鸳鸯越冬期日活动行为时间分配的研究

越冬期鸳鸯（Ａｉｘｇａｌｅｒｉｃｕｌａｔａ）日活动行为的时间分配有明显规律性。休息（４０％－８０％）是越冬期鸳鸯的主要行为．早晨和傍晚是鸳鸯的取食高峰时间。在下午的取食强度高于上午的取食强度。越冬中期（１２－１月）鸳鸯的游泳时间相对减少，休息时间相对延长。在雌雄个体日活动行为的差别上，雄性个体理羽行为的时间比雌性个体多；警戒活动大部分是由雄性个体担任；雌性个体的休息时间比雄性个体多。季节变化，气候条件，以及温度、时间对鸳鸯的日活动行为都有一定的影响。     

Geographic segregation and evidence of density‐dependent changes in sex ratios in an abundant colonial waterbird

Demographic information, such as geographic segregation of sexes and sex ratio data, is needed to develop, model and evaluate conservation and management strategies for wildlife. A variety of physiological, behavioral and environmental factors can influence segregation of sexes and sex ratios, many of which originate with density‐dependent processes. Departure from 50:50 sex ratios of double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) collected during control efforts in breeding and wintering areas across their eastern range of the USA were evaluated using using a Z‐test as well as Stouffer's weighted Z‐tests. In addition, a specifically‐designed randomization test was used to evaluate density‐dependent effects on primary sex ratios in cormorants from egg collections and colony nest count data over a 21‐year period. Cormorants collected from breeding colonies were strongly male‐biased, whereas cormorants collected from feeding flocks were slightly biased toward females. Cormorants were partly segregated by sex on the wintering grounds, with significantly more males found in areas with intensive channel catfish aquaculture. The null hypothesis that females produced a balanced sex ratio independent of number of nesting cormorants was rejected: more male embryos were produced during rapid population growth, whereas at maximum nesting number more female embryos were produced. Once populations stabilized, the sex ratio was more equal. This examination of sex ratios indicates that different management methods and locations result in sex‐biased culling of cormorants. Sex‐biased culling in cormorants could make population reduction efforts more efficient and reduce overall take. We suggest further research to examine density‐dependent effects on primary sex ratios documented here.     

Sexual disparity in activity patterns and time budgets of angulate tortoises (Chersina angulata) on Dassen Island,South Africa

Behavioural frequencies and time budgets for male and female Chersina angulata were recorded in spring, September 2004. The daily activity of the population was 10.51 ± 0.42 h (mean ± CI), but individual males and females were in the open for 2.57 ± 1.12 h and 1.58 ± 1.44 h, respectively. Both sexes spent nearly 3.5 h per day basking with 90% of the basking time in the cover of sparse vegetation. Feeding and walking were the most frequent active behaviours. The activity pattern of the sexes differed between 10:00 and 12:00 in the morning when males spent more time out of cover on active behaviours, particularly feeding, than females did. The daily activity pattern of the population peaked between 10:00 and 12:00, reflecting the activity pattern of the more active sex, males. Females were out of cover, active, and feeding at higher temperatures than were males. The high temperatures probably allowed females to complete activities more efficiently, reducing their exposure time and predation risk. Although fighting and mating represented small fractions of male time budgets, the extended physical presence through walking and feeding may help males to establish dominance hierarchies and enhance mating success.     

Plasma biochemical reference values in clinically healthy captive bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and the effects of sex and season

Background: Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizard species, and biochemical reference values are useful for health management of these reptiles. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure plasma biochemical values in healthy captive bearded dragons, determine reference values, and evaluate the effects of sex and season on the results. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 captive healthy bearded dragons in Tokyo during the summer and winter. Plasma biochemical measurements were performed using a dry‐slide automated biochemical analyzer. The data were then compared based on sex and season using 2‐way ANOVA. Results: Globulin, cholesterol, and calcium concentrations of females were higher in both summer and winter compared with the values obtained for males. Both males and females had higher uric acid concentrations in winter than in summer. When compared with males, females had a higher chloride concentration in summer and a higher total protein concentration and aspartate aminotransferase activity in winter. Potassium concentration in males was lower in winter than in summer, whereas in females cholesterol concentration was lower in winter than in summer. Conclusions: Biochemical values that differed based on sex and season in bearded dragons were similar to those in other lizards. These differences reflect physiologic differences in reproductive status in females and seasonal changes in temperature and hydration status. Plasma biochemical values established for bearded dragons in this study will be useful in the diagnostic assessment of captive animals.     

