Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Analysis For Prioritizing Risk Status And Sustainable Utilization Of Cattle, Sheep, And Goat Breeds In Türkiye, Mesut Yildirir, Seyrani̇ Koncagül, Yasemi̇n Öner, Ayşe Oya Akin

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) are a warranty for future unknown conditions and needs. Due to this fact, sustainable use and conservation of AnGR have special importance, and to achieve reliable programs for these goals, the risk status of AnGR should be estimated accurately. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk status for three widely used domesticated livestock species of cattle, sheep, and goat in animal production: 6 cattle, 33 sheep, and 15 goat breeds were included in the analysis. Extinction probability (z) was taken as a criterion for the risk status of each breed. Data collection based …

Effect Of Lipid-Enriched Diet Associated With Bovine Recombinant Somatotropin On Superovulation Response And Embryo Recovery In Heifers, Richelle Matos Oliveira, Anselmo Domingos Ferreira Santos, Francisco Palma Rennó, Camilla Mendonça Silva

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of soybean oil supplementation associated with the administration of bovine recombinant somatotropin (rBST) on the population of ovarian follicles, standardization of both the superovulation response and embryo recovery in heifers. We used 40 Holstein heifers submitted to a 2 × 2 factorial, forming the experimental groups: DC-SL (control diet plus saline solution application); OL-SL (diet with soybean oil plus saline application); DC-rBST (control diet plus application of 320 mg rBST) and OL-rBST (diet with soybean oil plus the application of 320 mg rBST). The animals received two applications of 500 mg of …

Phenotypic And Genotypic Characterization Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Commonly Isolated Salmonella Serovars From Chickens, Seyyi̇de Sariçam İnce, Mehmet Akan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella agents is the second most common zoonotic infection in humans. In recent years, Salmonella's increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a concern. The major transmission route of Salmonella is consumption of contaminated poultry products. Therefore, monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in chicken-originated Salmonella is critically important. This study investigated AMR in four commonly isolated Salmonella serovars from chickens, namely Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis), Salmonella Infantis (S. Infantis), Salmonella Kentucky (S. Kentucky), and Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). A total of 133 isolates were examined by phenotypic and genotypic AMR characterization. Resistance to 14 different antimicrobials and eight …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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)-, …

Arterial Vascularization Of The Spleen In Merino Sheep, Melek Tosun, Şükrü Hakan Atalgin

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, it is aimed to reach detailed information about the anatomy of arteries in the sheep spleen, which can be used as an example and model for the success of planned or emergency surgical interventions related to the spleen. In spleen injuries, the spleen may be divided into two or three parts, or it may be limited to cracks on the spleen. In particular, it is aimed to protect the organs that have been damaged by trauma recently. Operations such as splenectomy and splenography are surgical procedures that require good knowledge of the pathways of artery and its …

Effects Of Feeding In Different Quality Rangelands On Meat Quality And Fatty Acids Composition In Angora Goat Kids And Young Bucks, Betül Zehra Sariçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The effects of feeding in different quality rangelands on meat quality and fatty acids composition in Angora goat kids and bucks were determined. Twenty male Angora goat kids were selected from each farm that produces Angora goats in the area. There are three separate rangelands with previously determined quality classes (good, medium, and low-quality). In each farm, among these animals grazed completely on the rangeland, 7 heads from 4-month-old kids and 7 heads from 7-month-old bucks were selected and slaughtered. The Longissimus thoracis muscle was removed for meat quality measurement. The increased rangeland quality increased the protein content of kid's …

Examination Of Canine Herpesvirus-1 In Dogs By Serological, Molecular, And Pathological Methods, Serkan Yildirim, Fatma Gülten Bayraktar, Hakan Aydin, Yavuz Seli̇m Sağlam, Gi̇zem Eser, Muhammet Bahaeddi̇n Dörtbudak

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, it was aimed to examine Canine Herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) with different diagnostic methods and investigate the pathological changes in positive samples. For this purpose, 100 dog uteruses of different ages and breeds, were removed by ovariohysterectomy and their blood samples were used as the study material. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for serological diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for molecular diagnosis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining for immunopathological diagnosis were performed on the samples. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine the histopathological changes in the CHV- 1-positive …

Genetic Parameters Of Growth, Reproductive, And Productive Characteristics In Anatolian Buffaloes, Yusuf Kaplan, Mustafa Tekerli̇

