bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Black‐backed jackal diet at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana
Authors: Kaunda S. K. K. , Skinner J. D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe examined the feeding habits of black‐backed jackals at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana, by analysing 237 scats collected between November 1995 and February 1997. Jackal dietary habits reflected the availability of a wide variety of food items and the differential vulnerability of prey. Potential animal and plant food available to jackals varies throughout the year because of its seasonal character. Seasonality of prey occurrence in scats was pronounced for small mammals, miscellaneous fruits and invertebrates. Across all seasons, mammals were the most common food resource (32.4%, n = 168), followed by anthropogenic items (14.8%), fruits (12.9%), invertebrates (10.8%), birds (8.5%), unidentified items (3.5%) and reptiles (1.4%). The presence of domestic mammals and poultry remains in scats reveals their importance in the diet of jackals and the tendency of jackals to frequent human settlements in search of food. Some ecological implications of jackal dietary habits are also explored.
Status and ecology of the golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Authors: Twinomugisha D. , Basuta G. I. , Chapman C. A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractGiven the degree to which tropical ecosystems are currently being disturbed by human activities, it is essential to set priorities for conservation and thus it becomes important to consider how best to set these priorities. From this perspective, this study provides the first detailed investigations of Cercopithecus mitis kandti, the golden monkey, focusing on the population in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP), Uganda. Specifically, we (1) establish the current status of the golden monkey in terms of population size and distribution within the park in relation to vegetation types and altitude, and (2) investigate the golden monkey's feeding ecology. A total of 67 censuses of 4+ km transects were conducted along a cumulative distance of 299 km and 132 social groups were encountered. Densities were estimated to have increased by 1.6 times since a census 8 years ago, and the total population in the park is estimated to be between 3164 and 5059 individuals. The average size of golden monkey groups in MGNP is 30 individuals (range 3–62). This is similar to that of other subspecies in neighbouring forests. In contrast, the census conducted 8 years before estimated average group size to be eight individuals. Golden monkeys were observed to eat 21 plant species and they were inferred to eat an additional eleven from signs left behind and reports. Both study groups relied upon leaves (primarily young leaves), fruits and invertebrates for food, but the amount of time they fed on these different types of foods varied between the groups. Given the apparent increase in density since the census 8 years ago, the golden monkeys of MGNP appear to be doing well. However, given the number of snares and the extent of illegal extraction of bamboo found during the census, conservation efforts should be increased.
Fire induced changes in the foraging behaviour of impala Aepyceros melampus in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Authors: Wronski Torsten 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe impact of fire on the foraging behaviour of impala (Aepyceros melampus), was studied in the Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda. Two indices of foraging efficiency were used to establish differences in feeding behaviour in burnt and unburnt control areas. These are acceptable grass/browse abundance (AGA/ABA), expressed in terms of feeding time achieved per 50 steps and food ingestion rate (FIR), expressed as the cumulative percentage. Accumulation of above ground grass biomass was also measured in burnt and control areas. After burning, the grazing efficiency remains constant throughout the dry season, while the browsing time achieved per 50 steps decreases drastically. In the control areas AGA decreased with increasing length of the dry season while ABA increased. When expressed in terms of cumulative percentage (FIR), the results show a significant increase of 31% in foraging time spent grazing and a 24% decrease in foraging time spent browsing, in burnt areas. The results confirm the classification of impalas as intermediate or mixed feeders with a distinct preference for grass. Impala foraging patterns after burning are discussed and compared with investigations on the effect of burning on the behaviour of impalas and Buffon's kob (Kobus kob kob) in other areas of Africa.
