Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets eit...Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.展开更多
The increasing challenges of environmental degradation,soil erosion,and climate change have driven interest in sustainable solutions like enhanced weathering(EW)and phytoremediation.Elephant Grass(Cenchrus purpureus),...The increasing challenges of environmental degradation,soil erosion,and climate change have driven interest in sustainable solutions like enhanced weathering(EW)and phytoremediation.Elephant Grass(Cenchrus purpureus),a fast-growing perennial species,shows promise as a bioaccumulator and agent for soil weathering.This study assessed the potential of C.purpureus to improve soil quality through heavy metal(HM)uptake and EW facilitation.A 60-day greenhouse pot experiment at Jackson State University evaluated plant performance in soils amended with metabasalt rock powder at 1:1 and 2:1 rock-to-soil ratios.Biomass,growth,and HM concentrations in roots and shoots were measured via ICP-MS after wet digestion.Soil pH and magnesium(Mg)release were also monitored to assess weathering and carbon drawdown.Results showed that C.purpureus accumulated more HMs in roots at higher amendment levels,while at lower levels,metals like As,Cd,and Cr were more translocated to shoots,enhancing phytoextraction potential.High treatment favored Fe and Al uptake,possibly reducing toxic metal accumulation in edible parts.Notably,C.purpureus contributed to the weathering of 38%of metabasalt rock,leading to a 42%increase in Mg release.With high biomass,HM tolerance,and weathering capacity,C.purpureus offers a sustainable strategy for soil remediation,improved soil health,and potential support for renewable energy systems.展开更多
Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing is a renowned writer in the contemporary British literary scene.Her debut novel The Grass is Singing is based on a case in which a black manservant kills a white mistress who is poor a...Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing is a renowned writer in the contemporary British literary scene.Her debut novel The Grass is Singing is based on a case in which a black manservant kills a white mistress who is poor and mentally unbalanced.Doris Lessing arranges a tangible form of perception for the expression of the colonial discourse in the work by seeking the relationship between spatial structure and the writer’s value.This paper focuses on the spatial writing in The Grass is Singing and analyses it in depth with reference to the spatial critical theories of Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault.The oppressed and enslaved characters in the novel are analysed from three perspectives:physical space,social space and mental space respectively to explore how power oppression is made visible through space and the writer’s critique of colonial relations and racial discrimination as well as unequal gender relations.展开更多
Grass constitutes a vital poetic imagery in classical Chinese poetry,embodying multifaceted symbolic connotations ranging from the tenacity of life to sentiments of separation and nostalgic longing.The translation of ...Grass constitutes a vital poetic imagery in classical Chinese poetry,embodying multifaceted symbolic connotations ranging from the tenacity of life to sentiments of separation and nostalgic longing.The translation of this botanical motif necessitates not merely lexical equivalence,but more importantly,the transmission of its profound cultural resonance and aesthetic essence.This study posits that effective rendition of grass imagery should adopt an integrative approach synthesizing the objectives of cultural translation with the intrinsic aesthetic characteristics of classical poetry.Through systematic analysis of the cultural semiotics embedded in grass symbolism,the research investigates practical translation techniques at lexical,syntactic,and stylistic dimensions.The findings aim to contribute to the theoretical framework of cultural image translation in Chinese poetic tradition while providing methodological references for cross-cultural interpretation of classical verse.By bridging cultural semiotics with translation praxis,this investigation seeks to advance the intercultural communication of Chinese poetic heritage through nuanced treatment of its botanical symbolism.展开更多
In-depth research was conducted on the types,seasonal patterns,spatial levels,overwintering,summering,drought resistance,and disease and pest resistance of ornamental grasses in the road flower borders of Hefei,Anhui ...In-depth research was conducted on the types,seasonal patterns,spatial levels,overwintering,summering,drought resistance,and disease and pest resistance of ornamental grasses in the road flower borders of Hefei,Anhui Province.Through field investigations,a total of 36 ornamental grasses were identified,with Liliaceae having the most species and the Lamiaceae the least.The results show that there are more warm season ornamental grasses,of 23 species;Acorus gramineus and Melinis minutiflora have poor overwintering ability;Arrhenatherum elatius,Festuca glauca,and Stipa tenuissima have poor summer tolerance;most ornamental grasses have strong drought resistance and resistance to pests and diseases.The comprehensive investigation shows that ornamental grasses have good application prospects and adaptability in the road flower borders in Hefei city.展开更多
Tall clonal grasses commonly display competitive advantages with nitrogen(N)enrichment.However,it is currently unknown whether the height is derived from the vegetative or reproductive module.Moreover,it is unclear wh...Tall clonal grasses commonly display competitive advantages with nitrogen(N)enrichment.However,it is currently unknown whether the height is derived from the vegetative or reproductive module.Moreover,it is unclear whether the height of the vegetative or reproductive system regulates the probability of extinction and colonization,and determines species diversity.In this study,the impacts on clonal grasses were studied in a field experiment employing two frequencies(twice a year vs.monthly)crossing with nine N addition rates in a temperate grassland,China.We found that the N addition decreased species frequency and increased extinction probability,but did not change the species colonization probability.A low frequency of N addition decreased species frequency and colonization probability,but increased extinction probability.Moreover,we found that species reproductive height was the best index to predict the extinction probability of clonal grasses in N-enriched conditions.The low frequency of N addition may overestimate the negative effect from N deposition on clonal grass diversity,suggesting that a higher frequency of N addition is more suitable in assessing the ecological effects of N deposition.Overall,this study illustrates that reproductive height was associated with the clonal species extinction probability under N-enriched environment.展开更多
