Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

The Alterations Of Fecal Microbiota In Dogs With Acute Diarrhea, Thailand, Jeerawat Soonthornsit, Natharin Ngamwongsatit, Panpanga Sangsuriya, Nlin Arya

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Acute diarrhea is a common clinical sign in dogs which the pathogenesis has associated with altered gut microbiome compositions and influenced by diet, environment, and medication. However, the impact of gut microbiome on dog health has still not been well elucidated in Thailand. This study aims to investigate the alterations of the fecal microbiome in dogs with diarrhea (<3 days) compared to healthy dogs. Fresh feces were collected once from each dog, and DNA extraction was performed following the QIAamp DNA stool mini kit protocol. The 16s rRNA gene, then, amplified and analyzed by the next-generation DNA sequencing technology. The results showed a significant reduction of the evenness and Shannon index in dogs with the diarrhea group. The most dominant phylum in healthy dogs, Firmicutes, was markedly declined. Additionally, significant decreases in bacterial abundances were observed in twelve genera. To the best of our knowledge, seven of them were first described in their alterations including Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Lachnospiraceae NKA4136 group, Erysipelatoclostridium, Tyzzerella 3, Alloprevotella and Slackia. Therefore, these findings disclose the new possible biomarkers for intestinal diseases and the effect of ordinary diets on the fecal microbiome in dog health, Thailand.

Comparison Of The Effects Of Different Thawing Methods On Post-Thaw Sperm Characteristics Of Buffalo Bull Semen, Eser Akal, Murat Selçuk, Burcu Esi̇n, Melih Akar, Cumali Kaya

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Application proper procedures for thawing of cryopreserved sperm are required for successful artificial insemination. The study was aimed to compare the effects of watery and dry thawing systems on motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, morphologic and kinematic characteristics of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Anatolian Buffalo bull spermatozoa, cryopreserved in volumes of 0.25 mL straws, were thawed by using 1) watery thawing system; a total of 10 straws were thawed in a water bath at 37 °C for 30 sec and 2) dry thawing system; a total of 10 straws were thawed in a dry thawing device at 37 °C for …

Evaluation Of The Hematological And Serum Protein Profiles Of Blood Parasite Coinfection In Naturally Infected Dogs, Sariya Asawakarn, Sirakarnt Dhitavat, Piyanan Taweethavonsawat

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are prevalent worldwide, including Thailand. Vectors can transmit more than one pathogen, and coinfections between blood parasites and/or filariae have been reported. Pathogenesis may affect the health status of infected dogs. Hematological, blood chemistry, and serum protein profile abnormalities can be used to screen for underlining causes of CVBDs. The aim of this study is to analyze the hematological and serum protein profiles as well as CRP in CVBD coinfection cases. In this study, 22 blood parasite coinfection cases are examined and classified into two groups: blood parasite coinfection (group 1: n = 16) and blood …

A Seroepidemiological Investigation On Major Viral And Bacterial Pathogens In Small-Scale Chicken Flocks In The Mekong Delta Region Of Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Nguyen Van Cuong, Nguyen Thi Nhung, Nguyen Thi Phuong Yen, Le Vy, Bach Tuan Kiet, Nguyen Van Hoang, Vo Be Hien, Ho Thi Viet Thu, Niwat Chansiripornchai, Guy E. Thwaites, Marc Choisy, Juan Carrique-Mas

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Small-scale commercial chicken farming represents an important source of income to rural households in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. A wide range of vaccines are currently administered to flocks, but is not based on empirical knowledge on pathogen circulation. We collected serum samples and vaccination data from a random sample of 267 small-scale native chicken flocks in Dong Thap to determine serological profiles by ELISA against 8 pathogens: Avian Influenza (AI), Chicken Anaemia virus (CAV), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) virus, Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle Disease virus (NDV), O. rhinotracheale (ORT), P. multocida (PM) and M. gallisepticum (MG). The …

Bacterial Counts And Prevalence Of Salmonella And Extended-Spectrum Β-Lactamase Producing Bacteria In Prawn And Shrimp Imported Into Japan, Yukio Morita, Su Myo Thwe, Satoshi Morita, Sumalee Boonmar

