辽宁绒山羊对紫花苜蓿CNCPS组分营养物质消化率的研究

选择成年母羊、育成母羊、成年公羊、育成公羊和羔羊各4只，依次设为1、2、3、4、5组，日粮仅包括苜蓿干草。以CNCPS体系分析紫花苜蓿干草的营养价值，并研究不同类别辽宁绒山羊对紫花苜蓿干草中以CNCPS体系分析的营养组分的消化率。结果表明，本研究紫花苜蓿干草不可利用纤维和不可利用蛋白含量较低，而可利用蛋白含量较高，营养价值较好；成年辽宁绒山羊对紫花苜蓿鲜草的CNCPS中碳水化合物类组分的表观消化率显著高于育成羊和羔羊（P＜0.05）；含氮类营养各组分的表观消化率则差异不显著（P＞0.05），但从数值上看成年公母羊的表观消化率仍高于育成公母羊和羔羊。     

紫花苜蓿鲜草对杜长大仔猪生长性能及血液理化指标的影响

为研究紫花苜蓿鲜草对仔猪生长性能和血液理化指标的影响,选择体重20 kg左右健康的杜长大三元杂种仔猪60头,采用完全随机化设计分为4个处理,每个处理3个重复,每个重复5头猪,对照组不添加紫花苜蓿鲜草,3个试验组分别添加5％、10％、15％紫花苜蓿鲜草。结果表明,添加不同比例紫花苜蓿鲜草平均增重均高于对照组,其中5％、10％紫花苜蓿组显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）;料重比随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而增大,但组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）;每千克增重饲料成本以15％紫花苜蓿组最低（7.90元）,5％紫花苜蓿组最高（8.17元）。干物质消化率随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而降低,15％紫花苜蓿组最低,极显著低于其余各组（P＜0.01）;粗蛋白质消化率随着紫花苜蓿添加量的增加而降低,15％紫花苜蓿组最低,极显著低于其余各组（P＜0.01）;粗纤维消化率随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而降低,3个试验组均极显著低于对照组（P＜0.01）。血清总蛋白、总胆固醇、甘油三酯4组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）;血清尿素氮,对照组与3个试验组差异不显著（P＞0.05）,15％紫花苜蓿组极显著高于5％紫花苜蓿组（P＜0.01）;血糖,对照组与3个试验组差异不显著（P＞0.05）,15％紫花苜蓿组极显著高于10％紫花苜蓿组（P＜0.01）;高密度脂蛋白,10％紫花苜蓿组与15％紫花苜蓿组差异不显著（P＞0.05）,但均显著高于对照组和5％紫花苜蓿组（P＜0.05）。结果显示,仔猪饲粮中添加紫花苜蓿鲜草能提高仔猪增重,对血液理化指标无不良影响。在本试验条件下,推荐紫花苜蓿鲜草适宜添加比例为5％～10％。     

紫花苜蓿对杜长大生长肥育猪生长性能及胴体品质的影响

为研究紫花苜蓿鲜草对生长肥育猪生长性能和胴体品质的影响,选择体重60 kg左右健康的杜长大生长肥育猪60头,采用完全随机化设计分为4个处理,每个处理3个重复,每个重复5头猪,对照组不饲喂紫花苜蓿鲜草,3个试验组分别在饲粮中添加10％、15％、20％紫花苜蓿鲜草。结果表明,试验各组间的均增重和日增重差异不显著（P〉0.05）;料重比随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而增大,其中20％紫花苜蓿组显著高于10％紫花苜蓿组（P＜0.05）;每千克增重所需饲料成本,10％、15％、20％紫花苜蓿组分别比对照组降低13.43％、12.21％、14.24％。干物质消化率随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而降低,20％紫花苜蓿组极显著低于对照组（P＜0.01）;粗蛋白质消化率随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而降低,对照组最高,极显著高于3个试验组（P＜0.01）;粗纤维消化率随着紫花苜蓿鲜草添加量的增加而提高,以20％紫花苜蓿组最高,极显著高于对照组和10％紫花苜蓿组（P＜0.01）。血清总蛋白、血糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白4组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）;血清尿素氮,对照组与10％紫花苜蓿组、20％紫花苜蓿组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）,但显著高于15％紫花苜蓿组（P＜0.05）;3个试验组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）。屠宰率、皮率、骨率、3点平均背膘厚、6～7肋背膘厚、眼肌面积、皮厚、胴体斜长、胴体直长及前、中、后躯占胴体重,各组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）;瘦肉率,3个试验组高于对照组,但差异不显著（P＞0.05）;肥肉率,3个试验组低于对照组,但差异不显著（P＞0.05）。小肠长和小肠重、大肠长和大肠重、肾重、心重、肺重、膀胱重,各组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）;胃重,3个试验组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）,但均高于对照组,其中10％紫花苜蓿组、20％紫花苜蓿组显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）;肝重,3个试验组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）,但均显著低于对照组（P＜0.05）。肉色、大理石纹、熟肉率、失水率、滴水损失及pH1、pH2各组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）。背最长肌粗蛋白质,3个试验组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）,但均高于对照组,其中10％紫花苜蓿组显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）;粗脂肪、水分、干物质各组间差异不显著（P＞0.05）。结果显示,生长肥育猪饲粮中添加不同比例紫花苜蓿鲜草促进了生长肥育猪增重、降低了饲料成本,对血液理化指标无不良影响,不同程度地降低了背膘厚、提高了瘦肉率,改善了胴体品质。在本试验条件下,推荐紫花苜蓿鲜草适宜添加比例为15％。     

