Anas Platyrhnchos Research Articles

Molecular, immunological, and histological study of Cryptosporidium parvum in local duck Anas platyrhnchos in some regions of Mosul city, Iraq

Molecular, immunological, and histological study of Cryptosporidium parvum in local duck Anas platyrhnchos in some regions of Mosul city, Iraq

Comparative Anatomical and Histological study of gall bladder in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Broiler fowl (Gallus gallus )

The current study was investigated anatomical and histological description of gall bladder of two specious which different in nutrition and life habitat Mallard (Anas platyrhnchos) aquatic life bird, and broiler fowl (Gallus gallus) wild life bird ,used ten bird of each specious ,anatomical result founded the gall bladder is located at the visceral surface right lobe of liver at right side of abdominal cavity, and composed of three parts head, neck and body, gall bladder in both specious appeared with dark green color. Gall bladder of mallard has balloon shape more elongated organ while in Gallus gallus is pear shape, the mean weight of gall bladder in mallard (1.91±0.56 g) , length (3.07±0.505 cm) and width (3.07±0.5 cm ) while broiler fowl weight of gall bladder (8.24±2.88 g), length (3.31±0.8 cm)and width (3.56±1.32 cm ) .Histologically; Gall bladder in mallard has three main layers: tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia ,tunica mucosa which lined by simple columnar epithelium non-ciliated with goblet cells and the lamina propria-submucosa composed of loos connective tissue , tunica muscularis was a thick layer of muscles (smooth muscles) and adventitia made of loos connective tissue , while gall bladder of Gallus gallus domesticus has three layer; tunica mucosa, lamina propria -submucosa, tunica muscularis and adventitia , tunica mucosa which lined by simple columnar epithelia non- ciliated without goblet cells , with present lamina propria -submucosa fused with lamina propria ,and thin layer of tunica muscularis and adventitia made of loos connective tissue .

Histological and immunohistochemical study of the endocrine pancreas of duck (Anas platyrhnchos)

Because ducks are one of the important poultry in Iraq and due to the important role of the pancreas in the digestive process, this study was conducted to obtain the histological structure of the duck endocrine pancreas with its immunohistochemical study. The pancreas samples were taken from 10 indigenous adult male ducks. The histological study used two stains. Primary and secondary antibodies to the glucagon and insulin hormones were used for the immunohistochemical study. The result of the current study revealed three types of islets (alpha, beta, and mixed islets) in the duck pancreas. Alpha islets consisted of mainly alpha cells with few delta cells, and beta islets contained beta cells and a few delta cells. Also, alpha and beta cells with numerous delta cells were presented in mixed islets. The pancreatic islets are concentrated in the splenic lobe. The immunohistochemical result found the average glucagon intensity in alpha and mixed islets of duck pancreas was (295.3 ± 8.32 megapixel, and 110.2 ± 4.35 megapixel) respectively, and the average insulin intensity in beta and mixed islets of ducks was (265.4 ± 5.14 megapixels, 122.1 ± 3.65 megapixel) respectively.

Comparison of Ground and Helicopter Surveys for Breeding Waterfowl in New Jersey

ABSTRACTNew Jersey has participated in the Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey by conducting ground surveys in the salt marsh strata, which are important for breeding waterfowl, particularly American black ducks (Anas rubripes). Ground surveys in salt marshes are time‐intensive, tide dependent, costly, and take several days to complete. We investigated the use of helicopters and compared the results of mallard (Anas platyrhnchos), black duck, and Canada goose (Branta canadensis) estimates to ground surveys. Expected mean point estimates for all species were consistently higher during ground than helicopter surveys. Expected mean point estimates were higher during both ground and helicopter surveys at twilight than at midday for Canada geese and black ducks, whereas mallard observations were higher during midday than twilight for both survey methods. We found no differences in results from helicopter surveys conducted at high versus low tide. Although helicopter contracts are expensive, ground surveys took 8.5 times more staff time to complete, resulting in similar cost between survey platforms. Helicopters provide an alternative for ground surveys in salt marshes of the Atlantic Flyway, and we provide recommendations to develop visibility correction factors for different species groupings to account for visibility bias associated with helicopter observations. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

Whole-genome resequencing provides insights into the population structure and domestication signatures of ducks in eastern China

