Chinese GF-1 and GF-3 satellites observed the giant iceberg calving off the Larsen C Ice Shelf

A massive iceberg, named A-68 by National Ice Center （NIC） officially, calved away from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica on luly 12, 2017. The iceberg A-68 is about 5 800 km2, weighs more than a trillion tons and it is one of the biggest ever recorded icebergs. Chinese satellites Gaofen-1 （GF-1） and Gaofen-3 （GF-3） data was used to monitoring the propagation of the rift and the iceberg by National Satellite Ocean Application Service （NSOAS）.

Association between growth rates, age at first calving and subsequent fertility, milk production and survival in Holstein-Friesian heifers

Age at first calving (AFC) affects the profitability of dairy enterprises. This study examined the relationships between AFC and subsequent fertility, milk production and survival up to third calving in UK Holstein-Friesian heifers;Study 1 comprised 134 consecutively born heifers from the same herd (AFC 764 ± 8 days) and Study 2 contained 445 heifers born on 17 farms (AFC 796 ± 6 days). Growth rates and fertility during rearing were monitored and animals were subsequently divided into four AFC groups for analysis: <23 months, 23 - 25 months, 26 - 30 months and >30 months. The actual AFC reflected both growth rate and heifer fertility, with later calving heifers already lighter by 6 months of age. The proportion conceiving to first service was highest (93% and 84% for Studies 1 and 2, respectively) for the youngest AFC group. Fertility in the first lactation was best in cows calving at 23 - 25 months and worst in the oldest AFC group. Milk production parameters in the first and second lactations were broadly similar between AFC groups but significantly more heifers with an AFC < 26 months calved for a third time. These younger calving animals therefore achieved more days in milk over 5 years, with >44% of their days alive spent in milk production compared with only 18% - 40% in cows calving at ≥26 months. Hence cows with an AFC < 26 months produced the most milk in their first 5 years of life. These results indicate that an AFC of 0.75 kg/d up to 15 months and good heifer fertility and resulted in the best subsequent performance.

Genetic Parameters for Milk,Fat Yield and Age at First Calving of Chinese Holsteins in Heilongjiang

Genetic parameters for milk,fat yield and age at first calving of Chinese Holsteins in Heilongjiang were evaluated using multiple trait restricted maximum likelihood procedures with an animal model.Data consisted of records of 2496 Chinese Holsteins first lactation cows collected from 1989 to 2000.The model included 21 herd effects,four calving season effects,nine age at first calving effects,6697 animal effects.(Co)variance components of milk yield,fat yield and age at first calving were estimated with the software package for variance component estimation(VCE) by an animal model. The heritabilities were 0.14,0.21,0.38 for milk yield,fat yield and age at first calving,respectively.The estimates of genetic correlation between milk yield and fat yield,age at first calving were 0.96,-0.29,respectively.The estimate of genetic correlation between fat yield and age at first calving was -0.28.

Modeling calving process of glacier with dilated polyhedral discrete element method

Mass loss caused by glacier calving is one of the direct contributors to global sea level rise.Reliable calving laws are required for accurate modelling of ice sheet mass balance.Both continuous and discontinuous methods have been used for glacial calving simulations.In this study,the discrete element method(DEM)based on dilated polyhedral elements is introduced to simulate the calving process of a tidewater glacier.Dilated polyhedrons can be obtained from the Minkowski sum of a sphere and a core polyhedron.These elements can be utilized to generate a continuum ice material,where the interaction force between adjacent elements is modeled by constructing bonds at the joints of the common faces.A hybrid fracture model considering fracture energy is introduced.The viscous creep behavior of glaciers on long-term scales is not considered.By applying buoyancy and gravity to the modelled glacier,DEM results show that the calving process is caused by cracks which are initialized at the top of the glacier and spread to the bottom.The results demonstrate the feasibility of using the dilated polyhedral DEM method in glacier simulations,additionally allowing the fragment size of the breaking fragments to be counted.The relationship between crack propagation and internal stress in the glacier is analyzed during calving process.Through the analysis of the Mises stress and the normal stress between the elements,it is found that geometric changes caused by the glacier calving lead to the redistribution of the stress.The tensile stress between the elements is the main influencing factor of glacier ice failure.In addition,the element shape,glacier base friction and buoyancy are studied,the results show that the glacier model based on the dilated polyhedral DEM is sensitive to the above conditions.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for 305 Days Milk Yields and Calving Interval in Xinjiang Brown Cattle

