Sélection des proies par l'hermine en captivité

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (9) ◽  
pp. 1973-1980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Raymond ◽  
Jean-Marie Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Food Preference ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Blarina Brevicauda ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Certain aspects of prey selection were studied in ermines (Mustela erminea) kept in an enclosed arena that simulated a temporary meadow. Four males and eight females were involved in the 12-h experiments. Four types of prey were used: (i) meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), (ii) deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), (iii) short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda), and (iv) young albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Males were more efficient at catching prey than females, both in number of individuals and number of species captured. Meadow voles and rats were the prey captured most regularly and rapidly by both males and females. Males were more efficient at catching deer mice, but shrews were rarely captured. There was a great similarity in the performance of the four males, but considerable variation was observed among the females. No food preference could be detected in these experiments. The results are discussed in relation to food preferences observed during studies of ermines in a natural environment.[Journal translation]

Dimorphisme sexuel et régime alimentaire de l'hermine dans un agrosystème du Québec

1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Raymond ◽  
Jean-Marie Bergeron ◽  
Yves Plante
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Important Food ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Blarina Brevicauda ◽  
Food Components ◽  
Dimorphisme Sexuel ◽  
Sorex Cinereus ◽  
Males And Females

Variations in the diet of the ermin (Mustela erminea) were studied from 1978 to 1980 in relation to the relative availability of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), the dominant mammal of Southern Quebec agrosystems. The analysis of 328 ermine scat samples showed that the vole does constitute the main prey item, but that the masked shrew (Sorex cinereus), the short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), and various birds are also important food components. Male ermins have more flexible feeding habits than females, who eat mostly meadow voles whatever their relative abundance. Both males and females fail to make full use of the shrews and avoid prey that weigh more than 50 g. Overlap of their realized alimentary niches is thus considerable except when small mammals are scarce. In that case, males and females use different feeding strategies; however, the hypothesis suggested by J. H. Brown and R. C. Lasiewsky (1972. Ecology, 53: 939–943) does not seem to be confirmed. The evolution of size dimorphism in this small mustelid is discussed; our results confirm the intra-sexual selection hypothesis proposed independantly by S. Erlinge (1979. Oikos, 33: 233–245) and P. J. Moors (1980. Oikos, 34: 147–158).[Journal translation]

Sexually dimorphic spatial learning in meadow voles Microtus pennsylvanicus and deer mice Peromyscus maniculatus.

1996 ◽  
Vol 199 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
L A Galea ◽  
M Kavaliers ◽  
K P Ossenkopp
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Spatial Learning ◽  
Water Maze ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Spatial Performance ◽  
Males And Females

A number of studies examining developmental, neural and hormonal aspects of sexually dimorphic spatial learning (Morris water-maze) in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are described. We found that, in adult deer mice, female spatial performance decreased during the breeding season relative to the non-breeding season, whereas the reverse pattern was observed in male performance. There was a sex difference favouring males in spatial learning during the breeding season, but not during the non-breeding season. In adult meadow voles, females with low levels of oestradiol and males performed better in the water-maze than females with high levels of oestradiol. Postweaning voles (20 and 25 days after birth) acquired the water-maze task more quickly than preweaning voles (day 10). No sex difference in water-maze performance was evident at any of these juvenile ages. When these same voles were tested again as adults to investigate retention and re-acquisition of the water-maze, both males and females from male-biased litters re-acquired the task better than males and females from female-biased litters. Together, the results of these studies indicate that sexually dimorphic spatial ability is dependent on the organization (in utero) and activational effects of gonadal hormones. These studies provide the first demonstration of the influence of natural changes in reproductive status on spatial learning of deer mice and meadow voles. The results also demonstrate that spatial performance of males and females is differentially affected by changes in reproductive status and that group differences in the laboratory are associated with group differences in space utilization in the wild. These findings help to clarify previous apparently contradictory findings about sex differences in spatial ability.

Can alkaloids and tannins in plants influence food choice of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)?

