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F. Millán M, Carranza J, Seoane JM, Pérez-González J. Forage quality of consecutive years interact to affect body condition, reproductive rate and rut phenology in Iberian red deer. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278367. [PMID: 36454913 PMCID: PMC9714875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Body condition for reproduction in capital breeders such as the red deer (Cervus elaphus) is mostly determined by their stored energy reserves. Thus, environmental conditions and resource availability may affect reproductive performance and breeding success. In warm Mediterranean regions, current climate change is driving to a hotter and drier scenario that is expected to affect the biology and dynamics of many populations. We examined the impact of these local climate variations on red deer body condition and the relationship with female reproductive phenology and breeding success. We used satellite information of landscape vegetation along with a 22-year data series of direct field behavioural observations during the rutting season in Doñana National Park (SW Spain). We analyzed faecal nitrogen content (FN) from faeces collected during the rut. We found that poor vegetation availability in drier years was related to worse body condition of deer (measured by FN) and a delay in the rutting season, which associated with lower reproductive rates (measured by the proportion of females with calves observed the next year). We also evidenced an interesting interaction between environmental conditions in consecutive years on the timing of breeding season, with timing of breeding being more delayed when previous year resource availability was high and many females bred, and the consecutive one was poor, so females hardly recovered condition and the rut occurred later. These findings highlight the carry-over effect of reproduction in capital breeders and the potential impact of climate-change conditions on red deer breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina F. Millán
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- * E-mail: (MFM); (JC)
| | - Juan Carranza
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- * E-mail: (MFM); (JC)
| | - José M. Seoane
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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2
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Dunbar RIM, Shultz S. The Infertility Trap: The Fertility Costs of Group-Living in Mammalian Social Evolution. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.634664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammal social groups vary considerably in size from single individuals to very large herds. In some taxa, these groups are extremely stable, with at least some individuals being members of the same group throughout their lives; in other taxa, groups are unstable, with membership changing by the day. We argue that this variability in grouping patterns reflects a tradeoff between group size as a solution to environmental demands and the costs created by stress-induced infertility (creating an infertility trap). These costs are so steep that, all else equal, they will limit group size in mammals to ∼15 individuals. A species will only be able to live in larger groups if it evolves strategies that mitigate these costs. We suggest that mammals have opted for one of two solutions. One option (fission-fusion herding) is low cost but high risk; the other (bonded social groups) is risk-averse, but costly in terms of cognitive requirements.
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3
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Gauzere J, Walling CA, Pick JL, Watt K, Jack P, Morris A, Morris S, Pemberton JM. The role of maternally transferred antibodies in maternal performance in red deer. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:2065-2076. [PMID: 34245475 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13834] [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: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Maternal effects are ubiquitous. Yet, the pathways through which maternal effects occur in wild mammals remain largely unknown. We hypothesise that maternal immune transfer is a key mechanism by which mothers can affect their offspring fitness, and that individual variation in maternally derived antibodies mainly depends on a mother's characteristics and the environmental conditions she experiences. To test this, we assayed six colostrum-derived antibodies in the plasma of 1447 neonates in a wild red deer population. Neonatal antibody levels were mainly affected by maternal genes, environmental variation and costs of prior reproductive investment. We found consistent heterogeneity in maternal performance across traits, with mothers producing the heaviest calves also having calves with more antibodies. Unexpectedly, antibody levels were not associated with calf survival. We provide a unique example of how evolutionary theory on maternal effects can be used to gain insight into the causes of maternal effects in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Gauzere
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Craig A Walling
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Joel L Pick
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Kathryn Watt
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Penny Jack
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Alison Morris
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Sean Morris
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Josephine M Pemberton
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
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4
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Cheynel L, Gilot-Fromont E, Rey B, Quéméré E, Débias F, Duhayer J, Pardonnet S, Pellerin M, Gaillard JM, Lemaître JF. Maternal effects shape offspring physiological condition but do not senesce in a wild mammal. