Polystoma umthakathi (Monogenea): establishment,mortality and reproduction of neotenic parasites in experimentally infected Natalobatrachus bonebergi tadpoles

The development of Polystoma umthakathi oncomiracidia were studied in experimentally infected Natalobatrachus bonebergi tadpoles to establish a normal reference of parasite performance in the natural host. The anteroventral body wall is transparent in these tadpoles and it was possible to follow the destiny of each parasite throughout its life span of neotenic development. Success of establishment was 27,9% and mean parasite intensity 2,1 at 48 h. After parasite larvae initially attached to the gills on the left side, they gradually migrated to the right side and mature parasites only occurred inside the right branchial chamber. Parasite mortality was high, prevalence had declined to 72,4% after 12 days and 48,3% after 20 days while mean parasite intensity had declined to 1,8 and 1,6 during the same period. Egg production was around 13 to 15 eggs/parasite/day for parasites in burdens of one and two but significantly lower (5,24) in the case of three-parasite burdens. Tadpoles harbouring two or more parasites became anaemic but recovered when most or all parasites were lost.     

Eggs ultrastructure and early development of Franciscodoras marmoratus (Pisces: Doradidae)

This study presents, for the first time, information on the eggs and early development of Franciscodoras marmoratus, fish of São Francisco river, Brazil. To analyse the egg ultrastructure and morphological events of embryogenesis, a total of 36 F. marmoratus specimens (18 males and 18 females) were captured and subjected to spawning induction. Gametes were collected by manual extrusion, and fertilization was conducted using the dry method. After fertilization, eggs were kept in incubators with water temperature of 24°C. The embryonic development was monitored using a stereomicroscope until hatching. There was a 67% positive response to hypophysation by the females and the fertilization rate was 73.8 ± 6.2%. The oocytes are discoid, yellow, adhesive and covered by a thick jelly coat. Under the electron scanning microscope, the oocytes presented a surface with pore canals and funnel‐shaped micropyle with a smooth vestibule. Recently extruded oocytes had a mean diameter of 1.27 ± 0.4 mm and after hydration was 1.91 ± 0.05 mm. The jelly coat was 0.34 ± 0.03 mm thickness, and the perivitelline space was 0.19 ± 0.04 mm. Eight phases of the embryonic development were identified, and embryogenesis was completed at 47 h after fertilization, at 24°C water temperature. The recently hatched larvae had 2.76 ± 0.57 mm of total length. These results provide useful information for the successful breeding and reproductive strategies of fishes.     

人工巢箱条件下松鼠繁殖习性及仔兽生长发育研究

2008 ～ 2013年,在左家自然保护区对松鼠进行了野外观察和研究,结果如下：母鼠大约在产仔前两周左右开始筑巢,母鼠做巢时会根据当时的气候条件决定巢的类型;在哺乳期母鼠护子性极强,遇惊扰时会出现换巢的行为;仔兽出生到7日龄时体长为52.48 mm,尾长24.09 mm,体重13.96 g;42日龄时体长为149.48 mm,尾长136.07mm,体重达到140.77 g.数据分析表明,在仔兽生长发育过程中体重与体长、体重与尾长、体长与尾长均相关极显著.配制了体重生长的逻辑斯蒂方程：Wt=300.38/1＋ 37.325e-0.0831,该方程与实际生长数据拟合较好.     

Thermal and salinity effects on locomotor performance of Thoropa taophora tadpoles (Anura,Cycloramphidae)