This study was conducted to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for 305 days mature equivalent milk yields (MEM) and calving interval (CAI) of registered Xinjiang Brown cattle. The total records were 3940 including 2579 for 305-day MEM and 1970 for CAI, which were collected from Xinjiang Urumqi Cattle Breeding farm in China with calving records from 1990 to 2008. Genetic parameters were obtained by multiple trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML) using animal model. The model included year, season, parity and calving interval of calving for 305 days MEM, and year, season and parity of birth for CAI as fixed effects. Heritability for 305 days MEM was moderate (0.39) and in the same range of parameters estimated in management systems with medium production levels. Heritability of calving interval was small (0.02) as fertility traits for Xinjiang Brown cattle. Estimates of genetic and environmental correlations between 305 days MEM and CAI were 0.47 and 0.37, respectively. Estimates of genetic variation and heritability indicated that selection would result in genetic improvement of production traits. Estimates of both heritability and genetic variation for CAI were small, which indicates that genetic improvement would be difficult.

Effects of season calving and managements on lactating curves in two different farms (organic vs conventional) in buffalo cows

A total of 5852 records concerning daily milk yield, content of protein and fat, and somatic cell count was recorded in two farms (organic and conventional). Somatic cell count was log10- transformed before analysis because was not normally distributed. The mixed model methodology was used according to a repeated-measures scheme, as the restricted maximum likelihood method to estimate lactation curves at different season of calving and at different calving order. Calving order affected milk yield only in the first three calving order with the lowest production levels in the first six months of the year for both farm;no effect could be observed on fat and protein contents. The organic farm shows the minor milk production (7.77 vs8.10 kg/day/head organic and traditional respectively), but good qualitative characteristics of milk, and minor content of Somatic Cell Count. The milk production is major, in traditional farm, in summer respect the winter (10.4 vs6.34 kgof milk/day/ head). In biological farm no difference between seasons were observed. Peak milk yield occurs, for both farms, at around the 6th - 7th wk of lactation.

SN 1054,SN 1006,&Nova WZ Sagittae Calving Antarctic Ice Cap—Global Warming&Moose Die Off Longitude Relationship Deflection Area in Antarctica and USA—WZ Sagittae Impact and Martian Dust Storms

The SNIT theory proposes the effects of exploding stars,supernova and nova,on the biosphere of Earth.The feature on our planet that is most sensitive to the incoming energy of an exploding star is sea ice at the poles and this brings in the concept of global warming.The incoming particle streams for SN 1054,SN 1006,and Nova WZ Sagittae have left easily interpreted data noted as calving under the Antarctic ice cap that matches previously predicted longitude locations for the local heat input of the particle streams of the exploding stars.Animal die offs are also caused by the incoming particle streams.The deflection area longitude range for SN 1054 calving produces the correct longitude range for the moose die off beginning in the northern USA in 2006.Some Martian dust storms are created by the wave front of the exploding star debris streams.The explanation of these exploding stars effects using the SNIT theory is the object of this work.

Analysis of the Management and Costs Associated with Rearing Pregnant Dairy Heifers in the UK from Conception to Calving