Tumbleweeds participate in a common seasonal biological process in temperate grasslands,creating hanging grass fences during the grass-withering season that result in distinct ecological phenomena.In this study,we add...Tumbleweeds participate in a common seasonal biological process in temperate grasslands,creating hanging grass fences during the grass-withering season that result in distinct ecological phenomena.In this study,we addressed the urgent need to understand and restore the degraded desert steppe in Central Mongolia,particularly considering the observed vegetation edge effects around hanging grass fences.Using field surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 in the severely degraded desert steppe of Central Mongolia,we assessed vegetation parameters and soil physical and chemical properties influenced by hanging grass fences and identified the key environmental factors affecting vegetation changes.The results indicate that the edge effects of hanging grass fences led to changes in species distributions,resulting in significant differences in species composition between the desert steppe's interior and edge areas.Vegetation parameters and soil physical and chemical properties exhibited nonlinear responses to the edge effects of hanging grass fences,with changes in vegetation coverage,aboveground biomass,and soil sand content peaking at 26.5,16.5,and 6.5 m on the leeward side of hanging grass fences,respectively.In the absence of sand dune formation,the accumulation of soil organic carbon and available potassium were identified as crucial factors driving species composition and increasing vegetation coverage.Changes in species composition and plant density were primarily influenced by soil sand content,electrical conductivity,and sand accumulation thickness.These findings suggest that hanging grass fences have the potential to alter vegetation habitats,promote vegetation growth,and control soil erosion in the degraded desert steppe of Central Mongolia.Therefore,in the degraded desert steppe,the restoration potential of hanging grass fences during the enclosure process should be fully considered.展开更多
Type Ⅳ interferon(IFN-υ)is a recently discovered cytokine crucial for host defense against viral infections.However,the role and mechanisms of IFN-υin bacterial infections remain unexplored.This study investigated ...Type Ⅳ interferon(IFN-υ)is a recently discovered cytokine crucial for host defense against viral infections.However,the role and mechanisms of IFN-υin bacterial infections remain unexplored.This study investigated the antibacterial and antiviral functions and mechanisms of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)IFN-υ(CiIFN-υ)both in vivo and in vitro.The CiIFN-υgene was first identified and characterized in grass carp.Subsequently,the immune expression of CiIFN-υsignificantly increased following bacterial challenge,indicating its response to bacterial infections.The eukaryotic recombinant expression plasmid of CiIFN-υwas then constructed and transfected into fathead minnow(FHM)cells.Supernatants were collected and incubated with four bacterial strains,followed by plate spreading and colony counting.Results indicated that CiIFN-υexhibited more potent antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria compared to gram-positive bacteria and aggregated gram-negative bacteria but not gram-positive bacteria.In vivo experiments further confirmed the antibacterial function,showing high survival rates,low tissue edema and damage,reduced tissue bacterial load,and elevated proinflammatory response at the early stages of bacterial infection.In addition,the antiviral function of CiIFN-υwas confirmed through in vitro and in vivo experiments,including crystal violet staining,survival rates,tissue viral burden,and reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).This study highlights the antibacterial function and preliminary mechanism of IFN-υ,demonstrating that IFN-υpossesses dual functions against bacterial and viral infections.展开更多
The effects of the salt stress on plant growth are usually increased by the water stress.We studied the impact of both stresses in simultaneous pulses of drought and salinity on Paspalum dilatatum.This forage species ...The effects of the salt stress on plant growth are usually increased by the water stress.We studied the impact of both stresses in simultaneous pulses of drought and salinity on Paspalum dilatatum.This forage species is native to South America,spread in grasslands in many tropical,subtropical,and temperate areas of the world,and very common in grasslands of the Flooding Pampas of Argentina.Mimicking what happens in nature.We compared a pot experiment,a non-stressed control against water stress for a month(midpoint between field capacity and wilting point),and two saline stresses(moderate,6 d·Sm^(−1)and strong,12 d·Sm^(−1)),also for a month.Aerial biomass(green leaf;non-leaf green material,and dry material)and roots were harvested,weighed,and analyzed for nitrogen,phosphorus,and cations.The biomass of all components significantly decreased when both stresses were applied.Water plus strong saline stress reduced by half the total biomasses,compared to the control.The proportion of aerial biomass/root biomass ratio as well as aerial green component/dry materials ratio tend to decrease when subjected to both stresses.Nitrogen concentration in plants was not significantly affected,but phosphorus concentration increased in aerial biomass components,from 0.10 to 0.18 mg·kg^(−1)between the extreme treatments,but did not change in roots.Sodium concentration in plants increased(i.e.,in green leave sodium(Na)increased from 0.27 to 2.01 mg·kg^(−1)between the extreme treatments),whereas other cations either did not change or decreased,affecting the ratios between them.Sodium performance allows us to infer that the Na accumulation of P.dilatatum behaves in an intermediate range,compared to very tolerant to salts or non-salt tolerant species of the Paspalum genus.In agreement,when salts were applied in the form of a pulse,P.dilatatum tolerated higher salinity than that found by other authors for the same species,using continuous salinity.展开更多