辽宁绒山羊育成公羊对不同苜蓿比例TMR日粮消化性能的研究

本研究选择12只16月龄的育成辽宁绒山羊公羊,体重46.66±1.93 kg。试验动物分成3组,每组4只,试验1组、2组和3组日粮苜蓿草比例依次为20%、30%和40%,精粗比例分别为34.3%：65.7%、28.0%：72.0%和27.0%：73.0%。研究育成年公羊对不同苜蓿草比例TMR日粮的消化性能。结果表明：试验1组粗蛋白表观消化率和代谢率均显著（P＜0.05）高于试验2、3组;试验3组消化能代谢率显著（P＜0.05）高于试验2组;试验1、2组粗脂肪消化率极显著（P＜0.01）高于试验3组,试验1组又显著（P＜0.05）高于试验2组;试验1、2组粗灰分消化率显著（P＜0.05）高于试验3组;试验1、2组钙消化率显著（P＜0.05）高于试验3组;试验1、2组磷消化率均高于试验3组,但差异不显著（P＞0.05）。在纤维类物质方面,试验1、2组粗纤维消化率均显著（P＜0.05）高于试验3组。因此,当苜蓿草比例为20%、精粗比为34.3%：65.7%时,育成辽宁绒山羊公羊对各类营养物质的消化率最高,饲料利用率最佳。     

妊娠母猪饲粮中不同苜蓿鲜草替代量对其生产性能的影响

在母猪妊娠期用不同比例的紫花苜蓿鲜草代替部分精料,研究其对生产性能及经济效益的影响。试验选用胎次、配种时间、上胎产仔数、体况等基本一致的大长二元母猪30头,采用单因子完全随机设计,共分为6个组,每组5头猪,每头猪1个重复。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组分别用紫花苜蓿鲜草代替10%,20%,30%,40%的基础日粮(按干物质折算),试验Ⅴ组用紫花苜蓿草粉代替20%的基础日粮。结果表明:1)和对照组相比,在妊娠母猪饲粮中无论是用不同比例的紫花苜蓿鲜草还是用20%的苜蓿草粉代替精料,均提高了饲粮中粗蛋白质、粗灰分、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、钙和总磷的表观消化率,其中试验Ⅲ组的提高幅度最大,极显著高于对照组(P＜0.01);随着紫花苜蓿鲜草替代量的增加,粗脂肪的表观消化率依次下降,但苜蓿草粉组和对照组几乎无差别。2)随着紫花苜蓿鲜草替代量的增加,繁殖期母猪体增重和背膘增加量均呈先升后降的趋势,而妊娠期母猪背膘增加量和泌乳期母猪背膘减少量依次下降。和对照组相比,在妊娠期母猪饲粮中以紫花苜蓿鲜草和草粉替代等干物质量的精料,均提高了母猪的采食量,其中试验Ⅲ组的采食量最大,极显著(P＜0.01)高于对照组。紫花苜蓿鲜草和草粉替代精料后,断奶至发情时间间隔有所缩短,但各组之间差异不显著(P＞0.05)。3)随着紫花苜蓿鲜草替代精料量的增加,提高了初生窝产仔猪总数、初生窝产活仔数、断奶仔猪数、断奶窝重和断奶窝平均日增重;鲜草试验组(试验Ⅲ组除外)的断奶仔猪个体重和对照组相似,试验Ⅴ组显著(P＜0.05)高于对照组和其余各试验组,试验Ⅴ组的断奶仔猪日增重也极显著(P＜0.01)高于对照组和其他试验组。综合分析认为,母猪妊娠期饲粮中用30%的紫花苜蓿鲜草代替精料其生产性能和经济效益最佳。     

辽宁绒山羊成年公羊对不同苜蓿草比例TMR日粮消化性能的研究

选择12只辽宁绒山羊种公羊,随机分成3组,每组4只,试验1组、2组和3组日粮苜蓿草比例依次为20％、30％和40％,精粗比分别为29.6∶70.4、23.2∶76.8和17.7∶82.3,其他营养水平基本相同.结果表明,试验1组和2组粗蛋白表观消化率和代谢率均高于试验3组,并且试验1组与3组差异显著(P＜0.05).试验1组总能表观消化率和总能代谢率均显著(P＜0.05)高于试验3组.试验1组粗脂肪表观消化率显著(P＜0.05)高于试验3组.在矿物质方面,试验1组和2组粗灰分表观消化率和磷表观消化率均高于试验3组,并且试验1组与3组差异显著(P＜0.05).在纤维类物质方面,试验1组和2组粗纤维和NDF的表观消化率均高于试验3组,且试验1组与3组差异显著(P＜0.05).试验1组和2组ADF的表现消化率均极显著(P＜0.01)高于试验3组.因此,当苜蓿草比例为20％、精粗比为30∶70时,成年辽宁绒山羊公羊对各类营养物质的消化率最高,饲料利用率最佳.     