秦岭大熊猫家域的季节、性别和年龄效应

本文通过潘文石对22只秦岭大熊猫的家域观察资料为基础，获得生态年龄段和家域对数转换值等次生数据，并以次生数据为基础，对不同生态年龄段和不同季节大熊猫的家域和个体季节性迁移面积的动态特征进行定性比较分析，通过季节、性别和年龄对秦岭大熊猫种群家域动态的影响机制进行了探讨，结果发现以下新细节：（1）虽然在同一季节，大熊猫家域面积随着年龄的增长逐渐增加，但雌性个体家域面积增加不大，雄性个体也仅在夏季家域面积增加极大，秋冬季增加也不大；（2）同一生态年龄段，秦岭大熊猫家域面积：全年〉秋冬季〉夏季；（3）只是成体雄性大熊猫家域面积极显著大于雌性，但亚成体和老年个体家域面积的性别间差异不显著；（4）1～11岁，大熊猫迁移面积小且稳定，大于11．5岁后，迁移面积明显跃迂增大，保持增大趋势，但波动强度由强变弱。这表明秦岭大熊猫家域的季节、性别和年龄效应动态规律性明显。     

Fluctuations in serum steroid hormone concentrations and body mass during growth and sexual maturation in captive northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)

Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) have a distinct life history pattern comprising annual terrestrial breeding and oceanic migration, and the physiological changes associated with these patterns are of particular interest for understanding their environmental adaptations. However, owing to their oceanic distribution, limited information is available on the reproductive physiology of wild individuals during the immature stage and the winter migration period. This study aimed to determine the relationships among the seasonal hormone profiles, body growth, age, and pregnancy using monthly serum samples collected over 3–5 years from two male and two female captive individuals during pubescence and sexual maturation. Small increases in the serum testosterone signaled puberty in males aged 3 and 4 years. Thereafter, males showed considerable increases in testosterone during breeding seasons, indicating sexual maturity. Immature female serum progesterone was maintained at low levels, but after pubescence, females showed an increase in serum progesterone in August, the month next to the peak of delivery, followed by a decrease. In non-pregnant females, progesterone did not increase significantly until the next breeding season, but in pregnant females, they increased again from February to March and then gradually decreased. Immature males increased body mass constantly and reached puberty when their body mass exceeded 20 kg, and they showed seasonal weight fluctuations after puberty. These results provide fundamental information for determining sexual maturity and pregnancy in this species based on sex steroid hormones and body mass measurements.     

Preference status does not indicate intrinsic quality differences in Drosophila pseudoobscura

The good genes hypothesis states that choosers prefer individuals of high intrinsic quality to individuals of lower intrinsic quality. Variation in longevity is thought to reflect, in part, intrinsic quality differences of individuals in addition to the costs of mating and reproduction. Here we report longevity variation of Drosophila pseudoobscura, a species in which previous experiments have demonstrated that individual mate preferences (pre-touching mate assessments) of females and males are associated with enhanced numbers of eclosed (adult) offspring and higher egg-to-adult survival (offspring viability). Using mate assessment arenas and protocols similar to those in a previous experiment that demonstrated fitness benefits to breeders and their offspring of mating with individuals they preferred, we tested the following predictions: (i) preferred discriminatees live longer than non-preferred discriminatees; (ii) males live longer than females; and (iii) virgins live longer than mated individuals. The experiment yielded 938 individuals for longevity analysis. Sex and mating status affected longevity: males lived longer than females, virgin females lived longer than mated females, but there were no differences in longevity for mated and virgin males. Non-preferred discriminatees of both sexes survived as long as preferred discriminatees, a result inconsistent with the prediction of the good genes hypothesis for mate preferences. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the cost of reproduction for females in D. pseudoobscura and of longevity variation of preferred and non-preferred discriminatees.     

Size Allometry in Mink (Mustela vison) Selected for Feed Efficiency

Objectives were to analyse absolute and relative size of mink at maturity, and to test effects of selection line, sex and interaction on size. For male and female mink selected for high or low feed efficiency, size at 30 weeks was analyzed for body weight, carcass weight, pelt weight, subcutaneous fat weight, and pelt length. For absolute size, an ANOVA model included effects of line, sex, and interaction. For relative size, two models were used: an allometric model and an extended allometric model, which included effects of line, sex, and interaction.

For the ANOVA model, sexes differed for each variable; females were less than males. As a percentage of body weight, however, carcass weight was larger in females than males, whereas fat weight was smaller in females than males. For the extended allometric growth model, sexes differed for carcass weight and subcutaneous fat weight; females fattened faster than males.     