Grass pea(Lathyrus sativus L.)is an imperative food crop cultured in dryland agricultural ecology.It is a vital source of dietary protein to millions of populaces living in low-income countries in South-East Asia and ...Grass pea(Lathyrus sativus L.)is an imperative food crop cultured in dryland agricultural ecology.It is a vital source of dietary protein to millions of populaces living in low-income countries in South-East Asia and Africa.This study highlights the improvement of genomic properties and their application in marker-trait relationships for 17 yield-related characters in 400 grass pea genotypes from China and Bangladesh.These characters were assessed via 56 polymorphic markers using general linear model(GLM)(P+G+Q)and mixed linear model(MLM)(P+G+Q+K)in the tassel software based on the linkage disequilibrium and population structure analysis.Population structure analysis showed two major groups and one admixed group in the populace.Statistically significant loci pairs of linkage disequilibrium(LD)mean value(D′)was 0.479.A total of 99 and 61 marker-trait associations in GLM and MLM models allied to the 17 traits were accepted at a 5%level of significance.Among these markers,21 markers were associated with more than one trait;12 marker-trait associations passed the Bonferroni correction threshold.Both models found six markers C41936,C39067,C34100,C47146,C47638,and C43047 significantly associated with days to maturity,flower color,plant height,and seed per pod were detected in the Hebei and Liaoyang location(p≤0.01),and the interpretation rate(R^(2)value)11.2%to 43.6%.Conferring to the consequences,the association analysis methodology may operative system for quantitative,qualitative,and biochemical traits related to gene position mapping and support breeders in improving novel approaches for advancing the grass pea quality.展开更多
Perennial grasses have developed intricate mechanisms to adapt to diverse environments,enabling their resistance to various biotic and abiotic stressors.These mechanisms arise from strong natural selection that contri...Perennial grasses have developed intricate mechanisms to adapt to diverse environments,enabling their resistance to various biotic and abiotic stressors.These mechanisms arise from strong natural selection that contributes to enhancing the adaptation of forage plants to various stress conditions.Methods such as antisense RNA technology,CRISPR/Cas9 screening,virus-induced gene silencing,and transgenic technology,are commonly utilized for investigating the stress response functionalities of grass genes in both warm-season and cool-season varieties.This review focuses on the functional identification of stress-resistance genes and regulatory elements in grasses.It synthesizes recent studies on mining functional genes,regulatory genes,and protein kinase-like signaling factors involved in stress responses in grasses.Additionally,the review outlines future research directions,providing theoretical support and references for further exploration of(i)molecular mechanisms underlying grass stress responses,(ii)cultivation and domestication of herbage,(iii)development of high-yield varieties resistant to stress,and(iv)mechanisms and breeding strategies for stress resistance in grasses.展开更多
This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.Th...This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.The CRD(Completely Randomized Design)was used with 4 treatments and 4 replications.The local chicks were purchased from local famer at 1 day old and kept in whole pen by feeding commercial feed.At 21 days old the total 320 chicks were allocated into experimental treatments.The 4 feed formulas based on the level of Israel grass added such as 0,5%,7%and 9%,were called T1(control),T2,T3 and T4 respectively.The result showed that body weight gain,feed intake,ADG(Average Daily Gain)and FCR(Feed Conversion Ratio)in all treatments were not significantly different(p>0.05).However,there was strong correlation between living weight with carcass of al treatments,but no difference among carcass percentage of local chicken for all different diet in this study.In conclusion,the Israel grass did not affect growth performance of local chickens and can be used to replace some expensive feed ingredient,such as rice bran.展开更多
Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining,...Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.展开更多
The current trend of replacing a percentage of gasoline with ethanol has promoted the development of new processes for its production from lignocellulosic biomass. This work reports the production of ethanol from the ...The current trend of replacing a percentage of gasoline with ethanol has promoted the development of new processes for its production from lignocellulosic biomass. This work reports the production of ethanol from the Camalote grass (Paspalum fasciculatum Willd). The lignocellulosic biomass was subjected to acid hydrolysis at 125C and 15 psi with H2SO4 concentrations at 5%, 10%, and 20%, obtaining an average of reducing sugars (pentoses and hexoses) from the hydrolyzed juice with 12.3%, 10%, and 17% Brix, respectively. The sugars were fermented using yeast of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 30C for 48 hours. Finally, the ethanol was distilled at 78C, and the average yields were obtained through analysis of variance with a 95% confidence level. The values indicate that there is a significant difference (p > 0.05), the Tukey study shows that all the % v/v averages are different from each other. For H2SO4 concentration at 5% (10.33 ± 2), H2SO4 at 10% (9.33 ± 1.8), and H2SO4 at 20% (6.33 ± 2). The acidity analysis for the ethanol obtained from each treatment gave a value of 1.8 mg/L of acetic acid in all cases.展开更多
Although bamboo is really a kind of grass,it looks more like tree-a beautiful tree.Chinese poets write poems and songs about bamboo,the artists paint it in pictures.
