Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproductive life history of Thornicroft’s giraffe in Zambia

Knowledge of the reproductive life history of giraffe in the wild is sparse. Giraffe have two fairly unusual reproductive patterns among large mammals: they can become pregnant while lactating, and calf mortality is extremely high. Longitudinal records are largely absent, so tracking reproductive parameters tends to combine information from captive and field studies. In this study, we examine longitudinal data obtained over a 33-year period in one population of Thornicroft’s giraffe in order to chart their reproductive careers. We found that age at first parturition was 6.4 years, or slightly later than in captivity. Giraffe bred throughout the year, with cows producing offspring on average every 677.7 days. About half of the calves died before one year of age, but death of a calf did not reduce interbirth interval. We conclude that the lifetime reproductive success of giraffe is more dependent on longevity and calf survivorship than on reproductive rate. Resume La connaissance de la biologie reproductive de la girafe dans la nature est lacunaire. La girafe presente deux schemas de reproduction plutot inhabituels chez les grands mammiferes : elles peuvent etre fecondees tout en allaitant, et la mortalite du jeune est extremement elevee. On manque cruellement de rapports longitudinaux, c’est pourquoi la recherche des parametres de la reproduction a tendance a combiner les informations provenant d’etudes realisees en captivite et sur le terrain. Dans ce rapport, nous examinons les donnees longitudinales recueillies sur une periode de 33 ans dans une population de girafes de Thornicroft afin de dresser le tableau de leur carriere reproductive. Nous avons decouvert que l’âge de la premiere parturition etait de 6,4 ans, ou legerement plus tard en captivite. Les girafes se reproduisent toute l’annee, et les femelles mettent bas en moyenne tous les 677,7 jours. Pres de la moitie des jeunes meurent avant l’âge d’un an, mais la mort du jeune ne reduit pas l’intervalle entre deux naissances. Nous concluons que la reussite de la vie reproductive d’une girafe depend davantage de sa longevite et de la survie des jeunes que du taux de reproduction.
Avaliação de parâmetros fisiológicos de ovinos Dorper, Santa Inês e seus mestiços perante condições climáticas do trópico semi-árido nordestino

Com este trabalho teve-se como objetivo avaliar os parâmetros fisiologicos (frequencia respiratoria, frequencia cardiaca, movimentos ruminais e temperatura retal) de ovinos das racas Dorper, Santa Ines e seus mesticos F1, submetidos as condicoes climaticas do tropico semi-arido nordestino. Foram utilizados 48 ovinos, sendo 16 animais de cada um dos tres grupos geneticos (Dorper, Santa Ines e mestico F1 Dorper x Santa Ines), dos quais 8 do sexo masculino e 8 do sexo feminino. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado num esquema fatorial de 3 x 2 x 2 (3 grupos de animais, 2 sexos e 2 turnos de coletas). Das tres fontes de variacoes consideradas: sexo, genotipo e turno, a ultima exerceu efeito significativo (P<0,05) em todos os parâmetros fisiologicos analisados, sem interagir com sexo e genotipo, enquanto o genotipo interagiu com o sexo (P<0,05) em relacao a frequencia cardiaca e a respiratoria. Concluiu-se que o turno foi o fator que mais influenciou nas respostas dos ovinos ao ambiente termico, independentemente de genotipo e sexo. O turno da tarde conduziu os animais a situacao de perigo, em termos de desconforto termico, e a condicao de elevado estresse calorico. Para a frequencia cardiaca, os machos F1 e as femeas Dorper e para frequencia respiratoria, os machos e femeas Dorper e os machos F1 foram os mais estressados, o que demonstra menor adaptabilidade do genotipo exotico e de seus mesticos.
Diving behaviour of Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) pups