It is well known that environmental temperature influences several biological functions of ectotherms, notably in amphibians. The high permeability of anuran skin, associated with the effect of elevated environmental temperature, potentiates the dehydration process and this combination may restrict locomotor performance. Thoropa taophora is an endemic species from the Atlantic Rainforest whose tadpoles are semiterrestrial and predominantly diurnal, and are found in rocky seashores where they are exposed to sea spray and high temperatures. In this study we investigated how temperature and salinity conditions affect the locomotor performance in Thoropa taophora tadpoles. We also assessed how different osmotic concentrations affect the activity of the metabolic pathways that support muscle function. We measured the sprint speed of tadpoles of various sizes at different temperatures and salinities in the field. We also measured the activity of the enzymes pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and citrate synthase (CS) in different temperatures and osmotic concentrations, and calculated the thermal sensitivity and the activity constants for each osmolality. Our results showed that, in general, sprint speed decreased with increasing temperature and salinity. However, whereas the effect of increased salinity was similar in smaller and larger tadpoles, increased temperature had a higher negative impact on sprint speed of larger tadpoles, thus indicating low thermal sensitivity of small tadpoles. PK and LDH thermal sensitivities and LDH constant of activity decreased as the osmolality increased. In conclusion, the locomotor capacity of tadpoles was decreased by temperature and salinity, which may be related to a decrease in anaerobic metabolism both in terms of sensitivity and total energy turnover through enzymatic activity. We discuss the ecological consequences, including the potential impacts on predator escape behavior promoted by changes in metabolism and locomotor performance in an early stage of development of this species.     

不同营养结构的饲料对中国林蛙蝌蚪生长发育的影响

研究 4组不同营养结构的饲料对中国林蛙蝌蚪生长发育的影响。结果表明 ,Ⅰ组饲料所喂养的蝌蚪生长速度快 ,完成变态的时间最短 ( 34 4d) ;Ⅲ组饲料喂养的蝌蚪变态后的幼蛙体重最大、身体最长 (分别为 0 31 7g、1 45cm) ;Ⅳ组饲料喂养的蝌蚪生长最慢 ,完成变态所需的时间最长 ( 39 2d) ,变态后的幼蛙体重最小 ( 0 2 5 4 g) ;各组中蝌蚪的成活率和变态率差异不显著 (P >0 0 5 )。     

Embryonic and larval development of garpike from the Adriatic Sea

Although information about embryonic and larval development of garpike, Belone belone (Linnaeus, 1761), is present in the published literature, the bulk of research concerns garpike from the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. The present work describes the embryonic and larval development of garpike, Belone belone, from the Adriatic Sea, and methods used for incubation of fertilized eggs in aquarium conditions. Because garpike is, as suggested by some authors, divided into subspecies, we conclude that some differences in embryonic development could also be expected. In the present study, eggs were fertilized using the dry fertilization method and were incubated in a tank equipped with aeration and constant sea water flow. Salinity and content of dissolved oxygen were constant, and the temperature varied between 19.4 and 22.3°C. Eggs were spherical, measuring 3071.9 ± 75.73 μm in diameter. Yolk sacs were homogeneous and did not contain oil globules. The first larvae hatched 329 h and 47 min after fertilization. Absorption of the yolk sac occurred 17 h – 48 h after hatching and the total length of newly hatched larvae was 9.78 mm. The peculiarities observed in the embryonic and early larval development are evidence of an exceptional plasticity and adaptive potential, which could be considered as helpful features in extending the natural range of occurrence of this species.     

Ultrasonography as an aid to controlled breeding in the llama (Lama glama).

An ultrasonic linear array scanner with a transrectal probe was used to observe ovarian and uterine changes associated with the reproductive cycle in llamas. 'Waves' of follicular development and regression occurred in unstimulated females, during which the dominant follicle reached a maximum size of 9 to 13 mm; both ovaries were equally active. Ovulation was induced by mating in 80 per cent of cases, and when mating was accompanied by the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin the ovulation rate increased to 90 per cent and the time to ovulation decreased from two to three days to one to two days. Some spontaneous ovulations occurred. Corpora lutea reached a maximum size of 12 mm (non-pregnant) or 14 mm (pregnant) after seven or 16 days, respectively. The lifespan of the corpus luteum was approximately 11 days in non-pregnant llamas and the regression time was advanced by the administration of prostaglandin or embryo recovery. Pregnancy could be diagnosed as early as 19 days after mating.     

