Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Efficacy Of Bacillus-Based Probiotic And Nspase Supplementation On Growth Performance And Gut Health Of Broilers Fed High Level Of Palm Kernel Meals Under High Stocking Density, Nurul Imawati

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Palm kernel meal (PKM) is a by-product of the oil palm industry with significant potential in poultry feed, although its high content of anti-nutritional factors limits its utilization. It is hypothesized that dietary supplementation with fiber-degrading enzymes and probiotics may enhance the use of PKM. This study investigated the effects of Bacillus-based probiotics (PRO) and non-starch polysaccharide enzymes (NSPase, mannanase, and xylanase) on broiler performance and gut health when fed a high level of PKM under high stocking density (HSD, Experiment 1) and normal stocking density (NSD, Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, 4,480 mixed-sex Ross308 broilers were allocated to eight …

The Development Of A Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Strip Test For Evaluation Of Specific Antibody Levels Against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus In Pig Milk, Patumporn Jermsutjarit

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe watery diarrhea in pigs of all ages, but it is particularly devastating in neonatal piglets, where it can result in 100% mortality. Therefore, lactogenic immunity is crucial for protecting against PEDV infection and reducing its virulence. One method for controlling PEDV outbreaks involves using feedback as a protocol, which entails inoculating pregnant sows with infected-PEDV intestines from piglets to enhance lactogenic immunity against PEDV. Interestingly, high serial passage of PEDV has been shown to reduce the virus's virulence. To understand the effects of serial passage, the PEDV was serially passaged both in vitro …

The Development Of A Differentiating Of Infected From Vaccinated Animals (Diva) Elisa To Detect Antibody Against Senecavirus A, Parin Watcharavongtip

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Senecavirus A (SVA) is the causative agent of porcine idiopathic vesicular disease (PIVD), a condition clinically indistinguishable from other vesicular diseases in pigs, such as foot and mouth disease (FMD). This similarity complicates differential diagnosis, impacting the global swine industry, including Thailand. Rapid and accurate diagnostic methods are essential for effective disease control. Therefore, developing a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for detecting SVA infection is crucial for distinguishing it from other vesicular diseases and controlling its spread. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of SVA emergence in diagnostic samples from 2010 to 2021 in Thailand, with …

Development Of An Endometrial Cell Culture System Of Thai Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) For Studying The Endometrial-Embryo Interactions, Ruchikon Jongsuwanwattana

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Developing and optimizing endometrial sampling techniques are critical for advancing reproductive management and research in cattle and swamp buffalo. This PhD thesis aims i) to design a novel endometrial sampling device for cows and swamp buffaloes, ii) to develop a minimally invasive endometrial cell sample collection technique in cows and buffaloes to prepare endometrial cell culture, iii) to validate the developed mixed endometrial cell culture system retrieved by brush cytology techniques in cows and swamp buffaloes and iv) to utilize the minimally invasive endometrial cell sampling technique for investigation of reproductive disease in ruminant herds. The research is consequently structured …

Proteomic Analysis Of Saliva, Serum And Tissue In Feline Mammary Tumors Using Maldi-Tof Mass Spectrometry And Lc-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry, Weejarin Paphussaro

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are commonly found in female cats. Early detection is necessary to prevent both local and distant metastasis and increase survival times. However, the current protein biomarkers of FMC are limited. Several biomarkers of cancers have been discovered by mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/ mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) which high sensitivity and accuracy for identified biomarker in various cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify protein expression in saliva, serum and tissue in FMC using MALDI-TOF MS and LC-MS/MS. Results of …

Molecular Characterization And Immunohistochemical Investigation Using Anti-Capsid Protein Antibody Of Canine Circovirus Associated With Respiratory Diseases In Thai Dogs, Wichan Dankaona

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is an emerging virus linked to various diseases in dogs, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. This thesis focuses on molecular characterization and histopathological investigation of CanineCV in dogs from Thailand, aiming to provide insights into the role of virus in canine respiratory diseases. The study involved genomic-based surveillance of CanineCV from nasal and oral swabs of infected dogs by employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, the in situ hybridization (ISH) technique was used to identify and localize the viral genome within infected tissues. The CanineCV recombinant capsid gene (rCap) and protein (rCap) were synthesized and characterized, …

Impacts Of Pcv3 And Pcv2 On Reproductive Performance In The Vietnamese Industrial Sow Herds, Tien Tran Nam

