Piloting an “Opt-Out” Option for Wildlife Surveys of the General Public

Random sample surveys may provide the best way to collect data that accurately represent public attitudes on wildlife issues, but survey response rates have declined in recent years. Often, little information is collected on why people choose not to participate. In a recent survey of public attitudes toward wolves in Wisconsin, we tested a method that allowed recipients to “opt-out” of participating, as well as indicate their reasons for doing so. Including this option increased our survey responses, and data showed significant differences in demographics between full survey respondents and opt-outs. The most frequently cited reasons for opting-out were lack of knowledge of the topic (63%) and trust in the state to manage wolves without their input (31%). Results suggest that providing a means for survey recipients to indicate why they are not participating can yield multiple benefits, although further testing of this method is needed.     

Are Natural Resources Conservation Service Range Management Investments Working at Cross-Purposes With Wildlife Habitat Goals on Western United States Rangelands?

Wildlife conservationists and agencies have recommended managing rangelands for vegetation heterogeneity to improve wildlife habitat, particularly for many grassland birds. However, range management focuses on livestock production and associated practices and structural items (fences, water developments) that are applied to improve livestock distribution. This article assesses the occurrence of livestock distribution–oriented grazing management in the spending and applied practices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the federal agency charged with assisting private landowners with implementation of US Department of Agriculture conservation programs. NRCS applied practices and spending both suggest an emphasis on livestock distribution and associated structures, with almost 20 million ha of prescribed grazing systems, 10 000 km of fence, and 127 000 water facilities implemented in 17 western states with assistance from NRCS programs between 2004 and 2007. Ninety percent of funding for 2005 Conservation Security Program grazing enhancements supported investments or management related to livestock distribution. We suggest that increasing the emphasis of NRCS conservation programs and financial assistance on maintaining or increasing compositional and structural heterogeneity of vegetation, rather than on livestock distribution, could be an approach that unifies livestock production and wildlife habitat objectives. In particular, including vegetation heterogeneity as a central goal for upland wildlife habitat management could be a key opportunity to increase incentives for heterogeneity-promoting management on privately owned rangeland.     

Effects of avgard™ treatment on the microbiological flora of poultry carcases

1. The efficiency of the AvGard? (or Assur‐Rince? in the USA) trisodium phosphate poultry carcase decontamination process was evaluated during both manual and industrial trials against total aerobic mesophilic count (TAMC), thermotolerant coliforms, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.

2. The TSP treatment proved to have significant effects on the bacterial decontamination of poultry neck skin, lowering the contamination by a factor of about 10 for TAMC and of 100 for Coliform and Pseudomonas.

3. Numeration of Salmonella with an innovative miniaturised most probable number method has proved that the effect upon these micro‐organisms was also close to 2 log₁₀ reduction.

4. The effect of TSP treatment on the ecological balance of psychrotrophic bacterial flora was also investigated to study the origin of the shelf‐life flora of treated carcases (Pseudomonas being reduced to the limit of detection) and to ascertain whether L. monocytogenes might gain a competitive advantage. In fact AvGard? reduced the number of L. monocytogenes on poultry carcases.

5. As a consequence of the virtual elimination of the Pseudomonas usually present, Brochothrix thermosphacta became the main species responsible for putrefaction.

6. Because the growth rate of Brochothrix thermosphacta was greater than that of L. monocytogenes at refrigeration temperature, it was considered that putrefaction would occur before the emergence of large numbers of L. monocytogenes.     

Survey of brucellosis at the wildlife–livestock interface on the Zimbabwean side of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in communal cattle and wildlife at a wildlife–livestock interface in the southeast lowveld of Zimbabwe, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. RBT and c-Elisa were used in serial for detection of antibodies against Brucella spp. Between July 2007 and October 2009, a total of 1,158 cattle were tested and the overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 9.9%. A total of 97 wild animals (African buffaloes (n = 47), impala (n = 33), kudu (n = 16), and giraffe (n = 1)) were tested and only one animal (giraffe) was seropositive for brucellosis (1.03%). Brucella seroprevalence showed an increasing trend with age, with adult cattle (>6 years) recording the highest seroprevalence (11.1%), but the differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, female cattle recorded a relatively higher seroprevalence (10.8%) compared to males (7.9%), but the difference was not significant. However, a significant (P < 0.001) association between Brucella seropositivity and abortion history was recorded in female cattle. Similarly, Brucella seropositivity was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with a history of grazing in the park for female cattle. Overall, from the interface area, cattle with a history of grazing in the park recorded a significantly (P < 0.01) higher Brucella seroprevalence (13.5%) compared to those with no history of grazing in the park (4.9%). The significant association between abortion history and seropositivity observed in this study illustrates the potential economic significance of Brucella in cattle in this area. Hence, public awareness and further epidemiological studies of the disease in wildlife, livestock, and humans in the study area are of great importance.     

