Effects of capture on biological parameters in free-ranging bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis): evaluation of normal, stressed and mortality outcomes and documentation of postcapture survival

Blood samples and physiological data were collected from 634 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) captured by four different methods between 1980 and 1986 in the western United States. These parameters were evaluated for selected physiological, biochemical and hematological values. Postcapture biological parameters were compared among bighorn sheep according to four different outcomes; normal, stressed or compromised, capture myopathy (CM) mortality, and accidental mortality. Significant differences (P less than 0.05) were noted between outcome groups relative to certain parameters: temperature, respiration, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, white blood cell count (WBC) and plasma pH. Such differences between groups may help in evaluating the clinical status of bighorn sheep at capture, enabling one to predict those animals that might develop CM at a later date, indicate candidates for preventive medical treatment prior to release, and/or which should be followed closely to determine long-term survival. Evaluation of follow-up data (n = 77) related to outcome status and long-term survival of bighorn sheep indicated that less than 4% (3 of 77) were dead within 1 mo of capture (one of these had been classified as normal and two as stressed or compromised at capture); less than 3% (3 of 77) were dead greater than 1 mo, and less than 6 mo after capture two were classified in the stressed outcome and one as diseased. Eighty-eight percent (68 of 77) were alive from 1 mo to 5 yr after capture (53 were classified as normal, 12 as stressed or compromised and 3 as diseased), and 2% (1 of 77) had chronic CM but was still alive (this animal had been classified as normal). Of 77 sheep in the follow-up group, less than 3% (2 of 77) were not observed following capture (one was classified as normal and one as stressed and diseased). Of the fatalities, less than 3% (2 of 40) had been captured by the net-gun and less than 4% (1 of 27) by drive-net. Those two unobserved in the follow-up group also had been caught with the net-gun, 5% (2 of 40). The single surviving CM case had been captured by the net-gun. Although the net-gun appears to be one of the safest methods of capturing individual bighorn sheep, based on evaluation of capture data and biological parameters, it may not be associated with the best long-term survival in some bighorn sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Capture methods in five subspecies of free-ranging bighorn sheep: an evaluation of drop-net, drive-net, chemical immobilization and the net-gun

Six hundred thirty-four bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were captured in the western United States between 1980 and 1986, using four different methods: drop-net (n = 158), drive-net (n = 249), chemical immobilization (n = 90) and net-gun (n = 137). The net-gun was found to have considerable advantages over the use of ground nets and chemical immobilization methods for capturing bighorn sheep. Evaluation of specific outcome categories for individual sheep, including normal, compromised (stress-induced), mortality from capture myopathy (CM), and accidental mortality, revealed significant differences in these rates between capture groups (P less than 0.05). The use of the net-gun resulted in the lowest proportion of compromised sheep at 11% (15/137), had no CM mortality, and resulted in a 2% (2/137) accidental mortality. The use of drop-nets resulted in 15% compromised sheep (24/158), a CM mortality rate of 2% (3/158), and an accidental mortality rate of 1% (2/158). A similar proportion of sheep were compromised with the drive-nets (16%, 39/249). This method also had the highest CM mortality rate at 3% (7/249), and an accidental mortality rate of less than 1% (2/249). Chemical immobilization resulted in the most compromised sheep at 19% (17/90), had a CM mortality rate of 2% (2/90), and caused the most accidental deaths at 6% (5/90). Drop-nets and drive-nets were comparable when combining total mortality with rates for compromised bighorn sheep, 18% and 19%, respectively (29/158 and 48/249). Chemical immobilization had the highest combined measure of risk at 27% (24/90) and net-gun lowest at 12% (17/137).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of helicopter net-gunning on survival of bighorn sheep

