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Chitambala T, Ny V, Ceacero F, Bartoň L, Bureš D, Kotrba R, Needham T. Effects of Immunocastration and Amino Acid Supplementation on Yearling Fallow Deer ( Dama dama) Testes Development. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:115. [PMID: 38200846 PMCID: PMC10778327 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Forty-four fallow deer bucks (10 months old; 22.9 ± 2.4 kg) were utilized to investigate the effects of immunocastration and amino acid supplementation on testes development. Immunocastrated bucks were administered Improvac® at weeks 1, 8, and 20 of this study (control group: intact males). Starting at week 8, half of each sex received rumen-protected lysine and methionine (3:1) supplementation. At slaughter (week 37/39), body size, internal fat deposits, antler size parameters, testes weight, testes surface color, cauda epididymal sperm viability and morphology, and seminiferous tubule circumference and epithelium thickness were determined. Animals with larger body sizes, greater forequarter development, and antler growth also had greater testes development. Whilst the result of immunocastration on testes size is unexpected, testes tissue showed impaired development (atrophied seminiferous tubules), decreased sperm viability, and normal morphology. Testes tissue from immunocastrated deer was less red, possibly indicating reduced blood supply. Conversely, amino acid supplementation increased testes' redness and sperm viability, and intact males fed amino acids showed the greatest seminiferous tubule development. Thus, immunocastration may be a welfare-friendly alternative for venison production. Whilst the results support findings from the literature that testes size is not a reliable indicator of immunocastration success, this warrants further investigation in deer over different physiological development stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoniso Chitambala
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.C.); (V.N.); (F.C.); (R.K.)
| | - Veit Ny
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.C.); (V.N.); (F.C.); (R.K.)
- Department of Cattle Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Francisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.C.); (V.N.); (F.C.); (R.K.)
| | - Luděk Bartoň
- Department of Cattle Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Daniel Bureš
- Department of Cattle Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.B.); (D.B.)
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kotrba
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.C.); (V.N.); (F.C.); (R.K.)
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tersia Needham
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.C.); (V.N.); (F.C.); (R.K.)
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Tajchman K, Ukalska-Jaruga A, Ceacero F, Janiszewski P, Pecio M. Concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Diet and Age. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3468. [PMID: 38003086 PMCID: PMC10668784 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Deer antlers, usually harvested annually on a farm, are an accessible material used to determine the exposition to potentially toxic elements, PTEs, during growth. Moreover, the study of antlers from animals of different ages allows the assessment of long-term exposition to these elements. The aim of the study was to analyze the concentration of eight potentially toxic elements (Cd, Pb, As, Ba, Ni, Sr, La, Ce) in individual positions of the antlers (first, second, and third position, corresponding to the stages of development and life of these animals) and in the food that the animals consumed during the growth of individual antler fragments, depending on the age of the farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). The mineral composition of samples was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis included 31 male deer aged 2-8 years old. The average concentration of Pb, Ba, and Ni was higher in the second position of the antler, and As, La, and Ce in the third position. In addition, the oldest individuals showed a higher Cd, Pb, and As concentration in the third position. A significant positive relationship was found between the age of animals and accumulation of As (r = 0.582, p < 0.05), as well as Ba and Sr (r = -0.534, r = -0.644 at p < 0.05, respectively). The average content of Ba and Sr also significantly negatively depended on body mass and antler mass stags (r = -0.436, r = -0.515 at p < 0.05, respectively). Cd concentration in feed was significantly higher in June compared to winter, spring, and later summer (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the concentration of Ba in food was significantly higher in spring and winter than in early and later summer (p < 0.05). An increase in the PTEs in the pasture determined the concentration of these components in fallow deer antlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tajchman
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Ukalska-Jaruga
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Fracisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pawel Janiszewski
- Department of Fur-Wearing Animal Breeding and Game Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Monika Pecio