PCR法鉴定雏鸽性别的初步研究

雏鸽的雌雄外貌形态差别甚微,极难区别。为有效准确地鉴别雏鸽的性别,淘汰非目的性别,从而降低饲养成本,提高经济效益。本研究通过采用PCR方法,选定特殊的性别CHD1基因及鉴定引物,克隆出雏鸽特定性别基因序列鉴定雏鸽的雌雄。结果表明:在雏鸽雌性样本中扩增出1条带(777 bp),而雄性中未见扩增带,显示出CHD1基因的性别特异性,PCR扩增性别鉴定结果与样本解剖后对性腺观察的形态学鉴定结果也完全一致。在87份样品中,阳性克隆结果为25,阴性克隆结果为62,故87只雏鸽中雌鸽25只,雄鸽62只,其准确率达100%。     

The sex ratio of Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae) with notes on the male feeding period in the laboratory

To evaluate the sex ratio of field collected nymphal Amblyomma cajennense ticks, we collected 5326 engorged nymphs from naturally infested horses in Pirassununga county and allowed them to molt to adults in the laboratory. They yielded a sex ratio of 1:1.83 (M:F). Three and two engorged females were collected from horses pastured at Pirassununga county and from tapirs pastured in Sorocaba county, respectively. These females were allowed to oviposit and their progeny were reared until the adult stage in the laboratory. Engorged females collected from Pirassununga yielded a sex ratio of 1:1.57 (M:F) and a sex ratio of 1.14:1 (M:F) were obtained for those ticks collected from tapirs. In addition, unfed tick larvae were collected from Pedreira county and reared in the laboratory until the adult stage. This collection yielded a sex ratio of 1.11:1 (M:F). These results showed significantly different (P<0.05) sex ratio constitutions among different tick populations. Laboratory rabbits were infested once with A. cajennense male ticks, which showed feeding periods varying from 7 to 86 days. During this period, the rabbits were re-infested regularly with A. cajennense female ticks. A total of 179 engorged females were collected from the rabbits and their engorged weight, feeding, preovioposition and egg incubation periods, weight of deposited eggs, percent of hatched eggs and egg production efficiency were compared to the male feeding period and to the number of live males present on the host. None of the female variables were affected by the male feeding period. Male ticks remained fertile for the whole feeding period. Percent of hatched eggs was the only female variable that significantly decreased as the number of live males decreased on the host. The results showed that although some A. cajennense populations are composed of more females than males after molting, this female predominance is compensated by a long male feeding period and maintenance of its reproductive performance.     

Foraging technique and prey‐handling time in black‐necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)

The foraging technique and prey‐handling time of the black‐necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) was studied in Dudhwa National Park, India, from January 1996 to June 1997. The habitat in which the storks foraged played an important role in selecting a particular technique to procure food. Black‐necked storks mostly foraged using a tactile technique (>90%), but sometimes foraged visually. When the water level was estimated to be less than 60 cm, the storks foraged using tactile techniques. There was no difference in the feeding techniques of male and female storks. Foraging attempt rates varied between the sexes in summer (May) and during late winter (February) in 1997. The search time for prey increased when the water level was high and fish were widely distributed. Decreases in water level resulted in concentration offish in certain areas and this contributed to high fish‐catching rates by black‐necked storks. Males had a higher success rate offish capture than females. However, females captured longer fish than males. Prey‐handling time increased in both sexes as fish length increased. Fish 4–6 cm long were most frequently taken by the foraging storks.     

Effect of dietary zinc proteinate supplementation on growth performance, and skin and meat quality of male and female broiler chicks

1. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary zinc proteinate (ZP) supplementation on growth performance and on skin and meat quality of male and female broiler chicks.

2. A total of 240 1-d-old male and 240 1-d-old female broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 24 floor pens (12 replicate pens/sex; 20 birds/pen) and were given either 0 (Control diet) or 40?mg/kg ZP (ZP 40), resulting in a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement of treatments.

3. The growth performance of male and female broiler chicks was not affected by the ZP supplementation, but the males showed significantly higher growth performance than did females.

4. ZP supplementation increased the total thickness of skin in both sexes, and males had thicker skin than females. It also increased the collagen content of skin, but not that of meat. Males had higher skin collagen contents than did females, but no sex difference was found in the meat collagen contents.

5. ZP supplementation did not affect the shear force values of skin and meat; however, males had higher shear force values of back skin than females. ZP supplementation increased the zinc contents of thigh meat and plasma in both sexes. Males had higher zinc contents in back skin than females.

6. It is concluded that dietary ZP supplementation could increase the skin quality of broiler chicks in both sexes, particularly in female broilers, without any effect on growth performance. Male broilers have better growth performance and skin quality than females.     

