Alectoris Chukar Research Articles

Biochemical and molecular identification with antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial species isolated from organs and tissues of Alectoris chukar subspecies Kurdistanica

The current study was conducted on 50 Alectoris chukar subspecies Kurdestanica that was collected from Sulaymaniyah Province, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq, during the period of April to the end of September 2016. Samples of liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, gizzard, breast, and thigh muscle tissues were tested for bacterial isolates. Preliminary characterization of the isolated bacteria was carried out by morphological and biochemical methods. The VITEK 2® system was used to confirm the isolated species, while the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of the resistance gene in the bacterial isolates. As a result, tested samples showed the presence of Staphylococcus sciuri and Escherichia coli. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility test was done to determine the bacterial susceptibility to various antibiotics and as a result; E. coli showed 100% susceptibility to penicillin, azithromycin, tetracycline, and doxycycline and 75% susceptibility to streptomycin. On the other hand, S. sciuri exhibited 75% susceptibility to azithromycin, penicillin, and doxycycline, 50% susceptibility to streptomycin, and 25% susceptibility to tetracycline. Molecular identification showed that only the S. sciuri isolates carried the methicillin-resistant mecA gene. To our knowledge, this is the first record of isolation of the S. sciuri methicillin-resistant mecA gene from A. chukar subspecies Kurdestanica.

POPULATION DYNAMICS AND GROUP SIZE OF CHUKAR PARTRIDGE ALECTORIS CHUKAR IN MANDAL VALLEY, GARHWAL HIMALAYA, INDIA

Present study reports population dynamics of Chukar partridge in Mandal valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India during January 2019 to December 2019. A total 1423 birds with 333 groups were recorded in 315 sightings.

Predicting egg production in Chukar partridges using nonlinear models and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithm

Predicting egg production in Chukar partridges using nonlinear models and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithm

Effects of Dietary Rosemary Essential Oil on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Some Hematological Values of Chukar Partridge

The aim of this study was to determine effects of different dietary rosemary essential oil levels on growth performance, carcass traits and haematological values of breeder chukar partridge. Eighty (60 females and 20 males), 32-week-old breeder chukar partridge were randomly divided in five treatments, with four replicate pens with 4 birds each. Five experimental diets were formulated according to rosemary essential oil inclusion rates 0 mg/kg, 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg, 72 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The chukar partridges had free access to ad libitum feed and water. At the end of the trial, 1 male and 1 female partridge were slaughtered for blood analysis. The obtained results showed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, body weight gain between the control and treatment groups. Dietary rosemary essential oil supplementation did not affect blood serum glucose, urea, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels in breeder Chukar partridges. It could be concluded that supplementing rosemary essential oil into Chukar partridges diet show no negative effect on growth performance.

Surveillance for Heterakis spp. in Game Birds and Cage-Free, Floor-Raised Poultry in Pennsylvania.

Histomoniasis is a significant disease of gallinaceous birds caused by Histomonas meleagridis. Transmission of this parasite is dependent on use of the cecal nematode Heterakis gallinarum. To define the host range of this nematode, cecal contents from 399 game birds and poultry, representing eight species, were examined for Heterakis spp. The majority of these species (five of eight) were infected with Heterakis nematodes. Heterakis gallinarum was detected in free-ranging wild turkeys (Meleagridis gallopovo), captive-raised ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), chukars (Alectoris chukar), and domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), whereas H. isolonche was found in ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). No Heterakis species were identified in the domestic turkey (Meleagridis gallopovo), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), and dabbling duck (Anas spp.) samples. Genetic characterization indicated that nematodes identified as H. gallinarum were present in two distinct clades. One clade of H. gallinarum sequenced from this study grouped with chicken-derived sequences from other countries. The other group of sequences consisted of a sister clade to a group of parasites morphologically identified as H. isolonche. Currently it is unknown if this group represents a genetic variant of H. gallinarum, a variant of H. isolonche, or a novel species. These results indicate Heterakis infection varies among poultry and game bird species but is common among select gallinaceous species in Pennsylvania.

