Toxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animals from Captivity (Zoo and Circus Animals)

Problems with parasitic infections are common in zoological gardens and circuses. In some animals it can lead to several disorders such as systemic disease, reproductive disorders (abortions and neonatal mortality), and even to death if severe illness is untreated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of three common parasites in 74 animals from three zoos, and four circuses in Southern Italy. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected in 51%, 12%, and 20% of animals, respectively. Co‐infections of T. gondii and N. caninum were reported in seven animals (9%) and co‐infection of T. gondii and E. cuniculi in one animal. T. gondii, N. caninum and E. cuniculi seroprevalence differed in type of diet (P ≤ 0.0001; P ≤ 0.037 and P ≤ 0.004, respectively). T. gondii and E. cuniculi seroprevalence also differed in animal families (P ≤ 0.0001) and according to type of housing (P ≤ 0.003), respectively. Statistical differences were not found in other characteristics (gender, age, country of birth, origin, and contact with cats or dogs). This is the first serological study focusing on protozoan and microsporidian parasites in zoo and circus animals from Southern Italy and the first detection of antibodies to E. cuniculi in camels in Europe.     

Behavioral change related to Wenchuan devastating earthquake in mice

It has been suggested that some animals are much more capable of perceiving certain kinds of geophysical stimuli which may precede earthquakes than humans, but the anecdotal phenomena or stories about unusual animal behaviors prior to an earthquake should be interpreted with objective data. During the Wenchuan magnitude 8.0 earthquake that happened in Wenchuan county (31.0° north latitude, 103.4° east longitude) of Sichuan province, China, on May 12, 2008, eight mice were monitored for locomotor activity and circadian rhythm in constant darkness with temperature 22–24 °C and humidity 55–65% for 38 days. The ongoing monitoring of locomotor activity of mice in our laboratory made it possible to design a posteriori study investigating whether the earthquake was associated with any change in animal behavior. Based on analyzing the recorded data with single cosinor, we found that the locomotor activity dramatically decreased in six of these eight mice on day 3 before the earthquake, and the circadian rhythm of their locomotor activity was no longer detected. The behavioral change lasted for 6 days before the locomotor activity returned to its original state. Analyses of concurrent geomagnetic data showed a higher total intensity during the span when the circadian rhythm in locomotor activity weakened. These results indicated that the behaviors, including circadian rhythm and activity, in these mice indeed changed prior to the earthquake, and the behavioral change might be associated with a change of geomagnetic intensity. Bioelectromagnetics 30:613–620, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Intercropping oilseed rape as a potential relay crop for enhancing the biological control of green peach aphids and aphid‐transmitted virus diseases

Tobacco viruses transmitted by green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), cause severe disease in flue‐cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae), in China and throughout the world. Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Longyan City, Fujian Province, China, to determine whether M. persicae and aphid‐transmitted virus diseases are affected by intercropping of oilseed rape, Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae), in tobacco fields. The results showed that, compared with those in monocultured fields, the densities of M. persicae and winged aphids in intercropped fields significantly decreased in both 2016 and 2017. In particular, the appearance of winged aphids was delayed by ca. 7 days. Moreover, the densities of Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), a parasitoid of the aphid, significantly increased in 2016 and 2017. Accordingly, the incidence rates of aphid‐transmitted virus diseases (those caused by the cucumber mosaic virus, potato virus Y, and tobacco etch virus) significantly decreased in the intercropped fields in 2016 and 2017. Tobacco yields and monetary value significantly increased in 2016 (by 10–25 and 14–29%, respectively) and 2017 (by 17–22 and 22–34%, respectively). Consequently, our results suggest that intercropping oilseed rape in tobacco fields is a good approach to regulating and controlling aphids and tobacco mosaic viruses, for example potyvirus, and this intercropping can help control aphid‐transmitted virus diseases in tobacco.     

