E. Javvi, M. H. Safar Ali Zadeh, A. A. Pourmirza,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2005)
Abstract
The effect of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki on different larval instars of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) and the role of two plant materials, namely, caffeine and aqueous neem extract, in the enhancement of it’s efficiency was investigated under laboratory conditions. The experiments were conducted at 25±4 oC, 65±5 %(RH) and photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D).The larvae were provided from the colony established and maintained on host plant. The different larval instars were distinguished by measuring head capsule width.To evaluate susceptibility of different instar groups of larvae to B.thuringiensis, LC50 values on (1-4) instar groups were determined. LC50 values for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar groups were, 183.86, 377.03 ,1297 and 3096 ppm, respectively. The synergistic effect of caffeine and aqueous neem extract with B.thuringiensis was investigated separately on 3rd larvae instar. A completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 4 replications was used. The results revealed that there was a striking synergistic effect of caffeine and neem on B.thuringiensis.The larval mortality percentage for mixture 618ppm of B.thuringiensis and 4000ppm of caffeine was 80% however, this was 10% and 20% for caffeine B. thuringiensis respectively when these compounds were used alone.The initiation of larval mortalitry in all mixtures was earlier than other treatments.Also the larval mortality for mixture B. thuringiensis with 35000 ppm of aqueous neem extract was 77.5% after 144 hours however, it was 22.5 % and 25 % for B.t. and neem alone, respectively. The mean weight of larvae treated with all synergists was significantly less than the control cohort, (p<0.05).
S Shrifi, H Rahmani, M Motamedi,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
In dairy cattle, the increase in milk yield has been accompanied by a more negative energy balance during early lactation and a decrease in fertility. The 167 amino acid protein product of the ob gene was named leptin (derived from the Greek term ‘leptos’ meaning thin). The leptin hormone, as a 16-kDa protein is synthesized mainly by adipose tissue and is involved in regulation of food intake, energy balance, fertility and immune function. The expression and secretion of leptin are correlated with body fat mass and are acutely affected by changes in food intake. The objective of this study was to investigate the fluctuations of leptin concentrations during late pregnancy and early lactation, the effect of parity and BCS on plasma leptin concentration, and to investigate its fluctuation effects on reproductive status. Blood samples of 54 Holstein cows were taken at a fixed time of the day after milking but before feeding, from 2 weeks before calving until 6 weeks after calving. BCS and plasma leptin concentration were measured at 2-wk intervals. Leptin concentrations were affected by parity. Primiparous cows and cows in first parity had higher leptin concentrations compared with multiparous cows (P<0.05). Leptin concentration was not different in late pregnancy and early lactation. BCS was negatively correlated with plasma leptin concentration (P<0.05). Plasma leptin concentration did not influence reproductive traits (days in milk at first breeding, service per conception and open days).
