Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Defining And Exploring Animal Sentience, Andrew N. Rowan, Joyce M. D'Silva Mrs, Ian J.H. Duncan, Nicholas Palmer

Animal Sentience

One of the commentaries on the target article notes that "animal sentience" is difficult to define operationally. This response to the commentaries develops a working, usable definition of animal sentience and examines the relationships between animal emotions and sentience.

Whole Genome Sequencing For Identification Of Putative Causative Alleles For Hemochromatosis In Horses, Anna M. Rauber-Ramos

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

Hemochromatosis is liver disorder in which excess iron is stored in the liver, leading to iron overload and extensive liver damage that can prove fatal. Based on human precedence, a genetic cause for idiopathic hemochromatosis in horses is suspected. Two horses with hemochromatosis were whole genome sequenced, with variants in candidate genes prioritized in analyses of potential pathogenicity. No clear putative variants were found to be present in both horses, suggesting an etiology more complex than the initially suspected Mendelian inheritance. A heterozygous nonsense mutation in STEAP3 metalloreductase (STEAP3) was identified as a potential contributor to hemochromatosis in one of …

Influence Of Temperature-Humidity Index, Calf Sex, And Parity On Gestation Length In Holstein Cows, Lazoumi Ouarfli, Abdelmadjid Chehma

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present study aimed to analyse the gestation length (GL) variability in locally born purebred Holstein dams (n = 1047), in a private farm, under Saharan climate. The overall GL mean was 278.73 ± 6.67 days. A general linear model revealed that the GL was significantly affected by calf sex (p = 0.035) with a minor increase of 0.19% in males, dam parity (p = 0.016) and calving season (p < 0.0001) including the shortest lengths recorded in heifers and during heat stress period. Moreover, a negative regression (-1.96%) in recent years was recorded in GL by the influence (p = 0.01) of years of birth, breeding, and calving of cows. Our findings show that cows that were inseminated and gave birth during the cold season (temperature-humidity index, THI < 74) had 11.54 days longer (p = 0.048) gestation period compared to animals that were inseminated and gave birth during the hot season (THI > 84). Similarly, the association (p = 0.003) between dam parity and calf sex revealed that the GL of multiparous cows that gave birth to male calves was higher (3.07 days) …

Using Rose Pulp Silage Instead Of Sugar Beet Pulp Silage In Lambs Fed With Total Mixed Ration, Kadi̇r Emre Buğdayci, Mustafa Numan Oğuz, Hale Seçi̇lmi̇ş Canbay, Hidir Gümüş, Fatma Karakaş Oğuz

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of using rose pulp (Rosa damacena) silage instead of sugar beet pulp silage on fattening performance, carcass yield, and some ruminal fluid parameters in lambs fed with total mixed ration. For this purpose, a total of 16 (average 30 ± 5 kg) 6-month-old Pırlak lambs, 8 in each group, were randomly divided into two groups. Total mixed rations were formulated by using concentrate, wheat straw and rose pulp silage (RPS) (Group 1) or sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) (Group 2) in the experiment. Due to the low dry …

Genotyping Of The Κ - Casein Gene By Pcr - Rflp (Acui Digestion) And Its Relationship To Milk Yield Traits In Anatolian Buffaloes, Murrah Buffaloes, And Their Crosses, Orhan Karadağ, Vasfi̇ye Kader Esen, Mehmet Aki̇f Yüksel, Mustafa Küçükkebabçi, Semi̇h Sevi̇m, İlkay Çeti̇n, Bi̇nnur Kaptan, Mehmet İhsan Soysal

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of the κ - casein gene (kappa casein, CSN3) in buffaloes and determine its effects on milk yield traits. Data were obtained from 2016 to 2019 from all animals in the ongoing Anatolian Buffalo Breeding Project. Genomic DNA was collected from a total of 209 buffaloes of different ages and sexes, namely 31 Murrah, 46 Anatolian buffaloes, and 132 of their crosses (Murrah × Anatolian). Genotyping of CSN3 gene by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR - RFLP) technique with restriction enzyme (AcuI) revealed three …