Pedigree analysis in the Polish Red cattle population

The objective of this study was to describe the population structure and inbreeding level of the population of Polish Red Cattle (PRC). The structure of the breed was analysed in the context of the existing genetic resources conservation programme. The level of genetic diversity and the effective population size were also determined. The analyses were carried out based on pedigree records of 9 170 animals. Data and pedigree information were collected during the time period of 1950–2014. Records were collected by the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Balice, Poland. The population structure was analysed using the CFC programme. All the animals were grouped into five classes according to their inbreeding coefficient: the first class included non-inbred animals; and the next classes included inbred animals 0% < F ≤ 5%, 5% < F ≤ 10%, 10% < F ≤ 20%, 20% < F ≤ 30% or F > 30%. The average inbreeding in PRC population was 4% and there were 2 182 (23.8%) inbred animals. The study also included the determination of ancestral paths for the PRC population. The longest ancestral path (LAP) consisted of 12 generations (three animals) while only 229 animals (2.53%) had an LAP comprising at least 10 generations. Therefore, a need exists, particularly in PRC as a small local breed, to manage selection and mating decisions to control future coancestry and inbreeding, which would lead to better handling of the effective population size. The study results showed the possibility of disrupting the balance of the structure of a small population like PRC. Hence, endangered populations need to be monitored on a continuous basis.     

Effects of environmental factors on the distribution of flagship species in Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary,Kumawu, Ghana: Implications for conservation and ecotourism development

Sustainable ecotourism development and conservation depend on understanding factors that affect flagship species. This study analysed environmental factors and their effects on flagship species: African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), red-river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), olive baboon (Papio anubis), duiker (Cephalophus spp.), and crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) distribution in Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). Secondary data (camp reports 2017–2019) showed flagship species distribution across four vegetation types in 14 sites. Field observations were used to reconstruct camp report information using GPS coordinates to show animal distribution. Environmental factors were assessed based on the scope and severity of their threats to the species. PAST ver.3.06 was used to analyse animal and vegetation data. A total of 995 individual animals were recorded. Riverine forest (n = 325) had the highest, followed by semi-deciduous (n = 316), and woodland Savanna (n = 192). Bushfire was the major predictive factor on animal distribution, followed by grazing pressure, farming activities, elevation, and erosion. These findings imply that an increased scale of disturbances reduces the chance of sighting flagship animals. A higher concentration of these species in riverine and semi-deciduous forests calls for increased patrols as a conservation measure. Constructing viewing platforms and hiking trails in areas of higher animal activity would improve ecotourism development.     

The effect of short-term changes in body mass distribution on feed-forward postural control

It was recently shown that short-term changes in the whole body mass and associated changes in the vertical position of the center of mass (COM) modify anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) [Li X, Aruin AS. The effect of short-term changes in the body mass on anticipatory postural adjustments. Exp Brain Res 2007;181:333–46]. In this study, we investigated whether changes in the body mass distribution and related changes in the anterior–posterior COM position affect APA generation. Fourteen subjects were instructed to catch a 2.2 kg load with their arms extended while standing with no additional weight or while carrying a 9.08 kg weight. Adding weight to a backpack, front pack or belly pocket was associated with an increase of the whole body mass, but it also involved changes in the anterior–posterior (A/P) and vertical positions of the COM. Electromyographic activity of leg and trunk muscles, body kinematics, and ground reaction forces were recorded and quantified within the typical time intervals of APAs. APAs were modified in conditions with changed body mass distribution: increased magnitude of anticipatory EMG activity in leg and trunk muscles, as well as co-activation of leg muscles and decreased anticipatory displacement of the COM in the vertical direction, were seen in conditions with increased body mass. Changes in the COM position induced in both A/P and vertical directions were associated with increased anticipatory EMG activity. In addition, they were linked to a co-activation of muscles at the ankle joints and significant changes in the center of pressure (COP) position. Modifications of the COM position induced in the A/P direction were related to increased anticipatory EMG activity in the leg and trunk muscles. At the same time, no significant differences in anticipatory EMG activity or displacement of COP were observed when changes of COM position were induced in the vertical direction. The study outcome suggests that the CNS uses different strategies while generating APAs in conditions with changes in the COM position induced in the anterior–posterior and vertical directions.     

