scholarly journals Vegetation Height and Diurnal Period Influenced the Landscape-Use Pattern of Small Ruminants in Woodlands around Summer

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Sanjok Poudel
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Control Area ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Understory Shrubs ◽  
Diurnal Period

Despite the huge potential of using woodlands for small ruminant grazing in the southeast US, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimize the utilization of such vegetation. This study aimed to determine the effect of vegetation height and diurnal period on the behavior and distribution patterns of goats and sheep in woodlands around summer. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4 ha each) comprising southern pines and non-pine (non-target) plant species. Non-pine plants in each study plot were assigned to four treatments: cut to 0 m, 0.9 m, or 1.5 m from the ground level or left uncut (control). Cut plant stubs were allowed to regrow to full canopy before stocking animals. Eight Kiko wethers and five Katahdin rams were rotationally stocked in separate plots, and their diurnal (dawn–dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns were monitored when they were in each plot (three plots per animal species) around the summer of 2018. Animal behavior data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SAS, while animal distribution pattern and weather data were analyzed in SAS using a GLM procedure and the distribution evenness index (DEI) using the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test in R. Level of significance was set at 5%. Both animal species visited the control area the least. Wethers browsed predominantly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to 0.9 m from the ground level, and rams grazed mostly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to the ground level, mostly during the post-midday period. Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was a predominant diurnal behavior in both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), mostly during the midday period. Wethers had a higher value for DEI than rams during the morning and post-midday periods. This study established that (1) the utilization of woodland understory foliage by small ruminants can be increased by lowering plant height, and (2) both vegetation characteristics and diurnal period are important factors for influencing small ruminants’ behavior while stocked in woodlands around summer.

scholarly journals 134 Vegetation characteristics and diurnal periods influenced the landscape-use pattern of goats and sheep in woodlands

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 72-73
Author(s):  
Shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Sanjok Poudel
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Landscape Use ◽  
Understory Shrubs

Abstract Woodlands dominate the landcover in the Southeast and offer great opportunities for expanding small-ruminant grazing. However, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimizes the utilization of such vegetation. Managing the understory shrubs and non-target trees to lower heights may increase animals’ access to woodland vegetation and alter the landscape-use patterns of animals. The study objective was to determine the effect of vegetation height on the behavior and distribution of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) containing southern pine and hardwood trees and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0 m, 0.91 m, 1.52 m) or left uncut (control). Once the cut vegetation grew back and attained the full canopy, Kiko wethers (8, 48–50 months old, 72.8 ± 2.29 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (5, 29–32 months old, 95.5 ± 4.31 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in separate plots (3 plots each species), and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns monitored when they were in each plot during the summer of 2018. Data were analyzed in Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test in R. Both wethers and rams visited the control treatment the least, rams grazed mostly in areas with short vegetation (0 m), and wethers visited more to areas with higher vegetation (1.52 m) than rams for feeding (P < 0.001), which was predominant during the post-midday period (3:00-dusk) (P < 0.0001). Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was the dominant diurnal behavior of both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), and predominant during the midday period (11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) (P <0.05). Vegetation heights and diurnal period highly influenced animals’ behavior.

scholarly journals 2 Vegetation characteristics and diurnal periods influenced the landscape-use pattern of goats and sheep in woodlands

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Sanjok Poudel
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Landscape Use ◽  
Understory Shrubs

Abstract Woodlands dominates the landcover in the Southeast and offer great opportunities for expanding small-ruminant grazing. However, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimizes the utilization of such vegetation. Managing the understory shrubs and non-target trees to lower heights may increase animals’ access to woodland vegetation and alter the landscape-use patterns of animals. The study objective was to determine the effect of vegetation height on the behavior and distribution of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4-ha each) containing southern pine and hardwood trees and numerous understory vegetation. The non-pine species were either cut to one of the heights from the ground level (0 m, 0.91 m, 1.52 m) or left uncut (control). Once the cut vegetation grew back and attained the full canopy, Kiko wethers (8, 48–50 months old, 72.8 ± 2.29 kg live weight) and Katahdin rams (5, 29–32 months old, 95.5 ± 4.31 kg live weight) were rotationally stocked in separate plots (3 plots each species), and their diurnal (dawn-dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns monitored when they were in each plot during the summer of 2018. Data were analyzed in Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test in R. Both wethers and rams visited the control treatment the least, rams grazed mostly in areas with short vegetation (0 m), and wethers visited more to areas with higher vegetation (1.52 m) than rams for feeding (P < 0.001), which was predominant during the post-midday period (3:00-dusk) (P < 0.0001). Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was the dominant diurnal behavior of both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), and predominant during the midday period (11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) (P < 0.05). Vegetation heights and diurnal period highly influenced animals’ behavior.

