Animal Sciences Commons^™

Reproduction Of The Root Vole (Microtus Oeconomus) At The Edge Of Its Distribution Range, Linas Balciauskas, Laima Balciauskiene, Agne Janonyte

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Data on the reproduction of the root vole (Microtus oeconomus) in Lithuania, the margin of its geographic range, are presented in the context of litter size analysis. In Lithuania, the breeding season lasts from April until the end of October. The average litter size was 5.93 ± 0.11 (2-14), decreasing from a mean of 8.0 embryos in June to 4.3 in October, with 2-3 litters per year. The average body mass of breeding females was 40.4 ± 0.6 (16.5-77.0) g. However, 6.25% of females start breeding with a body mass of under 25 g. Litter size was found to increase …

Brown Treesnakes: A Potential Invasive Species For The United States, Samantha Sue Kahl, Scott E. Henke, Marc A. Hall, David K. Britton

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Brown treesnakes (ˆ) are mildly venomous, exotic snakes that have the potential to become an invasive species in North America, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The snake is native to northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and other islands of northern and western Melanesia. The snakes were first found outside their native range on Guam in 1953. The exact date they reached the island is uncertain, but they are believed to have arrived on military cargo transport vessels some time during or just after World War II. During the years that followed, the population of brown …

Evaluation Of The Possibility Of Using Oligosaccharide-Free Pea In Japanese Quail Nutrition, Danuta Szczerbinska, Zofia Tarasewicz, Piotr Gulewicz, Danuta Majewska, Marek Ligocki

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this paper, evaluation of the effect of processed pea seeds (free of raffinose family oligosaccharides) on the performance traits and the results of reproduction in Japanese quails is presented. A flock of 72 quails was divided into 3 groups consisting of equal numbers of birds (18 females and 6 males). Birds were kept in cages in an environmentally controlled room with a lighting cycle of 17 h of light and 7 h of dark, and they were fed 1 of 3 different diets. Whereas diet 1 served as the control, diet 2 was supplemented with 5% and diet 3 …

Analysis Of Long-Term Selection (28 Generations) For Reproduction, Growth, And Carcass Traits In Swine, Wan-Ling Hsu

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objectives were 1) to estimate responses from 28 generations of selection for increased pigs born alive (BA) with additional selection for increased 180 d weight (WT) and longissimus muscle area (LMA) and decreased backfat (BF) in the last eight generations, 2) to estimate genetic parameters for an array of traits, and 3) to investigate whether a plateau in response for BA has occurred. All lines were derived from the same Large White/Landrace composite population. Index selection for ovulation rate and embryo survival (G0-11) was initiated in L2 in 1981; L1 was selected randomly control line for L2 (G0-23). L2 …

The Reproductive Performance Of Wild And Hatchery-Reared Flounder, Platichthys Flesus Luscus, In The Southern Black Sea Coast, İlhan Aydin, Temel Şahi̇n, Hamza Polat, Erdi̇nç Güneş

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The spawning period, total fecundity, egg size, and fertilization and hatching rates of wild and hatchery-reared flounder, Platichthys flesus luscus, are investigated in this report. Wild and hatchery-reared broodstock consisted of 18 females (452.8 ± 193.2 g) and 17 females (138.9 ± 47.4 g), respectively. The spawning period lasted 79 days, from 22 January to 10 April. Mean total fecundity was 285 ± 157.9 × 10^3 per female for wild broodstock while it was 115.6 ± 53.6 × 10^3 eggs for hatchery-reared broodstock. The fertilization and hatching rates were 38.2 ± 17.0% and 62.3 ± 24.1% for wild and 45.3 …

Growth, The Length-Weight Relationship, And Reproduction In Vimba (Vimba Vimba L. 1758) Sampled From An Oligo-Mesotrophic Lake In Northwest Anatolia (Turkey), Hacer Okgerman, Mahmut Elp, Cumhur H. Yardimci