Seroprevalence and B1 gene genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in farmed European mink in the Republic of Tatarstan,Russia

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects almost all species of mammals and birds, including fur-bearing animals. However, the prevalence of T. gondii among Russian fur-bearing animals is unknown. In this study, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in European mink in Russia was investigated. In total, 100, 119 and 61 serum samples were collected from a fur farm, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, in autumn 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in 2016, 2017 and 2018 was 32% (23.2%–42.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]), 31.1% (23.1%–40.3%, 95% CI) and 41.0% (28.8%–54.3%, 95% CI), respectively. In total, 50 brain samples from 100 animals whose blood was sampled in 2016 were analyzed by PCR to detect T. gondii DNA. T. gondii DNA was detected in 14% (7/50) of the mink brain samples. To examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the partial B1 gene, we sequenced an 836-bp fragment, which contains a few SNPs, from the detected T. gondii DNA. The sequences of the fragments were identical to those of two of the major lineages, Type II and Type III, but differed from that of the Type I lineage.     

Advances in Applied Zoo Animal Welfare Science

ABSTRACT

Nonhuman animal welfare science is the scientific study of the welfare state of animals that attempts to make inferences about how animals feel from their behavior, endocrine function, and/or signs of physical health. These welfare measurements are applicable within zoos yet inherently more complex than in farms and laboratories. This complexity is due to the vast number of species housed, lack of fundamental biological information, and relatively lower sample sizes and levels of experimental control. This article summarizes the invited presentations on the topic of “Advances in Applied Animal Welfare Science,” given at the Fourth Global Animal Welfare Congress held jointly by the Detroit Zoological Society and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2017. The article focuses on current trends in research on zoo animal welfare under the following themes: (a) human–animal interactions and relationships, (b) anticipatory behavior, (c) cognitive enrichment, (d) behavioral biology, and (e) reproductive and population management. It highlights areas in which further advancements in zoo animal welfare science are needed and the challenges that may be faced in doing so.     

Ovarian follicular growth suppression by long-term treatment with a GnRH agonist and impact on small follicle number,oocyte yield,and in vitro embryo production in Zebu beef cows

The aim of the present study was to evaluate small follicle number, oocyte yield, and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in Zebu beef cows treated long term with a GnRH agonist to suppress ovarian follicular growth. Nelore (Bos indicus) cows (n = 20) showing regular estrous cycles were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control (n = 10, placebo ear implant without a GnRH agonist); GnRH agonist (n = 10, GnRH agonist ear implant containing 9.4-mg deslorelin). All cows underwent an ovum pick-up (OPU) session 14 days (Day 14) before the start of treatments (Day 0) followed by seven OPU–IVEP procedures at 30-day intervals (Days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180). Semen from a single batch of a previously tested bull was used for all the IVEP. Cows treated with agonist reported a decrease over time in the proportion of animals with a (CL; P ≤ 0.05) and large follicles (>10 mm, P ≤ 0.05). These cows had a lesser number of medium + large follicles (>5 mm; 1.74 ± 0.5 vs. 4.13 ± 0.5; P ≤ 0.05), greater number of small follicles (2–5 mm; 44.3 ± 2.8 vs. 30.8 ± 1.8; P ≤ 0.05), greater yield of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs; 21.0 ± 2.3 vs. 15.6 ± 1.9; P ≤ 0.05), greater proportion of COCs cultured (79.2 vs. 73.9%; P ≤ 0.05), COCs cleaved (10.6 ± 1.5 vs. 6.8 ± 1.1, P ≤ 0.05), and cleaved rate (52.8 vs. 44.3%; P ≤ 0.05) compared with control cows. The number (3.4 ± 0.7 vs. 3.0 ± 0.6; P > 0.05) and proportion (16.5 vs. 19.1%; P > 0.05) of blastocysts produced were similar between agonist and control cows, respectively. The study has shown that Zebu beef cows treated long term with a GnRH agonist had follicular growth restricted to small follicles. This did not compromise the ability of oocytes to undergo IVF and embryonic development.     

