Records |
Author |
Edwards, K.L.; Bansiddhi, P.; Paris, S.; Galloway, M.; Brown, J.L. |
Title |
The development of an immunoassay to measure immunoglobulin A in Asian elephant feces, saliva, urine and serum as a potential biomarker of well-being |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Conservation Physiology |
Abbreviated Journal |
conphys |
Volume |
7 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
|
Keywords |
|
Abstract |
Additional measures of well-being would be beneficial to the management of a variety of species in human care, including elephants. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an immune protein associated with pathogen defense, which has been demonstrated to decrease during times of stress, and increase in response to positive stimuli. This paper describes the development and validation of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the quantification of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) IgA in feces, saliva, urine, and serum. Samples were collected weekly from four females for 6 months to assess IgA and glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations, establish relationships between these two biomarkers, and determine variability in IgA within and between individuals, and across sample types. IgA was quantified in all four sample types, although urinary concentrations were low and sometimes undetectable in individual samples. Concentrations were highly variable within and between individuals, with fecal, salivary and serum IgA, and fecal, salivary and urinary GCs all differing significantly across individuals. Contrary to previous findings, IgA and GC were generally not correlated. Serum IgA was less variable within individuals, with the exception of one female that experienced a brief illness during the study. However, marked inter-individual differences were still apparent. When data from all individuals were combined, fecal IgA was significantly predicted by salivary and urinary IgA; however, this relationship did not hold when individuals were analyzed separately. Analysis of a fifth female that exhibited a more severe systemic illness demonstrated clear increases in fecal IgA and GC, suggesting these may also be useful health biomarkers. Further investigation is needed to determine what sample type is most reflective of biological state in elephants, and how IgA concentrations are associated with health and positive and negative welfare states. Based on observed variability, a longitudinal approach likely will be necessary to use IgA as a measure of well-being. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
2051-1434 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6591 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Krueger, K.; Marr, I.; Dobler, A.; Palme, R. |
Title |
Preservation of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and immunoglobulin A through silica gel drying for field studies in horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Conservation Physiology |
Abbreviated Journal |
conphys |
Volume |
7 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
|
Keywords |
|
Abstract |
Non-invasive methods enable stress evaluation through measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the feces avoiding stressful blood drawing or stressful restraining of animals in the field. However, FGMs and IgA are mostly analysed in freshly frozen samples, which is difficult when fresh samples cannot be frozen immediately or frozen samples cannot be stored or transported. Good results were also derived from air-dried fecal samples, which are hampered by unstable air humidity in the field. These difficulties may be overcome, when drying of samples could be induced with colorless silica gel (SiO2) granules in a secure set-up, such as an air tight tube. We determined the speed of drying 1.5 g of a fresh fecal sample from six horses on air and on silica gel. Furthermore, FGMs and IgA were analysed in differently stored subsamples from 12 horses: in frozen fecal samples, in air- or silica gel-dried samples stored for 1 day and for 7 days, and in wet fecal samples kept in a tube at room temperature for 7 days. FGM levels remained stable in feces dried on air or on silica gel for 7 days, whereas IgA quantities showed a significant loss. Under field conditions, when freezing or transporting the frozen samples is not possible and humidity hampers air drying, drying samples on silica gel in air tight tubes appears to be very helpful and reliable for analysing FGMs. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
2051-1434 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6594 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Sigurjónsdóttir, H.; Haraldsson, H. |
Title |
Significance of Group Composition for the Welfare of Pastured Horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Animals |
Abbreviated Journal |
Animals |
Volume |
9 |
Issue |
14 |
Pages |
|
Keywords |
horse welfare; aggression; allogrooming; pastured horses; Icelandic horse |
Abstract |
We explore how herd composition and management factors correlate with frequencies of social interactions in horse groups. Since the welfare of horses correlates with low aggression levels and social contact opportunities, information of this kind is important. The data are a collection of records of social interactions of 426 Icelandic horses in 20 groups of at least eight horses. The complexities and limitations of the data prohibit useful statistical modelling so the results are presented descriptively. Interesting and informative patterns emerge which can be of use both in management and in future studies. Of special interest are the low levels of agonistic behaviours in breeding groups where one stallion was present. The horses were less agonistic when in groups with young foals and where group membership was stable. Unfamiliar yearlings in peer groups were especially aggressive. Allogrooming was most frequent in groups with relatively more young horses and in unstable and small groups. Interestingly, the horses allogroomed more if they had few preferred allogrooming partners. The findings show that composition (age/sex) and stability of groups are of great importance with respect to aggression levels and opportunities for establishing bonds. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
Animals |
Series Volume |
9 |
Series Issue |
1 |
Edition |
|
ISSN |
2076-2615 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6510 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Burke, C.; Rashman, M.; Wich, S.; Symons, A.; Theron, C.; Longmore, S. |
Title |
Optimizing observing strategies for monitoring animals using drone-mounted thermal infrared cameras |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
International Journal of Remote Sensing |
Abbreviated Journal |
International Journal of Remote Sensing |
Volume |
40 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
439-467 |
Keywords |
|
Abstract |