The ecology of Sphyraena barracuda (Osteichthyes: Perciformes) in the Kosi system with notes on the Sphyraenidae of other Natal estuaries

The ecology of Sphyraena barracuda was studied in the Kosi estuary system of Natal. Fry enter from the sea at a length of 20 mm and live in shallow marginal weed-beds until a length of 80 mm when they move to fringing Phragmites reed-beds. After reaching 300 mm they move to open water areas. No specimens longer than 500 mm were recorded and none were mature. Growth is rapid, they attain 180 mm in the first six months and after two years measure 400-500 mm. They leave the estuary after about two years. Their significance in the estuarine fish community is due to their predation, at all sizes, on a variety of estuarine-dependent juvenile fishes (e.g. Rhabdosargus spp., Mugilidae) and adults of estuarine species (e.g. Ambassis spp.). S. barracuda was recorded at salinities between 4°/oo and 35°/oo, only in very clear water and at temperatures from 14,4 °C to 37 °C. Sphyraena bleekeri and S. qenie, which are also clear-water species, were found at Kosi in salinities from 0,5 to 35%o. They are also piscivorous on a range of small teleosts. Sphyraena iello is the most widespread barracuda in Natal estuaries, but only juveniles were recorded. This species is tolerant of a wide range of turbidities and salinities which enables it to live under most estuarine conditions. The distribution, ecology and interspecific interactions among Sphyraenidae in Natal estuaries are discussed in relation to their feeding biology, habitat preferenda and physical tolerances.     

Reproduction of Labeo umbratus (Pisces,Cyprinidae) in Wuras Dam,a shallow,turbid impoundments

Female Labeo umbratus reach sexual maturity at a larger size than males and dominate the population in fish over 450 mm in length. The gonads are large (up to 20% of total body mass) and they have a high fecundity which increases linearly with an increase in body mass. Successful spawning is dependent on suitable floods during the spawning season which extends from November to March or April. Spawning apparently occurred in the impoundment. All females did not spawn simultaneously and evidence suggests that individuals might spawn more than once during a particular season.     

西藏阿旺绵羊羊毛品质分析

旨在进一步阐明阿旺绵羊种质资源特征,为制定阿旺绵羊羊毛生产与质量控制标准提供科学依据。采用现场鉴定和实验室检测方法对270份采集自不同年龄、不同性别阿旺绵羊不同部位的羊毛样品品质进行分析研究。现场测定结果表明：阿旺绵羊成年公、母羊的平均羊毛长度分别为90.3、71.0 mm,平均剪毛量分别为1.35、1.00 kg;育成公、母羊平均羊毛长度分别为61.5、58.3 mm,平均剪毛量分别为1.08、0.84 kg;阿旺绵羊油汗颜色为白色或乳白色,油汗含量以1/2、1/3为主。实验室检测结果表明：成年公羊肩、侧、股3个部位毛长度分别为95.40、99.68、115.44 mm,成年母羊肩、侧、股3个部位毛长度分别为65.72、62.39、83.06 mm;育成公羊肩、侧、股3个部位毛长度分别为80.52、86.11、103.63 mm,育成母羊肩、侧、股3个部位毛长度分别为62.95、64.53、78.95 mm;采自3个不同部位的270份羊毛样品的纤维类型平均占比分别为：无髓毛占72.98%,有髓毛占21.31%,两型毛占5.47%;无髓毛平均直径为25.97 μm,直径离散26.79%;有髓毛平均直径为69.59 μm,直径离散23.63%;两型毛平均直径为41.99 μm,直径离散26.65%;粗毛纤维直径范围为24.66-72.15 μm,肩、侧、股部的纤维直径变化无规律。     

史氏蟾蜍蝌蚪发育的初步研究

史氏蟾蜍是辽宁省特有的两栖类物种之一,多年来对史氏蟾蜍的研究和报道知之甚少,对其蝌蚪方面的了解也不多。本文就史氏蟾蜍蝌蚪发育进行了详细观察和描述,并对其全长、体长等数据进行测量,与中华大蟾蜍和花背蟾蜍蝌蚪进行比较分析。结果表明,随着史氏蟾蜍蝌蚪生长发育,全长、尾长、体高3组与体长之比逐渐减小,而体宽与体长之比值趋向于增加,尾高与体高之比基本保持稳定。眼间距与鼻间距的比值变化相对较大,从24期开始至26期,比值由1.62上升到2.43,随后到34期比值保持在1.87和2.17之间。史氏蟾蜍、中华蟾蜍和花背蟾蜍蝌蚪的比较结果表明,不仅它们之间在形态度量的相对值上存在一些显著差异,而且在发育过程中后肢芽的出现和生长等方面也有差异。     