The diving behaviour of Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) pups on Bird Island, South Georgia (54°S, 38°W), was examined during February-April 1996 using capillary-tube depth gauges (CDGs) and time-depth recorders (TDRs). CDGs were deployed on 6 female and 10 male pups aged 65-101 days. Depths measured by CDGs were within 10% of maximum depths recorded by TDRs. Maximum dive depths averaged 13.8 m and ranged from 4.2 to 28.1 m. Body length alone accounted for 66% of the total variation in maximum dive depth. TDRs were deployed on one female and two male pups aged 89-101 days. In total, 4858 dives were recorded during 173 h at sea. The average dive depth and duration was 4.2 m and 20 s, respectively. Pups made a total of 34 trips and each spent 50% of its time at sea. Not all trips included dives; however, when diving took place trips lasted, on average, 6.8 h and contained 214 dives, most of which took place during daylight. Dives were made at a frequency of 30/h and the vertical distance dived was 124 m · h-1. The number of dives, percentage of time spent submerged, percentage of time spent diving, dive frequency, and dive rate were positively correlated with trip duration. These results show that Antarctic fur seal pups develop diving skills at an early age, and by the time they are close to being weaned they have the diving ability to exploit prey similar to those taken by adults.
Direct and indirect adverse effects of tomato on the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus feeding on the spider mite Tetranychus evansi

Plants may defend themselves against herbivores via morphological traits, chemical traits, or a combination of both. Herbivores that overcome the defensive mechanisms of a plant tend to specialize on this plant due to enhanced protection from natural enemies. Well‐known examples of plants possessing a suite of defensive mechanisms are found in nightshades (Solanaceae), especially in the tomato genus Lycopersicon. The spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) is specialized on solanaceous plants and is an invasive pest of tomato in Europe and Africa. Biological control of T. evansi with currently available natural enemies, such as the predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot and Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (both Acari: Phytoseiidae), is unsuccessful, with the underlying mechanisms only vaguely known. We hypothesized that T. evansi is a key pest of tomato because this host plant provides a two‐pronged protection from natural enemies. Direct adverse effects of tomato on predators may arise from morphological traits and/or trichome exudates, whereas indirect effects are prey‐mediated through the accumulation of toxic plant compounds. Using a 2 × 3 factorial design, we assessed and separated direct and indirect effects of tomato on the life history of N. californicus feeding on two strains of T. evansi (reared on bean or tomato) on three substrates (tomato leaf, bean leaf, and an artificial cage). Developmental time and oviposition rate of N. californicus were both directly and indirectly negatively affected by tomato whereas offspring sex ratio and survival of juveniles and adult females were unaffected. The direct and indirect, prey‐mediated adverse effects of tomato on N. californicus with T. evansi prey had similar magnitudes and were additive. We conclude that T. evansi per se is a suitable prey species for N. californicus and discuss the results with respect to the potential use of N. californicus as biological control agent of T. evansi on tomato and other host plants.
Reproductive effort reduces specific immune response and parasite resistance

If a trade–off exists between reproductive effort and immune function, life–history decisions may have important implications for parasite resistance. Here, we report effects of experimental manipulation of reproductive effort on subsequent specific immune function and parasite resistance in the collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis. Our results show that increased reproductive effort of females immunized with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine negatively affected the ability to respond with NDV–specific antibodies. We further show that increased reproductive effort increased the intensity of Haemoproteus infections and that such infections are associated with higher mortality. Our results thus provide support for the hypothesis that immune suppression caused by reproductive effort may be an important mechanism mediating the life–history cost of reproduction.
Sulphur and calcium supplementation of soybean and canola meal diets

No significant difference in weight gain or feed:gain ratio was noted with 6-wk-old male broilers fed a practical type corn-soybean meal diet or a similar diet containing 25% canola meal. Supplementing the canola meal diet with 0.2% sulphur, however, did significantly reduce gain. A reduction in feed intake and total abdominal fat was noted with the canola-meal-supplemented diets as compared to the corn-soybean meal diets. In a second experiment, sulphur addition to a soybean meal, semi-purified, low-protein, low-calcium diet, resulted in weight gains and feed intakes similar to those noted in a canola meal diet with the same levels of sulphur fed to male broilers from 7 to 21 d of age. As sulphur was added to the soybean meal diet, there was a linear depression in weight gain and feed intake which was partially overcome by calcium supplementation. Sulphur appeared to exert its negative effect on performance by reducing feed intake rather than interfering with the efficiency of utilization of the diets. T.
Seasonal Changes in Total Lipid Content and Fatty acid Profiles of Ribbon Fish, Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)