Occurrence Of Staphylococcus Aureus In Milk And Antibacterial Properties Of Some Herbal Extracts On Milk And Hospital-Acquired Strains, Reza Ebrahimi Hariry, Gülçi̇n Akca, Ayhan Fi̇lazi̇

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Staphylococcus aureus is a remarkable infectious agent, and with the development of antibiotic resistance by S. aureus, finding new, effective, and safe alternative therapeutic options in animals and humans is crucially demanded. In this study, the occurrence of S. aureus was explored by collecting nonmastitis bovine milk samples first, and then the effects of herbal extracts on methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from cow's milk and humans in the hospitals were investigated. The occurrences of S. aureus in bovine raw milk samples were 13.4%. All raw milk S. aureus isolates were fully susceptible to cefoxitin, ceftiofur, penicillin G, …

New Insights On Epidemiology Of Infectious Bronchitis Virus In Iran By Comparing Two Genotyping Methods, Arash Ghalyanchilangeroudi, Hossein Hosseini, Zahra Ziafati Kafi, Naser Sadri, Ali Hojabr Rajeoni, Hamideh Najafi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Different genotypes of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in poultry are circulating worldwide. The most efficient classification system for IBV genotypes is based on the complete sequencing of S1 gene, and the target organ can be trachea, kidney, oviduct, lung, esophagus, proventriculus, intestine, liver, spleen, bursa, cecal tonsils, cloaca, and testis. In Iran, IBV genotyping is usually performed by partial sequencing of S1 gene, and the trachea is often selected for sampling. This study applies a different genotyping method, and compares the results with the routine method of genotyping. Samples were collected from the trachea and kidneys of 50 broiler flocks …

A Comparative Profile Of Certain Biochemical And Hematological Parameters In Angora And Akkeçi Goats During The Transition Period, Rabi̇a Aktaş, Erkan Pehli̇van

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study investigated the comparative changes in hematological and certain biochemical parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride calcium, phosphorus and total protein during the transition period in Angora and Akkeçi goats aged 2-4 years. For this purpose, blood samples were regularly taken from the vena jugularis of each goat at 3, 2, and 1 weeks before kidding (-3, -2 and -1), on the day of parturition (0) and 1, 2, and 3 weeks after kidding (+1, +2 and +3). According to the statistical analysis results, the differences between the averages of the groups in terms of MCHC, MCH, Lym, THR, …

Efficacy Of Acacia Nilotica Bark Extract As An Alternative To Antibiotics In Broilers Challenged With Escherishia Coli From 15 To 28 Days, Muhammad Umer Zahid, Anjum Khalique, Shafqat Nawaz Qaisrani, Muhammad Ashraf, Ali Ahmad Sheikh, Muhammad Umar Yaqoob

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present experiment was conducted to compare the effect of Acacia nilotica bark extract and antibiotic on different biological parameters in broilers challenged with E. coli. Five hundred 2-week-old broiler chicks were divided into five treatments (Cont, NC, PC, AN-BE3, and AN-BE5) with ten replicates per treatment (10 chicks per replicate), and the experiment was extended over 2 weeks. All chicks, except that of Cont were challenged with E. coli (10$^{7}$ CFU/bird). Cont: basal diet only; NC: challenged with E. coli; PC: NC + Zinc Bacitracin 50 mg/kg diet; AN-BE3: NC + A. nilotica bark extract supplementation 0.3%; …

Effects Of Use Of Conventional And Sexed Semen On Conception Rate, Calf Sex, Calf Birth Weight, And Stillbirth In Holstein Heifers, Tahi̇r Bayril

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Pregnancy rate is low in artificial insemination with sexed semen compared to conventional semen. This situation poses a major problem for dairy farms. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of semen type on conception rate, calf sex and birth weight, stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and postpartum maternal body weight (MBW) in Holstein heifers inseminated with sexed (n = 229), and conventional semen (n = 153). The female and male calf ratios of the heifers inseminated with sexed and conventional semen were found to be 88% to 54.8% and 12% to 45.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference …

Effect Of Acute And Repeated Noise Exposure On The Behaviour And Lipid Peroxidation In Brain Tissue Of Male And Female Mice, Gabriella Korsós, Kinga Fodor, Annamária Kiss, Anna Blázovics, Sándor György Fekete