Length–weight relationships of four freshwater fishes from the Geoje‐island in South Korea

The length–weight relationships (LWRs) for four freshwater fish species in catchment area of Geoje‐island, South Korea, were analyzed. Fish samples were collected quarterly using scoop‐nets (5 mm mesh size), casting nets (7 mm mesh size) from 2016 to 2017. LWRs data for three of these species have not yet been listed in FishBase.     

Length‐weight relationships of Badis dibruensis Geetakumari and Vishwanath, 2010 (Badidae) and Lepidocephalichthys arunachalensis (Datta and Barman, 1984) (Cobitidae) from Subansiri River (Brahmaputra basin), Northeast India

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) for Badis dibruensis and Lepidocephalichthys arunachalensis, collected from the lower Subansiri River (Brahmaputra basin) in Assam, India from March 2016 to April 2017 using fishing gears namely cast nets (2.5 m, 1 m; 10–15 mm mesh size) and gillnets (30 × 0.9 m; 5–10 mm mesh size), are presented based on seasonal collections. The b values in the LWRs were determined as 2.56 for B. dibruensis and 3.28 for L. arunachalensis.     

Length–weight relationships of Hara hara (Hamilton, 1822), Pangio pangia (Hamilton, 1822) and Setipinna brevifilis (Valenciennes, 1848) from the lower Brahmaputra River,Northeast India

The present study describes the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for Hara hara, Pangio pangia and Setipinna brevifilis from the lower Brahmaputra River in Assam, Northeast India, collected from June 2016 to May 2017, using fishing gears namely cast nets (9′, 1 ⁄ 2″) and gillnets (30 × 0.9 m). No previous data have ever been recorded on LWR for these three species.     

Increased age of transformed mouse neural progenitor/stem cells recapitulates age‐dependent clinical features of human glioma malignancy

Increasing age is the most robust predictor of greater malignancy and treatment resistance in human gliomas. However, the adverse association of clinical course with aging is rarely considered in animal glioma models, impeding delineation of the relative importance of organismal versus progenitor cell aging in the genesis of glioma malignancy. To address this limitation, we implanted transformed neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), the presumed cells of glioma origin, from 3‐ and 18‐month‐old mice into 3‐ and 20‐month host animals. Transplantation with progenitors from older animals resulted in significantly shorter (P ≤ 0.0001) median survival in both 3‐month (37.5 vs. 83 days) and 20‐month (38 vs. 67 days) hosts, indicating that age‐dependent changes intrinsic to NSPCs rather than host animal age accounted for greater malignancy. Subsequent analyses revealed that increased invasiveness, genomic instability, resistance to therapeutic agents, and tolerance to hypoxic stress accompanied aging in transformed NSPCs. Greater tolerance to hypoxia in older progenitor cells, as evidenced by elevated HIF‐1 promoter reporter activity and hypoxia response gene (HRG) expression, mirrors the upregulation of HRGs in cohorts of older vs. younger glioma patients revealed by analysis of gene expression databases, suggesting that differential response to hypoxic stress may underlie age‐dependent differences in invasion, genomic instability, and treatment resistance. Our study provides strong evidence that progenitor cell aging is responsible for promoting the hallmarks of age‐dependent glioma malignancy and that consideration of progenitor aging will facilitate development of physiologically and clinically relevant animal models of human gliomas.     