Wildlife capture, and the data collection associated with it, has led to major advancements in ecology that are integral to decision making pertaining to wildlife conservation. Capturing wildlife, however, can cause lethal and non-lethal risks to animals. Understanding the factors that contribute to the level of risk involved in wildlife capture is therefore important for the development and implementation of the safest and most effective methodologies. We used data from 736 animal captures of 389 individuals for 2 subspecies of female bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain bighorn [Ovis canadensis canadensis], Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep [O. c. sierrae]) in Wyoming and California, USA, in 2002–2020 to evaluate the degree and extent of time that capture via helicopter net-gunning affects survival. We compared pre- and post-capture survival during a 10-week window centered on a capture event, and post-capture survival between captured animals and animals that were monitored but not captured during the 10-week window. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of handling techniques (number of times captured, season of capture event, handling time, chase time, and body temp) and biological factors (age and nutritional condition) on probability of capture mortality. Mean daily survival was 0.9992 during a 5-week pre-capture window, dropped to 0.9864 on the day of capture, and rebounded within 3 days of capture to pre-capture levels and that of sheep that were not captured. Overall, direct mortality resulting from capture was 1.36%, with 0.54% mortality occurring within the 3 days following a capture event for an overall 1.90% capture-related mortality. The only handling and biological metrics that influenced the probability of capture mortality were rectal temperature and nutritional condition; high initial rectal temperatures and poor body condition were associated with increased risk of mortality in the days following capture. Overall, helicopter net-gunning imposed low and short-term risk to survival of female bighorn sheep. To reduce bias in survival estimates, we recommend using a 3-day censorship window for post-capture mortalities as opposed to the common practice of a 2–5-week censor window. Helicopter net-gunning, including annual or seasonal recaptures, remains an effective and comparatively safe technique for capture and associated data collection of bighorn sheep.     

Effect of dietary vitamin E on growth, muscle composition, hematological and immunological parameters of sub-yearling beluga Huso huso L

This study was designed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E on growth, some hematological and immunological parameters and muscle proximate analysis of beluga Huso huso. Experimental fish were fed practical diets supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg Dl-all-rac-α-tocopherol acetate kg diet(-1) for 8 weeks. 360 fish (mean initial weight 49.7 ± 0.1 g) were distributed into eighteen 785 L circular concrete tanks and each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish. At the end of experiment (8 weeks), growth parameters such as final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), total length (TL), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), muscle composition, and some physiological indicators, including hematological and immunological parameters, such as hematocrit (Hct), total leukocyte count (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte, cortisol, glucose, erythrocyte fragility, lysozyme and complement activity were determined. FW, WG, SGR, PER and CF in fish fed unsupplemented vitamin E were significantly lower than those fish fed the other five diets. However FW and PER in fish fed control diet had not significant differences with fish fed at 400 mg kg(-1). FCR were significantly higher in fish fed control diet than other groups. TL and survival rate had no significant differences among fish groups. HSI in fish fed 0 and 25 mg vitamin E kg diet(-1) were significantly lower than the other treatments. Muscle composition analysis showed no significant differences among the treatments. Erythrocyte fragility, Hct, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte, lysozyme and complement activities were not significant. Also cortisol and glucose concentrations had not significant differences between treatments. Results indicated that vitamin E had no significantly effect on muscle proximate analysis, hematological and immunological parameters of sub-yearling beluga but has a direct effect on growth performance of beluga sturgeon and this vitamin is an essential nutrient required for normal growth in this species.     

The rise and fall of psoroptic scabies in bighorn sheep in the San Andres Mountains, New Mexico

Between 1978 and 1997, a combination of psoroptic scabies (Psoroptes spp.), mountain lion (Puma concolor) predation, and periodic drought reduced a population of native desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in the San Andres Mountains (SAM), New Mexico, from >200 individuals to a single ewe. In 1999, this ewe was captured, ensured to be Psoroptes-free, and released back into the SAM. Eleven radio-collared rams were translocated from the Red Rock Wildlife Area (RRWA) in New Mexico into the SAM range and monitored through 2002 to determine whether Psoroptes spp. mites were still in the environment. None of these sentinel rams acquired scabies during this period, and no additional native sheep were found to be present in the range. In 2002, 51 desert bighorn sheep were translocated into the SAM from the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona (n = 20) and the RRWA in New Mexico (n = 31). Twenty-one bighorn sheep have died in the SAM since that time, but Psoroptes spp. mites have not been detected on any of these animals, nor have they been found on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) sampled since 2000. We conclude that psoroptic scabies is no longer present in the San Andres bighorn sheep population and that psoroptic scabies poses a minimal to nonexistent threat to the persistence of this population at this time.     