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Despite the increasingly obvious sex differences, male animals are still predominantly used to study stress and related disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated noise stress in female and male mice. In the experiment, 12 male and 12 and female SPF/VAF 6-week-old Crl:CD1(lcr) mice were used. After 5 days of acclimatization all animals were placed in the open-field for three consecutive days where each mouse spent 10 min daily without any noise treatment in order to get used to the circumstances of the test. On day 9 to record baseline behaviour the animals were …

Effects Of Free Capric Acid, Lauric Acid, And Coconut Oil Supplementation On Performance, Carcass, And Some Blood Biochemical Parameters Of Broiler Chickens, Mehmet Demi̇rci̇, Şevket Evci̇, Mehmet Aki̇f Karsli, Ali̇ Şenol

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of the addition of free capric (decanoic, C10:0) and lauric (dodecanoic, C12:0) acids and coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil to the broiler diets on performance, carcass yield, internal organ weights and some blood parameters. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in the study, and four main groups were formed with four subgroups containing equal number of chicks. The control (C) group was fed with basal diet without any supplementation and the experimental groups were fed with 0.4% free capric acid (CA)-, lauric acid (LA)-, …

A Comparative Study Of Oocyte Between Native Cattle And Buffalo Species In Bangladesh: A Qualitative And Quantitative Approach, Zannatul Naim, Md Saiful Islam, Lam Yea Asad, Md Enayet Kabir

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In vitro embryo production (IVP) can help alleviating reproductive difficulties in cattle and buffalo. This study compared qualitative and quantitative features of native cattle and buffalo ovaries and oocytes to understand them comprehensively. In addition, it was conducted to pick the ideal ovaries for oocyte collection and to assess either maturation affects oocyte diameter or not. The ovaries were collected from the local slaughterhouses of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Next, the quantitative parameters of ovaries were measured, the follicular fluid was aspired, the oocytes were classified, and the diameters of oocytes were determined in both pre and postmaturation. Here, the results …

Serum Trace Element Levels In Dogs With Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis, Aycan Nuri̇ye Gazyağci, Bengü Bi̇lgi̇ç, Berna Baysal Bakay, Duygu Tarhan, Alev Meltem Ercan, Songül Erdoğan, Hasan Erdoğan, Mehmet Erman Or, Kerem Ural

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Canine visceral leishmaniasis has been denoted as neglected despite being a very well-known disease. Trace element alteration has been recognized in humans with visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, together with canine visceral leishmaniasis. The trace elements occupy a vital position in the immunological system, and host immune responses mitigate defense against leishmaniasis. We aimed to select trace elements in a total of 45 dogs of several breeds; those at the age of 11 months to 6 and from both sexes (26 male and 19 female) were enrolled in the study. The dogs included in the study were divided into leishmaniasis-infected and …

Rectal Temperature And Respiration Rate As Indicators Of Heat Stress In Broiler Chickens Subjected To Early-Age Thermal Conditioning And Vitamin C Supplementation, Zoran Ruzic, Zdenko Kanacki, Slobodan Stojanovic, Zorana Kovacevic, Slobodan Knezevic, Srdan Todorovic, Smiljana Paras

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

One of the major concerns in poultry production presents heat stress (HS) and it is followed by significant economic loss manifested by reduced growth, decreased immune response, increased mortality, etc. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the early-age thermal conditioning (ETC) and vitamin C (Vit.C) treatments, individually and in combination, produce their beneficial effects through increased heat release manifested as a change in respiration rate consequentially leading to a decrease in the chicken's body temperature and thus reduce the harmful effects of HS. A 400 broiler chicks mixed sex male and female were split into four groups. …

Using Different Levels Of Coated Calcium Sodium Butyrate In The Diet Of Quail On Growth Performance, Duodenal Histomorphology, And Some Biochemical Parameters, Mükremi̇n Ölmez, Tarkan Şahi̇n, Şükran Yedi̇el Aras, Özlem Karadağoğlu, Ebru Karadağ Sari, Hati̇ce Gi̇zem Büyükbaki̇, Ebrar Fi̇li̇zoğlu, İdi̇l Şerbetçi̇