Effects of Lactobacillus Reuteri E81 Added into Rations of Chukar Partridges (Alectoris Chukar) Fed Under Heat Stress Conditions on Fattening Performance and Meat Quality

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of the addition of Lactobacillus reuteri E81 (LRE) into rations of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) fed under heat stress (HS) conditions on fattening performance and meat quality. This study included 256 chukar partridges aged 1 day. The study comprised an adaptation period of 7 days and a fattening period of 35 days and included 8 different groups with 32 animals in each group. Each group was further divided into four subgroups with eight animals in each subgroup. At the end of the study, the best results in terms of fattening performance in the non-HS groups were obtained in the LRE 600 ppm group and in the HS groups, SLRE 200 ppm had the best effect on average live weight and average live weight increase, whereas SLRE 400 ppm had the best effect on FCR (p<0.05). The analysis of the samples collected from chukar partridges on day 21 showed that, there was no effect on the colour parameters and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in the LRE in the HS and non- HS groups, whereas the meat pH level decreased in the SLRE 400 ppm group (p<0.05). The analysis of the samples collected on day 42 showed that there was no effect on colour parameters in the HS and non-HS groups. TBARS level decreased at the dose of LRE 200 ppm in the non-HS group, and the meat pH level decreased in both HS and non-HS groups (p<0.05).

Analysis of the physical meat quality in partridge (Alectoris chukar) and its relationship with intramuscular fat

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of various levels of intramuscular fat (IMF: <0.5%, 0.5–0.99%, 1.0–1.49%, 1.5–1.99%, 2.0–2.49%, and >2.5%) on the physical meat quality of partridge. Physical characteristics such as moisture, pH, shear force, water-holding capacity (WHC), and color, along with IMF, were measured on 414 partridges (pectoral muscle). In this study, partridge meat was described as a kind of tender and moderately juicy meat with a nice color. Additionally, tenderness was significantly different between IMF < 0.5% and IMF > 0.5% levels (P < 0.01). IMF >0.5% also obtained higher value of WHC than IMF <0.5% although the difference was statistically nonsignificant. IMF levels did not affect pH or color. The results showed that IMF content was not significantly correlated with physical meat quality. However, in terms of eating experience, the minimum IMF level for better meat quality for consumer was 0.5%.Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that IMF content had significant negative correlations with moisture content but not with pH (r = −0.066), shear force (r = −0.072), WHC (r = 0.085), or color (L*(r = −0.049), a*(r = −0.028) and b*(r = 0.045)). Besides, meat pH had significant negative correlations with WHC (r = −0.036; P < 0.01) and lightness (L*) (r = −0.292; P < 0.01). Consequently, we consider pH to be one of the most important factors in evaluating meat quality of partridge.

EFFECTS OF SCAVENGING ON ASSUMPTIONS OF MORTALITY ANALYSES OF RADIO-MARKED GAMEBIRDS

Survival estimation is critical to studies of wildlife population biology, and recent model developments allow for temporal covariates on mortality risk. To test model assumptions that scavengers do not influence either perceived mortality cause or location, we randomly placed 24 radio-marked Chukar (Alectoris chukar) carcasses over gradients of grassland habitat conditions in eastern Montana in both April 2017 and July 2018, and monitored scavenging activity at intervals relevant to gamebird telemetry studies. High rates of scavenging (12.5–78%, depending on season and relocation interval) suggest that scavenging activity could confound determination of cause-specific mortality, but that its influence varies with season. Scavenging activity did not significantly influence perceived mortality locations regardless of season or local habitat conditions with a relocation interval of 3 d (8% of carcasses moved), but mortality locations may be biased over longer periods (50% of carcasses moved in 7-d period), particularly in warm seasons or regions.

Prevalence of Haemosporidian parasites of Chukar Partridge Birds in Sulaimani Province/Kurdistan Region of Iraq

This study was carried out in Sulaimani Province, Kurdistan region, Iraq during the period from April 2016 to the end of September 2016. A total of 100 chukar partridge of different ages were randomly captured alive and their blood smear were examined microscopically using Giemsa stain. The results of the study indicated that 60 (60%) were infected with blood parasite. The prevalence of infection by Plasmodium spp. was highest 46 (46%), while infections with Haemoproteus spp. Were 12(12%). Also, a mixed infection was found with Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. in two samples only. It was concluded that the partridges are susceptible to Haemosporidian and Plasmodium parasites. The current study was reported for the first time the existence of Plasmodium spp .and Haemoproteus spp. in Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Morphologic and Histologic Observation of Red-Legged Partridge's (Alectoris Chukar) Liver

