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Qin Y, Shi M, Wei Y, Lu W. The role of NMDA receptors in fish stress response: Assessments based on physiology of the caudal neurosecretory system and defensive behavior. J Neuroendocrinol 2024; 36:e13448. [PMID: 39351903 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Stress strongly influences the physiology and behavior of animals, and leads into a pathological condition and disease. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a crucial role in the modulation of neural activity. To understand the role of NMDARs in fish stress response, we used NMDARs agonist aspartate to test the functional role of its input on the Dahlgren cell population in the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of the olive flounder. In addition, the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D-AP5 on the expression of genes of the main secretory products of the CNSS after stress was investigated by using qPCR technology and the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D-AP5 on post-stress behavior was explored by behavioral methods. Ex vivo electrophysiological experiments showed that the NMDARs agonist aspartate enhanced the firing frequency of Dahlgren cells. Additionally, aspartate treatment increased the incidence of cells exhibiting bursting firing pattern, this result is corroborated by the observed upregulation in the expression of ion channels and major hormone genes in the CNSS. Furthermore, the excitatory influence of aspartate was effectively counteracted by NMDARs antagonist D-AP5. Interestingly, NMDARs antagonist D-AP5 treatment also significantly decreased the plasma cortisol levels and the expression of CRH, UI, and UII in CNSS after acute stress. Treatment with D-AP5 effectively attenuated the stress response, as evidenced by alterations in respiratory metabolism, sand-burying behavior, swimming distance, simulated capture, and escape response. In conclusion, modulation of Dahlgren cell excitability in the CNSS by NMDARs contributes to the regulation of the stress response, NMDARs antagonist D-AP5 can effectively suppress stress response in flounder by regulating the stress hormone expression and secretion. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Project code SHOU-DW-2022-032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeyang Qin
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Shi
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Wei
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqun Lu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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2
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Esattore B, Bartošová H, Bartošová J. The good, the bad, the comfortable: a review of welfare practices and indicators based on the five domains model in farmed deer. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39037408 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2381461] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Increasing consumer interest in game meat has globally expanded wild animal farming, with deer being a prominent non-traditional species farmed in numerous countries. Consequently, methods for assessing the welfare of captive animals have been developed over the last few decades, and despite its limitations, the Five Domains Model has become one of the most popular practical tools for welfare assessment. Our review focuses on welfare indicators in farmed red and fallow deer, the primary deer species in European farms. Among 57 studies, the majority emphasized deer health and nutrition, neglecting aspects like behavior and mental state. Notably, a significant portion explored human-animal interactions, especially in deer transportation. Summarizing literature for each domain, we propose reliable physical, behavioral, and physiological welfare indicators for farmed red and fallow deer. This comprehensive approach addresses current research gaps and contributes to enhancing the overall well-being of farmed deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Esattore
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Bartošová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Bartošová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Holmes SM, Dressel S, Morel J, Spitzer R, Ball JP, Ericsson G, Singh NJ, Widemo F, Cromsigt JPGM, Danell K. Increased summer temperature is associated with reduced calf mass of a circumpolar large mammal through direct thermoregulatory and indirect, food quality, pathways. Oecologia 2023; 201:1123-1136. [PMID: 37017733 PMCID: PMC10113315 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change represents a growing ecological challenge. The (sub) arctic and boreal regions of the world experience the most rapid warming, presenting an excellent model system for studying how climate change affects mammals. Moose (Alces alces) are a particularly relevant model species with their circumpolar range. Population declines across the southern edge of this range are linked to rising temperatures. Using a long-term dataset (1988-1997, 2017-2019), we examine the relative strength of direct (thermoregulatory costs) and indirect (food quality) pathways linking temperature, precipitation, and the quality of two important food items (birch and fireweed) to variation in moose calf mass in northern Sweden. The direct effects of temperature consistently showed stronger relationships to moose calf mass than did the indirect effects. The proportion of growing season days where the temperature exceeded a 20 °C threshold showed stronger direct negative relationships to moose calf mass than did mean temperature values. Finally, while annual forb (fireweed) quality was more strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation than were perennial (birch) leaves, this did not translate into a stronger relationship to moose calf weight. The only indirect path with supporting evidence suggested that mean growing season temperatures were positively associated with neutral detergent fiber, which was, in turn, negatively associated with calf mass. While indirect impacts of climate change deserve further investigation, it is important to recognize the large direct impacts of temperature on cold-adapted species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M Holmes
