Life Sciences Commons^™

Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure Of Incubating Wandering Albatrosses: Basal Levels, Natural Variation, And The Effects Of Human Disturbance, H Weimerskirch, Scott A. Shaffer, G Mabille, J Martin, O Boutard, J-L Rouanet

Scott A. Shaffer

We studied the changes in heart rate (HR) associated with metabolic rate of incubating and resting adult wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) on the Crozet Islands. Metabolic rates of resting albatrosses fitted with external HR recorders were measured in a metabolic chamber to calibrate the relationship between HR and oxygen consumption (V̇O2) (V̇O2=0.074×HR+0.019, r2=0.567, P<0.001, where V̇O2 is in ml kg–1 min–1 and HR is in beats min–1). Incubating albatrosses were then fitted with HR recorders to estimate energy expenditure of albatrosses within natural field conditions. We also examined the natural variation in HR and the effects of human disturbance on nesting birds by monitoring the changes in HR. Basal HR was positively related to the mass of the individual. The HR of incubating birds corresponded to a metabolic rate that was 1.5-fold (males) and 1.8-fold (females) lower than basal metabolic rate (BMR) measured in this and a previous study. The difference was probably attributable to birds being stressed while they were held in the metabolic chamber or wearing a mask. Thus, previous measurements of metabolic rate under basal conditions or for incubating wandering albatrosses are likely to be overestimates. Combining the relationship between HR and metabolic rate for both sexes, we estimate that wandering albatrosses expend 147 kJ kg–1 day–1 to incubate their eggs. In addition, the cost of incubation was assumed to vary because (i) HR was higher during the day than at night, and (ii) there was an effect of wind chill (<0°C) on basal HR. The presence of humans in the vicinity of the nest or after a band control was shown to increase HR for extended periods (2–3 h), suggesting that energy expenditure was increased as a result of the disturbance. Lastly, males and females reacted differently to handling in terms of HR response: males reacted more strongly than females before handling, whereas females took longer to recover after being handled.

Heart Rate And Energy Expenditure Of Incubating Wandering Albatrosses: Basal Levels, Natural Variation, And The Effects Of Human Disturbance, H Weimerskirch, Scott A. Shaffer, G Mabille, J Martin, O Boutard, J-L Rouanet

Faculty Publications, Biological Sciences

We studied the changes in heart rate (HR) associated with metabolic rate of incubating and resting adult wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) on the Crozet Islands. Metabolic rates of resting albatrosses fitted with external HR recorders were measured in a metabolic chamber to calibrate the relationship between HR and oxygen consumption (V̇O2) (V̇O2=0.074×HR+0.019, r2=0.567, P<0.001, where V̇O2 is in ml kg–1 min–1 and HR is in beats min–1). Incubating albatrosses were then fitted with HR recorders to estimate energy expenditure of albatrosses within natural field conditions. We also examined the natural variation in HR and the effects of human disturbance on nesting birds by monitoring the changes in HR. Basal HR was positively related to the mass of the individual. The HR of incubating birds corresponded to a metabolic rate that was 1.5-fold (males) and 1.8-fold (females) lower than basal metabolic rate (BMR) measured in this and a previous study. The difference was probably attributable to birds being stressed while they were held in the metabolic chamber or wearing a mask. Thus, previous measurements of metabolic rate under basal conditions or for incubating wandering albatrosses are likely to be overestimates. Combining the relationship between HR and metabolic rate for both sexes, we estimate that wandering albatrosses expend 147 kJ kg–1 day–1 to incubate their eggs. In addition, the cost of incubation was assumed to vary because (i) HR was higher during the day than at night, and (ii) there was an effect of wind chill (<0°C) on basal HR. The presence of humans in the vicinity of the nest or after a band control was shown to increase HR for extended periods (2–3 h), suggesting that energy expenditure was increased as a result of the disturbance. Lastly, males and females reacted differently to handling in terms of HR response: males reacted more strongly than females before handling, whereas females took longer to recover after being handled.

Nf522 Teens Making Choices: Involvement Is Important, Rosalie Bakken

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication offers ideas to adults who want to help their teens learn how to make good decisions.

