Degradation Studies of the Non-lethal Bird Repellent,Methyl Anthranilate

Methyl anthranilate (MA), a food grade flavor and fragrance additive, has been reported to be an effective non-lethal bird repellent in a variety of situations. Despite the experimental success of MA, field studies have yielded widely differing levels of efficacy. Diminished efficacy in some field trials probably results from the failure of specific formulations to retain or protect the active ingredient under natural conditions. Therefore, a clearer understanding of the physical and chemical factors affecting the stability of MA is needed. We undertook a series of laboratory studies on hydrolysis, photolysis and microbial degradation of MA, the results of which could be useful in the development of appropriate formulation strategies and residue analyses. We found the n-octanol:water partition coefficient, (P) to be 84. MA is not subject to hydrolysis at 25°C in phosphate buffer media at pH 5·0, 7·0 and 9·0. MA slowly photodegrades under simulated UV ‘sunlight’. Forty-four percent of MA is lost after 432 h illuminance at 1·25 mW cm⁻², which is equivalent to approximately 1200 h natural sunlight (40°N, noontime, June). Kinetic data indicate that the initial step of photolysis, subsequent to excitation, is a second-order reaction with respect to MA. A major photodegradation product appeared in an amount of about 10% of the mass balance and was determined to be an oxidized trimer of MA. MA is primarily affected by aerobic microbial degradation. For a 12:12 h light:dark, under laboratory illumination, 12% of water-solubilized material can be lost in the first seven days. Losses were 30% and 42% at 16 and 27 days, respectively. Under conditions of optimal bacterial growth (warmth and darkness) loss of MA was 22% at nine days and 100% by 20 days. The susceptibility of MA to microbial degradation is promising for the prospects of developing formulated, environmentally safe, bird repellents.     

Mice find endophyte‐infected seed of tall fescue unpalatable – implications for the aviation industry

Bird strike is a significant problem for the aviation industry, caused in part by the attractiveness of the grass surrounding airports to birds. Endophyte‐infected grasses such as Avanex^® have been shown to reduce bird populations at airports through the production of secondary metabolites. These metabolites are unpalatable to herbivorous, omnivorous and granivorous birds and are known to reduce insect densities, thereby making the sown areas less attractive to insectivorous birds. Raptors also provide a bird‐strike threat which could be reduced by controlling mouse populations around airports. In this study, the effect of endophyte‐infected seed on mouse feeding behaviour has been investigated. By performing a choice trial offering diets containing endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue seed, it was shown that endophyte‐infected seed was less palatable to mice (P < 0·001 in a 14‐d trial). Furthermore, when diet positions were reversed, mouse feeding behaviour was modified to again select endophyte‐free material (P < 0·001 over a further 14 d). This result shows that endophyte‐infected grasses could not only be used in the control of bird populations but they also have the potential to control mouse populations which in turn would decrease the number of raptors. This use of endophyte‐infected grasses in areas surrounding airport runways shows great promise for the aviation industry.     

雪峰湖国家湿地公园岸带鸟类生物多样性研究

利用样线法对雪峰湖国家湿地公园开展鸟类资源调查与分析。结果表明:共记录到鸟类115种,隶属于13目36科,其中留鸟68种,夏候鸟25种,冬候鸟20种,旅鸟2种。鸟类多样性与群落特征随季节和生境变化而波动。受候鸟迁徙的影响,区域鸟类种类在春季最高,夏季最低。     

The role of CITES in the conservation of marine fishes subject to international trade

All possible tools need to be marshalled for marine fish conservation. Yet controversy has swirled around what role, if any, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) should play for marine fishes. This paper analyses the relevance and applicability of CITES as a complementary tool for fisheries management. CITES currently regulates the international trade of very few marine fish species, by listing them in its Appendices. After the first meeting of the Parties (member countries) in 1976, no new marine fish taxa were added to the CITES Appendices until 2002, when Parties agreed to act to ensure sustainable and legal international trade in seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) and two species of sharks. Progress has continued haltingly, adding only one more shark, humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and sawfishes by 2012. Parties voice concerns that may include inadequate data, applicability of CITES listing criteria, roles of national fisheries agencies, enforcement challenges, CITES' lack of experience with marine fishes, and/or identification and by‐catch problems. A common query is the relationship between CITES and other international agreements. Yet all these arguments can be countered, revealing CITES to be a relevant and appropriate instrument for promoting sound marine fisheries management. In reality, Parties that cannot implement CITES effectively for marine fishes will also need help to manage their fisheries sustainably. CITES action complements and supports other international fisheries management measures. As CITES engages with more marine fish listings, there will be greater scope to analyse its effectiveness in supporting different taxa in different contexts.     