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:661-670. [PMID: 33529428 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13768] [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: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, offspring survival often decreases with increasing maternal age. While many studies have reported a decline in fitness-related traits of offspring with increasing maternal age, the study of senescence in maternal effect through age-specific changes in offspring physiological condition is still at its infancy. We assessed the influence of maternal age and body mass on offspring physiological condition in two populations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) subjected to markedly different environmental conditions. We measured seven markers to index body condition and characterize the immune profile in 86 fawns which became recently independent of their known-aged mothers. We did not find striking effects of maternal age on offspring physiological condition measured at 8 months of age. This absence of evidence for senescence in maternal effects is likely due to the strong viability selection observed in the very first months of life in this species. Offspring physiological condition was, on the other hand, positively influenced by maternal body mass. Between-population differences in environmental conditions experienced by fawns also influenced their average body condition and immune phenotype. Fawns facing food limitation displayed lower values in some markers of body condition (body mass and haemoglobin levels) than those living in good quality habitat. They also allocated preferentially to humoral immunity, contrary to those living in good conditions, which allocated more to cellular response. These results shed a new light on the eco-physiological pathways mediating the relationship between mother's mass and offspring condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Cheynel
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy-l'Etoile, France.,Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Benjamin Rey
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Erwan Quéméré
- ESE, Ecology and Ecosystems Health, Ouest, INRAE, Rennes, France
| | - François Débias
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jeanne Duhayer
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sylvia Pardonnet
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-François Lemaître
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie 8 Evolutive UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
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5
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F Millán M, Carranza J, Pérez-González J, Valencia J, Torres-Porras J, Seoane JM, de la Peña E, Alarcos S, Sánchez-Prieto CB, Castillo L, Flores A, Membrillo A. Rainfall decrease and red deer rutting behaviour: Weaker and delayed rutting activity though higher opportunity for sexual selection. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244802. [PMID: 33471796 PMCID: PMC7817023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, climate change has caused an increase in mean temperatures and a reduction in average rainfall in southern Europe, which is expected to reduce resource availability for herbivores. Resource availability can influence animals' physical condition and population growth. However, much less is known on its effects on reproductive performance and sexual selection. In this study, we assessed the impact of three environmental factors related to climate change (rainfall, temperature and vegetation index) on Iberian red deer Cervus elaphus hispanicus reproductive timing and sexual behaviour, and their effects on the opportunity for sexual selection in the population. We measured rutting phenology as rut peak date, the intensity of male rutting activity as roaring rate, and the opportunity for sexual selection from the distribution of females among harem holding males in Doñana Biological Reserve (Southwest Spain), from data of daily observations collected during the rut over a period of 25 years. For this study period, we found a trend for less raining and hence poorer environmental conditions, which associated with delayed rutting season and decreased rutting intensity, but that appeared to favour a higher degree of polygyny and opportunity for sexual selection, all these relationships being modulated by population density and sex ratio. This study highlights how climate change (mainly rainfall reduction in this area) can alter the conditions for mating and the opportunity for sexual selection in a large terrestrial mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina F Millán
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Juliana Valencia
- Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Torres-Porras
- Department of Social and Experimental Sciences Teaching, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jose M Seoane
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eva de la Peña
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Susana Alarcos
- Biology and Ethology Unit, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Leticia Castillo
- Biology and Ethology Unit, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio Flores
- Biology and Ethology Unit, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alberto Membrillo
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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6
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Seeber PA, Franz M, Greenwood AD, East ML. Life history stage and extrinsic factors affect behavioural time allocation in plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Effect of Ca and P supplementation on the haematological parameters and content of selected minerals in the blood of young farmed fallow deer males (Dama dama). Biologia (Bratisl) 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of supplementation of feed rations with increased calcium and phosphorus doses on the haematological parameters and plasma zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) content as well as the body weight and the growth and development of the first antler in farmed fallow deer (Dama dama Linnaeus, 1758). The mean level of erythrocytes (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), and haematocrit (HCT) was increased in the Ca- and P-supplemented group after the treatment period. The change was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the case of RBC and HCT. The other haematological parameters (mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count (PLT)) were reduced. An increase in the Zn content was observed in the plasma of slaughtered animals. The concentration of other minerals (P, Mg, and Cu only in group II receiving a higher level of Ca and P in the feeding dose; Ca and Fe only in group I supplemented with a lower content of Ca and P in a nutritional dose) in blood plasma decreased slightly after the supplementation period and declined further after the slaughter. Noteworthy, there was a significant increase in the plasma Cu and Fe levels in group I in group II, respectively, in the post-supplementation period. No significant differences were observed in the body weight between the groups, but there was a beneficial effect of the higher Ca and P dose in the feed ration for the farmed fallow deer on the length of the first antler (p < 0.05). The antlers of animals in group II were on average 2.3 cm longer than in group I.