食蟹猴血液学及血清生化指标日间节律性变化

目的研究食蟹猴血液学及血清生化指标日间节律性变化,为正确全面评估血液学及血清生化测定结果提供一定的实验事实依据。方法在9：30（am）～10：30（am）、12：30（pm）～13：30（pm）、15：30（pm）～16：30（pm）及19：30（pm）～20：30（pm）4个时间段对12只食蟹猴（雌雄各半）采血。采用全自动血细胞分析仪及血液生化分析仪分别测定血液学及血清生化指标。利用高效液相色谱（HPLC）方法分析血浆中皮质醇含量。结果雌雄食蟹猴下午白细胞数（WBC）及尿素氮（BUN）显著升高;雌性食蟹猴下午血红蛋白（HGB）及血细胞压积（HCT）显著降低,天门冬氨酸氨基转换酶（AST）及丙氨酸氨基转换酶（ALT）活性显著升高;雄性食蟹猴下午血糖（GLU）及血浆皮质醇显著降低。结论雌雄食蟹猴血液学及血清生化部分指标存在明显的日间节律性。     

Insects feeding on desert bighorn sheep, domestic rabbits, and Japanese quail in the Santa Rosa mountains of southern California.

Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis cremnobates), a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were used as bait animals to collect blood-feeding flies in an area of active blue-tongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus transmission. Precipitin tests were used to confirm the blood source where feasible. Eight species of Culicoides, members of the Leptoconops kerteszi group, Simulium spp., Anopheles franciscanus, and Stomoxys calcitrans were collected from the bighorn sheep. Feeding on the bighorn sheep by Culicoides brookmani (n = 25), C. variipennis (n = 6), C. cacticola (n = 1), and Simulium spp. (n = 3) was confirmed by precipitin testing. Primary species attacking the rabbit were C. brookmani, C. variipennis, and the L. kerteszi group. The quail were attacked primarily by members of the C. copiosus group and the L. kerteszi group.     

Comparing contemporary models to traditional indices to estimate abundance of desert bighorn sheep

Aerial surveys for large ungulates produce count data that often underrepresent the number of animals. Errors in count data can lead to erroneous estimates of abundance if they are not addressed. Our objective was to address imperfect detection probability by developing a framework that produces realistic and defensible estimates of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) abundance. We applied our framework to a population of desert bighorn sheep (O. c. nelsoni) in the Great Basin, Nevada, USA. We captured and marked 24 desert bighorn sheep with global positioning system (GPS)-collars and then conducted helicopter surveys naïve to the locations of collared animals. We developed a Bayesian integrated data model to leverage information from telemetry data, helicopter survey counts, and habitat characteristics to estimate abundance while accounting for availability and perception probability (i.e., detection given availability). Distance to ridgeline, terrain ruggedness, tree cover, and slope influenced perception probability of sheep given they were viewable from the helicopter. There was also annual variation in perception probability (2018: median = 0.64, credible interval [CrI] = 0.37–0.87; 2019: median = 0.81, CrI = 0.49–0.97). The abundance estimates from the integrated data model decreased from 2018 (594; 95% CrI = 537–656) to 2019 (487; 95% CrI = 436–551). In addition, accounting for availability and imperfect perception resulted in greater estimates of abundance compared to traditional directed search methods, which were 340 for 2018 and 320 for 2019. Our modeling framework can be used to generate more defensible population estimates of bighorn sheep and other large mammals that have been surveyed in a similar manner.     

Hematologic and biochemical values for Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) captured via drive-net and box-trap

Between October 2002 and September 2004, 70 free-ranging Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) were captured in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, using two different physical methods, drive-net (n=26) and box-trap (n=44). Blood samples were taken to determine 20 hematologic and 23 biochemical variables. Values obtained fell within already published reference intervals, with the following exceptions: higher values for red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), eosinophil count, triglyceride concentration, creatine kinase (CK; in box-trap), chloride, sodium, alpha-1, alpha-2, and gamma electrophoretic fractions of serum proteins; and lower values for hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), urea concentration, CK (in drive-net), albumin, and albumin:globulins ratio (A:G). Published values for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration are both higher and lower than observed in this study. In our study, monocyte and eosinophil counts, as well as triglyceride and potassium concentrations, were lower in animals captured via box-trap than those captured via drive-net. Conversely, MCHC, neutrophil count, total bilirubin concentration, urea, and AST were higher in animals captured via box-trap. Hematologic and biochemical values obtained from Spanish ibexes show that the drive-net is a newer, less-stressful method of capture than the box-trap.     