This study was aimed to investigate the liver of red-legged partridge in regards of morphologic and histologic features. In this study, the liver tissues of ten red-legged partridges were removed and fixed into 10% formaldehyde solution for 72 hours. After fixation, the liver tissues were dehydrated through a graded alcohol series to xylene and embedded in paraffin blocks. Obtained sections 5-7 µm thickness of sections from paraffin blocks were stained with Crossman Modified Triple staining and examined for histologic structures. In morphologic examining, the liver of red-legged partridges consisted of two lobs. In addition, histologic analysis showed that liver tissue was covered with a thick connective tissue and this connective tissue made up of many smaller units of liver cells called lobules. Hepatocytes were seen radially round and located around central vena, which consists of remark cords. The squamous cells and Kupffer cells were observed in the sinusoidal lining. In conclusion; the results from this study indicated that there were some structural differences from other bird species, but not functionally.

The record of Alveonasus canestrinii and Hyalomma marginatum (Acari:Ixodoidea) parasitizing partridge, Alectoris chukar (Aves: Phasianidae) in Iran

ABSTRACTThe present study records two species of ticks on Alectoris chukar partridge in Iran. Totally, 40 immature tick specimens were collected from 15 birds in Fars province, Southern Iran. A fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was sequenced in both of the tick samples. The tick specimens were identified morphologically as Hyalomma sp. and Alveonasus sp. According to the BLAST identity of COI gene sequence, ticks were identified as Hyalomma marginatum Koch and Alveonasus canestrinii Birula. This study is the first and second record of A. canestrinii and H. marginatum on Chukar partridge, respectively.

Pathobiology and innate immune responses of gallinaceous poultry to clade 2.3.4.4A H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection

In the 2014–2015 Eurasian lineage clade 2.3.4.4A H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the U.S., backyard flocks with minor gallinaceous poultry and large commercial poultry (chickens and turkeys) operations were affected. The pathogenesis of the first H5N8 and reassortant H5N2 clade 2.3.4.4A HPAI U.S. isolates was investigated in six gallinaceous species: chickens, Japanese quail, Bobwhite quail, Pearl guinea fowl, Chukar partridges, and Ring-necked pheasants. Both viruses caused 80–100% mortality in all species, except for H5N2 virus that caused 60% mortality in chickens. The surviving challenged birds remained uninfected based on lack of clinical disease and lack of seroconversion. Among the infected birds, chickens and Japanese quail in early clinical stages (asymptomatic and listless) lacked histopathologic findings. In contrast, birds of all species in later clinical stages (moribund and dead) had histopathologic lesions and systemic virus replication consistent with HPAI virus infection in gallinaceous poultry. These birds had widespread multifocal areas of necrosis, sometimes with heterophilic or lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate, and viral antigen in parenchymal cells of most tissues. In general, lesions and antigen distribution were similar regardless of virus and species. However, endotheliotropism was the most striking difference among species, with only Pearl guinea fowl showing widespread replication of both viruses in endothelial cells of most tissues. The expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in Japanese quail, and IL-6 in chickens, were up-regulated in later clinical stages compared to asymptomatic birds.

Gross anatomy of the lumbar plexus of magpie (Pica pica) and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

In poultry, the nervous system has many differences among species. The intumescentia lumbosacralis is one of the enlargements of the medulla spinalis, and the lumbosacral plexus originates from here. The nerves which are responsible for the innervation of the hind limbs and pelvic region originate in the lumbosacral plexus. The aim of this study was to compare the lumbar plexus (plexus lumbalis) of magpies (Pica pica) and chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). In the present study, 20 magpies and 20 chukar partridges were used. The nerves that form the lumbar plexus were dissected separately and photographed in both species. In both studied species, the lumbar plexus was formed by the ventral rami of the second, third, and fourth synsacral spinal nerves at the ventrolateral part of the synsacrum. It was noted that the nervus (n.) cutaneus femoris, n. coxalis cranialis, n. femoralis, n. saphenus, and n. obturatorius originate from this plexus. In conclusion, in both species, the formation of the lumbar plexus and the nerves that originate from this plexus are similar to each other and similar to many winged species. There are also some minimal differences.