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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Kierdorf U, Gomez S, Stock SR, Antipova O, Kierdorf H. Bone resorption and formation in the pedicles of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in relation to the antler cycle-A morphological and microanalytical study. J Anat 2023; 243:842-859. [PMID: 37278321 PMCID: PMC10557394 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed pedicle bone from roe bucks that had died around antler casting or shortly before or during the rutting period. Pedicles obtained around antler casting were highly porous and showed signs of intense osteoclastic activity that had caused the formation of an abscission line. Following the detachment of the antler plus a portion of pedicle bone, osteoclastic activity in the pedicles continued for some time, and new bone was deposited onto the separation plane of the pedicle stump, leading to partial pedicle restoration. Pedicles obtained around the rutting period were compact structures. The newly formed, often very large secondary osteons, which had filled the resorption cavities, exhibited a lower mineral density than the persisting older bone. The middle zones of the lamellar infilling frequently showed hypomineralized lamellae and enlarged osteocyte lacunae. This indicates a deficiency in mineral elements during the formation of these zones that occurred along with peak antler mineralization. We suggest that growing antlers and compacting pedicles compete for mineral elements, with the rapidly growing antlers being the more effective sinks. The competition between the two simultaneously mineralizing structures is probably more severe in Capreolus capreolus than in other cervids. This is because roe bucks regrow their antlers during late autumn and winter, a period of limited food and associated mineral supply. The pedicle is a heavily remodeled bone structure with distinct seasonal variation in porosity. Pedicle remodeling differs in several aspects from the normal bone remodeling process in the mammalian skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of BiologyUniversity of HildesheimHildesheimGermany
| | - Santiago Gomez
- Department of Pathological AnatomyUniversity of CadizCadizSpain
| | - Stuart R. Stock
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Simpson Querrey InstituteNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Olga Antipova
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National LaboratoryLemontIllinoisUSA
| | - Horst Kierdorf
- Department of BiologyUniversity of HildesheimHildesheimGermany
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El-Sabaawi RW, Lemmen KD, Jeyasingh PD, Declerck SAJ. SEED: A framework for integrating ecological stoichiometry and eco-evolutionary dynamics. Ecol Lett 2023; 26 Suppl 1:S109-S126. [PMID: 37840025 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Characterising the extent and sources of intraspecific variation and their ecological consequences is a central challenge in the study of eco-evolutionary dynamics. Ecological stoichiometry, which uses elemental variation of organisms and their environment to understand ecosystem patterns and processes, can be a powerful framework for characterising eco-evolutionary dynamics. However, the current emphasis on the relative content of elements in the body (i.e. organismal stoichiometry) has constrained its application. Intraspecific variation in the rates at which elements are acquired, assimilated, allocated or lost is often greater than the variation in organismal stoichiometry. There is much to gain from studying these traits together as components of an 'elemental phenotype'. Furthermore, each of these traits can have distinct ecological effects that are underappreciated in the current literature. We propose a conceptual framework that explores how microevolutionary change in the elemental phenotype occurs, how its components interact with each other and with other traits, and how its changes can affect a wide range of ecological processes. We demonstrate how the framework can be used to generate novel hypotheses and outline pathways for future research that enhance our ability to explain, analyse and predict eco-evolutionary dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana W El-Sabaawi
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kimberley D Lemmen
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Punidan D Jeyasingh
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Steven A J Declerck
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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5
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Concentration of Macroelements and Trace Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Age. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233409. [PMID: 36496930 PMCID: PMC9737350 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The mineral content of the antlers reflects the nutritional status and specific stage of bone growth in cervid males. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in three characteristic antler positions selected based on the observation of fights between males. These were compared between farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) of different ages. The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest mean concentrations of macroelements (except K) were recorded in the youngest animals aged 2 or 3 years in the proximal position of the antlers. With age and distance from the skull, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents decreased, while K increased. Higher mean concentrations of most trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were recorded in 3-year-old animals in antler distal positions. With an increase in the age, body mass and antler mass of fallow deer, the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Zn decreased (−0.414 ≤ R ≤ −0.737, p < 0.05) in the studied tissue, whereas Li increased (0.470 ≤ R ≤ 0.681, p < 0.05). The obtained results confirm that the antlers’ chemical composition changes with age, also changing the Ca:P ratio.