Snail diversity, abundance and distribution in Arabuko Sokoke forest, Kenya
Authors: Lange Charles N. , Mwinzi M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study sought to investigate land‐snail diversity, abundance and distribution in Arabuko Sokoke forest. Sampling was done using standard timed direct search and litter sample methods. In total, 25 species and 1263 specimens were recorded. The 25 species rank Arabuko Sokoke forest as the second richest coastal forest in land snails in East Africa. The 25 species, however, are not uniformly distributed across the forest. The majority of the snails were localized with low levels of abundance. Eight species were restricted to one forest type, whereas those shared among forest types tended to concentrate in one forest type. Only five species,Gulella radius, Gulella foveolata, Gonaxis kibweziensis, Pseudoglessula biovini and Opeas gracilis,were widespread. The highest snail diversity was recorded in the mixed forest, implying that special conservation of this habitat is necessary for retention of the broadest molluscan diversity. The observation that some species rare in the mixed forest were recorded in excess fromBrachystegiaandCynometraforest, further suggests that conservation of the entire A. Sokoke forest is critical for efficient molluscan conservation. Species recorded in low levels of abundance are probably declining and investigation on the snails' ecology to understand factors that influence the snails' diversity is recommended.
Linking two elephant refuges with a corridor in the communal lands of Zimbabwe
Authors: Osborn F. V. , Parker G. E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWildlife corridors, protected bands of suitable habitat linking core populations of plants and animals, are seen as the best solution to the problem of habitat fragmentation. A corridor between two wildlife refuges was identified in the communal lands of Zimbabwe. Results of tracking the current preferred migration of bull elephants between the two refuges using radio collars were combined with a GIS analysis to examine the zone where conservation of habitat would have least impact on current activities within the communal lands. A suitable corridor was identified using least‐cost analysis allowing for the improved conservation of the elephants and therefore potentially increasing the benefits to local residents by both reducing human/elephant conflict and increasing income from sport hunting and tourism in the region. Recent political violence in the corridor region, the illegal killing of elephants and the loss of suitable habitat makes the implementation of this corridor unlikely.
Dietary composition of wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) kongoni (Alcephalus buselaphus) and cattle (Bos indicus), grazing on a common ranch in south‐central Kenya
Authors: Ego W. K. , Mbuvi D. M. , Kibet P. F. K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper gives the results of a study conducted at Game Ranching Ltd, situated at the Athi Kapiti Plains, Kenya, to determine the dietary composition of cattle (Bos indicus L), kongoni (Alcephalus buselaphus Pallas) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus Burchell), through two forage growing seasons (wet and dry). The dietary preferences and overlaps between the species were also determined.The diet preference of the three herbivores was determined using a microhistological analysis technique. The three dominant grasses in the ranch: Themeda triandra Fork, Digitaria macroblephara (Hack.) Stapf and Penisetum mezianum Leeke, formed the major diets of the animals. The browse component of the diets increased during the dry season by about 100% for all the animal species, with cattle always having twice as much browse as the wild herbivores. However, the animals selected similar diets in terms of plant species during both seasons but were more selective during the wet season. Dietary overlaps were always above 75%, but more than this during the dry season. The dietary overlaps were lower between cattle and wild herbivores than between the wild herbivores. The diet preference index for the animals differed from season to season, and from plant to plant.
Natural regeneration and ecological recovery in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Authors: Mwima Polycarp Musimami , McNeilage Alastair 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study tests the justification for displacement and compensation of persons in a previously settled land for natural ecological recovery, and helps in the understanding of patch dynamics in a semi‐mountain tropical rain forest environment. The study area comprised parts of the Mbwa River Tract in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda that had been settled and cultivated for at least 20 years prior to park reclassification. The extent, state and speed of regeneration of the cleared forest (CF) after resettlement were not known. There was therefore need for a baseline study as prerequisite for future ecological monitoring of forest recovery. Strip‐plots at 200 m intervals running across the tract were therefore established for this study.1.17 km2 of forest had been cleared for cultivation in the tract and regeneration in adjacent forest (MF) was better than in the CF, based on the abundance of seedlings. The CF was more diverse in species composition than the MF, and with predominantly pioneer tree species growing. The CF was ecologically important as a water catchment area and a habitat for several animal species, and there were indications that it was heading for ecological recovery.