BackgroundDuck is an ancient domesticated animal with high economic value, used for its meat, eggs, and feathers. However, the origin of indigenous Chinese ducks remains elusive. To address this question, we performed whole-genome resequencing to first explore the genetic relationship among variants of these domestic ducks with their potential wild ancestors in eastern China, as well as understand how the their genomes were shaped by different natural and artificial selective pressures.ResultsHere, we report the resequencing of 60 ducks from Chinese spot-billed ducks (Anas zonorhyncha), mallards (Anas platyrhnchos), Fenghua ducks, Shaoxing ducks, Shanma ducks and Cherry Valley Pekin ducks of eastern China (ten from each population) at an average effective sequencing depth of ~ 6× per individual. The results of population and demographic analysis revealed a deep phylogenetic split between wild (Chinese spot-billed ducks and mallards) and domestic ducks. By applying selective sweep analysis, we identified that several candidate genes, important pathways and GO categories associated with artificial selection were functionally related to cellular adhesion, type 2 diabetes, lipid metabolism, the cell cycle, liver cell proliferation, and muscle functioning in domestic ducks.ConclusionGenetic structure analysis showed a close genetic relationship of Chinese spot-billed ducks and mallards, which supported that Chinese spot-billed ducks contributed to the breeding of domestic ducks. During the long history of artificial selection, domestic ducks have developed a complex biological adaptation to captivity.

Evaluating wildlife management by using principles of applied ecology: case studies and implications

Context The broad concepts and generalisations that guide conduct of applied ecology, including wildlife management, have been reviewed and synthesised recently into 22 prescriptive and three empirical principles. Aims The aim of this study was to use these principles to evaluate three on-ground wildlife management programs and assess the utility of the principles themselves. Key results Case studies of long-term management of national park biodiversity impacted by feral pigs (Sus scrofa), and of conservation and harvest of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) and mallards (Anas platyrhnchos), were selected to provide a representative range of management objectives, spatial scales and land tenures, and to include both native and introduced species. Management documents and a considerable scientific literature were available for all three programs. The results highlight similarities and differences among management activities and demonstrate the 25 principles to differing degrees. Most of the prescriptive principles were demonstrated in both the management and the scientific literature in all three programs, but almost no use was made of the three empirical principles. We propose that use of the prescriptive principles constitutes evidence that these programs meet both societal and scientific expectations. However, the limited use of the empirical principles shows gaps in the three programs. Conclusions The results suggest that evaluating other wildlife management programs against the principles of applied ecology is worthwhile and could highlight aspects of those programs that might otherwise be overlooked. Little use was made of the empirical principles, but the the Effort–outcomes principle in particular provides a framework for evaluating management programs. Implications The effort–outcomes relationship should be a focus of future applied research, and both prescriptive and empirical principles should be integrated into wildlife management programs.

Interaction of heat shock protein 90 B1 (Hsp90B1) with liposome reveals its potential role in protection the integrity of lipid membranes

Heat shock proteins of 90kDa (Hsp90) are molecular chaperones essential for protein homeostasis. Besides chaperone activity, Hsp90 exhibits other cellular functions at membranes, yet how it interacts with membranes remains elusive. We report here that Hsp90B1 interacts with phospholipid membranes. We first cloned the full-length open reading frame of Hsp90B1 from Anas platyrhnchos (ApHsp90B1), and the gene was then heterologously expressed and purified. SPR analysis show the purified ApHsp90B1 interacts with phospholipid membranes with high affinity (KD 176±25nM), and the interaction occurs over a wide range of pH, which is especially distinct under acidic conditions. Tryptophan fluorescence and far-UV CD spectra studies find that the interaction of ApHsp90B1 with phospholipid membrane induces microenvironment changes of tryptophan residues and conformational change of some regions in ApHsp90B1, which might be the reason of its increased ATPase activity upon addition phospholipid vesicles. Importantly, the interaction of ApHsp90B1 with phospholipid vesicles significantly reduces lipolysis of the membrane phospholipid, suggesting that the interaction of Hsp90B1 with membrane could preserve membrane integrity. The present study therefore demonstrates for the first time that Hsp90B1 exhibits high affinity for phospholipid membrane and suggest Hsp90B1 play an important role in membrane-stabilizing via its interaction with membrane phospholipids.