Seasonal effects on digging activity and burrow architecture in the Cape dune mole-rat,Bathyergus suillus (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

Most polygynous male mammals exhibit little or no parental care or involvement raising young. Instead, they invest indirectly in their own morphological and physiological attributes which enhance their chance of reproduction. Such secondary morphological sex traits may contribute to differences in the burrow architecture of fossorial mammals, such as the Cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. Indeed, little is known about the seasonal changes in burrow architecture or differences in burrow configuration may differ between the sexes of subterranean African mole-rats (Bathyergidae). We excavated burrow systems of male and female B. suillus during the summer and the winter to investigate whether male burrow architecture reflected putative mate-seeking behaviour. We consider burrow geometry in response to mating strategies. Male burrow systems explored the environment more efficiently than females. This is presumably because of the increase in associated energetic costs of being a large male. Males produce more mounds indicating territorial behaviour even when it is energetically costly to dispose of soil onto the surface when the soil is less friable during the summer. Overall tunnel dimensions did not differ between the sexes. It appears that a change in season does not affect the geometry of the burrow system or tunnel dimensions in a climatically buffered environment.     

环尾狐猴在华南地区的饲养与繁殖

以广州动物园人工饲养的10只环尾狐猴（雄性5只，雌性5只）为研究对象，根据广州地区多雨潮湿的气候条件，以400m。草地作为饲养场地，配置栖枝、凉亭和恒温保暖箱，采取逐只投喂的办法进行饲养。在广州地区的气候条件下，环尾狐猴2岁即可进行繁殖交配，发情期为8～9月，妊娠期为5个月，育幼主要由母猴来完成，雄猴可参与育幼，母猴有明显的护食行为。当气温低于15℃时，狐猴进入恒温保暖箱活动。在华南地区的气候条件下，环尾狐猴的饲养管理需做好防雨、防晒工作，冬季气温低于15℃时需开启恒温保暖设施。在繁殖育幼期，需添加面包虫等食物，并合理搭配成年雌雄性狐猴比例，防止动物打斗而出现伤亡。本文主要阐述环尾狐猴在广州地区的饲养繁殖、防寒保暖、环境丰容等方面的技术要点，为在华南地区环尾狐猴的保育及进一步研究奠定基础。     

The effect of fertility control on the transmission of bovine tuberculosis in wild brushtail possums

AIM: To determine the effect of fertility control on the rate of transmission of bovine tuberculosis (Tb), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). METHODS: At two study sites with a history of Tb infection in the resident possum population, a sample of adult male and female possums (n=50), determined by palpation to be Tb-free, was surgically sterilised by gonadectomy. A sample of untreated Tb-free male and female possums (n=54) served as controls. Each study site was trapped every 2 months over a 3-year period, and the Tb status of the individuals in the trial assessed. At the conclusion of the trial, all remaining experimental individuals were killed, necropsied and examined for characteristic lesions typical of Tb. The rate of transmission of Tb infection was estimated using the incidence of tuberculous cases in the experimental animals and comparing it between sites, sex and sterilisation treatment. RESULTS: Sterilisation by gonadectomy resulted in a reduction in the rate of transmission of Tb in male possums by 53%, but a corresponding increase in sterilised females for reasons that are still unclear. However, this interaction was statistically weak (p=0.10). When the sexes were combined, there was no overall effect of sterilisation on the rate of transmission of Tb (p=0.43). Sterility treatment notwithstanding, there was a highly significant difference in the rate of transmission between the sexes (p=0.01), being almost one order of magnitude higher in untreated males compared with untreated females. CONCLUSIONS: Although lacking strong statistical support, these results suggest that fertility control that targets endocrine control of fertility may provide some additional benefits for disease control over that achieved by reductions in population density, by reducing the rate of transmission of M. bovis in male possums. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the validity of these results. The large difference in the rate of transmission of M. bovis in untreated males compared with untreated females suggests that transmission of Tb among males may be an important driver of the dynamics of Tb infection in possums.     