In the lush forests of Asia,towering bamboos stand tall,defying the folk expectations for grassy plants.These woody giants,some reaching the staggering height of nearly 40 meters,are the world’s largest members of th...In the lush forests of Asia,towering bamboos stand tall,defying the folk expectations for grassy plants.These woody giants,some reaching the staggering height of nearly 40 meters,are the world’s largest members of the grass family.展开更多
The presence of grassland biomes and species cannot be predicted by examining bottom up causes such as precipitation and temperature. Top down causes including herbivory and fire seem to be major controlling aspects w...The presence of grassland biomes and species cannot be predicted by examining bottom up causes such as precipitation and temperature. Top down causes including herbivory and fire seem to be major controlling aspects with other factors secondary. We examined soil depth and competitive ability of two North American C4 grasses in a greenhouse experiment. Changes in dry mass were determined and competitive intensity was calculated for both species. Species were grown separately or together in pots 30, 90, or 180 cm deep. When grown in monoculture, Schizachyrium scoparium total and belowground dry mass increased from the 30 to 90 cm depth, with no further significant increase from 90 to 180 cm. Aboveground dry mass did not increase significantly with depth. Total dry mass of Buchloe dactyloides increased significantly with depth when grown in monoculture. Aboveground dry mass increased from 30 to 90 cm depth but not from 90 to 180 cm. Belowground dry mass of B. dactyloides did not increase significantly with depth. In 180 cm pots, 53% of S. scoparium root dry mass was in the top 30 cm;74% of B. dactyloides root dry mass was in the top 30 cm. Roots of B. dactyloides were not found deeper than 90 cm. Aboveground dry mass of S. scoparium was not different in mixture or monoculture at any depth. Buchloe dactyloides aboveground dry mass in mixture was significantly lower than monoculture at the 30 cm depth, but not at 90 or 180 cm. The greatest competitive intensity was in the shallow soil pots. Soil depth could partially explain mosaics found in C4 grasslands where both species were found together with S. scoparium on deeper soils and B. dactyloides on shallower soils.展开更多
The genomes of three groups of grass carp, namely the Xiangjiang River grass carp group （Xiangjiang group）, a one-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-1 group）, and a...The genomes of three groups of grass carp, namely the Xiangjiang River grass carp group （Xiangjiang group）, a one-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-1 group）, and a two-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-2 group）, were comparatively analyzed with microsatellite markers. Genetic polymorphism had been observed in the Xiangjiang group and most of the examined loci had more than two alleles. But the degree of genetic diversity was not very high. Although all the examined genetic loci in the analyzed individuals were in homozygous state, the genotypes of different individuals of the group were not identical in the meio-gynogenetic-1 group. In the meio-gynogenetic-2 group, not only the examined genetic loci of each individual were homozygous but also the genotypes of all the analyzed individuals of the group were the same. These results suggested that the examined meio-gynogenetic-2 group is a homozygous group and homozygous clone could be produced by continuous artificial induction of gynogenesis for two generations. It was found that the polymorphism existed not only at the allele level but also at the locus level; many alleles of the microsatellite loci and some of the microsatellite loci had been lost during the process of artificial gynogenesis. Therefore, both protection of the diversity of natural grass carp resource and selection of homozygous traits with desired economic genotypes are very important aspects for grass carp breeding.展开更多
[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and morphological characteristics of juvenile hybrids of grass carp. [Method] Three inbred generations of YR （Yangtze River stock ♀×Yangtze River...[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and morphological characteristics of juvenile hybrids of grass carp. [Method] Three inbred generations of YR （Yangtze River stock ♀×Yangtze River stock ♂ ）, ZR （Zhujiang River stock ♀ ×Zhujiang River stock♂ ） and hybrids F1 （ Yangtze River stock ♀ × Zhujiang River stock ♂ ） were established, and their growth or morphological data were also measured. [ Result] The orders of body weight, standard length and absolute growth rate were F1 〉 ZR 〉 YR. No significant difference was found in body weight or standard length of 50 day-old generations （ P〉0. 05）, while there was an extremely significantly difference in those of 170 day-old generations （ P 〈0.01 ）. However, the absolute growth rate of F1 was 20.00% and 50.00% higher than that of ZR and YR respectively, and no significant difference was found between F1 and ZR （ P 〉 0.05）, but significant difference between F1 and YR （ P 〈 0.05）. F1 showed a significant hybrid vigor with rate of 20.09%. There was no significant difference among three inbred generations in standard length/total length （ P 〉 0.05）, while significant difference in head length/total length, body height/standard length and body width/standard length （ P 〈 0.05）, which indicated that F1 had the characteristics of shorter head, higher and wider body. [ Conclusion]F1 has advantages in growth performance and morphological characteristics.展开更多
文摘Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.
