• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.213-225
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• 2010

The objective of the current study was to determine factors influencing concentrations of protein-related blood metabolites in indigenous Nguni and crossbred cattle in the semi-arid communal rangelands in South Africa. The body condition scores (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV) and serum concentrations of protein-related metabolites were determined seasonally in 100 cattle raised on communal rangelands from August 2007 to May 2008. Nguni cattle had lower (p<0.05) albumin-globulin ratio, albumin, urea and creatinine, and higher (p<0.05) globulin concentrations than the local crossbreds. Local crossbreds had higher (p<0.05) alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations and lower (p<0.05) aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in the postrainy season than Nguni cattle. The creatinine concentrations of Nguni and crossbred cattle were lowest in the sour rangeland during the hot-wet season. The albumin concentrations of Nguni and crossbred cattle were higher (p<0.05) whilst PCV, albumin-globulin ratio and creatine kinase concentration were lower (p<0.05) in the sour rangeland than in the sweet rangeland. Total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase concentrations of Nguni and crossbred cattle were lower (p<0.05) in the hot-wet and late cool-dry seasons than in other seasons across rangeland types. Urea concentrations in both breeds were highest in the sweet rangeland in the hot-dry season compared to other seasons. It was concluded that Nguni cattle had lower concentrations of protein metabolites than local crossbreds and protein deficiencies were most prominent in the sweet rangeland during the cool-dry seasons.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.708-718
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• 2010

The objective of the current study was to determine seasonal changes in glucose, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum inorganic phosphorous (SIP), calcium, magnesium and iron concentrations in Nguni and crossbred cattle on the sweet and sour rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Body weights, body condition scores (BCS) and serum concentrations of energy-related metabolites and mineral profiles were determined in late cool-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet, post-rainy and early cool-dry seasons in 100 cattle raised on communal rangelands from August 2007 to May 2008. Nguni cattle had lower (p<0.05) and higher (p<0.05) serum concentrations of glucose in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, respectively, compared to crossbreds in the same seasons. Serum cholesterol and NEFA concentrations in Nguni were lower (p<0.05) than in the crossbreds. Nguni and crossbred cattle had higher (p<0.05) serum NEFA concentrations on the sweet rangeland during the late cool-dry season than on sour rangeland. Nguni cattle had higher (p<0.05) SIP concentration in the hot-wet season than the crossbreds. Generally, both breeds had lowest SIP concentration during the hot-wet season on the sour rangeland. The lowest magnesium and highest iron concentrations were observed in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, respectively, compared to other seasons. Cattle on the sour rangeland had lower (p<0.05) iron concentrations than those on the sweet rangeland. It was concluded that Nguni cattle had lower cholesterol and NEFA, and higher SIP concentrations in the hot-wet season than crossbreds and energy deficits mostly occurred during the late cool-dry season on the sweet rangeland.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.521-525
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• 2006

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of flushing of ewes with concentrate pellets just before the mating season on their nutrient utilization and reproductive performance on farms. Forty-eight Malpura ewes, 1-5 years old were randomly divided into 2 groups of 24 each (G1and G2). Ewes in both the groups were grazed on natural rangeland from 07.00 to 18.00 hr followed by night shelter in animal shed. G1 ewes were maintained on sole grazing while G2 ewes, in addition to grazing, received concentrate pellets at the rate of 1.5% of their body weight. The mean biomass yield of the community rangeland was 0.46 ton DM/hectare. The intakes of DM (g/kg $W^{0.75}$), DCP (g/kg $W^{0.75}$) and ME (MJ/kg $W^{0.75}$) were higher (p<0.01) in G2 as compared to that of G1 being 86.5, 10.2 and 1.15 and 57.5, 4.7 and 0.75, respectively. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and hemicellulose were also higher (p<0.01) in G2 as compared to that of G1 being 57.2, 76.7, 78.9, 51.9 and 81.6 and 50.8, 68.7, 68.4, 45.4 and 74.4, respectively. The conception rate was higher (79.2%) in flushed ewes as compared to that of non-flushed (66.7%). Five of the pregnant ewes died and another 5 aborted in G1 while in G2, 5 ewes aborted with no mortality. The lambing was higher (73.7%) in G2 than that in G1 (37.5%). The birth weight of lambs was higher (p<0.05) in G2 (3.47 kg) than that in G1 (2.95 kg). Further, the birth weight of male lambs was higher (3.28) than that of female lambs (3.14). It is concluded that the biomass yield of the community rangeland in semi-arid region of India is low and insufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of ewes prior to mating season. However, concentrate supplementation at the rate of 1.5% of body weight to ewes during this critical stage enhanced their plane of nutrition, reproductive performance, body condition and birth weights of lambs.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.112-118
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• 2015