Strategies to reduce end‐product inhibition in family 48 glycoside hydrolases

Family 48 cellobiohydrolases are some of the most abundant glycoside hydrolases in nature. They are able to degrade cellulosic biomass and therefore serve as good enzyme candidates for biofuel production. Family 48 cellulases hydrolyze cellulose chains via a processive mechanism, and produce end products composed primarily of cellobiose as well as other cellooligomers (dp ≤ 4). The challenge of utilizing cellulases in biofuel production lies in their extremely slow turnover rate. A factor contributing to the low enzyme activity is suggested to be product binding to enzyme and the resulting performance inhibition. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the product inhibitory effect of four family 48 glycoside hydrolases using molecular dynamics simulations and product expulsion free‐energy calculations. We also suggested a series of single mutants of the four family 48 glycoside hydrolases with theoretically reduced level of product inhibition. The theoretical calculations provide a guide for future experimental studies designed to produce mutant cellulases with enhanced activity. Proteins 2016; 84:295–304. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Previous handling and gentle interactions affect behaviour and heart rate of dairy cows during a veterinary procedure

Veterinary and management procedures often are aversive to the animals, resulting in physiological and behavioural stress reactions, which increase the risk of accidents and might lower performance. We investigated the effects of previous positive handling and of gentle interactions during the procedure on behaviour and heart rate in dairy cows during rectal palpation with sham insemination. Twenty cows were allocated randomly into two groups of 10 animals: handling, received additional positive handling over a period of four weeks by one person (handler); control, only routine handling by different caretakers. The week after the handling period, tests lasting 9 min, including 4 min rectal palpation, were carried out with each animal on four successive days in four situations in a balanced order: cow is alone during the test, with the handler, with an usual caretaker, or with an unknown person. Behaviour and heart rate were recorded.Previously handled animals had lower heart rate during tests (P≤0.05, n=19), kicked less when alone (P≤0.05, n=19) and tended to show less restless behaviour (P≤0.1, n=19). Cows were further calmed by gentle interactions during the test, but people differed remarkably. Cows showed less restless behaviour when gentled by the handler, both in the 4 min of rectal palpation and in the 9 min test period (each: P≤0.001, n=19). No significant stress reducing effect was found for the other two persons.In conclusion, stress reactions of cows during rectal palpation/insemination can be reduced by previous positive handling as well as by a person providing positive, gentle interactions during the procedure. The results underline the importance of positive, gentle interactions with the animals to enhance animal welfare and reduce the risk of accidents. They also show that people differ in the success to calm down the animals in aversive situations and indicate the need to investigate the characteristics responsible for the differences and identify the preconditions for a stress reducing effect in future research.     

Treated livestock wastewater influence on soil quality and possibilities of crop irrigation

This work aims to investigate how livestock wastewater irrigation affects the quality and agricultural potential of soil. The experiments took place in 2019 on a research station with an area of 10 ha (Moscow region, Russian Federation), divided into two even sites of 5 ha (control, experimental). Eleven germination experiments were carried out to determine the influence of livestock wastewater irrigation on radish seeds (1 – control; 10 – irrigation with liquid and solid phases of wastewater samples mixed with pure water). The experimental and control plots appeared to differ in terms of the bulk density of soil. Changes occurred in all horizons (p ≤ 0.05) but a soil layer with a depth of 0.2–0.4 m. Soil horizons in the experiment plots all exhibited lower porosity (p ≤ 0.05) except for the topsoil, and the water capacity was higher in the topsoil (p ≤ 0.05) and near-surface layer (p ≤ 0.05). The experiment showed higher concentrations of hummus (p ≤ 0.01) and phosphorus (p ≤ 0.01). As for nitrogen, significant changes only occurred in the topsoil (p ≤ 0.01). In the germination experiments, more than 90% of radish seeds germinated. Besides, their root length was higher compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). The results of the study suggest that livestock wastewater can benefit crop cultivation after preliminary treatment. Finally, the experiments revealed a reduced soil salt accumulation.     

Applying Behavioral Conditioning to Identify Anticipatory Behaviors

The ability to predict regular events can be adaptive for nonhuman animals living in an otherwise unpredictable environment. Animals may exhibit behavioral changes preceding a predictable event; such changes reflect anticipatory behavior. Anticipatory behavior is broadly defined as a goal-directed increase in activity preceding a predictable event and can be useful for assessing well being in animals in captivity. Anticipation may look different in different animals, however, necessitating methods to generate and study anticipatory behaviors across species. This article includes a proposed method for generating and describing anticipatory behavior in zoos using behavioral conditioning. The article also includes discussion of case studies of the proposed method with 2 animals at the San Francisco Zoo: a silverback gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and a red panda (Ailurus fulgens). The study evidence supports anticipation in both animals. As behavioral conditioning can be used with many animals, the proposed method provides a practical approach for using anticipatory behavior to assess animal well being in zoos.     