Elephant calling patterns as indicators of group size and composition: the basis for an acoustic monitoring system
Authors: Payne Katharine B. , Thompson Mya , Kramer Laura 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe paper gives evidence that the vocal activity of elephants varies with group size, composition and reproductive status, and that elephants' calling patterns could therefore provide the basis for a remote monitoring system. We examined a 3‐week set of array‐based audio recordings of savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana), searching for diagnostic acoustic parameters. An acoustic array made it possible to locate recorded sounds and attribute the calls to particular elephants or elephant groups. Simultaneous video recordings made it possible to document visible behaviour and roughly correlate it with vocalizations. We compared several measures of call density in elephant groups containing up to 59 individuals, and found that rates of calling increased with increasing numbers of elephants. We divided all call events into three structural types (single‐voice low‐frequency calls, multiple‐voice clustered low‐frequency calls, and single‐voice high frequency calls), and found that the incidence of these varies predictably with group composition. These results suggest the value of a network of listening systems in remote areas for the collection of information on elephant abundance and population structure.
Genotypic variability at the major histocompatibility complex (B and Rfp‐Y) in Camperos broiler chickens
Authors: Iglesias G. M. , Soria L. A. , Goto R. M. , Jar A. M. , Miquel M. C. , Lopez O. J. , Miller M. M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryEvidence for the importance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotype in immunological fitness of chickens continues to accumulate. The MHC B haplotypes contribute resistance to Marek's and other diseases of economic importance. The Rfp‐Y, a second cluster of MHC genes in the chicken, may also contribute to disease resistance. Nevertheless, the MHC B and Rfp‐Y haplotypes segregating in broiler chickens are poorly documented. The Camperos, free‐range broiler chickens developed in Argentina, provide an opportunity to evaluate MHC diversity in a genetically diverse broiler stock. Camperos are derived by cross‐breeding parental stocks maintained essentially without selection since their founding. We analysed 51 DNA samples from the Camperos and their parental lines for MHC B and Rfp‐Y variability by restriction fragment pattern (rfp) and SSCP typing methods for B‐G, B‐F (class Ia), B‐Lβ (class II) and Y‐F (class Ib) diversity. We found evidence for 38 B‐G genotypes. The Camperos B‐G patterns were not shared with White Leghorn controls, nor were any of a limited number of Camperos B‐G gene sequences identical to published B‐G sequences. The SSCP assays provided evidence for the presence of at least 28 B‐F and 29 B‐Lβ genotypes. When considered together B‐F, B‐L, and B‐G patterns provide evidence for 40 Camperos B genotypes. We found even greater Rfp‐Y diversity. The Rfp‐Y class I‐specific probe, 163/164f, revealed 44 different rfps among the 51 samples. We conclude that substantial MHC B and Rfp‐Y diversity exists within broiler chickens that might be drawn upon in selecting for desirable immunological traits.
Origin of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in China: evidence from mitochondrial DNA control region sequence analysis
Authors: Long J.‐R. , Qiu X.‐P. , Zeng F.‐T. , Tang L.‐M. , Zhang Y.‐P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (∼700 bp) was sequenced in 104 individuals from 20 breeds (three Chinese domestic breeds, five recently derived breeds and 12 introduced breeds) of domestic rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Nineteen sites were polymorphic, with 18 transitions and one insertion/deletion, and eight haplotypes (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8) were identified. Haplotype A1 was the most common and occurred in 89 individuals. In the 25 Chinese rabbits, only haplotype A1 was observed, while four haplotypes (A1, A3, A5 and A6) were found in 26 recently derived individuals. Haplotype A2 was shared by seven individuals among three introduced strains. The other six haplotypes accounted for 0.96–1.92% of the animals. Combined with the published sequences of European rabbits, a reduced median‐joining network was constructed. The Chinese rabbit mtDNAs were scattered into two clusters of European rabbits. These results suggest that the (so‐called) Chinese rabbits were introduced from Europe. Genetic diversity in Chinese rabbits was very low.