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Steiner-Bogdaszewska Ż, Tajchman K, Ukalska-Jaruga A, Florek M, Pecio M. The Mineral Composition of Bone Marrow, Plasma, Bones and the First Antlers of Farmed Fallow Deer. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202764. [PMID: 36290150 PMCID: PMC9597732 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An adequate supply of essential nutrients is particularly important during the skeletal growth and development of young deer, especially in males, who build new antlers each year. The aim of the research was to analyze the levels of 21 mineral elements (including the bulk elements: Ca, P, Mg, K, Na; trace elements: Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo; and toxic elements: Be, Al, As, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Ni) in the bone marrow, plasma, bones, and first antlers of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Higher concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Cr, Zn, Se, Al, Ba and Ni were found in bone marrow than in plasma. The highest concentrations of Ca, P and Ba were recorded in fallow deer bone, while the highest concentrations of Mg, K, Na, Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Be, Al, As, Sb, Pb and Ni were found in the antlers. Moreover, the research showed a significant negative relationship between Ca and Cd, and between Ca and Pb, and P and Pb (rS = −0.70, rS = −0.80, and rS = −0.66, respectively; p < 0.05) in the tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Steiner-Bogdaszewska
- Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Research Station in Kosewo Górne, 11-700 Mrągowo, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Tajchman
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (A.U.-J.)
| | - Aleksandra Ukalska-Jaruga
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (A.U.-J.)
| | - Mariusz Florek
- Department of Quality Assessment and Processing of Animal Products, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Pecio
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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Ny V, Needham T, Ceacero F. Potential benefits of amino acid supplementation for cervid performance and nutritional ecology, with special focus on lysine and methionine: A review. ANIMAL NUTRITION 2022; 11:391-401. [PMID: 36382203 PMCID: PMC9633987 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Deer farming is a thriving industry for venison, velvet antlers, trophy hunting, and other by-products. Feeding and nutrition are important factors for improving production performance, especially dietary protein and amino acids (AAs), as they are the main components of all tissues. Only a few studies on AA supplementation (Lys, Met, Arg) have been performed on cervids, which show positive effects on weight gain, ADG, feed-:gain ratio, plasma AAs, carcass weight, dressing percentage, yield of high-quality muscles, storage of internal fat during winter, DM and CP digestibility, plasma protein- and fat-related metabolite concentrations, antler burr perimeter, weight, length and mineralisation, velvet antler yield, rumen volatile fatty acids, and microbiome composition. All these effects are relevant for supporting the production of cervids products, from venison to velvet or trophy antlers, as well as their general performance and well-being of captive-bred cervids. The current available information suggests that AA supplementation can be especially interesting for animals fed low protein rations, and growing animals, but should be avoided in high rations and during winter, since it may promote the accumulation of internal fat. Potential effects on milk production and the concentrations of different hormones involved in the regulation of the antler cycle should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Ny
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Cattle Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
- Food Research Institute Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tersia Needham
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
- Corresponding author.