scholarly journals 10 Behavior and Landscape-Use Pattern of Small Ruminants Co-grazed in Woodlands with different Vegetation Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 70-71
Author(s):  
Bidur Paneru ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Nevershi Ellis ◽  
shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Lila B Karki
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Study Plot ◽  
Landscape Use ◽  
Demonstration Site ◽  
Diurnal Behavior ◽  
Use Pattern ◽  
Diurnal Period

Abstract Woodland is the major landcover in Alabama (69%) and other states of the Southeast (≈60%). The understory vegetation present in woodlands can be a great feed resource for small ruminants when woodland grazing is practiced well, for which the understanding of animals’ landscape-use pattern is important. The study objective was to determine the diurnal behavior and landscape-use pattern of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams co-stocked in woodlands. Eight Kiko wethers (77±2.5 kg. LW) and five Katahdin rams (92±4.6 kg. LW) were co-stocked rotationally in three woodland plots (0.4-ha. each) during May–August 2019 in Atkins Agroforestry Research and Demonstration site, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. Each study plot contained four treatments, where the average canopy height were 0.82 m, 1.34 m, 1.67 m and 1.73 m. The diurnal behavior (grazing, browsing, loafing, lying) and landscape-use pattern of animals were monitored from dawn to dusk when they were in each study plot at each rotation. Diurnal period was categorized into morning (dawn–11:00 am), midday (11:00 am–3:00 pm), and post-midday (3:00 pm–dusk) for the analysis and diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of animals were analyzed in SAS 9.4, GLM procedure with MANOVA option. Animal species differed in their feeding behavior (P &lt; 0.0001), with wethers mostly browsing and rams grazing. Significant interaction effects of animal species and diurnal period occurred on all behavior categories, except loafing and lying (P &lt; 0.0001). Wethers spent less time grazing (84–88%), but more time browsing (90%) during morning and post-midday vs. rams. Animals were actively feeding when the weather was nice and cool, and resting when it was hot. Feeding behavior was dominant during the post-midday period (3 PM–dusk) and lying during midday (11 AM–3 PM). The specific behavior and landscape-use pattern observed in this study can be useful to design and utilize woodland resources more efficiently.

scholarly journals 178 Use of silvopastures and woodlands to expand the grazing opportunity for small ruminants

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 67-68
Author(s):  
Uma Karki
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Vegetation Biomass ◽  
Meat Goats ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Pasture-based small-ruminant farming is a popular enterprise in the Southeast, especially for small and limited-resource producers. Although woodlands occupy a majority of the land cover in the South and can be a promising resource for raising small ruminants, not much attention has been given on using such resources. A series of studies were conducted at the facilities of Tuskegee University with the overall objective of exploring the potential of using silvopastures and woodlands for raising small ruminants. Grazing studies were conducted from 2015 to 2019 using meat goats and hair sheep in silvopastures and woodland plots. Silvopastures were developed by thinning down the existing woodlands and planting suitable cool- and warm-season forages. Grazing facilities were installed in the study plots and animals were rotationally stocked each year during both cool- and warm-season grazing periods. In 2017, non-pine plants in woodlands were cut to three different heights (ground level and 0.9 m and 1.5 m from the ground level) or left uncut (control) to see the effects on understory vegetation biomass production and utilization by small ruminants. Data on vegetation biomass and quality, canopy height, animal performance and behavior, browsing height, and vegetation preference were collected and analyzed. Small ruminants were found to utilize all planted forages (silvopastures) well and most of the understory plants in woodlands. Vegetation biomass in woodlands increased in areas where non-pine plants were cut versus the control (36–106%; P &lt; 0.0001). Mature animals maintained a desirable body condition score (≥2.6) and FAMACHA score (≤2.6) in woodlands. However, young, growing animals showed a poor live weight gain, especially during some portion of the study. Animals performed well when they were stocked in silvopastures. Both species showed a similar preference for most plant species available in woodlands. Results show a tremendous potential of using silvopastures and woodlands for expanding the grazing opportunity for small ruminants. However, the provision of some supplements would be necessary while stocking young animals in woodlands.

scholarly journals Microhabitat of small mammals at ground and understorey levels in a deciduous, southern Atlantic Forest