文摘The increasing challenges of environmental degradation,soil erosion,and climate change have driven interest in sustainable solutions like enhanced weathering(EW)and phytoremediation.Elephant Grass(Cenchrus purpureus),a fast-growing perennial species,shows promise as a bioaccumulator and agent for soil weathering.This study assessed the potential of C.purpureus to improve soil quality through heavy metal(HM)uptake and EW facilitation.A 60-day greenhouse pot experiment at Jackson State University evaluated plant performance in soils amended with metabasalt rock powder at 1:1 and 2:1 rock-to-soil ratios.Biomass,growth,and HM concentrations in roots and shoots were measured via ICP-MS after wet digestion.Soil pH and magnesium(Mg)release were also monitored to assess weathering and carbon drawdown.Results showed that C.purpureus accumulated more HMs in roots at higher amendment levels,while at lower levels,metals like As,Cd,and Cr were more translocated to shoots,enhancing phytoextraction potential.High treatment favored Fe and Al uptake,possibly reducing toxic metal accumulation in edible parts.Notably,C.purpureus contributed to the weathering of 38%of metabasalt rock,leading to a 42%increase in Mg release.With high biomass,HM tolerance,and weathering capacity,C.purpureus offers a sustainable strategy for soil remediation,improved soil health,and potential support for renewable energy systems.
文摘Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing is a renowned writer in the contemporary British literary scene.Her debut novel The Grass is Singing is based on a case in which a black manservant kills a white mistress who is poor and mentally unbalanced.Doris Lessing arranges a tangible form of perception for the expression of the colonial discourse in the work by seeking the relationship between spatial structure and the writer’s value.This paper focuses on the spatial writing in The Grass is Singing and analyses it in depth with reference to the spatial critical theories of Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault.The oppressed and enslaved characters in the novel are analysed from three perspectives:physical space,social space and mental space respectively to explore how power oppression is made visible through space and the writer’s critique of colonial relations and racial discrimination as well as unequal gender relations.
文摘Grass constitutes a vital poetic imagery in classical Chinese poetry,embodying multifaceted symbolic connotations ranging from the tenacity of life to sentiments of separation and nostalgic longing.The translation of this botanical motif necessitates not merely lexical equivalence,but more importantly,the transmission of its profound cultural resonance and aesthetic essence.This study posits that effective rendition of grass imagery should adopt an integrative approach synthesizing the objectives of cultural translation with the intrinsic aesthetic characteristics of classical poetry.Through systematic analysis of the cultural semiotics embedded in grass symbolism,the research investigates practical translation techniques at lexical,syntactic,and stylistic dimensions.The findings aim to contribute to the theoretical framework of cultural image translation in Chinese poetic tradition while providing methodological references for cross-cultural interpretation of classical verse.By bridging cultural semiotics with translation praxis,this investigation seeks to advance the intercultural communication of Chinese poetic heritage through nuanced treatment of its botanical symbolism.
基金National Training Programs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates(202312216029)2022 Training Programs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates of Anhui Province(S202212216122)+1 种基金Key Research Project of Natural Sciences in Universities of Anhui Province(2023AH051816)General Teaching Research Project of Anhui Province(2022jyxm665).
文摘In-depth research was conducted on the types,seasonal patterns,spatial levels,overwintering,summering,drought resistance,and disease and pest resistance of ornamental grasses in the road flower borders of Hefei,Anhui Province.Through field investigations,a total of 36 ornamental grasses were identified,with Liliaceae having the most species and the Lamiaceae the least.The results show that there are more warm season ornamental grasses,of 23 species;Acorus gramineus and Melinis minutiflora have poor overwintering ability;Arrhenatherum elatius,Festuca glauca,and Stipa tenuissima have poor summer tolerance;most ornamental grasses have strong drought resistance and resistance to pests and diseases.The comprehensive investigation shows that ornamental grasses have good application prospects and adaptability in the road flower borders in Hefei city.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.32071603 and 32122055)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA26020101)。
文摘Tall clonal grasses commonly display competitive advantages with nitrogen(N)enrichment.However,it is currently unknown whether the height is derived from the vegetative or reproductive module.Moreover,it is unclear whether the height of the vegetative or reproductive system regulates the probability of extinction and colonization,and determines species diversity.In this study,the impacts on clonal grasses were studied in a field experiment employing two frequencies(twice a year vs.monthly)crossing with nine N addition rates in a temperate grassland,China.We found that the N addition decreased species frequency and increased extinction probability,but did not change the species colonization probability.A low frequency of N addition decreased species frequency and colonization probability,but increased extinction probability.Moreover,we found that species reproductive height was the best index to predict the extinction probability of clonal grasses in N-enriched conditions.The low frequency of N addition may overestimate the negative effect from N deposition on clonal grass diversity,suggesting that a higher frequency of N addition is more suitable in assessing the ecological effects of N deposition.Overall,this study illustrates that reproductive height was associated with the clonal species extinction probability under N-enriched environment.