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Porcine circovirus (PCV) 2 is a globally prevalent virus causing negative impacts on the swine industry. Controlling PCV2 with vaccines is a mandatory requirement in the farming procedures depending on the prevalence of the virus and farm management system including vaccination program. It should be noted that PCV2d management in the studied farms appeared under control via the effective vaccination program. Since the first descriptions of PCV3 in the US, many publications on the viral pathogenesis and effects on susceptible animals have been conducted, but complete consensus has not been reached. Therefore, an alternative approach to studying the virus is …

Use Of Ultrasonography For Evaluation Of Response To Chemotherapy In Canine Multicentric Lymphoma, Somchin Sutthigran

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Canine multicentric lymphoma (CML) is a common hematopoietic neoplasm in dogs that initially responds well to treatment but often relapses due to chemotherapy resistance. Evaluating the treatment response is a critical factor in helping veterinary oncologists plan and adjust chemotherapeutic protocols. This study aims to investigate the use of basic diagnostic imaging techniques, such as ultrasound (US), advanced imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and hematologic and blood chemistry parameters, to enhance the evaluation of treatment response for this disease. This prospective observational study included 95 lymphomatous lymph nodes (LLNs) from 15 dogs with CML and 60 normal lymph nodes …

Vaccination Against Streptococcus Iniae And Bacillus Probiotic For Health Enhancement In Juvenile Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer), Pornpawit Tanpichai

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Juvenile Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) with an average body weight of 10 ± 0.7 g were used to investigate the efficacy of an inactivated Streptococcus iniae vaccine and the probiotic Bacillus subtilis. Fish were intraperitoneally vaccinated with 1012 CFU fish−1 of formalin-killed S. iniae (V) or sham vaccinated (S) with sterile normal saline solution (NSS). Both groups were fed with Bacillus probiotic (5 × 109 CFU kg-1 diet) for 6 weeks. The protective efficacy of the vaccine against S. iniae examined at 4, 10 and 20 weeks post-vaccination showed that vaccinated (V) and vaccinated and probiotic (VP) groups had no …

The Impact Of Cow Behaviors During Transition Period On Reproductive And Milk Productive Performance, Aqeel Raza

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study investigates the impact of behavioral patterns during the transition and early postpartum periods on reproductive and lactation outcomes in tropical dairy cows, using the AfiTag-II biosensor to monitor activity, rest time, rest per bout, and restlessness ratio. Data from 298 prepartum and 347 postpartum Holstein Friesian cows, categorized by lactation number (1, 2, and ≥3), was analyzed. K-means clustering on 227 lactation records identified distinct behavioral groups, facilitating the assessment of reproductive traits through Cox regression and lactation curves using the Wood model. First-lactation cows had shorter prepartum rest durations (568.8 ± 5.4 min/day) compared to higher-parity cows, …

Genetic Characteristics Of Salmonella Carrying Plasmid-Associated Antimicrobial Resistance And Virulence Genes Isolated From Pigs, Pork, And Humans In The Bordering Provinces Between Thailand And Some Land Neighboring Countries, Siraphatson Wetchasirigul

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat. The issue has disproportionately affected in low- and middle-income countries including Thailand and its neighboring counties where high rates of resistant Salmonella have been continuously reported in pigs, pork, and humans. Recognizing the significant role of R plasmids in AMR distribution, knowledge on virulence genes associated plasmids is still limited. The frequency and patterns of virulence factors are still not routinely tracked. This study aimed to characterize Salmonella enterica isolates carrying plasmid-associated virulence and AMR genes from pig, pork, and human isolates in border provinces of Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and …

Recent Beak Evolution In North American Starlings After Invasion, Julia M. Zichello, Shelagh T. Deliberto, Paul Shrewsbury, Agnieszka A. Pierwola, Scott J. Werner

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

European starlings are one of the most abundant and problematic avian invaders in the world. From their native range across Eurasia and North Africa, they have been introduced to every continent except Antarctica. In 160 years, starlings have expanded into different environments throughout the world, making them a powerful model for understanding rapid evolutionary change and adaptive plasticity. Here, we investigate their spatiotemporal morphological variation in North America and the native range. Our dataset includes 1,217 specimens; a combination of historical museum skins and modern birds. Beak length in the native range has remained unchanged during the past 206 years, …

Oral Rabies Vaccination Of Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) Across A Development Intensity Gradient In Burlington, Vermont, Usa, 2015–2017, Emily M. Beasley, Kathleen M. Nelson, Dennis Slate, Amy T. Gilbert, Frederick E. Pogmore, Richard B. Chipman, Amy J. Davis