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

It was aimed to investigate the genetic parameters in growth, fertility, and productivity of Anatolian buffaloes maintained at private farms of Yozgat. A total of 1139 buffalo cows and their calves were used in the study. The weights at birth, weaning, 6th and 12th months of age, and daily live weight gains (DLWG) of buffalo calves born from 2015 to 2019 were recorded. Calving interval (CI) and service period (SP), lactation milk yield (LMY), milk yield per day of lactation period (MYPDLP), milk yield per day of calving interval (MYPDCI), peak yield (PY), a day at peak yield (DPY) and …

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 …

The Effect Of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae As A Probiotic On The Nutrient Degradability Of Some Commonly Feedstuffs Used In Turkey, Muslimo Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan, Mehmet Aki̇f Karsli

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a probiotic on in situ ruminal DM, OM, CP and starch degradability values in some energy and protein sources commonly used in ruminant nutrition. In this study, the in situ degradation kinetics and fractions of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and starch of 6 different feedstuffs (barley, wheat, corn, sunflower seed meal, cottonseed meal and soybean meal) commonly used in animal nutrition were determined. Three ruminally cannulated Bafra sheep were used in the experiment. The experiment was designed as carryover experimental design with two periods. …

Investigation Of The In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Of Fermented Tomato Pruning Residues And Its Effects On Biochemical And Hematological Parameters Of Rats, Bariş Denk, Beyza Aydoğan, İsmai̇l Bayram, Abdurrahman Fati̇h Fi̇dan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In the tomato greenhouse production process, a by-product emerges in the form of greenhouse residues. One of these residues is leaf pruning residue, which poses an environmental pollution problem in terms of waste management. The purpose of this work was to investigate the use of fermented tomato leaves (FTL) as an animal feed additive and its potential to mitigate the environmental pollution problem caused by greenhouse pruning residues. The pruning residues were fermented and their in vitro antioxidant activity (AOA) levels were analyzed using 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate (DPPH), reducing power (RP), and total phenolic content (TPC) assays. Wistar albino …

Investigation Of Snps In Bmp15 And Gdf9 Genes In "Çepni" And "Of" Sheep In The Black Sea Region Of Turkey, Koray Kirikçi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Sheep fertility genes have been studied in Turkey for many years. But so far it cannot be said that a satisfactory result has been achieved in terms of the number of detected polymorphisms on fertility genes. Exhibiting the genetic structure of local gene resources adapted to a particular region is very important for sustainability, conservation and breeding studies, and many other issues such as profitability. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the BMP15 and GDF9 genes in two new Turkish sheep breeds, Çepni and Of. DNA sequencing was performed to …

The First Record Of Philophthalmus Lucipetus (Trematoda: Philophthalmidae) In The Great Egret (Ardea Alba) From Turkey, Mehmet Öztürk, Şi̇nasi̇ Umur

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The genus Philophthalmus, Looss 1899 (Echinostoma: Philophthalmidae) is a cosmopolitan group of parasites that infects the eyes of birds and mammals, including humans. A great egret (Ardea alba) was found dead in Kızılırmak Delta, Samsun, Turkey. The bird was transported to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun Turkey, for a necropsy. In the parasitological examination, a trematode was detected in the eye, and then it was identified as Philophthalmus lucipetus. This is the first report of the zoonotic parasite P. lucipetus in Turkey.

Contamination Of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia Coli, Salmonella Spp., Enterococcus Faecalis, And Enterococcus Faecium In Commercial Raw Meat-Based Diets For Cats And Dogs, Rusmin Indra

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study aimed to investigate the contamination of third-generation cephalosporin (3GC)-resistant Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus faecalis, and E. faecium in commercial raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for cats and dogs in Thailand. Fifty RMBD products from ten brands were included for total plate count and bacterial isolation. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted for the targeted bacteria. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production and the presence of blaCTX-M and mcr genes were detected. Additionally, E. coli phylogroups and Salmonella serovars were identified. The RMBD samples were contaminated by 3GC-resistant E. coli (80.0%), Salmonella spp. (70.0%), E. faecalis (100%), and E. faecium (84.0%). All …

Analytical Performance Of Progesterone Testing Using Surface Plasmon Field-Enhanced Fluorescence Spectroscopy Technology In Dogs, Pimuk Sungprasit

