BackgroundThe objectives of this study were to investigate whether there were differences between Norwegian Red cows in conventional and organic farming with respect to reproductive performance, udder health, and antibiotic resistance in udder pathogens.MethodsTwenty-five conventional and 24 organic herds from south-east and middle Norway participated in the study. Herds were matched such that geographical location, herd size, and barn types were similar across the cohorts. All organic herds were certified as organic between 1997 and 2003. All herds were members of the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System. The herds were visited once during the study. The relationship between the outcomes and explanatory variables were assessed using mixed linear models.ResultsThere were less > 2nd parity cows in conventional farming. The conventional cows had higher milk yields and received more concentrates than organic cows. Although after adjustment for milk yield and parity, somatic cell count was lower in organic cows than conventional cows. There was a higher proportion of quarters that were dried off at the herd visit in organic herds. No differences in the interval to first AI, interval to last AI or calving interval was revealed between organic and conventional cows. There was no difference between conventional and organic cows in quarter samples positive for mastitis bacteria from the herd visit. Milk yield and parity were associated with the likelihood of at least one quarter positive for mastitis bacteria. There was few S. aureus isolates resistance to penicillin in both management systems. Penicillin resistance against Coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from subclinically infected quarters was 48.5% in conventional herds and 46.5% in organic herds.ConclusionThere were no large differences between reproductive performance and udder health between conventional and organic farming for Norwegian Red cows.

Study of Potential Improvements of Tobacco Curing Process in View of Energy Aspects

The paper aims at studying the present performance of tobacco curing barns and to investigate the potential improvements in order to modify the existing tobacco barns in the view of energy aspects. The study was done by selecting ihe different types of tobacco barns which are located in the Matale district area. Temperature variations inside the barn were monitored throughout the complete process in order to find out the heat transfer patterns. The paddy husk charging patterns' and the consurnption rates, temperature variations inside the furnace were monitored to find out the performance of the furnace. Further the heat distribution ducting system was studied to find out the heat transfer efficiency from the furnace to the barn. The study results found that several improvements are presented and those are discussed in this paper. Finally it is expected to reduce the curing period up to 3 days (i.e. half of the existing curing period) in order to achieve an efficient curing system.

Concentrations of Bioaerosols, Odors, and Hydrogen Sulfide Inside and Downwind from Two Types of Swine Livestock Operations

Few data on in-barn and downwind concentrations of endotoxin, bioaerosols, and odors from livestock facilities are available, and no studies have compared conventional confinement operations with the more animal-friendly hoop operations. Hoops are open to the environment and use a composted bedding system rather than housing pigs on slatted floors over pits holding manure slurry as in conventional confinements. We assessed airborne toxicants upwind, in barns, and downwind and evaluated determinants of exposure. Inhalable particulate matter, endotoxin, odor threshold, hydrogen sulfide, culturable mesophilic bacteria, culturable fungi, and total airborne microbes, along with wind speed, temperature, and humidity were measured at separate midsized livestock facilities (one hoop, one confinement) in Central Iowa on 10 occasions over 2 years. Significant differences in contaminants were observed between hoops and confinement buildings and across seasons for endotoxin, odors, airborne microorganisms, and hydrogen sulfide. For hoops and confinements, respectively, geometric mean in-barn concentrations were 3250 and 3100 EU/m3 for endotoxin; 1400 and 1910 μg/m3 for particulates; 19.6 and 146 ppb for hydrogen sulfide; 137 and 428 dilutions for odor threshold; and 3.0 × 106 and 1.5 × 106 organisms/m3 for total microbes. Endotoxin, odor, and culturable microorganisms exceeded recommended exposure limits. Reduced analysis of variance models for these contaminants demonstrated differences by barn type, season, number of pigs, and, in some cases, temperature and humidity. Both types of swine operations produced high airborne concentrations of endotoxin, odor, hydrogen sulfide, bacteria, and fungi. Endotoxin and odors were found downwind at concentrations previously associated with adverse health effects.

Incidence Rate of Clinical Mastitis on Canadian Dairy Farms

No nationwide studies of the incidence rate of clinical mastitis (IRCM) have been conducted in Canada. Because the IRCM and distribution of mastitis-causing bacteria may show substantial geographic variation, the primary objective of this study was to determine regional pathogen-specific IRCM on Canadian dairy farms. Additionally, the association of pathogen-specific IRCM with bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) and barn type were determined. In total, 106 dairy farms in 10 provinces of Canada participated in the study for a period of 1 yr. Participating producers recorded 3,149 cases of clinical mastitis. The most frequently isolated mastitis pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Overall mean and median IRCM were 23.0 and 16.7 cases per 100 cow-years in the selected herds, respectively, with a range from 0.7 to 97.4 per herd. No association between BMSCC and overall IRCM was found, but E. coli and culture-negative IRCM were highest and Staph. aureus IRCM was lowest in low and medium BMSCC herds. Staphylococcus aureus, Strep. uberis, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae IRCM were lowest in the Western provinces. Staphylococcus aureus and Strep. dysgalactiae IRCM were highest in Québec. Cows in tie-stalls had higher incidences of Staph. aureus, Strep. uberis, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and other streptococcal IRCM compared with those in free-stalls, whereas cows in free stalls had higher Klebsiella spp. and E. coli IRCM than those in tie-stall barns. The focus of mastitis prevention and control programs should differ between regions and should be tailored to farms based on housing type and BMSCC.