Length‐weight relationships of three fishes from the Nujiang River,China

The length‐weight relationships (LWR) for three fish species collected from the Nujiang River, China, were determined. Fishes were caught quarterly by drift gill net (stretched mesh size: 4 cm, depth: 2–4 m) and cast net (mesh size 1 cm; depth: 1–2 m) from May 2016 to July 2017. The values of parameter b in the LWR equations were estimated as 2.69 for Balitora nujiangensis Zhang & Zheng, 1983, 2.80 for Glyptothorax deqinensis Mo & Chu, 1986 and 2.94 for Pseudexostoma brachysoma Chu, 1979, respectively.     

Spatiotemporal assessment of farm‐gate production costs and economic potential of Miscanthus × giganteus,Panicum virgatum L., and Jatropha grown on marginal land in China

Spatially explicit farm‐gate production costs and the economic potential of three types of energy crops grown on available marginal land in China for 2017 and 2040 were investigated using a spatial accounting method and construction of cost–supply curves. The average farm‐gate cost from all available marginal land was calculated as 32.9 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus Mode, 27.5 CNY/GJ for Switchgrass Mode, 32.4 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus & Switchgrass Mode, and 909 CNY/GJ for Jatropha Mode in 2017. The costs of Miscanthus and switchgrass were predicted to decrease by approximately 11%‐15%, whereas the cost of Jatropha was expected to increase by 5% in 2040. The cost of Jatropha varies significantly from 193 to 9,477 CNY/GJ across regions because of the huge differences in yield across regions. The economic potential of the marginal land was calculated as 28.7 EJ/year at a cost of less than 25 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus Mode, 4.0 EJ/year at a cost of less than 30 CNY/GJ for Switchgrass Mode, 29.6 EJ/year at a cost of less than 25 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus & Switchgrass Mode, and 0.1 EJ/year at a cost of less than 500 CNY/GJ for Jatropha Mode in 2017. It is not feasible to develop Jatropha production on marginal land based on existing technologies, given its high production costs. Therefore, the Miscanthus & Switchgrass Mode is the most economical way, because it achieves the highest economic potential compared with other modes. The sensitivity analysis showed that the farm‐gate costs of Miscanthus and switchgrass are most sensitive to uncertainties associated with yield reduction and harvesting costs, while, for Jatropha, the unpredictable yield has the greatest impact on its farm‐gate cost. This study can help policymakers and industrial stakeholders make strategic and tactical bioenergy development plans in China (exchange rate in 2017: 1€ = 7.63￥; all the joules in this paper are higher heat value).     

SPF大鼠感染金黄色葡萄球菌原因的调查分析

目的连续监测某实验动物饲养场SPF大鼠携带的金黄色葡萄球菌Staphylococcus aureus(SA)情况,结合该饲养场环境、人员等检测结果,查找污染源,为保障和提高实验动物质量提供依据。方法2011—2017年依据《实验动物金黄色葡萄球菌检测方法(GB/T 14926.14-2001)》对SPF大鼠进行SA监测,并采集饲养环境和饲养人员的样本进行检测。对所有分离的SA菌株应用金黄色葡萄球菌A蛋白(SPA)基因分型和脉冲场凝胶电泳(PFGE)分型,分析污染源。结果35份SPF大鼠检出16株SA,检出率45.71%;18份饲养环境和饲养人员样本检出2株SA,检出率11.11%。SPA分型可分成5个型别,T2360为优势型别,主要由2013年和2017年SPF大鼠中的菌株组成。PFGE有5种带型,SA4为主要带型。饲养环境中SA的PFGE带型与2017年SPF大鼠中的完全一致。结论饲养环境中存在的SA与SPF大鼠感染的SA具有紧密联系。