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Bélanger ◽  
Jean-Marie Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Meadow Voles

The aim of the present study was to relate food choice of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) living in a variety of habitats to the presence or absence of two families of chemical compounds (alkaloids, tannins) that are widespread in plants. Voles seemed to prefer resources that possessed one or both of the compounds and to reject others even if they had no alkaloids or tannins. Several abundant species were not used by voles whether or not they possessed alkaloids or tannins. Our results show no pattern of association between the presence or absence of alkaloids and tannins and vole food preferences.

Eléments minéraux du régime alimentaire du campagnol des champs, Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord.)

1976 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1565-1570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Marie Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Régime Alimentaire ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus ◽  
Males And Females

One hundred and ninety-five meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord.) were captured by means of 485 traps installed each month during the summer of 1974 in four types of culture. The analysis of minerals in their diet indicates low variation in potassium levels, whereas nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels appear to be much more environment-dependent. There are a few differences between the diets of males and females. Stomach contents of captured voles do not vary significantly from one type of culture to another, but the physiological reproductive condition of the animals accounts for significant differences in stomach contents.[Journal translation]

Comparative studies of Giardia spp. in small mammals in southern Ontario. I. Prevalence and identity of the parasites with a taxonomic discussion of the genus

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 1348-1359 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Grant ◽  
Patrick T. K. Woo
Keyword(s):  
Rattus Norvegicus ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Southern Ontario ◽  
Laboratory Rats ◽  
Wistar Strain ◽  
Brown Rat ◽  
Giardia Muris

Giardia microti Kofoid and Christiansen, 1915 was identified in 98.8% (322 of 326) of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and G. peromysci Filice, 1952 emend, in 98% (48 of 49) of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that were livetrapped at six locations in southern Ontario. One feral brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) was infected with Giardia simoni Lavier, 1924 and Giardia muris Grassi, 1881. Laboratory rats (Wistar strain) harboured only G. simoni and laboratory mice (C3H strain) were infected with G. muris. Golden hampsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were infected with Giardia mesocricetus Filice, 1952 emend.Giardia spp. were separated into two morphologically distinct groups. Trophozoites of G. muris and G. mesocricetus were almost as wide as long and had round or oval centrally situated median bodies. Trophozoites of G. microti, Giardia peromysci, and G. simoni were elongate with long curved median bodies lying perpendicular to the long axis of the trophozoite.Further differentiation of species was not possible by comparing trophozoite morphology but was accomplished by comparing the average lengths and widths of trophozoites.

Latitude affects photoperiod-induced changes in immune response in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (10) ◽  
pp. 1271-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
L M Pyter ◽  
Z M Weil ◽  
R J Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Delayed Type Hypersensitivity ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Short Day ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Short Days

Animals use day length (photoperiod) to time seasonal adaptations to annual changes in their environment. Reproductive adjustments in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) from high latitudes are more extensive in response to short days than in deer mice from low latitudes. These adjustments may permit individuals to survive the severe seasonal changes (e.g., temperature and food abundance) in high-latitude environments. Immune function is also affected by photoperiod. Short days were predicted to result in elevated immune and reproductive responses in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1815)) from the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada (~62°N), compared with voles from Ohio (OH), USA (~39°N). Male voles from both latitudes were maintained in long or short days for 10 weeks prior to a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) immune challenge. Both populations displayed similar testicular regression and reduction of testosterone concentrations in short days. DTH immune responses, however, diverged between the two populations. DTH immune responses were enhanced in long-day NWT voles and short-day OH voles, but decreased in short-day NWT voles and long-day OH voles. Total and free corticosterone concentrations did not explain the latitudinal differences in immune responses. These results suggest that photoperiod affects reproductive and immune systems differently and that immune responses may reflect other environmental factors.