Good management of the pregnant heifer is crucial to ensure that she is well grown and healthy and calves down easily before joining the milking herd. This study collected primary data on all aspects of heifer management on 101 UK farms during heifer pregnancy from conception to calving including farm factors and associated costs of system inputs. A cost analysis workbook was developed to calculate the cost of rearing per heifer for each of the study farms. Associations between cost of rearing and farms factors were determined using linear regression and analysis of variance. Heifers had a mean age of conception of 509 d (range 365 - 700 d) and an age at first calving of 784 d (range 639 - 973 d). The mean total cost of rearing during pregnancy was ￡450.36 (range ￡153.11 to ￡784.00) with a mean daily cost of ￡1.64 (range ￡0.56 to ￡2.86). The inputs contributing the most to cost were feed (32.7%), labour (23.8%) and slurry disposal (11.2%). Total purchased and homegrown feed and grazing contributed between 25.5% and 65.4% of total costs with a mean contribution of 43.6%. The cost of rearing was lowest in spring calving herds and highest in all year round calving herds with intermediate values in autumn and multi block calving herds. The main variables influencing the cost were the number of days spent at grass, age at first calving, calving pattern, breed, herd size and region. Each extra day in age at first calving increased the mean cost of rearing during pregnancy by ￡0.33/d whereas every extra day at grass reduced the cost by ￡1.75/d.

Number of Calving and Its Relationship with Productive Indicators in Nelore Cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the calving number with productive indicators in Nelore cows in a grazing system in the Bolivian tropics.Retrospective data,corresponding to the period between 1991 and 2019 referred to 1,566 primiparous and multiparous Nelore breed cows were used.A decrease in the total number of animals was observed from the first to the fifth calving,it was also observed that the age of the first calving was similar in all cows without significant differences,showing that longevity is not associated with the age at the first calving.Live weight presented significant differences(p≤0.05),according to the number of calvings;the fourth and fifth calving cows are the heaviest.Weight of calf at birth did not show a relationship with the number of calvings either.However,it does so in the weight of calf at weaning,which increases from the first to the fifth calving with significant differences(p≤0.05).There were significant differences(p≤0.05)for the interval between calvings,decreasing as the calvings progressed.It is concluded that there is a relationship between the number of calving with productive indicators in Nelore cows in a grazing system in the Bolivian tropics,fundamentally those efficiency variables where longevity is important.

Yak Calving Interval and Calving Efficiency

The results of 439 times of calving interval(CI) from 161 yak cows showed that the average CI is 459(se=131)d. The CI with 3 to 6 calving numbers is 25～48 d shorter than that of 1 to 2 and above 7 calving numbers. Although slaughtering a great number of calves during the late September and early October do bring about relatively higher calving rate that is mos yak cowst can give 3,4,5 and 6calves during 4,5,6 and 7 years old respectively. This makes major calving months shift from April or May to June.

Preweaning period is a critical window for rumen microbial regulation of average daily gain in Holstein heifer calves

Background Rumen bacterial groups can affect growth performance,such as average daily gain(ADG),feed intake,and efficiency.The study aimed to investigate the inter-relationship of rumen bacterial composition,rumen fermentation indicators,serum indicators,and growth performance of Holstein heifer calves with different ADG.Twelve calves were chosen from a trail with 60 calves and divided into higher ADG(HADG,high pre-and post-weaning ADG,n=6)and lower ADG(LADG,low pre-and post-weaning ADG,n=6)groups to investigate differences in bacterial composition and functions and host phenotype.Results During the preweaning period,the relative abundances of propionate producers,including g_norank_f_Butyricicoccaceae,g_Pyramidobacter,and g_norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadin BB60_group,were higher in HADG calves(LDA>2,P<0.05).Enrichment of these bacteria resulted in increased levels of propionate,a gluconeogenic precursor,in preweaning HADG calves(adjusted P<0.05),which consequently raised serum glucose concentrations(adjusted P<0.05).In contrast,the relative abundances of rumen bacteria in post-weaning HADG calves did not exert this effect.Moreover,no significant differences were observed in rumen fermentation parameters and serum indices between the two groups.Conclusions The findings of this study revealed that the preweaning period is the window of opportunity for rumen bacteria to regulate the ADG of calves.