基金supported by the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition and Research Program(2021xjkk0305)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA2003020201)the Key Intergovernmental Projects for International Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFE0109200).
文摘Tumbleweeds participate in a common seasonal biological process in temperate grasslands,creating hanging grass fences during the grass-withering season that result in distinct ecological phenomena.In this study,we addressed the urgent need to understand and restore the degraded desert steppe in Central Mongolia,particularly considering the observed vegetation edge effects around hanging grass fences.Using field surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 in the severely degraded desert steppe of Central Mongolia,we assessed vegetation parameters and soil physical and chemical properties influenced by hanging grass fences and identified the key environmental factors affecting vegetation changes.The results indicate that the edge effects of hanging grass fences led to changes in species distributions,resulting in significant differences in species composition between the desert steppe's interior and edge areas.Vegetation parameters and soil physical and chemical properties exhibited nonlinear responses to the edge effects of hanging grass fences,with changes in vegetation coverage,aboveground biomass,and soil sand content peaking at 26.5,16.5,and 6.5 m on the leeward side of hanging grass fences,respectively.In the absence of sand dune formation,the accumulation of soil organic carbon and available potassium were identified as crucial factors driving species composition and increasing vegetation coverage.Changes in species composition and plant density were primarily influenced by soil sand content,electrical conductivity,and sand accumulation thickness.These findings suggest that hanging grass fences have the potential to alter vegetation habitats,promote vegetation growth,and control soil erosion in the degraded desert steppe of Central Mongolia.Therefore,in the degraded desert steppe,the restoration potential of hanging grass fences during the enclosure process should be fully considered.
基金supported by the Biological Breeding-Major Projects(2023ZD04065)。
文摘Type Ⅳ interferon(IFN-υ)is a recently discovered cytokine crucial for host defense against viral infections.However,the role and mechanisms of IFN-υin bacterial infections remain unexplored.This study investigated the antibacterial and antiviral functions and mechanisms of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)IFN-υ(CiIFN-υ)both in vivo and in vitro.The CiIFN-υgene was first identified and characterized in grass carp.Subsequently,the immune expression of CiIFN-υsignificantly increased following bacterial challenge,indicating its response to bacterial infections.The eukaryotic recombinant expression plasmid of CiIFN-υwas then constructed and transfected into fathead minnow(FHM)cells.Supernatants were collected and incubated with four bacterial strains,followed by plate spreading and colony counting.Results indicated that CiIFN-υexhibited more potent antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria compared to gram-positive bacteria and aggregated gram-negative bacteria but not gram-positive bacteria.In vivo experiments further confirmed the antibacterial function,showing high survival rates,low tissue edema and damage,reduced tissue bacterial load,and elevated proinflammatory response at the early stages of bacterial infection.In addition,the antiviral function of CiIFN-υwas confirmed through in vitro and in vivo experiments,including crystal violet staining,survival rates,tissue viral burden,and reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).This study highlights the antibacterial function and preliminary mechanism of IFN-υ,demonstrating that IFN-υpossesses dual functions against bacterial and viral infections.
文摘The effects of the salt stress on plant growth are usually increased by the water stress.We studied the impact of both stresses in simultaneous pulses of drought and salinity on Paspalum dilatatum.This forage species is native to South America,spread in grasslands in many tropical,subtropical,and temperate areas of the world,and very common in grasslands of the Flooding Pampas of Argentina.Mimicking what happens in nature.We compared a pot experiment,a non-stressed control against water stress for a month(midpoint between field capacity and wilting point),and two saline stresses(moderate,6 d·Sm^(−1)and strong,12 d·Sm^(−1)),also for a month.Aerial biomass(green leaf;non-leaf green material,and dry material)and roots were harvested,weighed,and analyzed for nitrogen,phosphorus,and cations.The biomass of all components significantly decreased when both stresses were applied.Water plus strong saline stress reduced by half the total biomasses,compared to the control.The proportion of aerial biomass/root biomass ratio as well as aerial green component/dry materials ratio tend to decrease when subjected to both stresses.Nitrogen concentration in plants was not significantly affected,but phosphorus concentration increased in aerial biomass components,from 0.10 to 0.18 mg·kg^(−1)between the extreme treatments,but did not change in roots.Sodium concentration in plants increased(i.e.,in green leave sodium(Na)increased from 0.27 to 2.01 mg·kg^(−1)between the extreme treatments),whereas other cations either did not change or decreased,affecting the ratios between them.Sodium performance allows us to infer that the Na accumulation of P.dilatatum behaves in an intermediate range,compared to very tolerant to salts or non-salt tolerant species of the Paspalum genus.In agreement,when salts were applied in the form of a pulse,P.dilatatum tolerated higher salinity than that found by other authors for the same species,using continuous salinity.