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Management of the raccoon rabies virus variant in North America is conducted primarily using oral rabies vaccination (ORV). When a sufficient proportion of the population is vaccinated (60%), rabies transmission can be eliminated. To date, ORV programs have successfully controlled and eliminated raccoon rabies in rural areas, but there has been less success in urban areas. We studied the proportions of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) in a raccoon (Procyon lotor) population during a 3-year ORV trial in developed areas of Burlington, Vermont, United States. We used a modified N-mixture model to estimate raccoon abundance, RVNA seroprevalence, and …

Assessing The Efficiency Of Local Rabies Vaccination Strategies For Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) In An Urban Setting, Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, Nicole T. Gorman, Katherine M. Mcclure, Larissa Nituch, Tore Buchanan, Richard B. Chipman, Amy T. Gilbert, Kim M. Pepin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Raccoon rabies virus (RRV) has been managed using multiple vaccination strategies, including oral rabies vaccination and trap-vaccinate-release (TVR). Identifying a rabies vaccination strategy for an area is a nontrivial task. Vaccination strategies differ in the amount of effort and monetary costs required to achieve a particular level of vaccine seroprevalence (efficiency). Simulating host movement relative to different vaccination strategies in silico can provide a useful tool for exploring the efficiency of different vaccination strategies. We refined a previously developed individual-based model of raccoon movement to evaluate vaccination strategies for urban Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We combined different oral rabies vaccination baiting …

Limitations Of Invasive Snake Control Tools In The Context Of A New Invasion On An Island With Abundant Prey, Shane R. Siers, Melia G. Nafus, Jereid E. Calaor, Rachel M. Volsteadt, Matthew S. Grassi, Megan Volsteadt, Aaron F. Collins, Patrick D. Barnhart, Logan T. Huse, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Diane L. Vice

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

In October 2020, a new population of invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) was discovered on the 33-ha Cocos Island, 2.5 km off the south coast of Guam, United States. Cocos Island is a unique conservation resource, providing refuge for many lizards and birds, including endangered species, which were extirpated from mainland Guam by invasive predators including brown treesnakes. We sought to evaluate the usefulness of toxic baiting with acetaminophen-treated carrion baits and cage trapping, common tools for the control of brown treesnakes on mainland Guam, as potential eradication tools on Cocos Island. We evaluated multiple bait types and …

Site-Specific Space Use And Resource Selection By Black Vultures (Coragyps Atratus) In The Southeastern Usa, Betsy Evans, John S. Humphrey, Eric A. Tillman, Michael L. Avery, Bryan M. Kluever

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

North American populations of Black Vultures Coragyps atratus have increased and expanded their distribution in the southern and eastern USA. In conjunction with these patterns has been a rise in human–vulture conflicts. To improve our understanding of space use patterns and better inform management, we evaluated the movements of Black Vultures (n = 23) in the southeastern USA using a long-term GPS tracking database. Our specific objectives were to: (1) quantify home-range sizes in relation to season and geographical study location and (2) examine within-home-range resource selection to identify landscape and anthropogenic factors influencing roost and diurnal space use. …

Treatment With The Immunocontraceptive Vaccine, Gonacon, Induces Temporary Fertility Control In Free-Ranging Prairie Dog Populations In Colorado, Usa, Aaron B. Shiels, Jackson Runte, Emily W. Ruell, Douglas C. Eckery, Gary W. Witmer, Daniel J. Salkeld

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Context

Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) are rodents enjoyed by some humans; yet, they cause crop and property damage, and carry zoonotic disease. Non-lethal control of prairie dogs is of interest in urban/suburban settings. The injectable immunocontraceptive vaccine GonaCon (active ingredient is gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH]) has been shown to be effective at reducing fertility in equine and deer, and is a US EPA-registered vaccine for use in these ungulate species.

Aims

To conduct a replicated field study to test efficacy of GonaCon in black-tailed prairie dogs (C. ludovicianus), and if found to be efficacious, to help facilitate …

Comparison Of Ketamine-Xylazine, Butorphanol-Azaperone-Medetomidine, And Nalbuphine-Medetomidine-Azaperone For Raccoon (Procyon Lotor) Immobilization, Shylo R. Johnson, Christine K. Ellis, Chad Wickham, Molly R. Selleck, Amy T. Gilbert