Effect of organic mineral supplementation in reducing oxidative stress in Holstein calves during short‑term heat stress and recovery conditions

Background This study investigated the effects of inorganic and organic minerals on physiological responses,oxidative stress reduction,and rumen microbiota in Holstein bull calves(123.81±9.76 kg;5 months old)during short-term heat stress(HS)and recovery periods.Eight Holstein calves were randomly assigned to four treatment groups:no mineral supplementation(Con),inorganic minerals(IM),organic minerals(OM),and high-concentration organic minerals(HOM)and two thermal environments(HS and recovery)using 4×2 factorial arrangement in a crossover design of four periods of 35 d.Calves were maintained in a temperature-controlled barn.The experimental period consisted of 14 d of HS,14 d of recovery condititon,and a 7-d washing period.Results Body temperature and respiration rate were higher in HS than in the recovery conditions(P<0.05).Selenium concentration in serum was high in the HOM-supplemented calves in both HS(90.38μg/dL)and recovery periods(102.00μg/dL)(P<0.05).During the HS period,the serum cortisol was 20.26 ng/mL in the HOM group,which was 5.60 ng/mL lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The total antioxidant status was the highest in the OM group(2.71 mmol Trolox equivalent/L),followed by the HOM group during HS,whereas it was highest in the HOM group(2.58 mmol Trolox equivalent/L)during the recovery period(P<0.05).Plasma malondialdehyde and HSP70 levels were decreased by HOM supplementation during the HS and recovery periods,whereas SOD and GPX levels were not significantly affected(P>0.05).The principal coordinate analysis represented that the overall rumen microbiota was not influenced by mineral supplementation;however,temperature-induced microbial structure shifts were indicated(PERMANOVA:P<0.05).At the phylum level,Firmicutes and Actinobacteria decreased,whereas Fibrobacteres,Spirochaetes,and Tenericutes increased(P<0.05),under HS conditions.The genus Treponema increased under HS conditions,while Christensenella was higher in recovery conditions(P<0.05).Conclusion HOM supplementation during HS reduced cortisol concentrations and increased total antioxidant status in Holstein bull calves,suggesting that high organic mineral supplementation may alleviate the adverse effects of HS.

TRANSPLANTATION OF BOVINE EMBRYOS FER TILIZED in vitro AND SUBSEQUENT CALVING

The bovine embryos used for nonsurgical transfer should be morulae or blastocysts which are generally obtained from donor cow through superovulation and insemination. Due to the high cost of the embryos, the spread of embryo transfer is influenced to certain extent. In recent years, in vitro fertilization (IVF)technique has been adopted abroad to expand the source of embryos. The methods employed normally were culturing the embryos in rabbit’s or sheep’s oviducts (in vivo culture) to overcome '8—16-cell block', the morula or blastocyst developed in vivo was recovered and then transferred to recipients. However, the research concerning in vitro culture of IVF ova to the morula-blastocvst stage was

The roles of calving migration and climate change in the formation of the weak genetic structure in the Tibetan antelope(Pantholops hodgsonii)

Geographical barriers and distance can reduce gene exchange among animals,resulting in genetic divergence of geographically isolated populations.The Tibetan antelope(Pantholops hodgsonii)has a geographical range of approximately 1600 km across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,which comprises a series of tall mountains and big rivers.However,previous studies indicate that there is little genetic differentiation among their geographical­ly delineated populations.To better understand the genetic structure of P.hodgsonii populations,we collected 145 samples from the 3 major calving regions,taking into consideration their various calving grounds and mi­gration routes.We used a combination of mitochondrial sequences(Cyt b,ATPase,D-loop and COX I)to inves­tigate the genetic structure and the evolutionary divergence of the populations.Significant,albeit weak,genetic differentiation was detected among the 3 geographical populations.Analysis of the genetic divergence process revealed that the animals gradually entered a period of rapid genetic differentiation approximately 60000 years ago.The calving migration of P.hodgsonii cannot be the main cause of their weak genetic structure because this cannot fully homogenize the genetic pool.Instead,the geological and climatic events as well as the coupling vegetation succession process during this period have been suggested to greatly contribute to the genetic struc­ture and the expansion of genetic diversity.

