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The Nebraska Bird Review (September 2024) 92(3), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Summer Field Report, June–July 2024, by W. Ross Silcock

Correcting the Record: Subspecific Identification of Nebraska’s Lone Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), by Sam Manning, Joel G. Jorgensen, Stephen J. Brenner, and W. Ross Silcock

2023 (35th) Report of the NOU Records Committee, by Mark A. Brogie

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Effect Of Heat Stress And Feed Type On Trimethylamine Concentration And Fishy Odor Of Duck Eggs, Pachara Pearodwong, Winai Kaewlamun, Sarawanee Khunmanee, Thuwanon Boonkerd, Thananon Junsuri, Kajohn Nitiwararak, Pantira Hempattarasuwan, Pattrarat Chanchaithong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

We investigated the effect of heat stress and feed type on the trimethylamine (TMA) concentration and the fishy odor of duck eggs (Study 1) and the relationship between the TMA level in serum and egg content (Study 2). In Study 1, pooled egg samples (n = 75) were divided by feed type (CP12, n = 24; CP18, n = 27; CP20, n = 24) and heat stress (no, n = 49; moderate, n = 15; severe, n = 11). The collected samples were obtained for TMA analysis and sensory testing. In Study 2, a total of 15 egg and 15 …

Molecular Characterization And Antibiogram Of Riemerella Anatipestifer In Ducklings In Upper Egypt, Mohamed Sabry Ahmed, Amal Abd El-Ghani Batahi, Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed, Nabila Osman

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Riemerella anatipestifer infection represents a great threat to the duck industry worldwide and it is considered the major cause of death in the backyard rearing system of ducks in Egypt. The disease is characterized by diarrhea, respiratory signs and loss of weight. The present study was conducted during the period between July 2019 and January 2021 to examine the prevalence rate, the antibiogram patterns of the different antibiotics and the pathogenicity of R. anatipestifer in Qena province. One-hundred samples were collected from diseased and freshly dead backyard ducklings. A tentative characterization of R. anatipestifer was done depending on the phenotypic …

Productivity Of Young Broilers Fed Phyllanthus Niruri Linn And Melaleuca Cajuput Leaf Meal As A Phytogenic Feed Additive, Listya Purnamasari

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Feed additives from medicinal plants can be used as alternative antibiotics to optimize productivity, growth, and health of livestock. Medicinal plants Phyllanthus niruri Linn (Meniran) and Melaleuca cajuput (Kajuput) as alternative growth promoters contain antioxidants and antimicrobials to improve the quality of animal products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of medicinal plant leaf meals as phytogenic feed additives on broilers’ productivity and internal organ parameters. For 21 days fed, 80 1-day-old Loughmann broilers (MB202) unsex were distributed in 4 treatments with 4 pens per treatment and 5 birds per pen. The dietary treatments were: T1 …

Image Processing And Machine Learning Approach For Yolk Color Evaluation, Supreeya Thepparak, Chusak Pulmar, Chanwit Kaewtapee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model for yolk color measurement using machine learning. A total of eight hundred eggs were randomly collected from thirty laying hens (Lohmann brown, 28–35 weeks). The experimental diets were formulated based on broken rice or corn, and further supplemented with canthaxanthin from 10 to 150 mg/kg. The Digital YolkFan™ was used to classify yolk color scales from 0 to 15, whereas the Hunter Lab was used to measure color values. Furthermore, yolk images were obtained from a digital camera and then extracted into red color, green color and blue (RGB) …

An Indirect Elisa Using A Recombinant Envelope Protein For Detecting Antibody Against Duck Tembusu Virus Infection, Thaweesak Songserm

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) belonging to Flavivirus group, causes severe central nervous system disorders and decreased egg production as found in Thailand. To detect antibody against the DTMUV infection, we developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the recombinant envelop (E) protein for coating antigen. The E protein coding gene of KPS54A61DTMUV was cloned into pPICzαA vector and expressed by using 2% (v/v) of absolute methanol as inducer in Pichia pastoris expression. The recombinant E protein was detected in the culture medium at a concentration of 4.55 mg/ml and analyzed a protein expected size by SDS-PAGE at 65 …

The Influence Of Commercial Salmonella Vaccination Programs On Local- And Systemic-Immune Responses And Ceca Microbiome In Egg-Type Chickens, Chrysta Noelle Beck

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella vaccination is a widely accepted practice in the United States poultry industry. These vaccines stimulate a strong humoral response to Salmonella serovars and significantly reduce Salmonella load in the bird. In general, a Salmonella vaccination program for an egg-type pullet flock consists of two administrations of a live attenuated Salmonella vaccine at 1- and 6-wk-of-age followed by one administration of a Salmonella bacterin at 12-wk-of-age. Although these vaccines are regarded as effective against paratyphoid Salmonella infections, there are incidences of breakthrough Salmonella infections and severe injection site reactions after bacterin administration. Therefore, the main objective of this dissertation was …

Modeling Enterococcus Cecorum Horizontal Transmission To Investigate The Impact Of Perinatal Exposure On Extraintestinal Colonization, Disease Presentation, And Performance In Young Broiler Chickens, James Y. Higuita Valle