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are frequently handled using chemical immobilization in North America for management and research. In a controlled environment, we compared three drug combinations: ketamine-xylazine (KX), butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM), and nalbuphinemedetomidine- azaperone (NalMed-A) for raccoon immobilization. In crossover comparisons, raccoons received a mean of the following: 8.66 mg/kg ketamine and 1.74 mg/kg xylazine (0.104 mL/kg KX); 0.464 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.155 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.185 mg/kg medetomidine (0.017 mL/kg BAM); and 0.800 mg/kg nalbuphine, 0.200 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.200 mg/kg medetomidine (0.020 mL/kg NalMed-A). Induction time was shortest with KX (mean6SE, 10.060.7 min) and longest with NalMed-A (13.061.3 min). …

Use Of Rhodamine B As A Biomarker In A Simulated Oral Vaccine Deployment Against Bovine Tuberculosis In White-Tailed Deer, David Dressel, Kurt Vercauteren, Michael Lavelle, Nathan P. Snow, Henry Campa Iii

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Introduction Free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northeastern lower Michigan, United States are a self-sustaining reservoir for bovine tuberculosis (bTB). Farm mitigation practices, baiting bans, and antlerless deer harvests have been ineffective in eliminating bTB in white-tailed deer and risks to cattle. The apparent prevalence has remained relatively constant in deer, prompting interest among wildlife researchers, managers, and veterinarians for an effective means of vaccinating deer against bTB. The commonly used human vaccine for bTB, Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG), is the primary candidate with oral delivery being the logical means for vaccinating deer.

Materials and methods We developed …

Identifying Priority Mitigation Areas For Human–Osprey Conflict, Natasha K. Murphy, Melanie R. Boudreau, Brian S. Dorr, Kate Slankard, Scott A. Rush

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Raptor nests on human‐built structures represent a significant source of conflict, as they can result in bird mortality, fires, or power outages due to falling nest materials or animals connecting with energized conductors. Power companies typically try to mitigate these conflicts to avoid service disruptions. Performing mitigation measures across all potentially problematic power infrastructure is generally not a practical solution given logistical, time, or budgetary constraints. Therefore, there is a need for quantitative, landscapescale tools to identify conflict risk and prioritize mitigation. We examined the influence of habitat and transmission infrastructure distribution on the potential risk of osprey (Pandion …

Estimating Landscape Spread Of A Low-Prevalence Disease Using Multiple Surveillance Methods, Abigail Feuka, Aakash Pandey, Melinda Cosgrove, Megan Moriarty, Anthony Duffiney, Henry Campa Iii, Kurt C. Vercuteren, Kimberly M. Pepin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

1. Diseases occurring at low prevalence in free-ranging wildlife can be difficult to study and predict at a landscape scale. This problem is compounded by imperfect pathogen detection.

2. We used data from multiple surveillance methods to determine factors influencing spread of a low-prevalence disease, bovine tuberculosis (bTB), among white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a bTB endemic area over a 10-year period. We fit dynamic occupancy models to predict spatial spread of bTB through a county in Michigan, USA, within the bTB endemic area, while accounting for imperfect detection and a suite of ecological processes potentially driving bTB …

Efficacy Of An Inflatable Deterrent For Reducing New World Vulture Human‑Wildlife Conflict, Bryan M. Kluever, Betsy A. Evans, Noah M. Osterhoudt, Eric A. Tillman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Increasing urbanization coupled with spatial expansion and numerical increase of New World vulture populations has engendered a rise in human-vulture conflict, creating a need for effective tools to mitigate vulture-related damage. Visual frightening devices that mimic the presence of human or other predators can be employed in human-vulture conflict scenarios to increase perceived risk by the pest species, thereby eliciting an antipredator behavioral response, such as fleeing. One visual frightening device, inflatable scarecrows, recently proved effective at reducing passerine attendance at feral swine feeders, but their effectiveness when directed at other species and conflict scenarios has varied. Our primary objective …

Using Prescribed Fire And Biosolids Applications As Grassland Management Tools: Do Wildlife Respond?, Brian E. Washburn, Michael J. Begier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Prescribed burning is a management tool commonly used in forested ecosystems in the southeastern United States, but the influence of this method on grassland vegetation and wildlife in this geographic region is unknown. During 2009–2015, we conducted a study to determine if the application of prescribed burning and/or long-term biosolid applications alter plant communities and/or wildlife use of grassland areas at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, North Carolina. We monitored vegetation growth, measured plant community composition, and documented wildlife activity in four study plots for 3 years after the implementation of annual winter prescribed burns. Prescribed burning reduced …