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The prevalence of Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria was assessed in samples of imported prawn and shrimp obtained from retail markets in Japan. The overall prevalence of NTS and ESBL producing bacteria was 4%, and 14%, respectively. We identified 4 NTS isolates, including S. enterica subspecies salamae, and 3 serovars of S. enterica subspecies enterica, including Weltevreden, Abony, and Stanley. ESBL producing bacteria were isolated from 14 of 100 samples, thirteen of which harbored Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and that harbored Chryseobacterium indologenes. Among the S. maltophilia-positive samples, six had been imported from India, five samples came from …

Estimation Of Percentage Of Morbidity And Mortality Due To Avian Influenza (H9) At Commercial Poultry Layer Farms Of Lahore, Afeefa Shafiq, Aisha Arshad, Zafar-Ul-Ahsan Qurashi, Zain Khalid, Noor Ul Huda, Muhammad Noman, Muhammad Ilyas, Hamad Bin Rashid, Asim Khalid Mehmood, Saima Hasan, Quratul Ain, Sobia Amir, Sheraz Shahid, Shakera Sadiq, Mamoona Chaudhry

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The current study was aimed at the estimation of the percentage of morbidity, mortality and potential risk factors associated with the avian influenza virus (AIV) H9 at commercial layer farms of District Lahore, Pakistan. Samples collected included blood samples and tracheal/oropharyngeal swabs from sick birds and tissue samples (trachea & lungs) of dead birds. Sera were tested by Hemagglutination Inhibition Test (HI) using the positive control antigen of H9. Tracheal/oropharyngeal swabs and tissue samples were processed by real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). Out of 50 layer farms, 16 farms were positive for antibody titer against the AIV H9. Out of a total …

Effects Of Senktide On Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin Peptide Mrna Expression And Luteinizing Hormone Secretion In Fasted Female Goats: A Pilot Study, Pongpak Intaravichai, Somchai Sajapitak, Sittipoj Krasaesub, Tatchapon Mongkonwattanaporn, Theera Rukkwamsuk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This pilot study aimed to examine KNDy peptide mRNA (Kiss1/Tac3/Pdyn) expression and to determine the effects of peripheral neurokinin 3 receptor agonist (senktide) administration on the ARC Kiss1 mRNA expression and LH secretion that was affected by fasting condition in intact female goats during the luteal phase of the estrus cycle. During the mid to late luteal phase of the estrus cycle, the goats were randomly divided into three groups; the fed group (n = 2), which was fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period, the fasted group (n = 2) and the fasted + senktide group (n = 2) …

Surgical Correction Of Bilateral Soft Palate Hypoplasia Using Soft Palate Hinged-Flap And Bilateral Buccal Mucosal Rotation Flaps In A Dog, Wongsuda Yala, Chaiyasit Suksawakhon, Wanchart Yippaditr, Julaluk Kruafu

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 3-month-old 13 kg intact female American pit bull dog was presented with a history of chronic sneezing, nasal discharge, oronasal reflux, and aspiration with food and water. Oral examination under general anesthesia revealed a shortened soft palate extended caudally from the hard palate. As a result, bilateral soft palate hypoplasia was diagnosed. The dog was operated upon by using soft palate hinged-flap combined with bilateral buccal mucosal rotation flaps techniques. Ten days after surgery, the dog was eating well and the nasal discharge was resolved. Oral examination showed that the new soft palate had healed well. A follow-up after …

Impact Of Fish Oil On Intestinal Permeability, Inflammation, And Performance In Swine, Anthony Fernando Alberto

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Our research examined the effects of fish oil supplementation on intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation and performance in piglets. An lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was done to stimulate the synthesis and release of the cytokines, in an effort to mimic the immune response that piglets would have when facing stress or pathogen challenge. Fish oil increased feed intake but did not affect growth when compared to control. Total fatty acid digestibility increased by 6% when fish oil was included in the diet. Also, we observed a 16% increase on 16-carbon fatty acids digestibility. Fish oil did not affect the plasma …

How Do Genetic Relatedness And Spatial Proximity Shape African Swine Fever Infections In Wild Boar?, Tomasz Podgórski, Kim M. Pepin, Anna Radko, Angelika Podbielska, Magdalena Łyjak, Grzegorz Woźniakowski, Tomasz Borowik

