COORDINATIVE PATTERNS BETWEEN CARVING TURN AND SKIDDING TURN DURING ALPINE SKIING

The purpose of this study was to investigate the coordinative patterns between segments and ski using the continuous relative phase (CRP) on anteroposterior and vertical axis during carving and skidding turn. Fourteen alpine ski instructors were participated in this study. Eight inertial measurement units were used to collect segment kinematic data. Each skier was asked to perform ten carving turns and ten skidding turns on the groomed 15° slope, respectively. CRP angles between all segments and ski were significantly increased during carving turn on the vertical axis. On the other hand, CRP angles between all segments and ski were significantly increased during skidding turn on anteroposterior axis. Therefore, skiers should perform the anti-phase movements of the lower spine-ski, pelvis-ski, thigh-ski and shank-ski on the vertical axis during the carving turn and the in-phase movements of the lower spine-ski, pelvis-ski, thigh-ski and shank-ski on the anteroposterior axis during skidding turn

Effect of Rhodophyta extracts on ruminal fermentation characteristics, methanogenesis and microbial populations

Objective Due to the threat of global warming, the livestock industry is increasingly interested in exploring how feed additives may reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, especially from ruminants. This study investigated the effect of Rhodophyta supplemented bovine diets on in vitro rumen fermentation and rumen microbial diversity. Methods Cannulated Holstein cows were used as rumen fluid donors. Rumen fluid:buffer (1:2; 15 mL) solution was incubated for up to 72 h in six treatments: a control (timothy hay only), along with substrates containing 5% extracts from five Rhodophyta species (Grateloupia lanceolata [Okamura] Kawaguchi, Hypnea japonica Tanaka, Pterocladia capillacea [Gmelin] Bornet, Chondria crassicaulis Harvey, or Gelidium amansii [Lam.] Lamouroux). Results Compared with control, Rhodophyta extracts increased cumulative gas production after 24 and 72 h (p = 0.0297 and p = 0.0047). The extracts reduced methane emission at 12 and 24 h (p<0.05). In particular, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that at 24 h, ciliate-associated methanogens, Ruminococcus albus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens decreased at 24 h (p = 0.0002, p<0.0001, and p<0.0001), while Fibrobacter succinogenes (F. succinogenes) increased (p = 0.0004). Additionally, Rhodophyta extracts improved acetate concentration at 12 and 24 h (p = 0.0766 and p = 0.0132), as well as acetate/propionate (A/P) ratio at 6 and 12 h (p = 0.0106 and p = 0.0278). Conclusion Rhodophyta extracts are a viable additive that can improve ruminant growth performance (higher total gas production, lower A/P ratio) and methane abatement (less ciliate-associated methanogens, Ruminococcus albus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens and more F. succinogenes