• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.43-52
• /
• 2015

The growth and population dynamics of eelgrass (Zostera marina) due to changes in sediment composition were examined in the lower intertidal zone of the Seomjin Estuary, Korea. We surveyed environmental factors such as water temperature, underwater irradiance, main types and organic content of sediment, tidal exposure, and nutrient concentrations in the water column and sediment pore water, in relation to the shoot density, biomass, morphological characteristics, and growth of Z. marina inhabiting lower intertidal zones. The survey was conducted monthly from May to December of 2004 and 2009. The water temperature showed obvious seasonal trends in both study years. Underwater irradiance was significantly higher in 2009 than in 2004. Tidal exposure was not significantly different between 2004 and 2009. The sediment was muddy-sand in 2004 but became sandy and with a significantly lower organic content in 2009. Water column $NH_4{^+}$ concentrations were significantly higher in 2004 than in 2009. Sediment pore water $NO_3{^-}+NO_2{^-}$ concentrations were significantly higher in 2009 than in 2004. Other nutrient concentrations did not differ significantly between 2004 and 2009. Morphological characteristics, including eelgrass length and leaf width were significantly lower in 2009 than in 2004. Eelgrass shoot height, leaf length, and sheath length showed typical seasonal patterns, increasing in early summer and decreasing in autumn, in both years. Vegetative shoot density was not significantly different between 2004 and 2009, while the biomass of individual plant parts and the total biomass were significantly lower in 2009. Eelgrass leaf productivity did not differ between years, but leaf turnover time was significantly shorter in 2009 than in 2004. Eelgrass downsizing and decreased turnover time in 2009 compared to 2004 indicate more effective adaptations to the stress of long-term changes in sediment composition. Overall, results suggest that changes in sediment composition can be a limiting factor for seagrass growth in the intertidal zone.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.59-75
• /
• 2005

The experiments were undertaken to evaluate the effects of Bosaengtang in pregnant rats and fetuses. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with Bosaengtang at the dose of 5mg/kg/day for 20 days. Pregnant rats were sacrificed at the 20th day of gestation, and observed internal and reproductive organs. Fetuses were randomly selected and fixed in 95% ethanol. Fetuses were stained with alcian blue and alizarin red S, and observed skeletal malformations. The results obtained were as follows : Bosaengtang administered group showed higher maternal body weight than the control group, but both groups showed increase in weight. Bosaengtang administered group showed lower than the control group, and higher liver and kidney weight than the control group, but the differences were minimal. There were no significant changes between the control and treated group in blood chemistry values and hematological values but all the groups were within in normal ranges. There were no significant changes in the number of corpus luteum, implantation, live fetus and implantation rate, delivery rate, late resorption rate, sex ratio, but Bosaengtang administered group showed higher early resorption rate than control group. comparing the control and Bosaengtang group, neonatal body weight and the number of fetuses were increased in Bosaengtang group. The fetuses of dams treated with Oriental medicine didn't showed external malformation. Vertebral and sternal variations were observed in Bosaengtang group, but the differences were not apparent compared to the control group. The number of ribs, cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were normal. The number of sacral was similar and the number of caudal was increased. Fetuses showed significant difference in the number of caudal vertebrae. (P<0.01) From these results, we can carefully conclude that Bosaengtang showed beneficial effects on maternal body weight, early resorption rate, number of live fetus. There were no significant changes in organ weight, hematoscopy, reproduction organs. External malformation wasn't visible. Skeletal variations were showed in vertebrae and sternum but compared to the control group, these variations weren't much different.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.527-539
• /
• 2010

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotics as an alternative for antibiotics on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, noxious gas emission and fecal microbial population in growing piglets. A total of 96 piglets ($22.5{\pm}1.3$kg average body weight) were allotted to 3 different treatment groups and replicated 4 times with 8 piglets per replicate in randomized complete block design. Treatments were T1) (Control, basal diet+0.2% antibiotics), T2) 0.2% probiotics complex and T3) 0.3% Bacillus probiotics. During the whole experiment period, there were no differences (p>0.05) in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed efficiency. However, digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract and crude ash were showed higher in probiotics groups (T2 and T3) than those of control. In noxious gas emission, ammonia, amine, hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in T2 and T3 treatments compared to those in control. Moisture content of feces was not significantly different among treatments. The colony forming units (CFU) of total bacteria, E. coli and thermoduric bacteria in feces were significantly different among treatments. The CFU of total bacteria, E. coli and thermoduric bacteria in T3 treatment were reduced by feeding probiotics B. From this study, we suggest that probiotics A and B are likely able to improve the growth performance and nutrients digestibility, reduce noxious gas emission and change the fecal microbial composition in growing piglets.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2020