Similarities between female meadow voles mating during post-partum oestrus and raising two concurrent litters and females raising only one litter

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier delBarco-Trillo ◽  
Michael H. Ferkin
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Males And Females

In many species of small mammals, females undergo post-partum oestrus soon after delivering a litter, becoming pregnant while suckling the previous litter. Females raising two concurrent litters need to allocate many more resources to reproduction than females raising only one litter. Consequently, there may be differences between litters raised concurrently or singly. We investigated this issue in the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus, a species in which most females in the wild reproduce during post-partum oestrus. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that the development of pups in two concurrent litters differs from that of pups in a single litter. To test this hypothesis, we measured the following variables for concurrent and singly reared litters: gestation length; litter size; sex ratio; bodyweight of males and females at different ages; total litter weight at weaning; growth rates; and intra-litter variation in body mass. Except for bodyweight of males at 60 days of age, which was higher in the first of the concurrent litters, none of the variables differed among the litters. These results indicate that females are able to adjust to differing loads of maternal care to provide equivalent resources to concurrent litters and singly reared litters.

scholarly journals Food Preferences and Food Choice Determinants in a Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2491
Author(s):  
Dominika Głąbska ◽  
Dominika Skolmowska ◽  
Dominika Guzek
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Population Based ◽  
School Students ◽  
High Preference ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Food Choice Motives

Food preferences are within the most important determinants of food choices; however, little is known about their complex associations, and no studies were conducted in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between food preferences and food choice determinants in adolescents aged 15–20 years within the Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study. The PLACE-19 Study included a random quota sampling conducted in the whole of Poland and covered a population-based sample of 2448 secondary school students. The food preferences were assessed using a validated Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ), and the food choices were assessed using a validated Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The statistical analysis comprised k-means clustering and linear regression adjusted for sex and age. Four homogenous clusters of respondents were defined based on the food choice motives—“healthy eaters” (health as the most important determinant of food choices), “hedonists” (convenience, sensory appeal, and price as the most important determinants), “indifferent consumers” (low significance for all determinants), and “demanding consumers” (high significance for all determinants). The preferences for all food categories differed when comparing between clusters presenting various food choice determinants (p < 0.001). The “healthy eaters” were characterized by the highest preference for vegetables; the “hedonists” preferred meat/fish, dairy, and snacks; the “demanding consumers” had a high preference for all food categories, while “indifferent consumers” had a low preference for all food categories. All preference scores were positively associated with mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, and price (p < 0.05). The results confirmed the association between food preferences and food choice determinants in adolescents, as well as allowed adolescents to be clustered into segments to define various needs and motives among the identified segments. For public health purposes, it may be crucial to educate “hedonists,” with a high preference for meat/fish, dairy and snacks, accompanied by convenience, sensory appeal, and price as the most important determinants of their food choices.

Winter coexistence of voles in spruce forest: relevance of seasonal changes in aggression

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 1004-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian N. Turner ◽  
Michael R. Perrin ◽  
Stuart L. Iverson
Keyword(s):  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Spruce Forest ◽  
Vole Population ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
Interspecific Aggression ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Short Period

Beginning in November 1973, numerous meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) moved onto a spruce forest grid occupied by red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi). A resident meadow vole population resulted, the two species coexisting until April 1974, when most meadow voles disappeared from the grid during a relatively short period. Interspecific aggression levels, as determined from voles temporarily removed from the populations and tested in paired encounters in a laboratory arena, were low during the winter, but increased when males of both species entered reproductive condition in the spring. Microtus was generally dominant in early breeding period encounters, but this dominance declined concurrently with the meadow voles' disappearance from the forest. It is argued that meadow voles did not leave the forest to breed, or because the snow cover melted, since this species will live and reproduce in forest in the absence of Clethrionomys. The results are interpreted as support for an earlier hypothesis that competitive habitat exclusion varies seasonally with reproduction-related aggression. Thus, these species apparently may coexist in either of their preferred habitats when interspecific aggression is low (the nonbreeding season), but this relationship terminates when interspecific aggression levels increase with the resumption of breeding in the spring.

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