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The growth parameters and reproduction period in vimba (Vimba vimba L. 1758) sampled from Sapanca Lake were determined monthly between September 2003 and July 2004. The 335 vimba specimens caught ranged in age from 2^+ to 6^+ years, and the majority of the samples consisted of individuals of the 4^{+}-year-old age group. The length-weight relationship was estimated to be W = 0.0084 FL^{3.1797±0.0035} for males (r^2 = 0.94, P < 0.05) and W = 0.0089 FL^{3.1572±0.0033} for females (r^2 = 0.93, P < 0.05). Regression coefficients for sex were significant (t-test, P < 0.05). The slope (b) significantly differed (ANCOVA, P < 0.05) between months. The fact that the b values for male and female vimba specimens differed from 3.0 indicates that there was positive allometric growth. The von Bertalanffy equation was determined using Lt = 28.940 (1-exp {-0.123[t+2.193]}), \phi': 2.030, (r = 0.999) for males and Lt = 24.708 [1-exp {-0.205[t+1.464]}), \phi': 2.097, (r = 0.999) for females. The sex ratio was 1:1.86 (\chi^2; P < 0.05). The spawning period of vimba began at the end of April and continued until the beginning of July; the water temperature during this period was between 14.8 and 25.9 °C.

Age, Growth And Reproduction Of Four-Spotted Goby, Deltentosteus Quadrimaculatus (Valenciennes, 1837), In İzmir Bay (Central Aegean Sea), Gülnur Meti̇n, Akin Türker İlkyaz, Ozan Soykan, Hasan Tuncay Kinacigi̇l

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Length distribution, sex ratio, length-weight relationship, age, growth, spawning period, age, and length at first maturity of four-spotted goby inhabiting İzmir Bay were investigated. A total of 1696 four-spotted goby were collected by trawl hauls between July 2004 and June 2007. The size of the fish sampled ranged from 3.1 to 9.2 cm total length. The samples were composed of 31.1% females, 27.7% males, and 41.2% juvenile individuals, with a female to male ratio of 1:0.89. The age of the fish ranged from 1 to 5 years. The length-weight relationship and the von Bertalanffy growth function were estimated for all …

Reproductive Performance Of Turbot (Psetta Maxima) In The Southeastern Black Sea, İlhan Aydin, Temel Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Spawning time, total fecundity, fertilization, and hatching rates of turbot (Psetta maxima) were investigated in 10 wild female broodstock (mean wt: 3809.7 ± 1238.4 g). Spawning lasted 37 days, from April 17 to May 23. Mean total fecundity was 2329 ± 1260 x 10^3 eggs per female. Fertilization and hatching rates were 30.6 ± 25.4% and 17.9 ± 16.1%, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between body weight and total fecundity (r = 0.637, P < 0.05). The timing and frequency of hand stripping, fecundity, fertilization, and hatching rates in turbot are presented.

A Comparison Of Prairie Vole Audible And Ultrasonic Pup Calls And Attraction To Them By Adults Of Each Sex, Thomas A. Terleph

Biology Faculty Publications

Rodent pups of many species emit both ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and calls spanning into a lower frequency range, audible to humans (AUDs), yet there has been little systematic comparison of these different call types, or analyses of how they might differ in signal function. Here the spectral and temporal characteristics of USV and AUD pup calls are described for the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), a model used in studies of monogamous mating and biparental care, and a species with an unusually large functional and anatomical representation of auditory cortex. Findings provide a detailed description of each call type, …

Alteration Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (Vegfa) Isoform Expression Results In Abnormal Gonadal Function, Ningxia Lu