北京地区居留黑鹳的越冬生态学

由于气温的变化,原来属于夏季繁殖鸟的国家一级保护鸟类黑鹳(Ciconia nigra),在北京市出现了越冬群体.为了解黑鹳的越冬生态特点,从2004年1月到2009年3月,在北京十渡水生动物自然保护区,对其种群数量、生境选择、取食规律和集群行为进行了实地调查.结果显示,黑鹳选择该保护区的拒马河作为其越冬地,种群数量从2004-2005年冬季的28只下降到2007-2008年的17只,但随后恢复到了23只.越冬群体于11月中旬形成,次年3月中旬分散,但群体形成受到温度变化的影响.黑鹳对取食生境具有依赖性,主要食物为鱼类(＞92.4%).成年和亚成年黑鹳的食物构成没有差异(Mann-Whitney Utest,U=1.00,p=0.44).在越冬初期,取食活动主要发生在早晨和中午,越冬中期则集中于下午,而在越冬后期,分为清晨和傍晚两个取食阶段.按照每日取食6 h计算,成年黑鹳的每日进食量约538 g,亚成年个体约449 g,与人工饲养条件下黑鹳的饲喂量相近.在越冬后期,观察到取食过程中群体内部存在争斗行为.对越冬黑鹳的干扰主要来自旅游活动对取食生境的改变、人为筑坝提高水位、在滩涂开辟新的旅游场地减少了适于黑鹳取食的空间.     

我国马可波罗盘羊种群数量和年龄结构

根据野外实地考察,绘制帕米尔高原马可波罗盘羊的分布图。我国马可波罗盘羊主要分布在塔什库尔干自然保护区和萨雷阔勒岭。采用截线取样法对马可波罗盘羊种群数量进行研究,截至2001年,盘羊种群数量为1 650～2 150只;近年我国马可波罗盘羊种群数量超过3 000只。对37群949只盘羊的数据进行分析,盘羊的性比为♂：♀=1：3,群体大小平均为26.4只,最大雌性群为156只。由于山体庞大、地势开阔、冬季无人,在帕米尔高原,盘羊经常结成大群。40～50只以上的大群占所有观察个体数的50.3%,大群除了混合群外,还有雄性群和雌性群。在确定年龄的基础上,对177只雄性盘羊的年龄分布进行分析,成体雄性盘羊占所有识别年龄雄性盘羊的61.0%,8龄及以上年龄级的动物,占雄性个体的20.9%。     

Populations in a Transvaal Lowveld Nature Reserve

Cape sugarbirds (Promerops cafer) are the largest nectarivores in the Western Cape and feed almost exclusively on protea nectar and associated arthropods. Helderberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa, has a large diversity of Protea and supports breeding sugarbirds. As part of a larger study, we captured sugarbirds using mist-nets during the breeding and non-breeding season at several sites in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa, from 1996 to 2000. From these data (n =283 males, 272 females), we found that in both sexes, individuals with longer tails have longer wings. Males were significantly larger in mass, culmen, head, tarsus, wing and tail length than females. Males with larger mass were larger in all morphometric measurements than those with smaller mass. Mate choice and territory defence may be based on wing and tail ornament displays of male sugarbirds, thus larger males with larger ornaments could benefit through greater breeding success than smaller males.     

Sex‐specific participation in inter‐group conflicts within a multilevel society: the first evidence at the individual level

Inter‐group conflicts are common among many group‐living animals and involve potentially complex motivations and interactions. Mammals living in multilevel societies offer a good opportunity to study inter‐group conflicts. This study is the first to explore the function of sex‐specific participation during inter‐group conflicts within a multilevel society at the individual level. The Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is an endangered seasonal breeding species living in a multilevel society. From Sep 2007 to May 2008 we recorded 290 inter‐group conflicts of a free‐ranging provisioned band of R. roxellana in the Qinling Mountains of China to investigate the function of individual aggression during inter‐group encounters. Our findings show that adult males were the main participants in inter‐group conflicts, while females took part in them only occasionally. The male participation rate during the mating season, when adult females were estrous, was significantly higher than that during the non‐mating season. Furthermore, males directed their aggression to other males, and directed more intense aggression towards bachelor males than towards other resident males. For both sexes, the participation rate as initiators was higher in the winter than that in the spring; and there was a significant positive correlation between group size and the participation rate as initiators. Our results suggest that inter‐group aggression in Sichuan snub‐nosed monkeys is linked to both mate defense and resource defense.     

Serum growth hormone release during a 60-hour period in growing pigs

Growth hormone (GH) profiles were measured during a 60-hour period in four release was not affected by feeding when measured at 2, 4 and 8 hr before and after castrated male and five female, 20-week-old Yorkshire pigs. During this period, GH feeding time. A photoperiod of 12 hr light and 12 hr darkness produced a decrease (P<.05) in baseline mean GH levels from 4.0 to 3.5 ng/ml during periods of darkness. This effect was observed in both genders. Females and castrated males exhibited (P>.05) similar baseline GH levels and identical numbers of GH peaks during feeding and photoperiod studies. However, during these periods, the amplitude of the GH peaks and areas under the GH curves were greater (P<.05) in females. These results indicate that: 1) feeding did not influence GH secretion; 2) darkness produced a decrease in the baseline GH levels in both sexes; and 3) females secreted more GH than castrated males of the same age.