ABSTRACTThe proliferation of relatively affordable off-the-shelf drones offers great opportunities for wildlife monitoring and conservation. Similarly the recent reduction in the cost of thermal infrared cameras also offers new promise in this field, as they have the advantage over conventional RGB cameras of being able to distinguish animals based on their body heat and being able to detect animals at night. However, the use of drone-mounted thermal infrared cameras comes with several technical challenges. In this article, we address some of these issues, namely thermal contrast problems due to heat from the ground, absorption and emission of thermal infrared radiation by the atmosphere, obscuration by vegetation, and optimizing the flying height of drones for a best balance between covering a large area and being able to accurately image and identify animals of interest. We demonstrate the application of these methods with a case study using field data and make the first ever detection of the critically endangered riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) in thermal infrared data. We provide a web-tool so that the community can easily apply these techniques to other studies (http://www.astro.ljmu.ac.uk/aricburk/uav_calc/). |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
Taylor & Francis |
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
0143-1161 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
doi: 10.1080/01431161.2018.1558372 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6528 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Steinhoff-Wagner, J. |
Title |
Coat Clipping of Horses: A Survey |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science |
Volume |
22 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
171-187 |
Keywords |
Equine, thermoregulation, shaving, winter pelage removal |
Abstract |
Coat clipping is a common practice in sport horses; however, timing, purpose, technique, and clips vary widely, as do the management and feeding of a clipped horse. The aim of this study was to collect data regarding common clipping practices. A questionnaire was published online in Germany and contained 32 questions. Four hundred ninety-eight people answered at least one question, and 373 individuals (7% male, 93% female; ages 14–59 years) completed all the questions. Clipped horses were predominantly used as sport horses (68%), and they were either clipped immediately before or during the winter season (88%) or year-round (7%). The clipping date was scheduled according to hair length (52%), sweat amount (47%), and drying time (47%). Participants primarily used two clips: the hunter clip and the blanket clip, both without clipping the head (23% each). The majority of the clipped horses wore a blanket day and night (> 90%). Future studies with observations in the field are needed to support survey data in an effort to develop welfare recommendations for clipping practices utilized with horses. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
Routledge |
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
1088-8705 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
doi: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1454319 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6613 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Reinhardt, I.; Kluth, G.; Nowak, C.; Szentiks, C.A.; Krone, O.; Ansorge, H.; Mueller, T. |
Title |
Military training areas facilitate the recolonization of wolves in Germany |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Conservation Letters |
Abbreviated Journal |
Conservation Letters |
Volume |
12 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
e12635 |
Keywords |
Canis lupus; large carnivores; population growth; protected areas; recolonization |
Abstract |
Abstract Wolves (Canis lupus) are currently showing a remarkable comeback in the highly fragmented cultural landscapes of Germany. We here show that wolf numbers increased exponentially between 2000 and 2015 with an annual increase of about 36%. We demonstrate that the first territories in each newly colonized region were established over long distances from the nearest known reproducing pack on active military training areas (MTAs). We show that MTAs, rather than protected areas, served as stepping-stones for the recolonization of Germany facilitating subsequent spreading of wolf territories in the surrounding landscape. We did not find any significant difference between MTAs and protected areas with regard to habitat. One possible reason for the importance of MTAs may be their lower anthropogenic mortality rates compared to protected and other areas. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case where MTAs facilitate the recolonization of an endangered species across large areas. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd |
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
1755-263x |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12635 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6676 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Broekhuis, F.; Madsen, E.K.; Keiwua, K.; Macdonald, D.W. |
Title |
Using GPS collars to investigate the frequency and behavioural outcomes of intraspecific interactions among carnivores: A case study of male cheetahs in the Maasai Mara, Kenya |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Plos One |
Abbreviated Journal |
Plos One |
Volume |
14 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
e0213910 |
Keywords |
|
Abstract |
Intraspecific interactions between individuals or groups of individuals of the same species are an important component of population dynamics. Interactions can be static, such as spatial overlap, or dynamic based on the interactions of movements, and can be mediated through communication, such as the deployment of scent marks. Interactions and their behavioural outcomes can be difficult to determine, especially for species that live at low densities. With the use of GPS collars we quantify both static and dynamic interactions between male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and the behavioural outcomes. The 99% home-ranges of males overlapped significantly while there was little overlap of the 50% home-ranges. Despite this overlap, male cheetahs rarely came into close proximity of one another, possibly because presence was communicated through frequent visits to marking posts. The minimum distance between individuals in a dyad ranged from 89m to 196m but the average proximity between individuals ranged from 17,145 ± 6,865m to 26,367 ± 11,288m. Possible interactions took place more frequently at night than by day and occurred mostly in the 50% home-range of one individual of a dyad or where cores of both individuals overlapped. After a possible encounter male cheetahs stayed in close proximity to each other for up to 6 hours, which could be the result of a territory defence strategy or the presence of a receptive female. We believe that one of the encounters between a singleton and a 5-male coalition resulted in the death of the singleton. Our results give new insights into cheetah interactions, which could help our understanding of ecological processes such as disease transmission. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
