Lactation in mice fed endophyte-infected tall fescue seed.
This study was conducted to assess the effects of endophyte-infected Acremonium coenophialum tall fescue (KY-31) seed (80% infected) on lactation in CD-1 dams and suckling performance of pups as measured by pup survival and growth rates. Twenty-four pairs of mature CD-1 mice were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: 1) 100% mouse chow ad libitum; 2) 40% endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and 60% mouse chow (w/w); 3) reduced intake (100% chow), adjusted daily to the intake level of Treatment 2; and 4) 60% infected tall fescue seed and 40% chow. The mice were preconditioned on their respective diets for 100 d prior to 96 h of cohabitation between pairs of males and females. At parturition the litters were removed, and each dam was given a litter of six pups of equal weight, size and sex ratio to suckle for 15 days. All pups given to all the dams were born to other mice that were not part of the study and had not been exposed to endophyte-containing diets. Dams and litter weights were measured daily for 15 consecutive days. The combined body weight measurements of litters from dams fed the tall fescue containing diets (Treatments 2 and 4) were significantly lower (2.07 +/- 0.41 g/d) than that of litters from dams fed the chow containing diets (Treatments 1 and 3) during the suckling trial (P<0.05). Similarly, nine of ten (90%) dams fed the chow containing diets maintained five or more pups (5.5 +/- 0.2) throughout the study as compared to five of nine (55.6%) dams fed the tall fescue containing diets that maintained less than five pups (4.5 +/- 0.2).
Growth, physiological responses, and evidence of toxicity in yearling dairy cattle grazing different grasses.
Abstract Three different sets of six or eight experimental grazing plots of approximately 1.2 ha each were used in 12 seasonal grazing trials with yearling dairy cattle by the put-and-take method during 12 years to evaluate the nutritive qualities of pure seedings of grasses. All grasses were fertilized and managed for good animal performance. Incidence and symptoms of fescue toxicity were noted. In the first three trials, the average daily gains, in order, for orchardgrass, smooth bromegrass, Kentucky 31 and Gl-43 tall fescue were 0.57, 0.60, 0.37, and 0.11 kg. Dry matter intake on Gl-43 fescue was reduced. Dry matter digestibilities were similar. In the 4th and 5th trials average daily gain on 45-50 tall fescue was reduced. In Trials 7 and 8 respiration rates and rectal temperatures were increased on 45-50 and Kenwell tall fescue. In Trials 9, 10, and 11 the values for Kentucky synthetic orchardgrass, Kentucky 31 tall fescue, and a perennial ryegrasstall fescue hybrid derivative were average daily gain 0.65, 0.76, and 0.36 kg; respiration rate 36, 36, and 56 per minute; and rectal temperature 39.5, 39.4, and 39.8 C. There were generally statistically significant differences between the fescues and the other grasses, though Kentucky 31 and Kenwell varieties had gains equal to the other non-fescue grasses in some years.
Protection of the Marine Environment: The International and National Regulation of Deep Seabed Mining Activities
This chapter provides an overview of the international and national regulatory framework pertaining to deep seabed mining activities. It begins by discussing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the backdrop for all marine activities – be they national or international – and examines the obligations of states to protect the marine environment from the harmful effects arising from deep seabed mining. Next, the chapter examines the international regime for deep seabed mining (i.e. “activities in the Area”), explaining the “common heritage of mankind” status of the Area (i.e. the international seabed); the functions of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the international organization established to govern deep seabed mining in the Area; and the concept of state sponsorship of non-state entities (i.e. private actors) for deep seabed mining in the Area. The chapter follows with a discussion of the development of national legislation to regulate deep seabed mining, examining efforts in the Pacific region where many prospective deep-sea mining sites are located. This includes a look at the legislative regimes of several Pacific Island nations, namely, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and the Cook Islands, for whom deep seabed mining may soon become a reality – as well as New Zealand and Japan, countries with comparatively developed rule of law and legislative regimes that have undertaken or considered deep seabed mining in their national waters. Overall, the chapter critically describes and evaluates the current regulatory status in the international and national seabed areas and highlights some salient gaps that require urgent attention in order to ensure marine environmental protection and mitigate impacts on humans.