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Sabrina Dressel
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
- Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Chair Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Morel
- Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert Spitzer
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - John P Ball
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Göran Ericsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Navinder J Singh
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Widemo
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joris P G M Cromsigt
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kjell Danell
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183, Umeå, Sweden
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4
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Hariohay KM, Hunninck L, Ranke PS, Fyumagwa RD, Palme R, Røskaft E. Between hunter and climate: the effects of hunting and environmental change on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in two sympatric ungulate species in the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem, Tanzania. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad002. [PMID: 38026801 PMCID: PMC10660377 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the drivers of animal population decline is a key focus of conservation biologists. Anthropogenic activities such as hunting have long been established as potentially detrimental to a population's persistence. However, environmental perturbations such as increased temperature variability, exacerbated by climate change, can also have important effects on animal populations. Animals can respond to these challenges by adjusting both their behavior and physiology. We measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) of common impala (Aepyceros melampus) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), both currently in stable populations, to examine effects of hunting, forage availability, daily variability in temperature and group size on their physiological stress response. The study was conducted across two adjacent protected areas, (i) one non-hunted area (Ruaha National Park; RNP) and (ii) one area used for trophy hunting (Rungwa Game Reserve; RGR). Both impala and kudu had significantly higher FGM levels in the area that allows hunting, while FGM levels decreased with increasing forage availability and increasing daily temperature. Moreover, impala (but not kudu) had lower FGM levels with larger group sizes. Our results indicate that the management regime can significantly alter the physiological state of wild ungulate populations. We also highlight the importance of considering the combined effects of anthropogenic, environmental and social contexts when studying the stress response of wild populations. Our results emphasize the value of protected areas and continued monitoring of hunting quota in order to maintain ungulate populations that are less vulnerable to population declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaslema Malle Hariohay
- Department of Wildlife Management, College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, P. O. Box 3031, Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Louis Hunninck
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Peter S Ranke
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Robert D Fyumagwa
- Department of Wildlife Management, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), P.O. Box 661, Arusha
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
| | - Eivin Røskaft
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
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Pérez-Barbería FJ, García AJ, Brewer MJ, Cappelli J, Serrano MP, Gallego L, Landete-Castillejos T. Effects of maternal age and offspring sex on milk yield, composition and calf growth of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Sci Rep 2022; 12:14506. [PMID: 36008507 PMCID: PMC9411626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17978-3] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential maternal allocation theory states that mothers will invest more heavily in the offspring sex that will secure higher reproductive output. Senescence theory is concerned with the gradual deterioration of physiological function with age. We analysed the offspring sex-dependent response of calf growth and milk traits to mother age in an Iberian population of captive red deer (Cervus elaphus) using a 22 year time series longitudinal data set. Previous studies revealed that there was little evidence for the differential allocation theory on milk traits and that most studies lacked proper control for confounding factors. Our results indicated that (i) calf growth was offspring male-biased, negatively affected by mother age and positively influenced by mother weight and parity, and (ii) there was no support for differential allocation offspring sex-dependence in milk traits (yield, energy density, fat, protein and lactose content). Our findings suggest that maternal allocation responds to offspring energy requirements, which are mainly driven by offspring body weight, and contingent on mother age and weight and previous maternal reproductive effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Pérez-Barbería
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Institute of Regional Development, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IREC, 02071, Albacete, Spain. .,Biodiversity Research Institute (Oviedo University, CSIC, Principality of Asturias), Mieres Campus, 33600, Mieres, Spain.