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Griffin LL, Haigh A, Amin B, Faull J, Norman A, Ciuti S. Artificial selection in human-wildlife feeding interactions. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:1892-1905. [PMID: 35927829 PMCID: PMC9546373 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The artificial selection of traits in wildlife populations through hunting and fishing has been well documented. However, despite their rising popularity, the role that artificial selection may play in non‐extractive wildlife activities, for example, recreational feeding activities, remains unknown. If only a subset of a population takes advantage of human‐wildlife feeding interactions, and if this results in different fitness advantages for these individuals, then artificial selection may be at work. We have tested this hypothesis using a wild fallow deer population living at the edge of a capital city as our model population. In contrast to previous assumptions on the randomness of human‐wildlife feeding interactions, we found that a limited non‐random portion of an entire population is continuously engaging with people. We found that the willingness to beg for food from humans exists on a continuum of inter‐individual repeatable behaviour; which ranges from risk‐taking individuals repeatedly seeking and obtaining food, to shyer individuals avoiding human contact and not receiving food at all, despite all individuals having received equal exposure to human presence from birth and coexisting in the same herds together. Bolder individuals obtain significantly more food directly from humans, resulting in early interception of food offerings and preventing other individuals from obtaining supplemental feeding. Those females that beg consistently also produce significantly heavier fawns (300–500 g heavier), which may provide their offspring with a survival advantage. This indicates that these interactions result in disparity in diet and nutrition across the population, impacting associated physiology and reproduction, and may result in artificial selection of the begging behavioural trait. This is the first time that this consistent variation in behaviour and its potential link to artificial selection has been identified in a wildlife population and reveals new potential effects of human‐wildlife feeding interactions in other species across both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Griffin
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour, SBES, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Amy Haigh
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour, SBES, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Bawan Amin
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour, SBES, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jordan Faull
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour, SBES, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Alison Norman
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour, SBES, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Simone Ciuti
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour, SBES, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Bone Marrow in Farmed Fallow Deer ( Dama dama) Depending on Diet. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080941. [PMID: 35454188 PMCID: PMC9031054 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few studies on the composition of fatty acids and how they change the bone marrow fat of young animals depending on nutrition. Therefore, the proximate and fatty acid composition of metatarsal bone marrow from fawns of farm fallow deer after a summer of grazing and the winter feeding was compared. Due to the size and nature of the data, parametric or nonparametric tests were used. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. After the winter feeding, bone marrow contained more fat (83.11% vs. 75.09%, p < 0.05) and less fat free dry matter (5.61% vs. 13.76%, p < 0.05) compared to the pasture period. Moreover, there was a significantly higher amount of saturated fatty acids (23.34% vs. 21.60%, p < 0.001), more trans fatty acids (2.99% vs. 2.34%, p < 0.005), and conjugated linoleic acid isomers (1.04% vs. 0.83%, p < 0.01), compared to post winter feeding, which in turn contained significantly more total cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (54.65% vs. 58.90%, p < 0.001). The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including n-3 and n-6) was not affected by feeding season. In conclusion, it was shown that young male farm fallow deer were better nourished after the winter period, during which they were kept in properly prepared rooms and fed fodder prepared by people.
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Soil nutrients and deer density affect antler size of the Carpathian red deer. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00203-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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11
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Comparison of the accumulation of macro- and microelements in the bone marrow and bone of wild and farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:324. [PMID: 34627246 PMCID: PMC8502351 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cells of the entire body, including the skeletal system, especially of young animals, may derive from the bone marrow in which they multiply. Therefore, it is important to assess whether the diet and quality of life of deer have a significant impact on the elemental composition of bone and bone marrow, which can directly affect their health and growth. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of macro- (Ca, calcium, P, phosphorus, Mg, magnesium, K, potassium, Na, sodium) and microelements (Li, lithium, Cr, chromium, Mn, manganese, Co, cobalt, Cu, copper, Zn, zinc, Se, selenium, Mo, molybdenum, and Sn, tin) accumulated in the bone marrow and bones of deer (Cervus elaphus). The study was carried out on 15 young stags divided into two groups: farmed and wild animals. The concentrations of macro- and microelements were analysed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. This research expands our knowledge on this topic, which so far has not been extensively studied. Results The mean content of K, Na, Zn and Se in the bone marrow of farmed animals was significantly higher than in wild deer, whereas the mean content of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na and Li in the bones was higher in wild animals than in farmed individuals (p < 0.05). In addition, the mean concentration of Cr, Mn, Cu, Se and Mo in the bones of the analysed animals differed significantly (p < 0.05) and was higher in the farmed deer. The mean concentration of Se in the bone marrow of wild deer decreased with the increase of the body weight (p < 0.05). In turn, the mean content of Mn in the bone marrow and of Mo in the bones of the animals was significantly positively correlated with the animals’ body weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions The obtained results indicated different levels of micro- and macro-components in the body of farmed and wild deer, though without clear and strong variations. Generally, the higher level of macronutrients in the bones of wild deer may be related to the higher physiological importance of these minerals for life activities in the natural environment and to the limited supply of balanced food. On the other hand, the higher levels of microelements in the tissues of farmed animals may result from their significantly better nutritional status in the first year of life, achieved through appropriate nutrition as well as diet supplementation of adult females. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03041-2.
