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This study aimed to assess the ability of Sohagi ewe lambs to adapt to heat stress conditions during the summer season in arid regions of Sohag governorate, Egypt. Twenty-one Sohagi ewe lambs (9-11 months old and 25.55±2.69 kg average body weight) were divided into three equal groups. In the 1st group, ewe lambs were housed in an indoor barn and considered as control (DS0), while those in the 2nd and 3rd groups were daily exposed to direct sunlight in the outdoor barns for 4 hours (DS4) and 8 hours (DS8), respectively. Physiological, blood parameters, and daily behavioral activities of each animal in experimental groups were obtained and data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Results showed that rectal temperature, respiration rate, and water consumption of Sohagi ewe lambs in DS4 and DS8 groups increased significantly (p<0.05) compared with those in the control one. The means of packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio increased significantly (p<0.05) in ewe lambs in DS4 and DS8 than those in DS0. Glucose and total protein level of ewe lambs in DS4 and DS8 decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared with those in DS0, while potassium levels increased significantly (p<0.05), and sodium levels did not change. Daily behavioral observation illustrated that eating activities increased significantly (p<0.05) at night between sunset and sunrise in DS4 and DS8 than in DS0. Also, standing time in DS4 and DS8 groups increased significantly (p<0.05) compared with DS0. It could be concluded that the productive performance of ewe lamb groups exposed to direct sunlight was not affected. At the same time, physiological responses were significantly increased, reflecting the adaptability of Sohagi ewe lambs to heat stress under subtropical climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the performance, economics of production and physiological status of native Baladi and crossbred (50% Brown Swiss:50% native Baladi) calves under hot summer climate in Egypt (twenty-eight growing calves; 14 calve from each genetic type). The crossbred calves showed a significantly higher daily feed intake and body gain (p = 0.015 and 0.001 respectively), as well as a better feed conversion ratio (p = 0.019) compared with native Baladi calves. Although no significant differences were reported In the variable and total costs, the crossbred calves showed significantly greater total returns, net profit and Profit/Cost ratio when compared with native calves (p = 0.014, 0.001 and 0.022, respectively). The native Baladi calves had significantly higher serum glucose level compared with crossbred calves (p = 0.031). However, the crossbred calves showed a significantly higher serum Triiodothyronine (T3) level when compared with native calves (p = 0.016). Under a hot summer climate, no significant variations were reported in the rectal temperature, respiration rate, and daily water intake, as well as in the serum cortisol (p = 0.114) and thyroxin (p = 0.197) levels between native and crossbred calves. In conclusion, the crossbred calves exhibit a better growth performance, economic efficiency and stable physiological responses compared with the native calves under hot environment in the summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the tolerance potential of Cd, Pb and Cu and physiological alterations in two common tree species growing in Minia governorate (Egypt) namely: Eucalyptus globulus and Ficus nitida and to investigate the leaf features [leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA)] associated with the phytoremediation process. The findings may be useful for future surveillance as preliminary reference values for levels of heavy metals in urban and industrial settings. The levels of cadmium, lead and Cupper in plant leaf were determined. The results showed that heavy metals could inhibit the growth of plants including LA and SLA. The water content (WC) and photosynthetic pigments of Eucalyptus and Ficus decreased with the increased concentration of metals. Contrary to chlorophylls (a) and (b), carotenoids and chlorophyll ratio (a/b) showed a significant increase with increasing metals concentration especially that of Cd and Cu. Proline content was relatively increased and soluble carbohydrate content decreased in plants with high metal accumulation. Eucalyptus showed better tolerance capacity for Cd, Pb and Cu when compared to Ficus. The ability of Eucalyptus to accumulate and tolerate metal stress makes this species a good candidate to recuperate heavy metals-contaminated conditions.

This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of hazardous exposure to water pollutants on Tilapia zilli Geri, inhabiting Lake Maryu! at 3 different sites with varying degrees of physicochemical and organic criteria. As compared to other sites, the lower water turbidity and alkalinity plus lesser metal content in site #I, signify its picking as reference. The expected anoxicity of the polluted sites (#2~& #3) was evidenced by the elevated chemical and biological-oxygen demands added to reduced dissolved oxygen. Abundant phytoplankton and sewage effluents coupled with the high productivity of the lake have elevated water pH and nutrient salts; thus causing a chronic eutrophication problem. Emerging evidence suggests that T. zilli responded differently according to the environmental stress index in each catch area. In polluted fish, serum hyper-alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta-globulinemia plus low albumin added to the enhanced activities of serum transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase suggests chronic functionaldamage in the liver. However, the hyper-gamma-globulinemia implies an indirect challenge response toward the invasion of endoand ectoparasites. Serum enzymes, protein, lipid, cholesterol, creatinine, and glucose fluctuated in a positive correlation contra the guidelines of water pollutants; they are thus validated as beneficial 'biochemical markers' for contamination stress. Unlike other biological principles investigated, alkaline phosphatase proved to be a promising 'model' for appraising moderate, sublethal, or metal- restricted contamination. Other water pollutants, as petroleum oil, seem to interfere with this peculiarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]