Effects Of Pregnancy Prevention On Brucella Abortus Shedding In American Bison (Bison Bison), Pauline Nol, Rebecca Frey, Morgan Wehtje, Jack C. Rhyan, Patrick Ryan Clarke, Matthew Mccollum, Christine Quance, Douglas C. Eckery, Suelee Robbe-Austerman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Products of parturition are the predominant source of Brucella abortus for transmission in bison (Bison bison). Our objective was to assess whether preventing pregnancy in Brucella-seropositive bison reduced B. abortus shedding. Brucella-seropositive and -seronegative bison from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA were used in a replicated experiment. Each of two replicates (rep1, rep2) included a group of seropositive females treated with a single dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-based immunocontraceptive (Treatment rep1, n = 15; Treatment rep2, n = 20) and an untreated group (Control rep1, n = 14; Control rep2, …

Effects Of The Immunocontraceptive Gonacon On Pregnancy In Brucella-Seropositive American Bison (Bison Bison), Rebecca K. Frey, Morgan E. Wehtje, Pauline Nol, Patrick R. Clarke, Jack C. Rhyan, Matthew P. Mccollum, Lowell A. Miller, Douglas C. Eckery

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine if the number of pregnancies in naturally infected Brucella abortus-positive bison (Bison bison) cows would be reduced over a period of 5 yr after one treatment with 3000 mg gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunocontraceptive (GonaCon) compared to a similar group of naturally infected B. abortus-positive bison cows not treated with GonaCon. In each of the 5 yr, GonaCon-treated cows produced fewer offspring in relation to number of cows than the nontreated cows. Fisher’s Exact test comparing offspring produced during the first reproductive season showed a significant difference between the …

Antipredator Blood-Squirting Defense In Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma): Chemical Isolation Of Plasma Component(S), Pogonomyrmex Ant Dietary Origin, And Evolution, Wade C. Sherbrooke, Bruce A. Kimball

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

North American horned lizards of the genus Phrynosoma are largely myrmecophagous and squirt systemic blood from circumocular sinuses during encounters with certain mammalian predators. The predators react with distinct revulsion. Using bioassay-guided fractionation of blood plasma, we endeavored to identify the source and characteristics of the active chemical compound(s) responsible for this negative oral response. Our results of coyote bioassays and a series of novel mouse bioassay experiments were largely concordant. The active compound(s) was likely plasma-borne with a molecular weight (mw) of between 800 and 1,600. To identify the source of the active compound(s), we noted bioassay responses …

Internal And External Factors Affect Pair Mate Proximity In Captive Coyotes, Canis Latrans, Alexandra Turano, Stacey P. Brummer, Jeffrey T. Schultz, Julie Young, Sara M. Freeman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Toxoplasma Gondii Survey In Waterfowl And Gulls From Eight Usa States, Sawsan Ammar, Tania J. Dawant, Janetta Kelly, Graham Hickling, Justin Brown, Kyle R. Van Why, Rebecca Poulson, Chunlei Su, Richard W. Gerhold Jr.

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Sera from 391 waterbirds from eight USA states were tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test. Fifteen different waterbird species (26.6%; n = 104) were seropositive. Of the adults, 25.4% (n = 52) showed a significantly higher T. gondii seroprevalence compared with juveniles (13.4%; n = 17); however, sex was not a significant factor.

Increased Bat Activity At Urban Water Sources: Implications For Cross-Species Transmission Of Bat Rabies To Mesocarnivores, Lias A. Hastings, Carol L. Chambers, David L. Bergman, Tad C. Theimer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We examined the potential for urban water sources, specifically golf course ponds, to act as centers for rabies transmission from bats to mesocarnivores in the arid southwestern United States where surface water is often limited. Because residential housing can act as den and roost sites for both mesocarnivores and bats, we also examined the effect of housing density around water sources on activity. Using ultrasonic acoustic recorders to assess bat activity and camera traps to estimate mesocarnivore activity, we compared 14 pairs of wet and dry locations over two years by surveying twice during the summer, once prior to summer …

Experimental Assessment Of Laser Scarecrows For Reducing Avian Damage To Sweet Corn, Sean T. Manz, Kathryn E. Sieving, Rebecca N. Brown, Page E. Klug, Bryan M. Kluever

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Background

Birds damage crops, costing millions of dollars annually, and growers utilize a variety of lethal and nonlethal deterrents in an attempt to reduce crop damage by birds. We experimentally tested laser scarecrows for their effectiveness at reducing sweet corn (Zea mays) damage. We presented 18 captive flocks of free-flying European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) with fresh sweet corn ears distributed on two plots where laser and control treatments were alternated each day and allowed each flock to forage over 5 days. In 16 trials, fresh sweet corn ears were mounted on wooden sticks distributed from 0 …