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets—A review

Spray-dried animal plasma sourced from bovine, porcine or other animal origin is often used as a main feed ingredient in the diets of weanling piglets to improve growth performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of animal plasma in diets on the performance of piglets in the post-weaning period, with and/or without pathogenic challenge, by undertaking a meta-analysis. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed reports published in scientific journals. The average initial weight of the piglets was 5.8 kg and the average initial age 19 days (2–56 days). The average duration of feeding animal plasma was 40 days. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found to be 22–28 g/day, 20–27 g/day and −0.28 to 0.06 g/g. Generally, diet supplemented with spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) improved the ADG of the piglets and spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) led to increases in the ADFI. For the first week post-weaning alone, as the dietary animal plasma percentage increased there was an increase in ADG and ADFI; similarly, the latter two measures increased as weaning age increased. The evidence suggests that mainly IgG present in animal plasma prevents the binding of pathogens to the gut wall and reduces the incidence of sub-clinical infection in the post-weaning stage. Animal plasma containing IgG appears to be a useful in-feed supplement for piglets in the post-weaning phase.     

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship

Instrumental learning plays an important role in dog–human interactions. The recent demand for pet dog training has resulted in the development of various training methods. The present exploratory study aims to compare the effects of 2 training methods on both the behavioral welfare of the dog and the dog–owner relationship: the first method is based on positive reinforcement (appearance of an appetitive stimulus), whereas the second method is based on negative reinforcement (disappearance of an aversive stimulus). The study compared behaviors linked to signs of stress and attentive behaviors toward the owner in 2 dog training schools, which used different methods. Walking on-leash activity and obeying the “sit” command were studied. The results show that dogs from the school using a negative reinforcement–based method demonstrated lowered body postures and signals of stress, whereas dogs from the school using a positive reinforcement–based method showed increased attentiveness toward their owner. However, neither method affected avoidance behaviors. This exploratory study reveals the differential effects of the 2 training methods on dogs' behaviors; it suggests that training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful and potentially better for their welfare.     

Is Willingness to Pay for Non-Consumptive Wildlife Watching Falling? Evidence From Three Rounds of the National Survey of Fishing,Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation

Since 1955, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has conducted the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Association Recreation (FHWAR) with the purpose of evaluating outdoor recreation. Using the socioeconomic, activity, and contingent valuation data collected from the last three rounds of this national survey (2001, 2006, 2011), econometric modeling demonstrates that variables such as age, income, gender, and type of land visited (public/private) explain variation in wildlife watching willingness to pay (WTP) and consumer surplus (CS). Although not having been fully investigated in the previous FHWAR contingent valuation literature, results suggest that distinguishing between in-state and out-of-state wildlife watching is important. Additionally, analyses indicate that CS for out-of-state wildlife watching along with CS and WTP for in-state wildlife watching are temporarily reliable. Given the study period overlaps the recent recession, this outcome suggests that welfare is stable across time and in the face of business cycles.     

Genetic and Environmental Effects on the Productivity of Holstein–Friesian Cattle under the Climatic Conditions of Central Sudan

A herd of 370 Holstein–Friesian cows were maintained in Central Sudan, Khartoum for intensive dairy production during the period 1990–1996. The area is characterized by high temperatures during the day and cools down at night, with an average thermal-humidity index (THI) of 74.8. The average adjusted lactation milk yield, milk yield per day, milk yield per day of calving interval and lactation length of the animals in the herd were 5117±123 (SE) kg, 14.7±0.25 kg, 11.3±0.36 kg and 350±8.0 days, respectively. Heifers calved at 25.2±2.3 (SD) months of age. The variation was large, which suggested large environmental fluctuations. Sire variance contributed 1.35% and 19.6% to the total variance in cows and heifers, respectively, while cow within sire contributed 19%. The heritabilities of total lactation yield, 305-day yield, milk per day of lactation, milk per day of calving interval, and lactation length in heifers were 0.78±0.24, 0.36±0.34, 0.39±0.24, 0.23±0.23, and 0.23±0.22, respectively. In cows, the heritability estimates were 0.05±0.24, 0.06±0.24, 0.08±0.24, 0.00 and 0.00 for the same traits, respectively. The repeatabilities of total lactation yield, 305-day yield, milk per day, milk per day of calving interval and lactation length were 0.02±0.03, 0.22±0.03, 0.17±0.02, 0.05±0.02 and 0.00, respectively. Regression analysis showed that, for each unit increase in THI, milk yield decreased by 0.29±0.04 kg. The stress usually caused by the combined effects of temperature and humidity was not severe in this area.     

Effects of sexual maturation and Salmonella infection on the expression of avian β-defensin genes in the chicken testis

Rooster infertility is a major concern in the poultry industry and protection of the male reproductive organs from pathogens is an essential aspect of reproductive physiology. During the last years, research on antimicrobial protection has elucidated the critical role of the antimicrobial peptides avian β-defensins (AvBDs) in the innate immunity in chickens. AvBDs have been reported to be expressed in the hen reproductive organs, providing protection against microbial pathogens including Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). However, mechanisms of antimicrobial protection of rooster reproductive organs and especially the testis, mediated by AvBDs are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the complete family of the 14 AvBD genes, in the rooster testis in vivo, to determine whether sexual maturation affects their testicular mRNA abundance and to investigate whether SE infection alters their expression. Expression analysis revealed that 9 members of the AvBD family, namely AvBD1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 and 14 were expressed in the testis. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA abundance of three AvBDs was up regulated and of three AvBDs was down regulated with respect to sexual maturation. In addition, SE infection resulted in a significant induction of AvBD4, 10, 12 and 14 in the testis of sexually mature roosters. These findings provide strong evidence to suggest that an AvBD-mediated immune response mechanism exists in the rooster testis providing protection against bacterial pathogens including Salmonella species.     