Characterization of Pasteurella multocida associated with pneumonia in bighorn sheep

Pasteurella multocida is a highly diverse group of bacteria recognized as important pathogens. Although P. multocida is not ordinarily associated with disease in Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis), numerous isolates were cultured in high numbers from free-ranging bighorn sheep in the Hells Canyon area of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon (USA) during the winter of 1995-96. Animals captured in Hells Canyon and held in captivity, and their offspring, also harbored P. multocida. Biochemical utilization tests on 90 isolates identified three subspecies: P. multocida multocida a (n = 54); P. multocida multocida b (n = 13); and P. multocida gallicida (n = 15); and a non-speciated biotype, U6 (n = 8). Genomic DNA digestion with restriction endonuclease Hha I separated the isolates into 62 unique restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles. Capsular type A was predominant (72% of isolates). Only one isolate type, which may have been transmitted from a feral goat, was capsular type D, possessed the structural gene, toxA, for dermonecrotoxin detected by polymerase chain reaction, and produced toxin as determined by monoclonal antibody immunoblot. In conclusion, bighorn sheep in this study carried diverse types of generally non-toxigenic P. multocida associated with epizootic pneumonia.     

Reversal by tolazoline hydrochloride of xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride immobilizations in free-ranging desert mule deer

We captured 10 free-ranging desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) (five males and five females) by net-gun from a helicopter and immobilized them with xylazine hydrochloride (HCl) (100 mg) and ketamine HCl (300 to 400 mg) injected intramuscularly. Arousal and ambulation times were 13.9 +/- 4.2 and 14.3 +/- 4.2 min in eight deer injected intravenously with tolazoline HCl (3.0 mg/kg). We observed a curvilinear relationship (R = 0.50, P less than 0.01) between rectal temperature and time after induction of anesthesia. Mean peak temperature (41.4 C) occurred at 23.7 +/- 3.2 min postinduction and was greater (P less than 0.01) than the mean temperature measured initially (40.8 C). Heart and respiratory rates (108 beats/min and 75 breaths/min) were elevated prior to immobilization. Mean heart rate increased (P less than 0.05) from 90 +/- 9 beats/min in anesthetized deer to 120 +/- 13 beats/min after tolazoline HCl injection. A 20% capture-related mortality rate suggests this combination of physical and chemical capture has serious limitations. Captive deer permitted to recover from xylazine HCl-ketamine HCl immobilization without a reversal agent were able to walk in 290 +/- 79 min.     

The physiological response of the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) to longline capture

Longline fishing is the most common elasmobranch capture method around the world, yet the physiological consequences of this technique are poorly understood. To quantify the sub-lethal effects of longline capture in the commonly exploited Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), 37 individuals were captured using standard, mid-water longlines. Hook timers provided hooking duration to the nearest minute. Once sharks were landed, blood samples were taken and used to measure a suite of physiological parameters. Control data were obtained by sampling an additional three unrestrained Caribbean reef sharks underwater at an established shark feeding site. The greatest level of physiological disruption occurred after 120-180min of hooking, whereas sharks exposed to minimal and maximal hook durations exhibited the least disturbed blood chemistry. Significant relationships were established between hooking duration and blood pH, pCO(2), lactate, glucose, plasma calcium and plasma potassium. Longline capture appears more benign than other methods assessed to date, causing a shift in the stress response from acute at the onset of capture to a sub-acute regime as the capture event progresses, apparently facilitating a degree of physiological recovery. Continued investigation into the physiological response of elasmobranchs to longline capture is vital for the effective management of such fisheries.     

Blood gas and catecholamine levels in capture stressed desert bighorn sheep.

Forty-seven bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) were captured within a 3-day period in December, 1989 as part of a California Department of Fish and Game effort to repopulate historic ranges in California. They were captured on the Mojave Desert in the Kelso Mountains near Old Dad Peak, San Bernardino County, California. Venous blood gases measured at the site of capture demonstrated a severe metabolic acidosis (base deficit, 23 mEq/liter), with no evidence of respiratory acidosis. There were moderately elevated plasma epinephrine (1.25 ng/ml), norepinephrine (2.60 ng/ml), and dopamine (114 pg/ml) levels. These data appear to reflect animals that have been moderately stressed. These acid-base-catecholamine values differ from values in resting domestic sheep, and are similar to those reported in greyhounds after brief strenuous exercise.     