Public Library of Science |
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6562 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Esch, L.; Wöhr, C.; Erhard, M.; Krueger, K. |
Title |
Horses� (Equus Caballus) Laterality, Stress Hormones, and Task Related Behavior in Innovative Problem-Solving |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Animals |
Abbreviated Journal |
Animals |
Volume |
9 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
265 |
Keywords |
innovative behavior; brain lateralization; glucocorticoid metabolites; behavioral traits; equine cognition |
Abstract |
Domesticated horses are constantly confronted with novel tasks. A recent study on anecdotal data indicates that some are innovative in dealing with such tasks. However, innovative behavior in horses has not previously been investigated under experimental conditions. In this study, we investigated whether 16 horses found an innovative solution when confronted with a novel feeder. Moreover, we investigated whether innovative behavior in horses may be affected by individual aspects such as: age, sex, size, motor and sensory laterality, fecal stress hormone concentrations (GCMs), and task-related behavior. Our study revealed evidence for 25% of the horses being capable of innovative problem solving for operating a novel feeder. Innovative horses of the present study were active, tenacious, and may be considered to have a higher inhibitory control, which was revealed by their task related behavior. Furthermore, they appeared to be emotional, reflected by high baseline GCM concentrations and a left sensory and motor laterality. These findings may contribute to the understanding of horses� cognitive capacities to deal with their environment and calls for enriched environments in sports and leisure horse management. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ Esch2019 |
Serial |
6570 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Krueger, K.; Esch, L.; Byrne, R. |
Title |
Animal behaviour in a human world: A crowdsourcing study on horses that open door and gate mechanisms |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Plos One |
Abbreviated Journal |
Plos One |
Volume |
14 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
e0218954 |
Keywords |
|
Abstract |
Anecdotal reports of horses opening fastened doors and gates are an intriguing way of exploring the possible scope of horses' problem-solving capacities. The species' natural environment has no analogues of the mechanisms involved. Scientific studies on the topic are missing, because the rate of occurrence is too low for exploration under controlled conditions. Therefore, we compiled from lay persons case reports of horses opening closed doors and gates. Additionally, we collected video documentations at the internet platform YouTube, taking care to select raw data footage of unedited, clearly described and clearly visible cases of animals with no distinct signs of training or reduced welfare. The data included individuals opening 513 doors or gates on hinges, 49 sliding doors, and 33 barred doors and gateways; mechanisms included 260 cases of horizontal and 155 vertical bars, 43 twist locks, 42 door handles, 34 electric fence handles, 40 carabiners, and 2 locks with keys. Opening was usually for escape, but also for access to food or stable-mates, or out of curiosity or playfulness. While 56 percent of the horses opened a single mechanism at one location, 44 percent opened several types of mechanism (median = 2, min. = 1, max. = 5) at different locations (median = 2, min. = 1, max. = 4). The more complex the mechanism was, the more movements were applied, varying from median 2 for door handles to 10 for carabiners. Mechanisms requiring head- or lip-twisting needed more movements, with significant variation between individuals. 74 horses reported in the questionnaire had options for observing the behaviour in stable mates, 183 did not, which indicates that the latter learned to open doors and gates either individually or from observing humans. Experience favours opening efficiency; subjects which opened several door types applied fewer movements per lock than horses which opened only one door type. We failed to identify a level of complexity of door-fastening mechanism that was beyond the learning capacity of the horse to open. Thus, all devices in frequent use, even carabiners and electric fence handles, are potentially vulnerable to opening by horses, something which needs to be considered in relation to keeping horses safely. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
Public Library of Science |
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6580 |
Permanent link to this record |
|
|
|
Author |
Leliveld, L.M.C. |
Title |
From Science to Practice: A Review of Laterality Research on Ungulate Livestock |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Symmetry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Symmetry |
Volume |
11 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
1157 |
Keywords |
hemispheric asymmetries; farm animals; emotional processing; animal cognition; development; human-animal interactions; animal welfare |
Abstract |
In functional laterality research, most ungulate livestock species have until recently been mainly overlooked. However, there are many scientific and practical benefits of studying laterality in ungulate livestock. As social, precocial and domestic species, they may offer insight into the mechanisms involved in the ontogeny and phylogeny of functional laterality and help to better understand the role of laterality in animal welfare. Until now, most studies on ungulate livestock have focused on motor laterality, but interest in other lateralized functions, e.g., cognition and emotions, is growing. Increasingly more studies are also focused on associations with age, sex, personality, health, stress, production and performance. Although the full potential of research on laterality in ungulate livestock is not yet exploited, findings have already shed new light on central issues in cognitive and emotional processing and laid the basis for potentially useful applications in future practice, e.g., stress reduction during human-animal interactions and improved assessments of health, production and welfare. Future research would benefit from further integration of basic laterality methodology (e.g., testing for individual preferences) and applied ethological approaches (e.g., established emotionality tests), which would not only improve our understanding of functional laterality but also benefit the assessment of animal welfare. |
Address |
|
Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
Language |
|
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
Notes |
|
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6588 |
Permanent link to this record |