Variation and heritability in egg size of the northern pintail

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 992-996 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Duncan

Sources of variation in the egg size of wild and captive northern pintails (Anas acuta) were examined in southern Alberta. Egg size, estimated by volume index (length × breadth2), was strongly correlated with weight of the fresh egg (r2 = 0.89) and weight of the 1-day-old duckling (r2 = 0.89). The body weight of pintail hens was weakly correlated with their egg size in the wild (r2 = 0.11) but was not correlated with egg size in captivity. Captive birds fed a 29% protein diet laid larger eggs than did those fed a 14% protein diet and egg size increased from first to second clutches in birds maintained on a constant diet. Egg size was not related to laying date or clutch size, and did not differ between adults and yearlings. Individual hens tended to lay eggs of a consistent size but there was no significant heritability for egg size.

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olof Pehrsson

The effect of food quality on egg and clutch size was studied in captive wild-strain and game-farm mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, and comparisons were made with various wild Swedish populations from different habitat types. Captive mallards laid larger eggs than wild birds. In captivity, game-farm ducks laid larger eggs than wild-strain birds, but when they were exposed to wild conditions the size was reduced. Captive ducks supplied with high-protein food laid larger eggs than ducks fed low-protein food. In the wild, there was a negative correlation between egg size and population density. Various wild Swedish populations showed similar egg-size variations among years, indicating some common factor operating outside the breeding season. In the food quality experiments, clutch size was positively correlated with egg size, but no correlation was found in wild populations. A negative correlation between clutch size and laying date, obtained in the wild, was not found in captivity. Egg and clutch sizes were both significantly smaller in a lake with food competition from fish than in an area rich in lakes empty of fish. When comparing egg characteristics of mallard populations it is important to distinguish between wild, captive wild-strain, and captive game-farm birds.


2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela A. Camargo–Sanabria ◽  
Salvador Mandujano

Resumen: Tanto desde una perspectiva ecológica como de manejo, es importante conocer la proporción de sexos y la estructura de edades de las poblaciones de venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus). Sin embargo, en aquellos lugares donde no es posible ver directamente a los animales en vida libre, no es sencillo determinar su edad y sexo por lo que se han empleado métodos indirectos como el análisis morfométrico de los pellets. Con el fin de determinar si la variación entre pellets de individuos de diferentes edades y sexo permite su correcta categorización, se colectaron los grupos fecales de individuos conocidos en cautiverio en la UMA-Zoológico Flor del Bosque, Puebla. Se obtuvieron 180 muestras de las cuales 18 fueron de crías (< 1 año), 78 de juveniles (2-3 años) y 84 de adultos (> 3 años). Se comparó el promedio de todas las variables morfométricas entre grupos fecales de un mismo individuo y entre individuos de la misma clase de edad y sexo. Nuestros resultados sugieren que dada la alta variación presentada en las medidas morfométricas de los pellets de un mismo individuo en una misma época y entre épocas del año, y la baja variación mostrada entre grupos fecales de individuos de diferentes clases de edad y sexo, el análisis morfométrico de pellets es una metodología poco confiable para determinar la estructura de edad y sexo de una población de O. v. mexicanus. En consecuencia, la técnica de clasificación fuzzy no logra una categorización adecuada de la población en estudio pues sólo separa a los machos adultos de 5 y 6 años, mientras que los machos de menor edad y juveniles, así como hembras adultas y juveniles no son discriminados en clases separadas. Se sugiere realizar análisis similares a este con otras subespecies de venado que no exhiban un fuerte dimorfismo sexual como aquellas distribuidas hacia el centro y sur de México. Palabras clave: estructura de edades, método indirecto, pellets, técnica fuzzy, Odocoileus  virginianus.Abstract: Both from an ecological perspective as management, it is important to know the sex ratio and age structure of populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). However, in places where you can not directly see the animals in the wild is not easy to determine their age and sex so indirect methods have been used as a morphometric analysis of the pellets. To determine whether the variation between pellets of individuals of different age and sex allows proper categorization, fecal groups were collected from known individuals in captivity in the Zoo UMA-Flor del Bosque, Puebla. We obtained 180 samples of which 18 were young (<1 year), 78 juveniles (2-3 years) and 84 adults (> 3 years). We compared the average for all morphometric variables between groups fecal same individual and between individuals of the same age class and sex. Our results suggest that given the high variation shown in the body measures of the pellets from the same individual in the same season and between seasons, and low fecal variation shown between groups of individuals of different age classes and sex, analysis morphometry of pellets is an unreliable method to determine the age and sex structure of a population of O. v. mexicanus. Consequently, the fuzzy classification technique does not achieve appropriate categorization of the study population because only separates adult males of 5 and 6 years, while younger males and juveniles and adult females and juveniles are not discriminated against in separate classes. Similar analysis suggested this to other subspecies of deer that do not exhibit strong sexual dimorphism as those distributed to the central and southern Mexico.Key words: Structure of ages, indirect method, pellets, technology fuzzy, Odocoileus  virginianus.