Comparative Microscopic Study on the Tongue, Oesophagus and Stomach of Two Different Birds in Egypt

Aim of the work: The present investigation aims to compare between the tongue, oesophagus and stomach of two birds in Egypt having different food habits. Materials and methods: The animals under investigation are Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and domestic duck (Anas platyrhnchos). These birds were caught from Abou-Rawash Constituency and Nile Delta in Egypt. The birds were dissected the tongue, oesophagus and stomach were fixed and stained for the microscopic comparative study. Results: Histological results of this study found that the tongue of each bird (Whimbrel and domestic duck) is composed of three layers; mucosa, submucosa and muscularis. No lingual papillae are observed. The mucosal layer consists of stratified squamous epithelium. This layer in Numenius phaeopus is thicker than in Anas platyrhnchos. The submucosa is constructed from connective tissue. The muscularis is represented by bundles of muscle fibers extending in different directions. The lingual glands of Anas platyrhnchos are of compound alveolar type and have neutral mucopolysacchride content. The muscularis of the oesophagus consists is consisting of outer circular and inner longitudinal muscle fibers. This layer is thick and well represented in Anas platyrhnchos than in Numenius phaeopus. The mucosal folds have stratified squamous epithelial cells. Oesophageal tubulo alveolar glands have acid mucopolysacchride content in Numenius phaeopus and neutral mucopolysacchride content in Anas platyrhnchos. The stomach in each bird (Whimbrel and domestic duck) is differentiated into glandular and muscular portions. The gastric glands of the glandular portion are differentiated into deep and superficial gastric glands. The muscularis of the muscular portion in the investigated birds is composed of circular and longitudinal muscle fibers. This layer in Anas platyrhnchos is thicker than in Numenius phaeopus. The mucosal layer in Anas platyrhnchos has thick tough keratin-like layer (cutica gastrica). The mucosal glands in the investigated birds have acid and neutral mucopolysacchride content. The histological and histochemical results showed differences in the tongue, oesophagus and stomach between the investigated birds.

Histomorphological study of uropygial gland of pekin duck (Anas platyrhnchos domesticus)

The study included 20 birds of Pekin duck (Anas platyrhnchos domesticus) for study the histological of uropygial gland (10 males + 10 females), the weights were between (1411-1582 gm) for males and (1350-1980 gm) female. Routine Histological Techniques was done and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acidic Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome stains. Histological sections of the uropygial gland of Pekin ducks showed that the gland consist of the capsule, parenchyma, isthmus and uropygial papillae. The capsule consist of Dense irregular connective tissue. The mean thickness of capsule around the gland lobes were (56.321?17.206µm) and around the uropygial papillae were (67.208?14.996 µm). The capsule tissues continuous in between the secretory tubules to form trabecular.The parenchyma consists from secretory tubules arranged around the central cavity of gland, the cells that lining the secretory tubules consist of four types the basal cells, intermediate cells, secretory cells and degenerative cells. The study included 20 birds of Pekin duck (Anas platyrhnchos domesticus) for study the histological of uropygial gland (10 males + 10 females), the weights were between (1411-1582 gm) for males and (1350-1980 gm) female. Routine Histological Techniques was done and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acidic Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome stains. Histological sections of the uropygial gland of Pekin ducks showed that the gland consist of the capsule, parenchyma, isthmus and uropygial papillae. The capsule consist of Dense irregular connective tissue. The mean thickness of capsule around the gland lobes were (56.321?17.206µm) and around the uropygial papillae were (67.208?14.996 µm). The capsule tissues continuous in between the secretory tubules to form trabecular.The parenchyma consists from secretory tubules arranged around the central cavity of gland, the cells that lining the secretory tubules consist of four types the basal cells, intermediate cells, secretory cells and degenerative cells.

Histomorphological study of uropygial gland of pekin duck (Anas platyrhnchos domesticus)

The study included 20 birds of Pekin duck (Anas platyrhnchos domesticus) for study the histological of uropygial gland (10 males + 10 females), the weights were between (1411-1582 gm) for males and (1350-1980 gm) female. Routine Histological Techniques was done and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acidic Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome stains. Histological sections of the uropygial gland of Pekin ducks showed that the gland consist of the capsule, parenchyma, isthmus and uropygial papillae. The capsule consist of Dense irregular connective tissue. The mean thickness of capsule around the gland lobes were (56.321?17.206µm) and around the uropygial papillae were (67.208?14.996 µm). The capsule tissues continuous in between the secretory tubules to form trabecular.The parenchyma consists from secretory tubules arranged around the central cavity of gland, the cells that lining the secretory tubules consist of four types the basal cells, intermediate cells, secretory cells and degenerative cells. The study included 20 birds of Pekin duck (Anas platyrhnchos domesticus) for study the histological of uropygial gland (10 males + 10 females), the weights were between (1411-1582 gm) for males and (1350-1980 gm) female. Routine Histological Techniques was done and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acidic Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome stains. Histological sections of the uropygial gland of Pekin ducks showed that the gland consist of the capsule, parenchyma, isthmus and uropygial papillae. The capsule consist of Dense irregular connective tissue. The mean thickness of capsule around the gland lobes were (56.321?17.206µm) and around the uropygial papillae were (67.208?14.996 µm). The capsule tissues continuous in between the secretory tubules to form trabecular.The parenchyma consists from secretory tubules arranged around the central cavity of gland, the cells that lining the secretory tubules consist of four types the basal cells, intermediate cells, secretory cells and degenerative cells.