Mycorrhiza refers to the association between a plant and a fungus colonizing the cortical tissue of the plant's roots during periods of active plant growth. The benefits afforded by plants from mycorrhizal symbioses can be characterized either agronomically, based on increased growth and yield, or ecologically, based on improved fitness (i.e., reproductive ability). In either case, the benefit accrues primarily because mycorrhizal fungi form a critical linkage between plant roots and the soil. The soilborne or extramatrical hyphae take up nutrients from the soil solution and transport them to the root. This mycorrhizae-mediated mechanism increases the effective absorptive surface area of the plant. There are seven major types of mycorrhizae along with mycoheterotrophy: endomycorrhizae (arbuscular mycorrhizae, AM), ectomycorrhizae (EM), ectendomycorrhizae, monotropoid, arbutoid, orchid, and ericoid. Endomycorrhizal fungi form arbuscules or highly branched structures within root cortical cells, giving rise to arbuscular mycorrhiza, which may produce extensive extramatrical hyphae and significantly increase phosphorus inflow rates in the plants they colonize. Ectomycorrhizal fungi may produce large quantities of hyphae on the root and in the soil; these hyphae play a role in absorption and translocation of inorganic nutrients and water, and also release nutrients from litter layers by producing enzymes involved in mineralization of organic matters. Over 4,000 fungal species, primarily belonging to Basidiomycotina and to a lesser extent Ascomycotina, are able to form ectomycorrhizae. Many of these fungi produce various mushrooms on the forest floor that are traded at a high price. In this paper, we discuss the benefits, nutrient cycles, and artificial cultivation of mycorrhizae in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.327-336
• /
• 2011

Temporal and spatial variations of primary productivity were investigated in the estuary of Youngsan River and Mokpo coastal areas in 2009. After heavy rain, concentrations of ammonium, phosphate, and silicate increased at six stations in August. The torrential rainfall may cause an increase in nutrient concentrations during summer. There is no limitation of nutrients (except for February at the mid-Youngsan estuarine region YS2) but a potential phosphate limitation was apparent at all stations. Silicate depletion was observed at YS2 in February due to a massive diatom bloom. The trophic status of the Youngsan estuary and Mokpo coastal areas were inferred from an assessment of the primary productivity. In February and May, YS1 (upper Youngsan estuary site) and YS2, YS3 (near the Youngsan river estuary barrage), MP1 (upper Mokpo coastal region site) were appropriately assigned to the mesotrophic category. MP2 (mid-Mokpo coastal region site) and MP3 (outer site of Mokpo coastal region) were assigned to the oligotrophic category. All stations were classified to the oligotrophic status in November. In August, after heavy rain, Youngsan estuary stations maintained mesotrophic status. On the other hand, MP1 and MP2 were classified in the eutrophic category and MP3 to mesotrophic status. In particular, primary productivities of MP1 and MP2 were 9 and 7 times higher respectively than the standard of eutrophic status ($1,000-mgC\;m^{-2}d^{-1}$). These results suggest that a massive freshwater discharge from the Youngsan River estuary should be considered a main factor in the occurrence of phytoplankton bloom in Mokpo coastal areas during summer. Seasonal variations of primary productivity are closely related with depth-integrated Chl. a.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.119-130
• /
• 2000

