Acoustic communication in fishes: Temperature plays a role

Temperature affects peripheral and central mechanisms of signal production and detection in ectothermic animals. This study reviews for the first time the effects of temperature on acoustic communication in fishes and analyses whether changes in sound properties are coupled to changes in auditory sensitivities. Effects of temperature on sound production have been studied in approximately one dozen families of teleosts. Calling activity increased or was unaffected by temperature, in the latter case probably because seasonal, daily and lunar rhythms also influence mating behaviour and calling. Sound characteristics (pulse repetition rate, fundamental frequency) are positively correlated with temperature if pulses are directly based on sonic muscle contractions. In fishes possessing other sonic mechanisms, the dominant frequency of their pulsatile pectoral sounds may increase as well. Auditory sensitivities were mainly determined in otophysines, which possess enhanced hearing abilities. Studies revealed that hearing increased with temperature, in particular at higher frequencies. We know close to nothing about whether temperature‐dependent changes in sound characteristics are coupled to changes in auditory sensitivity or mate choice. Female midshipman toadfish appear to choose males based on call frequency, which varies with temperature. Future studies need to address several topics: (i) temperature effects on sound production have to be separated from other sources of variation; (ii) effects on hearing need to be studied in many more taxa; (iii) potential negative effects of global warming on acoustic communication (because of temperature coupling) need to be investigated because fish constitute a major source of protein for humans.     

A method to generate soilscapes from soil maps

Digital soil mapping for large areas is challenging if mapping resolution should be as high as possible and sampling should be as sparse as possible. Generally, the more complex the soil associations in a landscape, the more samples are required to systematically cover the entire feature space. Moreover, regions should be modeled separately if the patterns of spatial variation vary on subregion level. A systematic segmentation of a landscape into soilscapes is additionally important for a feasible application of soil‐sensing approaches. In this paper, we introduce a semiautomated approach to segment nominal spatial datasets based on the local spatial frequency distribution of the mapping units. The aim is to provide homogeneous and nonfragmented segments with smoothed boundaries. The methodological framework for the segmentation comprises different spatial and nonspatial techniques and focuses mainly on a moving‐window analysis of the local frequency distribution and a k‐means cluster analysis. Based on an existing soil map (1:50,000), we derived six segments for the Nidda catchment (Central Hesse, Germany), comprising 1600 km². As segmentation is based on a soil map, soilscapes are derived. In terms of the feature space, these soilscapes show a higher homogeneity compared to the entire landscape. Advantages compared to an existing map of landscape units are discussed. Segmenting a landscape as introduced in this study might also be of importance for other disciplines and can be used as a first step in biodiversity analysis or setting up environmental‐monitoring sites.     

15N标记氮在盆栽山毛榉中的分配

温室条件下,向盆栽山毛榉幼苗中施加192g.m·^-2^15N示踪物,研究连续两个生长季沉积氮在森林土壤（含森林地被物）、沥出物、以及地上和地下部分生物量的分配。模拟了四种处理（栽培和非栽培）下的NH4^＋和NO3^-沉积情况,每种处理各自标记为^15N-NH4^＋或者^15N-NO3^-。在整个体系中施加15N的总回收率分别是,盆栽处理的^15N-NH4^＋为67.3%～74.9%,非盆栽处理的^15N-NO3^-为85.3%～88.1%。两种^15N示踪物主要沉积在森林土壤（包括森林地被物）中,其中盆栽处理的森里土壤中^15N-NH4^＋为34.6%～33.7%,^15N-NO3^-为13.1%～9.0%,说明异养微生物有很强的固氮作用。森林土壤微生物对^15N-NH4^＋的固定能力比^15N-NO3^-的固定能力强三倍。^15N-NH4^＋的优先异养利用造成土壤中^15N-NH4^＋的沉积量是植物体保存量的两倍 而土壤中^15N-NO3^-的沉积量却低于植物体的。总之,植被-土壤系统中15N-NH4＋的沉积量比^15N-NO3^-的沉积高了60%,说明了沉积氮的形式在森林生态系统中氮保存中的重要性。     

Potential for simultaneous improvement of grain and biomass yield in Central European winter triticale germplasm

Winter triticale, an abundant biomass source for producing biogas in Central Europe, has been bred until now for increased grain yield but not for early biomass yield. Therefore, our objectives were to assess the feasibility of breeding triticale for simultaneous improvement of early biomass and grain yield as well as to predict the early biomass yield using an index of traits measured at maturity stage. A representative sample of 100 triticale lines was evaluated in Experiment I at four locations in Germany. Traits were measured at two growth stages (early dough and full maturity). Genetic variances were significantly different from zero for all traits. The correlated response for early biomass yield estimated from grain yield (0.53) was high, which points to the efficiency of indirect selection. A multiple regression model was developed to predict early biomass yield. The reliability of the model was confirmed in an independent Experiment II with 49 lines. The calibration model explained 55% of total variation for early biomass yield. This clearly underlines that at least during earlier stages of selection, field testing can be carried out for grain yield and related traits to select potential genotypes with high biomass yield based on the developed regression model.     