1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Duncan

Nesting of northern pintails was studied in southern Alberta where breeding densities are high. Adults nested earlier and laid larger clutches than did yearlings in the wild. Captive pintails nested earlier, laid larger clutches, and appeared to renest more readily than did wild birds. Food may limit each of these parameters in the wild. The reproductive output of female pintails nesting in high densities in southern Alberta appears to be lower than that of birds breeding at Delta, Manitoba, because of reduced clutch size and lower renesting rate. Clutch size was strongly correlated with laying date but the laying of larger clutches by adults in the wild (and by captive birds relative to wild birds) was not simply a consequence of earlier nesting. A number of proximate causes suggested to explain the seasonal decline in clutch size (hen age, renesting, declining food resources, and decreased body reserves) were rejected. Whatever the mechanism through which laying date influences clutch size, the ultimate reason for this phenomenon may be a seasonally declining survival rate of young which has selected for reduced reproductive effort later in the breeding season. Captive pintails fed a 14% or 29% protein diet after laying their first clutches did not differ in frequency of renesting, clutch size, or renest interval.


In a previous paper dealing with the blood volume of mammals kept in captivity, such as tame rabbits, guinea-pigs, and mice, we have shown that the blood volume is a function of the surface, and can be expressed by the formula B = W 2/3 / k , where B is the blood volume in cubic centimetres, W the weight of the animal in grammes, and k a constant calculated from the experiments, and varying for each species of animal. In the present paper we have extended our observations upon the blood volume to animals living a natural life in the wild condition, such as hares, wild rabbits, and wild rats. The technique employed was exactly the same as in our previous paper.


The Condor ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 887-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime A. Ramos ◽  
Anna Maria Maul ◽  
John Bowler ◽  
David Monticelli ◽  
Carlos Pacheco

Abstract We describe the main reproductive characteristics (laying date, egg size, hatchling mass, and breeding success), chick growth, and patterns of provisioning in Lesser Noddies (Anous tenuirostris) on Aride Island, Seychelles, 1995–2002. The bulk of the population laid eggs between late May and late June in most years. Both hatching and fledging success varied significantly between years, with fledging success (2–92%) more variable than hatching success (28–91%). Productivity of less than 0.10 chicks per breeding pair occurred in 25% of the years. In 2001, egg volume did not differ significantly between hatched and unhatched eggs. Chick mass at hatching was significantly correlated with an egg volume index, but there were no correlations between egg size and either hatching date or linear growth rate. Around 40% of the Lesser Noddy chicks were fed at dusk. Chicks aged 0–5 and 6–10 days received significantly less food than older chicks. There was evidence of daily and stochastic variation in the foraging success of individual birds. Comparing similar studies, chicks of Lesser Noddies and Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata) appeared more resistant to fluctuating food supplies than those of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii), indicating that, in tropical seas, slow growth and foraging farther offshore are more advantageous than faster growth and inshore feeding. Datas de Postura, Alimentação dos Filhotes e Sucesso Reprodutivo de Anous tenuirostris na Ilha de Aride, Seychelles Resumo. Neste estudo descrevemos as principais características da biologia reprodutiva (datas de postura, tamanho dos ovos, peso dos filhotes ao nascerem e sucesso reprodutivo), crescimento e padrões de alimentação dos filhotes em Tinhosa-de-barrete, Anous tenuirostris, na ilha de Aride, Seychelles, 1995–2002. Na maioria dos anos a postura ocorreu entre o fim de Maio e o fim de Junho. O sucesso de eclosão e o sucesso de sobrevivência das crias variaram significativamente entre anos, apresentando o sucesso de sobrevivência (2–92%) uma maior variação do que o sucesso de eclosão (28–91%). Uma produtividade inferior a 0,10 crias por casal reprodutor ocorreu em 25% dos anos. Em 2001, o volume dos ovos que eclodiram não diferiu significativamente do volume dos ovos que não eclodiram. O peso dos filhotes ao nascerem apresentou uma correlação significativa com o índice de volume dos ovos, mas não se obtiveram correlações entre o tamanho dos ovos e, a data de eclosão e a taxa de crescimento linear dos filhotes. Cerca de 40% dos filhotes de Tinhosa-de-barrete foram alimentados ao anoitecer. Os filhotes com idades entre 0–5 e 6–10 dias receberam significativamente menos alimento do que os filhotes mais velhos. Foram observadas variações diárias e estocásticas no sucesso de alimentação dos indivíduos. A comparação do presente estudo com estudos semelhantes, sugere que as crias de A. tenuirostris e de Sterna fuscata sejam mais resistentes a flutuações na disponibilidade de alimento do que as crias de Sterna dougallii. Isto indica que, em mares tropicais, uma menor taxa de crescimento e uma alimentação em zonas pelágicas são estratégias mais vantajosas do que uma taxa de crescimento rápida e alimentação em zonas costeiras.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Jose Carlos Perez da CONCEIÇÃO ◽  
Vanessa Veronese ORTUNHO