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The importance of social and spatial structuring of wildlife populations for disease spread, though widely recognized, is still poorly understood in many host-pathogen systems. In particular, system-specific kin relationships among hosts can create contact heterogeneities and differential disease transmission rates. Here, we investigate how distance-dependent infection risk is influenced by genetic relatedness in a novel host-pathogen system: wild boar (Sus scrofa) and African swine fever (ASF).We hypothesized that infection risk would correlate positively with proximity and relatedness to ASF-infected individuals but expected those relationships to weaken with the distance between individuals due to decay in contact rates and …

Guidance For Management Of Free-Roaming Community Cats: A Bioeconomic Analysis, Valeria A. Benka, John D. Boone, Philip S. Miller, Joyce R. Briggs, Aaron M. Anderson, Christopher Slootmaker, Margaret Slater, Julie K. Levy, Felicia B. Nutter, Stephen Zawistowski

Publications and Research

Objectives This study used computer simulation modeling to estimate and compare costs of different free-roaming cat (FRC) management options (lethal and non-lethal removal, trap–neuter–return, combinations of these options and no action) and their ability to reduce FRC population abundance in open demographic settings. The findings provide a resource for selecting management approaches that are well matched for specific communities, goals and timelines, and they represent use of best available science to address FRC issues.

Methods Multiple FRC management approaches were simulated at varying intensities using a stochastic individual- based model in the software package Vortex. Itemized costs were obtained from …

Chemical And Biological Characterization Of The Anticancer Potency Of Salvia Fruticosa In A Model Of Human Malignant Melanoma, Sotiris Kyriakou, Venetia Tragkola, Michael Plioukas, Ioannis Anestopoulos, Paschalina S. Chatzopoulou, Eirini Sarrou, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Maria V. Deligiorgi, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidi

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Thus, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches is of great importance. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is known for its anticancer properties and in this context, we aimed to investigate its potential anti-melanoma activity in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. Cytotoxicity was assessed through a colorimetric-based sulforhodamine-B (SRB) assay in primary malignant melanoma (A375), non-malignant melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte neighbouring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Among eight (8) different fractions of S. fruticosa extracts (SF1-SF8) tested, SF3 was found to possess …

Investigation Of Bovine Herpesvirus-1 Determinants Of Neuronal Infectivity In Novel Bovine Neuronal Cell Systems For Development Of A Safer Viral Vaccine Vector, Jared Rudd

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) is the causative agent of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and a component of the bovine respiratory disease complex. BoHV-1 is a significant burden on the cattle industry in the United States causing severe respiratory disease, abortions, loss of calves (“shipping fever”). BoHV-1 belongs to the alphaherpesvirus subfamily of Herpesviridae. Alphaherpesviruses enter axons of sensory nerves and establish life-long latency in trigeminal and dorsal root ganglionic neurons after primary infection of the oronasal or genital epithelium respectively. Modified live attenuated vaccines for BoHV-1 are commercially available but are limited in their protection while retaining the ability to establish latency …

Mt10-Cvb3 Vaccine Virus Protects Against Cvb4 Infection By Inducing Cross-Reactive, Antigen-Specific Immune Responses, Ninaad Lasrado, Rajkumar Arumugam, Mahima T. Rasquinha, Meghna Sur, David Steffen, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) containing six serotypes, B1–B6, affect various organs, and multiple serotypes can induce similar diseases such as myocarditis and pancreatitis. Yet, no vaccines are currently available to prevent these infections. Translationally, the derivation of vaccines that offer protection against multiple serotypes is highly desired. In that direction, we recently reported the generation of an attenuated strain of CVB3, termed Mt10, which completely protects against both myocarditis and pancreatitis induced by the homologous wild-type CVB3 strain. Here, we report that the Mt10 vaccine can induce cross-protection against multiple CVB serotypes as demonstrated with CVB4. We note that the …

Estrogens Regulate Placental Angiogenesis In Horses, Shingo Haneda, Pouya Dini, Alejandro Esteller-Vico, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Edward L. Squires, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Peter Daels, Yasuo Nambo, Barry A. Ball

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

A sufficient vascular network within the feto-maternal interface is necessary for placental function. Several pregnancy abnormalities have been associated with abnormal vascular formations in the placenta. We hypothesized that growth and expansion of the placental vascular network in the equine (Equus caballus) placenta is regulated by estrogens (estrogen family hormones), a hormone with a high circulating concentration during equine gestation. Administration of letrozole, a potent and specific inhibitor of aromatase, during the first trimester (D30 to D118), decreased circulatory estrone sulfate concentrations, increased circulatory testosterone and androstenedione concentrations, and tended to reduce the weight of the fetus ( …