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12
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Mattioli S, Ferretti F, Nicoloso S, Corlatti L. Spatial variation in antler investment of Apennine red deer. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7850-7864. [PMID: 34188856 PMCID: PMC8216977 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity in resource availability and quality can trigger spatial patterns in the expression of sexually selected traits such as body mass and weaponry. While relationships between habitat features and phenotypic quality are well established at broad geographical scales, information is poor on spatial patterns at finer, intrapopulation scales. We analyzed biometric data collected on 1965 red deer Cervus elaphus males over 20 years from a nonmigratory population living on two sides of a mountainous ridge, with substantial differences in land cover and habitat quality but similar climate and population density. We investigate spatial patterns in (i) body mass, (ii) antler mass, and (iii) antler investment. We also tested for site- and age-specific patterns in allometric relationship between body mass and antler mass. Statistically significant fine-scale spatial variations in body mass, antler mass, and, to a lesser extent, antler allocation matched spatial differences in land cover. All three traits were greater in the northern slope, characterized by higher habitat heterogeneity and greater availability of open habitats, than in the southern slope. Moreover, the allometric relationship between body mass and antler mass differed among age-classes, in a pattern that was consistent between the two mountain slopes. Our results support the occurrence of spatial patterns in the expression of individual attributes also at a fine, intrapopulation scale. Our findings emphasize the role of environmental heterogeneity in shaping spatial variations of key life-history traits, with potential consequences for reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandro Nicoloso
- Research, Ecology and Environment Dimensions (D.R.E.Am. Italia)PistoiaItaly
| | - Luca Corlatti
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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13
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Evaluation of factors inducing variability of faecal nutrients in captive red deer under variable demands. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2394. [PMID: 33504887 PMCID: PMC7840747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81908-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the assumption that dietary and faecal nitrogen correlate, the number of studies using faecal samples collected in the wild to understand diet selection by wild herbivores and other ecological patterns has been growing during the last years, especially due to the recent development of cheap tools for analysis of nutrients like Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). Within the annual reproductive cycle, cervids (members of the family Cervidae) face strong seasonal variations in nutritional demands, different for hinds (gestation and lactation) and stags (antler growth) and reflected in differential patterns of seasonal diet selection. In this study we aimed to quantify how pasture availability, season and individual factors like sex, age, reproductive status, body mass and body condition affect faecal nutrients in captive red deer with the goal of understanding how these factors may influence the interpretation of results from samples obtained in the wild with little or no information about the animals who dropped those faeces. We used NIRS for analysing nitrogen, neutral and acid detergent fibres in faeces. The relative influence of some individual factors like pregnancy was low (around 4%), while age and weight may induce a variability up to 18%. The presence or absence of pasture contributed to a variability around 13%, while the season contributed to an average variability around 17% (and up to 21% in certain situations). This high variability in faecal nutrients was observed in a controlled setting with captive animals and controlled diets. Thus, in natural situations we suspect that there would be even greater variation. According to the results, we recommend that preliminary research with captive animals of the species of interest should be conducted before collecting samples in the wild, which should help in the interpretation of results.
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Accumulation of Toxic Elements in Bone and Bone Marrow of Deer Living in Various Ecosystems. A Case Study of Farmed and Wild-Living Deer. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112151. [PMID: 33227969 PMCID: PMC7699187 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of toxic elements accumulated in the bone marrow and bones (Cervus elaphus). The studies were carried out on two groups of young stags: farmed (n = 6) and wild (n = 9). Their body weights were measured and bone and bone marrow samples were collected. The concentrations of toxic elements were analyzed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. The mean aluminum content in the bone marrow and bones of the farmed animals was significantly higher than in the wild group (p < 0.05). The mean concentration of arsenic, barium and lead in the bones of the wild red deer was significantly higher than in the bones of the farmed animals (p < 0.05), while the cadmium concentration in the bones of the farmed red deer exceeded the value determined in the wild animals. A significant difference was found between the mean concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, barium, lead, vanadium and nickel in the bone marrow and bones of both red deer groups (p < 0.05). Although the study involved animals living in an uncontaminated area, the concentrations of some heavy metals were higher than values reported from industrial regions.