O jabuti é um animal selvagem cuja principal característica é o corpo coberto por uma carapaça dura onde consegue recolher seus membros e cabeça, é de difícil acesso na natureza, porém facilmente encontrados em cativeiro. O objetivo do estudo foi ter realizada a análise comportamental em cativeiro desses quelônios, Geochelone Carbonaria e Geochelone Denticulata, foram coletadas, aproximadamente, 36 horas de observações distribuídas em métodos de Ad Libitum e Scan. O presente estudo foi realizado no Aquário Municipal de Santa Fé do Sul-SP e incluía jabutis com idades aproximadas de 10 a 30 anos A metodologia que foi utilizada é o estudo de caso comportamental. O grupo de animais observados encontra-se no Aquário Municipal de Santa Fé do Sul no estado de São Paulo. São 44 animais, dos quais 23 são fêmeas, o resultado da pesquisa concluiu que os espécimes encontrados em vida livre apresentam comportamento mais ativo se comparado aos espécimes estudados em cativeiro, pois estes não recebem estímulos físicos e mentais que resultam em uma menor porcentagem do tempo gasto em atividades.   BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF TORTOISES IN CAPTIVITY   ABSTRACT The tortoise is a wild animal whose main characteristic is the body covered by a hard shell where it can have their limbs and head retracted into, it is difficult to be found in nature, but it is easily found in captivity. The aim of the study was to analyze the behavior of these chelonians in captivity. Geochelonecarbonaria and Geochelononedenticulata, were collected and observed for a period of approximately 36 hours distributed in Ad Libitum and Scan methods.  The present study was conducted at the Municipal Aquarium of Santa Fé do Sul-SP and included tortoises with ages ranging from 10 to 30 years old. The methodology that was used is the behavioral case study. The group of animals observed is housed in the Municipal Aquarium of Santa Fé do Sul in the state of São Paulo. There are 44 animals, 23 of them being females. The conclusion of the research was that the specimens found in the wild present a more active behavior when compared to the specimens studied in captivity, because they do not receive physical and mental stimuli, which results in a lower percentage of time spent in activities.   Keywords: Analysis, Behavior, Captivity, Tortoise.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina B. Blanco ◽  
Lydia K. Greene ◽  
Robert Schopler ◽  
Cathy V. Williams ◽  
Danielle Lynch ◽  
...  