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8
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Strandin T, Babayan SA, Forbes KM. Reviewing the effects of food provisioning on wildlife immunity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019. [PMID: 29531143 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
While urban expansion increasingly encroaches on natural habitats, many wildlife species capitalize on anthropogenic food resources, which have the potential to both positively and negatively influence their responses to infection. Here we examine how food availability and key nutrients have been reported to shape innate and adaptive immunity in wildlife by drawing from field-based studies, as well as captive and food restriction studies with wildlife species. Examples of food provisioning and key nutrients enhancing immune function were seen across the three study type distinctions, as were cases of trace metals and pharmaceuticals impairing the immunity of wildlife species. More generally, food provisioning in field studies tended to increase innate and adaptive responses to certain immune challenges, whereas patterns were less clear in captive studies. Mild food restriction often enhanced, whereas severe food restriction frequently impaired immunity. However, to enable stronger conclusions we stress a need for further research, especially field studies, and highlight the importance of integrating nutritional manipulation, immune challenge, and functional outcomes. Despite current gaps in research on this topic, modern high throughput molecular approaches are increasingly feasible for wildlife studies and offer great opportunities to better understand human influences on wildlife health.This article is part of the theme issue 'Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Strandin
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Simon A Babayan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.,The Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Kristian M Forbes
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland .,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16082, USA
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9
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Seeber PA, Franz M, Dehnhard M, Ganswindt A, Greenwood AD, East ML. Plains zebra (Equus quagga) adrenocortical activity increases during times of large aggregations in the Serengeti ecosystem. Horm Behav 2018; 102:1-9. [PMID: 29630896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Adverse environmental stimuli (stressors) activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and contribute to allostatic load. This study investigates the contribution of environmental stressors and life history stage to allostatic load in a migratory population of plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem, in Tanzania, which experiences large local variations in aggregation. We expected higher fGCM response to the environmental stressors of feeding competition, predation pressure and unpredictable social relationships in larger than in smaller aggregations, and in animals at energetically costly life history stages. As the study was conducted during the 2016 El Niño, we did not expect food quality of forage or a lack of water to strongly affect fGCM responses in the dry season. We measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) targeting 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone and validated its reliability in captive plains zebras. Our results revealed significantly higher fGCM concentrations 1) in large aggregations than in smaller groupings, and 2) in band stallions than in bachelor males. Concentrations of fGCM were not significantly higher in females at the energetically costly life stage of late pregnancy/lactation. The higher allostatic load of stallions associated with females, than bachelor males is likely caused by social stressors. In conclusion, migratory zebras have elevated allostatic loads in large aggregations that probably result from their combined responses to increased feeding competition, predation pressure and various social stressors. Further research is required to disentangle the contribution of these stressors to allostatic load in migratory populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Seeber
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Franz
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Dehnhard
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Ganswindt
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - A D Greenwood
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - M L East
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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10
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Wong A, Lanyon JM, McKee SJ, Linedale R, Woolford L, Long T, Leggatt GR. Development of a polyclonal anti-dugong immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody with evaluation of total plasma IgG in a living dugong (Dugong dugon) population. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 200:16-25. [PMID: 29776608 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Species-specific antibodies (Ab) for the measurement of immunoglobulins (Ig) are valuable tools for determining the humoral immune status of threatened and endangered wildlife species such as dugongs. However, no studies have reported antibody reagents against dugong immunoglobulin. The object of this study was to develop an Ab with specificity for dugong IgG and apply this tool to survey total IgG levels in plasma samples from a live wild population of dugongs in southern Queensland, Australia. Dugong IgG was isolated from plasma by protein A/G column chromatography and a polyclonal antiserum was successfully raised against the dugong IgG through immunization of mice. The anti-dugong antiserum was reactive with dugong serum but not immunoglobulin from other species such as rats and humans. When tested against a panel of dugong plasma samples, relative IgG levels from dugongs (n = 116) showed biologically relevant relationships with pregnancy status and a principal component of Body Mass Index (BMI)/globulin/fecal glucocorticosteroid (chronic stress) levels combined, which together accounted for 9.2% of the variation in total Ig levels. Together these data suggest that dugongs show variation in total IgG and that this correlates with some physiological parameters of dugong health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Janet M Lanyon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sara J McKee
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Richard Linedale
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia
| | - Trevor Long
- Sea World Australia, Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland 4217, Australia
| | - Graham R Leggatt
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
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11
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Ceacero F, Gaspar-López E, Landete-Castillejos T, Gallego L, García AJ. Social rank affects the haematologic profile in red deer hinds. Vet Rec 2018; 182:436. [PMID: 29374098 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of social rank on the haematologic profile in a herd of 24 female Iberian red deer hinds. Social rank hierarchy was determined and blood samples were taken and analysed. After adjusting for age and body mass, dominance ranking showed a significant negative effect (ie, lower values in dominant hinds) on white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Our results are similar to those reported for stressed individuals due to physical immobilisation, but do not support the predicted enhanced erythropoiesis due to higher levels of androgens. The results for WBC numbers may also reflect that subordinate hinds must allocate a higher amount of resources to immunity as a result of injuries incurred from dominant hinds, while simultaneously facing restricted access to food sources. For red blood cell (RBC) counts, the results may be due to subordinate hinds likely needing increased haematocrit and haemoglobin levels for fast flight responses. Our data show that social rank influences haematologic profile, and thus it should be considered when correctly interpreting blood analyses in social cervid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Enrique Gaspar-López