This study was carried out to offer basic information for the promotion of the goat industry and the improvement of mountainous-pasture management by investigating seasonal changes in forage and livestock productivity according to the grazing-pasture type. The forage productivity of rangeland was the highest (p < 0.05) in summer and decreased in autumn; but that of pasture was the largest (p < 0.05) in spring and had relatively stable productivity with minor seasonal differences, although it decreased slightly in autumn. The dry matter content was not seasonally different at pasture, but it was changeable from spring to autumn at rangeland. The crude protein content increased in autumn at pasture (p < 0.05), and decreased in summer and autumn compared with spring at rangeland. The crude fiber content was lower and the ether extract was higher at pasture compared with rangeland. The average daily gain of the goats was different depending on forage productivity and pasture type; consequently, the lowered forage productivity at rangeland compared with pasture means that rangeland needs to be changed or improved to a pasture type that provides a more effective grazing system for goats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.295-296
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• 1989

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.191-196
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• 2018

Blood tests have been used to develop treatment plans, such as disease diagnosis, treatment effect, and prognosis determination in livestock. The present study examined changes in the blood count, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, before and after grazing among the Korean native cattle grazing from spring to autumn. The study compared the blood count of livestock group (A, n=34) that returned from the rangeland to cowshed every evening and livestock group (B, n=21) that were not returned from the rangeland to cowshed every evening during the grazing period. Hematological parameters such as RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte were determined using a blood cell analyzer. Livestock group (A) showed significant differences in the values of RBC, MCV, MCHC, WBC, EOS, and LYM. Livestock group (B) showed significant differences in the values of RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, PLT, NEU, and BAS. In particular, the RBC count decreased after grazing when compared with that before grazing. Compared with that before grazing, low RBC count was maintained from the first to fifth month of grazing. The WBC count increased from the fourth month of grazing, whereas the EOS count increased from the second month of grazing. These results suggest that the values of RBC and WBC vary before and after grazing, and also with the grazing period. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop a detailed feeding management based on these values of blood analysis for livestock that are raised continuously in the rangeland.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.983-987
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• 2003

Malpura and Kheri ewes (76) in their late gestation, weighing $34.40{\pm}0.95kg$ were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups of 19 each (G1, G2, G3 and G4). Ewes in all the groups were grazed on natural rangeland from 07.00 h to 18.00 h. Ewes in G1were maintained on sole grazing while ewes in G2, G3 and G4, in addition to grazing received concentrate mixture at the rate of 1% of their body weight during late gestation, early lactation and entire last quarter of pregnancy to early quarter of lactation, respectively. The herbage yield of the community rangeland was 0.82 metric ton dry matter/hectare. The diet consisted of (%) Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) bhusa, (59.2), Babool pods and leaves (17.2), Bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) stubbles (8.8), Doob (5.3), Aak (4.2) and others (5.3). The nutrient intake and its digestibility were higher (p<0.01) in G2, G3 and G4 as compared to G1 because of concentrate supplementation. The intakes of DM ($g/kg\;W{^0.75}$), DCP ($g/kg\;W{^0.75}$) and ME ($MJ/kg\;W{^0.75}$) were 56.7, 5.3 and 0.83; 82.7, 12.2 and 1.16; 82.7, 12.1 and 1.17 and 83.1, 12.3 and 1.18 in G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. The per cent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF and cellulose was 57.9, 68.8, 68.7, 52.3, 37.5 and 68.4; 67.6, 76.1, 82.3, 60.6, 44.5 and 73.4; 67.6, 76.1, 81.5, 60.6, 44.8 and 74.5 and 67.6, 76.1, 82.3, 60.6, 44.7 and 73.3 in G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. The nutrient intake of G2, G3 and G4 ewes was sufficient to meet their requirements. The ewes raised on sole grazing lost weight at lambing in comparison to advanced pregnancy. However, ewes raised on supplementary feeding gained 1.9-2.5 kg at lambing. The birth weight of lambs in G2 (3.92) and G4 (4.07) was higher (p<0.01) than G1 (2.98), where as in G1 and G3 it was similar. The weight of lambs at 15, 45 and 60 days of age were higher in G2, G3 and G4 than in G1. Similarly, the average daily gain (ADG) after 60 days was also higher in G2, G3 and G4 than in G1. The milk-yield of lactating ewes in G2, G3 and G4 increased up to 150-250 g per day in comparison to G1. The birth weight, weight at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days, weight gain and ADG at 30 or 60 days was similar both in male and female lambs. It is concluded from this study that the biomass yield of the community rangeland is low and insufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of ewes during late gestation and early lactation. Therefore, it is recommended concentrate supplementation at the rate of 1% of body weight to ewes during these critical stages to enhance their production performance, general condition as well as birth weight and growth rate of lambs.

• Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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• 2005.10a
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• pp.403-406
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• 2005

In order to evaluate the Capability of ETM+ remotely- sensed data to provide 'Forest-shrub land-Rangeland' cover type map in areas near the timberline of northern forests of Iran, the data were analyzed in a portion of nearly 790 ha located in Neka-Zalemroud region. First, ortho-rectification process was used to correct the geometric errors of the image, yielding 0/68 and 0/69 pixels of RMS. error in X and Y axis, respectively. The original and panchromatic bands were fused using PANSHARP Statistical module. The ground truth map was made using 1 ha field plots in a systematic-random sampling grid, and vegetative form of trees, shrubs and rangelands was recorded as a criteria to name the plots. A set of channels including original bands, NDVI and IR/R indices and first components of PCI from visible and infrared bands, was used for classification procedure. Pair-wise divergence through CHNSEL command was used, In order to evaluate the separability of classes and selection of optimal channels. Classification was performed using ML classifier, on both original and fused data sets. Showing the best results of $67\%$ of overall accuracy, and 0/43 of Kappa coefficient in original data set. Due to the results represented above, it's concluded that ETM+ data has an intermediate capability to fulfill the spectral variations of three form- based classes over the study area.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2012

There are different types of compost used as soil conditioners and fertilizers. Plants can have different responses to different forms of compost. This field study was performed to examine the effects of different types of compost on growth factors of three dry rangeland species (Atriplex, $Atriplex$ $lentiformis$; Saltwort, $Seidlitzia$ $rosmarinus$; Haloxylon, $Haloxylon$ $persicum$) and soil properties. The experiment was conducted in the Fars Province of Iran during the year 2010-2011. Compost applications consisted of compost tea, solid compost (SC), solid and liquid mixture (MX) and no compost as the control. The study was a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The results showed that all the tested compost applications enhanced the growth traits of all three species. It was also demonstrated that the use of compost significantly increased the organic matter (1% probability level [PL]), nitrogen concentration (5% PL), phosphorous (5% PL) and potassium (5% PL) concentrations of the soil. The soil's pH level was unchanged (range, 7.3 to 7.6), and the sodium concentration was also significantly decreased (1% PL) by the use of compost. The higher responses were observed in canopy volume and soil sodium and the lower were observed in stem diameter and soil pH level. Among the three plants in the study, Atriplex showed the best response to the application of compost. Based on the results of this study, it can be recommended that the best compost application to increase growth and improve soil condition is the mixed compost (MX) for Atriplex and the SC for Saltwort and Haloxylon.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 2015

A dramatic decline in the abundance of the scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) has been observed across most of its geographic range. In order to evaluate the influence of land cover patterns and their changes on scaled quail abundance, we examined landscape patterns and their changes from the 1970s to the1990s in two large ecoregions with contrasting population trends: (1) the Rolling Plains ecoregion with a significantly decreased scaled quail population and (2) the South Texas Plains ecoregion with a relatively stable scaled quail population. The National Land Cover Database (NLCD) and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Land Use/Land Cover data were used to quantify landscape patterns and their changes based on 80 randomly located $20{\times}20km^2$ windows in each of the ecoregions. We found that landscapes in the Rolling Plains and the South Texas Plains were considerably different in composition and spatial characteristics related to scaled quail habitats. The landscapes in the South Texas Plains had significantly more shrubland and less grassland-herbaceous rangeland; and except for shrublands, they were more fragmented, with greater interspersion among land cover classes. Correlation analysis between the landscape metrics and the quail-abundance-survey data showed that shrublands appeared to be more important for scaled quail in the South Texas Plains, while grassland-herbaceous rangelands and pasture-croplands were essential to scaled quail habitats in the Rolling Plains. The decrease in the amount of grassland-herbaceous rangeland and spatial aggregation of pasture-croplands has likely contributed to the population decline of scaled quails in the Rolling Plains ecoregion.