Animal Sciences Commons^™

Avian Index Of Biotic Integrity: Evaluating Wetland Health In The Red River Basin, Texas/Louisiana, Elexis M. Anderson

Biology Theses

Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining environmental health by filtering pollutants, controlling floods, and providing habitat for diverse species. These ecosystems are essential for sustaining biodiversity and regulating hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. The Red River Basin (The Red River of the South), spanning Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, is home to various types of wetlands, which provide essential habitats to an array of wildlife. However, anthropogenic pressures such as agriculture and urbanization have led to the degradation and loss of these valuable ecosystems. To counter this loss, federal programs such as the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easement …

Understanding The Welfare Of Aquarium Fish, Paul Rose

Animal Sentience

Bony fishes (Osteichthyes) are prevalent in public and domestic aquaria, yet evidence-based welfare practices exist for only a limited number of species. Oldfield & Bonano’s (O&B’s) target article highlights critical questions about the wellbeing and sociality of Osteichthyes. Advancing research on their biology, physiology, psychology, and behavior is essential to develop and validate welfare measures, ensuring guidelines for welfare-focused housing and husbandry.

Diversity And Evenness Of Birds During Seasonal Paddy Farming Practice In Southwestern Sarawak, Ivana Berlinda Bilang, Mohamad Fizl Sidq Ramji, Siti Nurlydia Sazali, Andrew Alek Tuen, Wan Nurainie Wan Ismail

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The influence of seasonal paddy farming activities on the paddy field environment and its composition of birds could be visually observed but has yet to be systematically studied and is still relatively understudied in Malaysian Borneo. Earlier research relied solely on point counts and not using line transects or mist nets for data collection could have resulted in missing and biased findings. Thus, this study aims to evaluate and compare species diversity and evenness of birds in different paddy stages in southwestern Sarawak with previous studies conducted in the region. We reported a higher species richness than previous reports from …

An Important Species For Black Sea Biodiversity: Some Population Characteristics Ofinvasive Sea Vase (Ciona Intestinalis Linnaeus, 1767) Distributed On The Sinop Shores, Zeki̇ye Bi̇ri̇nci̇ Özdemir, Eylem Aydemi̇r Çi̇l, Süleyman Özdemi̇r, Hünkar Avni̇ Duyar

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the fundamental biological and certain population characteristics of Ciona intestinalis found along the Black Sea coasts of Turkey. The research was conducted between September 2022 and April 15, 2023, off the Sinop coast of the Black Sea, utilizing samples collected by commercial fishing vessels in the region. A total of 103 specimens of Ciona intestinalis were examined during the study. The average total length, width, and weight of Ciona intestinalis were determined to be 3.614 ± 0.089 cm, 1.967 ± 0.054 cm, and 2.004 ± 0.067 g, respectively. The length-weight relationship …

A New Pycnogonid Species From Türkiye: Anoplodactylus Gullukensis N. Sp. (Pycnogonida, Phoxichilidiidae), With An Identification Key To The Turkish Species Of The Genus, Cengi̇z Koçak

Turkish Journal of Zoology

A new species of pycnogonid collected from the shallow waters in Güllük Bay (Aegean Sea), Anoplodactylus gullukensis n. sp., is described and illustrated. Description of taxonomic characters of this species are given and differences from related species are indicated. An identification key for Anoplodactylus species known from Türkiye is provided.

On The Occurrence Of Two Lessepsian Fishes In The Southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Filefish Stephanolepis Diaspros And Goatfish Upeneus Pori, Carlo Pipitone, Fabio Badalamenti, Giovanni D'Anna, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Arturo Zenone

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The reticulated leatherjacket Stephanolepis diaspros and the Por’s goatfish Upeneus pori occur as lessepsian migrants in the eastern and central Mediterranean Sea. This article reports about the findings of one reticulated leatherjacket and two Por’s goatfishes in the Gulf of Castellammare, southern Tyrrhenian Sea, which suggest a possible westbound expansion of the Mediterranean distribution for the latter species. The specimens were three adults collected by professional fishermen on inshore sandy bottoms with a trammel net. The main meristic characters of both species, the identification issues in S. diaspros and the potential impact of U. pori on the native biota and …