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

A new clinical chemistry analyzer using surface plasmon field-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS) has been introduced into veterinary diagnostic laboratories as a point-of-care unit, enabling rapid turnaround times for both diagnosis and follow-up. Consequently, the test results must be accurate, precise, and reliable. This research aims to evaluate the method performance of the analyzer. The evaluation was conducted according to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) guidelines using method validation. The performance evaluation included studies on imprecision (within-day and between-day), method comparison, recovery tests, and linearity for determining progesterone concentration. The method validation results showed good and acceptable precision. Serum spiking concentrations …

Volatile Organic Compound Profiles Identifiled In Vaginal Discharge Of Bitches During Estrous Cycle, Amornthep Preechatangkit

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the metabolites of microorganisms. VOCs are low molecular weight and easily evaporate at room temperature, all odorants are VOC. VOCs are different depending on health status and reproductive status. The objective of this study was to profile the VOCs in bitches during estrous cycle, and to compare VOCs between stages of estrous cycle and between pre-ovulatory, ovulation and post-ovulatory periods. A total of 23 normal, healthy bitches requested for ovulation timing as part of the routine breeding management were used in this study. All animals had a previous history of normal estrous cycle without any …

Molecular Investigation And Genetic Characterization Of Canine Astrovirus And Canine Kobuvirus With Associated Pathology In Domestic Dogs In Vietnam And Thailand, Tin Van Nguyen

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Canine astrovirus (CaAstV) and canine kobuvirus (CaKoV) are recently recognized pathogens associated with canine gastrointestinal disease (GID), though their exact role remains poorly understood. In both Vietnam and Thailand, these viruses were detected in dogs with and without diarrhea, particularly high frequency in puppies under 6 months old. Co-infection between CaAstV and CaKoV, as well as with other common canine enteric viruses (canine parvovirus, canine enteric coronavirus, canine distemper virus), were also confirmed. Complete coding sequences (CDS) of 7 CaAstV strains and 9 CaKoV strains from Vietnam, and 2 CaAstV strains and 4 CaKoV strains from Thailand were successfully identified. …

Reproductive Performance Of Gilts And Sows In Gestation Group Housing And Free Farrowing System In Tropical Climate, Natchanon Dumniem

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Animal welfare is a rising topic in the swine industry, resulting in the adoption of alternative housing systems. However, the knowledge of management practices to mitigate the deleterious effects of these systems on reproductive performance in tropical environments is limited. This thesis aims to determine the impacts of alternative housing systems on the reproductive performance of sows and gilts, comprising 4 parts. i) To compare reproductive performance among conventional crates (CC), group housing gestation pen with temporary farrowing crate (PC), and group housing gestation pen and free-farrowing pen (PP). On average, the farrowing rate of sows in the CC group …

Developmental Model Of Endometrial Cell Culture For The Study Of Equine Endometrosis, Sawita Santiviparat

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The importance and rationale of this thesis were to address the critical knowledge gap in equine endometrosis by developing a comprehensive 3-dimensional (3D) in vitro model of equine endometrial tissue using advanced technology like 3D bioprinting. Study 1 aimed to develop an in vitro model for studying equine endometrial function by isolating and characterizing equine endometrial epithelial cells (eECs) and endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) using a modified tissue explantation outgrowth technique. Both cell types were successfully cultured in specific medium conditions, maintaining their characteristic features. Notably, eECs retained their function in fetal bovine serum (FBS) and KnockOut™ serum replacement …

Innovation Of Alpha-Mangostin Encapsulated With Nanostructured-Lipid Carrier As Non-Surgical Castration In Cats And Survey Attitude Towards Surgical Sterilization In Thailand, Shanaporn Leelakajornkit

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Overpopulation of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, is a global concern, necessitating effective population control policies. This research investigates the attitudes of veterinarians and pet owners in Thailand regarding dog and cat surgical sterilization and the use of progestins as non-surgical contraception. The study also assesses the effects of intratesticular administration of alpha-mangostin encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (AM-NLC) in male cats, and adverse effects. Furthermore, a novel formulation of AM-NLC for intratesticular administration is also developed. Surveys reveal that decisions on sterilization are influenced by species, sex, COVID-19 impacts, and demographic factors. And anesthesia risks remain a primary …

Genetic Diversity Of Influenza A Viruses In Live Bird Markets And Free-Grazing Ducks In Thailand, Supanat Boonyapisitsopa