2013 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 727-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
GERUZA L. MELO ◽  
BARBARA MIOTTO ◽  
BRISA PERES ◽  
NILTON C. CACERES
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Didelphis Albiventris

Each animal species selects specific microhabitats for protection, foraging, or micro-climate. To understand the distribution patterns of small mammals on the ground and in the understorey, we investigated the use of microhabitats by small mammals in a deciduous forest of southern Brazil. Ten trap stations with seven capture points were used to sample the following microhabitats: liana, fallen log, ground litter, terrestrial ferns, simple-trunk tree, forked tree, and Piper sp. shrubs. Seven field phases were conducted, each for eight consecutive days, from September 2006 through January 2008. Four species of rodents (Akodon montensis, Sooretamys angouya, Oligoryzomys nigripes and Mus musculus) and two species of marsupials (Didelphis albiventris and Gracilinanus microtarsus) were captured. Captured species presented significant differences on their microhabitat use (ANOVA, p = 0.003), particularly between ground and understorey sites. Akodon montensis selected positively terrestrial ferns and trunks, S. angouya selected lianas, D. albiventris selected fallen trunks and Piper sp., and G. microtarsus choose tree trunks and lianas. We demonstrated that the local small-mammal assemblage does select microhabitats, with different types of associations between species and habitats. Besides, there is a strong evidence of habitat selection in order to diminish predation.

scholarly journals Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 190-195
Author(s):  
Pushkar Pal ◽  
Adisorn Yawongsa ◽  
Rajesh Bhatta ◽  
Hiroshi Shimoda ◽  
Theera Rukkwamsuk
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Population Management ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Development Zone ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Veterinary Laboratory ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Background and Aim: Animal rabies is endemic in Nepal, and it occurs in two forms. Although governmental and non-governmental agencies are working toward the control of rabies by mass dog vaccination and stray dog population management, there is still massive number of rabies incidence reported to the reference veterinary laboratory, Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess animal species, temporal, regional, and agro-ecological distribution patterns of animal rabies in Nepal from 2005 to 2017. Materials and Methods: The epidemiological data on animal rabies from the period of 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The laboratory-confirmed rabies cases were analyzed according to animal species, temporal, regional (developmental zones), and agro-ecological distributions. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution patterns of rabies. Results: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 2771 suspected rabies cases in animals were reported to The Central Veterinary Hospital, Kathmandu. Of which, 1302 were found laboratory-confirmed cases. The rabies cases were most commonly reported and confirmed in dogs followed by other domestic animals. The high occurrences were recorded between 2005 and 2007. However, the incidence was increased during 2016 and 2017. The highest number of rabies cases was recorded in the eastern development zone, and the least number in the central zone at regional level. Likewise, it was highest in the Terai (plain) region and lowest in mountainous areas at agro-ecological zones. The findings also revealed that the occurrences of rabies significantly differed among seasons. Conclusion: Rabies is present in Nepal throughout the year and all seasons with seasonal variation. Among the animal species, dogs are the primary animals affected with rabies followed by cattle and other domestic animals. At the regional level, eastern development zone had the highest incidence and Central development zone recorded the least. Similarly, the Terai region had the highest incidence rates, and the least overall prevalence rate was observed in mountainous regions among agro-ecological zones. Therefore, the government should implement the strict enforcement of mass dog vaccination and dog population management through one health approach to control rabies incidence in the country.

Weather Maps, Forecasts, and Data

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. David Whiteman
Keyword(s):  
Weather Forecast ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Pressure System ◽  
Surface Weather ◽  
Comprehensive Picture

Weather maps prepared by the National Weather Service summarize and synthesize weather data to provide a comprehensive picture of weather conditions at a given time. They are the basis of weather maps used on television to show precipitation, high and low pressure centers, and fronts. Weather maps are produced using both surface data and data from specified pressure levels. Data are plotted and contoured by computer, and analysts use satellite photos, satellite video loops, weather forecast models, and extrapolations from previous frontal and pressure system analyses to locate fronts and pressure centers. An example of a surface weather chart is presented in figure 9.1. A 500-mb chart for the same date and time was presented in figure 5.1. Symbols are used on weather maps to indicate synoptic-scale features. High and low pressure weather systems (highs and lows) are indicated by the letters H and L, with isobars labeled in millibars. Lines indicating frontal positions (section 6.2) represent the position on the ground of boundaries between air masses. Additional meteorological variables, such as temperature, are often analyzed on the same map using dashed or colored lines. Pressure, temperature, and other data from the reporting stations are plotted in coded form at the station locations. A station model specifies the positions in which different types of data are plotted relative to the station location. Figure 9.1 used an abbreviated station model. A complete station model is shown in figure 9.2. Figures 9.3 — 9.7 show additional symbols used in station models to indicate total sky cover, winds, pressure tendency, cloud types, and present weather types, respectively. A surface weather chart, with the symbols indicating fronts and high and low pressure centers and the information included in the station model, provides a snapshot of synoptic-scale conditions at ground level. By overlaying charts for several pressure levels (section 5.1.3), changes with altitude can be identified and the three-dimensional structure of the atmosphere at a given point in time can be visualized. By comparing consecutive charts, the rate of movement of fronts and the rates of development of high and low pressure centers can be determined.