| | - A J García
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Institute of Regional Development, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IREC, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - M J Brewer
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS), Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK
| | - J Cappelli
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Institute of Regional Development, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IREC, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - M P Serrano
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28054, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Gallego
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Institute of Regional Development, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IREC, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - T Landete-Castillejos
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Institute of Regional Development, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IREC, 02071, Albacete, Spain
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Reiner R, Zedrosser A, Zeiler H, Hackländer K, Corlatti L. Habitat and climate shape growth patterns in a mountain ungulate. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8650. [PMID: 35309748 PMCID: PMC8901871 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Uptake and use of energy are of key importance for animals living in temperate environments that undergo strong seasonal changes in forage quality and quantity. In ungulates, energy intake strongly affects body mass gain, an important component of individual fitness. Energy allocation among life-history traits can be affected by internal and external factors. Here, we investigate large-scale variation in body growth patterns of Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra, in relation to sex, age, temperature, and habitat variations across 31 (sub)populations in the Central European Alps. Taking advantage of an exceptionally large dataset (n = 178,175) of chamois hunted over 27 consecutive years between 1993 and 2019 in mountain ranges with different proportions of forest cover, we found that (i) patterns of body mass growth differ between mountain ranges, with lower body mass but faster mass growth with increasing proportion of forest cover and that (ii) the effect of spring and summer temperatures on changes in body growth patterns are larger in mountain ranges with lower forest cover compared to mountain ranges with higher forest cover. Our results show that patterns of body mass growth within a species are more plastic than expected and depend on environmental and climatic conditions. The recent decline in body mass observed in Alpine chamois populations may have greater impacts on populations living above the treeline than in forests, which may buffer against the effects of increasing temperatures on life-history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Reiner
- Berchtesgaden National ParkBerchtesgadenGermany
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Andreas Zedrosser
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental HealthUniversity of South‐Eastern NorwayTelemarkNorway
| | | | - Klaus Hackländer
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
- Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung (German Wildlife Foundation)HamburgGermany
| | - Luca Corlatti
- Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Stelvio National ParkBormioItaly
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7
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Pérez-Barbería FJ, García AJ, López-Quintanilla M, Landete-Castillejos T. Pelt Biting as a Practical Indicator of Social and Environment Stress in Farmed Red Deer. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113134. [PMID: 34827865 PMCID: PMC8614323 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113134] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Agonistic behavioural interactions play a decisive role in the competition for food, space, mating opportunities, and establishing social rank. We propose the use of the number of bites on the pelt of red deer as an index of agonistic interactions between group members. Using behavioural data from a 14-year time series of a captive population of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus), we found that deer that were of higher social rank, heavier, living in smaller groups, or under no heat stress conditions suffer less pelt bites than those of lower social rank, lighter, living in bigger groups, or under heat stressing conditions. Hinds that gave birth earlier in the parturition period suffered less pelt biting than those that gave birth around the peak of the parturition season. Pelt biting is useful to identify management situations in which deer welfare could be at stake. Abstract Agonistic behavioural interactions play a decisive role in the competition for food, space, mating opportunities, and establishing social rank. We used pelt biting (number of bites on an animal’s body) as a proxy for assessing the intensity of agonistic animal interactions and how it responded to social, population, and heat stress factors. We modelled a 14-year time series of pelt biting records and observational data of agonistic interactions on a population of captive Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus). We found that (i) the higher the social rank of deer, the lower the number of pelt bites received; (ii) increasing heat stress conditions caused deer to suffer more pelt bites; (iii) males received more bites than females; (iv) the heavier the deer, the lower the number of bites on their bodies; (v) the bigger the group, the more bites exhibited on its members; (vi) deer 5–6 years old suffered greater rate of pelt biting than younger or older deer; and (vii) hinds that gave birth earlier in the parturition period suffered less pelt biting than those that gave birth around the peak of the parturition season (p < 0.01 for all effects). Pelt biting is useful to predict management situations in which deer welfare could be at stake.