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) can infect birds and a wide variety of mammals. Live bird markets (LBMs) and free-grazing ducks (FGDs) are the important reservoirs of influenza A viruses in Thailand. This study aims to gain the overall information of IAVs circulated in LBMs in Bangkok and in FGD flocks in Thailand. IAVs surveillance in LBM in Bangkok was conducted to identified the IAVs in LBM during 2019-2020. The IAV-H9N2 (n=8) and IAV-H9Nx (n=2) were isolated from 1,178 swab samples. The IAVs of the previous CU-EIDAs’ LBM surveillance programs during 2014-2018 were included for overall genetic analysis. Total 6 subtypes …

A Comprehensive Study Of African Horse Sickness Outbreak In The Northeastern Region Of Thailand: Outbreak Investigation, Genetic Characterization, And Longitudinal Serological Monitoring, Napawan Bunpapong

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

African horse sickness (AHS) results from infection with the African horse sickness virus (AHSV). The AHSV is a non-contagious and belongs to genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae and primarily by Culicoides midges. AHS caused the devastating infection in equine population, including horses, ponies, European donkeys, and mules. AHS maintains its occurrence in southern African countries, it may possess threatening impact to the naïve regions such as Asia or Southeast Asia. The objectives of this study are 1) To investigate the emerging AHS outbreak in the Northeastern region of Thailand, 2) To characterize emerged AHSV in Thailand and 3) To monitor serological …

Integrating Robotics Into Wildlife Conservation: Testing Improvements To Predator Deterrents Through Movement, Stewart W. Breck, Jeffrey T. Schultz, David Prause, Cameron Krebs, Anthony J. Giordano, Byron Boots

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Background Agricultural and pastoral landscapes can provide important habitat for wildlife conservation, but sharing these landscapes with wildlife can create conflict that is costly and requires managing. Livestock predation is a good example of the challenges involving coexistence with wildlife across shared landscapes. Integrating new technology into agricultural practices could help minimize human-wildlife conflict. In this study, we used concepts from the fields of robotics (i.e., automated movement and adaptiveness) and agricultural practices (i.e., managing livestock risk to predation) to explore how integration of these concepts could aid the development of more effective predator deterrents.

Methods …

Assessment Of Habitat‐Specific Competition For Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits Between Raccoons And Opossums, James L. Helton, Jacob E. Hill, David A. Bernasconi, Wesley C. Dixon, Richard B. Chipman, Amy Gilbert, James C. Beasley, Guha Dharmarajan, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Throughout the eastern United States, the National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) distributes oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits to manage rabies virus circulation in raccoon (Procyon lotor) populations. The consumption of vaccine baits by non‐target species including Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) may reduce the effectiveness of ORV programs, but competition for baits remains poorly quantified in many areas of the southeastern United States. We distributed placebo ORV baits injected with a biomarker across 4 land cover types (bottomland hardwood, upland pine, riparian, isolated wetland) on the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, USA, 2017–2019. We then trapped …

Producers’ Perceptions Of Large Carnivores And Nonlethal Methods To Protect Livestock From Depredation: Findings From A Multistate Federal Initiative, Keith M. Carlisle, Hailey E. Ellis, Colorado State University, Alan D. Bright

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We examined livestock producers’ perceptions of wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions, as well as their experiences with using nonlethal methods to protect livestock from depredation. All producers in the study received nonlethal predator management assistance in 2020 from USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services (“WS”) pursuant to a federally funded initiative focused on the use of nonlethal methods to protect livestock. Such methods included assistance from range riders (i.e., individuals who monitor livestock and carnivores), fladry (i.e., flags hung from rope that serve as a repellent), and other audio/visual deterrents (e.g., Foxlights). The producers did not specifically seek nonlethal assistance from …

Genomic Analyses Of Gray Fox Lineages Suggest Ancient Divergence And Secondary Contact In The Southern Great Plains, Elizabeth M. Kierepka, Sophie Preckler-Quisquater, Dawn M. Reding, Antoinette Piaggio, Seth P.D. Riley, Benjamin N. Sacks

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) lineage diverged from all other extant canids at their most basal node and is restricted to the Americas. Previous mitochondrial analysis from coastal populations identified deeply divergent (up to 1 Mya) eastern and western lineages that predate most intraspecific splits in carnivores. We conducted genotyping by sequencing and mitochondrial analysis on gray foxes sampled across North America to determine geographic concordance between nuclear and mitochondrial contact zones and divergence times. We also estimated the admixture within the contact zone between eastern and western gray foxes based on nuclear DNA. Both datasets confirmed that …