Phylogenies using mtDNA and SRY provide evidence for male‐mediated introgression in Asian domestic cattle
Authors: Kikkawa Y. , Takada T. , Sutopo  , Nomura K. , Namikawa T. , Yonekawa H. , Amano T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryUsing nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b and SRY genes, we examined the genetic status of two major groups of domestic cattle, the humpless taurine (Bos taurus) and humped zebu (B. indicus), using 10 cattle populations in Asia. Several sequence polymorphisms specific for each major group were found, although the frequency of these polymorphisms varied in each population. Six major mtDNA‐SRY composite types were observed. The Mishima, Mongolian, Korean, Chinese Yellow and Sri Lanka cattle populations had a full match between the mtDNA and SRY sequences, specifically the taurine/taurine type or zebu/zebu type. A non‐match type (zebu/taurine type) was found at a high frequency in the Bangladesh (83.4%) and Nepal populations (83.3%). Our results suggest that these non‐match type populations developed from genetic hybridization of different strains. Also, the domestication history of modern Asian domestic cattle could be explained by male‐mediated introgression. Additionally, our results suggest the occurrence of introgression of mtDNA from other Bibos or Poephagus species into native cattle populations. The existence of other mtDNA‐SRY composite types, such as the Bali‐zebu and yak‐zebu types in Indonesia (85.7%) and Nepal (16.7%), respectively, suggests that genetic introgression also occurred from other genera into domestic cattle during the process of domestication.
A consolidated linkage map for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Nichols K. M. , Young W. P. , Danzmann R. G. , Robison B. D. , Rexroad C. , Noakes M. , Phillips R. B. , Bentzen P. , Spies I. , Knudsen K. , Allendorf F. W. , Cunningham B. M. , Brunelli J. , Zhang H. , Ristow S. , Drew R. , Brown K. H. , Wheeler P. A. , Thorgaard G. H. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAndrogenetic doubled haploid progeny produced from a cross between the Oregon State University and Arlee clonal rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) lines, used for a previous published rainbow trout map, were used to update the map with the addition of more amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) markers, microsatellites, type I and allozyme markers. We have added more than 900 markers, bringing the total number to 1359 genetic markers and the sex phenotype including 799 EcoRI AFLPs, 174 PstI AFLPs, 226 microsatellites, 72 VNTR, 38 SINE markers, 29 known genes, 12 minisatellites, five RAPDs, and four allozymes. Thirty major linkage groups were identified. Synteny of linkage groups in our map with the outcrossed microsatellite map has been established for all except one linkage group in this doubled haploid cross. Putative homeologous relationships among linkage groups, resulting from the autotetraploid nature of the salmonid genome, have been revealed based on the placement of duplicated microsatellites and type I loci.
Characterization of naturally processed and presented peptides associated with bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) class II DR molecules
Authors: Sharif S. , Mallard B. A. , Wilkie B. N. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryDifferential regulation of genetic resistance to infectious disease may partially be explained by variation in the binding affinity and the repertoire of pathogen‐derived antigenic peptides associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. In this study, we investigated characteristics of peptides that bind to the bovine MHC allele BoLA‐DRB3*2703, which is associated with occurrence of clinical mastitis in Holstein dairy cattle, and assigned a putative peptide‐binding motif to this allele. This was achieved by in vitro expression of allele *2703 as well as a control allele, BoLA‐DRB3*1201 which is present at high frequency in Holsteins. Transfected cell lines alone (for allele *1201) or in combination with blood mononuclear cells from an animal homozygous for allele *2703 were used as the source of naturally processed and presented peptides. Subsequent to elution of peptides from BoLA‐DR+ cells, their sequences were determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Eluted peptides were between 13 and 20 amino acids long and the majority were in sets of overlapping sequences. These peptides were derived from intra‐ and extracellular proteins, as well as foreign proteins present in the culture medium. Some peptides had originated from molecular chaperones present in the endoplasmic reticulum, such as ER‐60 and GRP78, pointing to some degree of overlap and cross‐sampling between MHC class I and class II antigen presentation pathways. Consistent with reports of human and mouse MHC class II‐associated peptides, putative peptide‐binding motifs could be assigned to alleles *2703 and *1201, comprising a hydrophobic or an aromatic residue at relative position 1, a hydrophobic residue at position 4 and a small residue at position 6 of the eluted peptides. These findings provide the foundation for future studies of molecular mechanisms of MHC‐disease associations of cattle.