Rooting Out Genetic Structure Of Invasive Wild Pigs In Texas, Anna M. Mangan, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Michael J. Bodenchuk, Courtney F. Pierce, Timothy J. Smyser

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), also called feral swine or wild hogs, are recognized as among the most destructive invasive species in the world. Throughout the United States, invasive wild pigs have expanded rapidly over the past 40 years with populations now established in 38 states. Of the estimated 6.9 million wild pigs distributed throughout the United States, Texas supports approximately 40% of the population and similarly bears disproportionate ecological and economic costs. Genetic analyses are an effective tool for understanding invasion pathways and tracking dispersal of invasive species such as wild pigs and have been used recently …

Wildlife Responses To Livestock Guard Dogs And Domestic Sheep On Open Range, Daniel Kinka, Jeffrey T. Schultz, Julie K. Young

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) are an attractant to carnivores; however, sheep are often accompanied by humans and livestock guardian dogs (LGDs; Canis familiaris), which defend sheep from depredation. Sheep also compete directly with wildlife for grazing resources. Although practiced for millennia in much of the world outside North America, the effect that transhumance has on wildlife is poorly understood. To test the effect of sheep bands (sheep, humans, and LGDs) on wildlife, we modeled the detection probability of wild mammals relative to the presence of sheep bands in the Northwestern United States. Sheep band presence was associated …

Mongooses (Urva Auropunctata) As Reservoir Hosts Of Leptospira Species In The United States Virgin Islands, 2019–2020, Hannah M. Cranford, A. Springer Browne, Karen Lecount, Tammy Anderson, Camila Hamond, Linda Schlater, Tod Stuber, Valicia J. Burke-France, Marissa Taylor, Cosme J. Harrison, Katia Y. Matias, Alexandra Medley, John Rossow, Nicholas Wiese, Leanne Jankelunas, Leah De Wilde, Michelle Mehalick, Gerard L. Blanchard, Keith R. Garcia, Alan S. Mckinley, Claudia D. Lombard, Nicole F. Angeli, David Horner, Thomas Kelley, David J. Worthington, Jennifer Valiulis, Bethany Bradford, Are Berentsen, Johanna S. Salzer, Renee Galloway, Ilana J. Schafer, Kristine Bisgard, Joseph Roth, Brett R. Ellis, Esther M. Ellis, Jarlath E. Nally

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

During 2019–2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated Leptospira spp. exposure and carriage in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata, syn: Herpestes auropunctatus), an invasive animal species. This study was conducted across the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), which are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We used the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real-time polymerase chain reaction (lipl32 rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate serum and kidney specimens and compared the …

Response Of Five Chenopodium Quinoa Varieties To Different Salinity Levels, Elevated Co₂ And Uvb, Saif Ali Matar Al Blooshi

Theses

Ecosystems have been affected by climate changes. Both agriculture and environmental changes are correlated with various features since climate change is the main cause of abiotic and biotic stress which affects crop plants. The climate changes and their severe impact on plant productivity showed great intensities due to the effects of abiotic stress. In the present investigation, five quinoa varieties viz KAUST- 05395/CHFN-68 (V1), KAUST-05398/PI-614889 (V2), KAUST-05397/PI-614885 (V3), KAUST-05403/ICBA-Q3 (V4), and KAUST-05399/PI-614888 (V5) were screened for their salinity stress response by measuring the morphological parameters such as total plant height, fresh and dry weight of shoot and roots. V4 and …

Decoding The Equine Genome: Lessons From Encode, Sichong Peng, Jessica L. Petersen, Rebecca R. Bellone, Theodore S. Kalbfleisch, N. B. Kingsley, Alexa M. Barber, Eleonora Cappelletti, Elena Giulotto, Carrie J. Finno

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The horse reference genome assemblies, EquCab2.0 and EquCab3.0, have enabled great advancements in the equine genomics field, from tools to novel discoveries. However, significant gaps of knowledge regarding genome function remain, hindering the study of complex traits in horses. In an effort to address these gaps and with inspiration from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project, the equine Functional Annotation of Animal Genome (FAANG) initiative was proposed to bridge the gap between genome and gene expression, providing further insights into functional regulation within the horse genome. Three years after launching the initiative, the equine FAANG group has generated data …

