Correlations between testicular surface temperatures measured by infrared thermography and seminal parameters in rams of distinct genotypic groups.

The aim of this study was to correlate the testicular surface temperature with rectal temperature and semen quality in rams of different genotypic groups.

The Effect of Fish Meal Substitution with Squilla empusa on Reproductive Performance of Local duck

A study has been conducted to know the effect of fishmeal substitution with Squilla empusa on reproductive performance of local duck.  Randomized Completely Design was applied in this experimental. Ninety-six grower local ducks were divided into six treatments ration. Each treatment was replicated by four replications and consists of four local ducks each. The treatment was P0 = 0 % Squilla empusa and 10 % fish meal, P1 = 2 % Squilla empusa and 8 % fish meal, P2 = 4 % Squilla empusa and 6 % fish meal, P3 = 6 % Squilla empusa and 4 % fish meal, P4 = 8 % Squilla empusa and 2 % fish meal, and P5 = 10 % Squilla empusa and 0 % fishmeal.  Parameters observed was reproductive performance consisted of sexual maturity, average egg production and egg weight during 3 months of production period. The result showed that fishmeal and Squilla empusa had very significant by effect (P<0,01) on feed consumption, sexual maturity, egg production and egg weight. It was significant by (P< 0,05) on egg production and weight. It was concluded that substitution up to 4.96 % of Squilla empusa give the latest of sexual maturity (5.8 month); the lowers egg production was at 6 % Squilla empusa; at 10 % Squilla empusa egg weight tended to increase. (Animal Production 6(2): 110-117 (2004) Key Words: substitution,  Squilla empusa, reproductive performance

Airborne particulate matter at a bus station : concentration levels and governing parameters

Traffic emissions are an important contributor to ambient air pollution, especially in large cities featuring extensive and high density traffic networks. Bus fleets represent a significant part of inner city traffic causing an increase in exposure to general public, passengers and drivers along bus routes and at bus stations. Limited information is available on quantification of the levels, and governing parameters affecting the air pollution exposure at bus stations. The presented study investigated the bus emissions-dominated ambient air in a large, inner city bus station, with a specific focus on submicrometer particles. The study’s objectives were (i) quantification of the concentration levels; (ii) characterisation of the spatio-temporal variation; (iii) identification of the parameters governing the emissions levels at the bus station and (iv) assessment of the relationship between particle concentrations measured at the street level (background) and within the bus station. The results show that up to 90% of the emissions at the station are ultrafine particles (smaller than 100 nm), with the concentration levels up to 10 times the value of urban ambient air background (annual) and up to 4 times the local ambient air background. The governing parameters affecting particle concentration at the station were bus flow rate and meteorological conditions (wind velocity). Particle concentration followed a diurnal trend, with an increase in the morning and evening, associated with traffic rush hours. Passengers’ exposure could be significant compared to the average outdoor and indoor exposure levels.