A Bayesian approach for describing the growth of Chukar partridges

Abstract In this article, a Bayesian approach was employed for estimating the body growth of Chukar partridge ( Alectoris chukar). Nonlinear growth models commonly used to estimate the growth curve of birds were fitted to weight-age data and estimates of model parameters and their credible intervals were obtained via a formal Bayesian framework. More specifically, the Gompertz, Brody, Logistic and von Bertalanffy growth models were fitted to weekly body weight data of 108 female and 72 male partridge chicks from hatch to 20 weeks of age. Deviance Information Criteria (DIC) and the coefficient of determination ( R 2) were employed as the goodness of fit for comparing the fitted models. The DIC and R 2 values of the models ranged from 172.9 to 204.2 and 0.9765 to 0.9913, respectively. The von Bertalanffy model was found to provide the best fit in terms of lower DIC and higher R 2 values, followed by the Gompertz model for both male and female partridge data. The Bayesian approach was found to be adequate for fitting complex nonlinear functions to weight-age data of Chukar partridges.

Sperm characteristics of Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) breeders as affected by the addition of calcitriol to the semen extender

This study was carried out to determine the effect of supplementing the semen extender with calcitriol on in vitro sperm characteristics in Chukar partridges. A total of 60 male Chukar partridges were habituated for semen collection by abdominal massage. Pooled ejaculates from several males were extended (1 to 5 v/v ratio) in the Sexton's diluent containing 0, 24, 48, 96, or 192μg calcitriol/mL. These concentrations represented 0-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-fold levels of the mean seminal calcitriol concentration, respectively. A total of 12 subsamples from each treatment group were kept at 4 to 5°C or 19 to 24°C for 4, 24, or 48h. The percentages of motile sperm, live sperm, abnormal sperm, incidence of hypoosmotic swelling (HOS), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) concentrations were determined. The data were analyzed by the xtmixed procedure of STATA software. The percentages of motile sperm, live sperm, abnormal sperm, and seminal TBARS were affected by calcitriol (P < 0.05). There was no effect of treatments on HOS (P > 0.05). There was an interaction effect between calcitriol, storage time, and storage temperature on sperm motility, sperm viability, and seminal TBARS. Supplementation of the diluent with 96μg calcitriol/mL resulted in the highest sperm motility at 4°C. Also, the same treatment group recorded the highest sperm viability and lowest seminal TBARS at 19 to 24°C. Supplementing the diluent with calcitriol had beneficial effects on spermatozoa; however, the fertility rate of spermatozoa extended in calcitriol-supplemented diluent needs to be determined before the procedure can be recommended for use in artificial insemination programs.

Anti-predator behavior in pure and hybrid red-legged partridges

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-predator behavior in pure red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and hybrids with chukar partridges (A. rufa × (A. rufa × A. chukar)). A total of 117 birds (66 pure and 51 hybrid partridges; 74 females and 43 males) maintained in outdoor cages were used at a range of 52 to 55 wk of age. Four active fear tests were performed (novel object test, fear of humans test, emergence test, and restraint test) in order to analyze differences between pure and hybrid populations regarding the escape response type (novel object test and fear of humans test), the withdrawal distance (fear of humans test), and the reaction time (emergence test and restraint test). These variables could determine the ability of pure partridges captive to survive when released into the wild for hunting. There were no significant differences in anti-predator behavior in pure and hybrid birds, only one trend was observed in withdrawal distance (P=0.09), being greater in pure than in hybrids partridges. There was a significant difference between sexes in the response type in the novel object test (P=0.05); whereby the females came closer to the object than the males. The results of the present study indicate that active anti-predatory behavior was not associated with the genotype. However, since captivity could reduce the active anti-predator behavior, the results could be different if the wild birds that were tested had been sourced from their natural environment. Both sexes had similar active anti-predator behavior, although the males showing less approach behavior to a novel object that could be related to the sex-dimorphic behavior in natural social structure.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Helan Mountain chukar Alectoris chukar potanini (Galliformes: Phasianidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of Helan Mountain chukar (Alectoris chukar potanini) was first determined. The genome was 16,685 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a putative control region. The phylogenetic analysis based on the complete mitochondrial genome sequences revealed a close relationship between A. chukar potanini and Tetraogallus tibetanus. This work is expected to provide a set of fundamental data on further genetic studies of this protected species.