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Enterococcus cecorum (EC) has primarily been associated with osteomyelitis and lameness in older chickens. The recent emergence of pathogenic EC causing morbidity and mortality in young broiler chicken flocks requires further investigation. The purpose of this thesis was to develop a model to simulate horizontal transmission of virulent EC during the hatching phase in small scale hatchet cabinets. The model will be used to investigate novel pre- and post-hatch strategies to mitigate EC infections in young broiler chickens. The current thesis contains four chapters. Chapter I includes the thesis introduction. A literature review focusing on EC-associated disease in chickens, with …

Effects Of Interrupting The Scotophase Period On Bone Health And Performance Of Laying Hens, Alexis J. Clark

All Theses

This thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of interrupting the daily scotophase period on bone health and production in laying hens. Modern commercial laying hens are prone to high rates of bone demineralization due to the constant mobilization of calcium to withstand daily eggshell calcification mechanisms. The industry light standard for laying hens is 16 hours of continuous light (photophase) and 8 hours of continuous darkness (scotophase) daily. During scotophase, physical activity is reduced due to instinctive perching behaviors, and thus, feeding behaviors are halted. However, physiological processes, including digestion, excretion, and reproduction, remain active during scotophase.

Most eggshell formation …

Local And Systemic Inflammatory And Antibody Responses To Salmonella-Killed Vaccines In Egg-Type Pullets, Jossie Mair Santamaria Archbold

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella infection in chickens is a significant and complex challenge to manage, affecting poultry health and food safety. Vaccination against Salmonella is a promising preventative approach to control flock infection and decrease the loads of this pathogen. Vaccination strategies against Salmonella often comprise the application of live attenuated and killed (inactivated) vaccines, including inactivated autogenous vaccines. Live attenuated Salmonella vaccines stimulate both cellular and humoral immunity but can potentially return to a virulent state; meanwhile, inactivated Salmonella vaccines trigger more of a humoral response and are safer since they are entirely rendered inactive. However, there is a lack of information …

Assessment Of American Tannin-Free Grain Sorghum As Feedstuff For Poultry: Nutrient Composition, Amino Acid Digestibility And Bird Performance, Santiago Sasia

All Dissertations

Given the rising cost of poultry diets, alternative ingredients like sorghum are crucial for maximizing returns without compromising product quality. Sorghum's drought tolerance and adaptability, along with its nutritional profile, make it a viable corn substitute. This dissertation examines the nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and performance of poultry fed with American tannin-free grain sorghum. Chapter II evaluates the impact of sorghum-based diets, with or without phytase superdosing, on broiler performance, including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Results indicate that sorghum can replace corn without adverse effects on broiler performance. Chapter III explores the partial …

Study On Performance Behavior Of Fayoumi And Rhode Island Red Poultry Breeds, Rameez Raja Kaleri Rrk, Hubdar Ali Kaleri, Ghulam Mustafa Solangi, Zainab Lanjar, Raza Ali Mangi, Imran Ahmed, Sajid Mahmood Sajid, Deepesh Kumar Bhuptani, Zoya Parveen Soormro, Habibullah Janyaro, Abdul Wahid Solangi, Zahid A., Dilbar Hussain Jamali

Journal of Bioresource Management

The present study was conducted to compare the performance and behavior of Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red poultry breeds. A total of forty-two birds at 26 weeks of age, with thirty-six females and six males from each breed, were distributed into 6 groups with one male and six females each. All the experimental groups were reared in separate partitions with provisions of nests, feeders, and drinkers under proper management conditions. The results of the current study revealed that Rhode Island Red chickens showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) body weight, egg weight, daily egg production, eggshell thickness, and other quality parameters compared to Fayoumi chickens. It was also noted that Rhode Island Red chickens consumed less feed and gained heavier bodies with higher egg production than Fayoumi chickens. There was a non-significant difference in feed intake between both breeds. Rhode Island Red chickens produced eggs with better shell quality and higher breaking strength compared to Fayoumi chickens. In conclusion, the Rhode Island Red chicken breed is better in terms of body weight, egg performance, and feed efficiency compared to Fayoumi chickens.

Baseline Characterization Of Semen From Philippine Native Chickens: Banaba, Joloano And Paraoakan, Darcy Pamulaklakin, Carla Alilie Junsay, Consuelo Amor Estrella, Percival Sangel