橘皮素对高强度运动诱发的人体皮质醇应激反应的影响*

目的: 探讨4周橘皮素补充对高强度抗阻运动诱发的皮质醇应激反应的影响。方法: 将24名短跑运动员进行配对,随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组每天补充橘皮素补剂(含橘皮素200 mg),对照组每天补充安慰剂,为期4周。两组运动员均在干预前一日和干预后次日进行抗阻运动激发试验(推举、深蹲、卧推和硬拉,每个动作×4组×10RM)。采集受试者在运动激发试验前即刻(PRE)、试验后即刻(P0)以及第10(P10)、20(P20)和30(P30)分钟时的血液样本,测量血清皮质醇、促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、白细胞计数(WBC)和血糖,以及PRE和P0时的血乳酸值。结果: 与干预前同期比较,补充橘皮素4周后,试验组在激发试验前PRE的血清皮质醇水平(P=0.017)、激发试验后P10的血清皮质醇水平(P=0.010)、激发试验后P20和激发试验后P30的血清皮质醇水平均显著降低(P＜0.05或 P＜0.01),试验组在激发试验前PRE的WBC、激发试验后P10的ACTH(P=0.037)和激发试验后P30的WBC、ACTH均显著降低(P＜0.05);与对照组比较,试验组在激发试验前PRE和激发试验后P10的血清皮质醇水平显著降低(P＜0.05),激发试验后P30的ACTH和WBC水平显著降低(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)、SOD活性水平显著升高(P＜0.05)。结论: 橘皮素能有效缓解高强度运动诱发的人体皮质醇应激反应,抑制皮质醇过度分泌,提升人体抗氧化能力,加速体内炎症消除,促进身体机能恢复。     

Survival of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) commingled with domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in the absence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae

To test the hypothesis that Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an important agent of the bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) pneumonia that has previously inevitably followed experimental commingling with domestic sheep (Ovis aries), we commingled M. ovipneumoniae-free domestic and bighorn sheep (n=4 each). One bighorn sheep died with acute pneumonia 90 days after commingling, but the other three remained healthy for >100 days. This unprecedented survival rate is significantly different (P=0.002) from that of previous bighorn-domestic sheep contact studies but similar to (P>0.05) bighorn sheep survival following commingling with other ungulates. The absence of epizootic respiratory disease in this experiment supports the hypothesized role of M. ovipneumoniae as a key pathogen of epizootic pneumonia in bighorn sheep commingled with domestic sheep.     

The blood chemical status of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua following capture by jig and demersal longline with differential hook removal methods

Common haematological [haematocrit (Hct)], primary (serum cortisol) and secondary (serum glucose and plasma lactate) analytes were utilized to compare blood biochemical status of Gadus morhua captured rapidly by jig with that of G. morhua captured by commercial demersal longline. In general, the physiological status of G. morhua, despite blind hook times, was significantly more disrupted (pronounced haemo-concentration and significantly elevated concentrations of cortisol, glucose and lactate) following longline capture relative to capture by jig, while no differences were detected among longline-caught fish as a function of dehooking method (or concomitant extent of overt physical trauma). Blood profiles from the more stressed G. morhua, a possible function of more extended longline hook times, were similar to the most stressed values reported for this species. The results also demonstrate that, although acute blood biochemical status is an effective gauge of relative stress, it does not reflect physical injury status, which has been shown to exert a strong influence on delayed mortality in previous studies in this species. Thus, acute blood chemical status alone may not be the most complete predictor of mortality. Future studies should evaluate physiological repercussions from capture-handling against physical trauma during more extended post-release periods for this species.     

Hyperthermia in captured impala (Aepyceros melampus): a fright not flight response