Mn, Zn, Cd and Pb in shells of Littorina brevicula, which lives ubiquitously in intertidal zone around the Korean coast, were analyzed to determine the relationship between metal levels in its shell, ambient seawater and its tissue. Periwinkles and seawater samples were collected from 38 sites along the Korean coast in January 1997. Mn contents in shells of this organism show the range of 7.0 ${\mu}g$/g-211 ${\mu}g$/g (mean 59 ${\mu}g$/g) and are the lowest in northern east coast but high in western south and west coast. Close relationship between Mn contents in shells and metal levels both in seawater and in tissues indicates that Mn in shell might be incorporated from ambient seawater by a biological process. Although the contents of Cd in shells did not reflect the distribution of total Cd in seawaters and they were very low compared to those in tissues, they followed spatial gradient of contents in tissues. However, the spatial distribution of Zn contents in shells accords neither ambient seawater nor tissues, while it is negatively correlated with the contents of Na in shells. This fact suggests that Zn contents might be controlled by salinity of ambient seawater. On the contrary, Zn contents in highly polluted sites near Onsan Bay show generally higher levels than other sites. The contents of Pb show the range of 0.1 ${\mu}g$/g-17.5 ${\mu}g$/g (mean 1.01 ${\mu}g$/g) and the highest in sites near Onsan Bay. Although the spatial distribution of shell Pb does not follow those of tissue, Pb in shells of Littorina brevicula may be controlled both by shell secretion process and by Pb levels in ambient seawater because the contents of Pb in the shell decrease steadily with growth and vary with levels of Pb in ambient seawater.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.38 no.1 s.110
• /
• pp.83-94
• /
• 2005

The objective of the study was to elucidate early life history of Rhinogobius brunneus, based on laboratory observations and field works, along with its courtship and spawning behaviors. The male and female fish matured were sampled for the lab experiments from Gap-Stream, which is one of the tributaries of Geum-River, Korea. The spawning behaviors and courtship of matured adults had a typical pattern; matured males of Rhinogobius brunneus built up spawning nests and had their own territory before the spawning, and the behavior then triggered the egg spawning of female with active courtship. The females attached elliptic egg mass as a single layer, on the stones below the spawning nest. After the spawning, the egg mass was guarded by males only until the hatching. The size of egg fertilized, measured by microscope was about 1.5${\pm}$0.1mm in length and 0.7${\pm}$0.1 mm in the egg's width. According to the lab experiments conducted under four temperature regime, the lapsed time for the hatching was shortened as temperatures increased in the treatments. On the contrary to the hatching time, the average length of newly hatched larvae showed a reverse relation with water temperature. The larvae, considered a final stage of the early life history was about 3.6 mm in total length for water temperature of $18^{\circ}C$, whereas they were between 3.1 mm and 3.2 mm for over $25^{\circ}C$. This indicates that higher water temperature may decrease the growth rate in the early life history. These results may provide valuable information for the population conservation and ecosystem protection under accelerated water pollution and habitat degradations in Korea.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.347-358
• /
• 2004

In Mongolia which consists of nomadic populations, horse has been loved by nomads and considered most important transportation means. Horses have been used when they were making long journey looking for new plain ground for grazing. Therefore, horse is closely connected with Mongolian nomadic culture. In Korea, too, horses had been considered one of most important means for transportation and military. The symbolism of horse that is represented in both Mongolia and Korea is Heavenly Horse which communicates with the God and it was sanctified as a Sacrificing Horse which was sent to God for sacrifice, and it was even worshiped as Divine Horse, the diety. As is the case of two of Mongolian customs associated with Mongolian language are 'the ceremony of horse's giving birth her young' and 'the ceremony of letting the mare go where it was before', all the cases are related with cattle's milk. The ceremony of 'horse's giving birth her young' is the ceremony where people hope that they would see the young can grow well which were born in early summer thus increasing the numbers of horse. To go with this, they perform a ceremony of Chachal in which they sprinkle the best quality white milk which is the symbol of good luck and hope they would produce plentiful of dairy products. The ceremony of 'letting the mare go where it was before' is also the ceremony where people hope to have many new born young horses thus produce more dairy products and Airag for the next year as milking is no more available for that you. Since the unified Silla Era, Koreans have performed a sacrifice rituals to horse in auspicious day. It's purpose is to see their horses get no disease and bear as many youngs as possible. The Back Ins Je, one of well blown festivals in Jeju Island, was originated from people's wish to prosper in stock farming. It can be said that the custom of Korea and Mongolia related with horse's giving birth was originated from the wishes to god for fertility and fecundity. On top of that, while Mongolians sprinkled horse's milk both on the ground and to the air hoping they would have increased houses and, thus, secure many dairy products, Koreans wish that they would see the increased number of horses and their healthy conditions through heavenly rituals.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.19-35
• /
• 2001