Roles of bootstrap resampling,measure of central tendency,and method for calculating thermal units when developing phenology models for pest management

The successful development of phenology models from field studies depends on many factors, some of which are entirely under the control of pest managers. For example, one such factor is the choice of method for calculating thermal units. In this study, we have demonstrated that four methods for calculating thermal units provided for acceptable predictions of one phenological event of one insect species, while another method for calculating thermal units did not. The measure of central tendency (mean or median) that is used to estimate lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations is another factor that pest managers can control when developing phenology models from field studies. Here, we show that predictions that were made when using phenology models based on median lower developmental temperatures and median required thermal summations were superior to predictions that were made when using phenology models based on mean lower developmental temperatures and mean required thermal summations. The use of bootstrap vs. non-bootstrap estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations is yet another factor that pest managers can control when developing phenology models from field studies. In this study, we found that calculating and using bootstrap estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations in phenology models did not improve the predictions of one phenological event for one insect species. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.     

Feasibility and reliability of a German guideline for farm’s self-monitoring in sows and piglets

The present study’s aim was to test a German guideline for farm’s self-monitoring in sows and piglets for its feasibility as well as its interobserver and test–retest reliability. The study was performed between September 2016 and April 2018 on 13 farrowing farms in Northern Germany. Contrary to the guideline, the testing was not carried out by the farmers themselves but by 2 observers with experience in pigs representing common farmers. For the interobserver reliability study, the observers performed 20 joint farm visits independently assessing the same animals. For the test–retest reliability study, each farm was visited 5 times by 1 observer (day 0, day 3, week 7, month 5, month 10). Farm visit 1 (day 0) was used as reference and compared with the remaining farm visits. The reliability was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (RS), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and limits of agreement (LoA). As results, the guideline’s feasibility was limited. The indicators’ reliability also presented divergent results: All indicators in piglets revealed acceptable to good interobserver reliability (RS 0.64 to 0.77 ICC 0.33 to 0.48 LoA between the intervals −0.02 to 0.13 and −0.02 to 0.00). Contrarily, interobserver reliability was low for indicators in sows (e.g., claw alterations: RS −0.41 ICC 0.00 LoA −0.97 to 0.68). Overall acceptable test–retest reliability could be assigned to all indicators although no exact agreement existed but only the pursuit of trends is indicated. On the basis of the present results, the guideline in its present form cannot be recommended for farms’ self-monitoring. Given the restricted applicability, it should be reconsidered whether it might not be more appropriate to use scientifically tested and generally accepted animal welfare assessment systems such as the Welfare Quality animal welfare assessment protocols, although their application is also time-consuming.     

A review of thermal stress in cattle

Cattle control body temperature in a narrow range over varying climatic conditions. Endogenous body heat is generated by metabolism, digestion and activity. Radiation is the primary external source of heat transfer into the body of cattle. Cattle homeothermy uses behavioural and physiological controls to manage radiation, convection, conduction, and evaporative exchange of heat between the body and the environment, noting that evaporative mechanisms almost exclusively transfer body heat to the environment. Cattle control radiation by shade seeking (hot) and shelter (cold) and by huddling or standing further apart, noting there are intrinsic breed and age differences in radiative transfer potential. The temperature gradient between the skin and the external environment and wind speed (convection) determines heat transfer by these means. Cattle control these mechanisms by managing blood flow to the periphery (physiology), by shelter-seeking and standing/lying activity in the short term (behaviourally) and by modifying their coats and adjusting their metabolic rates in the longer term (acclimatisation). Evaporative heat loss in cattle is primarily from sweating, with some respiratory contribution, and is the primary mechanism for dissipating excess heat when environmental temperatures exceed skin temperature (~36°C). Cattle tend to be better adapted to cooler rather than hotter external conditions, with Bos indicus breeds more adapted to hotter conditions than Bos taurus. Management can minimise the risk of thermal stress by ensuring appropriate breeds of suitably acclimatised cattle, at appropriate stocking densities, fed appropriate diets (and water), and with access to suitable shelter and ventilation are better suited to their expected farm environment.     

EVALUATION OF THE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT IN PSITTACINES USING RADIOLOGY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

In the last 2¹/₂ years, 288 grey parrot and amazon species with symptoms of respiratory disease clinically were presented to the clinic for avian medicine at the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. Ventro-dorsal and latero-lateral radiographs were taken from all birds; radiologic signs of lower respiratory tract disease were noted. Radiographs were normal in 55 of the birds. The results of the radiographic examination for the remaining 233 birds were compared with the necropsy results of terminally ill parrots, with the results of laboratory examinations/endoscopy/and/or with an examination by computed tomography. Thoracic radiographs were evaluated for occurring radiological abnormalities pertaining to the respiratory tract. The frequency of these lesions and their association with a disease process and/or specific etiology was noted.