Washington Update

Opportunities and change continue to occur at an accelerating rate. The exotic Newcastle disease (END) crisis in the traditional commercial industry led to a related problem for game bird producers due to confusion in defining a game bird, which is also a commercial venture. Time spent planning rather than reacting to situations is often a luxury but must be moved to a higher priority. One example is the Triennial Extension Workshop, which is proposed to become a biennial event. We continue to develop and implement innovative programs based on relevance to animal agriculture and societal requirements. As a team, we have achieved an excellent synergy and impressive results through our cooperation and networking. A special award is provided to an extension person each year to ensure contributions are recognized that might otherwise be overlooked. The Texture Technologies Corporation Support Personnel Award is new this year and recognizes the essential contributions of farm, laboratory, and other personnel. Also, the American Poultry Historical Society (APHS) continues to recognize career contributions to the poultry system through the Hall of Fame. As always, anyone wishing to be part of program planning and development is welcome. If you are not called, take the initiative and volunteer.     

青海野生鸟类禽流感监测防控亟待关注解决的问题

近年来,青藏高原迁徙的野生鸟类不断发生高致病禽流感疫病,给生态安全和人们的健康带来了极大的威胁。如何面对和做好野生鸟类的疫源疫病监测与防控,本文通过青海省发生和开展的防控工作情况,就面临和亟待解决的问题,提出对策建议。     

海兰（褐）父母代种鸡引入青海高寒地区的饲养试验

对从山东引入青海高寒地区的海兰（褐）父母代鸡进行了饲养试验。结果表明,引入鸡32周龄最高产蛋率达78%,25周龄后种蛋受精率达88%,入孵蛋的孵化率达75%,母鸡1～18周龄成活率为94%,19～60周龄成活率为92%。引入鸡的各项指标基本达到山东标准。     

燕窝蛋白质样品制备方法的比较及其双向电泳分析

燕窝水提及丙酮沉淀蛋白质经液相等电聚焦电泳纯化后,再经双向电泳分离获得了质量较佳的2-DE图谱,由此可见液相等电聚焦电泳是对燕窝蛋白质进行纯化的有效手段。对纯化后的2个白燕窝和1个血燕窝水提及丙酮沉淀蛋白质进行了双向电泳分析,结果显示两种方法制备蛋白质获得的2-DE图谱非常相似。燕窝水提蛋白质经丙酮沉淀制备样品时间较透析、冻干所需的时间短,这对于成分更为复杂且蛋白质提取率较低的血燕窝则更为适用。     

千岛湖鸟类多样性及其季节变化

从2006年9月至2007年8月,对千岛湖的鸟类进行了调查研究,共发现鸟类6 435只,86种,隶属13目32科,其中,国家二级保护物种6种,属古北界的有36种(占41.9%),东洋界39种(占45.3%),广布种11种(占12.8%).从居留类型看,千岛湖的迁徙鸟较多(46种),留鸟较少(40种),各占总数的53.5%和46.5%.千岛湖拥有优良的自然环境条件,其中,水鸟有28种,林鸟58种,各占32.6%和67.4%.千岛湖鸟类呈周期性波动特征.在10月,丰富度和多样性指数值最高,优势度指数最低,因此,千岛湖鸟类多样性状况以10月(即候鸟迁徙的高峰期)最好,说明千岛湖是候鸟迁移途中的-个重要驿站.千岛湖全部鸟类物种平均密度为20.785只/km~2,秋季最高,达到43.40只/km~2,种数达到69种;春季最低,仅有9.30只/km~2,种数为37种.而且,优势种有5种,占总鸟类物种的5.8%;常见种有17种,占19.8%;少见种有36种,占41.9%;罕见种有28种,占32.5%.说明千岛湖鸟类中,有生存危险的物种百分比较高,需要加强保护与管理.     

吉林省地方野生植物受威胁及优先保护等级评价方法的探讨

依据吉林省野生植物种类及分布特点,建立了新的＂地方野生植物受威胁及优先保护等级定量评价体系＂,与按照国家现行＂野生植物受威胁及优先保护等级评价方法＂的评价结果进行比较分析,结果表明：本评价体系适合吉林省的实际情况,受威胁等级评价结果能全面反映出野生植物的现存状态,优先保护等级评价结果更加符合科学意义及经济价值上的保护目标。