Evaluating Large Spontaneous Deletions In A Bovine Cell Line Selected For Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Resistance, Aspen M. Workman, Michael P. Heaton, Dennis A. Webster, Gregory P. Harhay, Theodore S. Kalbfleisch, Timothy P. L. Smith, Shollie M. Falkenberg, Daniel F. Carlson, Tad S. Sonstegard

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Bovine viral diarrhea virus’s (BVDV) entry into bovine cells involves attachment of virions to cellular receptors, internalization, and pH-dependent fusion with endosomal membranes. The primary host receptor for BVDV is CD46; however, the complete set of host factors required for virus entry is unknown. The Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line is susceptible to BVDV infection, while a derivative cell line (CRIB) is resistant at the level of virus entry. We performed complete genome sequencing of each to identify genomic variation underlying the resistant phenotype with the aim of identifying host factors essential for BVDV entry. Three large compound deletions …

Inheritance Of A Mutation Causing Neuropathy With Splayed Forelimbs In Jersey Cattle, A. Al-Khudhair, D. J. Null, J. B. Cole, C. W. Wolfe, David J. Steffen, P. M. Vanraden

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

A new undesirable genetic factor, neuropathy with splayed forelimbs (JNS), has been identified recently in the Jersey breed. Calves affected with JNS are unable to stand on splayed forelimbs that exhibit significant extensor rigidity and excessive lateral abduction at birth. Affected calves generally are alert at birth but exhibit neurologic symptoms, including spasticity of head and neck and convulsive behavior. Other symptoms reported include dislocated shoulders, congenital craniofacial anomalies, and degenerative myelopathy. Inheritance of an undesirable genetic factor was determined from a study of 16 affected calves reported by Jersey breeders across the United States. All of their pedigrees traced …

The Novel Orfv Protein Orfv113 Activates Lpa-P38 Signaling, Sushil Khatiwad, Gustavo Delho, Sabal Chaulagai, Daniel L. Rock

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Viruses have evolved mechanisms to subvert critical cellular signaling pathways that regulate a wide range of cellular functions, including cell differentiation, proliferation and chemotaxis, and innate immune responses. Here, we describe a novel ORFV protein, ORFV113, that interacts with the G protein-coupled receptor Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA₁). Consistent with its interaction with LPA₁, ORFV113 enhances p38 kinase phosphorylation in ORFV infected cells in vitro and in vivo, and in cells transiently expressing ORFV113 or treated with soluble ORFV113. Infection of cells with virus lacking ORFV113 (OVIA82Δ113) significantly decreased p38 phosphorylation and viral plaque size. …

An Opportunistic Survey Reveals An Unexpected Coronavirus Diversity Hotspot In North America, Hon S. Ip, Kathryn M. Griffin, Jeffrey D. Messer, Megan E. Winzeler, Susan A. Shriner, Mary Lea Killian, Mia Kim Torchetti, Thomas J. Deliberto, Brian R. Amman, Caitlin M. Cossaboom, R. Reid Harvey, Natalie M. Wendling, Hannah Rettler, Dean Taylor, Jonathan S. Towner, Casey Barton Behravesh, David S. Blehert

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

In summer 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detected on mink farms in Utah. An interagency One Health response was initiated to assess the extent of the outbreak and included sampling animals from on or near affected mink farms and testing them for SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS coronaviruses. Among the 365 animals sampled, including domestic cats, mink, rodents, raccoons, and skunks, 261 (72%) of the animals harbored at least one coronavirus. Among the samples that could be further characterized, 127 alphacoronaviruses and 88 betacoronaviruses (including 74 detections of SARS-CoV-2 in mink) were identified. Moreover, at least 10% (n …

Analysis Of Life Cycle Environmental Impacts Of Using Enogen Corn In Beef Cattle Rations, Marty Matlock, Martin Andrew Christie, Greg Thoma

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Agricultural production systems have been identified as significant sources of anthropogenic impacts across several environmental key performance indicators (KPIs). Livestock husbandry is growing in global importance as the demand for high-quality protein continues to increase. It is therefore imperative to have sustainable intensification technologies, and we describe one such technology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of Enogen® corn grain compared to conventional feed corn when used as an ingredient in backgrounding and feed yard beef rations using life cycle assessment. The project was conducted in compliance with ISO standards, including a third-party panel review. A …