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to determine growth performance, duodenal histomorphology, and some biochemical parameters in quails' diets containing coated calcium sodium butyrate (CSB). One hundred sixty 1-day-old Japanese quails were arranged into four trial groups consisting of 5 replicates with eight chicks per replicate. One group was formed as a control group without CSB, and the other experimental groups were formed by adding CSB at the level of 0.06% (CSB - 1), 0.08% (CSB - 2), and 0.1% (CSB - 3). All diets were prepared isonitrogenically and isocalorically, with 24% CP and 3000 kcal/kg ME content. The trial …

Modeling Of Individual Egg Weights Of Lohmann-Brown Layer Hens, Esra Yavuz, Samet Hasan Abaci, Kadi̇r Erensoy, Mustafa Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was carried out to determine the most suitable model for egg weights of the Cubic, Gompertz, Logistics, Gamma, Richard, Piecewise Quadratic, Orscov, and Sigmoaidal models, which are widely used in estimation. Lohmann-Brown Classic laying hens raised in Ondokuz Mayıs University Research and Application farm were used as animal material. In the modeling of egg weights of 351 layer hens raised in 3-storey cages, individual egg weight data measured at weekly intervals, 32 on the 1st floor, 17 on the 2nd floor, and 27 on the 3rd floor, were taken into account, and a total of 76 hens' individual …

Equine Fecal Microbiota Response To Short Term Antibiotic Administration, Jordan Lacey Parker

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Though generally regarded as safe, research continues to demonstrate negative side effects of antibiotic administration on the gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiota across species. In horses, antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) is a life-threatening side effect linked to the GIT microbiota. This study tested the hypothesis that short term antibiotic administration to healthy horses would negatively impact the fecal microbiota as measured by their ability to digest nutrients and produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Twenty-four horses were assigned to one of four treatments: control (CO); potassium penicillin/gentamicin sulfate (KPG); ceftiofur crystalline free acid (EX); trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SMZ); and treated for 4 days. Fecal …

Chemical Characterization And Biological Evaluation Of Epilobium Parviflorum Extracts In An In Vitro Model Of Human Malignant Melanoma, Sotiris Kyriakou, Venetia Tragkola, Ioannis Paraskevaidis, Mihalis Plioukas, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidi

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer characterised by high metastatic capacity and mortality rate. On the other hand, Epilobium parviflorum is known for its medicinal properties, including its anticancer potency. In this context, we aimed to (i) isolate various extracts of E. parviflorum, (ii) characterize their phytochemical content, and (iii) determine their cytotoxic potential in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. To these ends, we utilized various spectrophotometric and chromatographic (UPLC-MS/MS) approaches to document the higher content of the methanolic extract in polyphenols, soluble sugars, proteins, condensed tannins, and chlorophylls -a and -b as …

Does Swab Type Matter? Comparing Methods For Mannheimia Haemolytica Recovery And Upper Respiratory Microbiome Characterization In Feedlot Cattle, William B. Crosby, Lee Pinnell, John T. Richeson, Cory Wolfe, Jake Castle, John Dustin Loy, Sheryl P. Gow, Keun Seok Seo, Sarah F. Capik, Amelia R. Woolums, Paul S. Morley

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is caused by interactions among host, environment, and pathogens. One standard method for antemortem pathogen identification in cattle with BRD is deep-guarded nasopharyngeal swabbing, which is challenging, costly, and waste generating. The objective was to compare the ability to recover Mannheimia haemolytica and compare microbial community structure using 29.5 inch (74.9 cm) deep-guarded nasopharyngeal swabs, 16 inch (40.6 cm) unguarded proctology swabs, or 6 inch (15.2 cm) unguarded nasal swabs when characterized using culture, real time-qPCR, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Samples for aerobic culture, qPCR, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were collected from the …

First Gene-Edited Calf With Reduced Susceptibility To A Major Viral Pathogen, Aspen M. Workman, Michael P. Heaton, Brian L. Vander Ley, Dennis A. Webster, Luke Sherry, Jonathan R. Bostrom, Sabrina Larson, Theodore S. Kalbfleisch, Gregory P. Harhay, Erin E. Jobman, Daniel F. Carlson, Tad S. Sonstegard