What explains tourists’ support for snow leopard conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area,Nepal?

Wildlife tourism is increasingly important for the conservation of threatened species such as snow leopards. However, what tourists know or value about snow leopards, and to what extent they support the conservation of this species, has received limited empirical attention. This paper investigates tourist knowledge about snow leopards, beliefs and values toward the species, and support for its conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. Survey data were collected from 406 foreign tourists between March and May 2014. Although knowledge about snow leopards varied among respondents, there was widespread support for their conservation. Knowledge about snow leopards was best explained by education level and environmental organization membership. Improved knowledge about the species, and a variety of intrinsic conservation values, were found to increase tourist support for snow leopard conservation. These results provide important insights to help tailor tourism initiatives to support the conservation of snow leopards.     

Effects of Dietary Coated Sodium Butyrate on Growth Performance,Antioxidant Capacity and Inflammatory Response of Broilers under Cyclically Heat-Stress Condition北大核心CSCD

This experiment investigated the effects of dietary coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of broilers under cyclically heat-stress condition. The experiment selected 500 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers, and when routine immunization and rearing to 21-day-old, four hundred and fifty healthy and similar body weight broilers were selected and randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates per group and 15 chickens per replicate. Five groups were divided into one normal temperature group (NT group), one heat stress group (HS group) and three heat stress and adding CSB groups (HS+CSB groups) . Broilers in the NT group were raised in room temperature environment [(24± 2) °C], and fed a basal diet. Broilers in the HS group and HS+CSB groups were raised in a daily high temperature environment (28 °C -36 °C -28 °C), and fed diets supplemented with 0, 300, 600 and 900 mg / kg CSB in the basal diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 14 d. The results showed as follows: 1) compared with the NT group, cyclically heat-stress extremely significantly reduced the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of broilers (P < 0. 01) . Under the cyclically heat-stress condition, the addition of 900 mg / kg CSB significantly increased the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of broilers (P < 0.05), and the addition of 600 mg / kg CSB significantly increased the average daily gain of broilers compared with HS group (P<0.05) . 2) Compared with the NT group, cyclically heat-stress significantly or extremely significantly decreased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of broilers (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and significantly or extremely significantly increased serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), α1-acidoglycoprotein (α1-AGP), endotoxin (ET) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01) . Under the cyclically heat-stress condition, compared with the NT group, the addition of 900 mg / kg CSB significantly increased the serum GSH-Px, CAT and SOD activities and T-AOC (P < 0. 05), and significantly or extremely significantly decreased the serum LDH activity and α1-AGP, ET and TBARS contents of broilers (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01); the addition of 600 mg / kg CSB significantly increased the serum CAT and SOD activities (P<0.05), and extremely significantly decreased the serum LDH activity of broilers (P<0.01); the addition of 300 mg / kg CSB significantly increased the serum CAT and SOD activities and T-AOC of broilers (P < 0. 05) . 3) Compared with the NT group, cyclically heat-stress extremely significantly increased the serum contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) of broilers (P<0.01) . Under the cyclically heat-stress condition, compared with the NT group, the addition of 900 mg / kg CSB significantly or extremely significantly reduced the serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 contents of broilers (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01), and significantly increased serum transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) content (P<0.05); the addition of 600 mg / kg CSB significantly or extremely significantly reduced the serum IL-6 and TNF-α contents of broilers (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the addition of 300 mg / kg CSB significantly reduced the serum TNF-α content of broilers (P<0.05) . Above results indicate that the addition of CSB in the diet can improve the growth performance of broilers under the cyclically heat-stress condition by increasing the antioxidant capacity and alleviating the inflammatory response, and adding 900 mg / kg CSB to the diet in this experiment has the best effect. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.     

Physiopathological Effects of the Administration of Chronic Cyanide to Growing Goats – A Model for Ingestion of Cyanogenic Plants

Ingestion of cyanogenic plants, such as cassava and sorghum, has been associated with goitre and tropical pancreatic diabetes in both humans and animals. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the toxic effects on the thyroid and pancreas in growing goats of prolonged exposure to potassium cyanide (KCN). Thirty-four male goats were divided into five groups dosed with KCN at 0 (control), 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 or 3.0 mg/kg daily for 5 months. Blood samples were obtained in order to determine the glucose, cholesterol, thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃) and thiocyanate concentrations and for haematological studies; pancreas and thyroid gland were collected for histopathological study. The group receiving the highest dose of cyanide showed lower body weight gains and carcase weights and a decrease in plasma T₃ concentrations compared to the control group. Reabsorption vacuoles in follicular colloid and normocytic normochromic anaemia were observed in the experimental animals. Inhibition of peripheral conversion of T₄ to T₃ is suggested. However, no diabetogenic effects were observed.