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain.,Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Albacete, Spain
| | - Tomás Landete-Castillejos
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain.,Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Albacete, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Laureano Gallego
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Albacete, Spain
| | - Andrés J García
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain.,Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Albacete, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Ciudad Real, Spain
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12
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Hwang J, Kim Y, Lee S, Kim N, Chun M, Lee H, Gottdenker N. Anthropogenic food provisioning and immune phenotype: Association among supplemental food, body condition, and immunological parameters in urban environments. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3037-3046. [PMID: 29531715 PMCID: PMC5838038 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct or indirect supplemental feeding of free-ranging animals occurs worldwide, resulting in significant impacts on population density or altered demographic processes. Another potential impact of increased energy intake from supplemental feeding is altered immunocompetence. As immune system maintenance is energetically costly, there may be trade-offs between immune responses and other energy-demanding physiological processes in individual animals. Although increased availability of food sources through supplemental feeding is expected to increase the overall immunocompetence of animals, empirical data verifying the association between supplemental feeding and different immune parameters are lacking. Understanding the potential influence of supplemental feeding on immune phenotypes is critical, as it may also impact host-pathogen dynamics in free-ranging animals. Using urban stray cats as a study model, we tested for associations between the intensity of supplemental feeding due to cat caretaker activity (CCA); body condition; and immune phenotype (bacterial killing assay (BKA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and leukocyte counts). Significantly higher bacterial killing ability was observed in cats from high CCA districts, whereas higher IgG concentration and eosinophil counts were observed in cats from low CCA districts. Other leukocyte counts and body condition indices showed no significant association with CCA. We observed varying patterns of different immune components in relation to supplemental feeding. Out data suggest that supplemental feeding influences immune phenotype, not only by means of energy provisioning, but also by potentially reducing exposure rates to parasite infections through stray cat behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusun Hwang
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Yongbaek Kim
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Sang‐Won Lee
- College of Veterinary MedicineKon‐Kuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Na‐Yon Kim
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Myung‐Sun Chun
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Hang Lee
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
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13
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Monteith KL, Long RA, Stephenson TR, Bleich VC, Bowyer RT, Lasharr TN. Horn size and nutrition in mountain sheep: Can ewe handle the truth? J Wildl Manage 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L. Monteith
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitDepartment of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming 804 East Fremont St. Laramie WY 82072 USA
| | - Ryan A. Long
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of Idaho 875 Perimeter Dr., MS 1142 Moscow ID 83844 USA
| | - Thomas R. Stephenson
- Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery ProgramCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife 787 North Main Street, Suite 220 Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Vernon C. Bleich
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Nevada Reno Mail Stop 186, 1664 North Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - R. Terry Bowyer
- Institute of Arctic BiologyUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks Box 757000 Fairbanks AK 99775 USA
| | - Tayler N. Lasharr
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and PhysiologyUniversity of Wyoming Dept. 3166, 1000 E. University Ave Laramie WY 82071 USA
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14
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Downs CJ, Stewart KM, Dick BL. Investment in constitutive immune function by North American elk experimentally maintained at two different population densities. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125586. [PMID: 25992627 PMCID: PMC4439091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural selection favors individuals that respond with effective and appropriate immune responses to macro or microparasites. Animals living in populations close to ecological carrying capacity experience increased intraspecific competition, and as a result are often in poor nutritional condition. Nutritional condition, in turn, affects the amount of endogenous resources that are available for investment in immune function. Our objective was to understand the relationship between immune function and density dependence mediated by trade-offs between immune function, nutritional condition, and reproduction. To determine how immune function relates to density-dependent processes, we quantified bacteria killing ability, hemolytic-complement activity, and nutritional condition of North American elk (Cervus elaphus) from populations maintained at experimentally high- and low-population densities. When compared with elk from the low-density population, those from the high-density population had higher bacteria killing ability and hemolytic-complement activity despite their lower nutritional condition. Similarly, when compared with adults, yearlings had higher bacteria killing ability, higher hemolytic-complement activity, and lower nutritional condition. Pregnancy status and lactational status did not change either measure of constitutive immunity. Density-dependent processes affected both nutritional condition and investment in constitutive immune function. Although the mechanism for how density affects immunity is ambiguous, we hypothesize two possibilities: (i) individuals in higher population densities and in poorer nutritional condition invested more into constitutive immune defenses, or (ii) had higher parasite loads causing higher induced immune responses. Those explanations are not mutually exclusive, and might be synergistic, but overall our results provide stronger support for the hypothesis that animals in poorer nutritional condition invest more in constitutive immune defenses then animals in better nutritional condition. This intriguing hypothesis should be investigated further within the larger framework of the cost and benefit structure of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia J. Downs
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Kelley M. Stewart
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Brian L. Dick