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Anderwald P, Campell Andri S, Palme R. Reflections of ecological differences? Stress responses of sympatric Alpine chamois and red deer to weather, forage quality, and human disturbance. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15740-15753. [PMID: 34824786 PMCID: PMC8601901 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depending on the habitats they live in, temperate ungulates have adapted to different degrees to seasonally changing forage and weather conditions, and to specific escape strategies from predators. Alpine chamois, a mountain ungulate, and red deer, originally adapted to open plains, would therefore be expected to differ in their physiological responses to potential stressors. Based on 742 chamois and 1557 red deer fecal samples collected year-round every 2 weeks for 4 years at the same locations within a strictly protected area in the Swiss Alps, we analyzed glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations for both species. Results from linear mixed effects models revealed no physiological stress response to changing visitor numbers, but instead to drought conditions for both species during summer. In winter, FGM concentrations increased with increasing snow height in both species, but this response was modulated by temperature in red deer. Chamois showed a stronger stress response to increasing snow height during November and December than between January and March, while FGM concentrations increased with decreasing temperature throughout winter. An increase in FGM concentrations with decreasing forage digestibility during winter was found only for red deer. The results are thus partly in contradiction to expectations based on feeding type and adaptations to different habitats between the two species. The lack of a response to forage digestibility in chamois may reflect either better adaptation to difficult feeding conditions in subalpine forests, or, by contrast, strong constraints imposed by forage quality. The similar responses of both species to weather conditions in winter suggest that climatic factors at the elevations examined here are sufficiently harsh to be limiting to temperate ungulates regardless of their specific adaptations to this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Anderwald
- Swiss National ParkChastè Planta‐WildenbergZernezSwitzerland
| | | | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/BiochemistryUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
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Pérez-Barbería FJ, Arroyo-González I, García AJ, Serrano MP, Gallego L, Landete-Castillejos T. Water sprinkling as a tool for heat abatement in farmed Iberian red deer: Effects on calf growth and behaviour. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249540. [PMID: 33886602 PMCID: PMC8062043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Climatic models predict scenarios in which ambient temperature will continue increasing worldwide. Under these climatic conditions, fitness and animal welfare of many populations are expected to suffer, especially those that live in captive or semi-natural conditions, where opportunities of heat abatement are limited. We undertook an experimental design to assess the effect of heat abatement that water sprinkling might have on Iberian red deer calf growth and behaviour from birth to weaning (135 days). One group of ten mother-calf pairs lived on plots with water sprinkling (treatment) available during summer’s hottest time of the day, while the control group (nine mother-calf pairs) occupied plots with no available water sprinkling. Treatment and control groups were fed ad libitum and swapped between plots every seven days to minimise any plot effect. Body weight was monitored weekly and individual behaviour was recorded once or twice a week at mid-day. We observed that calves had showers under the sprinklers and wallowed in mud puddles. The results clearly indicated that calves of the treatment group showed a significant increase in body weight at weaning in comparison with the control group, with no differences between sexes (treatment: male = 56.5 kg, female = 50.3 kg; control: male = 50.3 kg, female = 46.5 kg). Mother weight and mother age effects were negligible on calf body weight at weaning. The heavier the mother the faster was the rate of growth of its offspring, irrespective of calf sex. The model indicated that although males grew significantly slower than female calves in the control group, males grew faster than females when exposed to the treatment. Calves of the treatment group spent less time drinking, less time in the shade, similar time eating and more time in motion than calves of the control group. There were no behavioural differences between calf sexes of treatment and control groups. The results indicate the importance of providing animals with opportunities of heat abatement in hot environments to improve animal growth and welfare in farmed Iberian red deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. J. Pérez-Barbería
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IDR, IREC, Albacete, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - I. Arroyo-González
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IDR, IREC, Albacete, Spain
