Readings & Ramblings

One Earth Conservation – Dr. LoraKim Joyner

The birds’ brains and behavior could give clues to the evolution of intelligence

One Earth Conservation – Dr. LoraKim Joyner

Parrots can travel along thin branches using “beakiation” — a side-swinging motion that involves their beaks and feet.

The use of acidifiers in drinking water is a relatively recent development in poultry production. In tropical production systems, this may play a vital role in providing hygienic drinking water and reducing pathogen load, thus having enormous potential as an integral component of a successful biosecurity programme.

Conservationists are helping the Endangered parakeet stage a remarkable comeback in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and hope the birds will bolster the health of this fragmented forest region.

Relying on thousands of images shared by birders on the internet, researchers investigated how some birds became more talented with their talons — and how the world’s first birds gave rise to the diversity of bird species we know today. 

Kernel red streak, or KRS, is a phenomenon wherein streaks of red pigments radiate throughout the pericarp of an otherwise yellow kernel.

“Corn is an important ingredient in Tropican and we do use a statistical sampling program to obtain a proper sample of each lot received and these samples are assayed for mycotoxins and microorganism and screened for other contaminants.  The Kernel Red streaks is not caused by mould or fungus that would create toxic metabolite but the presence in the field of the wheat curl mite. This mite would either carry a phytotoxic substance in its saliva that create this marbling issue. It has no impact onto the nutritional value of the corn.” – Mark Hagen

Since 2001, an area up to the size of Washington state has burned.