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In the female, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoforms regulate follicle development and affect the initial primordial follicle pool. In male rodent testes, they are involved in the development of vasculature and seminiferous cords. The objective of the current study was to evaluate effects of Sertoli and Granulosa cellspecific production of VEGFA isoforms on vascular development and gonadal morphogenesis. We used a DMRT1-cre crossed to a floxed VEGFA mouse to determine potential phenotypes in male Sertoli-cell (VEGFA-DSertG) and female Granulosa-cell (VEGFA-DGranG) specific knockouts. In females, we found smaller ovarian weight, fewer corpus luteums (CLs) with some abnormal CL morphology, …

Identification Of Markers Associated With Sow Lifetime Productivity For Whole Genomic Selection, Daniel Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Sows are more productive today than ever before. However, concurrent with increased prolificacy, high sow death losses and replacement rates are serious economic and welfare issues facing producers. Reproductive failure is the most frequent reason for culling sows. Length of productive life is moderately heritable and has high variance; thus, substantial genetic variation is expected to exist in most populations. Genetic improvement in the swine industry occurs from selection in nucleus herds and is then transmitted through the breeding pyramid in the multiplication process. Thus, it is critical to identify selection methods that can be applied in nucleus herds that …

Lidar Remote Sensing Variables Predict Breeding Habitat Of A Neotropical Migrant Bird, Scott J. Goetz, Daniel Steinberg, Matthew G. G. Betts, Richard T. Holmes

Dartmouth Scholarship

A topic of recurring interest in ecological research is the degree to which vegetation structure influences the distribution and abundance of species. Here we test the applicability of remote sensing, particularly novel use of waveform lidar measurements, for quantifying the habitat heterogeneity of a contiguous northern hardwoods forest in the northeastern United States. We apply these results to predict the breeding habitat quality, an indicator of reproductive output of a well-studied Neotropical migrant songbird, the Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens). We found that using canopy vertical structure metrics provided unique information for models of habitat quality and spatial patterns of …

Nest Desertion In A Reintroduced Population Of Migratory Whooping Cranes, Richard P. Urbanek, Sara E. Zimorski, Anna M. Fasoli, Eva K. Szyszkoski

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Reintroduction of an eastern migratory population of whooping cranes (Grus americana) into eastern North America began in 2001. Reproduction first occurred in 2005. Through 2008, eggs were produced in 22 first nests and 2 renests. All first nests failed–50% confirmed due to desertion by the parents and the remaining nest failures also consistent with the pattern of parental desertion. Nest failures were not related to stage of incubation, and they were often synchronous. Temperatures in winter and early spring affected timing of nest failure. An environmental factor such as harassment of incubating cranes by black flies (Simulium …

Survival, Reproduction, And Movements Of Migratory Whooping Cranes During The First Seven Years Of Reintroduction, Richard P. Urbanek, Lara E. A. Fondow, Sara E. Zimorski

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

An effort to reintroduce a migratory population of whooping cranes (Grus americana) into eastern North America began in 2001. During 2001-2007, 125 juveniles were costume/isolation-reared and released: 106 were led by ultralight aircraft from Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), central Wisconsin, to Chassahowitzka NWR, central Gulf Coast of Florida, on their first autumn migration (ultralight-led or UL). The remaining 19 individuals were released directly on Necedah NWR during autumn of the hatch year (direct autumn release or DAR). Of 86 UL and 13 DAR cranes that completed their first spring migration, 72 (84%) and 5 (38%), respectively, returned …

Reproductive Health And Performance Of The Florida Flock Of Introduced Whooping Cranes, Marilyn G. Spalding, Martin J. Folk, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Richard Kiltie

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We retrospectively examined the reproductive parameters of 122 breeding-age whooping cranes (Grus americana) in a reintroduced flock in central Florida from 1992 to 2007. The flock performed poorly when compared with an existing wild flock for all reproductive parameters when controlled for age. Pairs first formed in 1995, nested in 1999, and the first chick fledged in 2002. By 2007, 19 of 63 clutches produced 25 chicks, 9 of which fledged. Drought conditions were ruled out as the sole cause of failure when the drought lessened and productivity increased, but not in all years. We examined adult health, …