Determination Of Spermatogenesis Activity Using Lectin Histochemistry In Water Monitorlizards (Varanus Salvator) Harvested From The Wild, Andhika Yudha Prawira, Ni Luh Putu Rischa Phadmacanty, Gono Semiadi, Hellen Kurniati, Wahyu Trilaksono, Nurhidayat Nurhidayat, Savitri Novelina

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Lectin is often used to investigate the differentiation and maturation of spermatogenic cells in the testes of several wild animals, facilitating the screening of mature individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to determine spermatogenesis activity using lectin histochemistry in water monitor lizards harvested from the wild. Testes of 43 comprehensively examined water monitor lizards (Varanus salvator) were collected from slaughterhouses in Palembang (Sumatra) and Banten (West Java), Indonesia, with Snout-Vent Length (SVL) ranging from 39 to 96 cm. Additionally, histologic, histomorphometric, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and lectin histochemistry (Con A, RCA, WGA, PNA, VVA, DBA, UAE-I) observations were performed. The results …

Length-Weight Relationships And Condition Factor Of 30 Species From The Upper Syr Darya Drainage, Uzbekistan, Obboskhon Azamov, Sharofiddin Khalimov, Sultonbek Gulomov, Dildorakhon Komilova, Yorkinoy Kayumova, Murodjon Rakhmonov, Shahnoza Abdulatipova, Ominakhon Gafurova, Kholidakhon Komilova, Mushtariy Asrolova, Dilafruz Urmonova, Bakhtiyor Sheraliev

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Length-weight relationships (LWR) were estimated for 30 fish species i.e. Abbottina rivularis, Alburnus chalcoides, A. oblongus, A. taeniatus, Carassius gibelio, Channa argus, Cottus spinulosus, Cyprinus carpio, Gambusia holbrooki, Glyptosternon oschanini, Gobio lepidolaemus, Hemiculter leucisculus, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Iskandaria kuschakewitschi, Luciobarbus conocephalus, Micropercops cinctus, Opsariichthys bidens, Pelecus cultratus, Petroleuciscus squaliusculus, Pseudorasbora parva, Rhinogobius cf. lindbergi, Rhodeus ocellatus, Sabanejewia aralensis, Salmo oxianus, Schizothorax eurystomus, Triplophysa daryoae, T. elegans, T. ferganaensis, T. labiata, and T. strauchii from the Upper Syr Darya drainage, Uzbekistan. The LWR parameters were determined using a linear logarithmic regression model of weight against length in which values for the slope …

Not Just Any Tree: The Influence Of Leaf Characteristics On The Nest Site Selection Ofasian Weaver Ants, Amira Aqilah Muhammad, Noorhidayah Mamat, Kien-Thai Yong, Nurul Ashikin Abdullah

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The connection between plant species and nest site preference for the Asian weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina remainspoorly understood despite their common occurrence in the urban areas of tropical regions. We predicted that plant species with specificleaf characteristics influence the nesting preference of Asian weaver ants, given that plant foliage is the main component of their neststructure. We studied the leaf characteristics of the tree species in which their nests were detected, including leaf shape, leaf apex shape,and leaf arrangement. Of the 206 total trees among the 20 tree species sampled, 185 trees from 18 tree species had at least one …

Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla Ocellaris) Neurocranium, Jasmyn Todaro, Emma Horton, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

A Decade Of Monitoring Reveals A Dynamic Fish Assemblage On A Substantial Artificial Reef In The Texas Gulf Of Mexico, David Hicks, Ethan T. Getz, Richard Kline, Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Fish communities on artificial reefs have rarely been monitored over long periods to evaluate success of reef deployment. Here, we used roving diver surveys to assess changes in fish assemblages on a large, reefed vessel during 2008–2017. Multivariate analyses revealed a dynamic community that stabilized after 5 years. Species richness increased and species dominance decreased during 2008–2017. The fish community shifted toward reef-associated species such as hogfish and pufferfish. Species composition shifted, but trophic structure was relatively stable, which suggested that functional groups may not reflect larger community shifts. Our results indicate that fish communities on artificial reefs are temporally …

Rabbit Control: Bait Products, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet is part of the bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia (WA). It provides information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA to control rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

For information on how to access bait, poison and toxin (bait) products, training required, animal welfare considerations and legal requirements, refer to the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests’ page on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au. Information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA for rabbits, is provided below.

Cane Toad, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet provides information about the identification, biology, impact, and management of the cane toad.