| | - A. J. García
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IDR, IREC, Albacete, Spain
| | - M. P. Serrano
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IDR, IREC, Albacete, Spain
| | - L. Gallego
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IDR, IREC, Albacete, Spain
| | - T. Landete-Castillejos
- Department of Agroforestry Science and Technology and Genetics, Game and Livestock Resources Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, IDR, IREC, Albacete, Spain
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10
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Berruga MI, de la Vara JÁ, Licón CC, Garzón AI, García AJ, Carmona M, Chonco L, Molina A. Physicochemical, Microbiological and Technological Properties of Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus) Milk during Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030906. [PMID: 33810016 PMCID: PMC8004988 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Milk from red deer is richer in fat and proteins than that of cow or other ruminants. The semi-captive breeding of this species has traditionally focused on meat, velvet or hunting purposes, but recent studies suggested that the high level of nutrients, the promising content of bioactive peptides and the better digestibility than that of milk from other species could open innovative alternatives for the dairy industry. As for other non-commercial mammalian species that are gaining technological interest for the elaboration of dairy products, it is necessary to understand the aptitude and performance of milk from red deer to be used for the production of cheese, fermented milks or other products. Our study aims to assess some chemical, physical, microbiological and technological properties of red deer milk during a lactation period of 18 weeks. The results show that milk from this species is similar to that of other ruminant species whose milk is commercialized. In addition, our results indicate the best period to industrialize the milk during lactation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the benefits of using red deer milk with a technological approach. Abstract This study describes chemical, physical, microbiological and technological characteristics of red deer milk and the effect of lactation on these parameters in order to know their potential aptitude to elaborate dairy products. During 18 weeks, milk from five hinds was monitored for composition, bacteriology, somatic cell count (SCC), physical properties and rennet coagulation. Mean values (g/100 g) for fat, protein, lactose and dry matter were 10.4, 7.1, 4.3 and 24.2, respectively, and for urea, 265 mg/100 mL. Except for lactose, a significant increase in these components was observed (p < 0.01) as lactation progressed. The average values for bacteriology and SCC were 5.3 log cfu/mL and 4.7 log cells/mL, respectively. Regarding physical properties, conductivity (mean: 2.8 ms/cm), viscosity (3.1 Cp), coordinates L* (89.9) and a* (−3.1) and milk fat globule diameter (D4,3: 6.1 µm) increased along with lactation while density (1.038 g/mL) decreased (p < 0.01). The pH (6.7), acidity (22.9° Dornic), coordinate b* (8.4) and ethanol stability (66.6% v/v) were stable during the study period. The stage of lactation also has a significant impact on milk coagulation properties and mean curd yield was 3.29 g/10 mL. These results suggest that red deer milk could be a potential innovative source of milk for the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Berruga
- Food Quality Research Group, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (J.Á.d.l.V.); (M.C.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-599200 (ext. 2615)
| | - Juan Ángel de la Vara
- Food Quality Research Group, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (J.Á.d.l.V.); (M.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Carmen C. Licón
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, California State University, Fresno, 5300 N Campus Drive M/S FF17, Fresno, CA 93740, USA;
| | - Ana Isabel Garzón
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Andrés José García
- Animal Science Techniques Applied to Wildlife Management Research Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Albacete Section of CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.G.); (L.C.)
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Manuel Carmona
- Food Quality Research Group, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (J.Á.d.l.V.); (M.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Louis Chonco
- Animal Science Techniques Applied to Wildlife Management Research Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Albacete Section of CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (A.J.G.); (L.C.)
- Sección de Recursos Cinegéticos y Ganaderos, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ana Molina
- Food Quality Research Group, Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (J.Á.d.l.V.); (M.C.); (A.M.)
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11
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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: 1.0] [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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