As tomorrow's leaders, teens need to know how to make safe, thoughtful and wise decisions. They need to have a sense of values to guide their decisions. They also need the skills and the confidence to stand up for decisions they know are right. Parents and other adults can help teens develop these qualities by asking them to take part in important family, school and community activities. This gives youth the chance to work with adult leaders and learn from them. At …

Nf02-539 Yield Suppressions Of Glyphosate-Resistant (Roundup Ready) Soybeans, Roger Wesley Elmore, Charles A. Shapiro, Lenis Alton Nelson, Alex Martin, Robert N. Klein

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact is about glyphosate which is a popular postemergence herbicide.

Ec02-177 Purple Loosestrife, Stevan Z. Knezevic

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an introduced invasive weed that isover running thousands of acres of wetlands and waterways in the Midwest. Once purple loosestrife invades a wetland, natural habitat is lost and the productivity of native plant and animal communities is severely reduced. These losses in turn interfere with various levels of the ecosystem and area recreational activities such as fishing, boating and hunting, diminishing revenue from tourism and impairing the social and economic well being of local communities. A single control measure cannot provide long-term, sustainable control of this weed. An integrated approach, using a variety …

Ec02-219 Nebraska Swine Report, Duane Reese

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The 2002 Nebraska Swine Report was prepared by the staff in Animal Science and cooperating Departments for use in Extension, Teaching and Research programs. This publications deals with research on swine reproduction, breeding, health, nutrition, economics, and housing.

Ec02-179 Managing Livestock Manure To Protect Environmental Quality, Michael A. Reynolds, Brian L. Benham, Richard B. Ferguson, Christopher G. Henry, Charles A. Shapiro, James P. Stack, Charles S. Wortmann

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This book covers the land application part of manure management. With increasing regulations, the livestock producer needs to understand the scientific principles that affect manure transformations and how to use these principles to manage the manure for maximum fertilizer value with minimal environmental impact. Improved land application of manure is one part of the solution, but we suggest that the producer evaluate the quantity of nutrients arriving on the farm as feed, animals, and fertilizer compared to the total that is exported. Achieving a nutrient balance will reduce potential environmental hazards often associated with animal agriculture.

Ec02-173 Spotted And Diffuse Knapweed, Neil L. Heckman, Ryan M. Goss, Roch E. Gaussoin, Stevan Z. Knezevic, John L. Lindquist

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Spotted knapweed (Centaure amaculosa Lam. = C. biebersteinii DC.) and diffuse knapweed (C.diffusa Lam.) are two of Nebraska’s seven noxious weeds. They are also noxious in at least 17 other states. These are closely related species that are well adapted to a variety of habitats including open forests, rangelands and pastures, Conservation Reserve Program lands, roadsides, and ditch banks. Centaurea is a large genus of over 400 species, 32 of which are common weeds of the United States and several of which [e.g., yellowstar thistle, C. solstitalis L, and Russian knapweed, C. repens L. =Acroptilon repens (L.) …

Ec02-172 Plumeless Thistle, Kara L. Hilgenfeld, Alex Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides L.) is one of seven noxious weeds in Nebraska. An introduced invasive broadleaf weed native to Europe and Asia, plumeless thistle currently infests about 65,000 acres in Nebraska. Infestations of plumeless thistle may reduce productivity of pastures and rangeland, where infestations tend to be the largest. Plumeless thistle competes with and suppresses growth of desirable species. Heavy infestations prevent livestock from grazing the area and lighter infestations prevent livestock from eating plants growing near the thistle. Estimates place the annual loss in Nebraska agricultural production due to plumeless thistle at $162,000. Although plumeless thistle is …

Ec02-171 Canada Thistle, Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L) Scop.] is one of the seven species defined by Nebraska law as a noxious weed. At least 35 other states also have determined by law that Canada thistle poses a threat to the economic, social, and aesthetic well-being of the residents of their state. Canada thistle is probably the most widespread of all the thistle species and many land managers consider it the most difficult thistle to control. In Nebraska, Canada thistle is estimated to infest 460,000 acres.

Ec02-176 Musk Thistle, Fred Roeth, Steven R. Melvin, Irvin L. Schleufer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.) is an introduced invasive broadleaf weed native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. In these areas it is a minor weed because natural enemies keep its population low. When the plant was introduced into North America, its natural enemies were left behind. Without these natural checks, the thistle is able to thrive and compete with native vegetation.