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The study aimed to characterize and establish baseline data on the quantity and quality of fresh avian semen utilizing a sample of Philippine native roosters. Twenty-two heads each were acquired from breeds Banaba, Joloano, and Paraoakan. The baseline data analysis revealed significant variations in semen volume among different genetic groups, with Banaba displaying the highest volume, followed by Joloano and Paraoakan. Banaba also exhibited the highest semen pH value of 7.27 when compared to the other two genetic groups (P < 0.05). Across various genetic groups of native chickens, the majority of semen samples demonstrated a thick and creamy consistency and color (42.6%), followed by thin and creamy (32.9%), with a statistical significance of P < 0.05. Furthermore, variations in sperm concentration were observed among genetic groups, with Paraoakan having the highest sperm concentration, followed by Banaba and Joloano (P < 0.05). When the semen from Banaba and Joloano native roosters were extended in Ringer’s solution, it exhibited good motility, with more than 50% of spermatozoa in motion, even after six hours of extension. In contrast, the pooled extended semen from Paraoakan native roosters displayed poor motility, particularly after eight hours of extension (P < 0.05). The study also showed that storage temperatures did not significantly affect all the sperm quality parameters of Banaba and Joloano. However, for Paraoakan, samples stored at low temperatures of 5 – 10ºC had significantly higher percent motile and progressive sperm, and lower percent static sperm than those stored at room temperature (22 – 25ºC) (P < 0.05).

The Nebraska Bird Review (June 2024) 92(2), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Spring Field Report, March–May 2024, by W. Ross Silcock

The Early Years of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union: People and Publications, by Daniel W. Leger

NOU Spring Field Days and Annual Meeting, 125th Anniversary of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Birding Bowl Kickoff Weekend, Lincoln, May 3–5, 2024, by Janis Paseka

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Nou Spring Field Days And Annual Meeting, 125th Anniversary Of The Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Birding Bowl Kickoff Weekend, Lincoln, Mary 3–5, 2024, Janis Paseka

Nebraska Bird Review

The NOU Annual Meeting and Spring Field Days were held in Lincoln on May 3-5, 2024, with 80 in attendance. This year is the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, and this meeting also served as the kickoff of the Nebraska Birding Bowl.

Field trips were led by Olivia DaRugna, Thane Dinsdale, Joe Gubanyi, Thomas Labedz, Jason St. Sauver, T. J. Walker, and Michael Willison. Destinations included Wilderness Park, Bluestem Lake SRA, Killdeer WMA, Cottontail WMA, Pawnee Lake SRA, Branched Oak Lake, Butler County Prairie-Chicken lek, Marsh Wren Saline Wetland, Spring Creek Prairie, and Conestoga Lake …

The Early Years Of The Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union: People And Publications, Daniel W. Leger

Nebraska Bird Review

Nebraska once boasted that it had the greatest avian biodiversity of any state. Today, such a claim seems preposterous, but when it was made, back in 1899, it was serious. The antecedents of that claim underlie the objective of this article, namely to describe the early history of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union (NOU), its founding members, and its publications, one of which, the Nebraska Bird Review, you are reading today.

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To say that many changes have occurred in ornithology and birding since the NOU started in 1899 would be a severe understatement. Most of these changes have …

Spring Field Report, March–May 2024, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

A major concern this spring was the widely lamented shortfall in numbers of migrant warblers and the shortened duration of the migration, with most sightings relatively early. Numbers of migrant warblers east of the 100th meridian were investigated by Joel Jorgensen and Stephen Brenner and the scarcity was indeed found to be supported by eBird data; see the “News and Updates” section in Birds of Nebraska-Online (BONO). At Oliver Reservoir in the Panhandle, however, Steven Mlodinow found that migration was at least normal for a range of common migrants, with some migrants above the levels of the last four years. …

Migration And Breeding Ecology Of King Rails (Rallus Elegans) In Southeast Arkansas, Jessica Schmit

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

King Rails (Rallus elegans) are a secretive marsh bird species of conservation concern in Arkansas. Freddie Black Choctaw West WMA in southeast Arkansas has multiple confirmed pairs of breeding King Rails and offered an opportunity to investigate King Rail migration ecology, as well as nesting ecology and nest site selection. In Chapter 1, we determined migratory status (resident vs. migratory) and described seasonal movement. To do this, we captured and outfitted 23 birds with Argos GPS tags to track migration patterns throughout the season. We found that most of the population did not make long distance migrations but instead were …

Heterogenous Impacts Of Pathogenic Avian Diseases On Global Poultry Production, Elsbeth Hamilton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Globally, poultry is one of the most versatile and cost-effective sources of animal-based protein. Due to its wide variety of uses and variability of growing styles, poultry production is applicable in nearly every country. With the increase of scale and concentration of production, pathogenic diseases have decreased the efficiency of production through worsened feed conversion, morbidity, and mortality. In addition to physiological health, climate largely impacts the suitable conditions for growing. With more extreme climate events, locations once ideal for poultry are less efficient due to increased resource cost. This analysis seeks to determine the heterogeneity of production and the …

Dispersal Movement And Overwintering Ecology Of A Cryptic Migratory Forest Owl, Mitchell Lee Pruitt

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Understanding species’ distributions and how a species uses its environment is a vital aspect of ecology and important for the development and implementation of conservation planning. In migratory species, with distinct breeding and nonbreeding ranges, understanding distributions is a complex endeavor. Nevertheless, evaluating movement behavior by linking seasonal distributions and identifying source areas is vital for understanding a species’ full annual cycle ecology. Understanding distributions is particularly important for predators, like birds of prey, that can exert top-down effects on community structure and ecosystem function through their influence on prey populations. Among raptors, owls are severely understudied in large part …