Observations Of Reproduction In Mountain Lions From Nebraska, Sam Wilson, Justin D. Hoffman, Hugh H. Genoways

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Occurrences of mountain lions (Puma concolor) in Nebraska have been steadily increasing; however, reproductive activity in mountain lions has not been documented in the state. We present the first evidence of mountain lion reproduction in Nebraska since mountain lions recolonized the state in the early 1990s. On 28 February 2007, a spotted kitten was hit by a vehicle in northwestern Nebraska; and based on body length and weight, we estimate its age at 3.9 months. On 20 December 2008, a female mountain lion and spotted kitten were photographed in the northwestern part of the state. On 9 May …

Growth And Reproduction Of Large-Scaled Gurnard (Lepidotrigla Cavillone Lacepède, 1801) (Triglidae) In The Central Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, Akin Türker İlkyaz, Gülnur Meti̇n, Ozan Soykan, Hasan Tuncay Kinacigi̇l

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Age, growth, and reproduction of the large-scaled gurnard were studied in the central Aegean Sea to provide fisheries managers with the essential data for science-based management. A total of 2342 samples were collected by trawl hauls between July 2004 and June 2007 from İzmir Bay (Turkey). The size of the samples ranged from 3.4 to 15.2 cm total length and the samples were composed of 35.2% females, 25.7% males and 39.1% immature individuals, with a female to male ratio of 1:0.73. The length-weight relationship was calculated as W = 0.0086L^{3.16} for all samples. The age composition of the samples was …

Life History Features Of The Nonindigenous Three-Spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus Aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758) In The Gomishan Wetland (Southeast Caspian Sea, Iran), Rahman Patimar, Mariam Horry Najafabadi, Manizheh Ghadi Souraki

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The Caspian Sea forms the southern limit of the distribution range of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), but little is known about its life history in this area. A total of 362 specimens were collected from the Gomishan wetland (southeast Caspian Sea, Iran) to describe the stickleback's life history characteristics. Samples were taken monthly between February and July of 2008. The maximum ages of the population observed were 2+ years for males and 3+ years for females. The length-weight relationship (LWR) was estimated as W = 0.0042TL^{3.711} for immature specimens, W = 0.0095TL^{3.1328} for males, and W = 0.0057TL^{3.4678} for …

Age, Growth, Length-Weight Relationship And Reproduction Of The Striped Seabream (Lithognathus Mormyrus L., 1758) (Sparidae) In The Beymelek Lagoon (Antalya, Turkey), Yilmaz Emre, İsmet Balik, Çeti̇n Sümer, D. Aytuğ Oskay, H. Özgür Yeşi̇lçi̇men

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Age, growth, length-weight relationship and reproduction were investigated for striped seabream (Lithognathus mormyrus L., 1758) collected from Beymelek Lagoon (Antalya, Turkey) between February 2006 and January 2007. The ages of striped seabream ranged from 0 to 3 years for males and from 0 to 4 years for females. Their total lengths and weights ranged between 14.4 and 26.4 cm and 42 and 297 g for males and 14.3 and 27.4 cm and 40 and 329 g for females, respectively. The growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation were: L_{\infinity} = 28.3 cm, K = 0.456 year^{-1} and t_0 = -1.859 …

Growth And Reproduction Of Blotched Picarel (Spicara Maena Linnaeus, 1758) In The Central Aegean Sea, Turkey, Ozan Soykan, Akin Türker İlkyaz, Gülnur Meti̇n, Hasan Tuncay Kinacigi̇l

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Growth and reproduction of the blotched picarel, Spicara maena (Linnaeus, 1758), were determined based on specimens (n = 2547) collected from the central Aegean Sea between July 2004 and June 2007. The samples consisted of 71.9% females, 16.2% males, and 11.9% immature individuals. The sex ratio of females to males was 1:0.23. The length-weight relationship was W = 0.011L^{3.02}, W = 0.011L^{3.00}, and W = 0.011L^{2.99} for the combined sexes, females, and males, respectively. For all samples and both sexes the length-weight relationship showed isometric growth. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was fitted on the basis of mean length-at-age data, …