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Flueck WT. Nutrition as an etiological factor causing diseases in endangered huemul deer. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:276. [PMID: 32513255 PMCID: PMC7282076 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Distinct diseases prevent endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) recovery. Fundamental etiological factors include nutriments, a mayor component of habitat quality. Undernutrition affects growth, skeletal development, osteopathology, reproduction and immunocompetence: this paper amplifies data corroborating micro-nutrient deficiencies among huemul. RESULTS In Argentina, 57% huemul cadavers exhibited osteopathology, with new cases reported here. Recently, 86% live huemul had osteopathology: cranial lesions involved antemortem tooth loss, reducing feeding efficiency and body condition, with starvation deaths. This population had tissues well deficient compared to other cervids, averaging 0.28 ppm selenium, 4.98 ppm copper, whereas for manganese 55% were deficient (2.52 ppm) and 45% adequate (42.79 ppm). Recently, lesions in one Chilean huemul were interpreted to stem from parapoxvirus. That population also has cases with cranial osteopathologies, high disease susceptibility (parapoxvirus, parasitism, foot lesions), crippled antlers, and low density, indicative of marginal habitat and primary etiological factors like undernutrition and immunosuppression. The reported atypical symptoms attributed to parapoxvirus may relate to probable diagnostic limitations, but does support presence of nutritional deficiencies. Patagonia has selenium deficient plants and livestock, including severe muscular dystrophy, and soil levels in extant huemul areas considered very deficient. Moreover, 73% of Chilean huemul were selenium deficient and 64% severely deficient with concomitant cranial osteopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner T Flueck
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University Basel, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
- National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Argentine National Park Administration, Rolando 699, 8400, Bariloche, Argentina.
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Ny V, Kotrba R, Cappelli J, Bureš D, Clar MA, García AJ, Landete-Castillejos T, Bartoň L, Ceacero F. Effects of Lysine and Methionine supplementation on first antler growth in fallow deer (Dama dama). Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Tajchman K, Bogdaszewski M, Kowalczuk-Vasilev E. Effects of supplementation with different levels of calcium and phosphorus on mineral content of first antler, bone, muscle, and liver of farmed fallow deer ( Dama dama). CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nutrition is one of the main factors influencing physiological processes, e.g., growth and antler development, in Cervidae. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a possible effect of supplementation with different levels of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) on the mineral composition of antlers and bones, and its effect on the content of macroelements — Ca, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and P — in the muscle tissue, liver, and blood of farmed fallow deer fawns. The results show a positive effect of increased doses of Ca and P on body weight at the age of 14 mo. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the content of Ca, Mg, Na, and P in antlers and Ca, Na, and P in bones. The muscle tissue was characterised by a significant increase only in the content of Na, whereas Ca, K, and P levels increased significantly in the liver. In turn, the serum P content decreased significantly. Adequate Ca and P supplementation exerts a positive effect on the mineral composition of bones and whole antlers of farmed fallow deer fawns, and it enhances the concentrations of macroelements in tissues, which may constitute a reservoir used for future development of antlers. It also has a positive effect on body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tajchman
- Department of Ethology and Animal Welfare, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Bogdaszewski
- Institute of Parasitology PAN, Research Station in Kosewo Górne, 11-700 Mrągowo, Poland
| | - Edyta Kowalczuk-Vasilev
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
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Ceacero F, Villagrán M, Gambín-Pozo P, García AJ, Cappelli J, Ungerfeld R. Better antlers when surrounded by females? The social context influence antler mineralization in pampas deer (Ozotozeros bezoarticus). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2019.1620340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 961/129, 165 21 Praha 6-Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matías Villagrán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Gambín-Pozo
- Animal Science Techniques Applied to Wildlife Management Research Group, IREC Section Albacete (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete 02071, Spain
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, IDR, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete 02071, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, ETSIAM, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete 02071, Spain
| | - Andrés J. García
- Animal Science Techniques Applied to Wildlife Management Research Group, IREC Section Albacete (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete 02071, Spain
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, IDR, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete 02071, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, ETSIAM, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete 02071, Spain