Cross‐seasonal effects on waterfowl productivity: Implications under climate change

ABSTRACTPrevious efforts to relate winter‐ground precipitation to subsequent reproductive success as measured by the ratio of juveniles to adults in the autumn failed to account for increased vulnerability of juvenile ducks to hunting and uncertainty in the estimated age ratio. Neglecting increased juvenile vulnerability will positively bias the mean productivity estimate, and neglecting increased vulnerability and estimation uncertainty will positively bias the year‐to‐year variance in productivity because raw age ratios are the product of sampling variation, the year‐specific vulnerability, and year‐specific reproductive success. Therefore, we estimated the effects of cumulative winter precipitation in the California Central Valley and the Mississippi Alluvial Valley on pintail (Anas acuta) and mallard (Anas platyrhnchos) reproduction, respectively, using hierarchical Bayesian methods to correct for sampling bias in productivity estimates and observation error in covariates. We applied the model to a hunter‐collected parts survey implemented by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and band recoveries reported to the United States Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory using data from 1961 to 2013. We compared our results to previous estimates that used simple linear regression on uncorrected age ratios from a smaller subset of years in pintail (1961–1985). Like previous analyses, we found large and consistent effects of population size and wetland conditions in prairie Canada on mallard productivity, and large effects of population size and mean latitude of the observed breeding population on pintail productivity. Unlike previous analyses, we report a large amount of uncertainty in the estimated effects of wintering‐ground precipitation on pintail and mallard productivity, with considerable uncertainty in the sign of the estimated main effect, although the posterior medians of precipitation effects were consistent with past studies. We found more consistent estimates in the sign of an interaction effect between population size and precipitation, suggesting that wintering‐ground precipitation has a larger effect in years of high population size, especially for pintail. When we used the estimated effects in a population model to derive a sustainable harvest and population size projection (i.e., a yield curve), there was considerable uncertainty in the effect of increased or decreased wintering‐ground precipitation on sustainable harvest potential and population size. These results suggest that the mechanism of cross‐seasonal effects between winter habitat and reproduction in ducks occurs through a reduction in the strength of density dependence in years of above‐average wintering‐ground precipitation. We suggest additional investigation of the underlying mechanisms and that habitat managers and decision‐makers consider the level of uncertainty in these estimates when attempting to integrate habitat management and harvest management decisions. Collection of annual data on the status of wintering‐ground habitat in a rigorous sampling framework would likely be the most direct way to improve understanding of mechanisms and inform management. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.

Skewed Age Ratios of Breeding Mallards in the Nebraska Sandhills

Abstract Understanding demographic structures of populations allows managers to better evaluate factors affecting populations and increase efficiency of conservation efforts. Recent studies suggest low productivity, but high survival characterizes mallard (Anas platyrhnchos) populations in the Nebraska Sandhills. We studied age ratios of decoy-trapped and observer-shot mallards in the Sandhills during 2007–2008. Observed age distribution (second-year:after-second-year) of mallards was 2.8:1 for females and 0.8:1 for males. Age ratios of trapped females were skewed towards young females relative to other studies, and the age ratio of trapped females was not different than the age ratio of the sample we collected by shooting. The skewed age ratios we observed provide additional context to the low reproductive success that has been reported for nesting mallards in the Sandhills. Second-year mallard females tend to invest fewer resources and take fewer risks associated with nesting. As a result the Sandhills ...

Identification of migratory bird flyways in North America using community detection on biological networks.