In order to evaluate the seasonal changes in nutritive value of ribbon fish, in relation to size, total lipid and fatty acid profiles of different sizes of ribbon fish, Lepturacanthus savala captured in different seasons were studied. Total lipid content was significantly (p<0.05) high in large sized ribbon fish captured during winter and lowest in medium size groups during post-monsoon season. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified by Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry encompassing saturated, mono unsaturated, n-6, n-3 poly unsaturated and odd and branched chain fatty acids. The highest content of eicosapentaenoic acid (9.42%) and docosahexaenoic acid (33.16%) were found in the post-monsoon season. The high levels of n-3 PUFA (12.37 – 43.14%) and favourable n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio of 1.79 to 5.04 revealed nutritional significance of ribbon fish in human diet. The difference between small, medium and large groups of ribbon fishes of the respective season based on fatty acid composition was clearly established by principal component analysis.
Nutritional and toxicological properties of dika fat (Irvingia gabonensis)

ABSTRACT The seeds of Irvingia gabonensis (African mango) contain 54 percent fat. Investigation indicates no unusual fatty acids, but the oil was rich in β-carotene, plant sterols, phospholipids, and saturated fatty acids. Toxicological studies indicated low levels of cyanide and gossypol, but no mycotoxins in the fat. The gum content of the seeds was also relatively high. This study is a strong recommendation for further assessment of the fat to establish suitability for use in the food and other allied industries.
Trophic niche of cave populations of Speleomantes italicus

This paper investigates the trophic niche of a poorly studied cave salamander, Speleomantes italicus. We examined Central Appennine hypogean populations that inhabit seven caves situated in three limestone areas in Umbria Region (Italy). Adults displayed feeding activity from May to December and the Vacuity Index analysis revealed a discontinuous trophic activity pattern throughout the year related to prey phenology. According to the qualitative analysis of the trophic spectrum, the populations in question can be defined as euryphagous, while the quantitative analysis (in terms of number and volume of preyed taxa) revealed a specialist strategy with a clear preference towards Diptera Limnobiidae. Both sexes presented similar trophic niche breadth and a high diet overlap, showing no intersexual differences. The hypogean populations of S. italicus, similarly to S. strinatii, showed a narrower trophic niche than epigeans of the same species, probably due to the limited food availability in the cave habitat.
Effects of Host Plant Patch Size on Herbivore Density: Patterns

The influence of host plant patch size on the population densities of three herbivorous insect species was investigated in seven sizes of experimental patches of squash plants (from 1 to 144 plants). Responses to patch size differed significantly for the three herbivore species, which are closely related but differ in the degree to which they require cucurbits as hosts. The number of individuals of Acalymma vittatum (the striped cucumber beetle) per plant was significantly greater in small patches (1-4 plants) than in larger patches (16-144 plants). The spotted cucumber beetle or southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) was most abundant in intermediate-sized patches (64 or 100 plants). Population densities of Diabrotica virgifera (the western corn rootworm) were more variable, but tended to increase with increasing patch size. Relationships between herbivore density and patch size were nonlinear for all three species. The effects of patch size on herbivore population densities also differed between gen- erations of the same species. Second generation Acalymma vittatum were most abundant in large patches, which was opposite to the pattern shown by first generation individuals. Greater numbers of second generation adults emerged in large patches than in small patches, indicating an effect of patch size on larval survivorship and/or oviposition rates. Densities of the spotted cucumber beetle were also differentially affected by patch size at different times throughout the season. Patch size significantly influenced plant growth, as measured by number of leaves and biomass, but did not influence parameters of plant reproduction (numbers of flowers or yield). Plant longevity was significantly greater in larger patches (16 plants or greater) than in small patches (1 or 4 plants). To examine the role of differences in plant size associated with patch size in influencing beetle densities, analyses of the number of beetles per leaf were carried out. Even when differences in plant size were taken into account, patch size still significantly affected densities of all three herbivore species. Thus, beetles responded to patch size per se, not just to associated changes in plant size. Relationships between plant parameters and herbivore parameters were analyzed in detail for the most specialized of the herbivore species, Acalymma vittatum. Beetle densities were positively correlated with numbers of flowers early in the season, but more strongly correlated with numbers of leaves late in the season. Plant longevity was negatively cor- related with numbers of early colonizing beetles, indicating a potential effect of herbivory on plant survivorship. Variable herbivore responses to patch size are discussed with emphasis on mechanisms, including plant size/quality and insect movement.
Germ‐line and rearranged Tcrd transcription distinguish bona fide NK cells and NK‐like γδ T cells