日粮纤维构成对鹅营养物质利用的影响

为了研究日粮纤维构成对鹅营养物质利用的影响,试验采用完全随机设计,选取17周龄健康、体重相近且性别一致的吉林白鹅30只,随机分为A组、B组和C组,每组10只,分别饲喂由苜蓿、玉米青贮和白菜作为纤维源的三种日粮。结果表明:粗纤维消化率C组极显著低于A组、B组(P0.01),酸性洗涤纤维消化率各组之间差异不显著(P0.05),中性洗涤纤维消化率B组与A组、C组之间差异极显著(P0.01);A组能量表观消化率显著高于B组、C组(P0.05),B组与C组之间差异不显著(P0.05);A组氮的表观沉积率最高,各组间差异不显著(P0.05)。说明鹅对苜蓿的各纤维组分消化率最高,日粮能量利用效率最好,对玉米青贮氮的表观沉积率最好。     

八个鹅品种血液生化指标的比较研究

为比较相同环境下不同鹅种间血液生化代谢特点的种质差异,在国家水禽种质资源基因库(江苏泰州)内随机抽取成年同月龄健康的豁眼鹅、乌鬃鹅、太湖鹅、浙东白鹅、武冈铜鹅、皖西白鹅、莱茵鹅、朗德鹅8个鹅品种各20只,进行15项血液指标的测定与比较分析.结果表明,8个鹩种间总蛋白、白蛋白、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、钠离子、氯离子指标无显著差异(P＞0.05);球蛋白、白球比、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇指标存在显著差异(P＜0.05).豁眼鹅尿素氮指标极显著低于莱茵鹅(P＜0.01),表明其蛋白质沉积能力最强.朗德鹅TG则极显著高于皖西白鹅、豁眼鹅(P＜0.01),显示它具有很强的脂肪沉积能力.另外,不同品种间谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶、总胆固醇、钾离子、钙离子亦存在极显著差异(P＜0.01).     

3个品种鹅体尺测量和屠宰性能比较研究

为评估四川白鹅与百子鹅在辽宁地区生产性能的适应性,以360只70日龄豁眼鹅、四川白鹅和百子鹅为试验素材,比较3个品种生产性能差异。结果表明:3个鹅种母鹅体重差异显著(P0.05),百子鹅四川白鹅豁眼鹅;百子鹅在体斜长、胫围、潜水长高于豁眼鹅和四川白鹅,其中,百子鹅的胫围和潜水长极显著高于豁眼鹅(P0.01);公鹅潜水长比较为百子鹅四川白鹅豁眼鹅(P0.01),百子鹅公鹅的胫长极显著高于四川白鹅(P0.01),胫围极显著高于豁眼鹅和四川白鹅(P0.01);3个鹅种各项屠宰指标间均存在着不同差异,百子鹅母鹅全净膛率、半净膛率、胸肌率显著高于豁眼鹅(P0.05),四川白鹅腿肌率8.79%,极显著高于豁眼鹅(P0.01);百子鹅公鹅的全净膛率和胸肌率显著高于其他2个品种的公鹅(P0.05);豁眼鹅公鹅的腹脂率显著低于其他2个品种(P0.05);百子鹅早期生长较快,活重最大为3 230.21 g,屠体重为2 810.97 g,依次为和四川白鹅和豁眼鹅,豁眼鹅屠宰性能好于四川白鹅。不同品种鹅体尺、屠宰性能各指标间有不同程度的相关性。     

黄土高原模拟轮牧对高糖黑麦草生产性能的影响

在黄土高原引种3种高糖黑麦草（Lolium perenne）,采用模拟轮牧和收获干草两种利用方式,评价生产性能。模拟轮牧的3种高糖黑麦草品种的粗蛋白含量、粗脂肪含量和粗灰分的含量明显高于收获干草,粗纤维含量和可溶性糖含量显著低于收获干草（P0.05）。模拟轮牧显著增加粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分和水分利用效率（P0.05）,提高 明星和优质的总能产量。高糖黑麦草品种明星的产草量、水分利用效率和各种养分的产量极显著高于其他2个高糖黑麦草品种神奇和阿旺（P0.01）,其他高糖黑麦草品种与对照品种差异不显著（P0.05）。模拟轮牧提高高糖黑麦草的饲用价值,且明星的饲用价值高于其他品种。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein     

Avian brood parasitism — a growing research area in behavioral ecology (part Ⅱ)

正We are pleased to publish the second special issue on avian brood parasitism and to be responsible guest editors for the two special issues of Chinese Birds (Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012 and Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013), entitled "Avian Brood Parasitism - A Growing Research Area in Behavioral Ecology". The first issue was published in December 2012. The goal of the two special issues is to publish accumulated knowledge and some of the recent developments in