| | - Jamil Cappelli
- Animal Science Techniques Applied to Wildlife Management Research Group, IREC Section Albacete (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete 02071, Spain
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, IDR, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete 02071, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, ETSIAM, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete 02071, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
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Jones PD, Strickland BK, Demarais S, McKinley WT, Ernst JR, Klassen JA. Seasonal flooding effects on deer in the Mississippi river batture. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip D. Jones
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityBox 9690 Mississippi State MS 39762 USA
| | - Bronson K. Strickland
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityBox 9690 Mississippi State MS 39762 USA
| | - Stephen Demarais
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityBox 9690 Mississippi State MS 39762 USA
| | - William T. McKinley
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks1505 Eastover Drive Jackson MS 39211 USA
| | - James R. Ernst
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife & FisheriesP.O. Box 98000 Baton Rouge LA 70898 USA
| | - Jessica. A. Klassen
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityBox 9690 Mississippi State MS 39762 USA
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Peláez M, Perea R, Díaz M, San Miguel A, Rodríguez-Vigal C, Côté SD. Use of cast antlers to assess antler size variation in red deer populations: effects of mast seeding, climate and population features in Mediterranean environments. J Zool (1987) 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Peláez
- Departmento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales; Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; Ciudad Universitaria; Madrid Spain
| | - R. Perea
- Departmento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales; Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; Ciudad Universitaria; Madrid Spain
- Department of Biology; Stanford University; Stanford CA USA
| | - M. Díaz
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change (BGC); Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC); Madrid Spain
| | - A. San Miguel
- Departmento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales; Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; Ciudad Universitaria; Madrid Spain
| | | | - S. D. Côté
- Département de biologie; Centre d’études nordiques & Chaire de recherche industrielle CRSNG en aménagement intégré des ressources de l’île d'Anticosti; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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Wam HK, Felton AM, Stolter C, Nybakken L, Hjeljord O. Moose selecting for specific nutritional composition of birch places limits on food acceptability. Ecol Evol 2017; 8:1117-1130. [PMID: 29375784 PMCID: PMC5773297 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of intense research, it remains largely unsolved which nutritional factors underpin food selection by large herbivores in the wild. We measured nutritional composition of birch foliage (Betula pubescens) available to, and used by, moose (Alces alces) in natural settings in two neighboring regions with contrasting animal body mass. This readily available food source is a staple food item in the diet of moose in the high‐fitness region, but apparently underutilized by moose in the low‐fitness region. Available birch foliage in the two regions had similar concentrations of macronutrients (crude protein [CP], fiber fractions, and water‐soluble carbohydrates [WSC]), although a notably lower variation of WSC in the low‐fitness region. For minerals, there were several area differences: available birch foliage in the low‐fitness region had less Mg (depending on year) and P, but more Ca, Zn, Cu, and Mn. It also had higher concentrations of some plant secondary metabolites: chlorogenic acids, quercetins, and especially MeOH‐soluble condensed tannins. Despite the area differences in available foliage, we found the same nutritional composition of birch foliage used in the two regions. Compared to available birch foliage, moose consistently used birch foliage with more CP, more structural fiber (mainly hemicellulose), less WSC, higher concentrations of several minerals (Ca, Zn, K, Mn, Cu), and lower concentrations of some secondary metabolites (most importantly, MeOH‐soluble condensed tannins). Our study conceptually supports the nutrient‐balancing hypothesis for a large herbivore: within a given temporal frame, moose select for plant material that matches a specific nutritional composition. As our data illustrate, different moose populations may select for the same composition even when the nutritional composition available in a given food source varies between their living areas. Such fastidiousness limits the proportion of available food that is acceptable to the animal and has bearings on our understanding and application of the concept of carrying capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde K Wam
- Division of Forestry and Forest Resources NIBIO Ås Norway
| | - Annika M Felton
- Faculty of Forest Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Science Alnarp Sweden
| | - Caroline Stolter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Concervation University of Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| | - Line Nybakken
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - Olav Hjeljord
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
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