Mapping of porcine ESTs obtained from the anterior pituitary
Authors: Bertani G. R. , Johnson R. K. , Robic A. , Pomp D. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe report the physical mapping of porcine expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from anterior pituitary clones isolated by differential display PCR in a study using lines selected for reproduction. These ESTs were mapped using a somatic cell hybrid panel (SCHP) and a radiation hybrid panel (IMpRH) as follows (SCHP position, nearest marker on the RH map): SPARCL1 (8q23–q27, SSP1); ATF4 (5p11–p15, AC02); MEF2C [2(1/2q21)–(1/2q22), SW2134]; FTH1 (2p14–p17, SWR783); FRAP1 (6q22–q23, SW1355); PBP (14, SW2508); LOC92004 [13q23‐(1/2q41), CP]; and PGRMC1 [Xq22, SW1943]. All RH assignments were at LOD score >6.0 except for PGRMC1 at LOD score 5.4. ESTs TCP1 [12p11‐(2/3p13)], SF3B1 (15q23–q26) and Clock (8q11–q12) were assigned using only the SCHP. The map position of SPARCL1 coincides with a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for age at puberty found in the University of Nebraska selection lines. Physical mapping of ESTs reported in the present study contributes to characterization of the transcriptome of anterior pituitary of pigs, adds new information to the public database of the porcine genome expression map, and further develops the porcine–human comparative map.
Evaluation of the present breeding programme against copper toxicosis in Danish Bedlington terriers
Authors: Proschowsky H. F. , Olsen J. B. , Jepsen B. , Fredholm M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA breeding programme to eradicate copper toxicosis in Danish Bedlington terriers has been established based on a DNA marker test. Genotyping of both parents is compulsory and after 1 January 2000, only homozygous non‐carriers are used for breeding. In this study, two groups of Bedlington terriers were genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci. One group represented the original population of Bedlington terriers before introducing the breeding programme (n = 23); the other represented a group of homozygous non‐carriers (n = 24) available for breeding after year 2000. Allele numbers, allele frequencies, observed heterozygosities (Ho), expected heterozygosities (He), locus‐specific coefficients of inbreeding (Fl) and Nei's genetic distance (D) was calculated. Individual coefficients of inbreeding (Fi) were calculated from the pedigrees and an assignment test was performed. Four rare alleles were lost in the group of homozygous non‐carriers. No significant differences were observed between the mean values of allele numbers,Ho, He, FlandFiof the two populations of dogs. Nei's genetic distance between the two populations was 0.06 and 88% of the homozygous non‐carriers were assigned correctly in the assignment test. The overall diversity of the breed was low (Ho = 0.41) and the breeders were advised to include the heterozygous carriers again.
Development of 50 gene‐associated microsatellite markers using BAC clones and the construction of a linkage map of swine chromosome 4
Authors: Fujishima‐Kanaya N. , Toki D. , Suzuki K. , Sawazaki T. , Hiraiwa H. , Iida M. , Hayashi T. , Uenishi H. , Wada Y. , Ito Y. , Awata T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe development of informative polymorphic markers is essential for QTL mapping. We developed 50 microsatellite markers from BAC clones containing genes that were predicted to map swine chromosome 4 (SSC4) according to comparative analysis between human and swine chromosomes, and constructed a linkage map that consisted of 37 markers including 24 markers closely linked to genes in BAC clones. Microsatellite markers were developed by direct‐sequencing of BAC clones and our results demonstrated that this method was effective for developing microsatellite markers in specific regions on chromosomes. Effective development of microsatellite markers closely linked to genes can further accelerate the comparative studies of chromosomes between different species.