The Effect Of Moderate Exercise On Folliculogenesis, Cortisol, Estradiol And Luteinizing Hormone In Mares, Dale Kelley

All Theses

Assisted reproductive technologies allow mares to remain in training and produce offspring; however, limited data regarding the impact of exercise on folliculogenesis exists. Mares in training are reported to have reduced embryo recovery rates and ovulated smaller follicles. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of exercise on folliculogenesis using ultrasound technology. Additionally, cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol concentrations in mares were evaluated. The exercise period was from April to September 2008 at Latitude: 34¡ 41' 1' N. Thirteen horses were assigned to Exercise (n=6) or Control group (n=7). Mares were exercised …

Fisheries Research Report No. 174 - Spatial Scales Of Exploitation Among Populatons Of Demersal Scalefish : Implications For Management. Part 2: Stock Structure And Biology Of Two Indicator Species, West Australian Dhufish (Glaucosoma Hebraicum) And Pink Snapper (Pagrus Auratus) In The West Coast Bioregion, Department Of Fisheries, Western Australia

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report - Project 2003/052

EDITORS: R. Lenanton, J. StJohn, I. Keay, C. Wakefield, G. Jackson, B. Wise and D. Gaughan

West Australian dhufish is endemic to shelf waters of south-western Western Australia (WA). In contrast, snapper (known as “pink snapper” in WA) has a continuous distribution around the southern coastline of mainland Australia and in New Zealand. Dhufish and snapper are the two most important exploited demersal scalefish species in the West Coast Bioregion (WCB) of WA, which extends from Kalbarri (27°S) to Augusta (35°S). This study examined regional variation in the biology of the two species, their …

A Survey Of Bats In Northern Trinidad Late In The Rainy Season, Keith Geluso, Mary J. Harner, Cliff A. Lemen, Patricia W. Freeman

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Located off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, Trinidad is a small tropical island with a rich diversity of bats. Although 66 species have been documented, few inventories have pub¬lished information on community structure of bats in the diverse habitats of the island. Here we report on composition, abundance, and natural history of species captured primarily in the Northern Range at the end of the rainy season (late December–early January). We captured 789 individuals representing 30 species in six families, including 672 bats in nets at ground level and 117 associated with roosts. Our capture rates in ground-level mist nets were …

Influences Of Supplementing A Mannan Oligosaccharide Containing Product To Pig Diets On Sow And Weanling Pig Performance, I-Fen Hung

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the effect of supplying mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) to pig diets on both weanling pig and sow performances.

Nursery pigs challenged with LPS to stimulate an immune challenge had increased body temperature and respiratory rate as well as elevated serum cortisol and TNF-α concentration, MOS-supplemented pigs had a lower rectal temperature and respiratory rate which implied that MOS improves some aspect of the immune function of piglets.

MOS supplementation in sow diets during late gestation and lactation had no effect on litter size, but the piglets from MOS-fed sows were heavier at birth …

Ecology, Reproduction And Morphometrics Of The Common Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis Sauritus) And Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis Sirtalis) In West Virginia, Noah Mccoard

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Two species of gartersnakes, Thamnophis, are found in West Virginia. Thamnophis sauritus , a semi-arboreal and semi-aquatic species, is listed as very rare and imperiled (S2) by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) while the other Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, a terrestrial species, is secure (S5). During the summer of 2007, I traveled to 53 counties in West Virginia searching for habitat and these two species.Several Thamnophis sirtalis were found in a variety of habitats throughout the state, but only three Thamnophis sauritus were found. Reproductive aspects were compared between the two species by holding gravid females in captivity …