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), or giant toad, is native to central and South America. It has been introduced to many countries, including northern and eastern Australia. The cane toad is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) in Western Australia (WA). The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL), available on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared, and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in WA.

Drinking Water Requirements For Livestock Grazing Saltbush, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Livestock grazing - saltbush and other plants that have adapted to living in highly saline habitats (known as halophytes), require more water to excrete those salts in urine. If the water they drink is also saline, the total salt intake may limit feed intake, and the animal will be less productive, and its welfare might be compromised.

This page gives a technical explanation of how livestock requirements for water quality and quantity interact with saltbush intake. The information here is a guide only, and you should consult a veterinarian or livestock adviser for specific advice

Sheep Worm Control In Wa, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Effective, sustainable control of sheep worms involves a combination of planned stock and farm management, monitoring worm burdens using faecal worm egg counts (WEC), strategic timing of drenches and the genetic selection of worm resistant sheep.

Levels of drench resistance of sheep worms in WA are some of the highest in the world and without resistance management action at individual farm level, it will continue to worsen and spread.

Although effective drench options are generally available, many sheep owners are unaware that resistance has reduced the effectiveness of worm control programs, and this can affect profitable sheep production.

Early Weaning Of Lambs In A Poor Season, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The feed requirements of a ewe with a lamb at foot are higher than if the ewe and lambs are fed separately. In a difficult season with short feed supplies, it is better to early-wean lambs from their mothers to lower feed costs and ensure that the ewes regain condition before joining. This issue becomes even more important as the costs of feeds increase.

Ewe's milk provides the main source of nutrition for lambs until about eight weeks of age. Lambs will sample pasture from about two weeks after birth but by eight weeks of age pasture overtakes milk as …

Sheep Lice Spread And Detection, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The most common lice affecting sheep are body lice (Bovicola ovis).

Knowledge of the lice life cycle and relevant features of their biology assist in our understanding of how lice survive and spread.

Better understanding and ability to find and monitor lice populations will improve sheep farmer decision making around eradicating lice.

Knowledge of when an infestation may have occurred, or alternatively that lice was not eradicated at the last shearing, is important information that will assist future treatment decisions.

Managing The Beef Breeder Herd In Southern Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Kilograms of beef produced per hectare is a significant driver of profit for a beef business. Cow longevity (length of productive life) plays an important role in achieving a profitable business. A balanced approach to genetic selection and nutritional management are essential factors underpinning the efficiency of the breeding herd.

Opportunities Using Eid – Tahara Case Study, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Starting from 2025, Electronic Identification (EID) will become mandatory in Western Australia. This requirement might cause some farmers to focus solely on the increased costs, potentially overlooking the opportunities these systems can bring to their farms. Clayton South, who manages his property ‘Tahara’ near Wagin in the Great Southern region of WA, operates a farm with approximately 4,000 Dohne ewes. They started using EID in 2014.

Guide To Supplementary Feeding And Budgeting, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Supplementary feeding of sheep, with grain, hay or silage is necessary when pastures or stubbles are deficient in energy and protein.

A good supplementary feeding program will ensure sheep utilise as much dry paddock feed as possible as well as provide sufficient supplementary feed for maintenance or growth.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends supplementary or confined paddock feeding to maintain livestock productivity and avoid animal welfare and soil erosion problems.

Fallow And Red Deer: Requirements To Keep, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

This factsheet provides information on the requirements for keeping fallow and red deer species in Western Australia.

Fallow (Dama dama) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Act 2007 in Western Australia (WA).

The department assists in preventing the establishment of deer in the wild. This means a permit is required to keep fallow and red deer in WA. Animals that escape or become feral must be recaptured or destroyed.

Small populations of feral deer occur in WA from escaped captive stock and deliberate release. Deer damage native plants, crops and plantation …

Effects Of Different Protein And Lipid Levels In Practical Diets For Yellowtail Snapper, Ocyurus Chrysurus (Bloch, 1971), Stephanie F. Velasquez, Leonardo Ibarra-Castro, Alexis Weldon, Donald Allen Davis

Biology Faculty Publications

Yellowtail snapper Ocyurus chrysurus has great potential as a production fish in aquaculture, yet there is very limited information on its nutritional requirements. To establish baseline data, two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels in practical diets on growth and protein retention. The first trial, conducted over 14 weeks, used a series of diets with varying levels of protein (36%, 40%, and 44%) and lipids (6%, 10%, and 14%). The second trial, conducted for 10 weeks, used a series of diets with 36% protein and scaled lipid levels (7%, 10%, 13%, and 16%). …