To investigate the patterns and mechanisms of capture-induced hyperthermia, we surgically implanted 26 impala (Aepyceros melampus) with miniature thermometric data loggers, which measured body temperatures continuously throughout capture procedures. Four groups of impala, which were habituated to varying levels of handling and boma-housing, were captured by net restraint or by chemical immobilization. The study took place between July 1999 and December 2005. Irrespective of whether impala were chemically captured, net-captured, or disturbed by exposure to a stressor, they developed a precipitous increase in body temperature. This increase in body temperature was not related to activity levels; animals that had low activity levels before immobilization had larger increases in body temperature compared to those that had high activity levels but were not immobilized (t = 3.6, P = 0.001, n = 5). Similarly this increase in body temperature was not related to environmental heat load at the time of darting and immobilization (r = -0.05, P = 0.85). Body temperature increase also did not depend on whether the animals were captured using drugs or not. However, we found that those animals that were habituated more to handling and boma-housing had smaller increases in body temperatures (F = 37, P<0.001) and smaller stress responses, indicated by lower plasma cortisol concentrations (F = 5.5, P<0.05), and less fractious behavior, compared to those animals that were habituated less or not at all. Therefore we believe that capture-induced hyperthermia in impala is caused predominantly by stress, which induces a rapid rise in body temperature.     

Field immobilization of bighorn sheep with xylazine hydrochloride and antagonism with idazoxan

Xylazine hydrochloride was used to immobilize 124 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) between 1983 and 1988. Doses of xylazine for free-ranging lambs ranged from 70 to 130 mg with amounts increasing with lamb age. Average doses for 11 free-ranging adult males and 21 adult females darted from the ground were (means +/- SE) 363 +/- 16 and 251 +/- 7 mg, respectively. Adult females captured in "Stevenson's " box traps (n = 7) could be immobilized with significantly (P less than 0.001) less xylazine (93 +/- 9 mg) than free-ranging females but had similar induction times. Long recovery times associated with xylazine immobilization were eliminated with the intravenous administration of idazoxan (RX 781094) at an approximate dosage of 0.1 mg/kg. Eighteen sheep given idazoxan appeared fully recovered within 3 min of injection (means +/- SE = 1.2 +/- 0.2 min). Four mortalities (three lambs, one yearling male) (3% of total) occurred before idazoxan was available for trial.     

Effects of acepromazine on capture stress in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of a short-acting neuroleptic (acepromazine) on capture stress response in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Sixteen roe deer were captured by drive-nets in the winters of 1998, 1999, and 2001. Roe deer were divided into two groups: animals in the treatment group received an intramuscular injection of acepromazine (0.093 mg/kg +/- 0.003 SEM; n = 8) while animals in the control group (n = 8) did not receive tranquilizer. Heart rate and body temperature, as well as hematologic and biochemical indicators of stress, were used to evaluate effect of the neuroleptic over 3 hr. Heart rate decreased over time after capture in both groups (P < 0.05), but stabilized sooner in the treated roe deer (75 min after capture) than in the controls (105 min after capture). Body temperature decreased over 45 min and then stabilized in both groups (P < 0.05). Comparisons of blood parameters revealed significantly lower red blood cell count (RBC), lymphocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in tranquilized animals compared with controls (at least P < 0.05). A reduction in PCV, lymphocyte count, and serum cortisol concentrations (at least P < 0.05) and an increase in serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05) were recorded over time in control animals, while a reduction in RBC and hemoglobin concentration (at least P < 0.05) and an increase in serum urea concentrations (P < 0.05) over time were observed in the treated group. Finally, a decrease in serum lactate and potassium levels and an increase in CK, AST, ALT, and LDH activities were recorded over time in both groups. Results obtained showed the suitability of using acepromazine in capture operations in order to reduce stress response and prevent its adverse effects in roe deer. The beneficial effect was not only due to the sedative effect of acepromazine, but also to peripheral vasodilatation.     

A genome-wide set of SNPs detects population substructure and long range linkage disequilibrium in wild sheep

The development of genomic resources for wild species is still in its infancy. However, cross-species utilization of technologies developed for their domestic counterparts has the potential to unlock the genomes of organisms that currently lack genomic resources. Here, we apply the OvineSNP50 BeadChip, developed for domestic sheep, to two related wild ungulate species: the bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and the thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). Over 95% of the domestic sheep markers were successfully genotyped in a sample of fifty-two bighorn sheep while over 90% were genotyped in two thinhorn sheep. Pooling the results from both species identified 868 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 570 were detected in bighorn sheep, while 330 SNPs were identified in thinhorn sheep. The total panel of SNPs was able to discriminate between the two species, assign population of origin for bighorn sheep and detect known relationship classes within one population of bighorn sheep. Using an informative subset of these SNPs (n=308), we examined the extent of genome-wide linkage disequilibrium (LD) within one population of bighorn sheep and found that high levels of LD persist over 4 Mb.