Migratory behavior of waterfowl populations in North America has traditionally been broadly characterized by four north-south flyways, and these flyways have been central to the management of waterfowl populations for more than 80 yr. However, previous flyway characterizations are not easily updated with current bird movement data and fail to provide assessments of the importance of specific geographical regions to the identification of flyways. Here, we developed a network model of migratory movement for four waterfowl species, Mallard (Anas platyrhnchos), Northern Pintail (A. acuta), American Green-winged Teal (A. carolinensis), and Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), in North America, using bird band and recovery data. We then identified migratory flyways using a community detection algorithm and characterized the importance of smaller geographic regions in identifying flyways using a novel metric, the consolidation factor. We identified four main flyways for Mallards, Northern Pintails, and American Green-winged Teal, with the flyway identification in Canada Geese exhibiting higher complexity. For Mallards, flyways were relatively consistent through time. However, consolidation factors revealed that for Mallards and Green-winged Teal, the presumptive Mississippi flyway was potentially a zone of high mixing between other flyways. Our results demonstrate that the network approach provides a robust method for flyway identification that is widely applicable given the relatively minimal data requirements and is easily updated with future movement data to reflect changes in flyway definitions and management goals.

Magnetic cleansing of weathered/tarry oiled feathers – The role of pre-conditioners

Iron powder has previously been demonstrated to be effective in the removal, via magnetic harvesting, of a wide variety of oil contaminants from feathers and plumage. This study investigates the efficacy of magnetic cleansing for the removal from feathers of tarry contamination that has been allowed to weather. Clusters of feathers from Mallard duck ( Anas platyrhnchos) and Little Penguin ( Eudyptula minor) were completely immersed in a tarry contaminant and allowed to weather from one to fourteen days. The contaminant was removed using a magnetic cleansing protocol and the removal efficacy assessed gravimetrically. For one, seven and fourteen days of weathering, a final removal (after fourteen treatments) of more than 99% and 97% was achieved for duck feathers and penguin feathers, respectively. Repeating the experiments (for a seven-day weathering period) for both duck and penguin feathers, with the judicious application of a pre-conditioner (olive oil), further improved removal efficacy. A convenient method to screen for improved pre-conditioning agents is suggested.

Discovery, initial characterization and comparison of the organophosphate acid hydrolyzing activities of the bobwhite quail, stilt and mallard

1. Using the kidney and liver tissues of bobwhite quail ( Colinus virginianus), stilt ( Himantopus mexicana), and mallard ( Anas platyrhnchos platyrhnchos) a search for and initial characterization of organophosphate acid (OPA) anhydrase activity was conducted. Tissues from an individual bird were prepared in Tris/NaCl buffer, pH 7.2, using a Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer at 5°C. Homogenates were centrifuged and the supernatant and pellet saved for further investigation. Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) was used as test substrate. Hydrolysis of the substrates was observed in the homogenates of both the kidney and liver tissues. 2. Specific activity of the DFP hydrolysis was highest in the kidney extracts in all species examined in this study. The activities were heat-labile, and activity was present in both the supernatant and the detergent solubilized pellet of the centrifuged samples. 3. Dramatic interspecific variation in the specific activity of OPA anhydrase was not observed in this study. Temperature and pH optima were similar to those of OPA anhydrases found in the domestic chicken and other eucaryotes.

Complete homology in metallothionein from two genera of ducks and their hybrids

Metallothionein purified from two genera of domesticated duck, Anas platyrhnchos and Cairina muschata , and their hybrid were analyzed and shown to consist of one identical amino acid sequence. Since most vertebrates carry two or more isospecies of this inducible, thiol rich, metal sequestering protein, this finding suggests that duck metallothionein is evolutionary primitive.

Wildlife toxicity studies with oxamyl

The acute oral LD50 of oxamyl in bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), mallards (Anas platyrhnchos) and Japanese quail (Coturnix c. japonica) is 9.4, 2.6 and 4.3 mg/kg BW, respectively. The eight-day dietary LC50 in bobwhite and mallards is 54 and 369 ppm, respectively. When Japanese quail consumed up to 33 mg oxamyl/kg BW/day over a 30-day intermittent feeding period, no effects were evident. When bobwhite and rabbits were oversprayed with oxamyl under field conditions (three times at 3 pounds per acre), no clinical or gross pathological effects were produced.

WILDLIFE TOXICITY STUDIES WITH OXAMYL

The acute oral LD50 of oxamyl in bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), mallards (Anas platyrhnchos) and Japanese quail (Coturnix c. japonica) is 9.4, 2.6 and 4.3 mg/kg BW, respectively. The eight-day dietary LC50 in bobwhite and mallards is 54 and 369 ppm, respectively. When Japanese quail consumed up to 33 mg oxamyl/kg BW/day over a 30-day intermittent feeding period, no effects were evident. When bobwhite and rabbits were oversprayed with oxamyl under field conditions (three times at 3 pounds per acre), no clinical or gross pathological effects were produced.