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, United States Forest Service, La Grande, Oregon, United States of America
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15
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Jolles AE, Beechler BR, Dolan BP. Beyond mice and men: environmental change, immunity and infections in wild ungulates. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:255-66. [PMID: 25354672 PMCID: PMC4414670 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the face of rapid environmental change, anticipating shifts in microparasite and macroparasite dynamics, including emergence events, is an enormous challenge. We argue that immunological studies in natural populations are pivotal to meeting this challenge: many components of environmental change--shifts in biotic assemblages, altered climate patterns and reduced environmental predictability--may affect host immunity. We suggest that wild ungulates can serve as model systems aiding the discovery of immunological mechanisms that link environmental change with parasite transmission dynamics. Our review of eco-immunological studies in wild ungulates reveals progress in understanding how co-infections affect immunity and parasite transmission and how environmental and genetic factors interact to shape immunity. Changes in bioavailability of micronutrients have been linked to immunity and health in wild ungulates. Although physiological stress in response to environmental change has been assessed, downstream effects on immunity have not been studied. Moreover, the taxonomic range of ungulates studied is limited to bovids (bighorn sheep, Soay sheep, chamois, musk oxen, bison, African buffalo) and a few cervids (red deer, black-tailed deer). We discuss areas where future studies in ungulates could lead to significant contributions in understanding the patterns of immunity and infection in natural populations and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Jolles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brianna R. Beechler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brian P. Dolan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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16
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Coakley CM, Staszewski V, Herborn KA, Cunningham EJ. Factors affecting the levels of protection transferred from mother to offspring following immune challenge. Front Zool 2014; 11:46. [PMID: 25057280 PMCID: PMC4096548 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-11-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The transfer of antibodies from mother to offspring is key to protecting young animals from disease and can have a major impact on responses to infection and offspring fitness. Such maternal effects also allow young that may be exposed to disease in early life to focus resources on growth and development at this critical period of development. Maternally transferred antibodies are therefore an important source of phenotypic variation in host phenotype as well as influencing host susceptibility and tolerance to infection across generations. It has previously been assumed the transfer of antibodies is passive and invariant and reflects the level of circulating antibody in the mother at the time of transfer. However, whether females may vary in the relative amount of protection transferred to offspring has seldom been explored. RESULTS Here we show that females differ widely in the relative amount of specific blood antibodies they transfer to the embryonic environment (range 9.2%-38.4% of their own circulating levels) in Chinese painted quail (Coturnix chinensis). Relative transfer levels were unrelated to the size of a female's own immune response. Furthermore, individual females were consistent in their transfer level, both across different stages of their immune response and when challenged with different vaccine types. The amount of antibody transferred was related to female condition, but baseline antibody responses of mothers were not. However, we found no evidence for any trade-offs between the relative amount of antibody transferred with other measures of reproductive investment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the relative amount of antibodies transferred to offspring can vary significantly and consistently between females. Levels of transfer may therefore be a separate trait open to manipulation or selection with potential consequences for offspring health and fitness in both wild and domesticated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Coakley
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biology, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Vincent Staszewski
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biology, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Katherine A Herborn
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biology, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Emma Ja Cunningham
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biology, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
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17
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Olguin CA, Landete-Castillejos T, Ceacero F, García AJ, Gallego L. Effects of feed supplementation on mineral composition, mechanical properties and structure in femurs of Iberian red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus hispanicus). PLoS One 2013; 8:e65461. [PMID: 23750262 PMCID: PMC3672206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies in wild animals have assessed changes in mineral profile in long bones and their implications for mechanical properties. We examined the effect of two diets differing in mineral content on the composition and mechanical properties of femora from two groups each with 13 free-ranging red deer hinds. Contents of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, B and Sr, Young's modulus of elasticity (E), bending strength and work of fracture were assessed in the proximal part of the diaphysis (PD) and the mid-diaphysis (MD). Whole body measures were also recorded on the hinds. Compared to animals on control diets, those on supplemented diets increased live weight by 6.5 kg and their kidney fat index (KFI), but not carcass weight, body or organ size, femur size or cortical thickness. Supplemental feeding increased Mn content of bone by 23%, Cu by 9% and Zn by 6%. These differences showed a mean fourfold greater content of these minerals in supplemental diet, whereas femora did not reflect a 5.4 times greater content of major minerals (Na and P) in the diet. Lower content of B and Sr in supplemented diet also reduced femur B by 14% and Sr by 5%. There was a subtle effect of diet only on E and none on other mechanical properties. Thus, greater availability of microminerals but not major minerals in the diet is reflected in bone composition even before marked body effects, bone macro-structure or its mechanical properties are affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A. Olguin
- Animal Science Tech, Applied to Wildlife Management Res.Group, IREC Sec. Albacete, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete, Spain
- Grupo de Recursos Cinegéticos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
| | - Tomas Landete-Castillejos
- Animal Science Tech, Applied to Wildlife Management Res.Group, IREC Sec. Albacete, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete, Spain
- Grupo de Recursos Cinegéticos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, ETSIA, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
| | - Francisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing in Tropics and Subtropics, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences – Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha– Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Andrés J. García