NK cells and γδ T cells are distinct subsets of lymphocytes that contextually share multiple phenotypic and functional characteristics. However, the acquisition and the extent of these similarities remain poorly understood. Here, using T cell receptor δ locus‐histone 2B‐enhanced GFP (Tcrd‐H2BEGFP) reporter mice, we show that germ‐line transcription of Tcrd occurs in all maturing NK cells. We also describe a population of mouse NK‐like cells that are indistinguishable from “bona fide” NK cells using standard protocols. Requirements for V(D)J recombination and a functional thymus, along with very low‐level expression of surface TCRγδ but high intracellular CD3, define these cells as γδ T cells. “NK‐like γδ T cells” are CD127+, have a memory‐activated phenotype, express multiple NK cell receptors and readily produce interferon‐γ in response to IL‐12/IL‐18 stimulation. The close phenotypic resemblance between NK cells and NK‐like γδ T cells is a source of experimental ambiguity in studies bridging NK and T cell biology, such as those on thymic NK cell development. Instead, it ascribes chronic TCRγδ engagement as a means of acquiring NK‐like function.
Regrowth Dynamics of ‘Tifton 85’ Bermudagrass as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization

'Tifton 85' bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) has been widely adopted as a forage and hay crop and is being considered as a cellulosic ethanol feedstock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of N fertilization rate on Tifton 85 regrowth dynamics. A field study was conducted near Gainesville, FL, on established Tifton 85 in 2006 and 2007. The treatments were N rates of 0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N ha ―1 regrowth period ―1 . Tissue mass, leaf:stem ratio, and tiller number and mass were measured weekly during 28-d regrowth periods. Leaf mass followed logistic time trends with the upper asymptote varying between 50 and 225 g m ―2 depending on N rate and season (summer and autumn). Stem mass lagged behind leaf mass for 7 to 14 d, subsequently following linear or quadratic time trends to reach between 75 and 300 g m- 2 by 28 d. Increasing N rate from 0 to 135 kg ha ―1 period ―1 increased tiller mass at 28 d from 1.5 to 3 g tiller ―1 in summer and 1 to 1.5 g tiller ―1 in autumn. Leaf:stem ratio increased to 1.0 within 14 to 21 d, followed by a subsequent decrease. Rhizome and root mass were not affected by N fertilization. Increasing N rate primarily affected mass and proportion of above-ground plant parts, with little effect on mass of below-ground parts. Nitrogen nutrition index values were similar whether calculated from samples taken to a 10-cm stubble height or from samples taken to the soil surface. Regrowth was not enhanced by N rate beyond 90 kg N ha ―1 regrowth period ―1 .
Effects of chitosan on the shelf life of marinated sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fillets during refrigerated storage

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of chitosan on chemical, colour, sensory and microbial changes of marinated sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fillets. Marination solution consisted of 10% sodium chloride +1% chitosan (dissolved in 3% acetic acid) for the chitosan group, and 10% sodium chloride +3% acetic acid solution for the control group. After the marination process, sardine fillets were packed and stored at 4°C for 60 days. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were found to be lower in the chitosan group than the control group (P<0.05). There was no difference in the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value between groups and this remained low during storage. pH was under 4.5 in both groups during storage. Chitosan had no statistically significant effect on L*, a*, or b* values of marinated sardine fillets. According to sensory analysis, shelf life of the chitosan group was found to be ten days longer than that of the control group. Total bacteria count of two marinated groups was found to be less than 1 log CFU/g. This study concluded that sardine marination with the addition of chitosan can delay undesirable chemical changes, retard lipid oxidation, improve sensory attributes and extend the shelf life of the product during refrigerated storage.
Feeding habits of the crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes (Decapoda, Astacidae) in a brook in Latium (central Italy)