Postnatal growth and development of the hairy-footed gerbil,Gerbillurus paebae exilis

The growth and development of six litters (21 pups) of captive Gerbillurus paeba exilis are described. Growth is slow with mean adult mass (32,4 g) being reached after 102 days, although the youngest sexually mature male and female were 63 days and 84 days old respectively. Physical development is also comparatively slow and weaning is completed after 30 days. Mass, tail length and hindfoot measurements were subject to much less error than head/body length data. Mass values of wild and captive gerbils are compared where possible. Two ‘critical periods’ in development were pin-pointed, i.e., (i) Day 12, when all the motor abilities developed rapidly, and (ii) Day 17, when the eyes opened and social behaviour followed. Behavioural development was divided into four periods: neonatal, transitional, socializing and juvenile.     

Diet of Chinese skink,Eumeces chinensis: is prey size important?

The diet of the skink, Eumeces chinensis (Lacertilia: Scincidae), in Xiamen (Amoy), China was examined using stomach analysis during April and May, and its selection of prey size was tested by feeding trials. Insects (primarily Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera), gastropods and arachnids constituted most of the E. chinensis diet, but earthworms, leeches, crustaceans and fish were also consumed. In the field, male skinks ate more prey items that were 11–20 mm in length than other size classes. When presented with a choice of different‐sized prey in the laboratory, male E. chinensis exhibited a strong preference for prey items 11–20 mm in length over other size classes. The relationship between prey size and handling time was exponential, indicating that there is an upper limit to the ability of E. chinensis to process prey. Mean energy intake for handling different‐sized prey showed that selection of midsizeclass prey items would provide male E. chinensis with the most energy‐efficient prey option. These results indicate that prey size selection in E. chinensis favors maximization of rates of energy intake, which is in agreement with optimal foraging theory.     

Microscopic Evidence of the Opportunistic Reproductive Strategy and Early Sexual Maturation of the Small‐Sized Characin Knodus moenkhausii (Characidae,Pisces)

We investigated the reproductive biology of Knodus moenkhausii, an abundant small‐sized characin fish with broad occurrence in the Paraná River basin, Brazil. Specimens were collected monthly to determine fecundity, length at first maturity, reproductive period and spawning type. Gonads were macroscopically classified according to their form, size and texture in three different stages (immature, maturing or mature). Histological procedures were conducted to confirm gonadal developmental stages, and it was possible to notice that maturing females actually presented atretic oocytes, and all males that were macroscopically classified as immature, maturing and mature actually presented abundant spermatozoa in their gonads. Because of these discrepancies, a reclassification of gonadal maturations stages was needed after histological analysis, reinforcing its importance to studies on the reproduction of small characins. Reproduction occurred throughout the year though with two peaks. The length of the smallest mature individuals was 13 mm SL for males and 24 mm SL for females. Despite presenting relatively small batch fecundity, some life history traits such as early reproduction, multiple spawning throughout the year, in association with known opportunistic feeding habits, explain the high abundance of this species in locations where it occurs.     

中国林蛙蝌蚪期饲料配方的研究

为研究一种适合林蛙蝌蚪生长的饲料配方,试验选用林蛙蝌蚪受精卵共800只,分为4个大组,每大组设两个重复,共8个小组,分别饲养在8个水盆中,每盆100只。试验对比研究了蛋白质含量分别为37.765%、31.628%、23.535%及11.562%的4种饲料。试验结果表明,饲喂蛋白质含量为23.535%的一组蝌蚪重量最大,体长最长,发育的也最为良好。同时通过试验分析证明,从蝌蚪发育到变态前的饲料应以植物性饲料为主并适当的加入部分动物性饲料,这样才有利于蝌蚪的生长发育。此外,还提出用传统方法配制蝌蚪饲料的不足及解决的办法。     