Variations, Validations, Degradations, And Noninvasive Determination Of Pregnancy Using Fecal Steroid Metabolites In Free-Ranging Pronghorn, Cole A. Bleke, Eric M. Gese, Susannah S. French

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Pregnancy status is a key parameter used to assess reproductive performance of a species as it represents a starting point for measuring vital rates. Vital rates allow managers to determine trends in populations such as neonate survival and recruitment; two important factors in ungulate population growth rates. Techniques to determine pregnancy have generally involved capture and restraint of the animal to obtain blood samples for determining serum hormone levels. Non-invasive pregnancy assessment, via feces, eliminates any hazards between handler and animal, as well as removes handling-induced physiological biases. Using noninvasive fecal sampling, we conducted hormone validations, investigated pregnancy rates, and …

Cytoarchitectural Characteristics Associated With Cognitive Flexibility In Raccoons, Joanna Jacob, Molly Kent, Sarah Benson-Amram, Suzana Herculano-Houzel, Mary Ann Raghanti, Emily Ploppert, Jack Drake, Bilal Hindi, Nick R. Natale, Sarah Daniels, Rachel Fanelli, Anderson Miller, Tim Landis, Amy Gilbert, Shylo Johnson, Annie Lai, Molly Hyer, Amanda Rzucidlo, Chris Anchor, Stan Gehrt, Kelly Lambert

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

With rates of psychiatric illnesses such as depression continuing to rise, additional preclinical models are needed to facilitate translational neuroscience research. In the current study, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) was investigated due to its similarities with primate brains, including comparable proportional neuronal densities, cortical magnification of the forepaw area, and cortical gyrification. Specifically, we report on the cytoarchitectural characteristics of raccoons profiled as high, intermediate, or low solvers in a multiaccess problem-solving task. Isotropic fractionation indicated that high-solvers had significantly more cells in the hippocampus (HC) than the other solving groups; further, a nonsignificant trend suggested that this …

Satellite-Detected Ammonia Changes In The United States: Natural Or Anthropogenic Impacts, Yaqian He, Rongting Xu, Stephen A. Prior, Di Yang, Anni Yang, Jian Chen

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Ammonia (NH3) is the most abundant alkaline component and can react with atmospheric acidic species to form aerosols that can lead to numerous environmental and health issues. Increasing atmospheric NH3 over agricultural regions in the US has been documented. However, spatiotemporal changes of NH3 concentrations over the entire US are still not thoroughly understood, and the factors that drive these changes remain unknown. Herein, we applied the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) monthly NH3 dataset to explore spatiotemporal changes in atmospheric NH3 and the empirical relationships with synthetic N fertilizer application, livestock manure production, and climate factors across the entire US …

Adaptation Of An Artificial Bait To An Automated Aerial Delivery System For Landscape-Scale Brown Treesnake Suppression, Rafael A. Garcia, Thomas W. Mcauliffe, Lorelie P. Bumanlag, Shane R. Siers, Bruce A. Kimball

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Dead neonatal mice are currently used as bait for delivery of toxin to invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam; once deployed in the field the mice are highly attractive to the snakes but only for about four days. An artificial bait containing a mixture of fats mimicking those in skin of the mice is also highly attractive to the snakes and remains attractive 2–3 times longer. The artificial bait, however, costs more than the mice, and is more difficult to attach to the capsules of a novel aerial bait delivery system. This paper describes a reformulation of the bait …

Movement, Space-Use And Resource Preferences Of European Golden Jackals In Human-Dominated Landscapes: Insights From A Telemetry Study, Skye Fenton, Paul R. Moorcroft, Duško Ćirović, József Lanszki, Miklós Heltai, Francesca Cagnacci, Stewart Breck, Neda Bogdanović, Ilija Pantelić, Kornél Ács, Nathan Ranc

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

During the last half-century, the distribution of golden jackals (Canis aureus) has rapidly increased throughout Europe. Today, golden jackals are thriving in human-dominated landscapes across Southeastern and Central Europe. Most studies on golden jackals have focused on large-scale distribution patterns; to date, little is known about the species’ fine-scale spatial ecology. In this study, we analyzed the movement behavior, space-use and resource selection of six golden jackals fitted with GPS-GSM collars in two study areas in Hungary and Serbia. Two of the jackals were a breeding pair. We found that home range size averaged 11.2 km² (90% …