The several studies regarding the feeding habits of freshwater decapods have provided a few detailed descriptions of their natural diets and have seldom analysed variations in their feeding habits due to season, size, age, and changes in their physiological state. This situation led us to analyse the stomach content of different age classes of the crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes, in order to increase the knowledge available on this species' diet. Ingestion index, vacuity frequency, and occurrence frequency were calculated; then, a graphical representation was carried out only for the animal component (mainly insect larvae) observed within the stomach. The results show A. pallipes to be an omnivorous and opportunistic animal. Its diet includes the exploitation of more easily accessible vegetal and detritus resources, which are the main sources of energy and proteins in freshwater ecosystems. Invertebrates are very important for the crayfish diet; in fact, the animal component, and in particular Tricoptera, Diptera, and shellfish, plays a very important role for juveniles and adult females. Feeding strategies might reduce competition between sexes, satisfying their energetic and nutritional needs. The acquired knowledge of the crayfish trophic niche may be used, for example, to improve the diet of animals kept in captivity.
Effect of slaughter age on performance and meat quality of slow-growing broiler chickens

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of age of slow-growing broiler chickens on growth performance and meat quality. Subjects were hybrids between Hubbard meat-type cockerels and Yellowleg Partridge Polish native hens. Chickens were raised indoors to 56, 70 or 84 days of age on deep litter under the same environmental conditions and fed ad litibum complete starter, grower and finisher diets containing 20, 18, 15 CP and 2825, 2825 and 2740 ME/kg feed, respectively. At the end of the experiment, 5 cockerels and 5 pullets were selected for slaughter from each age group and subjected to a simplified carcass analysis. Breast muscles and leg muscles were evaluated for technological properties such as pH, colour, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss and shear force. The results were analysed statistically using analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range test. The duration of rearing had an effect on carcass and meat quality. The highest, statistically significant differences in the analysed traits were found between chickens slaughtered at 56 and 84 days of age. The highest dressing percentage was obtained in birds raised until 84 days of age. Youngest birds were characterized by the poorest muscle content of the carcass and the least favourable technological properties of meat. The highest growth efficiency was obtained when the hybrids were raised to 70 days of age. Streszczenie Celem badań było określenie wpływu wieku wolno rosnących brojlerów na wyniki odchowu i jakość mięsa. Badaniami objęto mieszańce uzyskane w wyniku krzyżowania kogutów mięsnych Hubbard z kurami polskiej rodzimej rasy Żółtonóżka Kuropatwiana. Kurczęta utrzymywano do 56. , 70. lub 84. dnia życia w kurniku na głębokiej ściółce w jednakowych warunkach środowiskowych i żywiono do woli pełnoporcjowymi mieszankami starter, grower i finiszer zawierającymi odpowiednio 20, 18, 15 BO oraz 2825, 2825, 2740 EM/kg paszy. Po zakończeniu doświadczenia z każdej grupy wiekowej wybrano do uboju po 5 kogutków i 5 kurek, u których przeprowadzono uproszczoną analizę rzeźną. Mięśnie piersiowe i mięśnie nóg poddano ocenie wybranych parametrów technologicznych: pH, barwy, wodochłonności, wycieku swobodnego, strat termicznych i siły cięcia. Wyniki opracowano statystycznie przy pomocy analizy wariancji i testu Duncana. Stwierdzono wpływ długości odchowu na jakość tuszki i mięsa kurcząt. Największe, statystycznie istotne różnice pod względem ocenianych cech wystąpiły między kurczętami ubijanymi w 56. i 84. dniu życia. Najlepszą wydajność rzeźną uzyskały ptaki utrzymywane do 84. dnia życia. Ptaki najmłodsze charakteryzowały się najsłabszym umięśnieniem tuszki i najmniej korzystnymi technologicznymi właściwościami mięsa. Najlepszą efektywność odchowu uzyskano utrzymując mieszańce do 70. dnia życia.