基金the financial support from the Protection and Utilization of Crop Germplasm Resources project from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China(2019NWB036-07)China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA-Food Legumes(CARS-08)+2 种基金National Infrastructure for Crop Germplasm Resources Project from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(NICGR2019)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)in CAAS and Bangladesh-Second Phase of the National Agricultural Technology Program-Phase II Project,Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council(BARC),Bangladesh(P149553)supported by Researchers Supporting Project Number(RSP2025R7),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Grass pea(Lathyrus sativus L.)is an imperative food crop cultured in dryland agricultural ecology.It is a vital source of dietary protein to millions of populaces living in low-income countries in South-East Asia and Africa.This study highlights the improvement of genomic properties and their application in marker-trait relationships for 17 yield-related characters in 400 grass pea genotypes from China and Bangladesh.These characters were assessed via 56 polymorphic markers using general linear model(GLM)(P+G+Q)and mixed linear model(MLM)(P+G+Q+K)in the tassel software based on the linkage disequilibrium and population structure analysis.Population structure analysis showed two major groups and one admixed group in the populace.Statistically significant loci pairs of linkage disequilibrium(LD)mean value(D′)was 0.479.A total of 99 and 61 marker-trait associations in GLM and MLM models allied to the 17 traits were accepted at a 5%level of significance.Among these markers,21 markers were associated with more than one trait;12 marker-trait associations passed the Bonferroni correction threshold.Both models found six markers C41936,C39067,C34100,C47146,C47638,and C43047 significantly associated with days to maturity,flower color,plant height,and seed per pod were detected in the Hebei and Liaoyang location(p≤0.01),and the interpretation rate(R^(2)value)11.2%to 43.6%.Conferring to the consequences,the association analysis methodology may operative system for quantitative,qualitative,and biochemical traits related to gene position mapping and support breeders in improving novel approaches for advancing the grass pea quality.
基金supported by the Chief Scientist Program of Qinghai Province(2024-SF-101).
文摘Perennial grasses have developed intricate mechanisms to adapt to diverse environments,enabling their resistance to various biotic and abiotic stressors.These mechanisms arise from strong natural selection that contributes to enhancing the adaptation of forage plants to various stress conditions.Methods such as antisense RNA technology,CRISPR/Cas9 screening,virus-induced gene silencing,and transgenic technology,are commonly utilized for investigating the stress response functionalities of grass genes in both warm-season and cool-season varieties.This review focuses on the functional identification of stress-resistance genes and regulatory elements in grasses.It synthesizes recent studies on mining functional genes,regulatory genes,and protein kinase-like signaling factors involved in stress responses in grasses.Additionally,the review outlines future research directions,providing theoretical support and references for further exploration of(i)molecular mechanisms underlying grass stress responses,(ii)cultivation and domestication of herbage,(iii)development of high-yield varieties resistant to stress,and(iv)mechanisms and breeding strategies for stress resistance in grasses.
文摘This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.The CRD(Completely Randomized Design)was used with 4 treatments and 4 replications.The local chicks were purchased from local famer at 1 day old and kept in whole pen by feeding commercial feed.At 21 days old the total 320 chicks were allocated into experimental treatments.The 4 feed formulas based on the level of Israel grass added such as 0,5%,7%and 9%,were called T1(control),T2,T3 and T4 respectively.The result showed that body weight gain,feed intake,ADG(Average Daily Gain)and FCR(Feed Conversion Ratio)in all treatments were not significantly different(p>0.05).However,there was strong correlation between living weight with carcass of al treatments,but no difference among carcass percentage of local chicken for all different diet in this study.In conclusion,the Israel grass did not affect growth performance of local chickens and can be used to replace some expensive feed ingredient,such as rice bran.
文摘Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.
文摘The current trend of replacing a percentage of gasoline with ethanol has promoted the development of new processes for its production from lignocellulosic biomass. This work reports the production of ethanol from the Camalote grass (Paspalum fasciculatum Willd). The lignocellulosic biomass was subjected to acid hydrolysis at 125C and 15 psi with H2SO4 concentrations at 5%, 10%, and 20%, obtaining an average of reducing sugars (pentoses and hexoses) from the hydrolyzed juice with 12.3%, 10%, and 17% Brix, respectively. The sugars were fermented using yeast of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 30C for 48 hours. Finally, the ethanol was distilled at 78C, and the average yields were obtained through analysis of variance with a 95% confidence level. The values indicate that there is a significant difference (p > 0.05), the Tukey study shows that all the % v/v averages are different from each other. For H2SO4 concentration at 5% (10.33 ± 2), H2SO4 at 10% (9.33 ± 1.8), and H2SO4 at 20% (6.33 ± 2). The acidity analysis for the ethanol obtained from each treatment gave a value of 1.8 mg/L of acetic acid in all cases.