Musk thistles aggressively invade all lands in Nebraska. Typical cropland weed control methods are very effective against them; however, land with permanent cover (pasture, range, roadway ditches and wasteland) that is not tilled or treated with a …

Ec02-174 Leafy Spurge, Robert A. Masters, Brady F. Kappler

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Leafy spurge is an invasive weed that infests over three million acres in the northern Great Plains and the prairie provinces of Canada. It is commonly found in rangelands, pastures, roadsides, rights-of-way, and woodlands. Leafy spurge can reduce rangeland and pasture carrying capacity by as much as 75 percent because it competes with forages and cattle avoid grazing areas infested with this weed. In North Dakota where leafy spurge infests about 900,000 acres, estimates of direct and indirect losses exceed $100 million each year. In Nebraska, the direct loss in forage value attributed to leafy spurge has been estimated at …

Ec02-1565 Biology And Management Of Potato Insects, Robert J. Wright, Gary L. Hein, W. Wyatt Hoback, Alexander D. Pavlista

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A variety of insects can damage potatoes in Nebraska. Insects may feed directly on the tubers and damage the harvestable crop, or they may indirectly damage the crop by feeding on leaves or stems. If severe enough, indirect damage may reduce harvestable yield and quality. Insect feeding also may be important because some insects (e.g., aphids) may transmit plant diseases such as viruses when they feed, or others (e.g., psyllids) may inject toxins. This publication reviews the identification, biology, and management of common insect pests of potatoes in Nebraska. The basis for a successful integrated pest management (IPM) program for …

Nf523 Teens Making Choices: Practice Is Important, Rosalie Bakken

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication helps adults develop a strategy to help teens learn how to make good decisions.

Today's youth are put into situations where they must make important, often split-second decisions about things like cigarette or alcohol use, breaking laws, or whether to join in activities that are hurtful - or helpful and respectful - of others. We all hope that our youth will not hesitate to do the right thing in these situations.

Adults can help prepare youth to make good, healthy choices. Kids and teens learn best through practice, so give youth chances to practice making decisions under your …

Nf521 Teens Making Choices: Communication Is Important, Rosalie Bakken

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication helps adults understand how teens make decisions and how to teach teens to make good decisions.

Today's youth are faced with many tough choices about behaviors, values and goals. Some choices have long-term consequences, and we all hope our youth will make wise decisions, especially when the future is at stake.

Adults can help prepare youth to make good, healthy choices. Open communication is vital to healthy parent- child relationships. The following tips may help you communicate with your adolescent about decision-making. A good starting point is to think about your own teenage years.

Nf556 Our Relationship....And Communicating Effectively, Kathy Bosch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication helps couples learn how to communicate with one another.

Nf 535 Parenting Your Child Effectively: Focus On "Do", Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

When disciplining children, focusing on "Do" is more effective than focusing on "Don't." This publications gives examples how negative statements can be turned into positive ones.

Nf532 Parenting Your Child Effectively: Give Choices, Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication is about giving your child choices.

Nf529 Parenting Your Child Effectively: Give Safe, Understandable Limits, Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication contains information about giving safe, understandable limits to children.

Nf533 Parenting Your Child Effectively: Help Children Feel Lovable And Capable, Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact explains ways parents can build a child's self-esteem.

Nf527 Parenting Your Child Effectively Look At The Whole Picture, Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication contains information to help parents remain calm when having emotional discussions with children.

Nf528 Parenting Your Child Effectively: Set A Good Example, Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication discusses ways parents can communicate effectively with their children during emotional times.

Nf530 Parenting Your Child Effectively: Work With, Not Against, Your Child, Marilyn Fox

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication contains information about working with your children not against them.

Nf02-542 West Nile Virus Guidelines For Horse Owners, Kathleen P. Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in humans and horses. Mosquitoes that acquire it from infected birds transmit the virus.

Nf02-538 Protect Your Credit And Identity, Debra E. Schroeder, Rebecca L. Versch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact includes information on how you can protect your credit and your identity.

Nf02-544 Agencies And Organizations Serving Older Nebraskans, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Toll-free numbers and Web site addresses change. Agency responsibilities change over time. Refer to the phone directory or contact information. This is not a complete listing of all agencies and services. It is intended only to create awareness. No endorsement of services is intended, nor is any criticism intended of those omitted.

Nf02-494 Creating A Strong Family: Talking About Religion And Spirituality In Families, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact is about creating a strong family by talking about religion and other spiritualy things with your family.

Nf02-493 Creating A Strong Family: Looking At Life From A Family Strengths Perspective, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact gives inside advice on how to grow into a strong family.