Outlines for plasma $estradiol-17\beta$, components, electrophoretic patterns, and ultrastructural changes were obtained in female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the seasonal reproductive cycles. Plasma $estradiol-17\beta$ under the natural conditions, exhibited distinct seasonal variation, peaking very late in vitellogenic season during September, decreasing gradually the halt of spawning in December, and ultimately falling during the early stages of seasonal ovarian recrudescence in February and March. This change in $estradiol-17\beta$ appeared to stimulate vitellogenin production as evidenced by increases in plasma calcium, phosphorus, glucose, albumin and total protein levels. The electrophoretic patterns of late maturing or spawning oocytes were stained more intensively than those of late perinucleolus oocytes (molecular weights of approximately 70,000 and 200,000). Two protein bands were found in the SDS-PAGE separation, coincident with the $estradiol-17\beta$ hormone peak. Gonadosomatic indices (GSI) significantly increased from October to January, and showed the highest peak in January, coinciding with the numerically abrupt increase of ripe ova in female. A positive correlation (r=0.701, p<0.01) was established between plasma $estradiol-17\beta$ levels and the gonadosomatic index during the prespawning. The highest level of hepatosomatic index (HSI) observed in December. During the breeding season (December), the gonadotropes were large and filled with GTH-containing inclusions such as granules and globules. The vitellogenic phase began as late perinurleolus oocytes became transformed into early maturing oocytes through the accumulation of yolk, and oocytes reached the late maturing stages as the ooplasm was completely packed with yolk. Marked ultrastructural changed in the granulosa cells during nuclear migration involve the dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the appearance of the rod-shaped mitochondria with tubular cristae. Microvilli (finger-like projections), from the zona radiata and from the oocyte grew, and made contact with each other in the pore canals of the zona radials during vitellogenesis, but were withdrawn as the zona radiata became more compact and devoid of pore canals during oocyte maturation. The zona radiata grew to a tripartite structure such as an outer thin homogeneous layer, and two inner thick helicoidal layers (zona radials interna and zona radiata externa). Under the normal conditions, the ovarian follicle influenced the histological development and periodical secretion of the hormones , sufficient for a oogenesis and gonadal steroid production.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.27-31
• /
• 2008

This study investigated the effects of copper and zinc sources on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat characteristics in finishing pigs. Dietary treatments included 1) inorganic copper ($CuSO_4{\cdot}5H_2O$ 30ppm), 2) organic copper (Cu-methionine, 30 ppm), 3) inorganic zinc (ZnO, 80 ppm) and 4) organic zinc (Zn-methionine, 80 ppm). ZnO treatment improved the ADFI (average daily feed intake) compared to Cu-met and Zn-met treatments (p<0.05) during 5 weeks of treatment. However, during the entire experimental period, the ADG (average daily gain), ADFI and F:G ratio (feed conversion ratio) were not significantly different among the treatments (p>0.05). DM and N digestibility were not significantly different among the treatments after 5 weeks (p>0.05). At the end of the experiment, DM and N digestibility were decreased with Zn-met treatment relative to the other three treatments. The pH value of meat from $CuSO_4$ treated pigs was greater than Zn-met and ZnO treated pigs (p<0.05). Sensory evaluation was carried out for randomly selected (n = 16) paired loin samples. Meat color levels were increased (p<0.05) with Cu treatments compared to Zn treatments. $CuSO_4$ decreased the marbling of meat relative to the other treatments (p<0.05). The firmness was greater with ZnO treatment compared to Cu-met and ZnO treatments (p<0.05). These results indicate that inorganic Zn can improve growth performance, however, inorganic Cu and Zn are as effective as organic Cu and Zn at improving nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality. This form of organic additive can be friendlier to the environment than inorganic supplements.