Dynamic changes in plasma concentrations of gonadotropins, inhibin, estradiol-17beta and progesterone in cows with ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration

To elucidate the effects of ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration, plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, inhibin, estradiol-17beta and progesterone, and folliculogenesis were examined in Holstein cows. Four clinically healthy cows with regular estrous cycles were scanned by ultrasound per rectum once a week for 9 weeks before the commencement of follicular aspiration. All visible follicles were divided into 3 categories based on their sizes (2 < or = small < 5 mm; 5 < or = medium < 10 mm, large > or = 10 mm). The follicular aspiration was started at random during the estrous cycle and conducted under epidural anesthesia induced with 5 ml of 2% lidocaine once a week for 6 weeks. The average number of total visible follicles > or = 2 mm in diameter at 7 days after aspiration (21.7 +/- 7.4, n = 24) was similar to that before starting aspiration (26.7 +/- 10.5, n = 36). Plasma inhibin and estradiol-17beta declined and fell to a trough on 1.5 days and returned to pre-aspiration values by 5 days after aspiration. Plasma concentrations of FSH increased and reached peak levels between 1 and 1.5 days after aspirations. Plasma concentrations of LH also increased and reached peak levels between 0.5 and 1.5 days after aspirations. Both plasma FSH and LH had returned to pre-aspiration levels by 5 days after aspirations. Plasma concentrations of progesterone did not change with the follicular aspiration. These results demonstrate that follicular aspiration decreases plasma concentrations of inhibin and estradiol-17beta, which in turn leads to a rise in plasma concentrations of FSH and LH. It is suggested that marked increases in plasma concentrations of FSH and LH after the aspiration stimulate the development and maturation of a new cohort of follicles within one week in cows.     

犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶生长发育情况分析

[目的]探索犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶的可行性,为推广犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶技术提供依据,增加养殖企业的经济效益成本。[方法]试验选取出生后3月龄的西门塔尔犊牛,进行断奶饲养,测量断奶后不同日龄的体重及体尺指标,分析其生长发育情况,并对体重及体尺进行相关性分析。[结果]西门塔尔犊牛断奶后增重快速,断奶后90天,犊牛平均体重达到269.67kg,断奶后平均总增重达到101.54kg,全程日均增重为1128.22g。断奶后90天与断奶后30天比较,体斜长、体高、胸宽、胸深、胸围、腹围、臀围均呈现增加的趋势,其中增长较快的是腹围,其次是胸围,分别增加了19.0cm,14.67cm。体重与体斜长、体高、胸宽、胸深、胸围、腹围、臀围均呈正相关,其中体重与体斜长、体高、胸深、胸围、腹围呈极显著相关(p<0.01)。[结论]犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶后犊牛生长发育情况较好,犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶具有较强的可行性,可大范围推广。     

Reproduction and embryogenesis of the mandi‐amarelo catfish,Pimelodus maculatus (Pisces,Pimelodidae), in captivity

To study reproduction and embryogenesis, Pimelodus maculatus specimens were kept in captivity and captured bimonthly during 1 year. Gonads samples (211 specimens) were collected and submitted to routine histological techniques. Pimelodus maculatus prepared to reproduce when water temperature was high, and even reached advanced maturation but did not spawn in captivity. Spent fish gonads were not documented, and atretic follicles were frequent (60%) in late maturation females. When then submitted to hypophysation, 70% of the females responded positively to hormonal treatment. Oocyte extrusion occurred 8 h after a second hormonal injection at 26°C. The fertilisation rate was 65.1 ± 9.2% at 24°C. Recently spawned oocytes of P. maculatus were spherical, non‐adhesive, yellow in colour, with an average diameter of 1113.92 ± 37.02 μm and covered by a thick gelatinous layer. Blastopore closure occurred 7 h and 30 min after fertilisation. Embryonic development was completed within 18 h after fertilisation. The results of this work provide important knowledge for the handling and cultivation of not only P. maculatus, but other species of potential value for fish culture.