Reproductive Health Of The Florida Flock Of Introduced Whooping Cranes, Marilyn G. Spalding, Martin J. Folk, Stephen A. Nesbitt

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We examined the reproductive parameters of the introduced non-migratory flock of whooping cranes in Florida. Of 289 cranes introduced, 67 males and 65 females survived at least 3 years. The first behavioral pairs appeared in 1995, and eggs were first laid in 1999. In total, eggs were laid in 47 nests, 17 chicks hatched, and 4 young fledged by 2005. Severe drought conditions through 2001 were thought to be the reason for low reproductive nest success. In 2003 nesting conditions improved and 71% of nests with eggs, hatched chicks. During the next 2 years, with continued wet conditions, the proportion …

Survival, Movements, Social Structure, And Reproductive Behavior During Development Of A Population Of Reintroduced, Migratory Whooping Cranes, Richard P. Urbanek, Lara E. A. Fondow

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

An effort to reintroduce a migratory population of whooping cranes (Grus americana) into eastern North America began in 2001. During 2001-2004, 53 juveniles were released. All chicks were hatched at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland, and transferred to Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Wisconsin. Chicks were costume/isolation-reared and, with few exceptions, trained to follow ultralight aircraft, which led them to Chassahowitzka NWR, Central Gulf Coast of Florida. All individuals successfully returned to Central Wisconsin during their first spring migration except for the following: 5 individuals that were unable to navigate around Lake Michigan after taking an easterly migration …

Growth, Mortality, And Reproduction Of Poor Cod (Trisopterus Minutus Linn., 1758) In The Central Aegean Sea, Gülnur Meti̇n, Akin Türker İlkyaz, Hasan Tuncay Kinacigi̇l

Turkish Journal of Zoology

A total of 1527 of poor cod (Trisopterus minutus Linn., 1758) were collected by trawl hauls between April 2001 and March 2002 from İzmir Bay (central Aegean Sea). The size of the fish (total length) ranged from 10.6 cm (minimum, September) and 24.8 cm (April). The population was composed of 53% males, 41% females, and 6% immature individuals, with a female to male ratio of 1:1.3. The age composition of the samples was from I to V. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L_{\infinity} = 28.1 cm, W_{\infinity} = 254.0 g, K = 0.26 y^{-1}, and t_{o} = -1.52 y. …

Physiological Effects Of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Immunocontraception On White-Tailed Deer, Paul D. Curtis, Milo E. Richmond, Lowell A. Miller, Fred W. Quimby

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Before immunocontraceptives can be considered safe to use on wildlife species, potential health risks should be assessed. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocontraceptive has successfully reduced fertility of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus); however, associated deer physiology has rarely been examined. We conducted gross necropsy examinations, histology, and blood chemistry comparisons on euthanized deer previously vaccinated with immunogenic GnRH (n = 18 females and n = 4 males), or left as untreated controls (n = 7 females and n = 6 males). Granulomas were found at injection sites of most deer, even 3 years post-treatment. There were no significant …

Associations Between Ghr And Igf-1 Gene Polymorphisms, And Reproductive Traits In Wenchang Chickens, Hui Fang Li, Wen Qi Zhu, Kuan Wei Chen, Xu Wu, Qing Ping Tang, Yu Shi Gao

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Alleles of physiological candidate genes for reproductive traits, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and growth hormone receptor (GHR) were assessed to determine their associations with total egg production (NE), average days of continual egg-laying (ADCE), and number of double yolk eggs (DYE) in Wenchang chickens (Chinese indigenous breed). PCR-RFLP was used for genotype identification. The frequency of restriction enzyme C1/C2 alleles in the population was 0.53 (C1) and 0.47 (C2) for IGF-1. For GHR-intron 2 it was 0.06 and 0.94 for (A1) and (A2), respectively, while for GHR-intron 5 it was 0.20 (B1) and 0.80 (B2). Four significant associations were found …