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important viruses affecting the health and well-being of bovine species throughout the world. Here, we used CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair and somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce a live calf with a six amino acid substitution in the BVDV binding domain of bovine CD46. The result was a gene-edited calf with dramatically reduced susceptibility to infection as measured by reduced clinical signs and the lack of viral infection in white blood cells. The edited calf has no off-target edits and appears normal and healthy at 20 months of age without obvious …

Aerobic Exercise And Scaffolds With Hierarchical Porosity Synergistically Promote Functional Recovery Post Volumetric Muscle Loss, Christina Zhu, Karina Skylar, Yori Endo, Mohamadmahdi Samandari,, Mehran Karvar, Azadeh Mostafavi, Jacob Quint, Chiara Rioldi, Wojciech Swieszkowski, Joshua Mauney, Shailesh Agarwal, Ali Tamayol, Indranil Sinha

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a composite loss of skeletal muscle tissue (greater than 20%) that heals with minimal muscle regeneration, substantial fibrosis, and subsequent functional deficits. Standard treatment, involving free functional muscle transfer and physical therapy, cannot restore full muscle function following VML. Tissue engineered scaffolds, 3D structural templates that mimic native extracellular matrix, are promising to enhance functional muscle formation and recovery. Bioprinted 3D scaffolds are engineered using bioinks, created from scaffolding material, cells, and growth factors, to replicate skeletal muscle architecture with precise control over their spatial deposition. METHODS: The present study evaluates a 3D-printed foam-like scaffold …

Vaccines Against Group B Coxsackieviruses And Their Importance, Kiruthiga Mone, Ninaad Lasrado, Meghna Sur, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

The group B coxsackieviruses (CVBs) exist in six serotypes (CVB1 to CVB6). Disease associations have been reported for most serotypes, and multiple serotypes can cause similar diseases. For example, CVB1, CVB3, and CVB5 are generally implicated in the causation of myocarditis, whereas CVB1 and CVB4 could accelerate the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Yet, no vaccines against these viruses are currently available. In this review, we have analyzed the attributes of experimentally tested vaccines and discussed their merits and demerits or limitations, as well as their impact in preventing infections, most importantly myocarditis and T1D.

Host-Genetic-Based Outcome Of Co-Infection By Pcv2b And Prrsv In Pigs, Christian W. Eaton, Hiep Vu, Arabella L. Hodges, Seth P. Harris, Stephen D. Kachman, Daniel C. Ciobanu

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Replication of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), an important worldwide swine pathogen, has been demonstrated to be influenced by host genotype. Specifically, a missense DNA polymorphism (SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys) within the SYNGR2 gene was demonstrated to contribute to variation in PCV2b viral load and subsequent immune response following infection. PCV2 is known to induce immunosuppression leading to an increase in susceptibility to subsequent infections with other viral pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In order to assess the role of SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys in co-infections, pigs homozygous for the favorable SYNGR2 p.63Cys (N = 30) …

Are The Mandible Shapes Of Common (Paradoxurus Hermaphroditus) And Golden (Paradoxurus Zeylonensis) Palm Civets Different? A Pilot Study, İftar Gürbüz, Yasi̇n Demi̇raslan, Channa Rajapaksha, Devaka K. Weerakoon, Saminda Fernando

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study adult common and golden palm civet mandibles were analysed by geometric morphometric method. For this purpose, the materials were photographed in accordance with the procedure and analysed using computer programs. No allometric component was detected in the comparison of the mandibles. The first principal component defined 28.657% of the total shape variation in the mandibles of the two groups that were analysed with a total of 19 landmarks. The samples were largely separated from each other in the principal component analysis. The shape differences were mostly in the caudal of the mandible. Also, in the common palm …

A Single-Cell Atlas Of Bovine Skeletal Muscle Reveals Mechanisms Regulating Intramuscular Adipogenesis And Fibrogenesis, Leshan Wang, Peidong Gao, Chaoyag Li, Qianglin Liu, Zeyang Yao, Yuxia Li, Xujia Zhang, Jiangwen Sun, Constantine Simintiras, Matthew Welborn, Kenneth Mcmillin, Stephanie Oprescu, Shihuan Kuang, Xing Fu

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Background: Intramuscular fat (IMF) and intramuscular connective tissue (IMC) are often seen in human myopathies and are central to beef quality. The mechanisms regulating their accumulation remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the possibility of using beef cattle as a novel model for mechanistic studies of intramuscular adipogenesis and fibrogenesis.