- Animal Science Tech, Applied to Wildlife Management Res.Group, IREC Sec. Albacete, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete, Spain
- Grupo de Recursos Cinegéticos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, ETSIA, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
| | - Laureano Gallego
- Animal Science Tech, Applied to Wildlife Management Res.Group, IREC Sec. Albacete, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Campus UCLM, Albacete, Spain
- Grupo de Recursos Cinegéticos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, ETSIA, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
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18
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Landete-Castillejos T, Estevez JA, Ceacero F, Garcia AJ, Gallego L. Effects of public vs. private management on deer antler composition, mechanical and structural variables. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-013-0699-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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19
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Robert KA, Braun S. Milk composition during lactation suggests a mechanism for male biased allocation of maternal resources in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii). PLoS One 2012; 7:e51099. [PMID: 23226470 PMCID: PMC3511374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has found empirical evidence in support of the Trivers-Willard Hypothesis that offspring sex allocation is correlated with maternal investment. Tammar wallabies birthing sons have higher investment ability; however a mechanism for sex specific differential allocation of maternal resources in wallabies remains elusive. In metatherians the majority of maternal investment is during lactation. To examine if differential allocation occurs during lactation, we measured total milk protein, lipid and carbohydrates, from mothers with male and female pouch young, during phase 2B (100–215 days post partum) and phase 3 (215–360 days post partum) of lactation. Mothers of sons allocated significantly higher levels of protein than mothers of daughters during phase 2B of lactation, however no sex specific difference in maternal allocation was found for lipids, carbohydrates, or any milk component during phase 3 of lactation. We were unable to measure milk production to establish any differences in the amount of milk allocated. However, with the production of more milk comes a dilution effect on milk components. Given that we find no apparent dilution of milk components may suggest equality in milk production. Offspring body weight at 14 months of age was related to protein allocation during phase 2B of lactation, providing a maternal mechanism for differential allocation with fitness consequences. We believe collection of earlier phase 2A (0–100 days post partum) milk may yield important results given that differential investment in metatherians may be most apparent early in lactation, prior to any significant maternal investment, when a decision on termination of investment can be made with very little energetic loss to the mother. Interestingly, small mothers did not birth sons and better maternal condition was associated with raising sons. These data are in support of TWH and demonstrate a potential mechanism through which condition dependent and sex specific maternal investment may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A Robert
- Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.
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20
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Piccione G, Alberghina D, Marafioti S, Giannetto C, Casella S, Assenza A, Fazio F. Electrophoretic serum protein fraction profile during the different physiological phases in Comisana ewes. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:591-5. [PMID: 21988675 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01925.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physiological phases on serum total proteins and their fractions of ten Comisana ewes housed in Mediterranean area. From each animal, blood samples were collected at different physiological phases: late pregnancy, post-partum, early, mid-, end lactation and dry period. On all samples serum total proteins were determined by the biuret method, and albumin, α-globulins, β(1) -globulins, β(2) -globulins and γ-globulins concentrations were assessed using an automated system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to determine the significant effect of different physiological phases on the parameters studied. During the late pregnancy and post-partum, total proteins, β1- and β2-globulins and γ-globulins showed the highest values. Starting from post-partum, α-globulins increased to reach their peaks in mid-lactation. Early lactation was characterized by low γ-globulins values. The increase in serum albumin concentration and the drop in some globulin fractions determined the significant increase in albumin/globulin ratio. The obtained results contributed to improve the knowledge on electrophoretic profile during the different physiological phases in ewes, confirming that pregnancy and lactation periods affect the protein metabolism. Particularly, serum protein fractions pattern could give information about dehydration, plasma volume expansion and hepatic function, which occur during the different physiological phases. Dynamics of the protein profile - from pregnancy to dry period - which are provided by our results, could be considered as guidelines for the management strategies to guarantee the nutritional needs of these animals during the different physiological phases and to avoid a decline of productive performance and consequently an economic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Piccione
- Department of Experimental Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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21
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Tollefson TN, Shipley LA, Myers WL, Dasgupta N. Forage quality's influence on mule deer fawns. J Wildl Manage 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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22
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Gaspar-López E, Landete-Castillejos T, Estevez JA, Ceacero F, Gallego L, García AJ. Seasonal variations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) hematology related to antler growth and biometrics measurements. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 315:242-9. [PMID: 21351240 DOI: 10.1002/jez.670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to relate seasonal hematology changes with the rest of physiological variations suffered by red deer, such as antler and biometrics cycle, and to assess the relationship between hematology and the effort performed in antler development. Blood samples were taken from 21 male red deer every 4 weeks during 18 months. Samples were analyzed for the main hematological parameters. Simultaneously, biometrics measurements were taken, such as antler length, body weight, body condition score, testicular diameter (TD), and thoracic and neck girth. All the blood cell types (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets) showed seasonal variations, increasing as antler cleaning approached, as did hematocrit and hemoglobin. The final size of antlers was negatively related to leukocyte count, nonlymphoid leukocyte count, red cell distribution width, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, and TD, whereas it was positively related to body condition during antler growth. Huge seasonal variations in some hematological values have been found to be related to changes in antler and biometrics measurements. Since these variations are even greater than the caused by deer handling, they should be taken into account when evaluating hematology in deer populations.