文摘Although bamboo is really a kind of grass,it looks more like tree-a beautiful tree.Chinese poets write poems and songs about bamboo,the artists paint it in pictures.
文摘In the lush forests of Asia,towering bamboos stand tall,defying the folk expectations for grassy plants.These woody giants,some reaching the staggering height of nearly 40 meters,are the world’s largest members of the grass family.
文摘The presence of grassland biomes and species cannot be predicted by examining bottom up causes such as precipitation and temperature. Top down causes including herbivory and fire seem to be major controlling aspects with other factors secondary. We examined soil depth and competitive ability of two North American C4 grasses in a greenhouse experiment. Changes in dry mass were determined and competitive intensity was calculated for both species. Species were grown separately or together in pots 30, 90, or 180 cm deep. When grown in monoculture, Schizachyrium scoparium total and belowground dry mass increased from the 30 to 90 cm depth, with no further significant increase from 90 to 180 cm. Aboveground dry mass did not increase significantly with depth. Total dry mass of Buchloe dactyloides increased significantly with depth when grown in monoculture. Aboveground dry mass increased from 30 to 90 cm depth but not from 90 to 180 cm. Belowground dry mass of B. dactyloides did not increase significantly with depth. In 180 cm pots, 53% of S. scoparium root dry mass was in the top 30 cm;74% of B. dactyloides root dry mass was in the top 30 cm. Roots of B. dactyloides were not found deeper than 90 cm. Aboveground dry mass of S. scoparium was not different in mixture or monoculture at any depth. Buchloe dactyloides aboveground dry mass in mixture was significantly lower than monoculture at the 30 cm depth, but not at 90 or 180 cm. The greatest competitive intensity was in the shallow soil pots. Soil depth could partially explain mosaics found in C4 grasslands where both species were found together with S. scoparium on deeper soils and B. dactyloides on shallower soils.
基金This work was supported by National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 39830300 )the Ministry of Education (No. 20065-14)
文摘The genomes of three groups of grass carp, namely the Xiangjiang River grass carp group （Xiangjiang group）, a one-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-1 group）, and a two-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-2 group）, were comparatively analyzed with microsatellite markers. Genetic polymorphism had been observed in the Xiangjiang group and most of the examined loci had more than two alleles. But the degree of genetic diversity was not very high. Although all the examined genetic loci in the analyzed individuals were in homozygous state, the genotypes of different individuals of the group were not identical in the meio-gynogenetic-1 group. In the meio-gynogenetic-2 group, not only the examined genetic loci of each individual were homozygous but also the genotypes of all the analyzed individuals of the group were the same. These results suggested that the examined meio-gynogenetic-2 group is a homozygous group and homozygous clone could be produced by continuous artificial induction of gynogenesis for two generations. It was found that the polymorphism existed not only at the allele level but also at the locus level; many alleles of the microsatellite loci and some of the microsatellite loci had been lost during the process of artificial gynogenesis. Therefore, both protection of the diversity of natural grass carp resource and selection of homozygous traits with desired economic genotypes are very important aspects for grass carp breeding.
基金Supported by National Freshwater Fish Industrial Technology System ProjectKey Discipline Construction Project of Shanghai(Y1101)Key Project of Science Committee in Shanghai(06DJ14003)~~
文摘[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and morphological characteristics of juvenile hybrids of grass carp. [Method] Three inbred generations of YR （Yangtze River stock ♀×Yangtze River stock ♂ ）, ZR （Zhujiang River stock ♀ ×Zhujiang River stock♂ ） and hybrids F1 （ Yangtze River stock ♀ × Zhujiang River stock ♂ ） were established, and their growth or morphological data were also measured. [ Result] The orders of body weight, standard length and absolute growth rate were F1 〉 ZR 〉 YR. No significant difference was found in body weight or standard length of 50 day-old generations （ P〉0. 05）, while there was an extremely significantly difference in those of 170 day-old generations （ P 〈0.01 ）. However, the absolute growth rate of F1 was 20.00% and 50.00% higher than that of ZR and YR respectively, and no significant difference was found between F1 and ZR （ P 〉 0.05）, but significant difference between F1 and YR （ P 〈 0.05）. F1 showed a significant hybrid vigor with rate of 20.09%. There was no significant difference among three inbred generations in standard length/total length （ P 〉 0.05）, while significant difference in head length/total length, body height/standard length and body width/standard length （ P 〈 0.05）, which indicated that F1 had the characteristics of shorter head, higher and wider body. [ Conclusion]F1 has advantages in growth performance and morphological characteristics.