Causes and Effects of Stillbirths on Days Open and Cow Herd Survival in Holstein Friesian Cows

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the causes and the effects of stillbirth on the number of days open and cow herd survival in subsequent lactation of Holstein Friesian cows. A total of 1371 calvings from research dairy farm were used. Stillbirth in calves was defined as the death of a fetus before or during calving at full term (≥270 days of gestation) or within 24 hours after calving. During the period from January 2006 to December 2017 a percent of 95.04% of the calvings were with live calves, and 4.96% of the calvings were stillbirths. The major causes of stillbirth identified were: calving difficulty, parity of the cows, and sex of the calves at calving. A five point scale was used to assess calving difficulties, and numbers 1, 2 and 3 were considered unassisted calvings and number 4 and 5 as assisted. The twin calvings were not taken into account. Days open were measured as days from first calving to conception, and cow herd survival from first calving to culling or death. Trend test and multivariate data analysis were used. The findings revealed that primiparous cows were at higher risk of having stillbirths compared with multiparous cows. Cows that were at calving male calves were at higher risk of having stillbirths compared with cows that had female calves at calving. Also, cows with assisted calving were at higher risk of having stillbirths compared with cows with unassisted calvings. Cows with stillbirths had a increase mean of days open with 32 days. Cow herd survival was better in the cows with live calves at calving compared with the cows that had stillbirth at calvings.

A meta-analysis on the effects of probiotics on the performance of pre-weaning dairy calves

Background:Probiotics have been used in livestock production for many years,but information on their benefits during the early life of calves is inconsistent.This study aimed to assess the effects of probiotics on the performance of pre-weaning dairy calves and identify the factors influencing their effect sizes.Results:Forty-nine studies were selected for meta-analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The study qualities were evaluated using a predefined risk assessment tool following GRADE guidelines.Meta-analysis results showed that probiotics increased the growth performance(body weight by 1.988 kg and average daily gain by40.689 g/d),decreased digestibility and feed efficiency(feed conversion rate by 0.073),altered rumen parameter(decreased acetate by 2.815 mmol/L and increased butyrate by 0.788 mmol/L),altered blood parameter(decreased AST by 4.188 U/L,increased BHBA by 0.029 mmol/L and IgG by 0.698 g/L),increased faecal parameter(faecal bacteria counts by 0.680 log10CFU/g),based on the strict criteria(P_(SMD)<0.05,I^(2)<50%).Additionally,probiotics increased digestibility and feed efficiency(starter dry matter intake by 0.034 kg/d and total dry matter intake by 0.020 kg/d),altered blood parameter(increased IgA by 0.313 g/L,IgM by 0.262 g/L and total antioxidant capacity by 0.441 U/mL,decreased MDA by 0.404 nmol/mL),decreased faecal parameter(faecal score by 0.052),based on the loose criteria(P_(SMD)<0.05,I^(2)>50%).Regression and sub-group analyses showed that probiotic strains,supplementation dosage,and methods significantly affected the performance of calves.The probiotics supplied with more than 9.5 log10CFU/d significantly increased IgA and IgM contents(P_(SMD)<0.05).Additionally,the compound probiotics significantly increased TDMI,IgA,and IgM(P_(SMD)≤0.001).Furthermore,probiotics supplemented in liquid(whole milk or milk replacer)significantly increased TDMI and decreased faecal score(P_(SMD)<0.05),while in whole milk,they significantly increased body weight,IgA,and IgM(P_(SMD)<0.001).Conclusions:Probiotics could improve the growth performance,feed intake and efficiency,rumen fermentation,immune and antioxidant capacity,and health of pre-weaning calves.However,the effect sizes were related to the dosage,composition,and supplementation methods of probiotics.