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23
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The testing season affects red deer skinfold increase in response to phytohaemagglutinin. Prev Vet Med 2011; 100:79-83. [PMID: 21440317 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Red deer (Cervus elaphus) have a pronounced seasonality in their physiology. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the season on red deer responsiveness to skin testing with the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) mitogen. Study subjects included 270 farmed adult red deer (19 stags and 251 hinds). The skin testing was carried out between January 2009 and August 2010. The animals were injected intradermally with a 0.1 ml volume containing 250 μg of PHA diluted in phosphate buffered saline. The skinfold thickness was measured immediately prior to injection and 72 h after administration, always by the same person and with three repeats per measurement. Single effects of sex and time on skin test responsiveness were significant (p < 0.001) as well as their interaction (p < 0.001). In winter (January), and considering the average of two years, the skinfold increase in response to the intradermal injection of 250 μg PHA was 2.1 times larger in stags and 1.4 times in hinds than in summer (August). While stags had 1.3 times larger responses than hinds in winter, the inverse occurred in summer, with 1.1 times larger responses in hinds. We also evidenced a limited inter-annual variation of skinfold increase in response to PHA in red deer. These findings have important consequences regarding the interpretation of skin test results in the ante-mortem diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis, at least in deer.
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Landete-Castillejos T, García A, Carrión D, Estevez JA, Ceacero F, Gaspar-López E, Gallego L. Age-related body weight constraints on prenatal and milk provisioning in Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) affect allocation of maternal resources. Theriogenology 2008; 71:400-7. [PMID: 18804854 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2008] [Revised: 06/20/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maternal phenotypic characteristics can influence key life history variables of their offspring through maternal effects. In this study, we examined how body size constraints on maternal weight in yearling and subadult compared to adult hinds (age class effects) affected prenatal (calf birth weight, calf to hind weight ratio) and postnatal (milk) provisioning of Iberian red deer calves. Age correlated with all prenatal and postnatal investment traits except calf gains, although correlations were weaker than those with maternal weight. Once the effect of linear increase in weight with age was removed from models, yearlings showed additional reductions in calf birth weight, calf gains, and milk provisioning. The low-calf birth weight might increase the risk of calf mortality during lactation, as this occurs primarily during the first day of life and is strongly related to birth weight. Yearlings showed a greater prenatal allocation of resources in terms of greater calf to hind weight ratio probably as an extra effort by yearling mothers to balance calf neonatal mortality. It might compensate young mothers to produce low-quality calves while still growing rather than waiting for the uncertain possibility of surviving to the next reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Landete-Castillejos
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC, CSIC, UCLM, JCCM, Sección Albacete, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
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25
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Carrión D, García AJ, Gaspar-López E, Landete-Castillejos T, Gallego L. Development of body condition in hinds of Iberian red deer during gestation and its effects on calf birth weight and milk production. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 309:1-10. [PMID: 18095326 DOI: 10.1002/jez.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive effort affects body reserves and subsequent ability to reproduce. In fact, the energy costs of gestation and lactation in hinds of red deer have a marked effect on maternal condition. The objectives of this study were to examine the development of hind monthly body condition during gestation in relation to reproductive rest, age and age class, just as its effects on total milk yield and calf birth weight. Eighty hinds of Iberian red deer were used as subjects during 2 years of study. They had ad libitum access to food and water. Animals were weighed weekly, and body condition was individually assessed. Milking was carried out under anesthesia with a milking machine followed by hand milking to collect the remaining milk. Age and reproductive rest influenced body condition, improving with age (coefficient: 0.10+/-0.01; P<0.001) and reproductive rest (mean+/-SEM, 3.75+/-0.05 vs. 3.25+/-0.02, with and without rest respectively; P<0.001). Hind age correlated positively with her body condition (R=0.62, P<0.001), however, when age class was included in the model, age was not significant. The greater the age class (up to age class 4) the greater the body condition; however, hinds of age class 5 had a lower body condition, but no significant differences were observed. Development of the body condition during gestation was different to age class 1 with respect to the others, just as between hinds that rested the preceding year and those that did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Déborah Carrión
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos, IDR, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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Boulinier T, Staszewski V. Maternal transfer of antibodies: raising immuno-ecology issues. Trends Ecol Evol 2008; 23:282-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2007] [Revised: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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27
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Ceacero F, Landete-Castillejos T, García AJ, Estévez JA, Gallego L. Kinship Discrimination and Effects on Social Rank and Aggressiveness Levels in Iberian Red Deer Hinds. Ethology 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2007.01427.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Population management and bone structural effects in composition and radio-opacity of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) antlers. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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29
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Conservative maternal care in an iteroparous mammal: a resource allocation experiment. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-007-0453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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30