Assessing caracal-prey interactions by spatial and temporal analyses

In this study, we assessed habitat preferences and temporal activity patterns of caracal (Caracal caracal) and several possible prey species in Koycegiz Wildlife Development Reserve, south-western Turkey. We investigated whether wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is indeed the main prey of caracal and if there is evidence for excessive caracal predation on this ungulate as previously stated by researchers, wildlife wardens and hunters. Results of this 2249 camera trap-day survey revealed a high habitat segregation between caracal and wild goat (Pianka’s O = 0.2) and very high overlap between caracal and other prey species such as brown hare (Lepus europaeus), field mice (Apodemus spp.), chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) (Pianka’s O = 0.8–1.0). Wild goats preferred steep slopes (Chesson’s α = 0.85) and associated narrow valley bottoms, whereas caracals preferred high flatland forests (Chesson’s α = 0.95). The overlap coefficients in temporal activity patterns of caracal and wild goat (Δ1 = 0.50), and caracal and other prey species were moderate (Δ1 = 0.40–0.59), and did not indicate strict predator-prey relationships based on temporal activities. The results of this study do not support a caracal diet based mainly on wild goat, due to their mostly spatial and partially temporal segregation. Other smaller prey species such as brown hare, rodents and chukar partridge can serve as better prey options due to their continuous presence in caracal habitat throughout the day and year.

Typhlohepatitis and Amyloidosis Associated with High Mortality in Chukar Partridges (Alectoris chukar)

Twelve chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) from a farm experiencing poor uniformity and increased mortality of up to 65% were submitted for diagnosis. Several birds had mild to moderate multifocal white foci or multifocal petechial hemorrhages throughout the liver. Livers and spleens of older birds were moderate to severely diffusely enlarged. In addition, some birds had caseous cores mixed with blood within the ceca as well as segmentally thickened cecal walls. Histopathology showed acute, multifocal, severe, often coalescing foci of necrosis with accumulation of fibrin and/or fibrinosuppurative inflammation in livers and spleens. Scattered within exudate were protozoa that were spherical or round and measured 12-20 µm in diameter. In the ceca, acute necrosis of the mucosa was observed, often with ulceration and fibrinosuppurative inflammation. Immunohistochemistry using an antiserum against Tritrichomonas foetus revealed round protozoa in ceca, small intestines, liver, spleen, and lung. Quantitative PCR to detect DNA of Histomonas meleagridis was negative. Non-species-specific PCRs amplifying the partial rDNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial beta-tubulin gene yielded products of the expected size. Sequences of the PCR products had the highest homology to sequences of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum and less homology to sequences of H. meleagridis. In addition there was accumulation of amyloid in the space of Disse in the liver, splenic sinuses, and walls of the blood vessels. The typhlohepatitis and other inflammatory processes that were diagnosed might be the underlying cause of the amyloidosis. Other findings were clusters of Clostridium perfringens associated with the lesions in the ceca; multifocal granulomas in the lungs, occasionally associated with fungal hyphae; hyperkeratosis associated with bacteria and Candida sp. cells in the crop; mild infection of the bursal mucosa with Cryptosporidium.

Histological and histochemical studies of the gall bladder of the graylag goose (Anser anser)

ABSTRACTWe investigated the histological structure of the graylag goose (Anser anser) gall bladder. Sections of the gall bladder were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), Alcian blue (pH 2.5) for acid mucopolysaccharides, Gomori’s method for reticular fibers, Masson’s trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Verhoeff’s elastin stain. The goose gall bladder was composed of a tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia or tunica serosa. The tunica mucosa formed regularly distributed simple isometric folds plus larger, less numerous, branched folds. The luminal surface was lined by tall columnar epithelial cells that stained for both acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides. The epithelial cells formed a discontinuous striated border of interdigitating microvilli on the luminal surface. Neither a lamina muscularis nor goblet cells were observed in the tunica mucosa. Unusual findings included branched mucosal folds, discontinuous microvilli and absence of an outer longitudinal layer in the tunica muscularis. No marked sex-associated differences were found. The general histochemical and histological structures of the graylag goose gall bladder are similar to those of birds such as chukar partridge and quail, but with some unique elements that may reflect differences in organ function.