MRI在Legg-Calve-Perthes disease中的应用

目的探讨LCP病的MRI表现和诊断价值。方法回顾性分析14例LCP病(15髋)临床和MRI资料,研究LCP病不同分期MRI影像学表现。结果缺血坏死期,2髋;血运重建期,6髋;修复期,7髋。MRI显示髋关节滑膜炎(15髋),关节积液(15髋),关节面滑膜侵蚀(5髋),骨髓水肿(7髋),髋臼和股骨头软骨增厚(6髋),扁平髋(2髋),股骨干骺端和股骨头骨骺间骨桥(3髋)。结论 MRI是评价LCP病有效工具,可应用于诊断股骨头坏死,为疾病准确分期、各种并发症的发现及患者预后,提供重要信息;指导制定非手术和手术治疗方案具有重要意义。此外MRI还可以鉴别其它儿童髋关节疾病。

Investigation between Different Amount of Crude Fiber and Fermentation in the Rumen by Beef Suckler Cows

Body condition of suckler cows at the time of calving has an important effect on calving ease and mortality of calves.In the last eight weeks before calving the body condition should be reduced or at least not increased.Rations with a higher amount of crude fibre can be used(rations with straw or late mowed grass silage(GS))to control the body condition score.Eight suckler cows(Charolais)were feeding a total mixed ration(TMR)in the last eight weeks before calving and GS after calving.By the addition of straw(30%in TMR1 vs 60%in TMR2 of dry matter)was varied the amount of crude fibre in the TMR(GS,straw,mineral)before calving.In the period after calving were GS feeding.Last measurement took place on the pasture(PS).Rumen fluid,plasma,body weight and back fat thickness were collected.Rumen fluid pH was assessed immediately after collection using an electronic pH meter.Volatile fatty acids(VFA),sedimentation,methylene-blue and amount of infusorians were measured.From four key figures an“index of rumen fermentation”(IRF)in the rumen was formed.Statistical analysis took place with analysis of variance(ANOVA)with fixed effects of treatment(TMR1,TMR2,GS and PS)and number of lactations(3-7 lactations)using SPSS Version 25.0 for Windows.Rumen fluid pH had significant differences between variants(TMR1 by 6.6,TMR2 by 6.9,GS by 6.6 and PS by 6.9),but was not affected by other effects.The IRF showed a disturbed fermentation in the rumen by feeding the TMR 1+2 with high amount of crude fibre(score:>10.0 points)and a very good situation for fermentation during grazing the PS(score:6.9 points).The long-term use of crude fibre-rich rations in the period before calving may cause deviations from undisturbed fermentation in the rumen and adversely affect the utilization of the feed in the rumen.

Effect of Different Protein Levels on Nutrient Digestion Metabolism and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Calves

The current study has been performed to examine the effects of different dietary protein levels on the growth, nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as biochemical parameters in calves. Nine healthy newborn calves were selected, randomly divided into 3 groups and fed 3 milk replacers with different protein levels （18, 22, and 26%）, respectively. Five period-digestion-metabolism trials were taken between 12-20, 22-30, 32-40, 42-50, and 52-60 days after birth. All 3 groups showed a similar growth curve during 11 to 61 experimental days, however, the growth rate of the 22% crude protein （CP） group was 8.89% higher than that of the 18% CP group and 19.48% higher than that of the 26% CP group, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry material （DM） declined gradually with age, whereas, the apparent digestibility of N, extract ether （EE） rose slightly. Compared to the 22% CP and 26% CP group, calves fed with 18% CP apparently had a lower digestibility than DM, EE, and nitrogen （N）. The average apparent digestibilities of N were 69.39, 75.36, and 74.55%, respectively. Both the apparent digestibility and retention of calcium （Ca） and phosphorus （P） were steady throughout the experiment, but the average apparent digestibility of P in the 26% CP group was only 63.83%, which was markedly lower than that of the 18% CP group （70.40%） and 22% CP group （69.73%）. In addition, the serum concentrations of total protein （TP）, albumin （ALB）, and globulin （GLOB） of the 22% CP group were higher than those in the 18% CP and 26% CP groups. The urea N （BUN） content in the 18% CP group, on the other hand, was significantly lower than that of the other two groups. The highest glucose （GLU） concentration was found in the 22% CP group （5.38 mmol L^-1）, at the end of the trials. The protein levels in the milk replacer affected the digestion metabolism of nutrition and the serum biochemical parameters of calves at different physiological phases. Calves fed with 22% CP milk replacer had a better growth performance than the other groups.