AbstractIn nature, photoperiod signals environmental seasonality and is a strong selective “zeitgeber” that synchronizes biological rhythms. For animals facing seasonal environmental challenges and energetic bottlenecks, daily torpor and hibernation are two metabolic strategies that can save energy. In the wild, the dwarf lemurs of Madagascar are obligate hibernators, hibernating between 3 and 7 months a year. In captivity, however, dwarf lemurs generally express torpor for periods far shorter than the hibernation season in Madagascar. We investigated whether fat-tailed dwarf lemurs (Cheirogaleus medius) housed at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) could hibernate, by subjecting 8 individuals to husbandry conditions more in accord with those in Madagascar, including alternating photoperiods, low ambient temperatures, and food restriction. All dwarf lemurs displayed daily and multiday torpor bouts, including bouts lasting ~ 11 days. Ambient temperature was the greatest predictor of torpor bout duration, and food ingestion and night length also played a role. Unlike their wild counterparts, who rarely leave their hibernacula and do not feed during hibernation, DLC dwarf lemurs sporadically moved and ate. While demonstrating that captive dwarf lemurs are physiologically capable of hibernation, we argue that facilitating their hibernation serves both husbandry and research goals: first, it enables lemurs to express the biphasic phenotypes (fattening and fat depletion) that are characteristic of their wild conspecifics; second, by “renaturalizing” dwarf lemurs in captivity, they will emerge a better model for understanding both metabolic extremes in primates generally and metabolic disorders in humans specifically.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Swetlana G. Meshcheryagina ◽  
Alexey Opaev

Abstract Background In the last decade, enigmatic male-like cuckoo calls have been reported several times in East Asia. These calls exhibited a combination of vocal traits of both Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus optatus) and Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) advertising calls, and some authors therefore suggested that the enigmatic calls were produced by either Common × Oriental Cuckoo male hybrids or Common Cuckoo males having a gene mutation. However, the exact identity of calling birds are still unknown. Methods We recorded previously unknown male-like calls from three captive Oriental Cuckoo females, and compared these calls with enigmatic vocalizations recorded in the wild as well as with advertising vocalizations of Common and Oriental Cuckoo males. To achieve this, we measured calls automatically. Besides, we video-recorded captive female emitting male-like calls, and compared these recordings with the YouTube recordings of calling males of both Common and Oriental Cuckoos to get insight into the mechanism of call production. Results The analysis showed that female male-like calls recorded in captivity were similar to enigmatic calls recorded in the wild. Therefore, Oriental Cuckoo females might produce the latter calls. Two features of these female calls appeared to be unusual among birds. First, females produced male-like calls at the time of spring and autumn migratory activity and on migration in the wild. Because of this, functional significance of this call remained puzzling. Secondly, the male-like female call unexpectedly combined features of both closed-mouth (closed beak and simultaneous inflation of the ‘throat sac’) and open-mouth (prominent harmonic spectrum and the maximum neck extension observed at the beginning of a sound) vocal behaviors. Conclusions The Cuculus vocalizations outside the reproductive season remain poorly understood. Here, we found for the first time that Oriental Cuckoo females can produce male-like calls in that time. Because of its rarity, this call might be an atavism. Indeed, female male-like vocalizations are still known in non-parasitic tropical and apparently more basal cuckoos only. Therefore, our findings may shed light on the evolution of vocal communication in avian brood parasites.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-217
Author(s):  
Brayden Whitlock

Arsenic is both a chemotherapeutic drug and an environmental toxicant that affects hundreds of millions of people each year. Arsenic exposure in drinking water has been called the worst poisoning in human history. How arsenic is handled in the body is frequently studied using rodent models to investigate how arsenic both causes and treats disease. These models, used in a variety of arsenic-related testing, from tumor formation to drug toxicity monitoring, have virtually always been developed from animals with telomeres that are unnaturally long, likely because of accidental artificial selective pressures. Mice that have been bred in captivity in laboratory conditions, often for over 100 years, are the standard in creating animal models for this research. Using these mice introduces challenges to any work that can be affected by the length of telomeres and the related capacities for tissue repair and cancer resistance. However, arsenic research is particularly susceptible to the misuse of such animal models due to the multiple and various interactions between arsenic and telomeres. Researchers in the field commonly find mouse models and humans behaving very differently upon exposure to acute and chronic arsenic, including drug therapies which seem safe in mice but are toxic in humans. Here, some complexities and apparent contradictions of the arsenic carcinogenicity and toxicity research are reconciled by an explanatory model that involves telomere length explained by the evolutionary pressures in laboratory mice. A low-risk hypothesis is proposed which has the power to determine whether researchers can easily develop more powerful and accurate mouse models by simply avoiding mouse lineages that are very old and have strangely long telomeres. Swapping in newer mouse lineages for the older, long-telomere mice may vastly improve our ability to research arsenic toxicity with virtually no increase in cost or difficulty of research.


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