scholarly journals Birds foraging for fruits and insects in shrubby restinga vegetation, southeastern Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verônica Souza da Mota Gomes ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle ◽  
Maria Alice S. Alves
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Insectivorous Birds ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Spatial Use ◽  
Conservation And Management

Understanding how birds use vegetation to obtain food resources has implications for habitat conservation and management. Restinga is a poorly known and threatened tropical habitat, associated to the Atlantic forest, that could benefit from this kind of information to know which plants can be used and dispersed by birds that can help on the maintenance of this habitat. Frugivorous and insectivorous birds are important components of tropical ecosystems, such as restinga. To provide more information regarding the ecology of restinga, we studied the feeding behavior and spatial use of this vegetation by birds at Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, southeastern Brazil. We found that feeding behavior was similar to that recorded for the same species in other vegetation types. In addition, spatial use of the restinga vegetation by the most abundant species did not overlap greatly, except for two insectivorous species that used different foraging maneuvers and two frugivorous birds that foraged in flocks. The two most abundant species were generalists in their diet and were capable of feeding at the ground level on sand substrate.

Localisation of two classes of acetylcholine receptor-like molecules in sperms of different animal species

Zygote ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Baccetti ◽  
A.G. Burrini ◽  
G. Collodel ◽  
C. Falugi ◽  
E. Moretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Nicotinic Receptors ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Immunogold Staining ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Transduction Mechanisms

SummaryThe distribution of different classes of acetylcholine (ACh) receptor-like molecules in sperms of different invertebrate and vertebrate species is described. ACh receptor molecules belong to one of two classes: muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), associated with signal transduction mechanisms in the inner domain of the cell, and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), capable of opening Na+ channels when activated by the ligand. Molecules immunologically related to mAChRs and to ACh can be identified by specific antibodies, and revealed by immunofluorescent or immunogold staining; the nicotinic receptor-like molecules are localised as curare-sensitive affinity sites for α-bungarotoxin. In all species studied, both classes of receptors were found, with a similar distribution. Muscarinic-like molecules were found mainly in the sperm head regions of most species; such a localisation may be correlated to a function in sperm–egg interaction, for instance in the regulation of the block to polyspermy. Nicotinic-like molecules are present mainly in the tail and in the post-acrosomal region of most animals, thus confirming their function in the regulation of sperm propulsion, but are also present at the acrosomal region of most species. The distribution patterns of the different classes of molecules indicate that both may be in sperm–egg interactions, in addition to their known function in the regulation of sperm propulsion.

Fine-scale habitat use by the southern emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grainne S. Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Vertical Density ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Floristic Characteristics

Fine-scale variation in habitat structure and composition is likely to influence habitat use by avian species with limited flight capabilities. I investigated proportional use of available habitat and microhabitat by the southern emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus), a threatened, flight-limited passerine, at three sites in Victoria, in relation to vegetation structure and composition. Emu-wrens appeared to discriminate between habitats with regard to structural rather than floristic characteristics. Habitats with dense vertical foliage of shrubs, grasses and sedges/rushes between ground level and 100 cm, and dense horizontal cover of medium to tall shrubs, were used most frequently. However, when availability of habitat was taken into account, habitat use was negatively correlated with the vertical density of low shrub foliage and species richness. Within habitats, emu-wrens more frequently used plant species that had a dense canopy cover (26 ± 2% of total cover, crown diameter 93 ± 5 cm), high foliage density between 50 and 100 cm, and average heights of ~1 m. Plant species in which the birds nested comprised ~14% of total canopy cover and were densest between ground level and 50 cm. Canopy cover, vegetation height and vertical foliage density were consistently important variables correlated with emu-wren habitat use at multiple fine-scales. This study provides valuable information for conservation management of the species; in particular, the restoration of degraded habitats.

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