Methods: Skeletal muscle single-cell RNAseq was performed on three cattle breeds, including Wagyu (high IMF), Brahman (abundant IMC but scarce IMF), and Wagyu/Brahman cross. Sophisticated bioinformatics analyses, including clustering analysis, gene set enrichment analyses, gene regulatory network construction, RNA velocity, pseudotime analysis, and cell-cell communication analysis, were performed to elucidate …

Use Of Amino Acid Isotope Analysis To Investigate Capital Versus Income Breeding Strategies In Migratory Avian Species, Nico Lübcker, John P. Whiteman, Oliver N. Shipley, Keith A. Hobson, Seth D. Newsome

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

1. Income and capital breeding represent opposing ends of a continuum of reproductive strategies. Quantifying nutrient allocation to reproduction is challenging, but recent advances in compound-specific stable isotope analysis hold promise for tracing the source of individual compounds allocated to reproduction.

2. Here, we describe a novel approach of using measured carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of individual amino acids (AAs) in pectoral muscle of egg-laying females and egg yolk as a useful tool to quantify the reliance on income versus capital breeding in migrating species. We used white-fronted (Anser albifrons frontalis), lesser snow (A. …

Could There Be A Relationship Between Feeding Characteristics And The Shape Of Condylus Occipitalis And Foramen Magnum In Mammals?, Yasi̇n Demi̇raslan, İsmai̇l Demi̇rci̇oğlu, İftar Gürbüz, Funda Aksünger Karaavci, Abdullah Ortadeveci, Özcan Özgel

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the study was to investigate the shape of the foramen magnum and condylus occipitalis of mammalian species belonging to different feeding groups. For this, two-dimensional geometric morphometric method analyses were applied. The data from the skulls of the 12 species were used. In principal component analysis, the first three principal components accounted for 70.353%of the total shape variation. According to the first principal component, the dorsal edge of the condylus occipitalis and foramen magnum contributed the most to shape variation. Most of the individuals were correctly separated according to the feeding groups. The most accurate grouping features …

Evaluation Of Roost Culling As A Management Strategy For Reducing Invasive Rose‑Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula Krameri) Populations, C. Janes Anderson, Leonard A. Brennan, William P. Bukoski, Steven C. Hess, Clayton D. Hilton, Aaron B. Shiels, Shane Siers, Bryan M. Kluever, Page E. Klug

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are one of the most widespread invasive avian species worldwide. This species was introduced to the island of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, USA, in the 1960s. The rapidly increasing population has caused substantial economic losses in the agricultural and tourism industries. We evaluated the efficacy of a roost culling program conducted by an independent contractor from March 2020 to March 2021. We estimated island-wide minimum abundance was 10,512 parakeets in January 2020 and 7,372 in April 2021. Over 30 nights of culling at four roost sites, approximately 6,030 parakeets were removed via air rifles with 4,415 …

Predicting Dispersal And Conflict Risk For Wolf Recolonization In Colorado, Mark A. Ditmer, George Wittemyer, Katherine A. Zeller, Stewart W. Breck, Robert J. Fletcher Jr., Kevin R. Crooks

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

1. The colonization of suitable yet unoccupied habitat due to natural dispersal or human introduction can benefit recovery of threatened species. Predicting habitat suitability and conflict potential of colonization areas can facilitate conservation planning.

2. Planning for reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus) to the United States state of Colorado is underway. Assessing which occupancy sites minimize the likelihood of human-wolf conflict during dispersal events and seasonal movements is critical to the success of this initiative.

3. We used a spatial absorbing Markov chain (SAMC) framework, which extends random walk theory and probabilistically accounts for both movement behavior …