From Block To Shred: Understanding The Factors Influencing Shreddability Of Mozzarella Cheese, Gunvantsinh Rathod, Suresh Saatariya, Ram Kumar, Praveen Upreti, Prafulla Salunke, J.K. Amamcharla

Dairy Science and Food Science Faculty Publications: 2022 to Present

Mozzarella cheese (MC) is widely used for pizza ap- plications, and it is generally shredded either in conver- sion plants or in pizzerias. The shreddability of MC is influenced by a variety of factors and it is critical to understand how different Mozzarella cheese types and storage conditions (temperature and age) affect this prop- erty. Three batches each of 3 types of MC (low-moisture Mozzarella (LMM), low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella (LMPS), and reduced fat Mozzarella (RFM)) representing 3 different fat levels were procured directly from a com- mercial manufacturer and stored at 2 different tempera- tures (1.67 and 4.44°C) and evaluated …

Saltland Pastures In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Saltland pastures are associations of salt and waterlogging-tolerant plants that produce fodder for grazing animals from saline and waterlogged soils. Saltland pastures can improve production from saltland sites, reduce salt movement from the site, and improve soil structure.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that saltland management is part of a whole-farm, and preferably whole-catchment, plan.

Protracted Maternal Malnutrition Induces Aberrant Changes In Maternal Uterine Artery Hemodynamics And The Metabolic Profiles Of The Dam And Neonate, Jennifer F. Thorson, Ligia D. Prezotto

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Malnutritional stress during gestation is a well-established driver of metabolic disfunction in offspring. Extended exposure to malnutrition requires metabolic plasticity as the animal shifts toward a catabolic state. In this paper we demonstrate the influence of malnutrition throughout gestation on uterine artery hemodynamics and the metabolism of the dam and neonate. We hypothesized that gestational malnutrition reduces blood flow of the maternal uterine artery and regulates the metabolic profile of the dam and offspring. Further, the combination of these factors consequently influences the concentration of metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid of the neonate at birth. To test our hypotheses, pregnant …

Improving Lambing Rates And Changing Turnoff Times To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Mandy Curnow, Sud Kharel, Claire Macleay

Animal production and livestock research reports

Running a flock of sheep and raising lambs generates both direct (enteric fermentation) and indirect (lime, fertiliser, fuel, production of feed) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There are ways to reduce emissions through sheep reproduction.

Lupin Root Diseases - Diagnosis And Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Root, hypocotyl and stem base diseases can be significant problems in lupin crops, reducing stand density, plant vigour and yield. Root disease is present in nearly all narrow leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) paddocks but in the majority of paddocks has only a small impact on crop development. However, in paddocks where high levels of root rot occurs, plant establishment, seedling vigour and crop yield can be significantly affected.

When a root disease is present in a crop very little can be done to manage it in that cropping season. It is therefore vital that the cause is correctly identified to …

Key Monitoring Times For The Ewe Flock, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

To ensure sheep are in the right condition at the right time, they should be frequently monitored and their nutrition adjusted throughout the year. Frequent monitoring is especially important at times of drought, or at the change of season when paddock condition can change rapidly.

Time Of Lambing, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Choosing the best time of lambing, and matching paddock feed availability to ewe and weaner needs is important for both productivity and profitability. The ewes' natural breeding season will also affect reproductive rates. The ewe flock is the key flock on the farm, so it is important to set up a system that matches their needs with the feedbase. A ewe’s condition will vary over the season depending on the feed available and her needs. A ewe’s energy needs will double in late pregnancy and triple in lactation. Having enough feed to meet her changing needs is important for production …

Cattle Performance Grazing Canola And Cereal Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted research to investigate and demonstrate the performance of cattle grazing canola and cereal compared to animals left on pasture and investigate the value of spelling the pasture during the time the cattle are grazing crops.

Cattle grazing cereal crops had a higher liveweight gain compared to the cattle that remained on the pasture. However to see a significant benefit from grazing dual purpose crops, the grazing period may need to be longer than 4 weeks particularly when grazing canola.

The highest growth rates for cattle grazing the cereal crops were achieved …