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Kilpimaa J, Alatalo RV, Siitari H. Prehatching maternal investment and offspring immunity in the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). J Evol Biol 2007; 20:717-24. [PMID: 17305837 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01239.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Maternal investment in offspring immunity via egg quality may be an adaptive evolutionary strategy shaped by natural selection. We investigated how maternal investment in eggs can influence offspring immunity by conducting two experiments. First, we manipulated foraging performance of the mothers before egg laying by attaching a small weight to their back feathers. During the nestling period, we investigated offspring total antibody production at the age of 7 days and after antibody challenge, and conducted a partial cross-fostering design to separate the effects of the experiment and rearing-related variation on offspring immunity. In a separate experiment, partial cross-fostering with antibody challenging without female pied flycatcher manipulation was conducted for another set of nests. Total antibody levels at the age of 7 days were reduced in nestlings of the experimental female pied flycatchers when compared with the set of unmanipulated nests. Maternal investment in the eggs may affect some aspects of offspring immunity during the early nestling period and this investment is costly. However, antibody response to a set of novel antigens (sheep red blood cells) at the end of the nestling period was not affected by the female pied flycatchers treatment. Instead our results suggest that general antibody responsiveness is mainly determined by the rearing environment and total antibody levels before the injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kilpimaa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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31
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Landete-Castillejos T, Garcia A, Gallego L. Body weight, early growth and antler size influence antler bone mineral composition of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus). Bone 2007; 40:230-5. [PMID: 16949898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2006.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2006] [Revised: 06/22/2006] [Accepted: 07/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have devoted little attention to the possibility that the chemical composition of bone might be variable under normal nutrition conditions. This study assessed antler bone composition of 25 one-year old deer (spikes). Antler content of ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, Fe and Zn was assessed in base and tine, and the mean composition or the difference in composition between tine and base was used to explain variability in antler length, weight and perimeter. In turn, mean composition and difference in concentration of each mineral were related to body measures at 1 year of age, weight at birth, weight at 1 year of age and weight gains during lactation, or between weaning and year of age. Chemical composition differed between base and tine in ash, Ca, P, K, Zn and Fe, but not in Na or Mg. Composition explained a mean variability of 77% in antler length and weight. Body weight and size, in turn, influenced mineral composition. The greatest body effect was that of gains during lactation on principal components analysis factor related to Ca, P and other major minerals such as Na, K or Mg. Antler bone composition is variable in normal conditions and such variability may play a role in biomechanical properties of the antler, but it is also likely to show the nutritional status or physiological effort to grow antlers. Assessing bone composition may emerge as a new useful tool to obtain information regarding bone biology and its bearer in other species including ours.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Landete-Castillejos
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal, ETSIA, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 02071 Albacete, Spain.
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GRINDSTAFF JENNIFERL, DEMAS GREGORYE, KETTERSON ELLEND. Diet quality affects egg size and number but does not reduce maternal antibody transmission in Japanese quail Coturnix japonica. J Anim Ecol 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2005.01002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gjøstein H, Holand Ø, Weladji RB. Milk production and composition in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): effect of lactational stage. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2004; 137:649-56. [PMID: 15123172 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2003] [Revised: 11/24/2003] [Accepted: 01/06/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Milk yield and composition of major milk constituents were measured in captive, nursing reindeer. Registration of milk production was performed during two successive lactations (2001 and 2002). The milk yield was significantly affected by week of lactation (P<0.001) and by individual (P<0.001). The lactation curve had an asymmetrical peak 3 weeks postpartum and the milk yield at peak lactation was 983 g/day (range 595-1239). The length of lactation varied from 24 to 26 weeks and average total milk production was 99.5 kg. From peak lactation the milk production decreased linearly (P<0.001) until milk production was terminated. Mean values for content of major milk constituents were 15.5% fat, 9.9% protein and 2.5% lactose. The content of fat and protein increased markedly with the lactation stage (P<0.001), while lactose showed a slight decrease (P<0.001). The milk composition was significantly affected by stage of lactation (P<0.001). There was a marginally significant decrease in protein:fat ratio (P=0.06) as protein was substituted by fat with stage of lactation. The caloric value of the milk averaged 8.7 kJ/g and increased significantly with the stage of lactation (P<0.001). The overall increase in milk gross energy content during lactation was 67.6%. The energy output averaged 7996 kJ/day at peak lactation and decreased significantly during the course of lactation (P=0.002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Gjøstein
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 As, Norway. hallvard@
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Maternal quality and differences in milk production and composition for male and female Iberian red deer calves (Cervus elaphus hispanicus). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2004. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-004-0848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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